Cat Breeds: Kurilian Bobtail

Some cat breeds aren't yet recognized by the majority of associations but may eventually attain championship status. Sometimes this lack of status is because a breed is so new. Sometimes, however, it's simply that the breed is virtually unknown. The Kurilian Bobtail fits squarely into the latter category.

The Kurilian Bobtail is a breed that developed naturally on the Kuril Islands. These stretch from the Japanese island of Hokkaido to the edge of Russia. These cute cats with their little bobtails have apparently been running around the Kuril Islands for at least two hundred years, but they weren't brought to Russia until the middle of the 20th century. And they didn't make it to North American until even later than that. Even today there are less than a hundred Kurilian Bobtails in the United States. No wonder the breed hasn't been recognized.

Despite their undeniable cute factor, the Kurilian Bobtail is actually a rather large cat with an almost-cobby body shape. The coat is fluffy and soft with either long or short hair. Like many other breeds, both coat lengths are acceptable. Color is equally varied with both solid and tabby colors showing up in the same litter.

The most distinctive trait of the Kurilian Bobtail is, of course, the tail. There are dozens of different tail structures, each its own variation of a little pom-pom. The tails should be fluffy and held tight to the body.

As house pets, this breed gets along with just about everyone. Children, cats, other pets, all are accepted by the sociable Kurilian Bobtail. They like to play games, especially games involving running or jumping, so they're good cats for a high-activity household. They're not entirely happy on their own, but they do well enough with another cat or even a dog. You can also entertain them wish a fish tank, but make sure it's well secured. They are a curious breed, after all.

The Kurilian Bobtail may never become a recognized breed, but if it doesn't it's only because they're so rare. Incredibly rare might be the better way to describe this energetic breed. If you do come across the Kurilian Bobtail, you're in for a treat.