In the modern world, there is a fashion for keeping wild animals as pets. Sometimes these are very exotic and expensive species. And often dangerous ones. Today we will tell you about one of these animals — jaguarundi: who they are, what they eat, and whether it is possible to keep them at home.
Description and photos
Jaguarundi is a predator of the feline family, belongs to the genus of Cougars, found in the wild in Central and South America. Although outwardly it does not look like a jaguar cat, rather it resembles a weasel or a marten.
He has a long flexible body, about 50-70 cm long, short legs — the height at the withers does not exceed 30 cm, a thin tail, comparable in length to the body (35-60 cm). Such a body helps the animal to survive in the jungle and make its way through dense thickets.
The weight does not exceed 8-9 kg. The head is small, with a short cat’s muzzle. Short, stiff wool can be either brown with dark inclusions, or pure red. Small kittens have a speckled color, which eventually disappears and becomes monotonous.
Wild domestic cats also include manula, Turkish angora, reed cat, serval cat, Abyssinian cat.
Character and lifestyle
This cat is a loner by nature, secretive. Jaguarundi is looking for a society of its own kind only for reproduction.
The personal territory of the male occupies up to 100 sq. km, the territory of the female is less, up to 20 sq. km. The territory of the male may intersect with the territory of several females.
Jaguarundi differ from other cats also in that they are active in the daytime. They climb trees well, they are not afraid of water. But they prefer to live on the ground. They are ruthless towards their prey, they can chase the victim for a very long time. They can attack any animal that they surpass in strength.
Do you know? Jaguarundi is probably the only cat who can eat plant foods — bananas, grapes, and other fruits.
Selection and price of kittens
Jaguarundi considers one of the most expensive cats — the price of a kitten can exceed 25 thousand. They are among the most expensive specimens of cats in the world.
Do you know? In many countries, especially in Latin America, the trade in jaguarundi kittens is prohibited.
There are usually up to 4 kittens in one litter. They become independent 30 days after birth, and on the 40-43 th day they already go hunting. When choosing a kitten, choose a lively, mobile animal with a shiny coat. A kitten should be taken only from pets that have lived next to a person for quite a long time.
The kitten is weaned from the mother after 10 days. At such an infant age, the cub requires increased attention, because it needs to be fed 6 times a day, giving him a drink from a bottle.
Where to keep a wild cat
This type of cat is very secretive and prefers to live in dense thickets. At home, it is necessary to create a corner for the animal, where he can hide from the outside world. It is mandatory to have branches and logs for the point of claws and climbing on them.
It is best to keep a pet in an open aviary, spacious and equipped with various shelters. This cat is not intended for keeping in the apartment at all.
Food jaguarundi
The basis of the food of the jaguarundi is meat, after all, any cat is a predator. They do not disdain insects, lizards.
Be sure to include fruits in your pet’s diet. Figs are one of their favorite fruits.
How to take care of Jaguarundi
Proper care will determine whether your pet will grow up to be a wild animal or an affectionate and pet.
The first experience begins with feeding. Try to do it as a ritual of communication. Hand feeding will give the animal a sense of security and unity with you.
By feeding a kitten from infancy, you will get a restless but obedient cat who understands that he receives food and care for his loyal behavior.
At an older age, meat and fruits are added to the kitten’s diet.
Caring for an adult is not so tedious. It is enough just to feed your pet meat regularly.
Be sure to take care of removing the claws of the jaguarundi. Like any wild animal, it has quite dangerous claws.
Jaguarundi almost does not cause any trouble during molting.
Important! Don’t let these cats play with small children. Mistaking a child for a toy or a hunting object, an animal can cause serious injury to him.
The main task of a person is to take care of properly taming an animal. Nature will take care of everything else.
Features of reproduction of Jaguarundi
The offspring of the jaguarundi appears 2 times a year.
The female needs to arrange a secluded and protected place for gestation and childbirth. In nature, they hide in the hollows of trees, thickets of bushes.
Gestation of offspring lasts 75 days.
Kittens are born blind. There are 3-4 kittens in one brood. For the first 15-20 days, the kittens’ diet consists only of mother’s milk. From the age of 3 weeks, the mother begins to carry meat to them. A month after birth, kittens already become independent. But they live with their mother for up to 2 years, and only after that they leave her for an independent life.
Jaguarundi at home: is it worth having a kitten?
Jaguarundi, without a doubt, is a very remarkable and cute animal. But is it worth having such a pet?
In addition to the price for a kitten (and it is sometimes extremely high), it is worth remembering that, like any cat, a jaguar needs to be examined by a veterinarian. And a doctor may refuse to work with an exotic predator.
Remember that a predator remains a predator always, even in captivity. And not only other pets and birds can suffer from its claws, but also family members, especially children.
This animal prefers solitude and large territories. For its maintenance, a large estate is needed, with places where the animal can hide from others. The exotic cat was one of the first domesticated animals to protect stocks from rodents. But he still remains a wild predator-hunter.
Important! Make sure that keeping such an animal is not prohibited by the laws of your country.
Think carefully and weigh whether it is worth having such a pet. And treat the care and upbringing of this cat very carefully, so as not to suffer from his wild instincts.