How to Identify A Pixie Bob Cat

The Pixie Bob is a cat whose origin is believed to be recent, though this cannot be verified. These cats were first found by Carol Ann Brewer, who stated they were the result of a union between a feral barn cat and a bobcat. They do possess many physical traits that hallmark the North American Bobcat, though genetic tracking has not supported this theory, the mating of these two animals has been reported before and is not entirely impossible. The species takes its name from the first female kitten resulting from the cat that Carol Ann Brewer found, Pixie. The species was accepted in 1995 and is categorized as a “Native New Breed”. These cats are highly intelligent and form close bonds with their owners and family. They are energetic and playful, but also very gentle. Despite their wild appearance they are very good around children and other animals, keeping quiet except for the occasional chirp and watching their “charges” closely. These cats love to run around and will happily go on walks with their masters as they have little trouble training to wear a leash. Because of their intelligence they can easily recognize vocal commands and will follow them loyally. Here is a guide on how to correctly identify a Pixie Bob Cat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat
• Your Eyes

How To Identify A Pixie Bob Cat

1. Look at the cat’s general shape and build. Pixie Bob’s are large cats, the males typically weigh between 16 and 22 pounds, though the females are much smaller at 8 to 12 pounds. Their limbs will be powerful but not thick, they will also have wide shoulders. The back legs should be just a little bit longer than the front legs, making the cat seemed arched or ready to pounce. The tail may be full length, stubby, or completely missing in the same fashion as the bobcat. If you have the chance, count the number of toes. A regular cat will have five toes on each forefoot and four toes on each hind foot. A Pixie Bob will often have more than allotted number due to a genetic abnormality, though not always.

2. Examine the cat’s fur. It’s consistency should be akin to wool and resist your hand slightly. A strip of longer guard hair that has a bristle-like texture should run down the back to protect from water. The fur coloring and pattern is very limited. The only accepted coloring is brown spotted tabby. This means the cat’s base coat can be anywhere from light tan to dark brown with darker brown stripes on the head, neck, and legs. The stripes will become spots in a random pattern across the main body. White spots under the chin, throat, and underbelly are common too.

3. Look at the cat’s head. They have a very distinctive wild look. They have prominent rounded heads that are heavy at the top and narrow slightly down to the jaw. Thicker brow hair above the eyes is expected. The eyes are medium deep set with a broad and long muzzle with a very large, fleshy and fuzzy chin. The ears are set low on the skull and often have the lynx style tufts of fur at their tips. If the cat you’re looking at has all these traits then you’ve got yourself a Pixie Bob.

Tips & Warnings

• They’re not an uncommon species in North America, but are not at all prone to wandering far from home. If you find one it’s probably a stray and in need of help.

Resources

• A Site of Reputable Pixie Bob Breeders