Does anybody know about hybrid ‘exotic’ cats? Are they more domestic cat in behaviour? Temperament changes?

I’ve seen a few here and there, and I am quite interested, but I don’t want to get anything without really knowing about it sufficiently. I basically want a cat that is a bit different in appearance and maybe a bit more ‘interactive’ than your average house cat. It doesn’t neccesarily have to be ‘exotic’. I have seen some other breeds that appeared to be what I’m looking for like the ‘Devon Rex’ and ‘Singapura’. Any personal experiences with exotic cats or ‘different’ breeds. Does anyone personally breed or own exotic cats and can enlighten me on their general disposition. thanks

Hi Bernard Jean-Pierre…hybrid cats such as the Bengal or Savannah “CAN” be great house pets, however there are some important things to note about their temperament and personalities. They prefer the company of other cats and most do get along with cats IF/WHEN the introductions are done correctly as this applies to ANY cats who meet for the first time. However, there are some who are the exception to this rule. They are bred with the intention of having the looks of a wild cat and temperament of a domestic cat, but it isn’t always the case. But it is as individual as the cat themselves even from within the same litter.

Hybrid cats are a very hyperactive breeds of cats well as extremely vocal and loud cats much more than Siamese cats. They are very demanding for attention and interested in everything their owners are doing. They certainly enjoy affection however only on their own terms as they rarely like being held or are lap cats. However, some are an exception to this rule. Ideally, they may not be a good fit for young children, because children want to cuddle and hybrid cats are far from being such a cat who likes to be restrained. If they are left alone for long periods of time it’s best to have the company of another cat or dog, which is preferable or they can be quite mischevious as well as destructive as a result of loneliness and/or from boredom.

Please consider speaking with hybrid cat breeders before purchasing one because these cats are very demanding in general. Some important information about hybrid cats: They should never be declawed as it leads to overcompensation with vicious biting since they have larger canine teeth than a typical domestic cat as well inappropriately soiling (urinating/defecating) around the home. Something we have witnessed too frequently with the rescues we take in.

Hybrid cats should never be allowed to roam freely outdoors as they are apt to be stolen and later sold sometimes for profit. However, they will take to leash training easily and it is the safest way to give them some of the outdoor enjoyment. In some regions the hybrid cat is outlawed as a pet so be sure to check with your local humane society in your region to learn if they are legal. Georgia, Hawaii and a few other states have banned hybrid cat ownership.

Many hybrid cats require a healthier diet of closer to raw as many suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)–loose stools syndrome. There are premium brands such as Innova EVO or Nature’s Variety Prairie (see other diets listed below) that help easy the problem with IBS. Any of the cat foods that contains the ingredient corn, corn meal (e.g. Iams, Science Diet, Purina, Whiskas, etc) causes severe bowel distresses so it’s best to choose cat food products that steer clear of these ingredients.

To learn more about Bengals or Savannahs consider joining the Bengal/Savannah Chat forum: http://www.chat24.oli.us/hdw/

As a rescuer we always let new hybrid cat families know if in event there’s a time in the future you are unable to keep your hybrid cat perhaps to allergies, medical illness in the family or moving overseas, etc all responsible hybrid cat breeders WILL take their cats back (no questions asked) as it is their ethical agreement with TICA in the sale of the kittens. There are also hybrid cat rescuers located all over the world and we are also willing to help with rehoming if necessary. We try to keep hybrid cats from ending up in the shelters as many euthanize them quickly believing they are a wild cat and not safe as a pet, when in fact they are domesticated since they are four or more generations removed from their wild relatives.

Devon Rex is a wonderful breed and unlike the hybrid cats more calm yet curious about their family members. Singapura’s are very curious but like to explore a bit more and have a lot of energy as well, but not as much as the hybrid cats. These two breeds have sweet natured dispositions as well.

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