Cats make interesting roommates. Compared to dogs, our feline friends typically do what they want, when they want. Every cat parent knows the struggle of getting kitty into a carrier, or convincing their picky companion to eat a new food.
In short, cats have minds of their own. But why are they like this?
One theory as to why cats remain less domesticated than dogs is because they are still somewhat wild. Despite human effort to produce tamer pets, their genome remains very similar to ancient cats.
For most people, domestic cats are plenty wild enough. Others, however, are interested in hybrid cat breeds.
What Are Hybrid Cats?
Hybrid breeds are a cross between a domestic cat and a wild cat. There are a number of hybrid cats, but the most common are Bengal cats, Chausie cats and Savannah cats.
Bengals are part Asian Leopard, Chausies are part jungle cat and Savannahs are part Serval cat. These breeds were created to increase the size of the cat, as many of these hybrids can reach 30 pounds or more.
Hybrids are also often bred for coat color, appearing as tiny versions of their wild counterparts. These cats can be very beautiful, and many people are starting to keep them as pets.
While hybrids have become more available to the general public, there are several issues surrounding them.
Do Hybrid Cats Make Good Pets?
Hybrid cats, like all other cats, can make good pets. On the other hand, they can be reclusive, temperamental and dangerous to handle.
With hybrid cats, part of their genetic makeup is pure wild cat, which increases the chance that they will be difficult as pets. While some people sing their praises and claim that they are great companions, this is not always the case, and many pet parents end up with a cat in the home that is dangerous.
In some cases, these cats become aggressive and attack. Hybrid cats also tend to have litter box issues, and may urinate and defecate in unfavorable places.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners strongly discourages people from purchasing hybrid cats, and advises that they should not be kept in homes like domestic cats.
Veterinary Challenges for Hybrid Cats
Veterinary care is challenging for hybrid cats.
Due to their wild temperament, many of these cats need to be sedated for routine veterinary exams. This is stressful for the cat, as well as for the pet parent.
Rabies vaccination also poses issues. Because it is unknown whether these vaccinations work in wild animals, rabies vaccination is “off label.” If these cats are exposed to rabies, there is a chance the vaccine will not be protective against the virus. This could lead to human infection, and is fatal for the pet.
Health Problems in Hybrid Cats
Hybrid cats tend to have some health issues due to their breeding.
Domestic cats and wild cats have a different number of chromosomes. When crossed during breeding, this difference causes an abnormal genetic makeup. Reproductive problems often occur due to this abnormality, making stillbirths very common. Male hybrid cats and some females are often infertile, as well.
Hybrids are often bred for coat color or size. This targeted breeding for cosmetic purposes often leads to animals with health issues being bred, resulting in unhealthy offspring.
Legal & Ethical Considerations
Legality of hybrid ownership varies from state to state. If you are considering purchasing a hybrid cat, it’s best to check into local laws.
The ethical issues surrounding hybrid cat ownership and breeding are prominent.
In the wild, domestic cats and wild cats would not naturally mate, so breeding these animals is often considered unethical. Breeding programs take wild cats out of their natural habitats, reducing numbers of wild species and altering the balance of the natural world.
Another consideration is whether it is fair to keep wild animals as pets. While they are partially domestic, hybrids are also part wild, and living indoors with humans is unnatural for them.
Finally, cat overpopulation is a huge issue. Feline euthanasia is a reality in shelters, and many urge potential pet parents to adopt rather than purchase an expensive hybrid.
The Bottom Line on Hybrid Cats
Hybrid cats are interesting and very beautiful, but their role as pets is still debatable.
Hybrid cats may have a place in the world, but pet parents should be very careful when considering if they have a place in their home. Domestic cats are plenty interesting—you may find that your kitty is wild enough!