Have you always dreamed of having an exotic cat, such as a lion, jaguar, or tiger? It sounds great in theory, but in practice, it can be quite different. While you can find exotic cats for sale in many places, you should definitely think twice before buying one. A local vet lists some things to think about before adoptig a larger-than-life cat below. 

Price

Exotic cats are really quite expensive, and can cost thousands of dollars. The exact price will vary on the type of kitty you are considering getting. Mid-sized kitties, like Servals, range from about $1700 to $3000. An ocelot can go for as much as $15,000, while tiger cubs (which are now illegal in many places) can cost $7500.

Space

The typical housecat can do just fine controlling a smaller home, such as an apartment. Exotic cats, however, are bigger and more energetic, and require a lots of room for exercise, play, and, of course, naps. You may need to build a fairly sizable enclosure for your pet. Keep in mind that a cat won’t be happy in a bare pen or cage. You’ll need to provide plenty of furniture and toys.

Laws

Legality is another thing to consider. Laws on owning exotic pets vary wildly, depending on where you are. For example, Savannah cats are illegal in several states, but not in others. If you have an HOA, you may also need to look at their regulations. This is also something to think about if you may eventually move to another area. 

Veterinary Care

Another thing that is crucial is finding a good vet that is experienced with exotic cats. Most—if not all—veterinarians are trained to provide care for domestic cats. Exotic cats, however, have different needs. 

Ethics

We completely understand the growing appeal for exotic pets: they’re beautiful, unique, and fascinating. Unfortunately, many of them just aren’t well-suited to being pets. That pretty tiger may never be happy in captivity, but it definitely won’t be happy in a small pen. This goes for kitties, too. Consider donating to a reputable rescue instead.

Behavior

If you’re thinking that an exotic cat will act like more or less a giant housecat, think again. Some don’t take to litterboxes, while others dislike being handled. Others are wary, or even aggressive, around people. For example, ocelots really don’t enjoy domestication, and tend to ignore commands even more than the average housecat does.

Compromise

There is a potential compromise. You may want to consider a Bengal. While these adorable, charismatic kitties are considered exotic, these chatty, playful cats are no bigger than the average housecat, and they have tons of charisma!

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us today!