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History

There are many anecdotal stories of American bobcats mating with domestic cats. The foundation cat of this breed is said to have come from such a mating. However, although the breed founder did mate her cat only to other cats with supposed hybrid wild/domestic parents, DNA evidence does not support the hybrid theory and the founder is careful to call the foundation cats "legend" cats because the mating which produced them was never seen.

The original mating in 1985 was believed to have been between a short-tailed polydactyl barn cat and a small Coastal Red Bobcat. Carol Ann Brewer bought a polydactyl male from this litter and shortly thereafter found a kitten from another such legend whose size, tail length and general appearance convinced her to use him in a breeding program. Her first "hybrid"/domestic litter produced Pixie, the foundation cat and namesake of the breed.

It is now believed that the Pixie Bob may be a naturally occurring domestic cat of the Pacific Northwest, as the Maine Coon is of the Northeast.

Description

Pixie Bobs are large (12-22 pounds) cats with short tails (1-6 inches). About half of all Pixie Bobs are polydactyl and it is the only breed for whom polydactylly is not a fault in the show ring. The body is muscular and heavy-boned. The double coat is wooly and can be short or semi-long. Coat patterns include random spotting, broken bars and rosettes. The color ranges from light brown spotted tabby to golden, rusty red or brown.

Temperament

Intelligent and loyal, Pixie Bobs can be easily trained and are non-destructive. They prefer an interestingly shaped piece of wood to the traditional scratching post, but can be trained to a post. They get along well with children and enjoy riding in cars. Because they form a close bond with "their" family, transferring ownership after one or two years of age is not usually successful.

Health

No data available.

Associations

CCA, TICA

Caution: Some unscrupulous breeders will insist on highlighting the wild ancestry of this breed and even hold a bobcat captive, implying the bobcat is part of their breeding program. No legitimate Pixie Bob breeder uses bobcats in their breeding program and no association will register a Pixie Bob with a wild ancestor. A wild bobcat is more likely to view a domestic cat as dinner rather than a mate.

Buy only from a breeder who can supply a five-generation domestic pedigree and whose cats are registered with TICA of CCA (currently the only two associations registering Pixie Bobs).

Suggested Reading

The Cat Fanciers' Association Complete Cat Book

The Complete Cat Book