Is My Cat Mixed With Bobcat? 3 Ways to Identify Purebred? - Oxford Pets (2024)

It can be quite hard to keep a feline that is mixed with a bobcat as a house cat. And your cat might be a hybrid of the bobcat as well. This leads to the question of is my cat mixed with a bobcat? And even if it is, how do I know?

Contents hide

1To identify if your cat is mixed with a bobcat, here are the things you can do

2How to identify a pure bobcat?

2.1Their faces have slight black markings.

2.2A bobcat has a very small tail.

2.4Bobcats are quite territorial in nature.

3Do bobcats mate with strays or regular house cats?

4Is it safe to keep a bobcat as a pet?

5Did I cover all you wanted to know about is my cat mixed with bobcat?

The best way to know whether your cat is mixed with a bobcat is to see if it matches bobcat features. The basic traits of bobcats are tufted ears, long legs, and large paws. And they weigh around 8 kg. If your cat has all these features, then there is a possibility that it’s mixed with a bobcat.

“The average calf has five toes at the front feet and four at the back, While a bobcat (pixy bobcat) may have seven toes per foot.”

Bobcat Legends

An American bobcat is one of the most available yet rare breeds of cats. These are available almost everywhere, yet you can rarely catch the sight of one roaming around.

Bobcat’s color pattern looks similar to the Bengal cat, but tends to be more aggressive than a Bengal cat

A bobcat likes to hide a lot. They are always lurking in the bushes, behind rocks, or in a forest.

Since they are wild cat breeds, people are quite afraid of them in general. However, a bobcat does not attack unless it feels threatened.

It is not hard to find out if your cat is mixed with a bobcat or not. The bobcat has some very significant and rare characteristics that can tell you whether your house cat is mixed with one or not.

To identify if your cat is mixed with a bobcat, here are the things you can do

First, learn about how to identify a bobcat. If you are aware of how it looks, if you are aware of its characteristics, then you can judge whether your house cat acts like a bobcat or not.

Secondly, A bobcat resembles a regular feline, but it has its own features that make it different from other cats. If you can identify the significant features of the bobcat, then you need to compare it with your house cat to see if your house cat resembles a bobcat or not.

How to identify a pure bobcat?

A bobcat is a type of cat known as the lynx. Although they are a species of cats, they are about twice the size of a regular cat. Their usual weight count starts from 11 pounds to somewhere around 30 pounds. The color of their fur is tan or brown. Sometimes it has a little hue of red in it.

Their faces have slight black markings.

These black markings also appear on the tuft of their ears. Moreover, the underside of the body is usually white.

A bobcat has a very small tail.

The tail is not very small, but it is smaller and stubbier compared to regular cats.

When we are talking about the bobcat’s physical ability, they are very different from your regular cats. They have a very strong and flexible body, and they are agile and fast.

They run very fast and can jump really high.

Although lynx cats are a very available cat breed, they avoid the human eye like the plague. They can rarely be seen in public and like to hide more than anything.

It happens because they assume humans to an enemy. Bobcats do not go around in pacts; they prefer lurking around on their own and tend to act quite aggressively when they feel threatened.

Bobcats are quite territorial in nature.

If they feel like another cat is trying to be in their area, they will fight and fight pretty aggressively.

The prime difference between a bobcat and a house cat is the way they look. If your house cat resembles somewhat a bobcat, notice how it acts around other pets.

While a wild animal like a bobcat cannot be tamed, a regular house cat can be tamed and trained quite easily.

Click here to find cat breeds that are born with short tails.

Do bobcats mate with strays or regular house cats?

A bobcat rarely mates with a house cat. A regular house cat in a bobcat’s area will make it feel threatened, and it will most likely pick a fight with it. But if it is a stray cat that is in heat and the bobcat is in heat as well, they may be mating.

Although the chances are low, it is not impossible. If you live in an area where bobcats live as well, and if your regular house cat roams around in the wild, there is a possibility that your house cat mate with a bobcat.

Like I have said earlier, the chances are low but it is not impossible. If a bobcat and regular house cat mate, then the kitten will have some bobcat features and characteristics.

Is it safe to keep a bobcat as a pet?

You can keep a bobcat as a pet but only with proper training and maintenance.

A cat that is mixed with a bobcat will not always possess all the qualities of a bobcat. The genes of the other cat might be dominant in its body.

In this case, you can still train that cat and turn it into a proper house cat. As time passes, it will slowly learn to adjust to the homely environment and its aggressiveness will gradually reduce.

As per the bobcat’s territorial behavior, once the mixed cat learns to adapt to the homely environment, it will slowly learn to become friendlier as well.

It might act quite aggressively in the beginning. In such a case, separate it from the other pets in the house.

In most cases, bobcat does not get along with other pets easily, especially dogs.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about is my cat mixed with bobcat?

