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Pixie-Bob Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Pixie-Bob Cat sitting in a white background

Pixie-Bob Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

You may think that the Pixie-Bob cat came right out of the wild. Everything from their coloration to their pattern and little bobtail screams exotic. Even though there is no bullet-proof evidence of a bobcat father, breeders say it’s pretty likely that they have genuine bobcat DNA.

Breed Overview

Height:

9–13 inches

Weight:

10–15 pounds

Lifespan:

11–15 years

Colors:

Tawny, red, light gray

Suitable for:

All cat-loving families

Temperament:

Laidback, gentle, calm, intelligent

Regardless, the Pixie-Bob cat has the wildcat’s features without the wildcat personality. These fierce-looking kitties are classic house cats at heart. So, if you want an exceptionally personable and strikingly untamed-looking cat, learn more about the beautiful Pixie-Bob cat.

Pixie-Bob Cat Characteristics

Energy
+
A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Pixie-Bob

Pixie-Bobs may have an intimidating feel because of their size and appearance. But these cats are actually quite calm and laid back. They have a moderate level of intelligence with a favorable attitude, making them ideal for family companions.

You might assume that because these cats have wild roots, they’re a bit feisty or independent. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Pixie-Bob cat loves lounging around the house, leisurely napping, and requesting snacks.

They are the type to catch onto new concepts quickly. Pixies don’t have energetic personalities, but they are attentive and alert. Even as kittens, they are gentle and relaxed. That isn’t to say they won’t be playful! They will enjoy chasing toys and sharpening their claws, too.

pixie-bob-kitten
Image by: Melissa Taylor, Unsplash

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Pixie-Bobs work well for practically any cat-loving family. They fit in very well, quickly getting attached to their humans. These cats also don’t pick favorites as much as some other breeds. They tend to love everyone and will never turn away chin rubs.

Since Pixie-Bob cats have such a calm demeanor, they’re very patient with children. As kittens, they don’t mind being carried or coddled—so they are excellent selections if you’re growing your numbers. Acclimate your Pixie to children early on, so they don’t shy away from children when they are fully grown.

Pixie-Bobs also work very well for seniors or retired couples since they don’t have a high energy level and are very affectionate. They can stay in a studio apartment or a mansion—it won’t matter. Your Pixie will be perfectly happy in practically any living space.

Because these cats are so agreeable, they will likely deal with change well. If you have to move homes, they will get used to things quickly. If you bring home a family addition, the results are the same. They don’t take long to warm up.

pixie bob cat lying on sofa
Image Credit: Felicia Heisterkamp, Shutterstock

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Pixie-Bobs integrate very well into multi-pet households. They respond very well to other animals and love to play and snuggle, too. You might find them playing hide and seek with the family dog or sunbathing in a window with another kitty.

They are even accepting of newcomers. So, once they’re fully grown, you won’t have an issue bringing home another playmate. They might take a second to feel out the situation, but once they realize it’s a new buddy—they’ll be all about it.

It would be best if you never left your Pixie around smaller animals unsupervised. These kitties don’t have an intense prey drive, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t take advantage of a situation if they had a chance. Keep all caged animals in their cages and keep the lids on your aquariums when your Pixie is around.

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Things to Know When Owning a Pixie-Bob

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

While Pixie-Bob cats don’t require any special dietary needs, you should offer a recipe high in protein. All cats are obligate carnivores who require adequate levels of protein to keep their muscles and skin healthy.

Because Pixie-Bobs may get much larger than traditional house cats, appropriate bone growth is very important. It would help if you always bought a nutrient-rich diet that covers your growing feline’s health requirements. When in doubt, ask your vet about specifics.

You can provide a wet, dry, or combination diet. It’s really up to your discretion, and your cat’s taste palette. Dry kibble provides a delicious crunch that keeps their teeth healthy, while wet food provides a stable hydration level. Cats are notorious for not pushing enough fluids, so the broth in wet food can help that issue.

If you want to get creative and try homemade cat food, there are plenty of recipes all around the web. However, you will want to double-check with your veterinarian to ensure that every ingredient is suitable for your cat. You don’t want to miss any key elements that could upset the natural gut balance.

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Exercise 🐈

Pixie-Bobs are heavy-boned, muscular cats who are athletically capable but not hyper. They also love, love, love their food. With big appetites, they may gain a little extra weight if they aren’t exercising as they should.

Pixie-Bobs aren’t overly active cats, but they should take care of most exercise needs independently. They don’t mind playing by themselves if they have to, so they won’t bug you too much about joining the fun.

In total, a Pixie-Bob should get an average of 15 to 20 minutes of exercise per day to stay their healthiest.

As kittens and adolescents, this shouldn’t be hard to achieve—and they will likely get much more time in. However, as they age or once they’re fixed, their desire for play can decline. Always make sure to provide your Pixie-Bob with lots of toys or activities of their choice to encourage movement.

Training 🧶

Pixie-Bobs should be straightforward to train since they are so pleasant and reactive. Proper socialization and early positive reinforcement can come in handy for teaching. These cats care very much about their humans, even though they have an undeniable stubborn streak.

