Pixybob is a breed of domestic cats that has won the love and recognition of millions of fans. Today, this exotic handsome man 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.
History of origin
Disputes about the origin of an exotic cat, resembling a small lynx, do not stop until now. Someone thinks that the appearance of unusual cats was the result of an accidental mutation, others deny it. In their opinion, the breed is considered artificially bred, breeders wanted to create a domestic cat with a lynx appearance. The United States is considered the birthplace of the pixibob: it is believed that the first individual was born as a result of the mating of the red lynx and the short-tailed cat.
It is likely that the ancestors of the breed could be a cat with extra fingers and a cat with a short tail. This explains the multi-pitched and short-tailed kittens emerging into the world. Signs inherited in each generation, refute the version of the random mutation, because then not every kitten had many fingers and a short tail. By the way, “bob” (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 Brewer. Like many other specialists, she tried to breed a cat with a lynx appearance and a pet character. The kitten was the result of an experiment; it created a furor among the breeders and was soon registered by the TICA and ACFA associations as a separate species of the cat family.
The female kitten was given the name "Pixie", which means "elf". Outwardly, the female resembled a lynx, but smaller. With her, and was started breeding a new breed. This version of the origin of purebred cats today is overgrown with legends, one of which is the mating of a lynx was carried out with an ordinary domestic cat. However, if this were true, the kitten would be born with a full tail.
Description
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, the cat is rarely taken out of the country, and therefore it is almost impossible to buy such a cat from us. These cats belong to rare breeds, the population of animals is limited.
Short-tailed elf is characterized by a powerful and muscular physique. This is a rather large animal, it has a powerful chest, an even 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 be from 5 to 7 kg. Cats weigh more - their weight often reaches 10 kg.
Despite this weight, animals easily climb trees, overcoming height by jumping, like their forest counterparts. Polydactyly on the paws (multi-finger) is considered to be a hereditary characteristic of a representative of the breed: the standard of multi-toed fingers can be up to 7 fingers, which is considered the norm. Argued that cats with polydactyly are more endurance.
The cat, indeed, resembles a lynx, which, in addition to the short tail, is indicated by the tassels on the tips of the ears, powerful paws with rather 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 markings all over the body. The paws of this cat are dark, the head is large, pear-shaped.
The muzzle itself is wide, its ears are rounded off at the ends, some representatives of the breed have whiskers (typical of long-haired elves). These animals have a large chin covered with coarse fur, a massive body and a deep groin line. The short tail is set low, the eyes are almond-shaped, set wide and deep.
The look at pksiboba is significant: it seems that he is looking into the soul. Due to the dark line near the eyes, a small proportion of slyness is attached to the look.
Remarkable is the color of animals, which in knowledgeable circles is called ticking. In a pichibob, the ends of the hairs have a lighter color compared to the base color. The same feature is characteristic of the whiskers and eyebrows of cats of a given breed. The tip of the tail is almost always painted dark or even black. The color of the muzzle is also interesting: it often seems that a dark letter “M” is drawn on the cat's forehead.
As for the weight of individuals, on average a kitten-boy of one month of age weighs 540-960 g, the weight of a female at this time varies in the range of 360-830 g. By the end of the second month the weight of the animal doubles: the kitten-boy can weigh already 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 biennial animal weighs more: the average weight of a cat will be 5.4 kg, cats - from 3 to 5 kg.
Character traits
Representatives of the domestic lynx breed differ from flighty domestic cats in their degree and grace. They are regal in everything, have a 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 blamed for laziness: they are not at all sofa couchs, they are quite active and quick. Breeders claim that exotic cats are pretty smart and understand the intonation of the owners.
Despite the formidable look, they are sociable and friendly. However, none of the breed never allow himself the audacity towards the owners. For example, he will not climb on his knees and demand attention without an invitation. However, if you call the cat, he will immediately respond to the opportunity to communicate with the owner or the household. This is due to the nature of the character: the pixiob tolerates loneliness very badly and chirps in its own way, meeting the host after even a short separation.
He reacts sensitively to parting with the owner and the change of environment. By loyalty, he reminds the dog: just as attentive, kind and gentle. He willingly and without any aggression contacts with children and does not harm them, even if the children begin to play around. In this case, they do not give back, but prefer to retire. In general, their energy is enough for long games with children.
Breeders point out that these cats often treat all family members equally, without highlighting one person as an object of adoration. They communicate in their own way with a person, making interesting sounds, unlike the usual meow. A unique feature of the nature of such an animal is the possibility of adjusting to the rhythm of life of the owners. For example, a cat may well sleep peacefully near the host at night and stay awake during the day.
For them, all family members become “their pack”, the cats themselves love to be in the center of events. They miss household and are waiting for them from work or school. They are very dedicated and funny in games. For example, like dogs, they carry their toys in their teeth and very quickly get used to their name, and therefore respond better to their name than to the traditional “kit-and-kit”.
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 time of feeding approaches. As for the period of greater activity, this is the first 4 years: only after so many years has elapsed is the animal called an adult.
According to the assessment of some breeders, other individuals of the breed are distinguished by jealousy. This usually happens when they are the only pets in the family. However, if there is a newborn in the house, cats, and especially males, can manifest parental feelings. This can be manifested in the desire to stay close and protect the baby, even caring for his peaceful sleep. Often, such cats produce “caring nannies” and even “child guards”.
