Kuril Bobtail

History of the Kuril Bobtail breed

The Kuril Islands (namely the southern part of the archipelago) are a stumbling block of two powers: Japan and Russia. The right of ownership of these lands was repeatedly disputed until the Kuriles fell under the wing of the Russian Federation. Along with the territory, the state has secured the right to be considered the birthplace of one of the most remarkable and unique breeds in the world.

According to the point of view of most felinologists, the Kuril bobtails descended from short-tailed cats that inhabited the archipelago since at least the XVIII century. Their progenitors were supposedly wild and appeared as a result of the union japanese bobtails and siberian cats . The history of the appearance of these breeds on the Kuril Islands is no less interesting.

Ancient beliefs of the Land of the Rising Sun say that Japanese bobtails were considered a symbol of good luck and therefore overprotected by local residents. In addition, these animals had a sacred origin: their ancestors were considered white temple cats that guarded the shrines of the followers of the Buddha. Some bobtails came to the archipelago together with the Japanese as part of research or military expeditions. They were often used as guards of imperial farms, where fur-bearing animals were bred. Obeying their instincts and wanting to escape from the "golden cage", many cats escaped into the wild. After several generations, Japanese bobtails acquired new features, striving to adapt to harsh living conditions: the fear of water disappeared, the claws stopped retracting into the pads of the paws, and their owners became larger.

As for the Siberian cats, they came to the Kuril Islands together with migrants. The animals easily made friends with the feral "Japanese", and as a result of this union, a new breed emerged, now known as the Kuril bobtail.

It is worth noting that the breeding of these animals did not begin immediately. Despite the relatively long-standing appearance of the breed, felinologists paid attention to it only at the end of the XX century. Up to this point, breeders visited the Kuril Islands and left with bobtails, taking them for their Japanese counterparts. Then no one imagined that charming short–tailed creatures were something new in the already rich cat world. However, since 1991, everything has changed.

It was then that new representatives of the breed were brought from the Kuril Islands. In October, the first standard of the Kuril bobtail was adopted, and the Soviet Felinological Organization (SFO) played an important role in this. Tatiana Bocharova, observing the breeding of cats, came to the conclusion that the short tail is inherited by all animals, which meant that there were no anomalies in their development. Having registered the "Kuril" as an independent breed, the SFO set itself a new task – to achieve similar recognition among European felinologists.

December 1994 was marked by a seminar at which Russian breeders put forward a proposal to finalize the standard of the Kuril Bobtail breed in order to recognize it by the international organization WCF. The official registration of short-tailed cats took place only a year later, which provoked the sudden interest of Europeans in an unusual breed. Increasingly in Italy, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic began to hold cat shows, frequent guests of which were the Kuril bobtails. By that time, nurseries had already appeared that specialized in breeding two varieties of the breed: long- and short-haired. At the same time, the first category was divided into individuals with a long and semi-long coat.

In 2001, the felinological association of CIS clubs at the coordination meeting further clarified the standard, but it remained unchanged. This prompted the felinological organization FIFe to officially register the breed three years after this event. In 2012, the Kuril bobtail firmly established itself in the lists of the American TICA Association.

The mid-90s became a turning point in the fate of the breed. Since 1995 and to this day, the Kuril bobtails have been "capturing" more and more territories, conquering the hearts of people. These cats are appreciated in many European countries for their gentleness and good nature, but in their historical homeland bobtails are popular mainly with hunters and fishermen – largely due to the magnificent instincts of animals. However, this breed is still not as popular as loved by many british , persian or siamese cats .

Video: Kuril Bobtail

Appearance of the Kuril bobtail

Representatives of the breed have a very contrasting appearance. Squat growth hides a developed and strong musculature, which allows animals to make huge jumps. Kuril bobtails are distinguished by a high degree of sexual dimorphism: cats are several times larger than cats. So, their weight is 7.5 and 4-5 kg, respectively.

The Kuril bobtail belongs to medium-sized breeds. The heritage of wild ancestors is equally traced in the appearance of individuals of both categories of the breed — long- and short-haired.

Head and skull

The head has the shape of an equilateral triangle, the outlines of which are gently rounded (this is especially visible when the animal is standing in profile). In adult bobtails, it looks more like a trapeze, and the reason for this is the cheeks with outlined and full "pads" for the mustache. The skull is flat.

