Owning a Bobcat
Are you looking for a pet that is more exotic than the typical cat or dog? If you love kitties but you want a pet that will help you really stand out from the crowd, you might be considering getting a wild feline such as a Bobcat.
But, before you head out and purchase new feline friend, there are several things you should know about Bobcats and what it takes to properly care for one as a pet.
What is a Bobcat? Many people that are interested in keeping a larger feline as a pet consider adopting a Bobcat because, while they are wild cats, they are smaller than other wild felines.
In fact, male Bobcats typically weigh only 24 to 35 pounds.
In addition, they are very attractive cats with either a yellowish-brown or a reddish-brown coat that is streaked dark brown or black.
Despite their relatively smaller size, however, it should not be assumed that taking care of a Bobcat is as simple as caring for a domestic kitty.
Is it Legal to Own a Bobcat? Before you even consider adopting a Bobcat, it is important for you to determine whether or not it is legal for you to own one.
Even if your state does not have any laws against owning Bobcats, your county may have regulations in place that restrict the types of pets you can own.
In addition, even if it is legal where you live, there may be certain types of paperwork you need to have in place before you can legally own a Bobcat.
Do You Have the Space? In order to keep your Bobcat healthy, you will need to provide it with plenty of space to roam.
Keeping a Bobcat indoors is tricky, as many Bobcat owners say that they spray more often than domestic cats.
In addition, due to their size, they have a tendency to be more destructive when they jump up on furniture or play throughout the house.
Therefore, it is usually best to build a large outdoor enclosure for your Bobcats to stay in.
Or, if you do keep your Bobcats indoors, be prepared for their high activity level and larger size.
Can You Afford to Feed Them? Although some Bobcat owners do occasionally feed fresh roadkill to their pets, you need to be prepared to frequently purchase plenty of meat for your pets.
Many owners feed whole chickens that still contain their feathers to their Bobcats.
You should also feed your Bobcat a daily supplement made especially for exotic felines containing the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your pet healthy.
Do You Have Access to a Veterinarian? Before you bring home a Bobcat, you also need to make certain a qualified veterinarian is located nearby.
Remember, not all veterinarians are qualified for working with exotic felines.
Therefore, you may have to travel a bit to work with one that will be able to help you keep your Bobcat healthy.
The most important thing to remember is that adopting a Bobcat is a major commitment that can last for up to twenty years.
So, while they may beautiful and enchanting creatures, avoid the temptation to make an impulse adoption - be sure you are ready for the commitment before you bring your Bobcat home.
But, before you head out and purchase new feline friend, there are several things you should know about Bobcats and what it takes to properly care for one as a pet.
What is a Bobcat? Many people that are interested in keeping a larger feline as a pet consider adopting a Bobcat because, while they are wild cats, they are smaller than other wild felines.
In fact, male Bobcats typically weigh only 24 to 35 pounds.
In addition, they are very attractive cats with either a yellowish-brown or a reddish-brown coat that is streaked dark brown or black.
Despite their relatively smaller size, however, it should not be assumed that taking care of a Bobcat is as simple as caring for a domestic kitty.
Is it Legal to Own a Bobcat? Before you even consider adopting a Bobcat, it is important for you to determine whether or not it is legal for you to own one.
Even if your state does not have any laws against owning Bobcats, your county may have regulations in place that restrict the types of pets you can own.
In addition, even if it is legal where you live, there may be certain types of paperwork you need to have in place before you can legally own a Bobcat.
Do You Have the Space? In order to keep your Bobcat healthy, you will need to provide it with plenty of space to roam.
Keeping a Bobcat indoors is tricky, as many Bobcat owners say that they spray more often than domestic cats.
In addition, due to their size, they have a tendency to be more destructive when they jump up on furniture or play throughout the house.
Therefore, it is usually best to build a large outdoor enclosure for your Bobcats to stay in.
Or, if you do keep your Bobcats indoors, be prepared for their high activity level and larger size.
Can You Afford to Feed Them? Although some Bobcat owners do occasionally feed fresh roadkill to their pets, you need to be prepared to frequently purchase plenty of meat for your pets.
Many owners feed whole chickens that still contain their feathers to their Bobcats.
You should also feed your Bobcat a daily supplement made especially for exotic felines containing the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your pet healthy.
Do You Have Access to a Veterinarian? Before you bring home a Bobcat, you also need to make certain a qualified veterinarian is located nearby.
Remember, not all veterinarians are qualified for working with exotic felines.
Therefore, you may have to travel a bit to work with one that will be able to help you keep your Bobcat healthy.
The most important thing to remember is that adopting a Bobcat is a major commitment that can last for up to twenty years.
So, while they may beautiful and enchanting creatures, avoid the temptation to make an impulse adoption - be sure you are ready for the commitment before you bring your Bobcat home.
