The Mysterious Origin of the Pixie-Bob Cat Breed (2024)

The origin of the Pixie-bob cat is the stuff of legends. They were believed to stem from naturally-occurring matings between the American bobcat and feral domestic cats or barn cats, although there is no verifiable proof since DNA tests do not back up the claim.

Still, Pixie-bob cats are large and sturdy and look a lot like bobcats. Legally, they are domestic cats and their ownership is not restricted like exotic wild cats. They are beautiful, playful, loyal, and make good companions for almost any type of household, including those with children or other pets.

Breed Overview

Other names: Pixiebob

Personality: Easy-going, friendly, affectionate, active, and intelligent

Weight: 8 to 17 pounds

Length: 20 to 24 inches

Coat Length: Long-haired or short-haired

Coat Color: All shades of brown

Coat Patterns: Tabby with small-to-medium spots, especially on the belly

Eye Color: Golden brown or green

Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United States

Pixie-Bob Characteristics

Cats are not usually known for having a love of water, but many Pixie-bobs do. Pixie-bob aficionados claim water affinity as further evidence of their wild background.Still, as a general rule, this is a very easy-going breed that enjoys plenty of interaction with its family. Their vocalization is usually limited to chirps and twitters, although they will meow occasionally.

They are known for getting along well with both children and other pets. This breed is also sturdy and laid-back enough to tolerate playing with kids, although children should always be old enough to treat a pet with respect. Any cat will become defensive if teased or mistreated.

Pixie-bobs are usually happy to be part of a family with cat-friendly dogs or fellow felines. You should monitor any cat around pet rodents, birds, or fish, however, since their natural hunting instincts can kick in at any time.

Affection LevelHigh
FriendlinessHigh
Kid-FriendlyHigh
Pet-FriendlyHigh
Exercise NeedsHigh
PlayfulnessHigh
Energy LevelHigh
IntelligenceMedium
Tendency to VocalizeMedium
Amount of SheddingMedium

History of the Pixie-Bob

Carol Ann Brewer, the breed founder, purchased a short-tailed, polydactyl (extra toes) male spotted kitten in 1985. Shortly after that, she adopted a male rescue cat that was exceptionally large and also had a bobbed tail. Rumor said that this cat was the product of a mating between a domestic cat and a bobcat. The cat mated with a neighbor's brown tabby, producing a litter of kittens. Brewer adopted one of the female kittens with a spotted, "wild" appearance, and named it Pixie.

Over the next several years, Brewer sought out cats with bobbed tails and spots, particularly those rumored to be the products of matings between domestic cats and bobcats. Eventually, she had 23 of these cats, which she used as the foundation for her new breed, named Pixie-bob in honor of her first female. Brewer trademarked the term "legend cats" to describe felines that she believed to be mixes of bobcats and domestic cats. However, DNA testing has not indicated that these cats truly have bobcat genes.

The Pixie-bob breed was accepted into the International Cat Association as a native new breed in 1993 and for championship status in 1997. The breed was accepted by the American Cat Fanciers Association in 2005.

The International Cat Association designation of the Pixie-bob as a "native new breed" means that it is a new breed that has been identified as genetically similar individuals from anaturally occurring population indigenous to a particular geographic region. However, although TICA standard cites the resemblance to the American bobcat, the founding committee is adamant that no captive American bobcats be used in any breeding program.

Pixie-Bob Care

Grooming

Pixie-bobs come in longhair and shorthair versions. The shorthair has a thick double coat, while the longhair's coat is up to 2 inches in length with a softer, silkier texture. Both types can shed quite a bit. To keep shedding under control, and prevent mats or hairballs, you should brush your Pixie-bob at least twice weekly, using a rubber or metal brush designed for the length of your cat's fur.

Keep your cat's nails trimmed and provide a scratching post. Help maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your cat's teeth frequently.

Exercise

The Pixie-bob is described as dog-like in personality. These cats can be leash-trained easily and love to take walks with their humans. Provide plenty of interactive cat toys and spend time playing with your cat to keep it exercised and mentally stimulated. Your Pixie-bob will also appreciate one or more cat trees with plenty of varied-level perches for climbing, leaping, and exploring.

Common Health Problems

Pixie-bobs are actively out-crossed to provide genetic diversity, and they do not seem to have any particular health problems that might arise with inbreeding. They are prone to the usual conditions and diseases that affect any domestic cat, of course.

You should provide the recommended health care for your cat, including immunizations, preventative veterinary treatments, and checkups. Breeders should be able to provide documentation of health checks for their cats.