Muzzle

The Kuril bobtail is the owner of a fairly wide and rounded muzzle. The stop is marked only formally and practically does not catch the eye. The flat forehead turns into a straight and wide nose of medium length. His lobe is well defined. The strong chin is developed and has a smooth outline, noticeable in profile. The animal's cheekbones are not as low as those of their Siberian counterparts.

Ears

Medium-sized triangles are set high and wide enough. At the same time, the distance between them corresponds to the width of the base of the ear, but in no case can it be less. The tips are gently rounded. Long-haired Kuril bobtails wear a "decoration" on them in the form of small tassels, giving the animals an even greater resemblance to a lynx.

Eyes

Resemble a nut in shape: oval in their upper part and slightly rounded at the bottom. They are notable for the fact that they are slanted in an oriental way, and this gives the animal's look an exquisite mystery. The eyes are set wide enough and "lie" on the line that runs from the nose lobe to the bases of the ears. The pigmentation of the iris is predominantly yellow or green; blue occurs in two-colored and white animals. In general, the standard also provides for the discrepancy between the color of the eyes and the color of the bobtail.

Jaws and teeth

The presence of strong jaws is due to the lifestyle of the feral progenitors of the breed. Existing in the wild, cats were forced to forage for themselves. The bite is tick-like; the dental formula is complete. It consists of incisors, canines, premolars and molars.

Neck

Not long enough, strong muscles are felt under the thin skin. Due to the thick wool cover, it seems a little plump.

Housing

The Kuril bobtail has a dense and strong body, which is ready to demonstrate unexpected flexibility for the animal at any moment. Musculature does not weigh down the appearance of the cat. The trunk has an elongated shape. The chest is developed, the back line is distinguished by an arched bend. The animal's croup is slightly raised.

Tail

The Kuril bobtail is notable for its short and slightly curved tail, which rises above the back line. Its length varies between 3-8 cm, but in long-haired individuals it can reach 13 cm. There are four types of animal tail.

• The "stump" consists of deformed and firmly connected vertebrae (no more than eight). It can be straight or slightly bent down in the manner of a hook.
• "Spiral" includes 5-10 vertebrae. This type of tail is one of the most characteristic for representatives of the breed.
• The "panicle" consists of the same number of vertebrae as the "spiral". It has a straight shape, smaller than the usual tail by a third of its length.
• The "pushed bobtail" includes 5-7 vertebrae, the line of which is twisted into an improvised loop near the end of the tail. It is considered a defect of the breed.

The shape of the pompom is not regulated by the standard. His grooming is acceptable and even preferable.

Limbs

The hind limbs of the bobtail are not much longer than the front ones. Relief musculature is the main reason for the phenomenal jumping ability of animals. Compact paws have a rounded shape, the fingers are tightly compressed. The claws do not retract and when they come into contact with the surface, they emit a clicking sound, more characteristic of dogs than cats.

Wool cover

The type of wool cover "kuril" depends on its belonging to a certain breed variety.

• Shorthair bobtail is the owner of a thin and short coat. It is permissible to increase its length on the tail, as well as on the back and lower sides of the animal's body.
• Long-haired bobtail, as the name implies, has a long or medium-length coat. As in the case of the short-haired brother, this Kuril bobtail has a more elongated coat on the lower and rear parts of the trunk. In addition, it is notable for the "collar", "pants" and lynx tassels on the tips of the ears.

Both varieties of the breed are distinguished by a thick undercoat.

Color

The Kuril bobtail is notable for the fact that its color can be almost any. The most common options are smoky, tabby (tabby), bi- and tricolor. The breed standard does not recognize Burmese, Abyssinian, purple and chocolate colors.

Possible vices

Among the defects of the Kuril bobtail breed are:

• forelimbs of insufficient length;
• deep-set and/or protruding eyes;
• excessively short or long tail;
• pronounced curve of the back line;
• pointed ear tips;
• high "fit" of the cheekbones;
• lack of undercoat;
• elongated torso;
• narrowed head.

Disqualifying vices include:

• short tail without bends and kinks;
• tail exceeding 13 cm in length;
• non-omission of one or two testicles;
• erosion of the mucosa in the anus;
• spinal deformity;
• amputated claws;
• no tail;
• deafness.

The nature of the Kuril bobtail

In contrast to the external similarity with the wild and unapproachable lynx, representatives of the breed are distinguished by genuine friendliness and affability. This significantly accelerates the rapprochement of cats with new owners. The Kuril bobtail will not sit frowning under the dresser and snort irritably in response to your attempts to get it out of temporary shelter. In front of: these animals love to communicate and actively get involved in joint games with family members. "Smokers" are often called dogs in a cat's body, because they are happy to bring toys and balls thrown by the dexterous hand of the owner.

