Compare
Japanese Bobtail vs Karelian Bobtail
Two natural bobtails. The Japanese is a lively, talkative, CFA-recognised cat; the Karelian is calmer, quieter and Very rare outside Russia.
Verdict
Both cats have short natural tails, and the Japanese Bobtail is the livelier one. It is talkative, scores top marks for play, intelligence and with children, and is a CFA breed since 1976. The Karelian Bobtail is a sturdy cat with a kinked tail from Karelia, calm in nature, quieter, and found mainly in its homeland. It is Very rare and not recognised by the CFA. Choose the Japanese Bobtail for a lively family home, and the Karelian only if you live in or near Russia and want a calm, rare bobtail.
Choose the Japanese Bobtail if
- You want a lively, intelligent, talkative cat.
- You have children, since it rates top marks with them.
- You want a breed with a CFA championship standard.
- You can accept a high-energy companion.
Choose the Karelian Bobtail if
- You want a calmer, quieter cat with a sturdy build.
- You live in or near Russia and can reach a breeder.
- You want a short or semi-long dense coat.
- You accept a Very rare breed with little health data.
Where they are alike
Both are medium cats with natural bobtails and short-to-medium coats that need little grooming. Both are sociable and rate well with children and other pets.
Side by side
| Japanese Bobtail | Karelian Bobtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Japan | Karelia, Russia |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4 kg); males are larger | 7-11 lb (3-5 kg), reports vary |
| Lifespan | 9-15 years | — |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Soft, silky coat of medium length with no noticeable undercoat; a longhair variety also exists | Short or semi-long, dense coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1976 | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Rare | Very rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 5 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed. | — |
| Suits | A lively family that wants an intelligent, talkative cat and does not mind a high-energy companion. | Someone in or near Russia who wants a rare, natural-type bobtail with a calm family nature. |
| Less suited to | A very quiet household, or anyone who wants a laid-back cat that sleeps through the day. | Anyone outside the breed's home region who needs easy access to breeders and health data. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026