To identify a cat that is mixed with the bobcat, you must look for its features. If your cat matches most bobcat features, you can consider your cat as a boob cat mix.

Keeping a bobcat as a pet is not safe at all. It is a wild animal that is meant to stay out in the wild.

Taming it on your own is never a good idea. A bobcat feels threatened when someone invades its area and can get quite aggressive.

When it is agitated, it can attack you as well as harm you pretty badly.

In addition to that, a bobcat prefers staying out of the human eye.

Taming a wild animal that prefers to stay out of your sight is impossible unless you keep it in a cage.

A wild animal like a bobcat survives in the wild hunting, and it is never a good idea to put it in a cage and treat it like a house animal.

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Is My Cat Mixed With Bobcat? 3 Ways to Identify Purebred? - Oxford Pets (1)

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Is My Cat Mixed With Bobcat? 3 Ways to Identify Purebred? - Oxford Pets (2024)

FAQs

How can I tell if my cat is mixed with bobcat? ›

While there are some domestic cat breeds with bobbed tails, a bobcat's tail will also have a black tip. Strange cry. There's a hard edge to the cry of a bobcat kitten. The sharp sound may disturb domesticated house cats, so if other cats nearby seem spooked, you may have found a bobcat kitten!

How do I know if my cat is purebred or mixed? ›

To tell what breed your cat is with absolute certainty, you need a cat DNA test. These kits use your kitty's DNA (obtained through a cheek swab) to decode his genetics and give you in-depth information on his lineage.

Can a domestic cat crossbreed with a bobcat? ›

Surprisingly, a domestic cat and a bobcat cannot produce viable offspring despite their similar appearances. While some rumors suggest that there are mixed hybrid bobcats, this is false. There is no scientific evidence that points to this possibility since they have such different reproductive systems.

How do I find out what type of cat I have? ›

Coat Length
  1. Hairless cats have no fur.
  2. Shorthair cats have short fur across the entire body.
  3. Medium hair cats have longer fur around the mane, tail, and/or rear.
  4. Longhair cats have long, fluffy fur.

What is a cat that's half bobcat? ›

The Pixie-bob is a breed of domestic cat claimed to be the progeny of naturally occurring bobcat hybrids. However, DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat marker genes, and Pixie-bobs are considered wholly domestic for the purposes of ownership, cat fancy registration, and import and export.

How do I know if my cat is part wild cat? ›

Physical differences between the cats

In particular, the wildcat's tail is significantly longer and thicker than the tail of a domestic cat. Another difference is the fur: wildcats generally have thicker grey-brown fur with a typical striped pattern.

What color eyes do purebred cats have? ›

Kittens are born with blue eyes, which may stay that way or change color as the kitten matures. For instance, all pointed cats have blue eyes. Cats who are solid white or mostly white may have blue, green, gold or copper eyes. The most common eye colors range from greenish-yellow to gold.

How much does a cat DNA test cost? ›

How Much Does it Cost for a Cat? Because there has generally been less interest in DNA testing for cats, there isn't as much selection when it comes to choosing a kit. Available options can run anywhere from around $45 to $130. Like dog DNA testing, you'll pay more if you want advanced features.

What do mixed breed cats look like? ›

Appearance. Mixed-breed cats can possess any color or pattern seen in purebred cats, or they may show a combination of colors and patterns. They can have short or long hair and be small or large.

What do bobcats mate with? ›

The Bobcat (F Rufus) will mate with domestic cats and there are several breeds that have claimed to be descended from such matings; none have stood the scrutiny of genetic testing. Although the two species may mate they do not seem to be interfertile.

Will a bobcat go after a person? ›

It is extremely unlikely that a bobcat will attack a human. Bobcats are opportunistic hunters. If bobcats are known to be in the area, keep cats indoors and supervise small dogs when they are in the yard, as they may be vulnerable.

How big are bobcat kittens? ›

The gestation period for bobcats is 62 or 63 days. An average litter consists of three kittens. Babies are 8 inches long and weigh about 8 or 9 ounces. They have a grayish-brown base coat of fur with many dark spots.

How can I find out what breed my cat is online? ›

The Cat Scanner app will identify your cat's breed reliably in just a few seconds! Besides taking a picture, you can also record a video or upload an image from your gallery. Got a mixed breed? No problem, the Cat Scanner app also recognizes mixed breeds!

What are the 4 types of tabby cats? ›

There are actually four basic tabby cat coat patterns: mackerel, ticked, spotted, and classic, which is also referred to as marbled. The mackerel pattern is the most commonly occurring one, and is the pattern most people think of when they think of tabby cats.

How do you tell if your cat is a Bengal mix? ›

Bengals generally have long bodies, longer tails than domestic cats, and their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs. This makes their hips stand higher in the back compared to their shoulders in the front. They tend to move more like a leopard, with their head out front in search of prey.

