Pixiebob

The Pixiebob is a medium-to-large domestic cat breed developed to look like a miniature North American bobcat while still having a friendly house-cat temperament. It is known for its muscular build, short "bobbed" tail, and dog-like loyalty to its family.

Origin and History

The Pixiebob originated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the mid-1980s, created by breeder Carol Ann Brewer. The founding cats were domestic shorthairs with wild-looking features, and the breed was standardized to consistently resemble the coastal red bobcat in appearance but remain fully domestic. This careful breeding program ensured that while Pixiebobs look wild, they maintain the gentle, domestic temperament that makes them excellent family companions.

Physical Characteristics

Pixiebobs are sturdy, muscular cats with medium-to-large rectangular bodies, prominent bone structure, and a rolling, wildcat-like gait. Adults commonly weigh about 8–17 pounds, with males generally larger than females. Typical features include:

• Head: Inverted pear-shaped head with deep-set hooded eyes (green or gold in adults)
• Ears: Tufted ears that add to the wild appearance
• Coat: Dense double coat available in both short and long varieties, typically featuring a brown spotted tabby pattern
• Tail: Naturally short tail that can vary in length but is often only a few inches long, resembling a bobcat's tail
• Polydactyl: Many Pixiebobs are polydactyl, having extra toes, which is explicitly allowed and even encouraged in the breed standard

The breed's appearance is carefully maintained to evoke the look of a wild bobcat while ensuring all cats are fully domestic and friendly.

Temperament

Pixiebobs are often described as "dog-like" in their behavior: they tend to bond strongly with their family, enjoy following people around, and can learn to walk on a harness or play fetch. They are generally social and get along well with children and other pets when properly introduced. Despite being active and curious, they are usually laid-back, moderately vocal (more chirps and chitters than loud meows), and often tolerant and patient, making them suitable for many households.

Activity Level

Pixiebobs are intelligent, energetic cats that need regular interactive play, environmental enrichment, and opportunities for climbing and exploration to stay mentally and physically fit. They enjoy puzzle toys, climbing structures, and interactive games with their owners. Their dog-like nature means they often enjoy activities like fetch and can be trained to walk on a leash, providing additional exercise opportunities.

Care and Grooming

Shorthaired Pixiebobs typically need weekly brushing to maintain their dense double coat, while longhaired individuals often benefit from more frequent grooming to prevent tangles in their woolly double coat. Regular grooming also helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat healthy. Like all cats, they benefit from regular nail trimming, dental care, and ear cleaning.

Health Considerations

Reported average lifespan is around 13–15 years, and Pixiebobs are generally considered a healthy breed. Like other large, active cats, good weight management, routine veterinary care, and regular dental care are important for maintaining their health. Responsible breeding practices have helped maintain the breed's overall health, and there are no breed-specific genetic disorders commonly associated with Pixiebobs.

Summary Table

Aspect	Pixiebob details
Origin	Originated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the mid-1980s, created by breeder Carol Ann Brewer; developed from domestic shorthairs with wild-looking features to resemble the coastal red bobcat while remaining fully domestic.
Size	Medium-to-large; adults commonly weigh about 8–17 pounds; males generally larger than females.
Head	Inverted pear-shaped head; deep-set hooded eyes (green or gold in adults); tufted ears.
Body	Sturdy, muscular cats with medium-to-large rectangular bodies; prominent bone structure; rolling, wildcat-like gait.
Coat	Dense double coat available in both short and long varieties; typically features a brown spotted tabby pattern.
Tail	Naturally short tail that can vary in length but is often only a few inches long, resembling a bobcat's tail.
Special features	Many Pixiebobs are polydactyl (have extra toes), which is explicitly allowed and encouraged in the breed standard.
Temperament	Dog-like loyalty; bonds strongly with family; enjoys following people around; can learn to walk on harness or play fetch; social and gets along well with children and other pets; laid-back, moderately vocal (chirps and chitters); tolerant and patient.
Activity level	Intelligent, energetic; needs regular interactive play, environmental enrichment, and opportunities for climbing and exploration; enjoys puzzle toys and interactive games.
Grooming	Shorthaired varieties need weekly brushing; longhaired individuals need more frequent grooming to prevent tangles in their woolly double coat.
Lifespan	Average 13–15 years with proper care.
Health considerations	Generally considered a healthy breed; good weight management, routine veterinary care, and regular dental care important; no breed-specific genetic disorders commonly associated.
Best suited for	Families with children and other pets; owners seeking a dog-like cat companion; households that can provide regular interactive play and environmental enrichment; those who appreciate a wild appearance with a gentle temperament.

References

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