Compare
Karelian Bobtail vs Kurilian Bobtail
Two sturdy, friendly Russian natural bobtails. The Kurilian is bigger, more active and a little easier to find; the Karelian is calmer and Very rare.
Verdict
These two are close, and energy decides it. The Karelian Bobtail, from Karelia, has a kinked tail and a calm family nature. The Kurilian Bobtail comes from the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin, grows to as much as 15 lb, and is a hardy hunter that scores higher for energy. Both have dense short or semi-long coats, quiet voices and sociable natures. Neither is recognised by the CFA. The Kurilian is Rare and the Karelian is Very rare, found mainly in its homeland. Choose the Karelian for calm, and the Kurilian for activity.
Choose the Karelian Bobtail if
- You want a calmer, moderate-energy cat.
- You live in or near Russia and can reach a breeder.
- You prefer a medium cat of 7 to 11 lb.
- You accept a Very rare breed with limited health data.
Choose the Kurilian Bobtail if
- You want a hardy, active cat that hunts and plays hard.
- You want a larger cat, up to 15 lb.
- You are content with a Rare breed with a few breeders.
- You will give it space and daily play.
Where they are alike
Both are sturdy, people-friendly cats that rate well with children and other pets. Both have natural short tails and need only light grooming.
Side by side
| Karelian Bobtail | Kurilian Bobtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Karelia, Russia | Kuril Islands and Sakhalin, Russia |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-11 lb (3-5 kg), reports vary | 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males are heavier |
| Lifespan | — | Often reported as 15 years or more; few studies |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short or semi-long, dense coat | Dense double coat, short or semi-long, with a pom-pom tail |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Very rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 3 |
| Suits | Someone in or near Russia who wants a rare, natural-type bobtail with a calm family nature. | An active household that wants a hardy, people-friendly cat with a shaggy-tailed look and does not mind a cat that hunts and plays hard. |
| Less suited to | Anyone outside the breed's home region who needs easy access to breeders and health data. | Anyone who wants a quiet lap cat, or who needs a breed that is easy to find from several breeders. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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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