Toybob

The cat that stays kitten-sized

Also known as: Toy Bob · Skif-toy-bob · Scythian Toy Bob · Miniature bobtail · Toybob cat

Toybob, a small cat from Russia (photo 2)

Toybob, a small cat from Russia (photo 3)

Toybob, a small cat from Russia (photo 4)

Photos: Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

15–20 cm(6–8 in)Height at the shoulder

1.5–2.5 kg(3–6 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

20 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupTails & ears

OriginRussia

SizeSmall

CoatShort or semi-long

ColoursMainly seal point and seal mink; the Yekaterinburg lines accept more colours

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1993

Estimated cost in Spain*€780–1,080 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

It is one of the smallest breeds in the world: an adult weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg (3–6 lb), roughly what a three- or four-month-old kitten of another breed weighs. Its small size is not due to short legs but to a whole body in miniature, compact and muscular, with a short, kinked tail of just a few vertebrae. Breeding began in the 1980s in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, from two non-pedigree pointed cats, and it was registered as experimental in 1993; since 2006 there has been a second line in Yekaterinburg. Today the WCF recognises it, TICA has accepted it for registration since 2017 and the CFA accepted it in 2019. Its breeders describe it as very attached to its owner, calm and easy to train.

Temperament

ClingyPlayfulCalmClever

Activity

3/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

4/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

4/5

How vocalless is better

2/5

Sheddingless is better

2/5

Brushing needsless is better

1/5

Health robustness

3/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

2/5

For first-time owners

4/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

It needs the same as any cat, on a different scale: small, carefully weighed portions, toys of its size and a low-sided litter tray. Because of its size, take care with small children and large dogs: always supervise play. Be wary of anyone selling “mini” or “teacup” kittens of other breeds: they are often cats with growth problems or malnourished, not a breed.

Health

It is a young breed with a small population and no large health studies. The short tail is due to altered vertebrae: ask the vet to check the kitten's spine and gait. Choose registered breeders who keep inbreeding in check and show you the parents' health checks. In such a small cat, any loss of appetite or repeated vomiting warrants a prompt vet visit.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

An adult weighs roughly what a three- or four-month-old kitten of another breed does.

There is hardly any size difference between males and females.

Its full name, Skif-toy-bob, refers to the Scythians (“skif” in Russian), its toy size and its short tail.

For years the Rostov line bred only seal point cats, the colour of the classic Siamese.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Toybob get?

An adult Toybob usually weighs 1.5–2.5 kg (3–6 lb) and stands about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a small cat.

How long does a Toybob live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Toybob hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Toybob good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Toybob need?

As a guide, 20 min of play a day. Its activity score is 3 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.