Pixie-bob
The origins of the Pixie-bob are set out in a legend, which recounts that male bobcats mated with domestic cats living on nearby farms, and that these pairings brought about the breed we know today. Despite their clear similarity to the bobcat, genetic analyses have detected no markers to link these two types of feline. These cats are wonderfully charming and their physique is extraordinary. Their weighty build, the locks of hair on the tips of their ears, their short tail (which measures 2 inches on average) and their occasional extra fingers make the Pixie-bob a unique and distinguished feline.
Key facts about the Pixie-bob
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Type of coat :
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Origins and history
In 1986, Carol Ann Brewer rescued a male cat with a very short tail, who came up to about knee height. She called him Keba. Keba then mated with an unsterilised domestic female named Maggie, who gave birth to a litter of kittens. Mrs Brewer kept one of the female kittens which had a speckled pattern on a red-fawn coat, and called her Pixie - this being the origin of the breed’s name. Mrs Brewer started to look for cats who had the same type of look as the Pixie-bob. After her determined efforts, in 1993, a request was made to TICA to recognise these cats as a breed, but it wasn’t until 1998 that champion status was first granted to one of these cats and TICA officially recognised the breed.
Physical characteristics of the Pixie-bob
Adult size
Female : Between 10 and 12 in
Male : Between 13 and 15 in
They reach their adult size around the age of 2 to 3 years old.
Weight
Female : Between 7 and 11 lb
Male : Between 11 and 15 lb
Coat colour
Brown spotted tabby.
All brown spotted tabby colours are accepted, but warmer tones are preferred. The colour of the coat is lightened by ticking, and the hairs are mousey grey at the base.
Type of coat
There are 2 varieties:
- Short-haired variety: the fur is woolly in texture, less flattened to their body than in the long-haired variety, and longer on the stomach area.
- Long-haired variety: the fur measures about 5cm in length and sits closer to the body than in the short-haired variety.
Eye colour
Golden yellow, brown, gooseberry green
Description
Pixie-bobs are large, robust cats, with a wild look that can make them seem imposing. But don’t be too quick to judge - their temperament is the opposite, and they actually have a very gentle character.
Good to know
When the seasons change, you’ll notice some changes to your Pixie-bob’s coat in terms of texture, length and colour. During the spring months, their fur is shorter with a very visible speckled pattern, whereas in the winter period, their fur becomes more dense, which brings out the natural ticking, giving an impression of a fine layer of frost covering their coat.
Did you know that this breed is the only one for which polydactyl paws are allowed and that the maximum number permitted is 7?
Temperament
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Affectionate
These cats will no doubt have their moments of tenderness and they’ll be sure to let you know when they want a stroke. You’ll certainly enjoy the texture of their woolly coat.
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Playful
You must be sure to offer these felines interactive play sessions, as well as independent activities, on a daily basis.
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Calm
Pixie-bobs have a reputation for being quite the homebodies… But there is of course variation between individuals so you’ll have to wait and see if this applies to yours or not!
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Intelligent
They are very capable of putting their brain cells to work when the situation calls for it. So don’t underestimate them - these cats may just impress you!
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Fearful / wary of strangers
These cats are said to be quite sociable. They will likely be at your side to welcome any visitors!
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Independent
These cats are good at coping when you’re absent. If you provide them with independent activities and enriching food, they will wait patiently and happily until your return.
Behaviour of the Pixie-bob
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Chatty
Pixie-bobs aren’t known for being chatty, but they will talk to you on occasion with chirps and coos.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
Just like any cat, they need to wear themselves out. Daily play sessions, combined with games that they can play alone, will be enough to satisfy them. Additionally, since these cats are powerful and agile, their environment must be tailored to their needs. High-up installations, such as wall-mounted perches, are just the thing.
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Tendency to run away
You must always be careful with doors and windows, but these are cats who tend to enjoy the comfort of home.
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Greedy / Gluttony
These cats are fairly big and burly. This means they’ll need plenty of good food to satisfy them. Although they don’t have a reputation for being greedy, you must be careful to avoid the buildup of fat on their muscles due to a food intake that exceeds their basic caloric needs.
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Is the Pixie-bob right for you?
take the testCompatibility
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Pixie-bob and cats
With an adequate introduction, this breed will most likely get on very well with other cats.
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Pixie-bob and dogs
With the right environment that is adapted to their needs, these cats can quite easily live with a dog and develop a good relationship.
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Pixie-bob and children
These cats make good companions for children. They will enjoy play sessions with them, as well as taking little siestas together!
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Pixie-bob and the elderly
The fairly calm temperament of these kitties can be well suited to a calm person who is able to give them the stimulation they need.
Price
The average purchase price of a Pixie-bob is between £175 and £1000, with this varying depending on the lineage, breeding, age or even the sex. For your monthly budget, you should allow an average of £35 per month to meet their needs by offering them a high quality diet and ensuring you keep them in good health.
Grooming
A weekly brush will be enough, for both long- and short-haired varieties.
Shedding
These cats only lose a very small amount of fur.
Nutrition of the Pixie-bob
It’s important to consult your veterinary team in order to determine the best food to give your Pixie-bob to maintain their muscle mass and athletic physique.
Health of the Pixie-bob
Life expectancy
The Pixie-bob has a life expectancy of between 12 and 20 years, with an average of around 14 years.
Strong / robust
Thanks to their thick fur, these cats are very resistant to cold temperatures. However, they don’t cope so well with heat.
Tendency to put on weight
These cats are no more likely to be overweight than any other cats.
Common illnesses
No specific diseases are particularly prevalent among this breed.
The Pixie-bob can, however, eventually develop the same conditions as any other cat, such as oral diseases.
Reproduction
No external pairings are permitted.
According to some sources, it isn’t recommended to breed two polydactyl Pixie-bobs as this could lead to paw deformations. However, there are no scientific studies to corroborate this.