Is it possible to raise and housetrain a bobcat well?

Question

I've spoke with someone who has said that they have 2 housetrained bobcats that use the litter box, but they are also a breeder, so I'm wondering what they aren't telling me.

Has anyone here that could answer successfully housetrained a bobcat? I'm considering purchasing a male. I would never consider a larger cat than this.

Is it also possible that a bobcat can be raised on cat food instead of meat? I assume cat food consists of a healthy blend of minerals and vitamens etc, but don't know if they are able to accept this form of diet.

Thanks.

Catlady: While I respect your opinion, I don't feel the life I would provide for the animal would have negative effect on the overall well-being of the cat versus in nature. A lot of owners purchase such an animal with no appropriate home to suit such a breed, end up moving, etc...then the cats become mistreated.

I have a ranch home on 90 acres that isn't moving anywhere. The cat would have a home for its entire life.

Some of these cats are sold to be killed for their skin at low prices when they do not otherwise sell. It's all too common and it greatly upsets me that the law still allows it of such an animal.

Would you rather the cat I purchase end up in the hands of a fur farm? I'm sorry, but this is just the way I look at the situation.

Answer 1

Don't waste your money or your time. A bobcat is a wild animal no matter how you look at it. There will come a time you will have to take it to the zoo because you will have no other place to turn. A bobcat is not something you just stick in a cage outside, that is cruel and what is the sense?.

Tell your breeder friend to go get a life and a real job, and to stop trying to make a buck off wildlife.

You many very easily end up being your cats lunch and your family members to.


additional comment:

Your probably only one of a few that would give a bobcat a good home. But I have to say I have seen too much in my lifetime and I know what goes on behind the scene with breeders. I have worked with the USDA on cat cases regarding large cats and it's sickening to say the least.

No I don't want to see any animal being sold for it's fur, I would prefer the breeder to stop breeding or be shut down with force. You see anyone that is breeding animals regardless of what their breeding, is using the animal as a commodity, and that is nothing short of a cash cow. I find that disgusting and shameful.

I can't tell you what to do, you are an intelligent man and I know you will do the right thing. If you follow your heart you'll find the right answer.

Good luck

Answer 2

I have a bobcat. I found her when she was about 2 weeks old. She was fed KMR kitten milk replacer for a couple of months after I found her and slowly began eating regualar (high quality real meat canned cat food). She does use the potty box. She is so much fun to have in the house. She never goes outside, and we have a domestic cat that was a kitten when we brought our bobcat kitten into our lives. They have grown up together, and this is quite possibly why ours is doing so well....she has a domestic mentor. She is declawed, spayed, and she has her canines filed down (our vet did this of course). she has a really big personality and is very athletic. If you are determined enough and have the time to spend with the bobcat, yes, you can make a bobcat a family pet. You need to spend lots of time with the kitten and bond with him/her. They will begin to think of you as their mother. It is amazing!

Answer 3

Are you sure they were't talking about PixiBobs? That's a bobcat/housecat cross.

Wild animals aren't good house pets, and you have to make so many allowances around them because of this. State law also usually forbids the taming of wildlife for pets unless you have a special license or are a wildlife rehabber who uses the animals not able to be returned to the wild as training animals for the general public.

Cat food won't be good enough for bobcats. You'd need to feed the carnivore diet that zoos use for wild felines. It comes in wet and dry, I think it's online but it's certainly not cheap.

Answer 4

Hi! I know someone who has trained a bobcat. It is friendly to its owners but not to strangers.
You should get a cat that is half cat/ half bob cat, they really do sell them! then you could feed them normal cat food. Also they are super friendly and act just like a normal cat! sorry I don't know what they are called..but their super neat! :)