How much is a bobcat cat worth? ›

Exotic cats range in price from a $900.00 Bobcat to a $7500.00 tiger cub. Most of the mid-size cats, like Servals and Caracals, cost $1700.00 to $2800.00 and Ocelots can run as high as $15,000.00. The more rare the cat, the higher the price.

What is the rarest bobcat? ›

The blue or Maltese bobcat had beautiful silver and black fur. Blue bobcats are also called “Maltese,” a term popularized among cat breeders for blue-grey cats.

What are bobcat kittens called? ›

A baby bobcat is called a kitten, though an unofficial nickname is bobkitten. A group of bobcat kittens is called a litter. Mother bobcats give birth to litters consisting of one and eight kittens. They nurse for the first five months of life but remain with their mother until around one year of age.

What does it mean when a feral cat meows at you? ›

There are actually a number of reasons. Cats meow as a way of greeting you, to demand attention, to ask for food, to be let inside or outside, to find a mate (for cats who are not fixed), or if they are elderly and suffering from mental confusion, such as a result of the cat version of Alzheimer's Disease.

How do I know if my cat is half feral? ›

Socialized cats are fully domesticated and comfortable around humans, while feral cats have had little to no human contact and are basically wild animals. Semi-feral cats fall somewhere in between. They tend to avoid being touched, but may vocalize when around humans or even make eye contact.

What does it mean when a stray cat comes to your house and won t leave? ›

If you find a stray cat hanging around your house, or trying to gain access inside, it is more than likely looking for a safe haven with food, water, and a little bit of TLC.

What's the rarest eye color in cats? ›

Cat eyes in the orange range are rare to see. As melanin production maxes out, cat eyes take on a deep orange color, which can look copper or even brown. These darkest of cat eyes are also the rarest type, with blue (in adults) taking the second-rarest slot.

What is the rarest cat? ›

With only around 120 adults left in the wild, the Amur leopard could be the most endangered big cat on Earth.

What taste can cats not taste? ›

Cats Lack a Sweet Taste Receptor.

Can a vet tell me what breed my cat is? ›

Your vet can help you better determine which breed or breeds your cat may be, and there are also DNA tests that can be taken to help you find out your cat's genetic history.

Can a DNA test tell me what breed my cat is? ›

Depending on the specific cat DNA test you're using, cat DNA tests on the market today can tell you about your cat breed, health markers based on ancestry, and even active dental disease.

Can my vet do a DNA test on my cat? ›

This process is quite simple and can be done by the pet owner or a veterinarian. Some veterinarians prefer to submit a blood sample for assurance that large amounts of DNA are present. While the needle prick of blood collection may upset your pet for a moment, overall, the process will not hurt your pet.

What is the rarest cat mix? ›

The Sokoke Cat is the rarest domestic cat breed in the world, according to the UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). Originating from the forests of Sokoke in eastern Kenya, these cats were previously considered a hybrid breed of a cross between wild cats but DNA results have debunked this theory.

What is the name for a mixed breed cat? ›

By definition, a moggy (also called a moggie) is a cat that does not have a pedigree, or a mixed breed cat.

What is the lifespan of a mixed breed cat? ›

On average, mixed-breed cats live 14 years, while some have lived more than 30 years of age. Purebred cats — A healthy purebred cat can live about 12 and a half years, while some can even live to be around 20 years of age.

How many times a year do bobcats mate? ›

Young bobcats leave their mother during the winter, when they are about 8 months old. Bobcats breed once yearly. Bobcats mate in early spring.

What month do bobcats mate? ›

The bobcat's mating season is primarily in the winter, though mating can take place from November through August. Gestation is about 60-70 days, with an average of 62 days, and there are usually two to four kittens per litter.

What is the closest relative to a bobcat? ›

bobcat, (Lynx rufus), also called bay lynx or wildcat, bobtailed North American cat (family Felidae), found from southern Canada to southern Mexico. The bobcat is a close relative of the somewhat larger Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis).

Can a bobcat be a house pet? ›

Keeping a pet bobcat is legal in several states without a permit. States where a pet bobcat is legal include Nevada, Alabama, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and South Carolina. In these states, captured bobcats or domesticated bobcats are considered suitable pets.

How many hours does a bobcat last? ›

Some experts say the average lifespan of a skid steer is 5,000 hours.

What smells do bobcats hate? ›

Bobcat Problems - Wolf Urine

If they are around your home, farm or chicken coops; you want an effective bobcat deterrent! Bobcats know that a wolf means trouble for them - so wolf urine scent sends a clear message - a message of deadly fear that is deeply ingrained in the bobcat's genetic code.

Do bobcat kittens purr? ›

Purring is a unique vocal feature in the domestic cat. However, other species in the Felidae family also purr: Bobcat, Cheetah, Eurasian Lynx, Puma, and Wild Cat (Complete list in Peters, 2002).

