Pixie Bob is a large cat breed that resembles a wild cat, perhaps the most obvious being its short tail (although the tail may be almost non-existent, short or even long). The body is muscular, has a pear-shaped face and the ears are bushy.
The woolly fur protrudes from the body and has a marble pattern on a background that ranges from light cinnamon to reddish cinnamon. Most Pixie Bob cats have the hairs and skin at the bottom of their black legs, thick, bushy ears, black lips and white hair around their eyes, but with black skin and short hair, but some are long .
Pixie bob photos
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Physical characteristics
Felinologists note the similarity of Pixie bob cats with American Bobtails, also known for their wild origin. These cats look rather massive and muscular animals with a short tail (there are individuals with medium or even long tails), although they are not without natural grace.
The sexual dimorphism is striking: the males are larger than the females. Their body weight reaches 7-9 kg and 4-6 kg, respectively.
Distinctive features
- Head – inverted pear-shaped, medium to large in size, powerful chin, broad, full equilateral diamond-shaped muzzle, fleshy, rounded whisker pads, lynx paws;
- Ears – medium height, wide, sunken, slightly tilted forward, rounded tips, preferably with tassels, especially in long hair, pale indentation outside ear;
- The eyes are of medium size, in the shape of a streamlined triangle, with heavy lids and thick eyebrows; deeply planted. Kittens are born with blue eyes, but before the age of 7 months they turn golden, brown or currant green;
- Nose – broad, slightly convex, slightly bumpy, brick-coloured skin;
- Body – powerful, dimensions: medium to large, shoulder blades protruding, the line of the hips is slightly higher than the shoulders; the hips themselves are of medium width, protruding; broad chest, hanging belly;
- Legs – long, while the hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, muscular with heavy bones, large fleshy fingers, polydactyly is allowed – up to 7 fingers on the paws;
- Tail – minimum length – 5 cm, maximum – to the hock (with the leg outstretched). It is desirable that the tail be articulated with bends and folds;
- Coat – up to 5 cm long long-haired, there are also short-haired.
Character and behavior
Pixie bob cat is a child’s best friend, that’s a fact. This breed is moderately playful, active, has very high intelligence and patience in dealing with family members and, in particular, with children. This cat is characterized by a natural gentleness, a good disposition and a love of adventure, including hunting.
She likes to participate not only in games with children or adults, but in general – in family life. This cat is a wonderful companion, she will be happy to share with you all the moments of your life, laundry, cooking (maybe the Pixie bob is ready to share this moment in particular), the evenings between friends and travels to other places.
Yes, you heard that right – Pixie bob cats love to travel with their owners, they normally perceive a change of scenery and new surroundings, they are well oriented in the area. They have well-developed hunting instincts, which is not surprising given the pedigree. At the same time, they do not show aggression towards people, which is very important if there is a small child in the family.
Foreigners are perceived normally, without negativity, but without too much enthusiasm. We can say that the Pixie bob, perhaps, will first look at the guests of your house, observe the situation from the outside, and only after making his own opinion will he make contact.
But with family members, these cats are exceptionally affectionate, they are well able to sense the emotional state of a person and often try to help him with his presence and love. This breed is not very talkative and perceives other pets in the house well – however, there are exceptions. These are birds, rodents and possibly fish.
Health
Diseases characteristic of this breed have not been identified. However, diseases of the genitourinary system are often observed, as well as cardiomyopathy, characterized by cardiac tissue enlargement and dysfunction.
Like other pets, Pixie Bob cats are susceptible to various infectious diseases, so you should not neglect vaccinations and a preventive visit to a veterinarian.
Life expectancy
The average lifespan of Pixie Bob cats is around 13 to 16 years.
Care
Pixie Bob cats are quite unpretentious – they are not afraid of cold and hot weather. This resistance is due to the origin of the cat from the wild lynx.
Representatives of the breed lead an active lifestyle; it is recommended to take a walk in the fresh air. Pixie Bob cats are comfortable with collars, which makes it much easier to regularly walk the animal.
The Pixie Bob cat’s short-haired fur is easy to maintain; If a cat with long hair, you will need more help.
It is recommended to bathe your pet no more than 6-7 times a year. Before exhibitions, you can use professional cosmetics to give the coat a more pronounced color. To enhance the shine of your hair, it is recommended to use a suede fabric.
Like all cats, this breed requires periodic vaccinations, pest control and annual veterinary checks.
Fun facts
- The Pixie bob is one of the few breeds that bears similarities to wild cats.
- These animals display amazing delicacy and sensitivity, which makes them versatile pets.
- Representatives of the breed are quite “hospitable”, calmly relate to the presence of strangers in the house.
- Cats get along well with children, show a particularly reverent attitude towards babies.
- These cats are suitable for keeping with other pets, with the exception of rodents and birds.
- Animals will not accept the constant absence of the owner: this is a very sociable breed.
- Cats are famous for their intelligence and ability to train, they learn even complex commands.
- Pixie bob cats love active games and walks, which resembles dogs.
- Pixie bob won’t be a hassle, even for first-time cat owners.
History of the breed
Pixie bob cats appeared in North America in the 80s of the last century. Many myths and legends are associated with the origin of short-tailed cats. It was believed that the pixie bob is a direct descendant of the wild lynx, born as a result of its crossing with an outbred domestic cat. However, experts do not support this theory, since animals that are obtained from interspecific mating would be sterile and would not give offspring.
According to the official version, cats of the pixie-bob breed appeared as a result of the purposeful selection work of Carol Ann Brever. An American breeder planned to mate two short-tailed individuals, one of which had polydactyly. The spotted kitten, which was born from this unusual pair, received the nickname Pixie and became the ancestor of a new breed.
After some time, Carol presented the result of her work at the Washington exhibition. Lynx-like cats immediately became the object of increased attention. In 1995, the pixie bob breed received official status and recognition from the most famous felinological organizations.
The breed arrived in Europe in 2001, but this breed of cat is not very popular.