American Bobtail vs Pixie-bob
Both are short-tailed, wild-looking and friendly with dogs and children. The Pixie-bob is spotted and usually bigger, and the American Bobtail is shaggier.
Side by side
| American Bobtail | Pixie-bob | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | USA | Washington State, USA |
| Size | Medium to large | Medium to large |
| Weight | Usually 3 to 7 kg | Usually 4 to 8 kg |
| Lifespan | Often 13 to 15 years | Often 13 to 15 years |
| Coat | Short or long, dense and shaggy | Short or long, dense and slightly woolly, with a spotted tabby pattern |
| Energy | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Tail: both have short tails, from different gene changes.
- Coat: the Pixie-bob is a spotted tabby, and the American Bobtail comes in any colour, often tabby, with a shaggy coat.
- Size: the Pixie-bob is usually heavier.
- Availability: both are rare, especially in the UK.
Choose a American Bobtail if
- You want a shaggy, athletic, lead-walking cat
Choose a Pixie-bob if
- You want a spotted, bobcat-look cat
Our verdict
Both are good family cats with a dog-like nature. Choose on looks and what you can find, and ask your vet to check the spine and tail of any short-tailed cat.
Read the full guides: American Bobtail and Pixie-bob. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Are American Bobtails and Pixie-bobs related?
They are separate breeds, both with natural short tails.
Which is bigger?
The Pixie-bob is usually larger.
