10 Things You Didn’t Know About Pixie-Bob Cats

Pixie Bob

Each cat breed has unique physical characteristics and personality traits. Therefore, some breeds are better suited to some families than others. Personal preferences also play a part when choosing the right cat breed for you. Finding out as much as you can about a cat breed will help you to decide which is the right option for you. Here are 10 things you might not know about the Pixie-bob cat breed.

1. They Were Developed in the 1980s to Look Like Bobcats

Carol Brewer from Mount Baker, Washington, is credited with developing the Pixie-bob cat breed. In 1985, she purchased a unique male cat that had a short tail, polydactyl paws, and a spotted coat. She then acquired another male cat called Keba that also had a spotted coat. Due to the cat’s bobbed tail and large size, Brewer believed it had been sired by a local bobcat. Keba mated with the spotted female cat next door, and Brewer kept one of the female kittens that she called Pixie. She then used Pixie as the foundation cat to start a breeding program. Brewer introduced 23 local cats into the program, all of which Brewer believed were born from matings between domestic and bobcats. She called them legend cats, a term that she later trademarked. Although Pixie-bobs resemble bobcats, they are classed as an entirely domestic breed.

2. Pixie-bobs Have Been Recognized TICA Since 1993

Brewer led the efforts to have the breed recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the American Cat Fancier’s Association (ACFA). In 1993, TICA accepted the Pixie-bob into their Exhibition category. The Pixie-bob was then promoted in 1996 to the New Breed and Color category. Eventually, the Pixie-bob was given Championship status in 1998. Originally, TICA classified the Pixie-bob as a Native New Breed, but it is now classified as an established breed.

3. It is a Medium-to-Large Breed

According to Cat Time, the Pixie-bob is a medium-to-large cat breed. However, the size and weight of these cats can vary significantly. In most cases, longer cats are heavier, and male cats are both larger and heavier than female cats. Most Pixie-bobs are between 20 and 24 inches and weigh between eight and 17-pounds. There are some Pixie-bobs that weigh as much as 25 pounds. Due to the wide size and weight range for this breed, it makes sense to seek the advice of your vet to ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight for its size and gender.

4. They Have Patches of Black Skin Under White Fur

An unusual feature of Pixie-bob cats is their patches of black skin that are specific to certain parts of their bodies and do not reflect the markings of their fur. They have black skin and fur on their paws and black lips. Pixie-bobs also have black eye skin and black chins, even though the fur on both body parts is white. Interestingly, the Pixie-bob’s whiskers are black at the roots and gradually fade to white at the tips.

5. Most Are Short-Haired Cats

Although there are long-haired Pixie-bobs, most of this breed are short-haired. They have a similar pattern to bobcats, with spotting across the body and a striped pattern over their legs and rear. The short-haired varieties need very little grooming, while the long-haired variety needs more grooming to prevent tangling and keep their fur in good condition.

6. They Have Distinctive Facial Features

According to the breed standards, the head is the most important characteristic. Pixie-bobs have a pear-shaped head with triangular eyes, tipped ears, and heavy ear hair. Another distinctive aspect of their head is the large muzzle with round whisker pads and red nose leather. Pixie-bobs have blue eyes at birth, but these change to green or gold within a few months. Elsewhere on their bodies, one of the Pixie-bob’s most distinctive features is its bobbed tail, which can range from two inches to hock length.

7. It is a Sociable Cat Breed

The physical characteristics of a cat breed are not the only factor to consider when choosing the right cat breed for you, as you should also think about the personality and behavioral traits of a breed. The first thing to know is that the Pixie-bob is a sociable cat breed. They enjoy playing with other animals, so they are fine to live alongside other pets. Their sociable personalities also extend to humans, as they enjoy spending time with their families and playing games.

8. They Are a Very Intelligent Cat Breed

Pixie-bobs are noted for being an intelligent cat breed and can even understand some spoken words. They can quickly learn new commands and tricks and are a good option if you want to train your cat to walk on a leash. Due to its intelligence, this cat breed needs mental stimulation to avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Therefore, you should make sure your Pixie-bob has cat toys that will stimulate it and keep it active.

9. Pixie-bobs Are Very Vocal Creatures

One of the most notable traits of the Pixie-bob is that it is very vocal. Although most of this breed do not meow, they make various other noises, including chatters, growls, and chirps. For some cat owners, the vocal nature of the breed is endearing, and they enjoy having ‘conversations with their cats. For others, the noises are annoying, so this is something to consider when deciding whether the Pixie-bob is the right breed for you.

10. There are Some Health Conditions Associated with this Breed

Like most cat breeds, there are some health conditions associated with this breed. These include absent testes in males, gynecological problems in females, blocked tear ducts, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, these are all rare genetic diseases. The Pixie-bob is genetically diverse and is not prone to problems that are caused by inbreeding.

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