Can you legally own a Bobcat?
A bachelor's degree in biology and a certificate in veterinary assisting have been completed byMelissa.
Only an owner who is prepared to handle their needs as an exotic pet can make a boa an excellent pet.
Is it possible to keep a cat as a pet?Many websites and organizations would be appalled at the thought of owning such an "exotic pet", as they would argue that these animals all "belong in the wild" and that keeping one in a domestic setting is obvious animal cruelty.
Bobcats are excellent pets for the right owner.The problem is figuring out what the right owner of a small exotic feline is.Exotic pet owners are not like other caretakers.They need to be willing to fully anticipate issues like spraying, aggression, the need for outdoor enclosures, and other modifications to accommodate potentially destructive behavior.
If "exotic" is defined as not native to the United States, the elusive Bobcat is less exotic than domesticated cats in most states.Most states in the U.S. have Bobcat populations that are the most abundant wild felines.
They are able to spread across a wide range of habitats because of their flexibility.Sometimes the cats can be found in swamps, deserts, and even urban settings.
Cats are known for taking large prey.They often hunt animals like deer with impressive skill despite being around a medium-sized dog.There are few, if any, incidents of bobcat attacks, as well as no recorded deaths from them, wild or captive, which makes them potentially dangerous to humans.
If you prefer the care of high-maintenance animals, the bobcat is theeasiest exotic feline to start with.The difference between a hand-raised animal and a wild one is simply not the same.
Bobcats are one of the more rewarding exotic mammals to own and keep content in captivity, if a potential owner is willing to understand the non-domesticated behavior of an exotic feline species.
It is important to maintain a degree of flexibility when considering keeping high-maintenance animals, as many owners of exotic animals may cite positive exceptions to the general rules.They should not be held to the same expectations as dogs and cats.Bobcats require specialized vets that have experience with exotic animals.
Other small to medium sized exotic cat species that are kept as pets include lynx species, caracals, servals, ocelots,Geoffroy's cats, fishing cats and Asian leopard cats.When these animals are hand-raised from babyhood by humans, the dynamic dramatically changes.
The animals are affectionate and curious, unlike their wild counterparts.One keeper claims that their pet muntjac deer is a great prey animal for the cat because it will accept other animals into their family.
There are a lot of drawbacks to owning an exotic pet.One owner of a cat had this to say about their pet.
"If you are willing to put up with your house being destroyed, furniture torn to shreds on a daily basis, remodeling your home to include double door entries at all exits of the house."Replacing carpets with hardwood or tile, or using throw rugs that you don't mind being destroyed, will make a great pet for you.
A quote like this gives a good idea of what a Bobcat owner will go through.Exotic pet owners get a bad rap due to some people who do not expect to adapt to their animals needs and impulsively or naively adopt animals that they are not equipped for.
A raw food diet needs to be researched to ensure proper nutrition from organ meats, bones, muscle meat, and any other supplementary forms of nutrition in addition to whole prey items.Live feeding is inhumane.
Bobcat owners should have outdoor and indoor housing for their animals.Some Bobcat owners have large enclosures outside.The cages should be tested.
Bobcats can be affectionate family members, but they can also be feisty at times and have a bad bathroom habit.They need a safe place to retreat to so that they can have their own space.It is a good idea to have a place for exotic cats.
Large sizes and enrichment are important if the Bobcat is expected to spend a lot of time in a cage.
Exotic feline ownership focuses on escape prevention.Despite the lack of statistical evidence, the public will view a non-domesticated animal like a safety threat, and if spotted, your animal may be executed on sight.
Even if the animal is safely returned and no one is injured, there will be an onslaught of animal rights activists and members of the public that will campaign for exotic pet bans as a result.
Exotic cat owners should modify their homes to accommodate double door entrances.These structures are similar to public live butterfly homes in that they have doors leading to a small room where you can lock the animal up before you leave.These must be done to prevent escapes.
