Kurilian Bobtail Cats: Natural Breed Profile

Island Bobtails from the Russian Far East

Natural breed from Kuril Islands (Russia) & Sakhalin. Isolated evolution → distinct pom-pom tail, semi-cobby build, dog-like devotion. TICA 2012, CFA 2023.

Signature Features

Trait	Details
Tail	Short (2–10 vertebrae), kinked/curved, fluffy — unique fingerprint. No two alike.
Coat	Semi-long or short. Dense, water-resistant. All colors/patterns (tabby common).
Body	Medium-large, semi-cobby, substantial boning. M 11–15 lb, F 8–11 lb.
Eyes	Walnut-shaped. Yellow/green/gold. Blue in pointed.
Lifespan	15–20+ yrs (notable longevity).

Temperament

• Dog-like: greets, follows, fetches, learns commands.
• Gentle, patient, tolerant — great with kids, dogs, cats.
• Intelligent, curious. Puzzle toys, clicker training.
• Moderate energy. Play bursts + long naps.
• Quiet: chirps, trills, not meowy.

Health

• Generally robust. Natural selection filtered defects.
• Watch: HCM (screen), patellar luxation (rare).
• Dental: brush (crowded teeth possible).

Care

• Brush 2×/wk (longhair). Seasonal shed.
• High-protein diet. Not prone to obesity.
• Indoor/outdoor enclosure (strong hunt drive).
• Vertical space, water access (many love water).

Finding a Kurilian

• Rare outside Russia/Europe. TICA breeder list.
• Verify: pedigree, HCM echo parents, tail conformation.
• Price: $1,500–$3,000. Waitlist likely.

A natural masterpiece: wild origin, domestic heart, pom-pom tail.