Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Pixie-bob" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

The origins of the Pixie-bob they are dyed with fantasy. There is a legend that it is the result of the mating between female domestic cat and male bobcat. This is surely due to the fact that the Pixie-bob looks like “Lynx“, but it has no foundation.

What is known is that Carol Ann Brewer, a Washington state breeder, in the northwestern United States, was the creator of the race.

In 1985, through a newspaper ad, adopted and appointed Keba, a male kitten that resembled a bobcat: large, with spots and with a short tail. The owners told him that the father was a bobcat (Lynx rufus).

Carol Ann Brewer I already had a female, call Maggie, which had the same characteristics. Decided to pair them. In the resulting litter, a little kitten was born with features identical to those of her parents. He called Pixie.

Pixie looked like a wild cat, but he was tame and he was loving. Carol Ann Brewer was delighted with this original mix and decided to breed it.

He toured the Cascade Mountains and found 23 males with the same characteristics: short tail, spotted fur, short or long hair. Like this, had enough specimens to start breeding what he decided to call the Pixie-bob: Pixie in reference to the little cat from which all representatives of the breed descend, and Bob by “bobcat“, that means Lynx.

Carol Ann Brewer He then gathered around him other breeders who were passionate about the cat and who wanted to contribute to its development.. He exercised strict control over his breeding work, so that together they managed to maintain both the wild appearance of the cat and its domestic temperament.

In 1989 Carol Ann Brewer wrote the first rule for the Pixie-bob. She and her colleagues worked hard to get the International Cat Association (TICA) recognize the breed. One of the ways to do this was to silence the rumor that the animals were hybrids of the bobcat, that is to say, who descended from that species. They knew that it was highly unlikely that the official authorities would agree to register a hybrid cat. Thus, performed genetic tests on the different litters, who scientifically proved that there was no relationship between their cats and wild animals.

In 1993, the organization took a decisive first step in allowing the Pixie-bob will be presented in exhibitions organized under the aegis of the organization, although unable to compete. In 1996, officially granted the Pixie-bob new breed status, and in 1998 the breed received full recognition, allowing your representatives to participate in contests.

At the same time, the “Pixie-bob” began to spread internationally.

This was the case, in particular, from France: a first copy was presented in 1997 in the Festival of the Gato de Pontoise. The reference body of the country, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF), recognized the breed barely 5 years later, in 2002.

Not everyone has done the same. These may include, the request for recognition made to the Cat Fanciers’Association (CFA) still not successful to this day, contrary to what happened in 2005 with the one carried out at American Cat Fanciers’ Association. In general, few official bodies have accepted the breed. These may include, not even Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), neither him Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), not even Association Féline Canadienne (CCA), they have taken the step.

Although the Pixie-bob began to be exported outside its country of origin in the years 90 (Canada, France, Italy, etc.), most of its population is still concentrated in the United States. It is still rare and little known abroad.

Even in america, its distribution remains limited, since the number of breeders does not exceed twenty. in Canada, there are less than a dozen.

In France, there are hardly more than a handful of breeders. The number of annual records of Pixie-bob in the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) around twenty between 2006 and 2008, and then drop to a dozen in the following years, before peaking again at 2018, with more than 30 births per year. In any case, whatever the time, records Pixie-bob shorthair are 2 to 3 times more than those of Pixie-bob longhair.

The breed is also present in Belgium, but there are only a few breeders there.

The Pixie-bob is a long and powerful cat with a wild look.

The body it is medium to large size, with strong bones and powerful muscles. The rib cage is broad and well developed. The shoulders are prominent and form a hole in the center, which gives the impression that the Pixie-bob roll when walking. Lower body has a belly pocket. The back forms a slight hollow that goes up to the hips, that are slightly taller than the shoulders.

The tail must have at least 5 cm length, but must not extend beyond the hock when the leg is fully extended.

The legs they are long and powerfully muscular, ending in feet large, wide and almost round. The latter have meaty fingers.

