If you think the picture above doesn’t look like a “Pixie” or “fairy,” it seems much more like a wild Lynx; we here at IndulgeYourPet would agree. Some folks even theorize that the Pixiebob is ½ wildcat. And while we can’t provide any evidence that this is true, we can tell you that this cat breed is one of my favorites, and it’s not because they have a wild streak.
Truth is…
These cats are pretty mellow and sometimes act a bit “dog-like.” But just because we here at IndulgeYourPetaree are big fans of the Pixie-bob cat breed doesn’t mean you will be, too. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own a Pixiebob cat so that if you’re allowed to own one of these guys, you’ll be able to know if that’s a good choice for you.
Pixiebob Cat Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: United States
Size: Medium
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Eyes: Triangular
Shape of Head: Pear-shaped
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Origin of the Pixiebob cat breed
Several competing theories exist regarding the evolution of the pixie-bob cat breed. Some theorize that this cat is the product of a natural mating between a domestic shorthaired cat and an actual bobcat. In contrast, others believe that the Pixiebob is just the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation that was able to take hold in a small community.
What is known is…
The “breed” was first “discovered” right around 1985 by a woman named Carol Ann Brewer, who was fascinated by what she found and decided to try to create more of them. One of the first kittens she bred called,” which is why she later decided to make the cat generate the “Pixie” bob. By 1994, the International Cat Association “officially” decided to recognize the breed along with the Cat Fanciers Association, which shortly followed suit in 2005.
Physical Characteristics
Overall, it’s safe to say that the Pixiebob does “seem” to have a bit of a “wild” look about him. That, combined with the fact that many of these cats will also be “graced” with polydactylism (six toes!), makes them quite a unique animal. They can also grow in quite a large size. The females weigh about 8-12 pounds, and the males weigh 25 pounds. This, combined with their quiet physique, is another reason why people tend to think that the father of this breed is the coastal red bobcat. Of course, the fact that these cats are born without a “normal” or natural tail adds even more credence to the idea that these cats are ½ wild.
Personality and Temperament
Even though the Pixiebob cat breed looks quite wild, these cats are pretty mellow and love to have attention like many other cats, but they are quiet without hyperactivity. Some people have even described these dogs as having a dog-like character of their modest breed types. Unlike many cat breeds, these cats love bonding with their owners and taking car rides.
And because…
Pixie cats are so mellow and get along with just about anyone; we often recommend this breed to anyone with young children. These cats are so casual they’ll even put up with children dragging them all around the house. Not that we recommend letting your children do this; we’re just saying that these aren’t the types of cats that scratch or bite if they become upset. They’re more likely to avoid little troublemakers until they are old enough to love and care for a cat of this quality.
Maintenance
While these cats do not require special or particular care besides the basics, you’ll need to monitor their weight. They can add unexpected weight, and people may mistake this for being a giant cat breed, but this isn’t the case.
Coat and grooming
The pixie cats will need their coat brushed regularly as they have double skin prone to becoming matter and shedding excessively.
Their coat tends to be more woolly than furry, and they are either short or long-haired. Their skin is usually patterned with a striped pattern or a maceral coat. They can be various colors but tend to be light gray, reddish, or fawn color.
Feeding
Pixie bobs love meat, so if you offer food that isn’t meat, it is most likely getting rejected and left sitting in their bowl. But be sure to stick with the recommended food and amount for their weight,t and don’t go over this. It may seem insufficient, but it is perfect for them and will help avoid adding extra weight.
It is tough for them to lose weight after gaining a little extra. Your fairy will need to be given an eating schedule; these cats will eat all day if allowed to, so if your spirit eats what is in the bowl, be strong and don’t feed anymore, even if the cat is vocally requesting more food. Also, be sure not to give your cat too many treats as this can make them too full to eat the proper dietary meal they need for the correct number of vitamins.
Potential Health Concerns
Pixie-bob cats are not prone to a lot of illnesses. They are usually relatively healthy. The breed is outcrossed, so the health problems prone to inbreeding are lowered. Now, you may notice your cat has more digits on its paws. This is perfectly normal. It is not sure what causes this, but this is why the pixie cats are considered lucky.
Choosing where to buy from
Pixie bobs are not cheap to buy, and you want them to be the best they can be, so buying your pixie bob from a reputable breeder is essential. Make sure you do your homework on the breeders before you decide on one. You’ll want to find a breeder supplying proof that your cat has had all its vet checks done and is happy to provide screening for genetic problems. Backyard breeders keep kittens isolated from which they are not used to human contact and can become feral when picked up by people.
A reputable breeder will…
Have the kitten friendly and comfortable with people before selling. Don’t just check out a website and like what you see, then opt to buy from them. Just because they have a website doesn’t mean they are reputable breeders. Anyone can create a website and make it look good.
Communicate with the breeder…
Ask questions and look for red flags like excuses when asked for proof of vet checks, multiple litters at the same place, asking for full payment upfront, or paying online with credit cards. This is not how reputable breeders work.
The vet can usually advise you where to find a reputable breeder; otherwise, the International Cat Breeder Association is an excellent place to start. Beware of social media sellers. They are more corrupt than they are good.
Lastly…
Now that you’re spending all the time and energy researching what kind of cat you may want to adopt, why not take a moment or two and explore what it might cost to insure your new pet?
This is something…
We recommend to all prospective pet owners whether they are adopting a “free” cat from outside a Walmart or spending a small fortune on a rare and unusual pedigree. The truth is, we as pet owners never want to see our animals suffer from any sickness or injury, and many of us have found ourselves on the receiving end of a HUGE vet bill!
So why not take a moment and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new family member so that if they ever need veterinarian care, you won’t be on the “hook” for 100% of the medical cost?
For more information about who we “feel” currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies in the industry, check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
