Pet Ocelot Care, Traits and Legality

Although pet ocelots are becoming more popular, they are still a rare sight and their legality as pets varies by location, so it is crucial to research local laws before seeking one out; furthermore, due to their distinct care requirements such as high prey drives, nocturnal activity patterns, and potential for destructive and unwanted behaviors, ocelots may not be suitable for many households.

Can You Have a Pet Ocelot?

Ocelots are a type of small wild feline that inhabit various habitats throughout central and South America. Despite being classified as “least concern,” their population is dwindling due to illegal hunting and trade, with their fur being a particularly sought-after commodity. As they are diminutive in size, there has been an increase in the desire to keep them as pets.

Legality of owning a pet ocelot is subject to regional laws and regulations. While some countries prohibit keeping ocelots as pets, others may permit it provided the owner has obtained necessary licenses and possesses the capability to provide adequate care for the animal.

While owning an ocelot may be legal in certain areas, due to their intricate care requirements, they are generally not deemed appropriate as a pet for most individuals, and are more frequently observed being kept in confinement by expert care organisations.

Before attempting to adopt and take care of an Ocelot, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the local laws and regulations in your area. In case it is legal, ensure that you complete all the required documentation and gain extensive knowledge about the Ocelot’s traits and care requirements before making a commitment. It’s important to note that finding a new home for an Ocelot can be challenging if you find yourself unable to handle its needs.

What Do Ocelots Look Like?

Many individuals are interested in owning an ocelot as a pet due to its striking appearance, which unfortunately also makes it a target for hunting.

Ocelots are a type of small wild cat that typically reach a height of 16 to 20 inches and weigh between 17 and 35 lbs when fully grown. They possess a large head, rounded ears, big eyes, and a sizeable pink nose. Additionally, they have short legs with large paws and a long slender tail. However, their most distinctive characteristic is their soft fur coat which features spotted or blotchy markings covering the majority of their body, although in some areas these markings may appear more streaky.

Ocelots have distinctive markings on their body, with white fur on their stomach and a range of colors from light yellow to reddish brown elsewhere. They also feature a black stripe on each cheek and a white spot on the back of each ear.

Typical Ocelot Temperament

Pet ocelots may not be suitable for most family homes due to their wild temperament, independence, and territorial behavior. Unlike domesticated breeds, they are not as affectionate or cuddly, but with proper acclimatization from infancy, they can learn to be more affectionate. However, any petting should be done on their terms. It’s important to note that ocelots are not recommended for households with small children who cannot interpret their body language and signals.

Ocelots are not ideal for households with other small pets due to their innate hunting instincts. Providing them with enough mental stimulation can be challenging in a conventional home environment, and they require daily outdoor time to thrive. Inadequate exercise and mental stimulation may lead to increased undesirable behaviors as they attempt to cope with stress and boredom.

Pet ocelots exhibit typical feline actions, but generally, they retain their innate ‘untamed’ nature.

Pet Ocelot Care

Traits that set ocelots apart from domestic cats include their temperament and care requirements. Ocelots have large home ranges in the wild, which means they require a lot of space in captivity. Since most homes cannot provide enough space, ocelots need to be taken out every day. However, this should only be done in a securely enclosed area or with the ocelot on a leash to prevent them from getting lost.

Ocelots have the ability to climb and dig beneath fences, making it effortless for them to escape from a regular yard. It is recommended that they are provided with a spacious enclosure that allows them to engage in their natural behaviors such as running, jumping, climbing, and pacing. If left unenclosed, an ocelot may run away without hesitation if their hunting instincts are triggered.

If you have a pet ocelot, it is likely to be very attached to you when young and can be quite vocal. These cats, like other wild cats, require a diet that consists mainly of meat. In their natural habitat, ocelots consume small mammals, lizards, reptiles and other animals. Studies show that their active hours are influenced by the activity patterns of their prey, with many being most active during the night and at dawn or dusk.

Does an Ocelot Make a Good Pet?

It is not advisable to keep an Ocelot as a pet in a regular household since they require ample space and stimulation to maintain their well-being. This type of pet is not suitable for inexperienced owners, as improper care can lead to health issues such as obesity or illness. Additionally, due to their wild nature, certain veterinarians may lack the necessary knowledge to address any complications that may arise.

Ocelots are cats with powerful jaws and a tendency to put things in their mouths, which increases the risk of injury and ingestion of harmful objects. This includes whole items that can cause choking or small pieces of toys that they may chew off, leading to potential internal blockages that may require surgical intervention.

Ocelots tend to have a stronger odor than domestic cats. Although some individuals have managed to litter train them, it requires significant effort. Ocelots will use spraying to mark their territory, which means that if kept indoors, they will spray furniture and walls around the house. This can result in staining and persistent odors that are difficult to remove.

Despite its adorable looks, the ocelot requires intricate care that many fail to acknowledge before desiring it as a pet. However, even in areas where it is lawful to own one, this feline may not be suitable for most households.

Where Can I Find a Pet Ocelot Kitten?

It may be a challenging task to find a breeder or seller of pet ocelots due to their rarity. It is crucial to conduct thorough research on the legality of owning an ocelot as a pet in your locality before commencing your search. Obtaining this pet may require filling out paperwork and applying for different licenses, while in some regions, it may not be allowed at all.

It is important to acknowledge the issues associated with the exotic pet industry, as there is a high demand for pet ocelots. However, this trade has been proven to endanger species diversity and welfare. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on your sources before acquiring an ocelot.

Ocelots are expensive animals to keep as pets, with initial costs for a kitten running into tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, ongoing expenses such as veterinary bills and specialized care can be much higher than those for domestic cats. Providing them with a healthy diet based on meat is also necessary, and the cost of setting up and maintaining their enclosure can be surprisingly high.

It is crucial to ensure that you have the financial capability to commit to a pet ocelot before adopting one, given their difficulty in finding new homes.

Other Cat Breeds to Consider

While an Ocelot may not be a suitable pet for most households due to its wild nature, there are several domestic cat breeds that have a similar exotic appearance and are better suited for modern homes.

Bengal
Savannah Cat
Abyssinian
Bombay
Egyptian Mau
Maine Coon

Do You Have a Pet Ocelot?

While the pet ocelot may not be suitable for many households, there are other feline species with a wild appearance that could be a better fit. Ocelots are charming, attractive, and well-liked cats. If owning one as a pet is not feasible, there are numerous reliable facilities where ocelots are raised and looked after in captivity, providing an opportunity to observe these exotic creatures up close.

If you happen to possess this pet ocelot, kindly share your encounters in the comment section!