This sturdy, strong-limbed cat with a quirky tail is clever and sociable.
Native to the Kuril Islands, which form a chain between the North Pacific and the Sea of Okhotsk, off Siberia, the Kurilian Bobtail first became popular as a domestic cat in mainland Russia during the 20th century. Since the 1990s this breed, in longhaired as well as shorthaired versions, has also been appearing regularly at Russian cat shows but it is little known elsewhere.
The curious tail is a natural mutation and differs from one cat to another; it always has a number of kinks and may curl or bend in almost any direction. Kurilian Bobtails are relaxed, sociable cats, and said to be superb mouse catchers.
Origin: Kuril Islands, North Pacific, 20th century
Breed registries: FIFe, TICA
Weight Range: 7–10lb (3–4.5kg)
Grooming: Weekly
Colors and patterns: Most solid colors and shades in bicolor, tortie, and tabby (except ticked) patterns.