Some of the most beautiful creatures in the world are exotic cats, animals like cougars, bobcats, servals and lynx. These creatures are strong, graceful and majestic and their kittens are absolutely adorable.
Because of their beauty, there are many people who believe a wild cat would make a unique pet. It would be like owning a big kitty, right?
It is easier to buy an exotic cat than you would imagine, and there are many uncaring breeders who want to make a quick profit selling these irresistable kittens . Unfortunately, many people who decide to take a bobcat, lynx or other large cat into their environment soon learn there is a huge difference between owning a domesticated feline and a wild animal.
We asked Jan Vales of WildCat Haven in Sherwood, Oregon, to give us some information about what happens to these awesome creatures when people can no longer properly care for them and many regualar animal rescues are not equipped to deal with wild cats .
Why Wild cats Should Be Rejected as Domestic Pets
Although all species of baby wildcats look cute and cuddly, they soon grow into strong, predatory animals. Even at play they can do serious damage to a human and it is their instinct to stalk smaller members of any species. This means children are particularly vulnerable to wild cat attack.
There are other problems as well. Wildcats are expensive to care for. They need quantities of raw meat daily. They require lots of space and special cages and it may be hard to find a veterinarian willing to treat your cat. Even if you have your exotic cat neutered, they still tend to spray gallons of strongly scented urine to mark their possessions, which includes you. There are also legal issues to consider. Many communities have laws against owning exotic cats.
Abandoned, Abused and Neglected Big Cats
Sadly, many owners are unable to handle these big cats for long. Instead, some people turn to physical brutality to control the cats, or simply abandon their animals in filthy cages, not providing medical care to sick cats or enough food or water to sustain them. Sometimes they are sold to fur farms, where the cats will be slaughtered and their beautiful pelts harvested. Whatever their fate, it is not usually a happy ending for these poor, captive creatures.
Unfortunately, if they are rescued from these cruel conditions, there are only so many places where these magnificent animals can go and hope to have a safe and happy life. WildCat Haven is one of only seven wildcat sanctuaries accredited by the American Sanctuary Association in the United States. There is only room for so many of the cats at each of the sanctuaries. The fate of the others is almost always morbid. In fact, 98% of exotic animals purchased as pets die in the first two years of their stay.
Is There Anything You Can Do to Help Solve This Problem?
Yes. If you know of any wildcats being held in captivity that are not being properly cared for, report the situation at once. Other steps you can take are donating to accredited sanctuaries, or you could choose to adopt one of the wildcats already lucky enough to be a sanctuary resident. Sanctuaries also need volunteers, so if you live near one, your help would be much appreciated. Or help support groups who work to protect the environment and natural habitats of our planet’s wildlife.
One other important thing you can do to help defend these animals is to discourage people from breeding and selling exotic pets, including wildcats. Encourage legislators to pass strict laws against turning wildcats into a profitable business. Wildcats are magnificent creatures of nature, who may resemble domestic cats and may even be related to our friendly felines, but they are vastly different animals. Wildcats are not meant to be pets, but to live their lives as nature intended, free and untamed. It is only because of human interference that nature’s plan has been interupted. It is now up to humans to correct that situation.
Originally posted 2010-06-13 15:10:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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