The Pixie Bob is an artificially bred cat breed. Breeders started breeding it not so long ago, and this breed is still not recognized by some systems.
The main distinguishing feature compared to others is its external resemblance to a lynx. A photo of a Pixobob cat will allow you to verify this.
The name is conventionally divided into two words: “Pixie” - elf or fairy; and "bob" - short-tailed. That is, a short-tailed elf.
History of origin
In the eighties of the last century, after long attempts, the Canadian breeder E. K. Brever managed to get a kitten that resembled a lynx in appearance.
Before this, many breeders tried to achieve the desired results by capturing wild cats in the forests of the United States and crossing them with domestic ones. External signs appeared only generations later.
The very first representative of the breed was named Pixie, and this nickname later served as the name of the entire breed.
In 1995, TICA officially recognized the Pixiebob breed and included it in its list. A little later, WCF and many other felinological systems followed her example.
But some, such as FIFe, still do not consider pixiebobs to be a full-fledged breed.
Peculiarities
Representatives of the Pixiebob breed have a number of individual traits that distinguish them from other cats:
- Deep-set eyes in the shape of a rounded triangle, partially covered by eyelids.
- An elongated head, shaped like a pear.
- Heavy chin.
- Dense muscular body.
- Deep groin.
- Wide paws with big toes.
- Short cone-shaped tail.
- Thickening of fur on the cheekbones.
- Tassels on the ears.
- The color consists of clear spots in the form of freckles or a small “rash”. The color is gray and brown.
- Having extra fingers, but not required.
- Many skin folds in the abdominal area.
- The breed is divided into two varieties: shorthaired and semi-longhaired.
- Large size - this creature in adulthood grows to the knee of a person at the withers and weighs 8 kg.
About breeding
Mating pixiebobs with cats of other breeds is unacceptable due to the risk of genetic defects. Therefore, a partner is selected carefully, having previously studied his pedigree and health status. 2 weeks before mating, both parties must have all vaccinations and deworming.
To maintain the cat's health, it is recommended that no more than 1 birth per year be given. It is permissible to breed her from the age of 1 year, preferably after 2-3 heats. A litter usually has up to 3-4 kittens.
Character
Pixie-Bob cats have an easy-going nature and are easy to train. Judging by the reviews of the owners, these animals almost never bite or scratch without reason.
Despite their unfriendly appearance, these animals are quite affectionate and always purr when picked up.
Maintenance and care
The pixie bob cat will not cause much trouble for its owners. Thanks to good genetics, they have excellent health, and owners only need timely vaccination of their pet.
The diet is no different from feeding other cats, but in order to avoid possible gastrointestinal disorders, it is better to adhere to the diet suggested by the breeder. In this case, the animal will receive the same food to which it is accustomed from the first months of life.
Trouble can arise only with caring for long-haired representatives of this breed. Although their fur does not mat, it needs to be brushed regularly with a rubber brush, preferably once a day during the shedding period.
Pixiebobs are one of the few cats that are not only not afraid of water, but also love to swim. Some individuals may sleep for hours in a sink with the tap water dripping on them. It is recommended to carry out water procedures no more than once a month.
These cats' claws need to be trimmed as needed, especially on the vestigial toes, since they do not wear down when walking and can cause discomfort to the animal.
The pixie bob cat breed is young enough to talk about serious hereditary diseases. To date, several cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are known. This disease is detected only by ultrasound examination.
What to feed
In everyday life, representatives of the breed are quite unpretentious. They will happily eat dry food, canned food, and prepared salad from fresh vegetables.
In addition, they can catch a small bird or rodent, if there are any within the territory, and snack on fresh meat.
They need plenty of water, so the owner must make sure that the pet has a bowl of water available to them.
Possible diseases
The average lifespan of a pixie bob is 13-15 years. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by good health and good physical shape, which lasts until old age.
Hereditary diseases are extremely rare in pixiebobs. There were isolated cases of dysfunction of the genitourinary system and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart pathology). Periodic examinations by a veterinarian help to identify the disease and provide timely treatment. They are especially indicated if pathologies were observed in the cat’s parents.
For prevention, vaccination against common infections, treatment against parasites, and deworming are carried out.
How to cut hair
Of course, there is no need to cut cats. But perhaps someone has heard expressions like “pixo-bob haircut for short hair” or “pix-o-bob haircut with bangs.”
Alas, these things have nothing to do with cats - this is just one haircut option for women. In order to have it done, you need to contact a hairdresser.
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Price for a cat breed
Since the animal is purebred, the price for it will be considerable. It varies depending on a number of factors.
If a kitten or young animal meets high exhibition requirements, and a place is already being prepared for it in the pantheon of “exhibition deities”, then the price will be approximately 60-70 thousand rubles.
If the buyer does not plan to participate in such events, and simply wants to buy himself a furry friend, then he can find himself just an animal with standard characteristics at a cheaper price.
In this case, the price for a pixie-bob cat should be between 30 and 40 thousand rubles.
Photo of a pixie bob cat
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Nutrition
In caring for the health of little “elves”, it is not recommended to overfeed them, but rather regularly monitor the amount of food eaten. Also, when preparing for a trip before the road, you need to remember that it is better to transport such animals on an empty stomach.
Adult cats and kittens need only two meals a day on a schedule - morning and evening. The main element of the diet can be dry food, specially selected in accordance with the breed. Although the descendants of forest cats do not require any special diet, they are essentially omnivores.
But in accordance with their wild nature, they love to eat raw meat. Lynx cats often indulge themselves with such a delicacy, since they are good at catching mice. And they usually do not disdain the flesh of birds. Pixie-bob kittens also benefit from lean, raw meat.
Only it should be given crushed and added to porridge. Fish, cottage cheese, eggs, bread, and fresh herbs are also important to them. Small kittens should eat at least six times a day, but as they grow, the number of feedings decreases to three.
Pixie-bob has an affectionate, flexible character
