Karelian Bobtail cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A natural short-tailed cat from the Karelia region of Russia, with a sturdy build and a kinked tail, found mainly in its homeland.
Also known as Karelian Bobtail cat, Karelsky Bobtail, Karelian bob-tail
Quick facts
| Origin | Karelia, Russia |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-11 lb (3-5 kg), reports vary |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short or semi-long, dense coat |
| Colours and patterns | A range of colours and patterns |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 |
Best suited to
| Suits | Someone in or near Russia who wants a rare, natural-type bobtail with a calm family nature. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone outside the breed's home region who needs easy access to breeders and health data. |
Registries that recognise it
- WCF
About the Karelian Bobtail
The Karelian Bobtail is a natural breed from the Republic of Karelia in north-west Russia, in the region around Lake Ladoga. The short tail is a natural mutation, and the cats are thought to have lived in the region for a long time with little human interference. The World Cat Federation recognised the breed in 1994. It remains almost unknown outside Russia and nearby countries, and the major North American registries have not recognised it.
The tail is short and kinked, not absent, and the cat looks like a sturdy, medium-sized shorthair with a rounded head and strong legs. There are shorthaired and semi-longhaired forms. Many colours and patterns occur.
Temperament and living with one
Karelians are described as calm, intelligent and friendly, and they bond with family members. They are said to be good mousers and to adapt to both flats and houses. They are described as sociable with children and other pets. There are few formal studies, so treat these descriptions as typical rather than guaranteed.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat is easy. Comb the short coat once a week, and the semi-long coat a little more often, especially in spring. Feed a complete diet in measured meals, give daily play and a scratching post, and check teeth and ears.
Health
Little published research exists on the health of this breed. The natural origin suggests a varied gene pool, but that is not a guarantee. Bobtail mutations in some breeds are linked to spinal problems, so ask your vet to check the tail and spine of a kitten. Ask a breeder for health information on the parents.
Is it right for you?
The Karelian Bobtail suits a person who values a natural-type short-tailed cat and can locate a breeder. For a bobtail that is easier to find, consider the Japanese Bobtail or the American Bobtail.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026