Toybob Cat Breed: The Smallest Known Cat Breed

The toybob, with its naturally small build, short tail, and large eyes, fulfills the dream of those who long for a kitten that never grows up.

The toybob is the smallest known cat breed recognized by the CFA, one of the largest cat registry organizations. It currently debuts in the Provisional class, which leads directly to championship status.

History of the Toybob

The story of the Toybob began in 1983 in Russia, when Elena Krasnichenko paired two stray cats. One had a short, kinked tail, and the other had a curled bobtail. One of their offspring, a male named Kutciy, participated in a cat show in 1989. Although fully grown, he was mistaken for a kitten. This inspired the name “toybob” (where “toy” indicates a small size in pet breeding, and “bob” is derived from the word “bobbed,” meaning shortened).

Development of the breed continued in Russia throughout the 1990s, with some breeders introducing carefully selected domestic cats to diversify the gene pool. The first toybob arrived in the United States in 2004, and in 2015, the International Toybob Cat Club was established, bringing together breeders from across the country to create a unified standard and gain breed recognition. In 2019, the CFA accepted the toybob for registration, where it is currently shown in the Provisional class.

Breed Standard of the Toybob

Despite their tiny size, Toybob cats do not appear or feel fragile. They have solid, muscular bodies with broad ribcages and strong bones. Their heads are wedge-shaped, slightly longer than wide, with rounded cheekbones. Their large, round eyes are set far apart, giving them a sweet, expressive look. The bobbed tail must be at least two vertebrae long, so it does not affect their agility or health (the tail is naturally short, not docked). The coat can be either short or semi-long, both dense and plush-like. All genetically possible colors and patterns are allowed, with eye color corresponding to the coat.

The Character of the Toybob

Toybobs are lively, playful, and active but not overly so. They often prefer to sit on their owner’s lap rather than chase a feather toy. They follow their owners like a shadow, showing gentle interest in whatever they do.

Because they are very social, toybobs usually get along well with other pets and appreciate their companionship. They don’t like being left alone for long periods, so it might be ideal to keep them in pairs if no one is home during the day. They are not particularly vocal.

The Ideal Environment for the Toybob

The breed is not only intelligent but gentle and affectionate, making them excellent pets for families with children and elderly people. They enjoy comfort, such as soft cushions and warm blankets, so owners should make sure to provide these in various parts of the home.

Caring for the Toybob

Toybob grooming is relatively simple. The long coat, which rarely mats or tangles, benefits from weekly combing with a steel comb. Short-haired toybobs can also be brushed weekly. Bathing is unnecessary unless the cat is being shown.

As with any cat, it’s important to clean their eyes and ears regularly, and brushing their teeth daily or every other day is recommended. Feed them the highest quality, high-protein food you can afford, suitable for their age and condition. Also, ensure they always have fresh water and scoop the litter box daily.

Common Health Problems of the toybob

According to information on the CFA website, the breed has a high level of genetic diversity, and no breed-specific health issues have been identified.