For most homes, this is an expensive undertaking or a lot of work, but for committed pet owners, it is worth it in the long run.
Bobcat are not legal as pets without a permit.In most states.Many states are outlawing everything feline except domesticated cats because of minimal public safety issues.
In California, Connecticut, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey, Bobcat are not legal to own.There are more states than I have listed.
If you are interested in knowing what the truth is, you should always call the Department of Agriculture in your state.If their neighborhood has animal restrictions by code, they should check with their city or town.
Exotic felines of any type need to be researched more than any other pet.You can get in touch with people who own them by visiting message boards or by talking to people that have worked with them.
If you have experience with exotic animal behavior, volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is not a requirement.Exotic animals can live to be 15 years old, and re-homing can be difficult for you and them.For a short time, cats will be kittens, so choose wisely.
The article is correct to the best of the author's knowledge.It is not meant to substitute for advice from a veterinary medical professional.Animals with signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a vet.
Most people wouldn't recommend an exotic cat as their first exotic animal.If you have a vet willing to see a cat, vet care can be very expensive.Exotic cats need to be anesthetized.
You will have to know how to deal with bouts of aggression that can be dangerous if you don't understand animal behavior and training.First time owners should not expect to keep exotic cats indoors, there should be a large outdoor enclosure that can be attached to your home to make them indoors.They should not be roaming outside of a cage outdoors.Leash walking is dangerous.A smaller exotic is what I would recommend.I can not make recommendations due to legality.
We have never owned an exotic animal before but have plenty of experience with many other household pets.Food is not a problem because we live in the country and we hunt a lot.
I don't know if there has been any research on captive-born and wild born animals, but I think it is obvious that they are vastly different.One that has been socialized from a young age should be kept as a pet.An adult domestic cat vs a socialized one.You have to be thick to see no difference.
How can you support keeping wild animals as pets when you're not a vet?You are spreading false information.Bobcats are not "wild" because they are hand-raised and not the same animals as those in the wild.That is not based on any form of science or fact.It was a dangerous statement.Do some research.The Big Cat Sanctuary has saved several pet bobcats previously kept as pets.You are making this a bad place to own a pet.The web site should be ashamed for giving voice to such a poor representation.
I am wondering where you would get one and how much it would cost.
I live in the country.A Bobcat was hit by a truck.She had two kittens inside of her.
I blew air into her nose when I removed it from her womb.We fed her milk.I realized that she was not a cat but a human.
.She was a big part of our family life.She likes to play and attack us.
.She began to show extreme intelligence as she got older.Because of their curious nature.She was able to use the toilet in the house.We removed her Kitty box after three months.
Would not accept strangers and would hide.She was allowed to explore with her family.She wanted to go around.She never came back after leaving an app for about 28 months.I saw her a year later.She walked up to me cautiously.I knew it was her because she walked so close.I knew she was living the lifestyle I wanted her to live.She was watching me while I was fishing.She had two small kittens with her.I was happy that she made it.They rule a large territory.Only saw her again.She was sleeping in the bed with us.There are videos of her chasing a laser light.tearing up the toilet paper was the only Mischief she ever got into.People need to know that wild animals need different kinds of care.You can't force interaction with them.Only on their terms.It wouldn't make sense to take the teeth out of a cat.
.She weighed 43 pounds when she left.Raising one of these animals requires a lot of patience and understanding.
.I don't recommend that you own 1 if you work a lot of hours away from home.She had the most precious memory of how loud she was.She was playful.
Excellent article by Melissa.I have wanted a Bobcat as a pet since I read about them in Zoobooks.
The clown who posted 4 years ago, or anyone like him for that matter, may be the ones with mental disorders if they are incapable of understanding the symbiotic nature humans have always had with other animals.Maybe they are too stupid to understand how any life lived, whether it be human or animal, has its trade offs, and we all sacrifice some aspects of freedom for comfort.I think shades of gray are more difficult to understand than black and white.
