Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, a stable weight and regular veterinary monitoring, the Pixie-bob often lives 13 to 16 years. Well-monitored indoor individuals frequently exceed this average.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its muscular build and woolly coat give it good hardiness. However, it is not a free-roaming outdoor cat: collisions, parasites and road risks remain real. A reasonable selection of size avoids excessive heaviness.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitor gait, appetite, urination and weight. In very polydactyl subjects, check that the extra claws do not grow in a spiral. Any change in hindquarters mobility warrants veterinary advice.
Weight and joints: The large size and musculature can promote osteoarthritis or locomotor discomfort in case of overweight.
Extra claws: Polydactyly, frequent and accepted, requires monitoring the growth of the additional claws.
Short tail and mobility: A reasonable selection for a short tail aims to avoid the neurological disorders described in other very short-tailed breeds.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The dense coat protects it quite well from the cold, especially in medium-long subjects. It tolerates high heat less well and must have shade and water. Mainly indoor life suits it very well.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Males can become heavy if they are too sedentary. Natural muscle mass must not hide excess weight. Weigh regularly and adjust the ration, especially after neutering.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor weight and gait, especially in large males.
- Trim or file the extra claws if they twist.
- Keep vaccinations, deworming treatments, and identification up to date.
Vaccination
Pixie-bob vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Pixie-bob need? Like all cats, Pixie-bobs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Pixie-bob vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Pixie-bob booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Pixie-bob need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Pixie-bob
Request a recent clinical examination, identification and, depending on the lineage, a cardiac and renal check. Verify that the short tail is not associated with neurological signs. A serious breeder documents the origins and socialization.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
