Understanding Cat Breeds - The Pixie Bob

Pixie Bobs are known as the Golden Retrievers of the cat world. Some owners would go so far as to say that their Pixie Bobs are little dogs in disguise. This cat breed is highly intelligent and easily trained. They love company and will bond closely to you and your family. After one or two years of age, your Pixie Bob won't want to be with anyone else but you. If any pet believes in "'til death do us part", it's a Pixie Bob. People might assume that the origin of the breed came from the mating of a feral cat and a Bobcat, but DNA tests have shown that there is no wild blood in the Pixie Bob's heritage.

The Pixie Bob is a medium to large cat that some have described as "big boned". They have spotted markings and black tufts on their ears. Their tails are either short or full length. If you're planning on showing your Pixie Bob, make sure that the breeder hasn't had the tail docked (cut). A docked tail is not acceptable in the show ring. Pixie Bobs also have huge paws that are "straight toed" or "poly toed". A Pixie Bob with straight toes has paws with the usual number of toes on it (five in the front and four in the back). A poly-toed Pixie Bob will have more than the usual number of toes, maybe six on the front paws instead of five. Unlike most cats, Pixie Bobs take three years to reach maturity as opposed to the usual one year. The males can reach 22 pounds and the females top out at 16 pounds.

If you are going to purchase a Pixie Bob, make sure to buy one from a reputable cattery. Any good cattery will allow you to make a personal visit to meet the parents and siblings of your kitten. Don't trust anyone who tells you visiting isn't permissible. A Pixie Bob with quality bloodlines and papers will cost anywhere in the range of $600 to $1,500. The price largely depends on how closely the kitten resembles the standards of the breed. Kittens bred specifically to be show cats will start at $1,500 and the price rises from there. Some catteries will include the cost of altering (spaying or neutering) in their price, and the surgery will be carried out before you receive your kitten. If you can't go to the cattery in person, inquire as to how they ship their cats and find out how much the shipping charges are. Don't be surprised if there is an additional fee upwards of $300 for shipping.

You can expect to sign a contract for the protection of the cattery, the kitten, and you. A contract outlines what the cattery will be responsible for (such as a 72-hour guarantee on the health of the kitten and what records the cattery's veterinarian will provide), refunds, replacements, and expenses. The contract will also inform you of the buyer's responsibilities once the kitten leaves the possession of the cattery. Some other things you can expect to find on the contract are holding fees (if you request that a specific kitten be held for you), a promise from you to give the kitten a good home and reasonable care, and advertising rights (the cattery might want to use photos of your kitten for future promotions).

Where can you find a Pixie Bob of your own? The internet is a great place to start. Legend Tales of Tacoma, Washington (http://www.pixie-bobs.net/index.html) is an excellent cattery and the owners will work closely with you to help you pick out a kitten or adult that is right for you. The International Cat Association (http://www.tica.org/html/english/home/) also has listings of Pixie Bob catteries, as well as listings for many other breeds.