Appearance

Much like bobcats, Pixie-bobs have a muscular, rangy appearance with a woolly coat standing up from the body. Their fur is light to medium brown, often with a reddish tint. They are adorned in a signature tabby pattern with a mix of spots and stripes. The spots are especially pronounced on the belly. Their eye color can be golden brown or green, according to the breed standard.

These cats often have lynx-tipped ears and most sport some level of "mutton chop" sideburns. Their tails, as the name implies, are naturally bobbed, with a minimum length of 2 inches, but no longer than the cat's hocks, which are the "knees" of the hind legs.

The Pixie-bob is one of the fewbreedsthat allowspolydactyl toesin the breed standard, with a maximum of seven toes per paw. Normally, cats have five toes on each front paw and four toes on each hind paw.

Pixie-bobs shed a fair amount, and they are not a hypoallergenic breed.

Diet and Nutrition

Pixie-bobs do not have any special nutritional requirements. Whether you provide wet food, dry food, or a combination is a personal choice.

Some cats don't drink enough water and need wet food to provide fluids. Your cat's teeth can benefit from some crunchy dry food. Obesity will reduce the lifespan of any cat, so be sure to monitor your cat's calorie intake, however.

Pixie-bobs are large cats, but they should be muscular, not fat. Your cat's metabolism and overall health will change throughout its life. Discuss your cat's nutritional needs with your veterinarian at each visit to get recommendations for feeding schedules, types of food, and amount to feed.

7 Hybrid Cats Breeds

Where to Adopt or Buy a Pixie-Bob

Pixie-bobs are a fairly rare breed, so it is not often that one will end up in a rescue or shelter. Still, it's always worthwhile to check your local rescues in case one turns up. You can also look for Pixie-bob breeders at cat shows, or by searching online for catteries specializing in this breed.

Pixie-Bob Overview

Pixie-bobs look like wildcats, but have good-natured, laid-back personalities. Still, they do enjoy a lot of exercise, play, and affectionate interaction with their humans, as well as with other household pets. These large, short-tailed felines do shed quite a bit, but the grooming requirements are worth it for the fun and enjoyment these unusual cats will bring to your home.

These cats have other unique traits, as well, including their tendency to have extra toes and their preference for trills and chirps, rather than meows.

Pros

  • Has fierce, exotic look, while considered as a domestic cat

  • Loyal, affectionate, and child- and pet-friendly

  • Highly intelligent, can be leash trained

Cons

  • Moderate to heavy shedders

  • Require plenty of exercise and play opportunities

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

Before you decide that a Pixie-bob is the right cat for you, do your research. Talk to other Pixie-bob owners, reputable breeders, and rescue organizations.

If you are interested in similar wild-looking cat breeds, look at these to compare:

  • Egyptian Mau
  • Bengal cat
  • Ocicat
  • Savannah cat

There are manycat breedsout there. With further research, you should be able to find the one that is right for you.

FAQ

  • Are Pixie-bobs rare?

    This is a fairly rare breed and still quite new. You won't find many Pixie-bobs outside the United States, and you might have to search to find one even within the US. Search online for breeders, or visit cat shows if you hope to buy one of these short-tailed cats.

  • How much does a Pixie-bob cat cost?

    Like many other uncommon but desirable purebred cats, a show-quality Pixie-bob can cost well over $1,000. However, breeders sometimes sell "pet quality" cats for a much lower price.

  • Are Pixie-bob cats really wild bobcats?

    While Pixie-bobs do indeed resemble bobcats, and are rumored to have bobcat genes in their background, DNA testing has not confirmed this to be true. Still, these cats definitely bring a touch of the wild into their homes.

The Mysterious Origin of the Pixie-Bob Cat Breed (2024)

FAQs

The Mysterious Origin of the Pixie-Bob Cat Breed? ›

The Pixiebob was the vision of one breeder, Carol Ann Brewer, who purchased a polydactyl, bobtailed kitten with wild-type spotting, in 1985. She found another, larger male in 1986 who had similar characteristics, and he sired a female kitten with the requisite features later that year who was named Pixie.

What breeds make a Pixie-bob cat? ›

A large, muscular cat, the Pixie-bob is rumored to originate from a tryst between a domestic shorthair and a bobcat. The breed does resemble their wild cousins, but DNA testing shows they are a wholly domestic cat with a sweet, affable personality and a dog-like loyalty to their family units.

