Pixibob: features of the breed of cats and their conditions

Pixibob is a domestic cat breed that has won the love and recognition of millions of fans. Today, this exotic beauty is considered a national treasure of the inhabitants of the United States of America. The cat, called the "short-tailed elf", has a number of distinctive characteristics in terms of appearance and conditions of detention.

Disputes about the origin of an exotic cat resembling a small lynx do not stop until now. Someone believes that the appearance of unusual cats was the result of an accidental mutation, while others refute this. According to them, the breed is considered artificially bred, breeders wanted to create a domestic cat with the appearance of a lynx. The USA is considered to be the birthplace of pixibob: there is an opinion that the first individual was born as a result of mating a male red-haired lynx and short-tailed cat.

It is likely that the founders of the breed could become cat with extra fingers and a cat with a short tail. This explains the multi-fingered and short tail of kittens born. The signs inherited in each generation refute the version of a random mutation, because then not every kitten had many fingers and a short tail. By the way, “bean” (the second part of the breed name) speaks of a short tail length.

One of the most plausible versions is the opinion that the breed appeared thanks to breeder Carol Ann Brever. Like many other specialists, she tried to breed a cat breed with the appearance of a lynx and the character of a pet. The kitten was the result of an experiment, it made a splash among breeders and was soon registered by TICA and ACFA as a separate species of feline family.

The female kitten was given the name "Pixie", which means "elf" in translation. Outwardly, the female was like a lynx, but smaller. With it, the breeding of a new breed was started. This version of the origin of purebred cats is now overgrown with legends, according to one of which the lynx was mated with an ordinary domestic cat. However, if this were true, the kitten would be born with a full tail.

Pixibob is much larger than a regular domestic cat. Its distinguishing features are the absence of a long tail and intolerance to long journeys. For this reason, a cat is rarely taken out of the country, and therefore it is almost impossible to buy such a cat from us. These cats are rare breeds, the population of animals is limited.

The short-tailed elf is characterized by a powerful and muscular physique. This is a fairly large animal, it has a powerful chest, a flat back and slightly protruding shoulder blades. On the abdomen of these cats there is a small skin fold, which is associated with excess skin in this part of the body. The weight of an adult cat can range from 5 to 7 kg. Cats weigh more - their weight often reaches 10 kg.

Despite this weight, animals easily climb trees, overcoming the height by jumping, like their forest counterparts. Polydactyly on the paws (multi-finger) is considered a hereditary sign of the representative of the breed: the multi-finger standard can be up to 7 fingers, which is considered the norm. There is an opinion that cats with polydactyly are more durable.

The cat, indeed, is like a lynx, which, in addition to the short tail, is evidenced by the tassels at the tips of the ears, powerful paws with fairly developed muscles. The length of the tail of the animal usually does not exceed 5 cm, the color of the cat is usually sandy-brown with dark marks throughout the body. The pads of the fingers of this cat are dark, the head is large, pear-shaped.

The muzzle itself is wide, the ears of the pixibob are rounded at the ends, individual representatives of the breed have sideburns (typical for long-haired elves). These animals have a large chin, covered with coarse hair, a massive body and a deep groin line. The short tail is set low, the eyes are almond-shaped, wide and deep set.

The color of animals is also noteworthy, which in knowledgeable circles is called ticking. In pixibob, the ends of the hairs are lighter in color compared to the color of the base. The same feature is characteristic of the mustache and eyebrow of cats of this breed. The tip of the tail is almost always painted dark or completely black. The muzzle color is also interesting: it often seems that the dark letter “M” is painted on the cat’s forehead.

As for the weight of individuals, on average, a month-old kitten-boy weighs 540-960 g, the weight of the female at this time varies in the range of 360-830 g. By the end of the second month, the animal’s weight doubles: the boy-kitten can already weigh 1.1- 1.9 kg, the female will weigh 0.81-1.4 kg. By the end of the first year of life, the weight of the cat will be 4.6-6.5 kg, cats - 2.7-4.8 kg. A two-year-old animal weighs more: the average weight of a cat will be 5.4 kg, cats from 3 to 5 kg.

Representatives of the domestic lynx breed differ from eccentric domestic cats in their degree and grace. They are regal in everything, have a sense of tact, never impose their society and do not require attention when the owner is not up to them. At the same time, they cannot be reproached for laziness: they are not at all ridiculous couches, they are also quite active in torture. Breeders claim that exotic cats are quite smart and understand the intonation of the owners.

Despite the formidable appearance, they are sociable and friendly. However, none of the representatives of the breed will never allow himself the impudence towards the owners. For example, he will not climb to his knees and demand attention without an invitation. However, if you call a cat, he will immediately respond to the opportunity to chat with the owner or household. This is explained by a feature of character: pixibob does not tolerate loneliness very well and chirps in his own way, meeting the owner after even a short separation.

He is sensitive to a breakup with the owner and a change of scenery. In devotion, he resembles a dog: he is just as attentive, kind and not malignant. He willingly and without any aggression makes contact with children and does not harm them, even if the children flirt. In this case, they do not give change, but prefer to leave. In general, their energy is enough for long games with children.

Breeders note that these cats often relate equally to all members of the family, not singling out one as an object of adoration. They communicate with a person in their own way, making interesting sounds, unlike the usual meow. A unique feature of the nature of such an animal is the ability to adapt to the rhythm of life of the owners. For example, a cat may well sleep peacefully near its owner at night and stay awake during the day.

The animal will not allow itself to swear or fight with other pets. It gets along well with other cats or even dogs living in the house. Unlike them, he will not be the main brawler, he will show restraint even when the feeding time is right. As for the period of greater activity, this is the first 4 years: only after so many years has the animal been called an adult.