Some individuals have a normally long tail or feet polydactyls. In France, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) authorizes its registration and reproduction, but they cannot participate in contests organized under the auspices of the organization. The International Cat Association accepts the Pixie-bob with long tail, as long as the queue does not exceed more than 2 cm from hock when leg is extended, as well as those who are polydactyls (7 fingers maximum).

The head of the Pixie-bob rests on a powerful and muscular neck. It is medium to large in size and has the original shape of an inverted pear.. The forehead is slightly rounded and ends in a slight stop.

The ears they are medium in size and wide at the base, with rounded tip. Subtly leaning out, have feather-shaped tufts of hair at the tip, which gives them an air of resemblance to the Lynx.

The eyes they are widely separated in the shape of a rectangular triangle and their color varies between gold and hazelnut. They are surrounded by a line of creamy white makeup that highlights their contours., and are topped by bushy eyebrows. The eyelids are quite heavy and cover a small part of the eyes, giving to Pixie-bob a slightly indolent and half-asleep appearance. It also, on each side, a black line runs from the outer corner of the eye to the cheek, which is prominent.

The nose it is quite big and wide. It is also slightly arched, forming a small hump, and ends with a brick-colored nose.

Last, the chin is well developed and covered with dense fur.

The Pixie-bob it comes in two varieties, that are differentiated by the length of their fur – all other physical and mental characteristics are identical. There are individuals of shorthair and Longhair. On this last case, However, hair does not exceed 5 cm length.

Both short-haired and long-haired cats have soft fur, woolly and dense, especially on the head, where it is thicker.

The Pixie-bob is a tabby cat whose coat can only have a spotted tabby pattern, that is to say, is stained with small round spots, randomly distributed throughout the body. Undercoat is mouse gray, and the upper one is brown, or of all its lighter or darker shades. The belly contrasts with the rest of the body, as it is creamy white. The same goes for the chin and lower neck, which are lighter in color. On the other hand, the back of the legs, the pads and the tip of the tail are brownish-black or black.

The fur mottled Pixie-bob changes with the seasons. In winter, the fur is very dense, allowing it to withstand very low temperatures. In summer, the coat is less dense and shorter, allowing the spot pattern to be seen. The molt takes place in spring and autumn.

Last, regardless of the variety, there is a certain sexual dimorphism: the male is not much larger than the female, but it's heavier.

"Pixie-bob"

• Size: 30 cm.
• Male weight: Of 6 to 10 kg
• female weight: 3 to 4 kg

The breed standards are documents produced by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Pixie-bob to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:

• Standard LOOF (Livre Officiel des Origines Félines)
• Standard AFC (Association Féline Canadienne)
• Standard TICA (The International Cat Association)

The Pixie-bob it comes in two varieties:

• the Pixie Bob shorthair;
• the Pixie Bob longhair.

The only difference between them is the length of the hair.: their other physical characteristics are identical, like his temperament. But, the Pixie Bob shorthair it is more common than the long-haired.

It also, although they are not considered varieties in the strict sense, there are both Pixie Bobs short-tailed (the majority) like those with a much longer tail. Both can be short or long hair.

The Pixie-bob it is a surprising and remarkable cat. In fact, its wild appearance could be misleading, but don't be fooled: this cat has an affectionate and docile character, which is even similar to that of a dog in many respects.

In fact, this outgoing animal, affectionate and easy to carry is ideal for a family. Not an individual cat, but wait - and offer- affection to everyone around him on a daily basis. They like to be the center of family activities and participate in some way. A little talkative, does not hesitate to communicate to demonstrate, for example, that he needs to be caressed.

You can even talk to strangers this way. In fact, the Pixie-bob he is not shy with strangers or guests who come into his house. On the other hand, he stays in the middle of all those people and wants to participate.

If this cuddly feline enjoys cuddling up on the couch with his humans, it is because it is calm and relaxed by nature. A bit addicted to the couch sometimes, he likes the tranquility of his home and being surrounded by his family.

They are able to cope with the excitement of the youngest: loving their company and showing infinite patience with them, without ever being aggressive, It is clearly a recommended breed of cat for children.

But, the fact that it is a good company should not make us forget that a small child and a cat - whatever the breed- they should never be alone together, without adult supervision.