Where did Pixie-bob cats originate? ›

What is the history of the Pixie-bob cat? ›

History of the Pixie-Bob

Rumor said that this cat was the product of a mating between a domestic cat and a bobcat. The cat mated with a neighbor's brown tabby, producing a litter of kittens. Brewer adopted one of the female kittens with a spotted, "wild" appearance, and named it Pixie.

How rare are Pixie-bob cats? ›

These cats are not your everyday housecat, and they are considered to be rare. Many Pixie-Bob cats enjoy playing and splashing around in the water, a trait that sets them apart from other breeds. Polydactylism (having more than the typical number of toes) is rather common for these felines.

Are Pixie-Bobs really part bobcat? ›

A Pixie-Bob may look wild in appearance, and that may be because they're thought to have descended from a barn cat and a bobcat. However, these days, they're anything but wild. Pixie-Bobs tend to be sweet, loving cats who adore their families–even kids! Read on to find out more about the Pixie-Bob cat breed!

What is the rarest fluffy cat breed? ›

1. Sokoke Cat. The Sokoke Cat is the rarest domestic cat breed in the world, according to the UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

How do you tell if your cat is a Pixie-bob? ›

Resembling the North American Bobcat in miniature, the Pixiebob has a muscular body, pear shaped face with tufted ears, and a woolly coat that stands out from the body. The Pixiebob typically has a short, even non-existent tail, however this varies from cat to cat and they can have any length of tail.

What is the difference between a Pixie-bob and an American bobtail? ›

The pixiebob cat is similar to the American bobtail, but has shorter fur. Pixibobs have tabby fur coat patterns with various lengths of the tail. Pixiebobs have been bred to look like wild cats although their genetic lineage is purely domestic cat. Unlike other bobcats that meow, pixie bobs make chirping noises.

How much is a Pixie-bob cat worth? ›

Breed Information

For kittens that are of show quality, the price usually starts at $1,500 – $5,000 USD, while those that are of pet quality range from $800 – $1,500 USD.

Are pixie bobs born without tails? ›

All Pixie Bobs Are Born Bobtailed

The mutation genes which had affected the parents' tails by making them significantly shorter remain prevalent in the breed even today. They're all born either with moderately short tails or with seemingly no tails, depending on how dominant the gene is.

Are Pixie-bob cats affectionate? ›

Pixie-Bob Cats are Extremely Affectionate

Cats have a reputation for being aloof, but the Pixie-Bob cat can be very affectionate. Even though they can be large and have a "wild" look, they tend to be very laid-back. These cats love to be around people and enjoy receiving lots of attention.

What is a Pixie-bob cat personality? ›

Temperament. Pixie-bobs are said to be highly intelligent, social, active, bold, and enjoy playing with other animals. They are also known for their "chirps", chatters, and growls; most meow scarcely if at all. Most Pixie-bobs are highly sociable around both their owners and strangers.

What is the rarest cat of all time? ›

The Sokoke cat is extremely rare! The Sokoke cat is said to be the rarest cat in the world. Rather than being a man-created breed, the Sosoke is a naturally occurring, tiny wildcat that can be found only in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Preserve in Kenya (Africa).

What is world's rarest cat? ›

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

What is the lifespan of a Pixie-bob? ›

A female will usually weigh up to 12 pounds, while a male Pixie-bob can weigh up to 20. The average life expectancy for this breed is 15 years.

What's the difference between pixie and Pixie-bob? ›

The biggest difference between a bob haircut and a pixie haircut is the length. While pixies are cropped close to the head and typically don't go past your ears, a bob usually hits right around the chin.

What is the rarest cat eye color? ›

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.

Do Pixie-Bobs have extra toes? ›

Pixie-Bobs are also polydactyl. This means they sometimes have extra toes than other breeds.

Are Pixie-Bobs aggressive? ›

Pixie-Bobs are sometimes called the “watch-dogs” of the family because of their dog-like personality. They are sometimes protective of the humans they love, not in an aggressive way but in a grandfatherly way. Pixie-Bobs are known to get along with well-behaved children and will enjoy a good play or cuddle session.

Can pixie bobs have long tails? ›

Pixie-Bobs are a large breed and resemble bobcats in many ways, perhaps the most obvious being the short tail (although the tail can be almost non-existent, or can even be long).

What personality type likes cats the most? ›

They found that most respondents who identified themselves as introverted and sensitive were cat lovers, while those who said they were extroverted and agreeable were more typically dog people.

