Walking On The Wild Side

Despite 4,500 years of domestication, there's a little "wild" left in every cat. But some owners want to walk closer to the wild side. So they seek out one of the new domestic cat hybrids whose separation from the jungle or savannah may be only four generations, not 4,000.

By Patricia Miller, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: October 9, 2008 - 3:45 PM

Creating tiny tigers

Sought after for their striking markings, these "lap leopards" or "toy tigers" capture the beauty of their wild forebears in the familiar size and shape of a housecat. They also can capture wild traits such as high energy, a love of water, beyond-Siamese vocalization, aggression toward other animals in the household and territorial urination.

While nearly 20 domestic hybrids exist, currently just a handful are recognized as breeds by The International Cat Association, including Bengals (domestic + Asian leopard cat), Chausies (domestic + jungle cat), Savannahs (domestic cat or Bengal + serval) and Toygers (domestic cat + Bengal.) Few domestic hybrids are legal in Minnesota.

Wild behavior

"People are intrigued by these cats because they have a wild look, but a domestic personality," says Tammy Quist, director of Wildcat Sanctuary, Inc., in Sandstone, Minn. "But buyers need to beware and thoroughly research the species behind these breeds so they'll know what to expect, and accept and tolerate their hybrid's behavior for what it is."

For instance, just as a Siberian husky loves to run, Bengals are entranced by water and may not only drink out of the toilet, but also play in it - or hop into the shower with you. "Hopefully, buyers are looking for a lasting and compatible relationship with their domestic hybrid, not just choosing it for looks."

Creating surplus misfits

But that isn't always the case. Currently Quist has nearly 30 Bengals, Savannahs and Chausies in her care at Wildcat Sanctuary, along with more than five F1 Bengals (one generation removed from the original domestic + Asian leopard cat cross.) Which points to another problem - throwaway generations created during the development of a hybrid breed.

Quist says the number-one reason domestic hybrids are surrendered or euthanized is for house soiling. "We have four Bengals living in our office trailer. They've urinated in it so much they've shorted out the electrical system." She adds that unlike many domestic cats, hybrids are very pointed in their territorial urination, often soiling bedclothes, countertops and furniture.

Housecat times 100

In her experience with Bengals, Quist says, "They're housecats times 100. They may scream for you to pick them up. They can bully other animals and the household has to revolve around them. They're like a two-year-old in a cat's body."

Quist fields numerous calls from domestic-hybrid owners looking for advice on training their cats or modifying their behavior. Many owners bend over backwards to accommodate their pets, but others eventually throw up their hands and try to surrender them to humane societies or sanctuaries.

Hybrid rescue

"Unfortunately, they soon find that not every organization will take them," she says. So owners look to find new homes for them through rescue groups specific to their breed. Hundreds can be found for adoption on Petfinder.com. "On Petfinder, you can learn what the cat's issues are. It takes a real commitment to the species or breed to adopt them," Quist says.

Aside from the four Bengals in her office, Quist's goal is to house all of the domestic hybrids in "bungalows" at her sanctuary - 12-foot x 12-foot, home-like, heated rooms complete with counters, cozy sleeping spots, windows, perches, radios and a doggy door so the cats can explore their fenced yard with its trees and kiddy pool.

"Some of our hybrids don't like to be around people, while others are just like any housecat," Quist says. "These animals are caught between two worlds."

Patricia Miller is Top Cat at Laughing Cat Communications, a communications planning, writing and editing company based in Minneapolis. Contact her at patty@laughingcatonline.com.

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