Jo Hutchison - Breeder/Owner
SW Missouri
By Appointment Only
417-732-6526
The Pixie-Bob
The Pixie-Bob is a domestic cat visually resembling the North American Bobcat. Despite its fierce look, the Pixie-Bob is noted for its loving, trustworthy and tractable personality. Heavy brows with bushier hair above the eyes, lynx tipping on the ears and longer "mutton chops" on the cheeks complete the Pixie-Bob's wild look. The tail can measure from 1 to 6 inches in length. These cats have brown tabby markings on a tan or reddish background and may be polydactyl (having extra toes).
Pixie-Bobs possess loyalty, trainability and courage. This extremely intelligent cat loves water. Normally quiet, they will talk to you in chirps and chatters rather than meow. These natural hams require regular attention. They get along with other animals and love to play.
Body Talk
Body language is not just restricted to a cat's tail. From the way your cat stands to the position of its ears, your cat is saying something.
Your cat's legs were not made for just walking around. A bend in the forelegs shows that the cat would rather avoid a fight, but will defend itself if the need arises. When your cat expands its body, fluffing up, it is showing both confidence and aggression. If the cat's legs are stretched fully, it is self-assured and prepared to attack. A bend in the hind legs, however, shows indecision, or even timidity. When a cat shrinks its body size, legs tucked underneath, it's showing submission, as well as readiness for action.
A cat's ears do more than just hear, for the ears can talk as well. When the ears are back and the posture is steady, the cat is unsure of what move to make, considering its options. If the ears are back, and the body is low to the ground, this is a display of shame or remorse.
The cat's pricked ears show its interest in what's going on around it. When a cat raises its head directly, this is an attempt to display dominance. If the head is lowered, that means submissiveness, or even a feeling of inferiority. When the head is completely tucked in, your cat is probably bored. If it's sneaking around low to the ground at a crawl, it is going after something, stalking its 'victim'. Be aware that the cat will start a full speed assault.
Kitty-cat Chitchat
Purring is not a part of every cat's repertoire of social communication, yet is one of the most common. Not a great deal is known about the mechanics of purring, but purring is associated with contentment and happiness in cats.
Interestingly, though, purring is sometimes heard in cats that are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization.
Vocal cats utilize vowel sounds to indicate their desires, the classic "meow" as an example. The subtle differences in sound communicate commands as well as requests and complaints.
In the wild, vowel sounds are restricted to kittens, but the process of domestication has extended this method of communication well into adulthood.
With adult cats, there is a level of high intensity sounds that are created by the cat shaping its mouth. Hisses and grumbling are the most common example, used primarily between other cats, as a means of communicating aggressive or defensive intentions. Cats in heat and feral strays also use this form of communication.
Fight or Flight?
Even a small kitten can become aggressive if backed into a corner by another cat. As adrenaline kicks in, the "fight or flight" response takes over. When this occurs even a little kitten can be successful at scaring off a larger cat if flight is not an option.
Fear, and the fight-or-flight response to it, is an instinctive adaptation to many situations. Fleeing or hiding from a perceived danger has preserved cats in the wild throughout history. When the flight response doesn't work, the fight response is called upon.
All cats are capable of this fear powered aggression. Triggering such behavior depends on the cat's fear sensitivity threshold, and the accessibility of hiding areas and escape routes. As long as a cat perceives a threat, with nowhere to run, only then will it become aggressive.Most of the time, cats, even in full fight mode, will attempt to avoid direct conflict through a show of intent. A cat's first strategy is an attempt at making themselves appear larger to their potential foes with hopes that their foe will retreat. With backs arched, claws out, and hair raised, cats lock eyes in a fierce standoff. Hissing and growling, accompanied by the occasional swing of a paw, continues until one cat breaks eye contact, ending the battle of wills.
Typically a dominant victor will emerge from an actual confrontation, and the two cats will usually avoid each other. If fighting continues, it may be time to consult a behaviorist.
Cat's Age Human's Age 4 months 7 years 6 months 10 years 8 months 13 years 1 year 16 years 2 years 24 years 4 years 32 years 6 years 40 years 8 years 48 years 10 years 56 years 12 years 64 years 14 years 72 years 16 years 80 years 18 years 88 years 20 years 96 years 21 years 100 years Did You Know?
Awesome Cats - A website for cats, cat lovers & feline admirers everywhere! Cats are Awesome!
AIl pictures are the property of MoJo's Cathouse and are not to be duplicated.
