Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail could grow from medium to large size. An adult Kurilian female can weigh up to 11 lbs, whilst males reach around 15 lbs. It has a large wedge-shaped head with rounded contours and wide cheekbones. Its walnut-shaped eyes are clear and brilliant, with no relation to the colour of the coat, though white and harlequin cats can have blue or odd eyes. The ears are medium in size, wide at the base, triangular in shape, and look slightly sloped forward. Its legs are medium-sized, with hind legs longer than the front. At an angle, legs would form a square with rounded paws.

The tail of the Kurilian Bobtail is the most distinctive feature, having a bobbed tail or a short pom-pom-style tail. Each one has a unique feature that can be spiral, snag, or whisked. The Kurilian’s tail is muscular and firm that could extend from 1.5 cm to 8 cm.

This feline can be long-haired (Kurilian Bobtail longhair) with a full and plumed tailcoat, or short-haired (Kurilian Bobtail shorthair), which has a tailcoat with the the same length as the body coat.

The Kurilian Bobtail’s brawny appearance belies its gentle and laid-back temperament. This type of feline is sociable; hence, it loves company and enjoys being caressed by people. It adapts well to other cats, children, and strangers. It is independent, playful, and very gentle. Since the Kurilian is trusting, it tends to follow people around.

Further, the Kurilian Bobtails are inquisitive, playful, and highly intelligent. As they originated from an island, they like to play in the water and can actually swim in ponds. The breed is skilled in hunting rats or unwanted rodents. Since it has strong hunting instincts, you may want to keep them away from hamsters, rabbits, birds, and fish. A Kurilian could catch a salmon weighing 10 to 12 lbs with just its paws.

The Kurilian Bobtail cat should be given a nutritious diet that fulfils its nutritional needs. It should be fed with the same kind of food and it should follow a feeding schedule. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent digestive problems.

The serving portions should depend on the cat’s weight, age, and activity level. Its diet must include at least 25 per cent protein and just 5 per cent carbohydrates.

The Kurilian Bobtail’s life expectancy ranges from 15–20 years. This cat breed is robust and it does not have any known genetic health problems. However, considering that this breed is rare, it may have limited information on the probability of genetic diseases.

Further, ensure that this feline gets enough exercise and its diet managed well to prevent it from being obese. Being an intelligent breed, it should be provided with toys and activities that will also challenge its mental abilities.

As it is unlikely to find a Kurilian breeder, acquiring a kitten takes considerable time. Generally, a pedigreed Kurilian Bobtail kitten will cost anywhere between £370 to £600.

Details on monthly costs of caring for a Kurilian are dependent on the area and the special needs of the said feline.