I'm planning on getting a cat as a pet and want to redo my house to accommodate my friend, but I need two years of experience to do that, any help would be appreciated!
The two veterinarians at our animal hospital in Kentucky said that I have a half Bobcat and half domestic.It's not uncommon to see this here in Kentucky.I agree with you that a hybrid Bobcat is quite different than any cat I have ever owned.Bear wants to be wherever I am most of the time.He will follow me around the house and lay in a chair next to me.When he is on his cat tree, I had to order a huge square base so he wouldn't knock it over when he jumps up.He likes to play in the water and wash his paws.He allows me to give him a tub bath once a month if he has a gamey smell.Bear is 20 months old and has a neck to rump length of 23 inches and a hip to floor height of 15 inches.He will not be fully mature until he is 3 years old.He loves fruit.He eats fruit.He likes cucumbers and tomatoes.He doesn't like canned cat food and will eat the dry kitten chow.I tried to change him to an adult cat food, but he wouldn't touch it.I'm trying to find a dry food that Big Cats can eat.He likes Salmon and Tuna.
A bear plays fetch like a dog, obeys hand signal commands and can jump 4 feet straight up from the floor chasing my elastic hairbands.
Bear used his cat tree for scratching and left the rest of the furniture alone.
He is neutered and has never sprayed.The non-cat person has a downside.If you mess with him while he is eating, he will bite the S out of you.For most of the time, I only get bit once a week.The vet told him to cry out in pain and hold whatever appendage he bit close to my body at the same time for about 30 seconds, then walk away from him and no eye contact until he came to find me.The first time I did this bear, he pulled back and looked at me at my wrist.He doesn't break the skin or draw blood on me after about two weeks.
Bear is put in his bedroom to sleep.He has a queen size bed, a litter box, toys, food and water.We close the door at night and let him out in the morning.He is free during the day in the house.We can go for walks on our 2 acres if he is leash trained.I want him to be able to go through a cat door in his bedroom window in an enclosure that is 25 feet high.
I'm looking forward to putting some real tree limbs inside, having plenty of upper shelving and ramps to get up there, and shady areas.
I have had different experiences with my Bobcat.Except for throw pillows, he is not distructive.I used one as a toy for him to chase so he would destroy them.He doesn't ruin anything else.He wants to be with me all the time.He likes to swim at the local lake and take walks on a leash.He is not a lap cat and takes more work to take care of than a domestic cat, but I wouldn't trade him for anything.He is referred to as my catdog by my friends, family and neighbors because he has a better personality.
I am late to the conversation but not the cat.It's the same as amputating your fingers.I would take the cat to a vet to see if it can live on its own.We do more harm than good when we think we are saving wildlife.I had a pet that slept in my bed.They require a dedicated person to care for them.
The cheseler was domesticated in ancient Egypt and spread to European royalty.God gave us the ability to co-exist and respect animals, as well as videos of people being accepted into packs of wolves, lions, and meer cats.
I have a baby Bob cat that is about five weeks old and I am wondering what the best feed is for it.
Mrs. Brown needs to find out if it's legal to keep.It might be with a licensed wildlife rehabber.
I have a lot of questions about raising a Bobcat.Due to an injury, I have a bobcat that feels into our hands.I think he/she is about 2 months old.It is very scared and aggressive because of the human interaction.If I need to keep it, what is the first thing I should do?Declaw?What about shots?Who am I going to for this?Please let me know what I can do for him because he is a great little guy.
Wolves used to be wild.I think dogs have good genetics.The owners preference of traits changes the animals.
I do not think that is the case.While Nevada has very loose legislation, they can regulate a few species.
There are mountain lions, bobcats, axis deer, rusa deer and sambar deer.
The good news is that there are no exotic pet laws in Nevada.I don't think they can be trained out of spraying behavior, as one owner says they just deal with it.
