The Big Cat Breeds Needs Rescue Shelters
Thousands of cats find homes in cat rescue operations. These cats aren't always the small pets people usually have in their homes. Sometimes, the cats in question are big cats, such as mountain lions or tigers. Purchased through the black market and bought because they are unique creatures, big cat breeds start small and cuddly, but soon grow to large proportions that most owners aren't prepared to deal with.
Big cats rescue steps in when the owners find they can't handle their exotic pets any longer. Either the owner abandons the big cats, thinking that because the cat was "wild" to begin with, it can easily fend for itself, or they start to neglect the animal.
Worse, the animal attacks someone. The authorities rush in and do their best to remedy the situation, sometimes having to put the animal down on the spot. If the big cats are lucky, the authorities see fit to send the cat rescue center.
A zoo is not an option. Many times, this is where the trade started. Unscrupulous zoos breed big cats in captivity to increase attendance at the zoo because the public enjoys seeing new babies. When the felines are grown, the public loses interest, and the zoo can't support the larger cat.
The animal is sold off to private brokers who then turn around and sell the animals to the public. Anyone might end up with the feline. Even worse, that owner might try to breed the cat to have another cub or to sell cubs to his friends. When this happens, the cycle begins all over again.
Supply and demand are the two biggest contributing factors to big cat breeds ending up in a cat rescue. The breeders will keep breeding the cats, and the public will continue to buy them. People have a fascination with getting close to an exotic feline. What the public fails to realize is that there is a massive responsibility that goes along with caring for big cats.
The cats were never meant to be pets to begin with. You can't keep them indoors, and keeping a big cat outdoors isn't much better. These cat breeds play rough. They are hunters, and thousands of years of instinct tells them they are the top of the food chain.
That baby tiger will not "bond" with your toddler. This is not a Walt Disney movie. You can bet that when the tiger reaches maturity, your child, your domestic house pet, and you may be labeled as lunch.
Big cats have been kept in cages that are far too small for them. The minimum size required by law of an animal's cage is one that is large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around in.
We all cry out in anger when we hear of Vietnam Veterans who had been tortured in "tiger cages". Why should we subject large felines to the same type of torture?
A big cat rescue shelter can offer a better quality of life for the abandoned animal. Many big cats that do reach the rescue stage are suffering from malnutrition.
Others who might have been in show business are nervous wrecks from over-stimulation or are nearly blind from a life of flashing light bulbs and the bright lights of photo shoots. The people who run the shelters have the means and experience to raise the animal properly and meet the cat's nutritional requirements.
Only eight states have passed bans on owning big cat breeds as pets since 2005. The number of deaths related to owning a big cat continues to grow, as all that's required for an individual to own a big cat for a commercial venture in the United States is very low and a permit from the USDA.
Breaking the cycle for responsible preservation of big cats for future generations is an important factor in their survival.
Related Tags: cats, cat breeds, big cat breeds
Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our cats portal for more great tips on the big cat breeds, and leave a comment at our cats blog.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea