The Pixiebob breed is a unique and striking cat that stands out for its resemblance to the wild bobcat. With their distinctive appearance, they boast a physical robustness and a friendly demeanor that make them a popular choice for pet owners.
Originating in the United States, the Pixiebob is often characterized by their spotted coat, which can be either long-haired or short-haired, and their noteworthy tail, which can range from non-existent to full-length, but typically aligns with the shorter bobcat-style.
Despite their wild look, pixiebobs are known for their sweet and sociable nature. They are adaptable felines that typically enjoy the companionship of their human families as well as other pets.
These medium-to-large-sized cats have a temperament that balances playfulness with affection, making them suitable for various living environments, from spacious houses to smaller apartments.
With a lifespan of around 13 to 16 years, the Pixiebob is a companionable pet that can fit well into many homes, sharing their loyalty and playful antics with their owners.
Pixiebob Characteristics
The Pixiebob breed stands out with its distinctive wild appearance and companionable nature. Recognized for their bobbed tails and plush coats, these cats exhibit traits that make them fascinating pets.
Appearance
The Pixiebob is a striking cat, resembling the look of the North American Bobcat.
Most notably, they possess a bobbed tail, typically ranging from one to six inches in length. Their facial features include a pronounced brow and a pair of round, tufted ears.
Size and Weight
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: Typically 8-17 pounds, with males often being larger. Some males can reach up to 25 pounds.
A Pixiebob’s size is robust and muscular, reflecting their hearty ancestry.
Coat and Color
Coat Length: Can be long or short
Coat Color: Varies, usually in shades of brown
Patterns: Often a tabby with spots, especially on the belly
Eye Color: Predominantly golden brown or green
Their coats flaunt a natural ‘wild’ pattern, enhancing their resemblance to wild bobcats.
Temperament
Pixiebobs are noted for their sweet and affable demeanors. They tend to be sociable and enjoy engaging in playful activities.
These cats are intelligent, which makes them easily trainable for tricks and even walking on a leash. Despite a potentially adventurous spirit, they are just as content with a calm cuddle session.
Health and Care
Caring for a Pixiebob involves understanding their specific needs, from common health issues to proper diet and grooming techniques.
Common Health Issues
Pixiebobs are generally healthy, but they can have genetic health issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia.
It’s important to keep regular vet checkups to monitor for these conditions.
Diet and Nutrition
They thrive on high-quality cat food that’s rich in protein. Whether it’s wet or dry food, ensuring it is age-appropriate and meets all nutritional requirements is key for a Pixiebob’s diet.
Grooming Needs
Pixiebobs have a dense coat that may be short or long.
They require weekly brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Regular ear checks and nail trims also keep them in tip-top shape.
History and Origin
The Pixiebob cat breed boasts a unique background that seems to be plucked straight from local folklore. They originated in the Northwestern United States, with the initial breeding said to replicate the appearance of the North American bobcat.
Despite the tales, modern genetic testing shows that Pixiebobs are completely domestic cats with no verified wild bobcat ancestry.
A woman named Carol Ann Brewer is credited with founding the breed in the 1980s.
She adopted a male kitten with a bobbed tail and later bred it to produce a litter of similar kittens. One of these kittens, a female named Pixie, became the namesake of the breed.
Here are key aspects of the Pixiebob’s history:
- Region: Northwestern United States
- Inspiration: North American bobcat
- Founder: Carol Ann Brewer
- Breed Mascot: Pixie
- Genetics: Purely domestic
Pixiebobs are known for certain traits that give them a wild look: a muscular build, a spotted coat, and sometimes extra toes, a feature known as polydactylism.
Numerous cat registries all over the world now recognize this breed due to its growing popularity. They can have short or long coats and share a friendly and companionable personality, which makes them distinct house pets.
Breed Standards and Recognition
The Pixiebob cat breed is known for its distinct wild appearance, reminiscent of the North American Bobcat.
Recognized by cat breed organizations like TICA (the International Cat Association), they’re adored for their striking look and amiable nature.
Size: Medium-to-large, with males ranging in weight from 12 to 18 pounds and females slightly smaller.
Coat: The Pixiebob can sport either a short or long coat. In both cases, it is soft and plush.
Color and Pattern: This breed generally displays a brown spotted tabby coat. The shades can vary from tawny to reddish-brown, while the spots are small, and muted by heavy ticking. The ticking becomes more pronounced in colder months, sometimes adopting a silvery tone.
Eyes: The eye color can range from golden brown to gooseberry green, complementing their tabby coat.
Most Pixiebobs have a muscular and brawny build, adding to their wild appearance. They often have a thick, woolly coat around the neck area, similar to a bobcat’s ruff, with a distinctively short tail. The breed can also exhibit polydactylism, meaning some Pixiebobs may have extra toes.
Their breed standards allow for some variability, accommodating their naturally occurring genetic diversity.
For those interested in showing these cats, breeders and associations maintain specific guidelines to ensure the cats meet the ideal breed characteristics. While Pixiebobs are not hypoallergenic, they make up for it with their playful and social demeanor, quickly becoming beloved members of many families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the essentials about the Pixie-Bob breed, including costs, personality, size, coloration, health, and lifespan.
What’s the typical price range for a Pixie-Bob kitten?
Pixie-Bob kittens generally cost between $600 and $1500. Prices can vary based on lineage, location, and breeder reputation.
Can you describe the personality traits of Pixie-Bob cats?
They are known for their sociable and affectionate nature. Pixie-Bobs are often likened to dogs with their loyalty and playful behavior.
How big do Pixie-Bob cats usually get?
Adult Pixie-Bobs can vary in size but typically weigh between 8 and 18 pounds. Their thick fur often makes them appear larger than they actually are.
What color variations do Pixie-Bob cats come in?
Pixie-Bobs commonly have a brown-spotted tabby coat that can range from warm fawn to cool, dark slate.
Are there any common health issues associated with Pixie-Bob cats?
Pixie-Bobs are generally healthy, but they may encounter specific reproductive issues and other common feline conditions.
How long do Pixie-Bob cats typically live?
A Pixie-Bob cat’s lifespan usually ranges from 13 to 15 years with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups.
