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
| Size: | Medium to large |
| Weight: | 9-17 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
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
| Size: | Large |
| Weight: | 10-20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
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
| Size: | Medium to large |
| Weight: | 7-16 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
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
The 3 Domesticated Cat Breeds That Resemble Bobcats
6 Responses
I disagree. Momma Siamese cat went into heat, bobcat (AKA.. Bob) who visited our back porch from time to time wasn't going to let me keep him from finding mama cat inside our house. He nearly severed my Achillies in two (Hospital trip), managed to get in the house, and mounted momma cat instantly. Awhile later,… momma cat had bobcat kitten hybrids. Pictures and records to prove it and Abby is one of the offspring who is still with here with us.
Thanks for sharing your experience Christopher Rice. Currently, scientific consensus and genetic testing actually show that it is not biologically possible for a bobcat and a domestic cat to produce kittens. While your experience with "Bob" was clearly intense and frightening, the two species are too distantly related—belonging to different genera ($Lynx$ vs. $Felis$)—and have different chromosomal structures that prevent them from interbreeding, much like a human and a lemur. The kittens you saw were likely the result of a domestic male cat (who may have been lurking nearby or even slipped in with the bobcat) mating with your Siamese. Domestic cats can carry "wild-looking" traits like bobbed tails, spotted bellies, and large paws, which often leads to the persistent myth of the "Lynx hybrid." Only a DNA test could confirm either hypothesis.
I had these cat's at my camp in a remote area, house cat/bobcat/lynx mix. some had tuft ears, some didn't, some had spots, some didn't, some had bobbed tails and some didn't. They had faces that are really different. and being how they're part domestic and part wild they seek humans but also want to eat you. I befriended a family and the brought their kids when they came to visit. as kittens they love climbing on me, wear jeans and leather jacket and gloves even in the middle of summer or it's going to hurt. they love bologna!
Hi Matt, thanks for reading us and for sharing your story.
Yes a male mates with house cats. I have some.
(Bobcat)
Hello Nancy,
thank you very much for your comment, it is very interesting and it supports the claim presented in our article, that there have been confirmed reports of Bobcats mating with domesticated cats. If you would feel like it, we will be happy if you submit photos of your mixes into our photo contest at https://www.catster.com/submit-your-cat/ – you can just paste this address into your browser.
Have a great day!