The Pixie-bob is also sociable with other cats, dogs and even small animals like rodents and birds. In fact, tends to easily accept sharing their territory, especially if you have gotten used to it since childhood. But, if another animal enters the family circle when it is no longer a kitten, it is preferable to adapt gradually to minimize the risk of problems. In any case, if you are going to live under the same roof as a dog, it is better to choose a breed of dog that gets along well with cats and can live with them.

Without being destructive, the Pixie-bob is playful, and sometimes even exuberant. So, need space. But, as long as it is a respectable size and its owners allow it to exercise, you can live both in a flat and in a house with a garden. On this last case, it is a good idea to install a cat flap, so you can come and go as you please, both inside and outside.

Regardless of where your cat lives, it is possible to teach him to walk on a leash, especially if you start early enough. This is an interesting option if letting your cat roam freely is not possible or is too dangerous.. The Pixie-bob he also enjoys car rides, but care must be taken to ensure your safety and that of the occupants of the vehicle by placing it in a cat carrier. Either way, He is very fond of family walks and curious, enjoying observing their surroundings.

When your owners can't take you with them, for example to work during the day, It's not too hard for him to face loneliness, as long as he feels safe at home and has interactive toys to keep him busy and stimulate his faculties. This prevents you from finding other objects to entertain yourself with., such as paper towels or toilet paper, that unwinds and grinds with infinite pleasure.

He also likes to chase an object, bring it back and thus interact with the people around you, like a dog would. This can be an easy way to play with him at home.. His intelligence also allows him to learn little tricks and exercise his skills.

like most of his peers, he also likes to climb, so a cat tree is also an essential investment. Last, to complete the package, a scratching post is essential so you can scratch all you want. You better meet this natural and compelling need in this item., than in the furniture or the curtains.

Last, the Pixie-bob it is one of those rare breeds of cats that love water. A leaky faucet is a real source of fun for him: enjoy not only observing the phenomenon, but also playing with the dripping water, even staining in the sink to get wet. He also likes to jump in the bathtub if there is a bottom to play.

The Pixie-bob It, in general, a healthy dog, which is a testament to the good work that breeders have been doing since the decade of 1980, especially to avoid inbreeding and the problems it causes.

It also, their fur, very dense and waterproof, allows it to withstand quite cold temperatures and bad weather. On the other hand, makes you suffer from the heat when the mercury rises. So, it is more suitable for temperate or cold climates. In any case, if you live in a Mediterranean climate, for example, it is essential that you have an airy and shady place to rest in the cool of the sun, as well as fresh water at your disposal at all times.

Despite your overall good health, the Pixie-bob It, like all races, more prone to certain ailments. In this case, is about:

• cryptorchidism, which corresponds to the fact that one or two testicles have remained in the abdomen instead of descending into the sac. The animal must then be operated, since the genital gland that is left in the abdomen can become cancerous with age. It also, this prevents the cat from behaving like a non-neutered cat, that is to say, to run away and fight more. But, this condition is still very rare;
• Dystocia, what is the difficulty to give birth. This may be due to an abnormal position of the fetus., to an excessive weight of the same or to an insufficient dilation or diameter of the pelvic canal. If the cat has more than 12 hours with contractions and they are not effective and, Therefore, has not started to give birth, it is urgent to call the vet. In most cases, the vet performs a cesarean section and then advises neutering the animal, so as not to endanger her life again with another pregnancy.

It also, the Pixie-bob has a tendency to overweight, yes no to obesity. This has consequences for the state of the Pixie-bob: can both aggravate pre-existing health problems and cause new ones to appear.

In any case, the fact that this cat is generally in good health does not mean that you should not turn to a serious breeder of Pixie-bob to have the best chance of having a healthy and well-adapted feline. In effect, a professional worthy of the name goes out of his way not only to socialize kittens from their first weeks, but also to rule out any hereditary disease by having various genetic tests performed on the proposed reproducers and excluding those who present a risk. It also, does not hesitate to carry out several tests on the kittens to confirm their good health. So, can provide the results of the various tests, in addition to a certificate of good health drawn up by a veterinarian and a list of the vaccinations received by the kitten, registered in your health or vaccination card.