I live in Nevada where they are legal.I can make an enclosure from a chainlink fence.I am not too concerned with future legal issues.I have a lifetime of spraying indoors.I am willing to train if it is something they can be taught not to do.I don't want an only outdoor pet, I think it's best for most animals.Since they are legal here, I don't think that is a problem.I will have to check it out more.
They would get a lot of attention while I am home.I worry about 10 to 15 hour periods when I am working.
Is it legal in your city, town, or neighborhood?Are your neighbors going to report you?
If idiots keep banning cats left and right, you might need to meet some rigid standards in the future to get grandfathered in, that is if it is already illegal.
I can't think of anything else.If the animal is often left alone, you need to look into an outdoor enclosure or a room dedicated to it.If you want the legal hell you will be put through in the future, I would suggest never buying an exotic cat.
I have an opportunity to buy some kittens.I always wanted a big cat as a pet when I was a child.I chose a cat as my top childish choice.I am now a mature adult.I don't want to jump into this without researching, but there is a time constraint on availability.I have no other pets so the timing is pretty good.
It is best to assume that an exotic cat will spray.I don't think any one gender can offer great guarantees, but I think a male would scent more.According to some sources, neutering early can possibly prevent it.
A lot of people forget that living with a human is better than having a pet.
It's not illegal in some states to kill a Bobcat for sport, even if you own one as a companion animal.That is in this "land of the free".What a joke.
I think it has to do with them being native wildlife.Picking up a feather from a protected bird is against federal law in my state.
I found out that the cats used to be a legal pet in North Carolina.Most people who had them as pets were forced to send them to a zoo if they wanted to keep them.For the owners who really loved their pets, and for the caretakers who were the only ones they knew, it was sad.
They are legal in our state and have a large population in the wild.I think you mean a state with M and S, not Mississippi.Large feline ownership is not allowed here.They are not included.You can have both of them here, and they are the same size.There were no bears, wolves or lions.
Why do people blow this off when a dog barks so much?When some dogs fail to adjust to a captive setting it is referred to as other things such as behavioral problems or separation anxiety.I have no problem saying that my dog has neurotic issues and is acting crazy whenever someone leaves the house because I adopted her with anxiety separation.It looks like domestication does not eliminate these issues.Not all exotic animals have these problems.Animals have different energy requirements because of genetic variation.Some dogs wouldn't do well in a typical household because they were bred to do demanding jobs.It is the same for exotic animals, their jobs are selected by nature.
The impact it has on their quality of life is the most important thing to consider, and I don't believe this is a sign of poor welfare in my dog.A 1-acre enclosure sounds like a reasonable amount of space for a wolf, where are you getting the information that makes them crazy?Show me an example.
I agree that the use of "stupid" is not helpful in my argument, but many people keep exotic pets in inhumane conditions.Cats and dogs have been domesticated for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and have become accustomed to living in houses and smaller settings.Cats and dogs do not go crazy if they are given the chance.When a wolf is left in a 1-acre enclosure for the rest of their life, it makes them stir crazy, because they have such an innate need to cover their range.
It is not significant because you told me that keeping bobcats is stupid and that no one can provide a home for the animal.I said the same thing that I had said when I answered you.It doesn't mean that the captive home is not adequate.Every pet has an unnatural home.Cats have bigger territories outdoors than indoors.If allowed to do so, dogs will go far beyond the confines of a typical household.hamsters run miles in a day and even a 50 gallon aquarium is a small percentage of their nature range, but most people would consider this to be a huge cage for them.You will have to do better than that.
It is not substantial if you do not agree.If you care about the well-being of the animal, than you are not going to keep it in less than optimal conditions in its natural habitat.
Pets shouldn't be released.It's not cruel to keep one in conditions that are less than free-roaming in the wild.Next time, please make a more substantial comment.
Exotic pets can't be released into the wild and survive if they came from a breeder.If they are released, they should not be released.Exotic pets are inhumane and should not be kept by anyone.It is not possible to provide enough habitat for a free-roaming wild feline or canid.
