Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair

The shorthair Kurilian Bobtail has the same short, pompom-like tail, whose shape is never quite the same twice, but its coat is dense, short and plush, with no long hair. That makes it simple to look after, since an occasional stroke with a brush is enough, with more combing while it is being shed. The breed comes from the Kuril Islands, with a sturdy, muscular body, and adults typically weigh around 3 to 5.5 kilograms. These cats are usually lively and curious, and they like to play and explore their surroundings. The pompom tail is a hallmark of the breed and is judged at shows. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 15 years.

Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair: how old in human years?

3–5.5 kgWeight
12–15 yrsLife expectancy

Kurilian Bobtail Longhair

FIFe category: Category III — Shorthair
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: KBS
Country of origin: Russia

Energy level

4/5
Playfulness

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3.5–5.5 kg

Females 3–4 kg

Life expectancy

12–15 yrs

Coat

dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair: average score for sociability and trainability is high.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 4/5

Activity & Living Space

Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 4/5
Playfulness 4/5
Hunting instinct 5/5
Apartment friendly 3/5

Personality & Communication

Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 4/5
Independence 3/5
Vocality 2/5

Grooming & Shedding

Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair: grooming and shedding demands are low.

Shedding 3/5
Grooming need 1/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair

If a fly crossed the room, your Kurilian Bobtail knew about it first. The hunting drive runs strong, so a feather wand, balls and toy mice make up the daily programme, and this clever, biddable cat soon learns to bring a toy back or walk on a harness. Some members of the breed are said to have no fear of water at all and to paw happily at a running tap; if yours is one of them, don't be surprised.

With its family it is devoted and affectionate, patient with children, and makes friends with a friendly dog without much fuss. Strangers are sized up first, then treated as the situation deserves. It is not a loud cat: instead of a big meow you get a short trill or chirp.

Indoors it needs room to climb and run: a sturdy cat tree, a scratching post, shelves up high. It does not mope when left alone, provided there is something to do. If you want to give it outdoor time, make it an enclosed run, a netted balcony or a walk on a harness, because a garden holds too many temptations for a hunter like this.

Grooming and coat

The Kurilian Bobtail's tail is a short, kinked pom-pom with barely anything to brush, and the rest of the shorthair's coat asks for little more. It is dense and close-lying and sheds moderately, more so as the seasons turn, so a rubber brush or grooming mitt once a week is enough, twice a week while it moults.

As you brush, look over the skin, especially around the pom-pom, where dirt can lodge in the thick hair. Check the ears and the corners of the eyes, trim the nails when needed, and have a vet look at the teeth and gums at the yearly check-up.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 62 g of dry food a day, from €3,55 a month For a neutered, normally active 4 kg cat. Calculate for your cat