What is a Pixie Bob?

A pixie bob is a breed of cat that is very rare and unique, as it is thought to have wild bobcat heritage. Carol Ann Brewer of Washington State is credited with developing the pixie bob breed through mating domestic cats with wild bobcats. In 1995, the pixie bob breed was accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA), the world's second largest cat registry, when it was registered by Brewer. In 1999, North America Cat Fancy magazine featured a pixie bob on its cover.

Today, the pixie bob is still considered a fairly rare cat breed. Most pixie bob breeders are still located in the Pacific Northwest although the breed is becoming more popular worldwide, such as in Sweden. Pixie bobs are large, muscular and usually have a face that looks very much like a bobcat. Many of them are also poly or polydactyl which means they have extra toes compared to a domestic cat. Regular domestic cats have four toes on each front foot and five toes on each back foot, while the pixie bob could have up to seven toes on each foot.

While pixie bobs participating in show circuits must have bobbed tails, a non-show pixie bob could have a longer tail. Coat colors for the pixie bob are in a wide range of browns from golden to reddish brown. Coat patterns may be spotted or striped. The coat is a double type with a thick undercoat and the pixie bob's coat may be either short haired or of medium length. Eye colors for the pixie bob include gold, green and golden brown.

Some pixie bobs have been known to be trained to walk on a leash and many are considered to have dog-like behavior such as enjoying travel with their owners. Generally, the pixie bob is said to be an intelligent, quiet breed that likes to be around their owner. It is important to note that pixie bobs are not pure bobcats and were bred to be indoor domestic cats.

A Pixie Bob is a domestic cat breed with a striking resemblance to the North American Bobcat. Despite its wild appearance, it is entirely domestic and known for its dog-like behavior, such as enjoying walks on a leash and playing fetch. They have a muscular build, a short tail, and often exhibit polydactylism, having more than the usual number of toes on their paws.

The Pixie Bob breed originated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the mid-1980s. The breed's founder, Carol Ann Brewer, acquired a male kitten with a bobbed tail and later mated it with a neighbor's female cat that also had a naturally short tail. The resulting kittens became the foundation of the Pixie Bob breed.

Pixie Bob cats are known for their sociable and gentle nature, making them excellent companions for children. They are typically good with other pets as well, including dogs, due to their amiable disposition. Their playful and patient characteristics contribute to their ability to integrate well into family environments.

Pixie Bobs have a dense coat that can be short or long. They require regular grooming to keep their fur in good condition. Brushing them once or twice a week is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, more frequent grooming may be necessary to manage their shedding.

Pixie Bob cats have a lifespan similar to other domestic cats, typically living between 13 to 15 years. With proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a healthy diet, some Pixie Bobs can live even longer. Their robust health and hearty genetics contribute to their longevity.

Yes, the Pixie Bob breed is recognized by major cat registries. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the Pixie Bob as a new breed in 1995 and granted it championship status in 1997. Other organizations, such as the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), also recognize the breed, allowing them to participate in official cat shows.