Toybob cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A very small cat from Russia with a short kinked tail, bred from street cats since 1983 and newly accepted for CFA championship in 2025.
Also known as Toy Bob, Toybob cat, Toy Bobtail, Russian Toybob
Quick facts
| Origin | Russia |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Typical weight | About 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg) |
| Lifespan | Often reported at 14-15 years; little data |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Dense, plush coat, in short and long varieties |
| Colours and patterns | Any colour or pattern; pointed is the most common |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2025 |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 5 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 |
Best suited to
| Suits | A person or family at home often that wants a tiny, affectionate cat and is willing to wait for a kitten. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A home with small children who may handle a tiny cat roughly, or an owner away for long stretches. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
About the Toybob
The Toybob is among the smallest cat breeds. It began in Russia in 1983, when a woman named Elena Krasnichenko bred two street cats she had adopted, and the small size and the short, kinked tail passed on. The breed name came from a World Cat Federation judge. TICA placed the breed in its experimental category in 2009 and gave it registration status in 2017, and the CFA accepted it in 2019. It moved to championship in 2025. The first Toybob reached the United States in 2004.
The body is compact and muscular, with a short tail. Kinks in the tail are normal for the breed. The coat comes in short and long, both dense and plush, and any colour is allowed, with pointed being the most common. The eyes are rounded and colours vary with the coat.
Temperament and living with one
Toybobs are affectionate, playful, agile and intelligent. They are docile and sociable, and are described as suitable for families and for older owners. They dislike being left alone for long stretches. A cat this size is fragile, so supervise young children and teach them how to hold it. Offer climbing trees, perches and short play sessions with toys.
Care: coat, food and play
Shorthair coats need a weekly brush, and longhairs need combing a few times a week. Check teeth, ears and nails. Feed a complete diet in measured meals, with portions suited to a very small cat. Ask your vet about the right amount.
Health
The CFA reports that the breed has high genetic diversity and that no breed-specific health problems have been identified so far. The breed is very new to registries, so long-term data are limited. Ask the breeder about the health of both parents, ask your vet about a check-up plan, and take note of the short tail, which should be checked for pain or stiffness if the cat seems uncomfortable.
Is it right for you?
A Toybob suits someone who wants a tiny, loving, indoor companion and who can wait for a kitten from the few breeders. If you like small size and an active nature but want a better-known breed, look at the Singapura. For another bobtailed cat, see the American Bobtail.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026