Pixie-Bob Cat Facts

What is a Pixie-Bob cat? Pixie-Bob cats are a relatively new breed that’s native to the United States. Resembling a wild-looking cat, these domestic felines have lively personalities. If you are considering adopting a Pixie-Bob, it’s helpful first to read up on some Pixie-Bob cat information. This includes the breed’s history, temperament, personality, health, and overall, what it’s like to share a home with one.

Breed History

Unlike some ancient cat breeds that have been around for hundreds of years, the Pixie-Bob cat has only been around for a few decades.

Many people believe that this breed originated through a natural cross between a domestic barn cat and a wild bobcat, though there is no actual evidence to prove such a theory. Other people believe that the signature look of the Pixie-Bob was a natural genetic mutation. 

There is no way of fully knowing the origin of this breed, but the rest of these cats’ history is not shrouded in mystery. In 1985, Carol Ann Brewer acquired one of the male kittens from this new litter of cats. She then bred this cat with another of similar appearance and named one of the new kittens Pixie. Over the next handful of years, Brewer worked to create more litters of kittens with Pixie’s unique short tail, spotted coat, and larger size.

Pixie would go on to be the mother of the Pixie-Bob cat breed.

Attributes

Thanks to their many unique characteristics, Pixie-Bobs can easily be spotted in a crowd. These cats typically sport short fur, though it is not unheard of for some to have longer hair. Their coat has a spotted pattern, which gives them that ‘wild’ look. Their colors are usually tan to a reddish-brown, and their eye color falls between a lovely golden hue to various shades of green. 

Since Pixie-Bobs are not an overly common breed, pet parents often have questions about these cats. Common inquiries include:

Are Pixie-Bobs Hypoallergenic?

Pixie-Bob cats are not hypoallergenic. This means that if you have a cat allergy, this may not be the ideal cat for your home.

How Long Do Pixie-Bob Cats Live?

The expected lifespan for a Pixie-Bob is 13-15 years. This is an average life expectancy, so it is possible for your cat to live above or below this window. How long a cat lives can be affected by multiple factors, including their living environment and overall health.

How Big Do Pixie-Bob Cats Get?

As a heads up—these cats can get hefty. Although some Pixie-Bobs stick closer to a weight of 8 pounds, it’s not unheard of for them to weigh as much as 17 pounds. There have even been instances of these cats reaching over 20 pounds.

Overall, Pixie-Bobs have an extroverted personality. They enjoy spending their time with their family and will happily greet any company that visits your home. Pixie-Bobs are known to get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, though time should be taken to have proper interactions when introducing a new pet to your home.

Due to these cats’ playful nature and sturdier build, Pixie-Bobs are also an excellent choice for families with children. No matter your children’s age, it is essential that you teach your kids how to safely play with the cat so as not to cause any accidental injuries. All interactions your cat has with children should be supervised, especially with children of a young age.

Besides being energetic, playful, and friendly, these cats are also intelligent. They can be taught many tricks or commands, just like a dog. Puzzle and interactive games are also a must to help exercise their mind and keep them from becoming bored.

How to Tell If Your Cat Is a Pixie-Bob

Are you curious if you may have a Pixie-Bob on your hands? If you adopt your feline friend from a shelter, humane society, or rescue, sometimes it isn’t easy determining your cat’s breed, with little to no information about their past.

In order to determine if your cat is a Pixie-Bob, it’s necessary to look at their physical characteristics and personality traits. These can include:

• Bobbed tail
• Spot-patterned coat
• Brown or dark red colored coat
• Polydactyl
• Outgoing personality, not shy around strangers
• Gets along well with kids and other pets
• Doesn’t meow excessively

If you check off all or a majority of these boxes, then there’s a great possibility that your feline friend may be a Pixie-Bob.

Grooming

The grooming requirements of a Pixie-Bob are similar to those of most other cats. They need to be brushed at least once a week to keep their coat healthy and manage loose cat hair. Depending upon whether your cat is a shorthair or longhair, the frequency that your cat needs brushing may vary slightly.

A few times a week, you will need to brush your cat’s teeth. Using a cat-safe toothpaste, weekly brushings can help keep your cat’s pearly whites healthy and can help prevent periodontal disease.

On a weekly or biweekly basis, it is additionally recommended that you check your cat’s ears. If they appear dirty, gently clean them out with a soft cloth or cotton ball and cat-safe ear cleaning solution. Never use cotton swabs as this could accidentally cause injury. While checking your pal’s ears, if you ever notice them be dirtier than normal, extra red, or have a bad odor, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as possible, as this could be the sign of an ear infection.

Your cat’s nails will need to be trimmed about every few weeks, though the timeframe will vary per cat. Some cats’ nails may grow faster than others, while others will wear their nails down more naturally.

Care

As mentioned previously, part of caring for a Pixie-Bob cat involves providing them with mental exercise, which can be given through stimulating games. You may find that your feline friend even enjoys learning tricks.

Of course, physical exercise is equally as important to raising a happy and healthy cat. Try providing your cat with plenty of scratching towers, climbing towers, and toys—including some you can play with together. Remember, you can help keep your pal from becoming bored by keeping them physically active.

While exercise can help keep your cat’s weight in check, their diet can also play an implemental role in keeping the extra pounds off. Because Pixie-Bobs are naturally larger cats, they can weigh more and still be perfectly wealthy. However, this breed can still be susceptible to unhealthy weight gain and obesity, so it is crucial to talk with your veterinarian about what a healthy weight looks like for your pal.

Common Health Issues

Pixie-Bobs are a relatively healthy cat breed, but like every other cat, they should still be taken to their veterinarian’s for an annual appointment. You may also find it helpful to familiarize yourself with this breed’s common health issues. By knowing the signs of these issues, you can keep an eye out for any worrying change, and you can stay a step ahead with your pet’s healthcare.

According to our claim’s data,* the top issues that affect this breed include,

1. Hyperthyroidism
2. Constipation
3. Gastrointestinal issues
4. Vomiting
5. Weight loss

If this is the first time you will be taking your cat to the veterinarian, you first may want to read up on what to expect during your pet’s first vet visit.

Fun Facts

With a name like Pixie-Bob, of course there are fun facts to be learned about this breed.

• Pixie-Bob cats were specifically bred to resemble the North American Bobcat.
• 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.
• Cats of this breed grow comparatively slower than most other cat breeds. It may take your Pixie-Bob up to four years to be fully matured.

If you want a leg up for the next trivia night, you want to whip out some random, fun facts, or you’re just looking to know more about your cat’s breed, hopefully these fantastical facts can help.

Pixie-Bob Cat Names

Pixie-Bobs are large and in-charge cats that are intelligent and have friendly personalities. It may seem like a tall order to select a name that encompasses all that your cat is, so here is a superhero-inspired list of names to help you with that decision.

If you find yourself unable to narrow down your name options, or you just can’t decide between two names, perhaps the best compromise is just to adopt two Pixie-Bobs.

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_{The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}