With their wedge-shaped heads and striking green eyes, fox face cats stand out from other felines. If you’ve seen photos of these cats circulating online and wondered what makes them so unique, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Fox face cats are a breed that gets their name from their distinctive facial structure which resembles foxes. They have large, wedge-shaped heads, high cheekbones, and large, slanted eyes that give them a fox-like appearance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fox face cats including their personality, grooming needs, health issues, and whether they could be the right pet for your home.
The Origin and History of Fox Face Cats
Where Fox Face Cats Come From
The fox face cat breed originated in the United States in the 1960s. They are the result of breeding a domestic shorthair cat with a Siamese cat. This crossbreeding aimed to produce a cat with the pointed coloration and blue eyes of the Siamese, while maintaining the stocky build and plush coat of the shorthair.
The experiment proved successful, resulting in a beautiful cat breed with a wedge-shaped head and expressive almond eyes reminiscent of a fox.
The pioneer breeders of fox face cats were located in New England. However, over the decades, the breed spread across the country as more breeders became interested in developing this unique hybrid. Today, fox face cats can be found in homes all over the United States and beyond.
When They First Appeared
The first documented fox face cats emerged in the United States in the 1960s. Cat fanciers and breeders were intrigued by the idea of blending physical traits from different breeds to create new hybrids.
By crossing Siamese and domestic shorthairs, they aimed for a cat with the colors and blue eyes of a Siamese yet in a stockier, plush-coated body style.
The early hybrid litters displayed great variation as the breeds combined. Over several generations of selective breeding, the distinctive fox face type began to solidify by the late 1960s. The wedge-shaped head with tall ears and blue almond eyes proved to be a captivating look.
As images of these unique cats spread, demand and interest grew quickly among cat enthusiasts.
By the 1970s, fox face cats were being produced by breeders across the U.S. Their popularity expanded through cat shows, magazines, and early online communities devoted to pedigreed cats. Today, they remain a favorite for their wild fox-like expressions as well as their affectionate personalities.
Their intriguing origins and one-of-a-kind appearance ensure fox face cats continue capturing the attention of cat lovers today!
Fox Face Cat Breed Traits and Characteristics
Physical Features
The Fox Face cat breed has distinct physical features that resemble foxes in appearance. They have a wedge-shaped head, high cheekbones, and large, pointed ears set low on the head giving them an alert expression similar to wild foxes.
Their muzzle is short and their eyes tend to be almond-shaped with an upward tilt at the outer corners.
These cats typically have a medium-length body with relatively long hind legs compared to the forelegs. Their paws are oval-shaped. Coat colors vary widely but reddish-brown, black, cream, and mackerel tabby patterns are common.
Some key statistics on Fox Face cat size according to the International Cat Association (TICA):
| Height at shoulders: | 8-10 inches for males |
| 6-8 inches for females | |
| Weight: | 6-12 pounds |
| Life expectancy: | 12-16 years |
Temperament and Personality
The Fox Face cat tends to be active, intelligent, and extremely curious. They often leap and climb with agility reminiscent of squirrels. Many Fox Face cat owners describe them as dog-like given their loyal, friendly personalities and ability to play fetch!
These cats bond strongly with their human families. With early socialization and gentle handling, Fox Face kittens usually grow up to be affectionate, social pets. They crave interaction and do not like to be ignored or left alone for long periods.
While Fox Face cats love to play and burn energy during their waking hours, they also enjoy napping on a sunny windowsill or cozy spot on the sofa. Overall, their mischievous yet sweet nature makes them delightful family companions.
Fox Face Cat Care Tips
Grooming Requirements
Fox face cats have a thick, fluffy coat that requires frequent grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing is ideal, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Use a slicker brush and metal comb to reach the undercoat. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks and clean ears weekly.
Baths can be given every 2-4 months as needed.
Exercise and Play Needs
Despite their regal appearance, fox face cats are moderately active and playful. Plan at least 20-30 minutes of playtime daily using interactive toys like feathers on a string or laser pointers. Puzzle feeders and treat balls also provide mental stimulation.
Be sure to provide a tall cat tree or scratching post for climbing and scratching.
