Description and content of Kurilian Bobtail cats

A cat with a dog's character is not a fantasy, but a real-life breed. Kuril Bobtails combine tenderness, amazing dedication, intelligence and beauty.

The appearance of the breed of Kuril cats closely associated with Japanese bobtails. Their characteristic features are short tails, very developed hind legs and an unusual “dancing” gait. These cats have long been considered living talismans, bringing home well-being and happiness.

In the twentieth century, the active development of the Kuril Islands began. Russian settlers brought with them pets who could not make friends with local animals. After a while, charming representatives of the new breed appeared from the crossing of Siberian and Oriental cats. Short-tailed Siberian beauties received new, inherent only signs. This is a thicker coat and strong build.

The appearance of cats was particularly influenced by the genes of the Siberian parents. From the “Japanese” a new breed received only a neat tail, resembling a fluffy pompon.

Severe Kuril climate contributed to the rapid adaptation of the new breed. Cats have acquired excellent immunity and chic thick fur. The conditions also contributed to the development of agility and hunting instinct in them. Initially, the animals were simply pets, protecting the human house from rodents, but when they began to be taken to the mainland, other people began to be interested in the breed. At the end of the twentieth century, excellent breed characteristics of bobtails were assessed and breeders began developing standards.

Kuril Bobtail is a charming creature. These cats have an average size, but they strong and muscular. Males, of course, are larger, and often the weight of an adult cat reaches 8-9 kg. As for females, the largest of them weigh no more than 5.5 kg.

To date, certain standards of breed characteristics. Consider them in more detail.

• Head. Animals have a rather large snout. The forehead is rounded, the cheeks are expressive, the chin is massive, the nose is neat. The eyes are beautiful, almond-shaped, large, usually yellow or green. The ears are triangular, wide, densely pubescent on the inside.
• Tail. The shortened tail is the calling card of pedigreed individuals. Outwardly, it resembles a fluffy tassel. The length is usually from 3 to 12 cm. The number of vertebrae varies from 2 to 10. Bobtail tails are very mobile, according to legends, they helped wild individuals to cling to branches during fishing, eliminating the risk of falling into water.
• Torso. Representatives of the breed have a compact constitution. The chest is well developed, the hips are often slightly raised.
• Limbs. Paws of such cats are rounded, wide, powerful. As a rule, the hind limbs are longer than the fore.
• Wool. The fur of the bobtail is thick and dense. Wool usually has a medium or short length. Particularly fluffy are back and "pants" on its hind legs.In individuals with a long woolen neck, the neck is adorned with a luxurious "collar". This breed almost does not fade, with the exception of the period of change of baby fur to adult.

There are several varieties of bobtails in their color. According to the standard, several options are allowed:

• striped - the classic version of color;
• ash gray;
• tortoiseshell;
• black - such specimens are considered rare and very valuable;
• red - a common option;
• snow white – White specimens usually have a standard greenish-yellow hue, but sometimes there are incredibly beautiful cats with blue eyes.

White spots on a cat's coat with any shade of wool are acceptable. Most often, light spots are on the chest and paws in the form of socks. Sometimes there are other color options.

If you want not just to have a cute pet, but to buy a true friend in his person, the Kurilian bobtail is the breed for you. Cats are not only charming looking, but also different. sociability, patience and friendly character. Animals like dogs become attached to their owners, they miss them in the moments of their absence.

Short-tailed pets love children. They allow you to play with yourself, iron and squeeze, absolutely not expressing any discontent. Such cats are wonderful parents, they take very touching care of their babies.

With other four-legged inhabitants of the house (cats, dogs), the bobtail will easily find a common language. True, it is possible that he will strive to dominate, expressing his superiority. As for hamsters, domestic rats and birds, it is better not to start them if a representative of the Kuril breed lives in your house. The same applies to the fish in the aquarium.

Congenital Hunting Instinct will tempt a cat to hunt seductive live food. Activity and agility are inherent in all short-tailed fluffy pets. They deftly climb onto cabinets and shelves, so it’s best to remove all items that could fall and break from available places.

Kuril Bobtails are very talkative. However, they do not just meow, but make a whole set of sounds with different intonations. The meowing of such four-legged pets can resemble grumbling, bird chirping, or even dog barking.

The similarity of these interesting cats with dogs is manifested in other nuances. For example, they try to protect their masters. Bobtails are always happy accompany the person and even often sleep nearby, thus showing their care.

Representatives of this breed have high intelligence. Kittens are quickly taught to go to the tray. At any age, these animals behave with dignity, they rarely sharpen their claws on the upholstery of furniture, do not roll on curtains.

The most surprising is the fact that such cats easy to train. They can be taught to perform the command “aport”, stand on their hind legs, overcome obstacles. For training it is worth choosing a game form. Teams need to be given clearly, and for success it is necessary to reward with a delicacy. It is enough to give classes 10-15 minutes a day.

Representatives of this breed usually live up to 12 years. Some centenarians reach the age of 17. The duration of the life cycle of an animal is influenced not only by genetic factors. This is due to how well the cat owner cares for her. Quality food, clean water, no stress, timely medical care if necessary, all this can prolong the life of a bobtail and make it more pleasant.

Newborn kittens of this breed weigh from 90 to 150 g. The development of females lasts up to 2 years. By this time they can reach in weight 4-5.5 kg. Male representatives develop up to 3 years. Adult cat weight varies from 6 to 9 kg.

If you follow the change of indicators in stages, then by 2 months the kitten can weigh 1.5 kg. At 4 months the weight of the cat can reach 2.5 kg. After 5 months, weight gain is no longer so fast.

