About the breed

Everything you need to know about the Kurilian Bobtail.

The History of the Kurilian Bobtail's Origin

The Kurilian Bobtail is an indigenous cat breed with its first mentions recorded in the 19th century. The Kuril Islands, located between Japan and Russia, served as the home to wild cats with a unique tail, which over time became a distinctive trait of the breed.

There are several versions of the Kurilian Bobtail's origin. According to one version, the wild cats of the Kuril Islands had tails that frequently underwent a genetic mutation, leading to their short length and bends. This characteristic was passed down through genetics, and over time, a population of cats with these unique tails formed. Another version suggests that Japanese Bobtails, through crossbreeding with Siberian cats, created a new breed distinct from other cats. The Kurilian Bobtail's tail is unique in its curves, with no two tails having the same bends and vertebrae shifts.

Local islanders began taming these wild cats and using them for hunting due to their excellent hunting skills and adaptability to the harsh island climate. Kurilian Bobtails were known for their agility, endurance, excellent health, and ability to adapt to different territories.

From ancient times, sailors loved to take Bobtails on board their ships as they were easily domesticated and, thanks to their hunting abilities, proved to be excellent rodent catchers, preventing pest proliferation. They contributed to maintaining hygiene on board and safeguarding food supplies, thereby preventing damage to provisions during long sea voyages.

In Japanese culture, the Kurilian Bobtail is considered a symbol of protection against evil spirits and misfortune. Images or figurines of this breed could often be found in Japanese households, serving as talismans. They were also renowned for their fish-catching skills, using their paws to catch fish from the water due to their agility and gracefulness.

At the end of the 20th century, the breed attracted the attention of cynologists and feline experts who appreciated its unique features and potential. Selective breeding work was conducted to preserve and strengthen the breed's characteristics, such as the short and curved tail, sturdy constitution, and friendly temperament.

In 1991, the Kurilian Bobtail was officially recognized in the former Soviet Union, and despite its long history on the Kuril Islands, the first representative of the breed was officially imported to the United States in that year, marking the beginning of its spread worldwide. In 1995, the breed was standardized by the World Cat Federation (WCF). The breed standard describes its features, including the tail's shape and length, body structure, coat color, and distinctive traits. Subsequent selective breeding only improved this unique breed, preserving and enhancing its characteristics, such as the short and curved tail, sturdy constitution, and friendly temperament.

Character of the Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail is a strong, beautiful, and friendly cat that makes an excellent companion. They are very devoted and attached to their owners, showing great affection and tenderness. Bobtails seek contact with people and know how to express their love. They become reliable companions and a source of comfort in difficult times.

Kurilian Bobtails are known for their friendliness and sociability. They usually establish easy connections with people and other animals, happily participating in family gatherings and always wanting to be close to their owners. Their character is more similar to that of a dog than a typical cat.

The Kurilian Bobtail is famous for its tolerance and friendliness towards children. They generally get along well with kids and can be excellent playmates. However, like with any pets, it's essential to teach children proper handling and supervise their interactions to avoid unintentional injuries.

The wild nature has left a strong imprint on the sounds produced by the Kurilian Bobtail. It doesn't meow like domestic cats. It can make a variety of other sounds, from soft clicking to howling and growling. By learning to distinguish the sounds of your pet, you will easily understand what it wants to convey.

The playfulness and energy of Kurilian Bobtails can sometimes be surprising. They love to play with toys, participate in interactive games, and jump around the house, which is highly appreciated by active owners, for whom they become excellent companions. At the same time, the Kurilian Bobtail possesses a certain degree of independence. They don't require constant presence and attention, and they can manage well on their own when their owners are occupied with other tasks. However, they will always be delighted to interact with you when you pay attention to them.

Kurilian Bobtails typically exhibit calm and patient temperament. While there might be exceptions, breeders are increasingly selecting the best and friendliest representatives of this breed. They are not prone to aggression or excessive nervousness. This makes them ideal pets for families with children or other animals.