By the way, the Kuril bobtail has a very tremulous relationship with his family. For representatives of this breed, there is nothing more important than close people who give them sincere love and care. The animal will protect the family in which it lives, exclusively "dog-like": standing in a formidable stance and warning meowing. At the same time, the bobtail will especially take care of one person whom he considers his master. If you managed to occupy this honorary pedestal in the heart of a fluffy guard, the pet will follow on your heels, communicating in its own language and taking a feasible part in your life.

Kuril bobtails are the best fit for families with children. The animal will never intentionally scratch the baby, but, on the contrary, will endow him with excessive "mustachioed" care. The "smoker" will not show aggression even if the child accidentally pulls his tail or ear. Instead of hissing and resentment for the whole day, bobtail will happily involve your child in a game of hide and seek or demonstrate a recently learned trick that will certainly cause sincere children's laughter.

Representatives of the breed get along well with other pets. Cat or dog – it doesn't matter: the Kuril bobtail will find a common language as with a serious Maine Coon , and with the playful dachshund . However, it is categorically not recommended to keep decorative birds and rodents in the same house with a bobtail. A hunting instinct awakened at the wrong time can turn into a tragedy, and your attachment to an animal can turn into grief for a lost feathered or fluffy friend.

At the same time with meekness and good nature, this breed is distinguished by a wayward and independent character – so say many owners of Kuril bobtails. Animals do not like to sit on their hands for a long time, pretending to be a plush toy, and soon they will try to leave the heated place. In the absence of proper attention from the owner, the "smokers" begin to live by their own rules and soon consider themselves the rightful owners of the territory, namely your apartments. At the same time, it will not be easy to overthrow the short-tailed usurper. Even the slightest glimmer of luck will soon turn into a defeat for you: the pet will begin to protest. Damaged things, torn blinds or curtains, an overturned sugar bowl – and the vendetta of the Kuril bobtail will not be limited to this.

Do you think that your pet is excessively lazy and gets involved in games less and less? Take a day off from work and go with the animal to the dacha, where it will appear before you in a completely different appearance. A clever hunter will oust a domestic sluggard from the Kuril bobtail in the blink of an eye. In the fresh air, representatives of the breed are especially active: they track down prey for several hours without closing their eyes; they fight with neighboring cats for free territory; they stick their curious nose into every remote corner of the house, while making a purring resembling bird trills.

Education and training

Kuril bobtails are owners of a developed intelligence that allows animals to understand the meaning of over a thousand words! Raising a pet will not be difficult: the main thing is to correctly determine the boundaries of what is permissible. You should not raise your hand to the cat, because there are other ways to tell your pet about your dissatisfaction. A strict tone is quite enough. This tactic also works if you want to stop the bobtail from inappropriate actions. The word "impossible" will certainly prevent unwanted consequences.

If the pet still escaped your close attention and misbehaved, conduct an educational conversation as soon as possible. Otherwise, bobtail will not understand what exactly he managed to do wrong.

Upon reaching a certain age, the "smokers" begin to test the owner for strength, making attempts to take a leading position in the house. At this stage of education, you will need the ability to respond adequately to the behavior of the animal and make it clear that you do not plan to give way to a wayward fluffy friend.

Otherwise, the upbringing of Kuril bobtails is not difficult, especially for people with a strong character. It will also not be difficult to teach pets to use a tray and a scratching post for their intended purpose.

Representatives of this breed are easy to train. Their inquisitive mind allows them to learn new tricks and adopt the skills of their tailed brethren. Turn the training process into an exciting game – and soon bobtail will delight you with brilliant execution of commands!

Care and maintenance

The Kuril bobtail does not need careful care – and this is another plus in favor of the breed. Even long-haired bobtails do not cause unnecessary inconvenience to their owners.

Since the undercoat of cats is moderately developed, the wool cover is almost never tangled, and the procedure of combing the Kuril bobtail does not become a daily hard labor. One or two times a week is quite enough. It is recommended to purchase a special brush with metal teeth or a glove with silicone growths to remove dead hairs. When combing, follow the direction of hair growth.

