Ocelots are wild cats. They are adorable creatures especially when they are kittens and it doesn’t change as they grow up. But it might be a problem to own one because of its cost, there might be some restrictions in your location, and more importantly veterinary care. They grow to a weight maximum of 35 pounds and are up to 35 inches long and when they’re standing, they are on their four legs they are as tall as 20 inches. Ocelots look cute and cuddly but it might be a lot more dangerous to keep one as a pet in your house. The life expectancy of these cats is up to 10 years but some make it past 20 years of age. Ocelots are carnivores that prey on lizards, snakes, rabbits, and even young deer. These cats prey at night and prefer to live in dense forests where they can have easy access to plenty of water and food. Ocelots are found in savannas and mangrove swamps. These cats need full-time care and the owner should be dedicated to taking care of these wild cats. Most of the users have doubts about whether can they have a pet ocelot. It is better to read the below content to clear their doubts.
Conservation Status of Ocelots:
In 1972, these cats were listed as foreign species and in 1973, ocelots were grandfathered into the new list. These cats used to roam in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. Today there are only 120 ocelots left in the United States because of the loss of their habitat. In America, ocelots are the least concern as compared to other cats. Their population has continued to decline over the years.
Can You Have a Pet Ocelot:
To keep Ocelot as a house pet is illegal but in some locations it is legal. Once they are fully grown, they don’t pass exactly as house cats. Ocelots are avid hunters and if you keep one as a pet it might be a serious threat to the animals in your neighborhood. These cats are loud and needy and you need to dedicate yourself full-time to take care of them. These cats have smellier waste than other normal cats. These cats are born to be wild and need an outdoor space to run. If you own one as a pet you have to enclose some space to keep the other pets safe. You might also have to say goodbye to your new furniture, rugs, and carpet.
Conclusion:
Ocelots are born to be dangerous and owning one of them as a pet can be dangerous for you and even for the other pets in your neighborhood. These cats prey on other animals and are preferred to live in dense forests where they have access to all the resources they need. These cats might be easy to keep as kittens but when they grow up, it would be a huge problem for you. It will spoil all your good furniture, and carpets. Their population continued to decline over the years and only a few left the United States. Ocelots cannot curl indoors, they want an open space for curling.
