Cat Breed Comparison
American Bobtail vs Pixie-Bob: Key Differences
American Bobtail and Pixie-Bob are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | American Bobtail | Pixie-Bob |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium to Large | Medium to Large |
| Weight | 7–16 lbs (3.2–7.3 kg) | 9–17 lbs (4–7.7 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 13–15 years |
| Origin | United States (1960s) | United States (Washington, 1980s) |
Visual Differences
Telling a American Bobtail from a Pixie-Bob
Both carry short tails and a wild look, but American Bobtails have a broader, rectangular body, a modified wedge head, and a coat in any color or pattern. Pixie-Bobs are heavier in the flank, always spotted tabby, and more often polydactyl.
American Bobtail Key Markers
- Short, broad tail 1–4 inches long, carried above the back — each tail is unique with individual curves, kinks, and tufts; no two American Bobtail tails are identical; the tail is longer than a Manx but shorter than a Japanese Bobtail, with a tufted tip in the long-haired variety
- Large, rectangular, substantial body — the CFA calls it "well-muscled, medium to large, with a broad chest and heavy bone structure"; males reach 12–16 pounds; the body is longer than it is tall with substantial muscling through the shoulders and hindquarters
- Broad modified wedge-shaped head with a prominent brow, defined whisker break, and a gentle curve from forehead to nose — the muzzle is broad and square, giving the face an open, slightly wild expression
Pixie-Bob Key Markers
- Short bobbed tail, ideally 2 to 4 inches, carried low — straight, curved, kinked, or knobbed, and unique to each individual; longer than a Manx, shorter than an American Bobtail
- Lynx-tipped ears, wide at the base with rounded tips and dark tufts — a hallmark of the breed's wild look
- Spotted tabby coat in brown or tan with dark spots, heaviest on the belly and flanks; a thick, wooly double coat that feels plush and slightly coarse to the touch
Temperament & Personality
American Bobtail
- Adaptable and easygoing — adjusts to travel, new environments, and changes in routine better than most breeds
- Affectionate without being clingy — enjoys lap time and petting but entertains itself when you're busy
- Playful and intelligent — learns tricks, plays fetch, solves puzzle feeders, and stays playful throughout life
- Good with children, dogs, and other cats — an easy temperament that makes it a solid family cat
- Quiet voice — communicates with soft chirps, trills, and meows; not a loud or demanding breed
- Moderate energy — enjoys active play sessions but settles easily into lounging and napping
Pixie-Bob
- Dog-like personality — plays fetch, walks on a leash, and follows owners from room to room
- Gentle and laid-back — playful but undemanding; a calm family cat despite the wild appearance
- Loyal and affectionate — forms strong bonds and greets people at the door
- Intelligent — learns routines, solves puzzle feeders, and responds to its name
- Good with children and other pets — friendly and easygoing in busy households
- Quiet — communicates with soft chirps and meows rather than loud vocalizing
Health Notes
American Bobtail
- Hip dysplasia — more common in larger, heavy-boned breeds; maintaining lean body weight reduces symptom severity and delays onset
- Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation reported in some lines; ranges from occasional skipping (mild) to lameness requiring surgical correction (severe)
- Obesity — the substantial body type and love of food make portion control important throughout life; excess weight strains the joints and shortens lifespan
- Dental disease — the broad muzzle can cause tooth crowding in some lines; regular dental care and annual oral exams recommended
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; high-moisture diet and stress management are preventive measures
Pixie-Bob
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a genetic heart disease reported in the breed; a Pixie-Bob case with an HCM-associated MYBPC3 variant appears in the veterinary literature; annual cardiac screening recommended for breeding cats
- Hip dysplasia — noted by breeders in the larger lines; keeping the cat lean reduces symptom severity
- Obesity — about half of all cats are overweight, and extra pounds raise the risk of diabetes and arthritis; measured portions matter in a breed that loves food
- Dental disease — plaque and tartar affect cats of every breed; daily brushing and professional cleanings as needed
- Polydactyl nail care — extra toes mean extra nails to trim; regular trims prevent discomfort and ingrown nails
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a American Bobtail apart from a Pixie-Bob?
Are American Bobtails hypoallergenic?
Are Pixie-Bob cats hypoallergenic?
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
American Bobtail
A short-tailed cat with a wild, untamed look and a gentle, adaptable nature. The American Bobtail carries a naturally occurring short tail, a substantial rectangular body, and a dense coat in short or long variety. Developed in the 1960s from a domestic bobtailed cat crossed with other breeds, it looks wild but acts sweet.
Pixie-Bob
A spotted, short-tailed cat that looks like a miniature bobcat but carries no wild blood. Carol Ann Brewer started the breed in Washington state in the 1980s from a polydactyl, short-tailed spotted male and a domestic female named Pixie. Gentle, dog-like, and laid-back, it pairs a wild appearance with a family-cat temperament.