Country of Origin: | United States |
Colors: | Greys and black |
Average Size: | Weight: 8-22 lbs ( 3.6 – 9.9 kg) Length: Large |
Life Span: | 13 years |
Coat: | Short |
Personality: | Outgoing, friendly cats with an almost dog-like devotion to their human family members. |
Characteristics: | Energy: High Talkative: Moderate Kid Friendly: Yes Allergic: Yes |
In the last twenty years, the farmers were showing an increasing interest in the development of new cat breeds by crossing domestic cats with wild cat’s species. In most cases, the offspring inherited the temperament of its wild ancestor, but in some cases, breeders successfully crossed them with Felis geoffroyi cats which were wild cats from the forests of South America.
Felis geoffroyi resides in areas from Bolivia to Patagonia, and is a gray animal with small black spots, heavy around 2-3 pounds. When mated with domestic cats, descendants are tamed kittens with beautiful and exotic dotted fur of wild cat pattern.
North American breeders for some time have been interested in developing a cat that looks like a tailless wildcat (bobcat). There were examples of natural mating between wild and domestic cats, and the result were charming Pixie-bob cats.
In fact, most of these breeders got such kittens from farmers that would otherwise be destroyed by them. Carol Ann Brewer in 1985 purchased two of these crossbreed wild ( bobcat ) and domestic cats in the state of Washington – the territory of the wild bobcat cat! Further breeding resulted in a Pixie-bob cat that founded the breed.
Although this breed is not known outside the US, Pixie-bob cat was recognized by the TICA 1995. Despite their beautiful wild look, it is said that Pixie-bob cats have the temperament of a faithful dog! They are attached to their owners and homes, and are reluctant to accept any changes.
Many owners say that they are the happiest when they are alone. Their wild appearance is enhanced with their large round eyes and very pronounced marks on their face, “mascara” lines on the cheeks and light-colored eyes.