After three weeks of age, the kitten's eyes begin to change color. During this period, you should already carefully trim the claws of your pet. If there are several kittens, they may accidentally scratch each other.

The fourth week is the beginning of feeding. At this time it is necessary to provide small cats with clean water. Now you can start to teach kids and to the toilet. It is important to consider that the filler must be mineral. Clumping and silica gel options are not suitable, because insensible kittens try everything new to the taste.

Monthly animals can already see and hear. They stand confidently, walk and even run. On the fifth (first time) and seventh week (second time) antihelminthic treatment of animals is carried out. When babies reach two months of age, they are given the first vaccine.

Three or four month old kittens can be taken to a new home. They can already do without mom, the kittens independently eat, drink, learn about the world around them. By this time, a second vaccination should be given.

At the age of eight months, fluffy teeth change. Active growth is also coming to an end. This is the ideal time to sterilize an animal. If the owner does not plan to breed cats, it is better to carry out the operation, saving the pet from problems in the future.

It is important not to miss this period. An adult animal with established habits can poorly perceive sterilization, both physically and mentally.

When the bobtail is one year old, another antihelminthic prophylactic treatment is performed. After that, the pet is transferred to adult food. Also at this time make a mandatory comprehensive vaccination. At the exhibition of the short-tailed handsome can be displayed after they reach 10 months.

Kuril breed cats are generally unpretentious. They need standard care. These animals do not mark the territory, which undoubtedly pleases the owners. In addition, they have no smell, which also facilitates the maintenance of pets.

The main thing - to arrange a cozy corner for the cat. Well, if it is not just a bed, but a whole gaming complex. You also need to buy a tray in advance, containers for food and water, toys. You should not overlook the special kogtetochku.

• Combing. The short fur coat of the animal should be periodically, 1-2 times a week, combed. To do this, you can use a mitten made of rubber or silicone. If the fur is long, you may need a special brush and comb with large teeth.

Ignore the process of combing impossible. Otherwise, the pet may begin dermatological problems. Twice a year it is worth doing grooming.

• Bathing. Surprisingly, short-tailed cats are very fond of water treatments. They gladly splash in both natural waters and in the bathroom. Often wash four-legged pet optional. Usually this is done as needed: if the fur coat is dirty or before the upcoming exhibition.

Pre wool treated with disinfecting paste. When bathing use special shampoo. Do not use detergent too often. It can dry the skin and make the animal's fur dull.After water procedures, the animal is briefly wrapped in a soft towel or used for drying a hair dryer.

• Hearing care. It is necessary to periodically inspect the pet's ears. If they are detected, they should be removed with a cotton swab and an antiseptic. This should be done as carefully as possible without immersing the subject deeply. Also do not use vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol-based drugs.

Long hair that grows on the inner surface of the cat's ears should be trimmed. This will reduce the accumulation of secretory fluid.

• Cleansing eyes. To do this, use a soft cloth. Previously, it should be moistened with eye drops for animals.

• Tooth brushing. To save your pet from plaque and prevent inflammation, you should buy a special paste and brush in a specialty store. Also on sale are special treats that help clean the teeth and mouth of the animal.

• The arrangement of the toilet. It is better to choose a tray with high sides. Cats of Kuril breed especially actively bury "their affairs." Therefore, the filler can fly around the room.

Ideal conditions for the Kuril Bobtail - a private house, where a lot of space. However, such a cat can be kept in the apartment. The pet will be happy to travel with the owner to nature, go fishing. It is important to regularly inspect the cat's fur coat in order not to miss the possible occurrence of fleas, ticks or other insects.

The diet of the short-tailed pet must be balanced. We list the products that should be included in the Kuril Bobtail menu, if the owner decided to feed the pet with natural food:

• raw meat - the basis of the menu of domestic predator;
• offal offered cats boiled;
• boiled fish is included in the diet no more than 2 times a week, it is preferable to use low-fat varieties;
• eggs (yolk) can be given 1 time in 3 days;
• fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt) are more useful for adult cats than plain milk;
• cereals (except millet and rice) perfectly complement the meat, porridge from them is boiled in water;
• boiled and raw vegetables are a valuable source of fiber; they are ground up before serving.

If you decide to feed your cat with industrial feed, then choose quality options for premium or super premium. The main components should be meat and offal. Mixed meals are allowed, but not recommended. It is impossible to combine dry food and natural food in one feeding. Regardless of the type of feeding, the pet should always have a bowl of clean water available.

Pouring liquid from the tap cat is not worth it. It is better to water your pet with bottled or filtered water. Do not forget about fresh grass. All cats love greens. It nourishes the animal's body with vitamins, improves its state of health and mood.

Kuril bobtails come from places with a harsh climate. Such animals are not afraid of wind and frost, they differ in good health and good immunity. However, cats can still undergo diseases of the intestines, urinary system, kidneys. This is especially evident in old age. Mature individuals may experience blurred vision, problems with teeth.

If you notice a health disorder in your pet, then in this case it is better not to start the situation.. Many diseases can be successfully treated in the early stages. In addition, it is important from an early age to pay attention to the condition of the animal, to monitor its proper nutrition. At the first alarming symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite and so on, you should contact a veterinarian. It is necessary to be vaccinated in time, undergo regular veterinary examinations, perform mandatory preventive treatment from helminths.

Kuril Bobtail is a wonderful breed. Your fluffy pet will not let you get bored. Remember that a pet is a big responsibility. Take care of the cat, show your love to her, take care of her well-being. Then the intelligent, kind and inquisitive animal will surely respond to you with devotion and tenderness.

You will learn even more interesting information about Kurilian bobtails in the following video.