Can a bobcat kitten be tamed? ›

Many wild animals - like the above bobcat - will appear to be tame when they are very young. But they are and will always be wild animals. And as they mature, most "tame" wild animals will begin to exhibit behaviors that are really inappropriate in house pets - viciously attacking unfamiliar humans, for example.

Can you keep a bobcat kitten as a pet? ›

Experts advise against owning or trying to tame a bobcat. These medium-sized cats rarely interact with humans, but when they do, they retreat quickly. Bobcats aren't like domestic house cats. They are quite expensive and require a specialized diet high in protein.

How do you know if you have a bobcat in your yard? ›

Bobcats are usually crepuscular, and will bed down for the day in steep areas with lots of cover. If you are persistent in searching such areas you may find several kidney shaped depressions where a bobcat has repeatedly bedded down for the day. Do not confuse kidney shaped bobcat beds with round deer beds.

What domestic cat looks like a Lynx? ›

The development of this breed first began in 1993. Cat breeder, Joe Childers, created the Highland Lynx cat breed with a purpose in mind—to have a friendly, domestic cat that resembled big, wild cats. These cats were made by crossing the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl cat breeds, resulting in the unique Highland Lynx.

How do I identify a bobcat? ›

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) can be identified most easily by its short bob-tail which is 2 to 8 inches long. The tail has black fur on the top and is white on the underside. It has a wide flat face with longer fur on the cheek area. It has long legs and big paws.

What is a bobcat mixed with? ›

Bobcat × lynx

The blynx or lynxcat is a hybrid of a bobcat (Lynx rufus) and some other species of genus Lynx. The appearance of the offspring depends on which lynx species is used, as the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is more heavily spotted than the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis).

What does bobcat urine smell like? ›

The odor of bobcat urine, if you ever get a chance to take a whiff, is unforgettable — like rotten meat combined with sweat, with something indescribably feral underlying it. To humans, it's just nose-wrinklingly disgusting. But to mice, it smells like one thing: danger.

What does a bobcat print look like? ›

Bobcat tracks are larger than a domestic cat and measure approximately two inches. Their front feet are just slightly bigger than their rear feet. Bobcats are diagonal walkers and direct register, which means that their rear feet land in their front footprints. Winter is the perfect time to go tracking!

How do you tell a male bobcat from a female? ›

If you're an expert, you can also tell if the feline is male or female. The male bobcat has larger tracks, a rounder heel pad and more robust toes. There isn't a lot of negative space between the toes and the heel pad. On the other hand, female cats have narrowed heel pads and the toes are smaller and narrower.

What looks like a cat but isn't a cat? ›

Ring-Tailed Cats

The ring-tailed cat, also known as just a ringtail, looks like a hybrid of a feline and a ring-tailed lemur, and while it bears a striking resemblance to the aforementioned genet, it is actually in the procyonid family, making it more closely related to raccoons.

What cats have lynx markings? ›

The Lynx Point Siamese was created in the U.S. sometime during the 1940s or 1950s when some breeders began experimenting with color in the Siamese breed. A red tabby American shorthair was bred to a seal point Siamese and a whole new world of color opened up for the Siamese breed.

What is the most wild looking domestic cat? ›

Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat is a hybrid breed developed by crossing an African serval with a domestic cat. This wild-looking feline is the largest of all domestic cat breeds, with some specimens weighing more than 30 pounds.

How can I tell if my kitten is a bobcat or a kitten? ›

A bobcat's tail will have a black tip on the outward-facing side, but will be solid white on the underside. Bobcat kittens are usually much larger for their age than house cat kittens, though this can get murky in our area, where bobcats are fairly small. Actual bobcat kittens always have spots.

What does bobcat fur look like? ›

The bobcat's fur is buff to brown, sometimes with a reddish tinge, and marked with spots or stripes of brown and black. The fur on its undersides is lighter in color. Bobcats have facial ruffs, ear tufts, white spots near the tips of their ears and bobbed tails.

Will a bobcat use a litter box? ›

Toilet training is quite easy for some breeds who naturally prefer to eliminate in the water. Bobcats are a natural for this sort of training and as long as you don't mind sharing the commode with the cat (they are a little messy) then it can be the easiest for you and the feline.

What does a lynx and bobcat look like? ›

Lynx and bobcats might look similar, but there are interesting differences to tell them apart. They share many of the same characteristics: pointy ears, short tails, thick fur, and tufted paws. While they are both predators, the Lynx is larger than the Bobcat. The Lynx appears bigger mainly due to its long legs.

Can a bobcat breed with a Maine Coon? ›

To put an end to this ongoing rumor, I can confirm that contrary to popular rumors, the Maine Coon is not a descendant of the Bobcat! In fact, did you know that Maine Coons are a completely different species, therefore breeding would be genetically impossible?

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