Conditions of detention
Despite the fact that cats are considered unpretentious in the care, some of the nuances have to be considered. For example, given the density of wool, it is necessary 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 in the direction from head to tail. The wool itself is soft and silky, it is especially fluffy on the stomach. Increased attention to combing wool should be paid during the molting period. At this time, the procedure is done 2 times a week.
Cats of an exotic breed are easily trained and rather quickly understand what a tray is. If from childhood to teach them to the tray, they will be very clean and tidy. Even after reaching the age of adulthood, they will not allow themselves to mark the territory or crap in the wrong places. At the same time raising a cat does not require a global investment of time and effort.
Molting in animals occurs 2 times a year: in spring and autumn. As for the nuances of bathing, experts note: it is not necessary to use soap every time you wash. Sometimes it is enough to wash the usual warm water. It is necessary to accustom an animal to water procedures since the childhood.
The size of the pet is large, and therefore it will be cramped in small-sized rooms. Ideally, this cat should live in a private house with access to fresh air, where she can walk with the owner. To walk, you must purchase a special collar. The behavior of a cat 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 maturation. During this time, you can teach the cat a name and different teams, it will understand the meaning of some phrases and respond to them. In addition, the educational process will allow to prevent aggressiveness, because such individuals are not allowed to breed by expert felinologists, they do not participate in breeding work.
It is impossible to independently engage in breeding the breed: this is hampered by some difficulties. Felinologists inspect the animal to determine whether it is suitable for procreation.
Despite the fact that kittens can be born with ordinary tails, the breed has its own standards. It is impossible to cross such a cat with ordinary pets, because it leads to the degeneration of the species and the loss of characteristic hereditary traits.
Health
Representatives of the breed differ excellent health and life expectancy at 13 years. Individuals live longer, and they are not genetically characterized by diseases. However, the breeder must take into account the sensitivity of an exotic cat to certain vaccinations, and therefore the consultation of the veterinarian before introducing the vaccine is considered mandatory. If you follow the health of individuals, it can live to old age, which is 15 years old.
It is important every time after the walk to inspect the animal for the presence of small parasites (ticks and fleas). In order to prevent them, you can buy a pet anti-parasitic collar. Its action usually lasts a month, after which the accessory is replaced with a new one.
But as noted by some cat breeders, such a product does not provide a 100% guarantee, and therefore systematic visual inspection is a prerequisite for maintenance.
It is important to monitor the pet's hygiene. As for bathing, it will not be a problem either for the animal or for the owner, because Pixioboob is not only not afraid of water, but also likes to soak in it. Other individuals altogether, like dogs, love to splash and frolic in the water. However, frequent bathing cat is not needed, in contrast to the hygiene of the ears and eyes.
Although it is simple, 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 the appearing pollution.
If in the corners of the eyes of a cat appear white discharge, it indicates the presence of worms. In this case, you should contact the veterinarian, who will prescribe treatment, select the correct dose of the drug and its multiplicity. Pixybob needs fresh air: this handsome man can not be locked in the four walls, thinking that he will be constantly active and healthy. It is not enough to ventilate the room, opening the vents: we just need walks in the fresh air.
As for climate, 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 rules of hygiene, we must not forget about the claws. They are trimmed as necessary, paying special attention to rudimentary fingers, where they do not grind off and can cause pain to the animal when walking.
Wool does not need to cut, for bathing, you can purchase special shampoos. In rare cases, cats have hypertensive cardiomyopathy (thickening of the left ventricle of the heart). But if you properly care for your pet, the forecast will be favorable. Once a year, breeders check animals for cardiomyopathy. Because, as often show an animal specialist, will depend on his health. Ultrasound examination helps to identify this disease.
Nutrition
The pledge of health home lynx is its weight. It is necessary to feed it twice a day, choosing the best industrial dry type feeds. Unlike some pets, the pickybears are unpretentious to the choice of food and will not allow themselves quiet strikes in anticipation of their favorite delicacy. Feed type must be different: an animal cannot eat exclusively industrial feeds, there must be natural food in the diet.
The choice of a particular product should be deliberate, because the body and a kitten, and an adult cat can not digest carbohydrates. Diet should correspond to different age periods. Despite a good appetite, it is necessary to give out meals in portions, taking into account the recommended norms for each age. The diet should include low-fat chicken or turkey.
In addition, it is necessary to feed the pxibob by-products, it is important that he received cereals, vegetables, dairy products and fish. In order to compensate for the lack of nutrients that are not in the cat's food, it needs a vitamin and mineral complex.
Care for kittens
As a rule, in the litter rarely more than three kittens. At the same time, in comparison with other breeds, these babies are larger and more active. They seem to be plump, but to maintain a good view, they need daily care and constant attention of the owner. If the kitten belongs to the long-haired breed, it will have to be combed more often. As long as the baby is near the mother, it is she who ensures that he moves well and eats in time.
Buy these kittens when they turn 3-5 months. 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 warm water without soap or shampoo.
With regard to nutrition, we must not forget to watch that so that there is always drinking water in the baby’s bowl. You can feed it with ground meat of low-fat varieties, mixing it with porridge in proportions 3: 1. Seafood should be given at least once a week, like eggs and cottage cheese. Frequency of feeding kittens should be at least 5-6 times a day.
In this case, we must not forget about the fresh greens, which are purchased in a specialized store. As the baby grows, the multiplicity of food changes and is gradually adjusted to three times a day. An adult is fed twice (in the morning and in the evening). You can teach a kitten to eat at certain hours. Food does not give dimensionless, pouring a full bowl. This can harm the health of the baby.
On the features of cats pikibob breed, see below.
