Pixiebob

Pixiebobs live 13 to 15 years and are a generally healthy breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs occasionally. Dystocia, difficulty giving birth, occurs in some females likely related to the polydactyl and bobtail traits. Polydactyly in this breed is a recognized trait and the extra toes do not cause health problems. Annual vet visits and basic preventive care keep most Pixiebobs healthy.

Pixiebobs come in shorthaired and longhaired varieties. Shorthaired Pixiebobs need brushing twice a week. Longhaired varieties need brushing three times weekly. Their semi wild appearance belies a relatively easy coat maintenance requirement. Trim nails every two weeks across all their toes including any extras. Clean ears monthly and brush teeth regularly.

Pixiebobs are athletic, intelligent, and enjoy active play. They respond well to leash walking and outdoor activities in secure environments. Provide interactive toys, a cat tree, and puzzle feeders. Two active play sessions daily keeps most Pixiebobs content. They have a calm temperament between play sessions.

Pixiebobs are dog like in their trainability. They learn leash walking, their name, commands, and tricks with treat based positive reinforcement. They often follow their owners from room to room and enjoy being included in household activities. Socialize kittens early. Their confident, loyal nature makes training genuinely enjoyable.

Feed a quality protein rich diet twice daily. Pixiebobs are muscular, medium to large cats that benefit from a diet supporting lean muscle. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. Choose foods with real meat as the first ingredient. Monitor weight monthly and always provide fresh water.

The Pixiebob traces back to 1985 when breeder Carol Ann Brewer in Washington State purchased a large polydactyl cat with a naturally bobbed tail and later discovered a naturally bobbed cat living in the Cascade Mountains. She began breeding these cats and named the foundation female Pixie, which gave the breed its name. Brewer believed the cats descended from naturally occurring bobcat and domestic cat crosses, though DNA testing has not confirmed wild cat ancestry. TICA recognized the Pixiebob in 1998.