Kurilian Bobtails are very curious and exploratory. They often show interest in their surroundings and are always ready to explore new places and objects.

Overall, the character of the Kurilian Bobtail combines friendliness, affection, playfulness, independence, and high intelligence. This makes them excellent companions for people seeking a loyal and interesting pet.

I would like to add from my personal experience. Recently, the owner of one of our kittens sent me a picture drawn by their daughter, featuring a cat with a short tail, with the caption: "Thank you for the best friend in the world."

Moments like these make our work meaningful! Such examples make us understand why, after having one Kurilian Bobtail in the family, they end up getting a second one...

The Kurilian Bobtail is a breed of cats with a unique and appealing character. They possess several traits that make them interesting and wonderful companions. Here are some key characteristics of the Kurilian Bobtail:

Friendliness and Sociability: Kurilian Bobtails are known for their friendliness and sociability. They easily establish contact with people and other animals. They enjoy participating in family events and always wish to be close to their owners.
Affection and Devotion: Kurilian Bobtails are very devoted and attached to their owners. They display great affection and tenderness, often seeking contact with people to express their love. They become reliable companions and a source of comfort during difficult times.
Playfulness and Energy: Kurilian Bobtails are playful and energetic. They love playing with toys, engaging in interactive games, and leaping around the house. Their energy and playful nature make them excellent partners for active owners.
Independence: Despite their playfulness, Kurilian Bobtails also possess a certain degree of independence. They do not require constant attention and can manage well on their own when their owners are occupied. However, they always appreciate interaction and attention.
Intelligence: Kurilian Bobtails are a breed of cats with high intelligence. They easily learn commands and can be trained to perform various tricks and tasks. They quickly adapt to new situations and can easily solve problems.
Calmness and Patience: Kurilian Bobtails typically have a calm and patient temperament. While exceptions might occur, breeders are increasingly selecting the best and friendliest representatives of this breed. They are not prone to aggression or excessive nervousness, making them ideal pets for families.
Curiosity: Kurilian Bobtails are very curious and exploratory. They show interest in their surroundings and are always ready to explore new places and objects.

The Standard of the Kurilian Bobtail Breed by the WCF System

The standard of the Kurilian Bobtail breed defines the appearance and characteristics of these cats. It is developed by the World Cat Federation (WCF) and serves as the main guideline for judges and breeders in evaluating and breeding Kurilian Bobtails.

General Characteristics:

The Kurilian Bobtail is a medium-sized cat with a powerful body structure and well-developed musculature. The weight of males can reach up to 7.5 kg or more, while females are lighter, weighing between 3.0-5.5 kg.
The head is moderately large, round, and trapezoid-shaped. The cheeks are full, and the chin is strong. The nose is of medium length, broad, and straight. The stop is rounded.
The eyes are large, round, or slightly oval, set at a slight angle. The eye color may vary depending on the coat color and should harmonize with it.
The ears are of medium size, broad, set fairly high, slightly tilted forward, with tufts and rounded tips. The distance between them is proportional to the ear's width.
The neck is short and muscular.
The body is solid, strong, with a broad chest and slightly curved back.
The legs are of medium length, straight, and muscular. The hind legs are longer than the front legs.
The tail is short, ending with a fluffy pom-pom that forms a "pompon." Its length without taking into account the fur is 3-8 centimeters, deviation is considered a fault.

Coat Color:

The Kurilian Bobtail can have various colors and patterns: solid, tabby, bicolor, tricolor, etc. The following colors in any combinations are an exception: chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and all color-point colors.
The colors should be clear and bright, with good contrast.

Coat:

The coat of the Kurilian Bobtail can be short (SH) or semi-long (SLH), but in any case, it is dense, mostly straight with a small amount of undercoat, forming a ruff on the front of the neck, britches on the hind legs, and tufts of fur on the inner surface of the ear.
The fur should be shiny.

The Kurilian Bobtail should possess a well-balanced character, be friendly, affectionate, and sociable.