What is a Pixie-Bob?
A Pixie-Bob is a domestic cat bred to resemble a bobcat, much like the Abyssinian is bred to resemble a little cougar. They have a very dog like personality and are considered medium to large size cat. They love to play fetch, take walks on a leash, play in water and follow you from room to room. They are brown spotted tabbies with short to medium coats. Their tails range from none (a rumpy) to a full tail.
How much are Pixie-Bobs?
Pet quality kittens typically range from $1200.00 to $1800.00 depending on how closely the kitten’s conformation matches the breed standard. Show quality kittens sold as pets start at $2000 and can go as high as $5500 for a top show quality kitten sold as a pet. These kittens can be shown in the alter class in TICA and come with written guarantees to attain certain titles. Prices include the cost of altering which will be done before they go to their new homes. Kittens can be reserved for you with a non-refundable holding fee and a signed contract. If you let us know you want a particular kitten, I will email you a contract. Unfortunately, we are not able to “hold” kittens because it jeopardizes their chances at the perfect home if someone changes their mind. Upon completing our application process, contracts will be sent out on individual kittens and the kitten will be sold to the first person to return the contract and deposit. Priority will be given to families willing to pick their kitten up from our home.
Why are other breeders selling kittens for less?
As with anything, you get what you pay for. We ask you to visit their cats and visit our cats. The difference will be obvious in many ways – veterinary care, quality food, socialization, conditions and appearance. Often, the chances of finding those people again when you have a problem are slim. We are available for the life of the kitten to help with any problems that arise and to share in the joys of the new family member. All of our breeding cats are DNA tested for all known genetic diseases in felines and scanned annually with a board certified cardiologist for HCM.
How much is shipping?
We often travel on the West Coast and are able to hand deliver kittens for the same price as our courier. They will fly on the plane with us and be in our hands the whole time. If we can’t deliver your kitten, we use a courier to transport our kittens. The cost is around $450 depending on the location and the kitten will be hand carried from airport to airport and will be handed directly to his/her new family. The kittens needs will be directly met by a very loving person who has 20 years of experience as a veterinary technician. She will hold your kitten on the airplane and it will never be out of her sight. The fee is paid directly to the courier. We often travel on the west coast (mostly Northern and Southern California) for work and are able to hand deliver kittens for the same price.
What do Pixie-Bobs eat? Do you feed raw meat?
We are proud to raise our kittens and cats on top quality, human grade, organic and pasture raised meat. In the past there has been a lot of controversy surrounding raw food but things are changing and we are starting to see that a “species appropriate diet” is critical for our cats’ long term health. Cats are obligate carnivores and the dry and processed foods are damaging to our cats health. It is much more expensive but we feel like our cats are worth it and we save on vet visits as the cats are much healthier!
What vaccines do Pixie-Bobs get?
We vaccinate all of our cats and kittens with Heska Ultanasal FVRC initially and one injectable FVRCP at an older age. This is the best we can do currently to protect kittens from disease and reduce the risk of vaccine site sarcomas. The best advice is to follow the recommendations of the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners).
I have been told by some breeders that Pixie-Bobs cannot get feline leukemia, is that true? Or that the leukemia vaccine will kill a pixie-bob?
Any domestic cat and all wild cats can get feline leukemia. Follow your veterinarians advise for vaccines. We will be happy to provide additional information on this upon request. There have been no published reports of a vaccine giving leukemia to a cat. Having said that, we don’t like the leukemia vaccine because of its association with vaccine associated sarcomas. It is no longer a core vaccine and not suggested for indoor only cats of any breed.
How do I know I am dealing with a reputable breeder?
Beware of breeders who do not allow you to come to their home or require you to meet them in a parking lot or at a friend or family member’s house. Its ideal to pick up your kitten in person so you can see the parents and all of the cats. They should all be healthy and loving. It doesn’t matter what title the person holds or what they say, use your own eyes and judgment to decide if this is really what you really want.
Other breeders tell me their cats will be 25 pounds, how big do yours get?
Our cats average 12-17 for males with females being in the 9-15 pound range. Beware of breeders who guarantee a 20+ pound cat. Ask for the guarantee in writing. Ask for a refund if the cat does not reach 20+ pounds by the time its three years old and then let me know who they are so I can buy from them!!! Some breeders will promise you anything to make a sale knowing you will not return a pet you’re attached to. Also ask for vet proof of size of the stud male and queen. A 20 pound cat is not necessarily a healthy cat. In my work at veterinary hospital the 20+ pound cats that I see are very unhealthy, and they often have severe health complications such as diabetes, fatty liver disease and heart conditions.
What can I look for to find a reputable breeder?
The most important thing is to go see the cattery and meet the cats. Be sure that they are all healthy and loving. Make sure the breeder is scanning their cats anually for HCM with a board certified cardiologist. Ask to see the certificates for titles on their cats, while you may not care about getting a show cat, this does tell you if the breeder is heading in the right direction or simply breeding for financial gain. Also, ask to speak to their Veterinarian for a reference.
Can we come visit?
Our cats are raised as family members in our home. We ask that you complete our Application/Inquiry form and then we will speak with you via email and phone to make sure our kittens are a good match for your family. We have a $400 holding fee to visit the kittens which will be applied to the price of the kitten. Once we have a kitten that we believe will be well suited to your family we will set up a time that is convenient for both of us so that you can come meet the cats and take home your kitten. We ask that you be respectful of our time and home. We enjoy meeting and introducing our cats and kittens to visitors. If you are unable to meet at the arranged time and do not notify us you will forfeit your deposit. This is a hobby in our home, not a business. Families who have previously purchased kittens from us are always welcome without having to apply or submit a deposit.
What is the life span of a Pixie-Bob?
Under optimal conditions a pixie-bob will live just as long as any other breed of cat. Cats kept indoors, fed quality food and have regular health check ups live long and healthy lives.
