Kurilian Bobtail Cats 101 : Fun Facts & Myths
Channel: Kitten Life
Date: 2020-12-23

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In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths about the Kurilian Bobtail Cat.


The Kurilian Bobtail is a strong cat with a wild appearance, medium to large in size, brawny with strong substantial boning, but despite the Kurilian Bobtails looks they are very gentle. It is one of the thirteen natural breeds of cat recognized by TICA.

The Kurilian Bobtail’s looks are deceiving. At first glance, he may look compact, but when you pick him up, you discover that he’s a solid bundle of muscle. The cats may not reach their full size until they are 5 years old. The Kurilian is sometimes said to resemble a lynx, with his bobtail and long hind legs.

Those long hind legs make this cat a superb jumper, and he’s renowned for his hunting skills. If you live with a Kurilian, any rodents in the area are at risk.

They are also known for enjoying playing in the water, not surprising given their island heritage and a water-resistant coat. The Kurilian can snag a salmon in his homeland, so guard your koi or other fish carefully from him. He can adapt to many different climates and environments, from country to city.

This is a highly active cat, but that doesn’t mean he won’t sit still for a little petting. He’s usually trusting and friendly, traits that may make him a good companion. He may, however, choose a single person to be his favorite, leaving other family members out in the cold.


Here are some of the interesting facts about the Kurilian Bobtail Cat, which will give you some further insight into its characteristics and temperament.


1. Kurilian Bobtail's History and Background.

The Kurilian Bobtail is a natural breed of cat tracing its origins to the Russian Island of Sakhalin and to the Kuril Islands, an archipelago of approximately 56 volcanic islands, stretching 700 miles between the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka and the Japanese island Hokkaido, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean. It is documented in Russia that cats with short tails have been on the islands for at least 200 years and were brought back to central Russia in the middle of the 20th century by members of the military or scientists. Because of their natural instinct for hunting, they are popular as a domesticated feline in Russia for their mousing abilities.

While popular in Europe because of their laid back temperament, they are still unknown in North America, with less than 100 of the breed in the United States. The Kurilian Bobtail was accepted to Championship status by TICA in 2012.


2. Kurilian Bobtail's Physical Characteristics.

The true phenomenon of the Kurilian Bobtail is the pom-pom appearance of their tail. Every Kurilian Bobtail has a unique tail structure giving each its own unique signature.  It is impossible to find two identical tails on the Kurilian Bobtail and such a diversity of tails gives even more charm to the breed. The short, bushy tails can be shaped like a whisk, a spiral, or a snag that consist of anywhere between 2-10 vertebrae kinked many times in various directions and with different degrees of articulation.

On first seeing, Kurilian Bobtail you may think that the cat is not particularly heavy, but upon lifting the cat it becomes apparent that these marvelous creatures are very solid and brawny. Mature males can weigh as much as 15 pounds, however, females are generally smaller weighing between 8 and 11 pounds.


3. Kurilian Bobtail's Coat and Colors.

The Kurilian Bobtail can be short-haired or semi-longhaired with a soft, silky coat. The Kurilian Bobtail comes in a variety of traditional colors in solid or tabby, and these colors with any amount of white on their body. Some of the most stunning Kurilian Bobtails also exhibit silver highlights.


4. Kurilian Bobtail is a mighty hunter.

When they first began to become popular on the Kuril Islands, it was for their legendary hunting skills that they became most loved. If a house had a mouse problem before a visit from a Kurilian, it sure as heck wouldn’t by the time it left.

The hind legs of the Kurilian Bobtail are long, a characteristic that makes her an incredible jumper. They also aid in her hunting endeavors. And speaking of hunting: Though a sweetheart through and through, the Kurilian Bobtail is, first and foremost, a hunter. She can fish like no other and catch even the smallest of critters. If you have a fish pond or share your home with small animals like mice, hamsters, or rabbits, she may view them as prey, so keep her away.

All these years later, and those hunting instincts are still very much in force.