Kurilian bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is a natural landrace from the Kuril Islands in the north Pacific, where it has lived for centuries.
Its short tail arises from a mutation of its own, distinct from both the Manx and the Japanese Bobtail, and forms a pom-pom of two to ten vertebrae, kinked and curved uniquely in every cat.
It weighs 3.5 to 7 kilograms, is compactly muscular with a slightly arched back and longer hind legs. It comes in short and semi-long coats. Being a landrace shaped by an island environment, it is robust and free of concentrated inherited disease. It is a formidable hunter, frequently enjoys water and fishes readily, and is described as sociable and dog-like.
- Origin
- Kuril Islands, north Pacific — a natural landrace
- Size
- 3.5–7 kg
- Lifespan
- 14–20 years
- Tail
- A pom-pom of 2–10 vertebrae; its own distinct mutation
- Known for
- Serious hunting ability and a liking for water
- Health
- Robust; no condition linked to the tail
Related: Japanese bobtail · Manx · American bobtail · Mekong bobtail
2 kurilian bobtail photos, newest first
Living with a kurilian bobtail
The bobtail here is not the Manx gene and carries no spinal or bowel disease. Two bobtails can be bred together safely, which is not true of the Manx.
They are strong hunters with a real prey drive. Where local wildlife matters, a secure catio or supervised outdoor access is the responsible arrangement.
Many enjoy water and will play in it or fish.
As a landrace, health is excellent and there is no breed-specific testing to request — one of the healthiest pedigree breeds available.
Groom weekly for the shorthaired variety and twice weekly for the semi-long. They are sociable, follow their people about, and generally do well with children and dogs.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual cats vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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