Pixie-Bob Cat

People usually start looking up Pixie-Bob cats when they’ve met one—or seen one—and want to know whether that “wild” look comes with wild-care complications. The practical questions are simple: how big do they get, what are they like to live with, and what should you watch for before you commit.

The Pixie-Bob is a fully domestic breed developed to resemble a North American bobcat, with a naturally short tail and, often, extra toes. Temperament varies by individual, but the breed is widely described as social, interactive, and trainable when raised with steady handling and gentle routines.^{1, 2}

Pixie-Bob at a glance

• Temperament: Typically affectionate, social, and playful; many learn harness and lead skills with patient training.²
• Size: Medium to large. Many adults sit around the “solid, heavy-boned” end of the domestic-cat scale (males often larger than females).^{2, 3}
• Coat: Thick, plush double coat; short-haired and long-haired varieties exist.²
• Colour/pattern: Most commonly brown spotted tabby (the breed is bred for a bobcat-like spotted look).¹
• Tail: Naturally short; length varies from very short up to hock length, and it may be kinked/knotted while still flexible.²
• Paws: Polydactyl (extra toes) is permitted in Pixie-Bobs, up to seven toes per paw under TICA rules.²
• Lifespan: Often quoted around the mid-teens, similar to many well-cared-for domestic cats.³

History and origin

The Pixie-Bob emerged in the late 1980s in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, developed by Carol Ann Brewer from cats selected for a bobcat-like appearance—short tail, spotted coat, sturdy build, and sometimes polydactyl feet. Although early stories suggested bobcat ancestry, genetic testing has not supported the presence of bobcat DNA, and cat registries treat Pixie-Bobs as domestic cats.¹

Today the breed is recognised by major cat fancy bodies including The International Cat Association (TICA). Breed standards place heavy emphasis on a “rustic” bobcat look, without shifting into wild-hybrid status.²

Physical characteristics: what you’ll actually notice at home

A Pixie-Bob tends to read as compact and powerful rather than tall and fine-boned. The head is often described as pear-shaped, with a heavier brow and a deep muzzle, giving that quiet, watchful expression people associate with wildcats.^{1, 2}

The coat is dense and springy. Short-haired cats can still shed noticeably, while long-haired cats are more likely to collect tangles behind the ears and around the “trousers” if brushing slips.²

The tail is part of the breed’s signature. It’s naturally shortened, sometimes kinked, and should move naturally rather than being rigid or painful—anything that looks sore, stiff, or handled protectively is a reason to ask a vet to check it.²

Personality and temperament

Pixie-Bobs are commonly described as people-oriented cats: present in the house, interested in what you’re doing, and keen on play that involves stalking, pouncing, and carrying toys. Many enjoy training games, food puzzles, and routine-based learning, especially when started young and kept calm and brief.²

Even within a breed, temperament is not guaranteed. Early handling, the home environment, and the cat’s individual thresholds matter more than the label. If you’re adopting an adult, spend time watching how they recover after surprises (a dropped object, a door closing) and how they respond to touch around paws, belly, and tail.

Grooming and day-to-day care

Despite the rugged look, care is ordinary cat care done consistently. A thick double coat benefits from regular brushing, particularly during seasonal shedding or if your cat is long-haired.²

• Brushing: Aim for at least weekly for many short-haired cats; increase frequency if you notice shedding clumps or matting risk (often higher in long-haired cats).²
• Nails, ears, teeth: Keep nails trimmed, check ears, and brush teeth with vet-approved toothpaste when your cat will tolerate it.²
• Enrichment: Provide climbing, scratching surfaces, and play that mimics hunt sequences (short bursts, then rest). This matters more than a huge floor plan.

Health: what’s known, and what’s worth watching

No cat breed comes with a blank health slate. Registry information commonly describes Pixie-Bobs as generally healthy, but that doesn’t replace individual screening and sensible weight control.²

Two practical points tend to matter in real homes:

• Weight creep: A muscular, heavy-boned build can disguise early weight gain. Regular body-condition checks (not just “he feels heavy”) help.²
• Routine prevention: Keep vaccinations and parasite control current, and book regular vet checks—especially if your cat spends time outdoors or mixes with other pets.^{2, 4}

If you’re buying from a breeder, ask for health history in the line, what screening they do, and what support they offer if a problem emerges after purchase. A calm, specific answer is a good sign.

Training and exercise (including lead walking)

Some Pixie-Bobs take well to harness training, but the method matters more than the breed. Start indoors, keep sessions brief, and let the cat set the pace—first comfort in the harness, then gentle movement, then the lead, then short, quiet outings.²

In a busy household, daily play in small doses often works better than one long session. Think of it as brief patrols through the living room grasslands: chase, pounce, a small “catch”, then a rest.

Pixie-Bobs as family pets

In the right home, Pixie-Bobs can suit families well: they’re often interactive, enjoy play, and may follow people from room to room. The match is best when children are taught to let the cat choose contact, avoid tail handling, and give the cat high escape routes and quiet rooms.

Like any cat, they do best when the house is arranged around cat logic: resources spread out, predictable hiding places, and somewhere elevated to watch without being touched.

Living with other pets

Pixie-Bobs can live peacefully with other animals, but introductions should be slow and managed. Cats rely heavily on territory and scent familiarity, and rushing first meetings tends to create weeks of repair work afterwards.⁴

A steady introduction plan

• Start with separation: New cat in one room with litter, food, water, bedding, and hiding spots.
• Swap scent: Exchange bedding or rub a cloth along cheeks and place it near the other pet’s area.
• Barrier viewing: Baby gate or cracked door once both animals are calm at the scent stage.
• Short, supervised sessions: Keep dogs on lead; end sessions early, before anyone tips into chasing or fear.⁴

Finding and adopting a Pixie-Bob (Australia notes)

Pixie-Bobs are not a common shelter breed in Australia, so many people look to registered breeders. Take your time. Ask how kittens are raised (noise exposure, handling, litter training), whether parents can be met, and what happens if the placement doesn’t work.

If you’re importing a cat into Australia, rules are strict and time-sensitive. The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry sets requirements that can include microchipping, rabies vaccination, a rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT), minimum waiting periods, and post-entry quarantine in an Australian facility, depending on the country of export and identity verification steps.^{5, 6}

Australia also restricts the import of non-domestic cat hybrids (such as Savannah cats). Pixie-Bobs are treated as domestic cats by major registries, but always confirm the current import category and paperwork requirements before you commit to an overseas purchase or flight booking.^{1, 7}

Final thoughts

A Pixie-Bob is, at heart, a domestic cat wearing a bobcat silhouette: dense coat, short tail, sturdy paws, and a steady, watchful presence. If you like an interactive cat and you’re happy to provide routine play, gentle training, and regular grooming, they can be a rewarding companion. The best outcomes come from patient selection—meeting the cat you’re considering, asking clear questions, and letting temperament, not appearance, make the final call.

References

1. Pixie-bob (overview, history, domestic status)
2. The International Cat Association (TICA) – Pixiebob breed information (polydactyly, tail, coat, care)
3. Guild Insurance (Vets Choice) – Pixie Bob breed profile (size/lifespan overview)
4. RSPCA Australia – Introducing a dog/puppy to a resident cat (gradual, managed introductions)
5. Australian Government DAFF – Step-by-step guide to import cats (Group 3 example; timing and eligibility)
6. Australian Government DAFF – Rabies vaccination and RNATT requirements for cats and dogs
7. Australian Government DAFF – Importing cats (notes on non-domestic hybrids not permitted)
8. Australian Government DAFF – Cats and dogs returning to Australia (RNAT/RNATT validity notes)