Dietary Needs
Fox face cats have no special dietary requirements. Feed a high-quality wet and/or dry cat food and always provide fresh water. Use treats sparingly for training rewards. Avoid fish flavored foods which can increase urinary tract infections.
Ideal body condition is lean and muscular, with a visible waistline when viewed from above.
Health Issues
Fox face cats are at risk for some inherited health conditions including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, and joint problems like hip dysplasia. Annual veterinary exams, bloodwork, and genetic testing can help detect problems early.
With proper care, most fox face cats enjoy a lifespan of 13-15 years.
Are Fox Face Cats the Right Pet For You?
Good With Kids and Other Pets?
Fox face cats can make wonderful pets for families with children. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them a great companion for kids. Supervision is still recommended, especially with very young children who may accidentally hurt a cat.
Overall though, the fox face breed is known for tolerating tail and ear pulling from curious little hands. Their patience and gentle personality helps them get along well with children.
In general, fox face cats tend to be social and friendly with other household pets too. Early and frequent socialization can ensure they are comfortable around dogs or other cats. Their playfulness means they often love having a feline playmate in the home.
With proper introductions, fox face cats usually coexist happily with other pets.
Suitable For Apartment Living?
The fox face cat breed is well-suited to apartment living. They are active but usually content with short bursts of playtime and exercise. A fox face cat enjoys climbing cat trees, chasing toys, and interacting with their owners. But they are not dependent on having access to a large outdoor space.
Fox face cats are typically not destructive or prone to scratching furniture. This helps make them ideal indoor pets. Their moderately quiet voices also mean they are not bothersome to neighbors in an apartment building.
As long as their basic needs for playtime and environmental enrichment are met indoors, fox face cats adapt very well to apartment living.
When adopting a fox face kitten or cat, be sure to ask about its background. Stray and formerly feral cats may require some extra training and patience to adjust to being indoor only pets. But cats bred specifically as house pets are very happy living their entire lives in an apartment.
With their playful and people-oriented personality, fox face cats can thrive in apartments of nearly any size.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Fox Face Cat
Fox face cats are a unique and beautiful breed that is gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts. While they are not yet as common as other breeds like Siamese or Persians, their striking appearance and affectionate personalities make them a great option for potential cat owners.
Here are some tips on where to find fox face kittens or cats for adoption:
Cat Breeders
Reputable cat breeders that focus on raising fox face cats can be a good source for finding kittens. Breeders often have waiting lists for their litters, so it’s important to contact them well in advance of when you hope to bring home your kitten.
A good breeder will screen potential owners to ensure the cats are going to a loving home. They should provide health certificates showing the kittens have been checked by a vet and vaccinated. Kittens from breeders typically cost $600-$1000.
Cat Rescue Organizations
Many cat rescue groups take in fox face cats, especially adult cats that need rehoming. Rescues often cover the initial vet care like spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping for adopted cats. Adopting from a rescue is also much more affordable than buying from a breeder, with adoption fees ranging from $50-$200.
Check the websites of rescues in your area or Petfinder.com to see if any fox face cats are available.
Shelters
Animal shelters may have fox face cats and kittens available for adoption, though they are less common than domestic shorthairs. Let the staff know you are looking for a fox face cat so they can contact you if one arrives at the shelter.
Adopting from a shelter saves a homeless cat and is a very rewarding experience. Shelter adoption fees are similar to those of rescues.
Online Listings
Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor sometimes have fox face kittens or cats in need of rehoming listed by their owners. Use caution when acquiring a cat this way, and make sure to meet the cat and ask the owner lots of questions before deciding to adopt.
Never buy a cat sight unseen.
Whether you adopt from a breeder, shelter, or rescue group, make sure to ask about the cat’s health and temperament. Fox face cats make wonderful pets for the right owner, with their playful and affectionate personalities.
Do your research to find a kitten or cat that seems like the perfect fit for your lifestyle!
Conclusion
With their unique fox-like features, lively and playful personalities, and low-maintenance care routine, fox face cats can make wonderful pets for the right owners. We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of this singular breed so you can decide if a fox face feline would be a good addition to your home.
If you’re interested in bringing one of these eye-catching cats home, be sure to adopt from a responsible breeder or shelter. And as with any pet, make sure you’re fully prepared to give them the proper care, attention and love they deserve.
