In the United States, the most common cat is the American Shorthaired. Many cats found at shelters are mixed breeds, but they tend to lean toward the American Shorthaired simply because it is one of the most popular breeds in this part of the world. However, quite a few exotic breeds are legal to own in the United States. Some are only considered exotic in the US because they look nothing like the American Shorthair.
The laws for each state in the US are often different regarding these unique cats. What is legal in some states is banned in others. Some cat breeds may require a license to be owned in certain areas, and some states have confusing and complicated laws, such as not exporting cats from other areas. This is because exotic cats like wildcats are not suitable to keep as pets.
They are usually not domesticated and would probably rather live in the wild than in a human household. It’s much better to adopt a regular cat from a shelter than pay the often sky-high prices of an exotic cat. If you have your heart set on one, be sure to check your local laws before deciding to purchase an exotic cat.
The 12 Exotic Cat Breeds That Are Legal to Keep as Pets in USA
1. Serval
A Serval is an African wildcat legal in some areas of the US. They weigh about 20–40 pounds, which makes them about the size of a medium dog. They are tall and skinny, with cheetah-like patterns on their coat. They are somewhat similar to a cheetah and are often mistaken as such. However, they are much smaller.
These cats are aloof and independent. They will flee and hide from people they do not know and aren’t affectionate. Typically, they are not threatening or dangerous to people unless they feel cornered. They would much rather flee when stressed out than have a confrontation.
In the wild, they eat small prey. Typically, this includes rats and similar rodents. They will occasionally take down a bird or small antelope. While in captivity, they will eat 2–3 pounds of meat daily. They are more of a runner than a climber, making them easier to care for than other exotic cats. They don’t get into things as often or try to escape because they prefer to keep all their feet on the floor.
They don’t meow like domestic cats. Instead, much of their communication is done through hissing. This often means that their hissing isn’t necessarily bad. It is simply the only way that they can communicate.
2. Caracal Cats
This feline is native to Africa, the Middle East, India, and Central Asia. They have a large range of weight possibilities, from 19 to 40 pounds. Females are significantly smaller than males. In the wild, the cats prey on small mammals, rodents, and occasionally antelopes.
They act similarly to how you would expect a domestic cat to act. They are playful and interact with their owners, but only when they want to. They seem to have the independence of a domestic feline but to the extreme. They can ignore their owners for days before deciding that they want cuddle time. However, they are more active than other cats.
They can exhibit destructive behaviors, such as tearing up furniture, if not properly exercised. They need an enclosed area to run and play, and “catios” are often recommended. These outdoor areas need to be much larger than those for domestic cats, however. Like many medium-sized wild cats, Caracal cats will hiss to communicate everything. It can sound threatening, but the cats are rarely aggressive toward people.
3. Ocelots
Ocelots are sometimes kept as domestic pets. However, they are illegal in many areas and quite rare. Unlike other cats on this list, there are no domestic breeders in the United States, so they are a bit wilder than other cats. They are generally more challenging to keep as pets.
Ocelots often refuse to listen to people due to their fierce independence. They are challenging to train and will not pay attention to any commands. They can be somewhat playful with their people but tend to be aloof and would rather spend time alone. These cats are not that social and will hide whenever visitors come over. They are not recommended for most pet owners, as they don’t adapt well to houses. There is a reason that they are rarely kept as pets.
4. Canadian Lynx
As the name suggests, this Lynx is native to northern North America. They are active climbers and prefer to be above everyone else. The home needs to be designed with that in mind. If you don’t provide this cat with appropriate climbing places, they will find places to sit high up. This often means that they will get into things they shouldn’t and attempt to climb equipment that cannot hold them, like TVs.
They don’t bond closely with people and generally live solitary lives. However, they are adaptable and not too temperamental and can easily adapt to home life. Just don’t expect them to interact quite as much as domestic cats. They’re far more prone to do their own thing than play. They are one of the few exotic cats on this list that doesn’t like being walked, perhaps because they prefer to climb.
5. Bobcats
These short, muscular cats are native to North America. It is one of the few exotic cats that enjoy being around people and will often bond with their owners. However, they are dangerous to keep if they are not raised properly. They are similar to large dogs in that way, except dogs have been domesticated.
They are not recommended in households with children due to their size and strength. Supervision is constantly required, but sometimes that isn’t enough for these fast cats. When raised by people, Bobcats can be friendly and affectionate. Finding a high-quality breeder for these cats is necessary, as the correct care is often required to ensure that the cats are safe as pets.
6. Asian Leopard Cat
Asian Leopard Cats are sometimes kept as pets, but they’re not ideal. They are nocturnal and shy. Most will hide from humans and take an extremely long time to warm up to their owners. They are hardly ever accepting of visitors or anyone from outside the household. They are easily startled and will run away quickly. However, if socialized extensively, they can turn into relatively docile pets.