According to some breeders, other individuals of the breed are jealous. This usually happens when they are the only pets in the family. However, if the house has a newborn, cats, and in particular males, may show parental feelings. This can be manifested in the desire to be near and protect the baby, even taking care of his good sleep. Often these cats produce "caring nannies" and even "baby guards."

Despite the fact that cats are considered unpretentious in care, some nuances have to be considered. For example, given the density of the coat, you have to deal with it more often, especially among representatives of the breed with long hair. This should be done at least once a week with a rubber brush, combing the hair from head to tail. The coat itself is soft and silky; on the stomach it is especially fluffy. Increased attention to combing wool should be given during molting. At this time, the procedure is done 2 times a week.

Cats of an exotic breed are easily trained and pretty quickly understand what a tray is. If you accustom them to the tray from childhood, they will be very neat and tidy. Even when they reach puberty, they will not allow themselves to mark the territory or crap in the wrong places. In this case, raising a cat does not require a global investment of time and effort.

The size of the pet is large, and therefore in small rooms it will be crowded. Ideally, this cat should live in a private house with access to fresh air, where she can walk with the owner. For a walk you need to purchase a special collar.The cat’s behavior on the street is regal: she is not afraid of something new, does not run away with fear, and therefore the risk of losing her is minimal.

It is worth noting such a nuance as the need for education during the entire period of growing up. During this time, you can teach a cat a name and various teams, it will understand the meaning of some phrases and respond to them. In addition, the educational process will prevent aggressiveness, because such individuals are not allowed for breeding by expert felinologists, they do not participate in breeding.

You can’t breed the breed yourself: some difficulties prevent this. Felinologists examine the animal for whether it is suitable for procreation.

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by excellent health and average life expectancy of 13 years. Some individuals live longer, while they are not genetically characteristic of the disease. However, the breeder must take into account the sensitivity of the exotic cat to certain vaccinations, and therefore a consultation with the veterinarian before introducing the vaccine is considered mandatory. If you monitor the health of an individual, it can survive to an advanced age of 15 years.

It is important every time after a walk to inspect the animal for the presence of small parasites (ticks and fleas). In order to prevent them, you can buy a pet antiparasitic collar. Its action usually lasts a month, after which the accessory is replaced with a new one.

It is important to monitor the hygiene of the pet. As for swimming, it will not be a problem for either the animal or the owner, because pixibob is not only not afraid of water, but also likes to soak in it. Other individuals, like dogs, adore splashing and frolic in water. However, frequent cat bathing is not needed, unlike ear and eye hygiene.

Although it is simple, but it should be regular and correct. To do this, use wet textile napkins or a soft cloth dipped in warm water. They get rid of emerging pollution.

If white discharge appears in the corners of the eyes of a cat, this indicates the presence of worms. In this case, you should consult a veterinarian who will prescribe treatment, select the correct dose of the drug and its multiplicity. Piksibob needs fresh air: this handsome man cannot be locked in four walls, thinking that he will be constantly active and healthy. It is not enough to ventilate the room by opening the windows: it is necessary to walk in the fresh air.

As for the climate, the short-tailed elves calmly tolerate both heat and cold. Walking with a cat on the street is often necessary, the duration of games on average can be from 15 minutes to half an hour. In addition to other hygiene rules, claws should not be forgotten. They are trimmed as necessary, paying particular attention to the rudimentary fingers, where they do not grind and can cause pain to the animal when walking.

You do not need to cut hair, you can buy special shampoos for swimming. In rare cases, cats have hypertensive cardiomyopathy (thickening of the left ventricle of the heart). But if you properly care for your pet, the prognosis will be favorable. Once a year, breeders check animals for cardiomyopathy. Because, as the animal is often shown to a specialist, its health will depend. An ultrasound examination helps to identify this disease.

The key to the health of a domestic lynx is its weight. It must be fed twice a day, choosing the best industrial dry food type.Unlike some pets, pixibob is unpretentious in choosing food and will not allow quiet strikes in anticipation of a favorite treat. The type of feed should be different: the animal must not eat exclusively industrial feed, the diet should also have natural food.

The choice of a product should be deliberate, because the body of both a kitten and an adult cat cannot digest carbohydrates. The diet should correspond to different age periods. Despite a good appetite, serving food is necessary in portions, taking into account the recommended standards for each age. The diet should include low fat chicken or turkey.

As a rule, there are rarely more than three kittens in a litter. Moreover, in comparison with other breeds, these babies are larger and more active. They seem well-fed, but in order to maintain a good appearance they need daily care and constant attention of the owner. If the kitten belongs to a long-haired breed, it will have to be combed out more often. As long as the baby is near her mother, she is the one who ensures that he moves well and eats on time.

These kittens are bought when they are 3-5 months old.. As a rule, by this time they are already vaccinated and treated for parasites. The purchase of each individual is regulated at the legislative level. Bathing kids carry out warm water without soap or shampoo.

As for nutrition, we must not forget to monitor so that drinking water is constantly in the baby’s bowl. You can feed it with chopped meat of low-fat varieties, mixing it with porridge in the proportions of 3: 1. Seafood should be given at least once a week, like eggs and cottage cheese. The multiplicity of feeding kittens should be at least 5-6 times a day.

At the same time, one should not forget about fresh greens, which are purchased in a specialized store. As the baby grows, the frequency of food is changed and gradually brought up to three times a day. An adult is fed twice (morning and evening). You can teach a kitten to eat at certain hours. Food is not given dimensionlessly by pouring a full bowl. This can harm the baby's health.

About the features of pixibob cats, see below.