Choosing between cat breeds can be like trying to decide which
snowflake is prettier. Each new kitten is cuter than the next. There
are so many varieties to choose from, each with its own distinct look
and personality. Do you want a cat breed that is sleek, like an
Abyssinian or Siamese?
Alternatively, do you want a cat such as a Persian that gives an air of
sophistication? Maybe you want something that resembles a cat's wild
cousins? Bengal cats have beautiful spotted coats reminiscent of
leopards and ocelots, and the Pixie Bob looks like the bobcats of North
America.
Pixie Bobs may have a wild look to them, but you couldn't ask for a
more charming, loving companion. This breed has a reputation for being
the Golden Retrievers of the cat world. These cats, first bred in the
Pacific Northwestern United States, were thought to be the product of a
Bobcat and a feral cat.
DNA results have yet to prove any bloodline relation, though. The only
"fierceness" this cat has is in its loyalty to its owner and family.
Breeders have found that after a Pixie Bob reaches the age of one or
two, they don't adapt well to new owners.
The Pixie Bob is a medium to large cat that some have described as "big
boned". They have spotted markings and black tufts on their ears. Their
tails are either short or full length. If you're planning on showing
your Pixie Bob, make sure that the breeder hasn't had the tail docked
(cut).
A docked tail is not acceptable in the show ring. Pixie Bobs also have
huge paws that are "straight toed" or "poly toed". A Pixie Bob with
straight toes has paws with the usual number of toes on it (five in the
front and four in the back).
A poly-toed Pixie Bob will have more than the usual number of toes,
maybe six on the front paws instead of five. Unlike most cats, Pixie
Bobs take three years to reach maturity as opposed to the usual one
year. The males can reach 22 pounds and the females top out at 16
pounds.
If you are looking for a Pixie Bob, you can expect to sign a contract
for the protection of the cattery, the kitten, and you. A contract
outlines what the cattery will be responsible for (such as a 72-hour
guarantee on the health of the kitten and what records the cattery's
veterinarian will provide), refunds, replacements, and expenses.
The contract will also inform you of the buyer's responsibilities once
the kitten leaves the possession of the cattery. Some other things you
can expect to find on the contract are holding fees (if you request
that a specific kitten be held for you), a promise from you to give the
kitten a good home and reasonable care, and advertising rights (the
cattery might want to use photos of your kitten for future promotions).
Now that you have decided that you would like to have a Pixie Bob of
your own, where can you find one? It's highly unlikely that you will be
able to find one in a cat shelter, although there are Pixie Bob rescues
out there.
While most of the Pixie Bob catteries are located in Washington State
in the United States, you can find them all over the US and in the UK
as well. The International Cat Association has listings for Pixie Bob
catteries and practically every other breed of cat out there.
Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our cats portal
for more great tips about the Pixie Bob cat
breeds, and leave a comment at our cats
blog.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