Bathing for bobtails is one of the most favorite ways to spend time, but do not abuse it: the skin becomes dry, and the outer hair becomes thinned. The use of special soft shampoos and conditioners will not save the situation. You should bathe your pet only if it gets dirty. Collect warm water in a basin or sink, then put the cat there. Apply shampoo to the coat, carefully distribute it all over the body of the Kuril bobtail and rinse. After bathing procedures, the pet must be thoroughly dried. For short-haired cats, a cocoon of towels is perfect, but long-haired cats will need a hairdryer.

From their forefathers, the Kuril bobtails inherited the inability to fully retract their claws. For this reason, they are perfectly worn off both during the pet's walk and during its interaction with the scratching post. However, it does not hurt to get a special device for shortening them. Cut off only the tips, otherwise you will damage the thin vessels.

Do not ignore the eyes of your pet. They must be washed several times a week using a piece of clean lint-free cloth or cotton wool soaked in a special product (it can be purchased at a pet store). Rubbing your eyes, make hand movements from their outer corner to the inner. With a similar frequency, the bobtail's ears should be examined, wiping them with a cotton pad soaked in a special lotion. Otherwise, sulfur will accumulate in the auricles, which can lead to the development of infectious diseases in the future.

As for oral care, it is enough to brush the cat's teeth once a week. At the same time, the use of "human" pastes is strictly prohibited. Get a special nozzle on your finger to greatly facilitate the procedure. Do not forget that in case of emergency, you can use a regular toothbrush.

Representatives of this breed are extremely unpretentious in food, but this does not mean that you can feed your pet leftovers from the table. For the show-class Kuril bobtail, which regularly participates in exhibitions, it is best to buy premium food. For animals of the breed and pet categories, ordinary food combined with natural food, in particular, with boiled meat, is suitable.

Do not include in the diet of the Kuril bobtail:

• some vegetables: potatoes, legumes, eggplants;
• fish (exception – low-fat sea);
• raw and fried meat;
• bakery products;
• dairy products;
• pork and lamb;
• tubular bones;
• smoked meat;
• sweets.

There should always be filtered fresh water in the pet's bowl.

Health and diseases of the Kuril bobtail

Cats inherited good health from their Siberian ancestors, which rarely causes their owners unnecessary trouble. There are no specific or genetic diseases in this breed, but individual diseases are still common among the Kuril bobtails. Among them:

• cracks and inflammation of the anus mucosa;
• rectal prolapse;
• urolithiasis;
• hemorrhoids.

Excellent immunity of animals does not exclude the possibility of the development of infectious and parasitic diseases. Regular vaccination and visits to the veterinary clinic are a guarantee of the health and longevity of your pet.

How to choose a kitten

Purchasing a kitten of the Kuril Bobtail breed is a responsible step that requires you to be intuitive and attentive! It is important to notice among the frolicking kittens exactly the one who will fall into the soul. At the same time, you should not listen to the words of the breeder, nor to the advice of friends and relatives: this is your pet, so you only need to focus on your premonitions.

The ideal age of the Kuril bobtail to buy is three months. It is at this time that the baby begins to show independence and gradually weans himself from maternal care. In addition, a three-month-old "smoker" already has a fairly balanced psychological health, so he gets used to new family members faster.

If the pedigree of the future pet plays an important role, ask the breeder to familiarize you with the necessary documentation or, more preferably, with the parents of the babies. This is one of the easiest ways to understand what to expect from your bobtail. The breeder is not very talkative and does not demonstrate a desire to tell as much as possible about his wards? This is an alarming sign: it means that he has something to hide from such curious and persistent buyers like you.

When choosing a kitten, it is worth focusing on its behavior among its fellows. Is the kid active and cheerful, happy to get involved in the game and shows healthy curiosity towards you? This is your pet! Refrain from buying sluggish and timid kittens: in the future, this may turn into unpleasant consequences.

How much does a Kuril bobtail cost

As is the case with other breeds, the ideal place to purchase the Kuril bobtail is nurseries that specialize in breeding this breed. The price of a charming baby starts from $80; the upper limit is limited to the amount of $200 - $250. In general, the cost of a bobtail is determined by the prestige of the kennel, the presence of a noble pedigree and the class of the kitten (show, breed or pet).

It is worth noting that this breed has a fourth class – "beginner". It consists of individuals brought directly from the Kuril Islands. The origin of these animals is unknown, but if it is unprincipled for you to become the owner of a pet with noble ancestors, go ahead! In any case, the Kuril bobtail will become a devoted friend and companion.