The Pixie-Bob: Miniature Bobcat in Disguise

The Pixie-Bob Cat Breed in Brief:

Origin: United States

Weight: 8-18 pounds

Average Litter Size: 4-6

Grooming Needs: Low on shorthairs, Medium on Longhairs

Life Expectancy: 15+ years

Good With Kids: Yes

Good With Other Animals: Yes

Considered to be the perfect feline for the person who always wanted a wildcat in their home, the Pixie-Bob is known for his unique bobcat-like appearance, powerful-looking build and his oversized and, quite often, over-toed feet. Is he a descendant of wild North American cats or is he, in fact, a cleverly-designed hoax, simply bred to resemble a wildcat? The answer may surprise you!

The History of the Pixie-Bob

There are many conflicting stories, when it comes to the origins of the Pixie-Bob cat. Perhaps the most popular and, quite possibly the most fanciful, is the idea that the Pixie-Bob cat is a direct descendant of what are known as the “Legend Cats.” A Legend Cat is the supposed offspring of a wildcat and domestic cat interbreeding and, while this is not unheard of, it’s a very rare occurrence to ever have happen. Not only is it very rare for such a cross to be found (wild felids rarely breed outside their own species), but studies have also shown that most male offspring of a wild and domestic cat crossing are usually born sterile.

A far more likely truth is that the Pixie-Bob breed came from domestic cats that were simply chosen and bred, for the sole purpose of creating a domestic cat that resembled the wild Bobcat. While this may seem a bit far-fetched as well, it’s important to note that the Ocicat breed was created in this fashion, when breeders decided that they wanted to create a small domestic feline who strongly resembled the wild ocelot and other spotted felids. With a little determination, nothing is impossible.

Regardless of which tale you believe, however, it is a woman by the name of Carol Ann Brewer who is credited as the creator of the Pixie-Bob cat breed. In Washington, in 1985, Carol Ann Brewer went to look at a kitten that she found listed in the local newspaper; upon picking up the kitten, she listened to an incredible tale of how the owner had seen a wild bobcat fighting with his domestic cats, and he believed that the wildcat had then mated with his female cats. Sure enough, the kitten had huge feet with multiple toes and was a unique reddish shade, his coat covered in heavy ticking. Even more surprising was that the kitten had a bobbed tail, as well!

In time, this male kitten grew up and mated with one of Miss Brewer’s neighbor’s cats. When Carol Ann saw the mother of the kittens, she was stunned to discover that the cat had the same unique appearance of her male kitten, and that the female had actually come from the same area as her male. Excited, Carol Ann Brewer took, not only the kittens, but the mother as well and would soon begin her own crosses of this incredible new breed. The female kitten from the first mating would be named “Pixie,” and she would set the standard as the ideal Pixie-Bob, as well as becoming the foundation cat for the breed.

As the breed became more popular, they sought acceptance of the Pixie-Bob in various associations. Due to the fact that the CFA does not accept any breeds of cat which have wildcat blood, DNA testing was given to numerous Pixie-Bob felines and it was discovered that, while his appearance to the wild Bobcat is eerily uncanny, the Pixie-Bob cat breed possesses no wild genes. As far as the registries are considered, the Pixie-Bob is simply a domestic cat that has been extensively bred to resemble a miniature bobcat.

The Pixie-Bob Appearance

The Pixie-Bob cat has a very unique appearance. Not only is he bred to resemble a bobcat, but he is also the only recognized cat breed that allows what is known as a “polydactyl” cat, or a feline that has extra toes (up to seven are allowed, per foot). Polydactyl cats, in any other breed, are considered a major fault and disqualified from the show tables. If that isn’t unique enough, the Pixie-Bob also sports a tail that can be varying lengths, ranging from nearly invisible to long. Some Pixie-Bob breeders will dock the tails of long-tailed individuals, though these kittens cannot be shown. The ideal length of the Pixie-Bob tail reaches no more than the hock when the animal is relaxed and at ease.

The ideal Pixie-Bob is a good-sized muscular cat with solid, heaving boning. His chest is broad and well-developed, with the shoulder blades being prominent enough to give the cat a characteristically rolling gait when he moves. Even at a distance, this beautiful cat seems to ooze power and both male and female Pixie-Bobs possess a belly pouch that tends to make them look even larger and more intimidating.

The Pixie-Bob can be found in both the longhair and shorthair varieties; both kinds bearing lynx-tipped ears, prominent nose leather, bushy-browed eyes that sport heavy mascara lines, and a beautiful coat that consists of small spots, rosettes, and heavy ticking. While the longhaired Pixie-Bobs tend to have a more wild, bobcat appearance, the longer fur tends to obscure the brilliant coat patterns and this variety can be harder to find. Shorthaired Pixie-Bobs are the best bet for coat patterns, their ruddy ticked coat often amazing people who are not familiar with the breed.

The Pixie-Bob Temperament

Like any breed of cat, the Pixie-Bob’s temperament can vary greatly, from cat to cat. As a rule, however, the Pixie-Bob is a very loving and loyal feline. Very committed to their families, they are loveable big cats who seem content to adopt the whole family, rather than playing favorites. Don’t underestimate him, however - if need be, this big guy will put the family pooch and all the other cats in order, if need be. The Pixie-Bob is king of the castle and it’s a job he takes quite seriously.

Independent without being standoffish, the Pixie-Bob is the type of cat who does not need constant holding and cuddling to feel secure and loved (though he’s not adverse to it either). Known for their playful natures, many Pixie-Bob cats enjoy walking on a leash outside, as well as playing fetch, though it is important to be wary with the scratching posts - many breeders say that Pixie-Bobs tend to prefer pure wood scratching posts to those covered with carpeting and, if not provided with something to scratch on, can often be caught using door frames to sharpen their claws.

Pixie-Bob Grooming Requirements

The shorthaired variety of Pixie-Bob is relatively simple to groom. Requiring little more than the occasional brushing to help remove any dander or dead hairs from his coat, it is recommended that you do this once every one to two weeks. Handling your Pixie-Bob kitten when you brush him is a good way to take note of any changes in your kitten‘s health or behavior, often allowing you to nip potential problems in the bud.

The longhaired variety of Pixie-Bob kitten requires a combing through once or twice a week in order to prevent his medium-long coat from matting. While they often protest at first, pay particular attention to your kitten’s stomach and behind the front legs, where many mats commonly occur. It’s also important to watch for them around the back legs as well. Keeping an eye on your kitten’s ears is equally important, but only clean the outer parts of the ear with a Q-tip, should you see any dirt. A foul odor or excessively dirty ears should be examined by your veterinarian immediately, as it could be a sign of infection or mites.

Pixie-Bob Health Concerns

Unlike many other breeds of purebred cat, the Pixie-Bob is currently outbred to various domestic longhair and shorthaired cats. Because of the open availability of the gene pool, this unique breed of cat has what is known as “hybrid vigor,” meaning that he is more resistant and less likely to suffer from the genetic conditions many of his purebred counterparts encounter. Nevertheless, there are still several conditions that are being tracked and tested in the Pixie-Bob cat breed:

• Hip dysplasia
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKI)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Amyloidosis

Is the Pixie-Bob the Right Breed For You?

The Pixie-Bob is a very large, rugged and loving individual, well-suited for a home with other pets, children or even seniors. Playful and charming, he enjoys human affection without being clingy and overly dependant, and he is known for his keen wit. Many Pixie-Bob fanciers joke that they are more dog-like than cat. If you don’t mind a larger cat and you’re looking for a feline with personality plus, you might want to look into the Pixie-Bob cat. He may just be the perfect cat for you!

Shawna L. Krautheim

2007