Once the adoption is done, it is the owner's responsibility to take care of his partner's health throughout his life. As such, it is essential to carry out a complete health check-up at the vet at least once a year, and even more when the dog gets older. In this way, the professional has the opportunity to diagnose as soon as possible any problems that are not yet visible, to be able to treat it in the best conditions. These regular visits are also an opportunity to remember the cat's vaccinations..

So that the cat is always protected, the owner must make sure to renew the antiparasitic treatments throughout the year, whenever necessary. This applies even to indoor pets.: even if they are less exposed to the risk of parasites, they are not completely safe.

"Pixie-bob"

The maintenance needs of the Pixie-bob depend on the length of their dense, woolly fur, especially when molting in spring and fall.

In the case of a long-haired cat, brushing twice a week is necessary to remove dead hairs. during moulting periods, in spring and autumn, a quick daily brushing is necessary.

For the Pixie-bob shorthair, brushing once a week is enough, except during the molting period, when it is better to brush twice a week.

Regardless of the length of your hair, you also need to check and clean your ears weekly. This prevents moisture or dirt from accumulating and becoming infected.

You should also take the opportunity to examine the eyes. If required, a damp cloth should be rubbed in the corner of the eyes to remove dirt and prevent possible infection.

Neither should you neglect the maintenance of the cat's teeth, as it can cause the accumulation of dental plaque, which can cause more or less serious diseases if it turns into tartar. Brushing at least once a week with cat toothpaste is the best way to prevent plaque buildup., but it is best to brush more often, or even daily.

It is also a good idea to check your nails every month.. If you have access to the outside, natural wear and tear should be enough to file them down, but it is still essential to check that they are not too long. Yes they are, manual trimming is essential to prevent them from getting in the way, break or even injure the dog. For an individual living in a flat, this should generally be done once a month, even if it has a scratching post.

Maintaining a Pixie-bob not particularly complex. But, either its fur, his ears, his eyes, their teeth or claws, the different steps are not always easy to follow: do not hesitate to ask a specialist for help the first time. In effect, learning them from a veterinarian or professional cat groomer allows you to be effective and not risk harming your pet, or even injure her.

It also, as soon as the proper gestures are mastered, grooming sessions can be privileged moments between the master and his partner, especially because Pixie-bob loves to receive attention and caresses. The sooner you get used to it, more easily accept it and even ask for more.

Like all its fellow men, the Pixie-bob requires a diet perfectly adapted to your nutritional needs, both in terms of quality and quantity. The latter depend mainly on your age, activity level and health status.

Your daily rations must be rigorously defined, since he has an unfortunate tendency to be overweight. For this reason, unlike most cats, it is better to accustom him to fixed meals instead of leaving him food all day, since he is not able to regulate his own intake.

Good quality industrial food can be quite suitable to feed you. But, unless you are sure it meets your needs, you should avoid offering food intended for humans. Especially since giving leftovers can cause tension and damage the relationship with its owner. They may come to see this as a habit or even an obligation., and they will stubbornly demand it, meowing and expressing their discontent if they don't get it. It also, a cat needs a diet that varies little: any sudden change in your diet can alter your digestion. Last, remember that some foods that are very tasty for humans are toxic to cats.

The owner must always check the weight of his cat every month, but this is even more important for the Pixie-bob, given its tendency to obesity. In case a slip is confirmed or even accentuated in the following measurements, a visit to the vet is essential to see more clearly and know how to remedy the problem. In fact, only a professional can make a reliable diagnosis, as the weight gain may not be related to the diet or activity level of the animal: It can be, for example, a side effect of a medication or a symptom of a disease.

Last, as in the case of any other cat, it is important to keep fresh water available to your Pixie-bob at all times.

The price of a kitten Pixie-bob usually oscillates between 900 and 1500 EUR.

In all countries, the amount required to adopt a Pixie-bob differs based on the reputation of the kennel, of the lineage from which the animal is descended and, of course, its intrinsic characteristics, especially physical. This last point explains why there are significant price differences within a litter..