What is the best exotic cat to have as a pet?

What is an exotic cat?

Exotic cats refer to wild cat species that can be kept as pets or domesticated and these cats are extremely attractive and interesting species. Most people are used to domesticated dogs and cats and understand their behavior pattern very well, but with these wild and exotic cat species the whole process of petting can be a bit challenging.

What are the 10 small exotic cats that are legal to keep?

10 Small Exotic Cats That Are Legal to Keep as Pets 1 Servals 2 Bobcat 3 Caracal Cat 4 Canadian and Siberian Lynx 5 Ocelot 6 Fishing Cat 7 Geoffroy’s Cat 8 Jungle Cat 9 Asian Leopard Cat 10 Cat Hybrids

What is it like to own an exotic cat?

The differences between owning exotic cats and the typical domesticated cat is much like comparing a skydiver to a golf player. However, for more adventurous pet owners, with the right income, living situation, and permits (or laws not regulating the ownership of the animal), they can be exceptionally rewarding.

Is there such a thing as an exotic domestic cat?

These exotic domestic cats are 100% domestic feline but you wouldn’t know it by looking at them. They look wonderfully wild but act mercifully mild. We’ve compiled the best of both types of liveable-and-lovable exotic cat breeds into this list.

Where do exotic cats live?

The major regions where these exotic varieties of cats are found include Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. These small sized cats are of the same size of the domestic housecat.

What are the different types of exotic cats?

1 Servals. Servals, which originate from Africa, are probably one of the more popular exotic cats … 2 Bobcat. Bobcats are a stocky, medium-sized cat native to North America. 3 Caracal Cat. Caracals are a type of lynx that much resemble servals when it comes to personality.

Are exotic cats challenging pets?

For pet owners expecting the behavior of domesticated dogs and cats, exotic cats might seem like ‘challenging’ animals. The differences between owning exotic cats and the typical domesticated cat is much like comparing a sky diver to a golf player.

What exotic cats can be kept as pets?

10 Small Exotic Cats That Can Legally Be Kept as Pets. 1 Servals. 2 Bobcats. 3 Caracal Cats. 4 Canadian and Siberian Lynxes. 5 Ocelots. 6 Fishing Cats. 7 Geoffroy’s Cats. 8 Jungle Cats. 9 Asian Leopard Cats. 10 Cat Hybrids.

What states do not allow big cats as pets?

6 states do not ban or regulate keeping big cats as pets : Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Delaware, and Oklahoma. 21 states ban all dangerous exotic pets, while the rest allow certain species or require permits.

What states can you own an exotic cat?

Kansas: This state allows exotic pets that are not considered to be dangerous, which includes small cats. Maine: Certain wild animals may be owned with a permit. Massachusetts: A hybrid with a domestic animal may be allowed. Mississippi: The state allows the ownership of small cats like ocelots and servals.

What are the best exotic cat breeds to own?

This is the largest cat on the exotic-domestic breed list that you can own and is known for its ability to leap. They are also curious animals by nature and incredibly smart. Bengals are heavy favorites among many cat owners.

Should you get an exotic cat as a pet?

For those considering an exotic cat as a pet, make sure you do ample research. As a general rule, know that exotic cats: Mark their territory by spraying. This can include furniture, walls, and their owner. Require large outdoor caging and/or a room dedicated to the animal.

Is it legal to keep an exotic cat as a pet?

If know the legal aspects of keeping these exotic wild cats as domesticated pets, then the process can be less difficult. Other than the legal permits you also have to loosen your purse strings if you have to keep one of these animals as pets. An exotic cat owner should have ample space and the right living conditions to accommodate these cats.

Is it possible to have an exotic cat as a pet?

Well, it depends. What we call exotic cat breeds fall into a few different categories – one of them, for example, are actual wildcats like the bobcat or the puma. You probably don’t want to live with one of these, keeping exotic cats for pets often doesn’t end well.

Where do cats live in the wild?

Occurring in almost any habitat from the high-altitude slopes of the Himalayas to the scorched sands of the Sahara Desert, from the banks of tropical rivers to the snowy forests of Alaska, wild cats are supremely adapted to their environment. And each wild cat species is as beautiful as it is unique.

What are the different types of exotic cat breeds?

What we call exotic cat breeds fall into a few different categories – one of them, for example, are actual wildcats like the bobcat or the puma. You probably don’t want to live with one of these, keeping exotic cats for pets often doesn’t end well.

What are the different types of cats called?

1 Servals. Scientific name: Leptailurus serval. … 2 Bobcat. Scientific name: Lynx rufus. … 3 Caracal Cat. Scientific name: Caracal caracal. … 4 Canadian and Siberian Lynx. … 5 Ocelot. … 6 Fishing Cat. … 7 Geoffroy’s Cat. … 8 Jungle Cat. … 9 Asian Leopard Cat. … 10 Cat Hybrids.

Are exotic cats difficult to own?

For pet owners expecting the behavior of domesticated dogs and cats, exotic cats might seem like challenging animals. The differences between owning exotic cats and the typical domesticated cat is much like comparing a skydiver to a golf player.

What is the difference between exotic cats and domestic cats?

The differences between owning exotic cats and the typical domesticated cat is much like comparing a sky diver to a golf player. However, for more adventurous pet owners, with the right income, living situation, and permits (or laws not regulating the ownership of the animal), they can be exceptionally rewarding.

What is the best exotic cat to keep as a pet?

10 Small Exotic Cats That Are Legal to Keep as Pets 1 Servals. 2 Bobcat. 3 Caracal Cat. 4 Canadian and Siberian Lynx. 5 Ocelot. 6 Fishing Cat. 7 Geoffroy’s Cat. 8 Jungle Cat. 9 Asian Leopard Cat. 10 Cat Hybrids.

Is it legal to own an exotic cat in your state?

21 states ban all dangerous exotic pets, while the rest allow certain species or require permits. 35 states ban keeping big cats as pets, with varying exemptions, requirements, and levels of enforcement. Find out what your state laws are regarding the keeping of exotic cats from bobcats to tigers.

How many states have banned wild cats?

Currently, 20 states have what can be called “comprehensive bans.” These bans typically classify wild cats, large non-domesticated carnivores, reptiles, and non-human primates as “dangerous animals” or otherwise prohibit private ownership of these species.

Is it legal to have a big cat as a pet?

The thing is, owning a big cat is not legal in all states. Twenty-one states have banned the practice, as large cats are obviously dangerous to have at home. The ban extends to “dangerous and exotic pets.

Which state has the most exotic pet laws?

Some Notable States 1 Hawaii has the most restrictive pet laws. … 2 Nevada has the loosest exotic pet laws, where some animals such as tigers, non-human primates, elephants, and wolves are legal to own without a permit. … 3 California also has strict exotic pet laws, which include ferrets, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs. More items…