Bobcat-Domestic Cat Mix: Understanding The Hybrid Feline Curiosity

bob cat mixed with domestic cat

The Pixie-bob is a breed of domestic cat that is claimed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between domesticated cats and bobcats. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea of a bobcat and house cat hybrid, and DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat genetic markers in Pixie-bobs. While bobcats and domestic cats may mate, they are unable to produce offspring as they differ too much genetically.

Characteristics Values
Scientific name Felis cattus
Weight 8-17 lbs
Height 9-18 inches
Coat Short hair, brown, red, or rust color with spotting
Eye colour Blue when kittens, then change to green or gold when several months old
Ear shape Tufted
Tail length 2-13 inches
Temperament Social, active, bold, playful
Intelligence High
Noises Chirps, chatters, and growls; rarely meows

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The Pixie-bob breed is claimed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between bobcats and domestic cats

The Pixie-bob is a breed of domestic cat that is claimed to be the progeny of naturally occurring hybrids between bobcats and domestic cats. The origin of the Pixie-bob cat is steeped in legend and folklore. They are believed to have stemmed from naturally occurring matings between the American bobcat and feral domestic cats or barn cats. However, it is important to note that these claims are not supported by scientific evidence or DNA testing.

The story of the Pixie-bob breed is closely tied to Carol Ann Brewer, the breed's founder. In 1985, Brewer purchased a male cat with distinctive features, including a short tail, a spotted coat, and polydactyl paws. Soon after, she rescued another male cat named Keba, who was exceptionally large, had a bobbed tail, and was rumoured to be the offspring of a bobcat and a domestic cat. Keba mated with a neighbour's brown tabby female cat, resulting in a litter of kittens. Brewer kept one of the female kittens, named Pixie, who became the foundation cat for the Pixie-bob breed.

Over the next few years, Brewer sought out and added more cats to her breeding program, specifically those believed to be the result of natural matings between domestic cats and wild bobcats. She coined the term "Legend Cats" to describe these felines and trademarked the term. Brewer collaborated with other breeders to establish a diverse genetic pool, eventually developing today's Pixie-bob breed.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence for bobcat hybridisation, the Pixie-bob breed exhibits several physical characteristics that resemble those of bobcats. These cats have a muscular and rangy appearance, with woolly coats standing up from their bodies. Their fur is typically light to medium brown, often with reddish hues, and they sport a signature tabby pattern with spots and stripes. Their tails are naturally bobbed, and they may also have tufted or tipped ears, similar to bobcats.

While the Pixie-bob breed may not have bobcat ancestry, their unique appearance and friendly personalities have made them a popular choice for cat enthusiasts. They are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and loyalty, making them well-suited for a variety of households, including those with children or other pets.

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DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat genes in the Pixie-bob breed

The Pixie-bob is a breed of domestic cat that is claimed to be the progeny of naturally occurring bobcat hybrids. However, DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat genes in the Pixie-bob breed. Despite this, the Pixie-bob is a breed that strongly resembles the North American bobcat.

The Pixie-bob was first bred by Carol Ann Brewer, who purchased a male cat with a spotted coat, a short tail, and polydactyl paws in 1985. Brewer then rescued another male cat, Keba, who was very large, had a bobbed tail, and was rumoured to have been sired by a bobcat. Keba mated with a brown spotted female cat, and one of the kittens, a female named Pixie, became the foundation for the Pixie-bob breed. Brewer introduced 23 other cats, all believed to be bobcat hybrids, into her breeding program over the next few years.

Despite the strong resemblance to bobcats, Pixie-bobs are considered wholly domestic for the purposes of ownership, cat fancy registration, and import and export. They are highly intelligent, social, active, bold, and playful. They are also known for their distinctive "chirps", chatters, and growls, rarely meowing. They are also highly sociable, often following their owners around the house.

While it is possible for bobcats and domestic cats to mate, they are unable to produce offspring. They differ too much genetically to reproduce.

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Bobcats and domestic cats may mate but they won't produce offspring

Bobcats and domestic cats may occasionally mate, but they are unable to produce offspring. While the two species are similar in size and mating habits, they differ too much genetically to reproduce.

There are no genetically proven hybrid offspring between a bobcat and a domestic cat. The only way to determine if a cat has bobcat DNA is through a DNA test. However, these tests are not always accurate as there are no widely available tests designed specifically for bobcat-domestic cat hybrids. Mitochondrial DNA testing can reveal the mother's genetic makeup, but not the father's. Another method is to look for the presence of FELV-related DNA, which is present in all domestic cats but not in bobcats.

The Pixie-bob breed of domestic cat is often claimed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between bobcats and domestic cats. However, DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat genetic markers, and Pixie-bobs are considered wholly domestic. The American Bobtail is another domesticated cat breed that resembles the bobcat with its stubby, "bobbed" tail.

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The only way to determine if your cat is mixed with a bobcat is through DNA tests

It is highly unlikely that a domesticated cat has been successfully mated with a bobcat. While there have been reports of possible breeding between the two, the evidence is circumstantial and anecdotal. There are no confirmed cases that have been genetically tested and proven.

The only reliable way to determine if your cat is mixed with a bobcat is through DNA tests. While it is highly unlikely any bobcat DNA would show up on a test, you can learn some interesting information about your cat's ancestry.

Bobcats are wild, carnivorous cats native to North America. They are rarely seen by humans, despite their wide range and large population. They are medium-sized and can weigh anywhere from 9 to 40 pounds. They are typically brown or brownish-red with white underbellies and have tufted ears. Their body is patterned with darker spots that are more visible near the lower body and limbs.

The Pixie-bob is a breed of domestic cat claimed to be the progeny of naturally occurring bobcat hybrids. However, DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat marker genes, and Pixie-bobs are considered wholly domestic. They were, however, bred to look like American bobcats.

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Bobcats are native to North America and are rarely seen by humans

Bobcats, or *Lynx rufus*, are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are elusive creatures and rarely seen by humans, despite their wide range and large population. They are highly adaptable and can be found in forests, deserts, swamps, mountains, and even suburban areas.

Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats, weighing between 9 to 40 pounds and standing 12 to 24 inches at the shoulder, with males being larger than females. They have distinctive black-tipped tails, which are short or "bobbed", giving them their name. Their coats can vary from light grey to reddish-brown, with darker spots and streaks. They are excellent hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including rabbits, rodents, birds, and even deer.

Bobcats are solitary and territorial, marking their territories with claw marks, urine, and feces. They are most active at dusk and dawn and are capable of climbing trees and swimming if needed. While they are not considered threatened with extinction, they are still hunted and trapped for their fur and sport.

In summary, bobcats are native to North America and are rarely seen by humans due to their elusive nature and adaptability to diverse habitats. They are medium-sized wild cats with distinctive features and excellent hunting abilities, playing an important role in the North American ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

While there are anecdotes of bobcats and domestic cats mating, there is no scientific evidence of them producing offspring.

A bobcat-domestic cat hybrid would likely be larger than either parent, with a short tail, tufted ears, and a tabby coat.

The only reliable way to determine your cat's genetics is through a DNA test.

Yes, the Pixie-bob breed is claimed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between bobcats and domestic cats. However, DNA testing has not found any bobcat genetic markers in Pixie-bobs, and they are considered wholly domestic.

Yes, the American Bobtail breed is noted for its stubby, "bobbed" tail.

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