Longhair cat Medium size 3-7 kg

Kurilian Bobtail Longhair

A robust, dog-like bobtailed cat that plays fetch and stays active - the semi-long coat needs regular brushing.

Compare
Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-7 kg, 25-30 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
Active; needs daily play and climbing
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Tolerates some time on its own
Easy
Handling
Sociable and easy to handle
Moderate
Coat care
Semi-long coat; brush 2-3x weekly
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate kids
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Generally hardy; watch weight and heart

The Kurilian Bobtail Longhair typically weighs 3-7 kg, stands 25-30 cm, and lives 14-18 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want an active, playful cat with a dog-like, interactive streak,
you enjoy games like fetch and want a cat that engages with you,
you can brush a semi-long coat two or three times a week,
you want a hardy natural breed and can find a reputable breeder.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a quiet lap cat that mostly sleeps,
you cannot provide climbing space and daily play,
you dislike any coat care - the semi-long fur needs brushing,
you are unwilling to wait for a scarce, uncommon breed.

A typical day with a Kurilian Bobtail Longhair

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Wakes ready to play; greets the household
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Climbs and explores; fetches a favorite toy
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Naps in a favorite perch
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Active interactive play, jumping and chasing
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Coat brushing and calm family time
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Settles down near its people

Temperament and training

Playfulness Very high
Sociability High
Tolerance of handling High
Hunting drive High
Vocality Low
Independence Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Letting the semi-long coat mat by skipping brushing · Under-stimulating an active, playful cat into boredom · Free-feeding an indoor cat into obesity

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and tolerant with considerate kids.
Other cats Good
Sociable; usually gets on with other cats.
Dogs Good
Its confident, dog-like nature suits calm dogs.
Apartment Conditional
Workable with climbing space and daily play.
Seniors Conditional
Affectionate but active; needs play and coat care.
First cat Good
Easygoing and adaptable for a first-time owner.
Busy household Suitable
Fits lively homes; enjoys company and activity.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Indoor cats gain weight easily; watch portions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Kidney disease Chronic kidney decline, more common with age
Dental disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Same breed with an easier-care coat
Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair
A hardy, playful bobtailed cat with a dog-like streak and easy coat - active and trainable, happiest with things to do.
View profile →
Another sturdy, playful bobtailed cat
American Bobtail
A sturdy, easygoing cat with a stubby tail and a dog-like devotion - adaptable and great with family life.
View profile →
Active, social bobtailed breed
Japanese Bobtail
An active, sociable and vocal bobtailed cat that enjoys games and company - hardy and easy to keep, rarely a quiet lap cat.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Kurilian Bobtail Longhair cost in the US?
The breed is rare in the US, so expect waitlists, few breeders, and possible import; kittens commonly run around $1,000-$2,000, sometimes more. Across a 14-18 year life, food, litter, grooming, and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more, with any chronic illness adding to that.
Are Kurilian Bobtails good with dogs?
Often, yes. They are confident, sociable, and famously dog-like in personality, which helps them get along with calm, cat-friendly dogs when introductions are done slowly. Their bold, playful nature means they are less likely to hide, though as with any pet, supervise early meetings until everyone is comfortable.
Do Kurilian Bobtails really play fetch?
Many do. The breed is known for its playful, interactive, dog-like behavior, and individual cats often enjoy fetching toys and engaging in games with their people. It is a tendency rather than a guarantee, but this is a genuinely active, engaging cat rather than a sedentary lap warmer.
Is the longhair coat hard to care for?
It is manageable but not maintenance-free. The semi-long coat should be brushed a couple of times a week to prevent tangles and mats, with a bit more attention during seasonal shedding. It does not require professional grooming, but it does need more regular brushing than a shorthair breed.