floppa cat
Table of Contents
What Is a Caracal?
Keeping Caracals as Pets
Understanding Exotic Cat Ownership
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When it comes to breeds, cat lovers have their pick of the litter with common types like the Persian and Maine Coon. What about more exotic cats? While lions, tigers, and leopards are generally confined to zoos and nature preserves, residents of certain states can keep smaller wildcats as pets. In Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Dakota, it’s legal for licensed individuals to purchase and own caracals, a distinctive-looking wildcat.
What Is a Caracal?
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A tawny-colored, mid-sized wildcat, the caracal is native to several arid expanses of the Middle East, Africa, and India. Often referred to as the Persian lynx, this cat is easily recognizable by its tufted, black ears. These impressive ears can swivel to detect the faintest sounds of prey. Caracals also have fur-cushioned paws for silent stalking and powerful legs capable of leaping up to ten feet into the air. These features make the caracal one of the most formidable hunters in the feline world.
Caracals can grow to about 3.5 feet in length and weigh between 25 to 40 pounds. They are mostly solitary animals, hunting and living alone. Young caracals typically leave their mothers after about ten months and can live up to around 12 years in the wild.
Keeping Caracals as Pets
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Keeping caracals as pets is far different from caring for an ordinary kitten. Exotic pets generally come with higher costs compared to traditional pets. For instance, when Justin Bieber bought two Savannah cats—a hybrid of domestic cats and servals—in 2019, the price tag was a staggering $35,000. Similarly, prospective owners can expect to pay between $1,500 and $20,000 for their own exotic cat.
The financial commitment doesn’t stop at the initial purchase. Owning a caracal involves significant ongoing expenses. These wildcats require up to three pounds of meat daily and have dietary needs that often exceed what standard cat foods offer. Consequently, feeding a caracal typically involves working with a veterinarian to create a specialized nutrition plan.
Moreover, caracals retain their wild nature even when domesticated. Their independence and spirited behavior mean they socialize on their own terms and their play can be quite rough. Their wild instincts and high energy levels often lead to scratched furniture and damaged clothing, adding to the overall costs of keeping such an exotic pet.
Understanding Exotic Cat Ownership
There’s a reason why laws on exotic cat ownership vary. Opinions differ on whether it is advisable or ethical to keep animals like caracals in domestic environments. Wildcats, in particular, are often deemed unsuitable as pets for households with children or other animals. Before acquiring an exotic pet, it’s crucial to first review the animal ownership laws in your area.
Next, assess your lifestyle to determine if you can meet the demands of such a high-maintenance pet. If you decide to proceed with a caracal or another exotic cat, be aware that adhering to the principles of responsible pet ownership is even more critical, and you’ll need to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure their well-being.
Understanding Exotic Cat Ownership
floppa cat
There’s a reason why laws on exotic cat ownership vary. Opinions differ on whether it is advisable or ethical to keep animals like caracals in domestic environments. Wildcats, in particular, are often deemed unsuitable as pets for households with children or other animals. Before acquiring an exotic pet, it’s crucial to first review the animal ownership laws in your area.
Next, assess your lifestyle to determine if you can meet the demands of such a high-maintenance pet. If you decide to proceed with a caracal or another exotic cat, be aware that adhering to the principles of responsible pet ownership is even more critical, and you’ll need to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure their well-being.
