Breed Guide

Pixiebob

General Information

The Pixiebob is a striking, muscular breed known for its wild appearance and friendly, dog-like personality. Originating in the United States, this breed often has a bobbed tail and a distinctive spotted coat, giving it the look of a miniature bobcat. Pixiebobs are intelligent, affectionate, and highly social, forming strong bonds with their families. They enjoy interactive play, climbing, and exploring, making them energetic and engaging companions. Despite their exotic appearance, Pixiebobs are gentle, loyal, and well-suited to active households that can provide attention, stimulation, and affection.

Physical:

The Pixiebob is a medium-to-large, muscular cat with a robust, athletic build. One of its most distinctive features is the naturally bobbed tail, which can vary in length but is typically short and kinked. The head is broad with high cheekbones, strong jaws, and expressive eyes that give the breed a wild, bobcat-like appearance. Its coat is dense and soft, usually spotted or ticked with various colors, enhancing its exotic look. A true Pixiebob displays a combination of sturdy musculature, a short bobbed tail, and a coat pattern consistent with the breed standard, distinguishing it from other domestic cats with similar markings.

Personality:

Pixiebobs are affectionate, playful, and highly social cats that thrive on interaction with their families. They are intelligent and curious, enjoying games, climbing, and puzzle toys that challenge their minds. Known for their dog-like loyalty, Pixiebobs often follow their owners around the house and may even greet them at the door. While friendly and outgoing, they can be cautious around strangers at first but quickly warm up once they feel secure. Their energetic, loving, and engaging nature makes them devoted companions for active households.

Health & Care:

The Pixiebob’s coat is dense, soft, and medium in length. Grooming is relatively low-maintenance; regular brushing once or twice a week helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.

Hygiene

Full baths are rarely needed and only when the cat is visibly dirty, using a mild, cat-safe shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper.

Teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique if you’ve never done this before.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or a vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

Pixiebobs are generally healthy cats with a robust constitution, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions. Some may develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition seen in many domestic cats. Hip dysplasia can occasionally occur due to their muscular build. Dental issues, such as periodontal disease, may develop if oral hygiene is neglected. Regular veterinary checkups, preventive care, and attention to diet and exercise help ensure that Pixiebobs remain healthy, active, and long-lived companions.

History:

Origin

The Pixiebob originated in the United States, primarily in the Pacific Northwest, during the 1980s. Breeders developed the breed by selectively mating naturally occurring bob-tailed cats with domestic cats to create a healthy, domestic breed with the appearance of a wild bobcat. Over time, the Pixiebob gained recognition for its distinctive spotted coat, muscular build, and bobbed tail, as well as its friendly and social personality. Today, it is celebrated as a unique, exotic-looking cat that combines wild aesthetics with domestic temperament, making it a popular choice for active households.

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