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The Pixie Bob breed is believed to be the result of an accidental mating between a bobcat and a polydactyl (multi toed) barn cat in the State of Washington. A polydactyl male kitten from this litter was purchased by a Carol Ann Brewer, so intrigued was she by the kittens unusual behaviour and appearance, that within a year she acquired a female of similar origin with the idea of starting a breeding program. The resultant litter produced a female kitten called Pixie, she became the foundation mother of the breed in 1985, hence the name Pixie Bob. The breeds bobcat ancestry has never been genetically proven, and DNA tests have so far failed to show any wild markers, thus the Pixie Bob is officially classed as a domestic cat. In 1995 T.I.C.A officially recognized the breed.
Pixie Bobs are bred to resemble the North American Bobcat, they are large muscular cats with wild looking features. Having long broad muzzles, prominent chins, hooded eyes, and ear tips, along with a muscular frame, long back legs and a certain swagger to their walk all add to this illusion of wildness.
Brown tabby is the only permitted colour, the coat can be either short or long haired, with heavy ticking which mutes the markings, giving them a more bobcat like appearance. Pixie Bobs are the only breed accepted by T.I.C.A. for show with polydactyl (many toed) paws, up to 7 toes is allowed, it is such a common occurence in the breed and it is felt that these large paws, add to the breeds wild appearance, whilst they do not in any way hinder the cats abilities. For the show ring the tail should be no longer than the hock, however many long tailed cats are used in breeding programs and are sold as fabulous pets. Our very own Catch has a long tail, her outstanding eye and ear set, broad muzzle and fab ear tips combined with an amazingly spotted coat, huge poly feet and long back legs create such an outstanding wild impression, that the length of her tail is the least of my worries! Bobtail kittens are born to parents with long tails and vice versa.
Pixie Bobs are highly intelligent, and easily trainable sometimes called a "dog in disguise" due to their fabulous temperaments. Most will easily learn to walk on a lead with a harness and will even play fetch! The Pixie Bob is renowned for its quiet nature and will rarely call out, they tend instead to voice what they want with short chirps or chirrups, that's not to say they are uncommunicative. Sometimes just a look or gesture will get their point across very well!
They are exceptional with children and have incredible patience, compared with other cats. When our Pixie Bobs first came home I was quite nervous about our then eighteen month old son being on the floor with them (or any other cat for that matter) however they all made it quite clear that I had nothing to worry about. In fact when our two girls first arrived, Primo would not let them near our son and guarded him until he was sure they wouldn't harm him, it seems incredible but he would not leave our sons side whenever they were around. They are all settled in now and all our children cuddle and stroke our cats, each with their own favourite!
Mans best friend is a dog,
A girls best friend is her Pixie Bob
The Pixie Bob is an excellent companion, that will entertain and amuse all around. They bond closely with their human families, tending to follow you around, happy to sit and watch whatever you're doing, content just to know you're there! During the evening they tend to sprawl themselves out on your lap, rather than curling up in a ball and are quite happy to stay draped like that until bedtime. Pixie Bobs thrive on human companionship, and although they are ok left alone for a couple of hours, they'll want lots of attention when you get home. Mine wait in the hall, even if I've just gone to the shops! If you're likely to regularly be out all day, maybe the Pixie Bob isn't for you. It is very difficult to explain the bond between a Pixie Bob and its owner, it's one of those things you have to experience to understand.
Luna asleep on Masons lap,
and Mason asleep on my lap!! Bless!!
There are no special requirements involved in the care of the Pixie Bob, their diet consists of a quality dry cat food, combined with servings of wet food. A clean bowl of fresh water should always be available along with a well kept litter tray, kittens will all be litter trained before leaving to go to a new home. All cats need to scratch to maintain their claws, so it is important to provide a scratching post, these are relatively inexpensive and available from most pet shops. All kittens will leave Bewitched vaccinated, worm/flea to date, it is very easy to maintain this, an annual booster will be required to maintain their immunity along with tri-annual treatments for worms and fleas. Although my cats don't go out I still feel it is a good idea to maintain this level of treatment, you never know what you might unwittingly bring in from outside.
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