Pet Wiki

Pixie-bob

Also called Pixiebob, Pixiebob Longhair (longhaired variety), Legend Cat (founder's early term)

A loyal, clever and easygoing companion that likes to follow its people around.

SizeLarge
Weight3.6 to 7.7 kg (8 to 17 lb)males 5.4 to 7.7 kg, females 3.6 to 5.4 kg1234
Height23 to 33 cm (9 to 13 in)3
Lifespan13 to 15 years3
CoatShort or long, thick woolly double coat
OriginUnited States: Cascade Range foothills, Washington State, from 1985 (breeder Carol Ann Brewer).14
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
dog-like loyalty
easy to train to fetch and walk on a leash
relaxed and good with children and pets
123

Personality what they are like

A loyal, clever and easygoing companion that likes to follow its people around. It talks in chirps and chatters rather than loud meows, and is usually friendly with children, dogs and other cats.1234

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pixie-bob. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short or long, thick woolly double coat

A big, sturdy cat with a wild, bobcat-like look but completely domestic roots. It has a short tail (at least 2 inches, up to the hock, often kinked), a woolly coat in short or long length, and it is the only breed whose standard accepts extra toes.142

Coloursbrown spotted tabby, from tawny to reddish brown, with small muted spots12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Enjoys fetch, leash walks and exploring; aim for at least 30 minutes of active play a day.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Shorthairs need brushing about weekly, longhairs several times a week, to manage the woolly coat and shedding.13

Home where they are happiest

Appreciates cat trees and interactive toys to burn off energy.3

Company who they like around

Bonds strongly with its family and usually accepts other pets well after a proper introduction.13

The story where it all began

In 1985 Carol Ann Brewer took in a polydactyl spotted kitten with a short tail in Washington State, and later a large male called Keba. Keba's litter with a neighbour's cat produced Pixie, the female after whom the breed is named. Although the founding cats were said to have bobcat blood, DNA testing has not found any, and the breed is considered fully domestic.14

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the only breed whose standard allows polydactyl (extra-toed) feet, with up to seven toes per foot.1

  2. 2

    The breed is named after Pixie, its foundation female.1

  3. 3

    Pixie-bobs chirp, chatter and trill more than they meow.4

  4. 4

    They can keep growing until about four years old, much longer than most cats.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Pixie, a female kitten with a wild look and muted spotting, who was one of the original cats in Carol Ann Brewer's breeding program; the name 'Pixiebob' was chosen in memory of her and the breed's bobcat-like appearance.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BrewerCascadeTimberWillowRustyPixelFawnAspenBrewMossRiverSpruce

A day in the life told by a Pixie-bob

I wake up and trot after my human to the kitchen, chattering softly. After a quick breakfast, we go for a leash walk in the yard, where I sniff every leaf and chase a fluttering butterfly. Back inside, I play fetch with my favorite toy mouse, pouncing and chirping with joy. Later, I curl up on the couch, my head on my human’s lap, purring as they scratch my ears. In the afternoon, I follow them around the house, checking on the dog and the kids. At night, I snuggle into bed, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Exhibition status 1993/1994, New Breed and Colour 1995-1996, championship status from the 1998 show season1
ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC
Recognised4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Pixie-bob tip

Pixie-bobs are naturally solid cats, so keep treats to less than 10% of daily calories and use measured meals rather than free-feeding to avoid weight gain. A puzzle feeder or lick mat can make treat time more engaging and slow down fast eaters.

Source: petmd.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pixie-bob, and at what times?

Feeding frequency and times vary with your cat's age, weight and activity, so follow the food label and your vet's advice. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day at consistent times.

What should a Pixie-bob eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a balanced commercial cat food that suits its life stage, and always check the label for amounts. Avoid alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, caffeine, avocado, citrus, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, milk, nuts, raw meat, raw eggs, bones and xylitol, as these can be harmful.5

Does a Pixie-bob need baths?

Baths are rarely needed, only if the coat is very dirty or sticky, as general guidance suggests. Regular brushing usually keeps the coat clean and healthy.6

How often does a Pixie-bob need brushing?

Brush shorthairs about weekly and longhairs several times a week to manage the woolly coat and shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pixie-bob's claws, and how often?

Trim nails gently, avoiding the quick, and start with no more than two claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's plan suggests trimming every 21 days, though general guidance says every ten days to two weeks.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Pixie-bob need?

This breed has high activity needs, so aim for at least 30 minutes of active play daily, plus cat trees and interactive toys. Pet Wiki suggests daily play sessions.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pixie-bob's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, as Pet Wiki suggests every 2 days as a starting point, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. For specific techniques, ask your vet. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pixie-bob live?

A Pixie-bob typically lives 13 to 15 years, with senior years usually starting around age 11. Regular vet check-ups help support a long, healthy life.3 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Pixie-bob good with children and other pets?

Yes, this loyal and easygoing breed is usually friendly with children, dogs and other cats, especially after a proper introduction. It bonds strongly with its family and enjoys following people around.1234

Can a Pixie-bob be left alone?

It bonds strongly with its family and may not love long periods alone, so provide toys and enrichment if you're away. How long it can be left varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for tailored advice.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Pixiebob - TICA tica.orgused for history, recognition timeline, weight, coat, tail, polydactyly, temperament, grooming
  2. Pixiebob - Purina purina.comused for weight, coat, temperament
  3. Pixiebob - PetMD petmd.comused for lifespan, height, activity, grooming
  4. Pixie-bob - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, DNA findings, other registries, growth, vocalisation
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.