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Pixiebob at a Glance

Originating in the Northwestern part of the United States, the Pixiebob resemble the wild Coastal Red Bobcat. It is one of only two breeds that accept polydactyls (cats with extra toes). Smart, active and social, they easily learn to walk on a harness or leash and play fetch. They’re doglike in their devotion and make a great companion for children while embracing the company of other pets. Short or longhair, the Pixiebob’s coat is easy to groom with weekly combing or brushing. Find out more about this breed and if the Pixiebob is right for you and your family.

• Temperament: Mellow, Loving, Loyal

• Size: Medium-to-large-sized cat

• Colors: Both longhair and shorthair varieties are a brown spotted tabby ranging in shade from tawny to a reddish brown.  The spots are small and are muted by heavy ticking-the ticking is heavier in the winter months and may be more silvery in tone as well

• Life Expectancy:: 13-15+ years

About the Pixiebob

The loyal Pixiebob is strong and bred to resemble the wild Coastal Red Bobcat found in the mountains. Often called a “dog in disguise” these intelligent cats are loyal and devoted to their family. They have the look of a bobcat, but have the loving personality of a domestic cat. 

Activity Level:

Pixiebob’s are known for their “dog-like” personality. They learn to fetch and to walk on a harness and leash. While the Pixiebob is an active cat wanting to take part in all family activities, it is also very laid-back and relaxed. They are an inquisitive, companionable cat that wants to be alongside their family and communicate in their own language of chirps, chitters and the occasional growl.

Given the Pixie-Bob’s loyal reputation, these cats make excellent companions for homes with other pets and children.

Care

Grooming
Pixiebobs have a thick double coat which needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting and excessive shedding. The texture is “wooly,” like a bobcat, and can be either short-haired or long-haired.

As with all cats, keep their nails trimmed, ears cleaned and teeth brushed regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste and provide a nice tall scratching pole to help their natural scratching instinct.

Nutrition:

Pixiebob breeds do not have any particular nutritional needs but as with all cats, it is important to give your cat fresh, clean water daily so cats don’t hesitate to drink. If you worry about your cat drinking enough water each day, here's a tip from cat behaviorists - place the water bowl at least three feet away from any food. Cats’ noses are sensitive and an overwhelming smell of food may cause them to drink less. Filtered drinking fountains can also be used in place of a water bowl.   

Health

The Pixiebob is generally a healthy breed, however sure to watch their weight and not mistake it for them being a large cat. It is recommended that their vaccinations and parasite treatments are kept to date and that regular veterinary appointments are scheduled.

History

Carol Ann Brewer (Stoneisland) purchased a polydactyl spotted male kitten with a short tail in the spring of 1985 from a couple in the foothills of the Cascade Range in Washington State. In January 1986, she rescued a classic patterned male with a short tail who stood as tall as her knees and named him Keba. He bred a neighbor's domestic female named Maggie who delivered a litter in April 1986. Carol Ann took one of the female kittens with muted spotting on a reddish-fawn coat and a wild look, naming her Pixie.

By 1987, Carol Ann realized that these bobtailed cats had a distinctive appearance and began looking for more cats with this look. She was also concerned about what would happen if she lost Pixie and decided to create more cats that looked like her. In 1989 she documented a standard that represented the traits that were consistently being reproduced and named the fledgling breed Pixiebob in memory of her original cats.

In 1993, Carol Ann approached TICA to begin the recognition for these unique cats and in 1994 TICA accepted the Pixiebob for Exhibition Status and in 1995 advanced it to NBC effective May 1, 1996. In 1997 the new breed was granted championship status beginning with the 1998 show season. IW SGC Silversprings Zeus was the first Pixiebob to attain an International Award.

Did You Know?

• The Pixiebob's facial hair makes him look as if he has muttonchop sideburns.
• Pixiebobs can be polydactyl cats, having more than the usual number of digits on their paws, and are considered lucky.

The Breed Standard

The goal of the Pixiebob breeding program is to create a domestic cat with a visual similarity to the North American Bobcat. The Pixiebob comes in shorthair and longhair varieties. The most notable characteristics of the Pixiebob are the deep-set, heavily hooded eyes, well-developed fleshy chin and short tail.

Click here to read the full TICA Pixiebob Breed Standard.

Accepted For Championship in TICA in 1998

• Pixiebob Breed At A Glance
• Breed Introduction
• Printable Breed Introduction
• Pixiebob Breeders
• Breed Standards 
• Breed Committee
• Breed Seminar

Photos used courtesy of © Helmi Flick Cat Photography.