The care of the animals is something I would like to address.If you have containment which is easy double doors, Antivenin, and knowledge, you should be able to have venomous reptiles.Escape proof should be the only restriction.There will be no one that can gain the knowledge in the near future.There are a few people left in California who have the skills to handle it.
An example would be the article in National Geographic.There were people who went against the Gov.In a few generations, domestic fox had been made from color changes to wagging their tails.All in violation of the Russians.In the US, the same thing is happening.We have a bill of rights, but I have been interested in animals since I was 5 years old.California never produced the research that was needed to produce another Antivenin because of the banning of Venomous reptiles.Due to the ban on commercial reptile collecting and sales in California, we have never learned how to breed many of the very cheap animals in Captivity.The person that will do it will either be one of the breeders that finds it to be profitable or a crazy guy or gal that has to have the animals.
It feels like owning a lion as a pet.Those who dare to take the challenge are applauded.
The article is spot on.A lot of work is what I own a 1 year old child who is loving and affectionate.Is it worth it?Would I do it again?Only for the fact that you do not own the cat.You give up a lot for the well being of the animal if you are a responsible owner.I asked if he would rather be in the wild.You are liable for that unique animals future because these animals bond and learn to love and want to be around us.
I love them, but am not committed to owning one.I liked seeing the photos and videos of the amazing animals.
I understand Bob's perspective to a point.Some unstable people have kept these animals and they were designed to live in the wild, but that doesn't mean that they cannot do a good job of keeping them.The comment was not helpful.People considering becoming owners should take a realistic look at the failures of exotic pet owners, as too many of them are not responsible owners.
Anthropomorphizing animals is a huge problem in our society.Even if it simply opens up discussions that everyone can learn from, an honest look at ownership that contains warnings and encourages more research is useful.
I have never been told that before.Maybe if I hear that same rhetoric a few more times, I will stop thinking for myself and accept your demands.
A Bobcat is not in your house.I wonder if you have a mental problem where you want to keep a wild animal.This is ridiculous and encourages others to follow your example.
Thank you phildazz.It would be difficult for pets to go missing if they were supervised.
If you live in Arkansas, you can have up to 6 bobcats before you need a permit.I am ok since I only have one.
When I first got her, I had two of them, but the racoon I was talking about crushed the other one's ribs, and we had him put down at the vet.I have kept the other one because I know how to take care of them when they are a baby.I own a farm and take care of baby animals all the time.I have had a lot of wild life.She was a few days old and did not have her eyes open.You cannot tame them if they are not taken.
bobcats are illegal in most states, even if they are captive-bred, because they originate from the wild and haven't been bred in captivity.When I saved a baby rabbit from a cat, I was told it was illegal to have it for the rest of your life, even if you are a licensed rehabber.Native wild birds and mammals are owned by the government.I know it is silly.A lady who raised a goose from a gosling had her animal euthanized, you can read about it in my article.I have heard of deer being taken.If this is the case with your animal, you might want to lay low.
Someone brought her to me because the mother had been shot while hunting.I did not want her to die in the woods.
Thanks for stopping by.You should not run into problems with the law if you have a wild-caught bob.
I don't think inexperienced owners should have a cat.They are beautiful cats, but can also be very expensive.She was brought to me by someone who was hunting in the woods and a racoon was after the litter and she was the only one to make it.She is three and a half years old.She likes to sleep on the couch or in the bathtub.
I wouldn't recommend them as pets if they were given a kitten with the eyes.I'm closed.
The cats are gorgeous!I like your video.If you hold purring felines on your lap and absorb the vibration of their purrs, they have healing effects on the body.Helping broken bones is like that.Thanks for the unique hub.
This was the most interesting thing I found.If my circumstances allowed, I would probably have a Feline.
Your cat may be a main coon but it is just a myth that they are mixed with bobcats.Bobcat can't reproduce with cats.
The cats are beautiful.One of my cats is said to be a part of a big cat.She is tame and sweet.
Interesting place.I think of aggressive wild cats.I would like to thank you for allowing me to explore the other side of this facsinating creature.
