Pinewood Pixie-bobs

The Pixie-bob Origination Story

By: Carol Ann Brewer

On the North American Continent, in every geographical area where the Bobcat may be found, kittens are born in barns each spring, resulting from wild/domestic mating. This is the legendary ancestry of the Pixie-bob. We believe that the first generation of this alleged breeding often goes unrecognized, as the kittens are usually wild in temperament, being unsocialized barn cats, but oddly, quite domestic in appearance. Because there are eleven subspecies of Bobcat in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the kittens will vary greatly, depending also upon the breed of female involved. These cats have been prized for generations by individuals who have kept them as unusually intelligent pets.

It was in 1985, within the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, near the shores of Puget Sound, that a small Coastal Red Bobcat was seen fighting with a short-tailed polydactyl barn cat. The owners ran to save their cat from possible harm, and later reaped a harvest of kittens born through these suspicious circumstances. A male polydactyl kitten was purchased by Carol Ann Brewer, who was immediately intrigued with the kitten's appearance and behavior. She knew that she possessed a kitten with the blood of another world, and so she began to search for information to help her understand if such an unusual cat would have any special needs. What Carol Ann discovered was that there was, indeed, documentation by others who also believed that they had a cat with wild heritage. According to what she read, it seemed that what had occurred there, in the Pacific Northwest, was not that unusual.

So it was that "the breed" essentially began through what was believed to be a naturally occurring mating between a Bobcat and a domestic. She called her first cat a 'legend cat", since there was no real proof. "It's like the breed was Providentially handed to me", Carol Ann says, because within the year, she had acquired one more cat with exactly the same "legend", and another cat of speculative heritage, whose sheer size, appearance and tail length convinced her to use him also to form the basis of a program.

"Pixie" was a female kitten born from the union of two of these original cats. She was covered with muted spotting on her reddish-fawn coat and had a very wild face, reminiscent of a Bobcat. "Pixie" not only became the dam line for most of the females in the program, but also became the namesake for the breed.

Kittens produced today have a muscular rangy body, thick legs and sport a short tail that may be wagged or curled up or down for effect. Their coats are unique in the entire cat world for color, quality and feel. However, the most distinguishable feature of the Pixie-bob is "the face", which evokes the feeling that you are looking into the face of a true Bobcat.

They are now registered with T.I.C.A. as a domestic breed, having been DNA tested for wild genes, and found to display none. After 13 years, the cats are perfect pets, being gentle, non-destructive and as easy to care for as any other domestic. Since males run from 16 to 22 pounds, average (depending upon the bloodlines) with females usually being 1/2 that weight, they fit into the mold of what is considered to be a good sized housecat. They are extremely quiet, having only an occasional chirp or chitter to offer, and have often been referred to as "dogs in disguise", because they are easily trained and remarkably courageous. Loving and very devoted, they prefer to be with their owners at all times, even traveling in the car, on a shoulder or the dashboard.

It is the goal of Carol Ann Brewer, the Founding Board, and the Pixie-bob Association to see that these cat, whom we believe have existed on their own for centuries in North America, be appreciated for their wild beauty and for the extreme pleasure they offer mankind. Intelligent beyond belief, and forever entertaining, they are absolutely guaranteed to change your life!

Copyright © Carol Ann Brewer 1997. All rights reserved
No portion of this article may be reproduced without the author's permission.

The Legendary Pixie-bob

By: Dr. Solveig Pflueger

T.I.C.A. Genetics Committee

Legend says a feral Bobcat came out of the woods of the Pacific Northwest in search of a meal and a mate and found a willing domestic female cat. Although she just as easily might have been his dinner, the barn cat was bred. The elusive Bobcat then vanished into the night, but left behind his legacy: kittens with traits from both their Bobcat and domestic heritage. Although a legend, the story reveals the Pixie-bob ideal - a large, brown spotted tabby with a short tail, big feet and a wild look, but a domestic temperament.

Because the legend surrounding the Pixie-bob's origin raises the question of non-domestic ancestry, the breed has caused some controversy in show circles. However, genetic studies have failed to identify evidence of bobcat parentage behind the breed's progenitors, and although it appears that viable bobcat-domestic hybrids are possible, the Pixie-bob can safely be considered a purely domestic cat.

The Pixie-bob breed originated with Carol Ann Brewer of Stone Island Cattery in Washington State. In 1985, she acquired a male kitten purported to be the product of a multi-toed barn cat and a visiting Bobcat. She sought out other "legend cats" and used these as the foundation for her breeding program, eventually producing a female kitten named "Pixie" who had the look of the Bobcats found in the Northwest. She is the cat for whom the breed was named, and her lineage is behind most Pixie-bobs seen in the show ring.

