Owning an ocelot is legal in some U.S. states. However, four states (Wisconsin, North Carolina, Nevada, and Alabama) don’t have laws pertaining to keeping wild animals as pets. Most medium-sized cats, such as servals and caracals, cost between $1700.00 and $2800.00. Ocelots can run up to $15,000.00. The rarer the cat, the higher the price.
In England, owning dangerous wild animals is permitted, but the owner must obtain a license. All cats are subject to the ownership restrictions. Ocelots used to range from South Texas up into Arkansas and Louisiana but today there are an estimated 50 ocelots in the United States, including a breeding population found on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Keeping an ocelot is regulated by varying laws in the United States. While several states don’t require permits to own this big cat, other areas, including New England and Alaska, specifically prohibit keeping ocelots as pets.
Breeding ocelots is regulated by different laws in the United States. While several states do not require a license to own the big cat, others, including New England and Alaska, specifically ban ocelots as pets.
Regarding the possession of ocelots in the United States, every State/ County/ City has its own laws. For example, keeping Ocelots as pets is strictly banned in Alaska and Hawaii. Whereas New York, California, and Georgia residents can have these spotted cats as pets. To keep Ocelots as pets in the U.S., one has to go through a legal procedure. While some states only demand some money, others ask for your experience and knowledge of owning an exotic pet.
The Ocelot population in Texas is very small, probably no more than 80 to 120 individuals. Approximately 30 to 35 live in the chaparral remaining at or near the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The ancestors of the Ocelot lineage originated 8.0 MYA, initially evolved into two species in North America.
Do ocelots make good pets?
The answer is no. Ocelots behave very differently to house cats and are very hard to care for.
Ocelots are wild animals. It’s wrong to keep them in captivity. However, I understand people want to own a pet ocelot. They are cute and their fur pattern makes them look like a miniature jaguar. A Bengal cat that looks like their wild relatives would be a better choice.
Ocelots have not been domesticated. Keeping exotic creatures as pets has risks: they hunt all the time, have strong odors, and can be dangerous as they have sharp claws and teeth.
Ocelots require a lot of care and space to maintain their health. They must be provided with plenty of space for exercise and lots of hiding places. Most states, it is illegal to own an ocelot as a pet. Even if legal, ocelots can be quite dangerous.
Given their tiger-like appearance it’s obvious why individuals crave domesticating ocelots. But ocelots do not really make good pets.
Are ocelots almost extinct?
Hunted for fur, the Ocelot nearly became extinct. Since protected, numbers have risen. Now threatened by habitat loss, they leave forests to survive. With small populations, they can quickly become extinct.
Ocelot is endangered due to habitat clearing and poaching. Best habitat has dense, thorny bushes. In Trinidad, they are endangered by habitat destruction and poaching. Their US population is declining.
They were hunted for fur, nearly driving them extinct. Now protected, numbers have recovered somewhat. Species become endangered mainly by habitat loss and genetic variation loss.
Once ranging across southern US, now around 50 left. They are endangered as habitat cleared.
Markings are in wide variety of patterns. Each pattern is unique with spots on orange, tan and white fur. Though, they are distantly related to true leopards or tigers. The heaviest weighed 44 pounds. A coat needs ~30 ocelots’ fur.
They almost went extinct due to humans.[1] There are more than 1 million now.[2] This covers size, appearance, habits, habitat and diet.
They can’t roar. They are fast. Hard to find as they are shy and reclusive.
The largest American feline after jaguar and puma. Considered medium-sized from 70 to 90 cm long and 11 kg weight usually.
Nearly extinct in 1980s, now a species of “least concern.” Means population is strong enough not to go extinct soon.
Known as Painted Leopard for markings. Nearly extinct from hunting for fur. Now protected so recovered somewhat. Strong, agile. Good climbers, runners and swimmers.
Nearly extinct in 1980s from fur trade. Protection allowed bounce back. Still collected sometimes illegally as pets. Habitat clearing causes endangerment. About 30-35 left in Texas.
Are ocelots aggressive?
Ocelots are not aggressive animals. In fact, they are shy and solitary creatures. They are wary of humans and keep their distance. However, if they feel threatened or cornered, they may defend themselves.
Ocelots are powerful and potentially dangerous animals. They will aggressively fight for territory and heavily mark it with urine. The only time they tolerate each other is during mating season.
An ocelot can be an affectionate pet if raised carefully. They are playful and very active. Many will play with toys as long as you continue playing with them.
Ocelots typically avoid confrontation with humans as they are more afraid of us than we are of them. Although not the biggest wildcats, they are strong enough to be treated cautiously. With a strong bite and fast pounce, they are persistent attackers.
Ocelots are small American wild cats, about twice the size of housecats. Their fur has unique markings in various patterns, with dark spots on an orange, tan and white coat. Each ocelot’s pattern is distinctive.
Ocelots are shy, solitary animals most active at night. Their fur camouflages them in the forest’s dappled light. Weighing 10-20 pounds with long tails for balance, they are good climbers and swimmers.
While exotic cats range greatly in price, an ocelot cub can cost $900-7500. Ocelots are twice as large as Asian leopard cats but inhabit different areas. Both are wild cats that can be pets if properly cared for.
Overall, ocelots are not aggressive unless provoked. They are territorial and will defend fiercely against threats. While solitary usually, they communicate with vocalizations.