Domestic cats x Wild cats (tigers, cheetahs, etc). Good for a pet?

@megs85 (3142)
Australia
January 27, 2007 2:13pm CST
I have heard on the news stories of people cross breeding domestic and wild cats, to use their offspring as pets. Morally, is this behaviour acceptable in your opinion? And would you ever purchase one of these animals for a pet? As cool as I think it would be, I don't think its fair to confuse teh species, they are completely different. I am not sure how safe they would be, because despite the dna of the domestic cat, a wild cat is just that WILD and people should realise they can be trained but never tamed, not really. JMO.
3 people like this
5 responses
• United States
3 Feb 07
Hi there...hybrid cats are more commonplace than people realize, however larger hybrids to be domesticated house cats is not one of them so it's unlikely anyone will see a pet hybrid tiger or lion and definitely a cheetah (because they are endangered) for example as the risk is too great to place in a home because of their relative large size. Anyhow, Bengal Leopard cats (see avatar) are the most popular hybrid cats and have been around for over 20 years now... and they make wonderful pet cats. They are not much different than any domestic house cat other than they are more active and energetic and love to be involved with their owners. Bengals are a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) with a domestic and their relative size is average to most domestic house cats. Another up and coming hybrid breed is the Savannah cat which is a cross with a Bengal Cat and an African Serval. Again the temperament of these cats are no different than any other domestic cat. More about Bengal Cats: http://www.bengalcat.com/main.aspx Savannah Cats: http://www.savannahcat.com/public/index.php?page=about Sources: Owned by a Bengal Leopard Cat and rescue them to be rehomed Animal trainer to domestic and exotic cats such as African Servals, Cougars, Jaguarundi's, Bobcats, etc.
3 people like this
• United States
11 Aug 07
i was gonna get a bengal cat about 3 months back,and then i saw the highlander cats and they were the most beautiful cats i have seen.so i purchased one 3 weeks ago,i had it shipped from alabama and this cat gets up to 40 pounds and looks like a wild white tiger.but they are regular house cats with just the wild look.these cats sit,beg,fetch,love water,and is the size of a dog.i always get asked what kind of cat is that.i have a picture as my avatar.it cost me $600 for it but they live for about 25 years.do you own a bengal?
@olaff123 (433)
• Namibia
27 Jan 07
Somehow I think you misunderstood. Wild cats look basically the same as domestic cats. They're about the same size as well. I doubt if you would be able to cross breed tigers or cheetahs and domestic cats - I just don't think this is possible. Would you post a link for more info?
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
27 Jan 07
I didnt see it on the net, it was on the news a few months back. I'm pretty sure it was a domestic cat and a tiger. Perhaps tehy used artificial insemenation, and the tiger would have had to be the female. I didnt misunderstand either ;)
3 people like this
@msqtech (15074)
• United States
6 Feb 07
wild animals dont belong as pets and we shouldnt risk this cross breeding effort. It has caused a lot of harm when done randomly.
1 person likes this
@Lydia1901 (16351)
• United States
7 Feb 07
Well, I do agree with you there because you are right even if they can be trained, there is no way they'll forget their wild instincts. So, I wouldn't want one of those as pets ever.
@scooby_13 (175)
• Italy
3 Feb 07
I think the cross between wild and domestic animals must be forbiden.
2 people like this
@msqtech (15074)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I agree with you. I also think wild animals shouldnt be kept as pets ever!!
1 person likes this