7 Small Exotic Cats That Are Surprisingly Legal to Own as Pets

Are you a cat lover? Then at some point in your life, you must have thought about experiencing the joy of caring for an exotic cat. You’ll be amazed to know that there are many small exotic cat species that you can keep as pets while some critters are illegal to own.

Today we will focus on those small exotic cats that are legal to keep in the home. The best part is they are not desperate to get public attention, or they don’t have threatened status even in the wild. So if you are an adventurous pet owner and looking for the best small exotic cats, then keep these points in mind before welcoming your new family member.

Points to Remember Before Owning a Small Exotic Cat

• Do you have ample space to place their big cage? If the answer is yes, then you are ready to welcome your beloved exotic cat.
• Just a spray can mark your pet’s territory.
• Keep yourself ready to pay for their dietary needs.
• Buying an exotic cat can cost you $1500 to $20000.
• You have to spend some money on a vet too. It is suggested to prefer an experienced and knowledgeable vet.
• You have to get a permit and a license to own this pet.
• Never leave them alone or never leave them with any other pet.

Now let’s start our exciting journey of knowing seven small exotic cats that you can own as pets.

1. Bobcat

Bobcat’s scientific name is Lynx Rufus. If you are a North American, you already know about this cat, isn’t it? These medium-sized cats always create a strong bond with the owners. They are too short. So people cannot even imagine that it has the strength to hunt a fully grown deer. Try to keep them away from your children. Sometimes Bobcats are aggressive, but usually, they are affectionate. Even if you raise them with a deer, they’ll become friends soon. But one thing you need to keep in mind that they are the best artists. So their cage should be well designed and sturdy. Their average life span is 7 to 10 years.

2. Siberian and Canadian Lynx

The scientific name of the Canadian Lynx is Lynx Canadensis. You can find this thickly-furred feline in North America’s Northern parts. Canadian Lynx has an excellent climbing ability. Therefore, you can always find them at the highest point in your home. They usually don’t hold a superb bond with their owners like Bobcats. But they behave warmly, even with strangers. Canadian Lynx sheds prominently because of their extravagant Coat.

Siberian Lynx is quite different from the Canadian one. First of all, its weight ranges from 40 pounds to 80 pounds. Second, it can reach up to 24 inches. But if you welcome this new family member in your house, you have to be very careful as they are very playful and energetic. So don’t keep any valuable things in your home in front of them. They love to have snowshoes hares and last up to 14 years.

3. Fishing Cat

The fishing cat is found in South East Asia. Its scientific name is Prionailurus Viverrinus. Its weight ranges from 11 pounds to 35 pounds. Even a child knows that cats love to eat fish. This one is not an exception. If you have a USDA license, you can surely keep this water-loving animal. This species is in danger. This one is uncommon, so a little information is available about them.

4. Caracal Cat

The scientific name of Caracal Cat is Caracal Caracal. You can find this species of cat in Africa and the Middle East portion along with India and Central Asia. You will discover a resemblance with servals. They usually communicate like a snake just by hissing. So, people often get scared of them. But they are well mannered and come with the attitude of other traditional cats. It will take a bit of time to grow a bond with them. They love to play with your household objects and eat the meat of three pounds daily.

5. Geoffrey’s Cat

This one is found in Southern America as well as Central South America. Its scientific name is Leopardus Geoffroyi. If you love small animals, then you will fall in love with this smallest species available on Earth. The weight varies from 4 pounds to 8 Pounds. So you can easily understand that they will never become a treat for your life. They usually eat lizards, insects, and rodents and live for near about 20 years. These pets are extremely rare. They can survive even in extreme cold or heat. Keep in mind that there are timid. So you have to arrange excellent privacy and noise control for them.

6. Asian Leopard Cat

You can find this species throughout Asia except in the north portion. Its scientific name is Prionailurus Bangalensis. These domestic wild cats are also timid. So if you want frequent interactions with them, you have to invest substantial time. If you are worried about their diet, then let us inform you that small preys are enough for them.

Have you heard about Bengal cats? Asian Leopard cat has an enormous contribution to their existence. You need legal documentation to prove that they don’t belong to the endangered group as some of the leopard cat’s subspecies are in danger.

7. Jungle Cat

The scientific name of jungle cats is Felis Chaus. This species is found in Southern China, South East, Middle East, and South Asia. The best part is you can even produce hybrids of this species with different domesticated cats, including Jungle bob and Chausie. Jungle cats are usually nervous in captivity. So they also love to live in a quiet house. Give them small mammals like hares or rodents, and they will become happy. Their population is not in danger, but it is continuously reducing. Their lifespan is 15 to 20 years if they are in captivity.

So these are the best seven small exotic cats. You can enjoy their company like pets. The best part is they are legal. So you don’t have to worry about the law. If you are an adventurous person, don’t miss the chance to enjoy this experience in life.