Pixie-bob Shorthair

The Pixie-bob Shorthair loves routines and is not particularly happy when they are changed for any reason. They like to be fed at the same time of day and don’t like it when the apartment is often rearranged. These cats are brilliant, active, and energetic.

Breed Photos

Origin History

There is a common belief that the Pixie-bob results from natural crossbreeding between a lynx and a domestic short-haired cat. But there is also a version that this breed may have arisen due to a natural genetic mutation that gave it a wild appearance. Neither of these versions has been confirmed, so one can only speculate. All that is known is that a woman named Carol Anne Brewer got a male kitten in 1985, which had several distinctive features: spotted hair, a short tail, and more toes than usual. The cat was later crossed with a common barn cat, resulting in a new breed. Subsequent experiments led to the creation of two types of Pixie-bob: the long-haired and the short-haired.

The International Cat Association officially recognized the Pixie-bob as a separate breed in 1994. It took the American Cat Fanciers Association longer – the breed standards were adopted in 2005.

Appearance

The Pixie-bob short-haired breed is similar in appearance to the smaller North American lynx. Cats of this breed have the color of spotted tabby. They have a heavy skeleton and muscular body. Limbs are powerful and long. In general, representatives of this breed are quite large.

The Pixie-bobs have a mobile tail. The tail length can vary from 5 cm to relatively long, which can reach the hip joint. Pixie-bob cats are characterized by such a polydactyly feature, which means there are seven toes on one paw.

The Pixie-bob’s eyes are medium-sized, covered with eyelids, and form a triangle. They can be golden, brown, or gooseberry in color. Cats of this breed have a well-developed chin covered with fluffy and stiff to the touch hair.

Character

The Pixie-bob Shorthair loves routines and is not particularly happy when they are changed for any reason. They like to be fed at the same time of day and don’t like it when the apartment is often rearranged. These cats are brilliant, active, and energetic.

The Pixie-bob Shorthair is inquisitive and friendly by nature. They build strong bonds with their owners and love to be with them for as long as they can. These pets will happily follow their owners from room to room, not to be parted for a minute. They are very inquisitive and quite “talkative.” Pixie-bob’s purring is a sign that he wants to express his feelings.

Care

Basic care is a must for Pixie-bob Shorthair. First, a healthy weight must be maintained for these cats. Given that Pixie-bobs are quite large, you have to be very careful to distinguish between overweight and normal weight. Obesity can lead to health problems.

The Pixie-bob Shorthair is more accessible to care for than their long-haired counterparts – it is enough to brush the cat weekly to keep its coat in good condition with a nice shine. It is also important to check the Pixie-bob’s ears regularly and clean them if necessary. If too much wax accumulates in the ears, it can lead to a painful infection that is difficult to treat.

Education

The Pixie-bob Shorthair is a brilliant cat; they learn new things quickly and easily follow commands, like fetching a toy or any other object. They love to play active games, so these house cats need plenty of exercises.

The Pixie-bob Shorthair can be quickly accustomed to the rules of behavior in the house. You can be sure that this cat will never disdain the litter box and will almost always sleep in its place.

Common Diseases

The average life expectancy of a Pixie-bob Shorthair is 12 to 14 years. With proper care and a balanced diet, these cats will delight their owner with good health. The Pixie-bob is known to be one of the healthiest breeds. These cats do not suffer from hereditary diseases. At the same time, the problem areas of this breed are the sexual and cardiovascular systems. You should also know that Pixie-bob Shorthair is sensitive to certain vaccinations, so you should consult a veterinarian before vaccination.

Nutrition

The Pixie-bob Shorthair needs to be fed according to a schedule, which is very important for this cat. It is necessary to avoid any upset stomach and obesity. An adult cat should be fed several times a day. The basis of the diet should consist of meat products. Dairy, vegetables, cereals, fish, and eggs may also be included in the diet. Foods forbidden for the Pixie-bob are canned foods, smoked foods, and flour products.