The Pixie-bob was accepted for registration as a distinct breed by the International Cat Association in 1994, a first step toward recognition. The breed was accepted for exhibition in the New Breed and Color Class the following year. This class allows cats to be handled and evaluated by the judges, although the cats do no compete against established breeds for championship points or national standings. Beginning May 1, 1998, the Pixie-Bob was advanced to championship, where it competes for final awards. Thus, far the Pixie-Bob appears to be holding its own in the ring, becoming increasingly popular with both spectators and judges and making a unique addition to our potpourri of distinctive breeds.

Toes and Tails

The original Pixie-bob stock exhibited a gene for polydactyl, meaning extra toes. Polydactyl is a dominantly inherited genetic trait that results in large-footed, extra-toed cats. Although the greatest frequency of polydactyl is in New England, polydactyl cats may be found throughout North America. The usual gene for polydactyl appears to be harmless and does not hinder the cat's ability to walk.

Approximately one half of a polydactyl cat's offspring will also inherit the trait. Extra toes have traditionally been forbidden in the show ring, with the exception of the household pet classes, a category that permits some traits that would disqualify a cat for competition in a purebred championship class. However, polydactyl had been present from the beginning of the Pixie-bob breed - one of "Pixie's" parents had the trait - and the extra toes contribute to the cat's large-footed appearance.

Despite longstanding prejudice against polydactyl among breeders of purebred cats, the Pixie-bob breeders elected to include polydactyl as one of the breed's unique features when it was presented for championship recognition. Despite considerable opposition, the breeders prevailed. Cats with up to seven toes per foot may be shown for championship in the Pixie-bob breed, whereas all other breed must have the usual five toes in front and four in back to be eligible for competition.

Another Pixie-bob characteristic is its foreshortened tail. The Pixie-bob tail is unique in structure and should be between 2 and 6 inches in length, not extending below the hock. Although the cat has the ability to hold its tail high, the tail should most often be carried down in a relaxed position, rather than above the body. The ideal tail should be fully articulated, that is, the joints should be flexible rather than rigid. Although the tail is one of the Pixie-bob's distinguishing traits, the head and body are considered more important and the majority of points are designated for these features.

Wild Thing

The Pixie-bob bears a striking visual likeness to the Native American Bobcat. The cat should appear substantial, rangy but with a well-developed chest and heavy boning and musculature. It should also look as though it could easily take care of itself in the wild. The coat, which is moderately dense and stands out from the body, protects the cat in extreme climates. Both longhaired and shorthaired versions are accepted in competition. Coarse guard hairs and a downy undercoat offer protection and insulation from cold and dampness. The longhaired version has a semi-long coat about two inches in length. Both longhaired and shorthaired Pixie-bobs have "mutton chop" longer hair on the sides of the face, similar to the Bobcat's ruff. The chin also has slightly longer hairs, giving a fuzzy appearance. Lynx tips on the ears are considered highly desirable, again contributing to the breed's unique look.

Pixie-bobs are accepted in any shade of brown tabby, again in keeping with the Bobcat appearance. A reddish tone to the coat can give a warm appearance, but the base coat should be a dark mousy brown. The pattern is spotted, with or without rosettes. Bands of color on individual hairs, known as ticking, may mute the spots. However, the grizzled appearance resulting from the ticking also enhances the wild look. The coats of native Bobcats include considerable variability, and the Pixie-bob standard allows for this as well. Color and pattern in the Pixie-bob are secondary to conformation in judging.

The Pixie-bob has an expression like no other cat. The brow line is quite prominent and the eyes are somewhat deeply set, giving a slightly pensive look, again echoing the appearance of the large cat species. The nose is broad, ending in a large, brick-colored area. The cheeks and chin are well developed. The ideal look is that of a Bobcat, with a depth of expression that hints as memories of the days when the domestic cat's ancestors were forced to survive by their own strength and intellect. The head and facial features are highly valued in the show ring.

Pixie-bobs might look self-sufficient, but they prefer the comfort of a soft bed by the fireplace. The Pixie-bob has found it can gain security and warmth by closely bonding with people. Highly intelligent, the Pixie-bob knows instinctively that it is much easier to train its owner to provide gourmet treats on demand than to hunt for dinner in the wild. The Pixie-bob is loyal and trustworthy, in some ways almost doglike in its desire for attention. Descriptions such as "gentle and affectionate," "easy to handle" and "devoted family member" are often used by Pixie-Bob owners.

To the casual observer, the Pixie-bob gives the impression of a powerful hunter, a cat that could easily pass for a Bobcat from the distance. Even at close range, the question of whether this is really a domestic cat comes to mind and you begin to wonder whether the legends might indeed be true. But when you reach to pet the Pixie-bob, feel it stretch to receive your touch and hear its purr, you realize this is truly a domestic cat. Regardless of whether you choose to believe the legendary stories, the Pixie-bob is characterized by a serendipitous combination of wild and domestic traits, ensuring each cat a special place in its owner's heart and home.