History of the Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail, originally from the Kuril Islands, has been known to local residents for over 200 years. In the harsh cold environment, these cats lived in groups similar to wolves, engaging in rabbit hunting and fishing in shallow waters. Uniquely among cats, they were proficient swimmers.

In the 20th century, Russian military personnel brought them to mainland Russia, where they became widely known as domestic cats, particularly effective at hunting mice in homes and farm storages.

The breed was registered with the World Cat Federation (WCF) in 1995 and with The International Cat Association (TICA) in America in 2012.

Characteristics of the Kurilian Bobtail

Having lived with local residents for over 200 years, the Kurilian Bobtail is adaptable and sociable. They are highly intelligent and possess a dog-like loyalty, making it easy for them to bond with their owners quickly.

Their historical background might explain their very active and wild side. They are surprisingly muscular and solidly built, with excellent reflexes. The presence of small animals like hamsters or guinea pigs can trigger their hunting instincts, so caution is advised. Providing spaces and toys suitable for exercise can help prevent boredom and relieve stress.

What is the origin of the Kurilian Bobtail's name?

The 'Kurilian' part of the name comes from the Kuril Islands, the breed's place of origin. 'Bobtail' refers to their characteristically short tail. The breed is sometimes referred to as 'Kuril Island Bobtail'. For the long-haired variety, it is known as 'Kurilian Bobtail Longhair'.

Why does the Kurilian Bobtail live there?

The Kurilian Bobtail has been on the Kuril Islands for over 200 years, although it is not clear why they are there. They became well-known only in the 20th century when military personnel and scholars who visited the Kuril Islands spread their recognition. The breed was officially recognized by TICA in 2012.

What does the Kurilian Bobtail eat?

While regular cat food is generally adequate, the Kurilian Bobtail is prone to hairballs, so food that prevents hairballs is recommended. Providing cat grass can help regulate their digestion.

It's best to choose cat food that suits each individual cat's preferences and physical condition.

Is the Kurilian Bobtail a breed created by humans?

The Kurilian Bobtail is a naturally occurring breed. Historically, these cats were active in the cold regions of the Kuril Islands, hunting with humans and on their own. This makes them particularly adaptable to living with humans.

Their intelligence and sociable nature may have evolved as they lived in groups and hunted in the harsh conditions, making them easily adaptable to human companions.

What diseases are Kurilian Bobtails prone to?

Being a breed that originated in cold regions, the Kurilian Bobtail needs to be cautious of summer heat. It's important to set indoor air conditioning to a comfortable temperature to ensure a suitable environment.

As a breed with a thick coat, they require regular grooming to prevent skin diseases and maintain a healthy coat.

They are also susceptible to hairballs, so providing cat grass or specific cat food can help manage this issue.

What should be considered when owning a Kurilian Bobtail?

Kurilian Bobtails, being large and active cats, need ample space to move around. Before bringing one into your family, it is important to prepare a sturdy cat tower, a spacious cat mat, and a scratching area to help them manage stress.

As cats that do not fear water, they might venture into bathrooms or toilets, so it's necessary to secure these areas to prevent accidents.

Regular grooming and shampooing are essential to prevent skin diseases and maintain their coat's condition.

They are very intelligent, so if you teach them the rules about their toilet and living environment, they will learn them quickly.

Is there any relation between the Kurilian Bobtail and the Japanese Bobtail?

Both breeds share the characteristic of having a short tail, but there is currently no evidence of a genetic or historical connection. The Japanese Bobtail typically has longer legs compared to the Kurilian Bobtail. It is believed that the Japanese Bobtail has been present in Japan for over a thousand years, according to ancient documents.

Genetically, they might be more closely related to naturally occurring breeds from Northern Europe, like the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Siberian.