The Pixie-Bob cat stands out among the diverse world of domestic cats with their wild appearance and captivating personality. Originating in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, the Pixie-Bob showcases a striking resemblance to the elusive bobcat. This fascinating blend of wild aesthetics and amiable temperament makes the breed a subject of keen interest for cat fanciers, breeders, and those seeking a cat companion.
These aesthetically unique cats typically have a short, spotted or marbled coat in various colors, with tufted ears, expressive eyes, and a muscular build. The breed is recognized for its friendly and social nature, forming strong bonds with its human companions. Pixie-Bobs are often described as dog-like, enjoying interactive play, walks on a leash, and even learning tricks. Despite their wild appearance, they are affectionate and make loving additions to households willing to provide the attention and engagement they crave.
When considering a Pixie-Bob cat, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. However, if you decide to purchase a Pixie-Bob kitten, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their cats. Reputable Pixie-Bob cat breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their cats, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures that you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Quick Facts
- Origin: USA, 1960s, developed by Carol Ann Brewer from a feral cat with a bobtail and domestic shorthairs.
- Size: Medium (8-17 pounds), with males generally larger than females.
- Breed Group: Landrace (natural breed)
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Coat: Short or semi-longhaired, naturally occurring tabby patterns in various colors like brown, silver, and charcoal.
- Temperament: Easygoing, friendly, affectionate, intelligent, playful, enjoys human interaction and playtime.
- Exercise Needs: Moderate – loves exploring, climbing, and games, but also content with cuddles.
- Training: Easily trainable due to their intelligence and desire to please, can learn tricks and even leash training.
- Grooming: Weekly brushing for short-haired, more frequent for semi-longhaired, to prevent matting.
- Health: Generally healthy, but some potential for genetic health conditions
- Pixie-Bobs are unique in the fact that they are polydactyl. Polydactyl cats have more than the usual number of digits on its paws. Polydactyl cats are considered lucky, so if you have a Pixie-Bob, luck may be on your side!
- The facial hair on a Pixie-Bob makes it look like they have mutton chops.
- Åska is a Pixie-Bob in Sweden that has an Instagram, where you can follow his adventures.
- They are known for their chirps, but barely meow at all.
Pixie-Bob Pictures
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
Pixie-Bob History
The Pixie-Bob breed is thought to have started from the unplanned litter of a bobcat and a barn cat in 1985. The barn cat belonged to Carol Ann Brewer, and she named a female kitten Pixie. Pixie became the foundation mother for this breed. While there is no hard proof that Pixie’s father was actually a wildcat, it is widely believed and accepted by breeders.
The International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognized the Pixie-Bob as a breed in 1994. It took the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) up until 2005 to follow suit and accept the Pixie-Bob as a recognized breed. Breeders are still hoping that the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) will soon start accepting the Pixie-Bob as a breed as well.
Pixie-Bob Size
The Pixie-Bob can be quite a large cat! Female Pixie-Bobs tend to weigh in between 8-12 pounds, whereas the male Pixie-Bob can clock in around up to 25 pounds! The Pixie-Bob is a brawny, muscular cat, which is why many breeders do believe a Coastal Red Bobcat had to be the founding father of the breed.
Pixie-Bob Personality
Pixie-Bobs may have been created out of wild passion, but for the most part, Pixie-Bobs are a mellow sort of cat. Pixie-Bobs love to be with their owners, but Pixie-Bobs are not considered hyperactive by any stretch of the imagination. These cats enjoy laid-back hang sessions with the family and have been described as “dog-like” in personality.
Pixie-Bobs bond very strongly with their families and love taking car rides and leashed walks with their loved ones. This is what makes the Pixie-Bob an ideal cat for families with children. Pixie-Bob’s ability to bond with their humans along with their patient personas make them excellent companions for children.
Pixie-Bob Health
Pixie-Bobs as a breed are relatively healthy and not prone to many illnesses. The breed is frequently outcrossed, which helps avoid potential health problems that arise from inbreeding. There are a couple of health issues that still can arise with a Pixie-Bob cat.
- Difficult Births: A small percentage of Pixie-Bobs have difficulty delivering litters and may suffer health consequences. These Pixie-Bobs are taken out of breeding in hopes of reducing this issue.
- Cryptorchidism: A few cases of Cryptorchidism (missing testes or scrotum) have been reported in Pixie-Bobs, but not enough to consider it a health hazard for Pixie-Bobs across the board.
Pixie-Bob Care
Pixie-Bobs do not inherently have many health issues, but basic care is a must for these large cats. An issue that can arise with Pixie-Bobs is a little extra weight. Be sure to maintain your Pixie-Bob’s weight at a healthy point and not mistake it for him simply being a large cat.
Pixie-Bob Coat Color And Grooming
Pixie-Bobs have a thick double coat which needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting and excessive shedding. The texture is “wooly,” like a bobcat, and can be either short-haired or long-haired.
Typically, Pixie-Bobs have a mackerel or striped coat pattern. Sometimes these stripes are accompanied by rosettes, giving the Pixie-Bob that authentic bobcat look. A Pixie-Bob’s coat can be a variety of colors, but are mostly tawny, light gray, or reddish in appearance.
Children And Other Pets
Given the Pixie-Bob’s dog-like reputation, these cats make excellent companions for homes with other pets and with children. The Pixie-Bob’s devotion to its family and overall loyalty make them excellent companions for pretty much anyone!
Pixie-Bob Rescue Groups
More Info For You
If you’re also looking for a dog, check out DogTime’s dog breed page!