By my standards, fine is okay.I don't think I would have to tell people not to take wild bobcats home because it is illegal.The genetics of these animals are not being released into the wild.I will consider saving exotics if they end up in the shelter.
It is nice to know that doing just fine is okay.You don't encourage people to not take them from the wild, and many do, therefore they have those desires and natural instincts.There are good and bad ways to work with animals.I like how you encourage people to volunteer at the zoo or park, but that doesn't make them want to take animals from the wild and care for them.captive bred animals have been proven to be genetically inferior, so why encourage the spread of inferior genes?When there are lots of domesticated animals in the world looking for homes, it is selfish of people to drive evolution to meet our own needs of having a cool pet.You can rescue a mistreated pet by going to your local animal shelter.Thank you for your time and replies.
You don't know much about hand raised exotics because you work with wild animals.They do well in captivity because they don't care about your perception of their desires.
I work with animals all the time.I work with sick and injured animals that are unreleasable.It's not the right reason to have one of these animals.Helping people who have been injured and mistreated is the true reason for doing so.If you think a wild animal would prefer to live in captivity, you are crazy.
It is fulfilling to care for and interact with an animal.It is an exotic.It is possible to get this reward without hurting the animal.
People need to ask why wild animals are kept in captivity.Is it for the welfare of the animals?
Shannon, your comment was blocked and I am just seeing it now.Good luck with that, thanks for your nice words.Sounds like you will be a good pet owner.
Hi, Dronsie.Not being able to be re- homed easily, reluctance to change, aggression that may surprise owners of more domesticated animals are some of the issues that are similar to exotic mammals.It would be great if you could see me as a reporter and not throw exotic pet owners under the bus.The purpose of most of my articles is to remove the lies and give people a non-proselytizing perspective.I cannot accept all of your comments because they are off topic.If you want to talk about our Amazon discussions, the thread is still active.
Thank you for the article.I have wanted to get a Bobcat for a long time.I have always known that changes would need to be made to my lifestyle, and that is something that I don't mind at all.I wondered if my simple desire to have one and wholehearted love for whole felid family was enough.Your article helped to clear up doubts I had.
I don't mind paying for a permit or putting in hours for it.A willingness to invest money and time into something before you even have it is a very effective way to verify that you are.No one spends more than $2,000 on permits and construction without a good reason.
I have read over the comments on your page with the exception of a few.In the face of illogical and moronic arguments, you remain mature and well-worded.I am not sure if I would have been able to refrain from less constructive word choices without walking away.
Exotic pet owners are not qualified to care for their animals.It is easy to see that pet owners should be better educated about the care of their animals.
You took a logical approach to this hub.Like raising human children, a high degree of logic and higher reasoning needs to be applied to our animal children.Love doesn't pay for adequate enclosures.
They are very destructive pets that require a lot of adjustments to the traditional home.Being able to view them in the wild is cool.
I enjoyed this, you know what I mean.Although I don't want to have a pet of my own, we have one that lives next to our property and I enjoy seeing it.They are some of my favorite wild visitors.I have never encouraged or fed them, but they are comfortable in my presence and have given me some great photo opportunities.It's a great hub!MJ.
I agree with you that cats are not as exotic as boas.In my opinion, cats are more of an environmental pest than any Bobcat could be, and I am sure the two house wrens that nest in my back yard are protected from the depredations of the kitty next door.The Bobcat would integrate itself into its natural environment if it were to escape.People are too paranoid about wild animals.Most of the time, boas aren't seen, but they are out there all the same, probably hiding in our backyards while we sleep.Excellent posting.
Exotic animals are unpopular as pets, but the rewards for some make it worth it.Many of the smaller zoos have interactions with these animals.Thanks for taking the time to comment.
As a pet, I have always wanted something exotic.I think I'll stick with my dog and cat after reading about the furniture being torn up.Thanks for the full scoop.I would love to spend time with these animals.