Cat breed guide

Toybob

Tiny, tailless, and surprisingly confident

Quick answer: The Toybob is a very small cat breed with a naturally short tail and a friendly, confident personality.

Very small Naturally short tail Playful Social Rare breed
Researched Fact-checked Updated Jan 2026
Toybob cat with short tail and compact body

Personality Traits

Playfulness 4/5
Affection level 4/5
Activity level 3/5
Friendliness 4/5
Intelligence 4/5

Quick Facts

Size
small
Weight
4–7 lb (about 1.8–3.2 kg)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Origin
Russia
Coat
Short or semi-long
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low

Overview

The Toybob may look like a kitten forever, but it’s a confident and capable little cat. Compact, friendly, and curious, this breed brings a lot of personality in a small package. If you want a tiny cat that still enjoys play and interaction, the Toybob stands out.

Personality & Temperament

Very affectionate

Usually enjoys cuddles and being near people.

Playful & curious

Likes interactive toys and learning games.

Medium energy

Adapts well to most households.

Smart & trainable

Learns routines fast; puzzle toys help a lot.

Personality in real life

Toybobs are friendly and people-oriented.

They enjoy play but are not hyperactive.

Many are confident despite their small size.

They usually do well with families and other pets.

They like being near people without demanding constant attention.

History

The Toybob originated in Russia in the late 20th century.

The breed developed from naturally occurring bobtailed cats, not from dwarfism.

Breeders focused on preserving the small size, short tail, and balanced temperament.

Today, the Toybob is considered a rare breed and is still developing outside its country of origin.

Appearance

Very small, compact body.

Naturally short bobtail, often curled or kinked.

Round head with large, expressive eyes.

Short legs proportional to the body.

Overall look is sturdy, not fragile.

Is a Toybob right for you?

Good fit if:

  • You want a very small cat.
  • You enjoy playful but gentle interaction.
  • You live in an apartment or smaller space.
  • You want a rare, unique breed.

Not ideal if:

  • You want a large or athletic cat.
  • You prefer a very independent personality.
  • You want a highly energetic breed.

Daily life with a Toybob

Energy level

Low to moderate. Enjoys play, but also lots of rest.

Noise level

Quiet to moderate.

Attention needs

Affectionate but not demanding.

Grooming

Easy. Occasional brushing is enough.

Things to Know Before Adopting

  • Very rare outside of certain regions.
  • Small size may not suit homes with very young children.
  • Limited breeder availability.
  • Can be mistaken for a kitten due to size.

Interesting Facts

Fact 1 of 4

Often described as looking like a perpetual kitten.

Reviewed Researched by CatsLib Team Regularly updated
C

CatsLib Team

Editorial & Research Team

CatsLib content is written and reviewed by our editorial team. We focus on clear, practical guidance for cat owners and regularly update articles when recommendations change.

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Sources & References (2)

All information on CatsLib is backed by reputable sources. We regularly review and update our content to ensure accuracy.

1
Toybob – Wikipedia
Last checked: Jan 20, 2026
en.wikipedia.org
2
Toybob – TICA Breed Information
Last checked: Jan 20, 2026
tica.org

Our editorial process: Every article is reviewed by veterinarians and feline behavior experts. We cross-reference multiple sources and update content regularly to maintain accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic

1
What is a Toybob cat?

The Toybob is a very small, naturally bobtailed cat breed known for its friendly personality.

2
Are Toybob cats rare?

Yes. The Toybob is considered a rare breed, especially outside of Russia.

3
Are Toybob cats healthy?

They are not bred from dwarfism, and responsible breeding focuses on balanced health.

4
How big do Toybob cats get?

They are very small, usually weighing between 4–7 lb (about 1.8–3.2 kg).

5
Do Toybob cats have no tail?

They have a naturally short bobtail, which can vary in length and shape.

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