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7 Things to Consider Before Adopting an Exotic Cat

February 1, 2021

Have you always dreamed of owning an exotic cat, such as a lion or tiger? It sounds great in theory, but in practice, it can be quite different. While you can occasionally find exotic cats for sale, you should definitely think twice before buying one. A Newburgh vet lists some things to think about below.

Price

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

Space

Your typical housecat can do just fine in a smaller space, such as an apartment. Exotic cats, however, are bigger and more energetic, and require a great deal of room. As such, you may need to build a fairly sizable enclosure for your pet. Keep in mind that an exotic cat won’t be happy in a bare pen or cage. You’ll also need to provide plenty of furniture and toys.

Laws

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

Veterinary Care

Another thing that is crucial is finding a vet that is experienced with exotic cats. Most—if not all—veterinarians are well-trained when it comes to providing care for domestic cats. Exotic cats, however, have different needs and therefore require a different level of care.

Ethics

We understand the appeal for exotic pets: they’re beautiful, unique, and fascinating. Unfortunately, many of them simply aren’t well-suited to being pets. This goes for kitties, too. You may want to consider donating to a reputable rescue instead.

Behavior

If you’re thinking that an exotic cat will act like a giant housecat, think again. Some don’t take to litterboxes, while others dislike being handled. Ocelots, for instance, really don’t enjoy domestication, and tend to ignore commands even more than the average housecat does.

Compromise

If you’re certain that you want to own an exotic cat, you may want to consider a Bengal. While these adorable, charismatic kitties are considered exotic, they’re no bigger than the average housecat, and they have tons of charisma!

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact your Newburgh, NY vet today!