Can a Bobcat Breed With a Domesticated Cat? Vet-Verified Facts

While they may be hard to catch a glimpse of in the wild thanks to their elusive nature, Bobcats can be found all over the country. With the growing number of wild and domesticated cat hybrids coming into the pet trade, you may be left wondering if Bobcats can breed with domesticated cats.

There have been anecdotal reports of Bobcats mating with domesticated cats, but it is important to note that no viable offspring of this type of pairing has been recorded. Any evidence of Bobcat and domesticated cat hybrids has been both circumstantial and anecdotal. Until proper DNA testing reveals otherwise, the evidence is just not there, yet.¹ However, there are a few domesticated cats that look like Bobcats if it’s the appearance you’re after.

The 3 Domesticated Cat Breeds That Resemble Bobcats

1. Pixie-Bob

The Pixie-Bob is the cat breed that most resembles the wild Bobcat. Once rumored to have originated from the pairing of a Bobcat and a domesticated cat, DNA testing proved otherwise, though they are selectively bred to resemble their wild cousins. The breed has received recognition from purebred registries.

The Pixie-Bob is a very muscular cat with a distinct bobtail. They are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are also extremely social and friendly. This cat breed does great with families with other pets and children and is a big fan of mealtime. They tend to be referred to as more dog-like than cat-like.

2. Highlander

The Highlander, which is sometimes referred to as the Highlander Shorthair or the Highland Lynx. This is a newer cat breed, although it is very exotic looking, the cats selected to establish the breed were intentionally chosen from the domestic gene pool rather than from any already recognized breed. Their tails are either bobbed or very short and they have large, muscular, athletic physiques and curled ears.

The Highlander is described as active, playful, and social but also has a gentle side that makes them great family pets. The breed is still very rare and has not yet been officially recognized for championship status by any purebred registries, though they have reached Advanced New Breed status with The International Cat Association as of 2015.

3. American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a rugged-looking cat with a notable bobtail, resembling the Bobcat. This breed does come in a wide variety of color and coat patterns. They are a very playful and social breed that also has the reputation for being dog-like.

American Bobtails are fun, active, and intelligent. They bond closely with their owners and are friendly with strangers. They do well in homes with other pets and people. They are considered a rare breed and can be quite difficult to find.

Conclusion

While it has been speculated that Bobcats may mate with domesticated cats, there is no evidence supporting any successful offspring that have resulted from the breeding. Some cat breeds closely resemble the Bobcat, but none are descended from the wild cats.

Only time will tell whether domesticated cats can successfully reproduce with Bobcats. But until further evidence is gathered, one can only speculate.

See also:

• Bobcat vs House Cat: The Differences Explained (With Pictures)
• Maine Coon vs Bobcat: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: milesz, Pixabay