What is an interesting fact about Bob cat? ›

Bobcats may look cute and cuddly, but these felines that live throughout North America are actually fierce predators. They can leap as far as 12 feet to catch prey and have been known to take down much larger animals, such as young deer. The wild feline is about twice as big as a house cat—and a lot faster.

What cat is $1000? ›

This size makes the Maine Coon one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. Reputable breeders of Maine Coons can start their kitten prices at $1,000.

What is the most common cat in the world? ›

Persian cats are not only the most popular breed of cats, they've also been around the longest.

Is gold cat rare? ›

Gold Cat is a Super Rare Cat that can be unlocked by playing the Rare Cat Capsule when "Limited Edition" is part of the current pool. True Form added in Version 11.4 increases health and grants Wave Immunity.

What is the rarest animal on earth? ›

The rarest animal in the world is the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). It is a kind of critically endangered porpoise that only lives in the furthest north-western corner of the Gulf of California in Mexico. There are only 18 left in the world.

Are black cats rare? ›

It's Rare To Find an All-Black Cat

While some cats are indeed black from head to toe, this is actually rare. Most black cats have some other coloring in their whiskers, paw pads, or random patches of fur.

What is an inverted pixie bob? ›

A short inverted bob is a short bob haircut that is shorter in the back and slightly longer front in the front. The short, stacked layers in the back gradually get longer as it gets closer to the face.

How do I know if my cat is mixed with a 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!

Are Pixie-Bobs polydactyl? ›

Pixie-Bobs are also polydactyl. This means they sometimes have extra toes than other breeds.

What is the difference between a pixie bob and an American bobtail? ›

The pixiebob cat is similar to the American bobtail, but has shorter fur. Pixibobs have tabby fur coat patterns with various lengths of the tail. Pixiebobs have been bred to look like wild cats although their genetic lineage is purely domestic cat. Unlike other bobcats that meow, pixie bobs make chirping noises.

How much is a pixie bob cat worth? ›

Breed Information

For kittens that are of show quality, the price usually starts at $1,500 – $5,000 USD, while those that are of pet quality range from $800 – $1,500 USD.

Can a regular cat mate 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.

What is a bobcat and house cat mix called? ›

Bred to look like a cross between a bobcat and a domestic cat, pixiebobs are highly social and active cats. Like bobcats, pixiebobs have a bobbed or shorter tail and ear tufts.

What is the personality of a pixie bob cat? ›

Temperament. Pixie-bobs are said to be highly intelligent, social, active, bold, and enjoy playing with other animals. They are also known for their "chirps", chatters, and growls; most meow scarcely if at all. Most Pixie-bobs are highly sociable around both their owners and strangers.

Is polydactyl due to inbreeding? ›

Polydactyl is a dominant trait, not an uncommon recessive trait typically explained by inbreeding. Therefore, any cat with a polydactyl parent may have extra toes.

Are Pixie-Bobs smart? ›

Pixie-Bob Cats are Highly Intelligent

They often chatter and chirp rather than meow. Their affectionate personalities and natural intelligence makes them easy to train. They can learn several commands as well as learning their name. They can even be taught to walk on a leash like a dog.

Do all Pixie-Bobs have short tails? ›

Resembling the North American Bobcat in miniature, the Pixiebob has a muscular body, pear shaped face with tufted ears, and a woolly coat that stands out from the body. The Pixiebob typically has a short, even non-existent tail, however this varies from cat to cat and they can have any length of tail.

Do Pixie-Bobs have short tails? ›

Pixie-Bobs are a large breed and resemble bobcats in many ways, perhaps the most obvious being the short tail (although the tail can be almost non-existent, or can even be long). They are also known for their 'chirps', chatters, and growls; most don't meow often, and some don't meow at all.

What is a long pixie vs bob? ›

What Is The Difference Between A Bob Haircut And A Pixie Haircut? The biggest difference between a bob haircut and a pixie haircut is the length. While pixies are cropped close to the head and typically don't go past your ears, a bob usually hits right around the chin.

What is the rarest kitty? ›

The Sokoke cat is said to be the rarest cat in the world. Rather than being a man-created breed, the Sosoke is a naturally occurring, tiny wildcat that can be found only in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Preserve in Kenya (Africa).

What is the most expensive rare cat? ›

Ashera Cat | >$125,000

The Ashera cat is considered the most expensive cat breed in the world, with prices reaching up to $100,000 or more. This is due to its rarity and the fact that it is a hybrid breed, created by breeding an African serval, an Asian leopard cat, and a domestic house cat.

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