Cat Pixie Bob

Cat Pixie Bob is a big cat that looks like a lynx. This is in fact what an American breeder, Carol Ann Brewer, was aiming for when she found an undernourished big cat on the street that even so weighed 8 kilograms and brought him home. It was 1985 in Washington state, USA.

This cat, very similar to a Bobcat, had a short tail and was mated with a polydactyl domestic cat (i.e. with more toes than normal). Several kittens were born from this mating and Mrs Brewer decided to keep with her a specimen with a spotted coat and reddish fur that she named Pixie.

This is in fact the ancestor of the current breed of Pixie Bob, named in honour of its progenitor. This kitten also had a short tail and was polydactyl. In fact, it had 7 toes on its front paws and 5 on its hind ones.

Character of the Cat Pixie Bob

Cat Pixie Bob, despite its wild appearance, is among the most sociable of feline breeds and is always ready to receive cuddles and purr and purr. He is a big softie, very affectionate and very attached to his family, whether it is one person or many. The Pixie is the ideal cat for flat life, as it is a somewhat lazy cat that likes to laze around and sleep on beds and sofas, but it does not disdain play, indeed a little activity is indicated for this kitten.

He does not like to be left alone, but adapts as long as he has some playtime available or even a cat or dog friend, in fact he gets along well with both. This cat is also an excellent companion for children, both in play and rest. They are very intelligent cats and it is not uncommon to see them playing fetch or learning to walk on a leash.

They do not meow much, but express themselves through a very particular vocality that is more like the chirping of birds, to express their affection or requests, mostly for food. As a good explorer, it does not dislike climbing, jumping and being in elevated positions from where it can keep everything under control, and although it is a very domestic cat it does not disdain open space either, so some time in a garden or on a terrace in safety will certainly please it.

They are very curious so strangers do not frighten them; on the contrary, they will be at your side welcoming guests.

Appearance of the Cat Pixie Bob

The Cat Pixie Bob is a large cat, muscular and powerful, but with a slender physique and therefore moves with great elegance. In fact, it looks very much like a wild cat, also due to its typical upward curved back. The male can weigh up to 8 - 9 kilograms, but there is also talk of specimens weighing up to 10, the female usually a couple of kilograms less.

Its distinguishing features are the tail which is very short (about 5 centimetres or so) and the polydactyly, which as I wrote above is an increase in the toes compared to normal.

Pixie Bob's head is pear-shaped with a prominent forehead. The eyes, slightly triangular and somewhat sunken have gold, green and light blue colours. The ears are rounded at the top and are adorned with a delightful tuft of fur.

The coat may be short or long, but always very thick, silky and waterproof, with a woolly undercoat. The coat colour of this breed is spotted tabby brown. The most popular shades are those that veer towards warm colours. The fur pattern is spotted or striped.

Care and health of the Cat Pixie Bob

This cat has a fairly long life expectancy, averaging around 15 years, but specimens have been known to live into their twenties. It has no problems with cold temperatures, but bears heat poorly.

They are generally a healthy breed and do not suffer from any particular diseases. The Pixie is quite greedy, so it will be a good idea to ensure a diet in keeping with their lifestyle to prevent them from gaining weight and becoming lazy.

As far as the coat is concerned, it does not require any special care, just brushing it a couple of times a week is enough, special care must however be taken when brushing the tail as it tends to knot up much more than the coat, and it is also a very delicate part. It is also a good idea to clean his ears regularly as they have hair in which dirt and earwax can accumulate.