In the case of a Pixie-Bob, the earlier you start training, the better. If you are patient and consistent, you will yield results much faster. They don’t respond well to harsh discipline.

Simple concepts like litter training should come very naturally to your Pixie-Bob. After a few introductions, they should be going on their own with no motivation. Thankfully, litter training comes very naturally to our feline friends.

If you find your Pixie-Bob is having a little trouble figuring things out, try to restrict space so they can get better acquainted with the box. If they use it, leave their waste in the litter for a little bit, so they remember where they need to use the bathroom. It should be a cinch.

Grooming ✂️

Pixie-Bobs have very thick coats and shed frequently. They’re shedding worsens seasonally, meaning when the weather changes—so does their coat’s thickness.

For optimal coat softness and minimal shedding, brush your kitty weekly—and maybe twice a week during high shedding times. These kitties are very good about self-care, so hygiene shouldn’t be a problem—they’ll likely take care of the bulk of it for you.

You should rarely have to bathe your Pixie-Bob cat since they do this on their own. But if you notice they’re a little grimy or get dirty, you can wash them—no more than once a month—to maintain a healthy coat.

Aside from basic coat care, you will need to clean their ears and brush their teeth regularly. Sometimes, their claws could use a little trim, too. Always make sure to offer scratching posts or stations to prevent your Pixie from sharpening their claws on your furniture.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Pixie-Bobs are eventually healthy cats, and it’s no wonder. Coming from a barn cat and bobcat, you’re bound to have a hardy makeup.

Even though they shouldn’t rack up huge vet bills, you need to be prepared for anything. You can get ahead of certain issues if you take them to regular veterinary checkups.

Minor Conditions
  • Vaccine sensitivity —depending on the Pixie-Bob, they may show vaccine sensitivity—so voice any concerns you may have with your veterinarian.
Serious Conditions
  • Cryptorchidism—some Pixie-Bob males can suffer from this condition of a lack of testicles in the scrotum.
  • Birthing complications—some Pixie females have trouble delivering litters and require veterinary assistance during birth.

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Male vs Female

There are some distinct differences between male and female Pixie-Bobs—mostly physically. Males can get exceptionally larger than females. The ladies tend to weigh roughly 8-12 pounds, whereas the boys can top out at 25 pounds or more!

Both males and females sexually mature around 4-5 months old. Once the hormones kick in, your cat may spray if they smell a potential mate or sense a threat. Even though both genders have this capability, it’s more prevalent in males.

To reduce the risk, try to spay or neuter your Pixie-Bob before 6 months of age. No guarantee getting your cat fixed will solve the issue, but it tends to help.

Females are usually better hunters, where most males are a little laxer about these instincts. Males may be slightly more lovable than females with a bigger group of people—even strangers. Females might be a little more selective but are still more amiable than other breeds.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Pixie-Bob Cat

1 Pixie-Bobs Are Known for All Sorts of Interesting Sound Effects

Pixie-Bobs make all sorts of noises like chirping, growling, and chattering. While they make all of these vocalizations, they don’t meow often.


2. Pixie-Bobs Had an Unexpected Beginning

No one is 100% sure that Pixies are part bobcat, but professionals say it’s pretty likely. These cats came from an unexpected litter between an unknown father and a barn cat named Pixie in Washington. The look and temperament caught on quickly.


3. All Pixie-Bob Kittens Are Born With Bobtails

Because of selective breeding, all Pixie-Bobs are born with adorable stubby tails which is one of the features that makes this feline so unique.

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

If you love the natural look of the bobcat but want the personality of an average housecat, these kitties are just what you’re looking for. They may be a bit expensive initially, but they are well worth the investment. Pixies have favorably long lifespans, terrific personalities, few health concerns, and effortless grooming needs. Who could ask for more?

If you’re still interested in a Pixie-Bob, make sure to buy from a licensed breeder or adopt from a local rescue.


Featured Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

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Comments

2 thoughts on “Pixie-Bob Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits”

  1. Thank you for your article and great information. We just rescued a young expecting pixie-bob. Her mom was quite the stray/feral as we could never get close to her. This little one started coming closer to the house last weekend. We eventually left the patio door open a bit and she came in. While initially hissing feeling trapped I'm sure, she has now settled in and loves to be petted and scratched. She is thankfully putting on some much needed weight for her and her babies. She appears to be no more then 6 mths old.
    We have her on a high calorie diet and she is eating very well. She has her own private space for delivery including a nesting/cat box. Now that she has become less nervous we are setting up to get her established with local vet just in case she does have any delivery emergencies, which we are hoping can praying that she does not.
    Thank you again,
    Jerri, Greg, and JellyBoots (she was named by our 3yr old granddaughter)

    1. Hey Jerri and Greg! Thank you for sharing your story, JellyBoots sounds like one lucky cat to have been found by you guys. Sending you all the well wishes as she gains strength again, and hopeful that her babies are born healthy as well <3 Thanks for taking such great care of her.

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