Often, this cat requires a license to own. They can be challenging to purchase legally and require specific documentation. Some subspecies are endangered, which makes them even more challenging to own.
7. Jungle Cat
This large cat is native to Asia, Egypt, and Sri Lanka. They are often used to create domestic hybrids, and they are one of the easier cats to locate and adopt. They usually live for 15 to 20 years when kept in captivity and adequately cared for.
They are nervous, docile cats that will spend much of their time hiding. They are skittish around loud noises and multiple people. The Jungle Cat is best suited for quiet households and single owners. They need quite a bit of privacy, so ensure you provide them with plenty of hiding spots around the house. You can also keep them in a large, outside enclosure for much of the time if you cannot provide privacy otherwise.
8. Geoffroy’s Cat
The Geoffroy’s Cat is the smallest wildcat. They only weigh about 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown, making them much smaller than most of the other cats on this list. They are similar in size to a domestic cat, though they don’t act quite the same. While they are bred in captivity, these cats are rare. They have a relatively small gene pool in captivity, making breeding a bit more complicated than it is with other cats.
Their smaller size makes them timid and more docile than other exotic felines. They take a while to train and require extensive socialization if they are to live in a household. Many are prone to stress-related problems due to their difficulty adapting to life as pets, even if they were raised in captivity. They are not that social, though they will bond with people if given the time and effort. They need a relatively quiet area to thrive, so we don’t recommend them for larger families.
If they feel cornered, these cats can become aggressive. While they are relatively small, they can cause quite a bit of damage. You still need to treat it like a wild cat, even if they aren’t much bigger than a domestic one.
9. Siberian Lynx
The Siberian Lynx is an entirely different species from the Canadian Lynx, though they are similar. Both species are Lynxes, so they act similarly when kept as domestic pets. They are rarer and more difficult to find in the U.S., however. This is likely because anyone interested in a cat of this sort typically purchases a Canadian Lynx since they are less expensive and easier to find.
Males are usually larger than females and can weigh up to 80 pounds. A cat that size can quickly kill an adult human if it wanted to, so extra care must be taken when owning one of these animals as a pet. Females are much smaller and can weigh as little as 40 pounds, though that is still large as far as cats are concerned.
These Lynxes are playful and hyperactive. They need a great deal of exercise and room to roam. Otherwise, they may become bored and get into trouble. Owners often recommend having an outdoor area for them to run around in, even if you plan to have them spend much of their time inside. They like walking on a leash and are known for having a dog-like temperament.
10. Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat is the best of both worlds. They are a mix between a domestic cat and a Serval. Often, they are sold by generation. F1 Savannah cats have the most Serval blood, and they are larger and act more like wild cats. As you move down the line, the cats get smaller and tamer. This allows you to choose the exact mix of wild and domestic.
Cats with savannah coloring are often more expensive than those that inherit a domestic pattern. If you’re willing to give up the wild-looking pattern, you can save quite a bit on these cats. There are many breeders in the US, but demand is relatively high. You often have to wait a while before one of these cats is available.
11. Chausie
The Chausie is a hybrid cat that is a mix between a Jungle Cat and a domestic cat. They were first bred and recognized in 1995, so they have been around longer than other exotic cats sold as pets. Most of the Chausie cats sold are the fourth generation, so they are pretty tame. These cats are also fully fertile, which isn’t true for cats higher up on the family tree.
In general, Chausies are intelligent and outgoing. However, this depends on the domestic cat used in the breeding. Chausies can be hyperactive and seem to be all over the place as kittens. Adults tend to calm down a bit and are quieter, though they are still more playful than your average cat.
Unlike many cats on this list, the Chausie does not like being alone. They require regular human contact to remain happy. They can get along with other cats and even dogs if raised beside them. They usually cannot be successfully rehomed as adults, so be sure you can commit to caring for a wild kitten.
12. Bengal Cat
This hybrid is created by breeding a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat. The domestic cat breed is typically an Egyptian Mau, as they are spotted and resemble an Asian Leopard cat. They have a wild appearance and a gleaming coat. Many people choose these cats due to their appearance, but ensuring that you have space and the ability to care for them is crucial.
They are incredibly energetic cats, which means that they need plenty of play and exercise. If their needs aren’t met, they can become irritable and destructive. They require more work than your average cat due to their high mental and physical stimulation needs.
Bengals are regulated in a few states and outright banned in some cities. Cats in the F5 generation and further are considered entirely legal and can be kept in most places.
Summary
Exotic cats require far more work and planning than your average domestic cat. Even hybrids require a lot of time from their owners, though this often doesn’t mean they’re more affectionate or loving. Many are not as adaptable to human homes, which means they are not an excellent fit for everyone. This means you need to be completely aware of what you’re getting into before purchasing. Exotic cats are often only suitable for particular people.
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Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
