Raising Wild Cats as Pets: A Comprehensive Guide

Raising wild cats as pets requires a deep understanding of their behavior and needs. In the wild, these cats are solitary and territorial, so it's essential to provide them with a spacious enclosure that mimics their natural habitat.

Their diet is a crucial aspect to consider, as they are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a high-protein diet rich in meat. In the wild, they hunt small prey, so replicating this in a home environment is vital.

Before bringing a wild cat into your home, it's essential to check local laws and regulations regarding exotic pet ownership. Some areas have strict laws prohibiting the ownership of wild cats, so it's crucial to do your research.

It's also important to consider the long-term commitment involved in caring for a wild cat, as they can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Suggestion: Wild Packs of Chihuahuas

Bobcats are native to North America and can become quite lovable when raised in captivity. They bond strongly with their owners, but possess the strength to kill an adult human.

They are short and muscular, and hunt fully-grown deer in the wild. This makes them a potentially hazardous pet, especially for families with children.

Bobcats can be friendly with deer when raised with them since kittenhood, and are also very affectionate toward dogs. However, they have moments of aggression, which is why they should be kept in a large, sturdy outdoor cage during these episodes.

They are a medium-sized cat, making them a significant commitment for any owner.

Exotic cat breeds can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $20,000 per cat. Some breeds, like the Savannah cat, are not even legal in every state, with Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Vermont banning or restricting their sale.

If you do decide to bring an exotic cat into your home, be prepared for high veterinary expenses. Exotic cats require special attention from a veterinarian that specializes in zoo animals, making their care more costly than regular cat breeds.

Savannah cats, in particular, are a popular exotic breed, but they come with a hefty price tag, with Justin Bieber reportedly paying $35,000 for his two.

Serval cats are still coveted as pets, despite being wild animals.

In the UK, owning a serval requires a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence, issued by local authorities.

Some people have had close encounters with these animals, like the time armed police were summoned to a London neighborhood due to a savannah cat escape.

Justin Bieber's wife, Hailey, has referred to their cats as "psycho", while Justin himself described them as "half wild".

For your interest: Serval Cats

If you're determined to bring an exotic cat into your home as a pet, it's good to be knowledgeable about each breed to know which would be the best fit for you.

Some of the best exotic cat pets to consider are those from breeds that are known for their calm nature, such as the Bengal and the Savannah, which are often described as gentle and affectionate.

The Bengal is a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat, and is known for its energetic and playful personality, but also for being relatively easy to care for.

For another approach, see: Bengal Cats

The Savannah is another breed that's known for being calm and gentle, and is often described as having a dog-like personality, making it a great fit for families with children.

The Singapura is a small and energetic breed, but is also known for being very affectionate and playful, making it a great fit for families who want a cat that will be very interactive.

The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed that's known for its intelligence and playfulness, but is also known for being very adaptable and easy-going, making it a great fit for families with busy schedules.

Bengals and Savannahs are often described as having a strong prey drive, so they'll need plenty of toys and stimulation to keep them entertained and exercised.

Keeping Wild Cats as Pets can be a complex and challenging endeavor. Many states in the US have laws restricting or banning the ownership of exotic cats, including Savannah cats, which are a mix between a domestic breed and a wild African serval.

For more insights, see: Chinchillas in the Wild

In the UK, owning a Savannah cat requires a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence, which is issued by local authorities. This licence is also a prerequisite for ownership of an F1 Savannah cat, but from F2 onwards, no such restrictions exist.

Savannah cats are expensive, with prices ranging from £1,000 to £2,000 for lower generation cats. However, the cost of care for these cats is much higher than for regular domestic cats, with veterinary expenses adding up quickly due to their special needs.

The breeding process for Savannah cats is also problematic, as F1 litters are hard to produce and often result in premature birth. This means that many F1 male Savannahs are sterile and may live up to 20 years in captivity, requiring specialized care and housing.

Wild cats are not suitable for most people as pets, as they are shy, retiring, and often cantankerous. They have complex dietary and spatial needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment, and may even pose a danger to their owners if they lose their fear of humans.

Here are some reasons why keeping wild cats as pets is not recommended:

Savannah cats are a cross between a serval and a domestic cat, and they can sell for up to £20,000 for a first generation kitten.

They are not just high-maintenance moggies, but altogether different animals that need a lot more stimulation, enrichment, and attention than the average cat.

Savannah cats are energetically hardwired and need round-the-clock confinement to prevent them from terrorising neighbourhood pets.

Providing an environment that meets the needs of these large animals is likely to prove extremely difficult, particularly in the average family home.

You'll need to spend a lot of money on care, with veterinary expenses adding up quickly as exotic cats require special attention from a veterinarian that specializes in zoo animals.

Savannah cats are banned or restricted in many states, including Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Vermont.

If you're interested in buying one, be thorough in your research about the legality of the purchase in your state.

The price range for a Savannah cat is from $1,500 to $20,000 per cat, and owning one comes with a host of challenges that can result in harm to children, native wildlife, and to the cats themselves.

There has been a 2,000 per cent increase in surrendered exotic cats such as servals and Savannahs, and this trend is likely to continue due to the surge in cat ownership during the pandemic.