Pixie-bob
Wild-looking bobtailed cats with surprisingly gentle natures.
Pixie-bobs were originally believed to be hybrids of bobcats and domestic cats — though DNA testing has disproved this. They are large, muscular, and dog-like in personality, often walking on leashes and bonding strongly with their families. Many have polydactyl paws.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 10–17 lbs |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush weekly to twice weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●○ |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Dog-like loyalty
- Striking wild appearance
- Often comfortable on leashes
- Excellent family cats
✗ Things to know
- Slow to mature (3–4 years)
- Need space and exercise
- Less common
Ideal owner
A Pixie-bob may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Pixie-bob may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Pixie-bobs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Pixie-bob right for you?
The best way to find out if a Pixie-bob suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Pixie-bob a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Pixie-bobs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: gentle, dog-like, and family-oriented.
Are Pixie-bobs good for apartments?
Yes — Pixie-bobs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Pixie-bobs good with children?
Pixie-bobs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Pixie-bobs hypoallergenic?
Pixie-bobs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Pixie-bob suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Pixie-bob on Wikipedia