Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail comes from the Kuril Islands, a chain of volcanic islands that stretches between Russia and Japan, and from nearby Sakhalin. The cats have lived there for a long time, and it is said that they hunted and fished along the shores. The breed was officially developed in Russia in the late twentieth century.

The tail is the signature. It is short and fluffy, like a pom-pom, and it varies from a simple bump to a curved or kinked shape, with a length of one to five inches. Each cat’s tail is individual, and the gene is unrelated to the Manx and the Japanese Bobtail.

The look is sturdy and wild. A Kurilian Bobtail is a medium-to-large cat, with a strong, muscular body, a broad head, high cheekbones and a rugged expression. The hind legs are longer than the front, giving the cat a spring. The coat comes in short and semi-long versions in many colors, with a thick, water-resistant feel.

The cat is known for fishing. Many Kurilians are fascinated by water and will dip a paw in a bowl, a stream or a bath to catch a fish. They are good swimmers, and some will happily play in the water for hours. Their strong hunting instincts remain.

The personality is loyal and gentle. A Kurilian bonds with its family, follows its people and is calm with children and other pets. It is intelligent and playful, and it likes games of fetch and puzzles. It has a soft, chirping voice, and it is more of a companion than a lap cat.

Grooming is easy, a weekly comb. The breed is generally healthy and long-lived, and many live up to fifteen years or more, though it is rare and relatively new, so ask breeders about health testing. Give it water to play in, room to roam and a pet to match, and it will thrive.