Cat breed · Russia
The Kurilian Bobtail is a cat breed (or breed group, depending on registry) originating from the Kuril Islands, as well as Sakhalin Island and the Kamchatka peninsula of Russia. Short- or long-haired, it has a semi-cobby body type and a distinct short, fluffy tail. The back is slightly arched with hind legs longer than the front, similar to those of the Manx. The breed is also called the Kuril Islands Bobtail, Kuril Bobtail (both often misspelt "Kurile") and Curilsk Bobtail, and may be referred to without "Bobtail". It is sometimes also spelt Kurilean.
The original short-haired variant is a natural breed, known on the islands for over 200 years. As selectively bred pets, they have been popular in USSR and to some extent other parts of Europe, especially for their rodent-hunting abilities, since the middle of the 20th century, but remained rare in North America as of 2011.
Behaviour: In the wild, this cat is an excellent fisher and hunter, which may explain why the Kurilian loves to play in water. The Kurilian's wild look is not reflected in the temperament of the breed, as it is known for its clever and gentle nature.
Appearance: The variety is mostly known for its distinctive "pom-pom" kinked, short tail. Short- or longhaired, it has a distinct short, fluffy tail ranging from 2 to 10 vertebrae. The back is slightly arched, with hind legs longer than the front. It has a medium to large, substantial, muscular build and rounded-rectangular, wide face. Eye colours conform to the colour of the coat. The colours yellow, green, and yellow-green are preferred. There are semi-longhair and shorthair Kurilians. All colours except colourpoint are allowed.
Part of the reason for its rarity is that there are around two or three kittens in a litter. The lifespan of a Kurilian Bobtail ranges from 15 to 20 years, owing to their breed's being developed in the wild.
History: This new breed is not well known outside of its native territories. Though it is a native to Japan with a long history on a chain of islands, known as the Kurils, that runs from the easternmost point of Russia to the tip of Japan's Hokkaido Island. Also known as the Kuril Bobtail or the Curilsk Bobtail, because the Kuril Islands are Russian-owned, this breed is being developed and promoted as a Russian aboriginal breed that is separate and distinct from the Japanese Bobtail.
There are around several versions of the origin of the breed. Genetic studies may eventually demonstrate the breed's true origin and connection to other cat breeds.
The main suggested origin story is that the breed is a result of the crossbreeding between the landraces of the Japanese Bobtail cats with Siberian cats brought by sailors to the Kuril Islands.
