Jungle
Cat
These cats remind me of my 'pursed-lip' fourth grade teacher.
|
The jungle cat, (felis chaus), is a medium-bodied cat with very long
legs. Females can weight about 10-15 lb. at maturing, while males can be
up to 38 lb. The body can be from light tan through golden brown and up
to a very light red. The body has no distinct spotting or striping but the
tail has several dark rings. The legs also have stripes and the forehead
has dark stripes. The backs of the ears are black and often ending with
slight tufting. Their fur is thick and short with lighter hair on the underside
of the jaw, throat and down through the undersides. The mouth is edged with
black skin, there is white edging under each eye and the male often has
rounded cheek jowls. The tail is lightly tipped with black.
Jungle cats are found forested areas and open country where they stalk and
ambush their prey of birds, rodents, frogs, snakes and other reptiles. They
will also eat insects.
Jungle cats are highly intelligent cats that can be house-trained. They
are sexually mature at 18 months. Litters can be up to 5. Gestation is 66
days.
In Captivity
Jungle cats are not difficult to keep in captivity especially if they are
born in captivity. As pets, an owner needs a deep understanding of their
nature and why they do the things they do. They are highly trainable and
like to catch toys they like. They are highly motivated by positive reinforcement.
They have a very strong prey drive and are wonderful at keeping a house
free of mice and insects.
They need an owner who keeps track of their whereabouts at all times. Cats
find many household pesticides and chemicals, extremely toxic, sometimes
to the point of death. Dog products cannot be used on them for fleas, etc.
You must animal proof your home before you add an exotic or even domestic
cat to it.
All exotic cats should be trained to a leash and collar or harness when
it is young so it will be able to take walks outside. You may never let
an exotic cat run free outside, even in your own back yard.
We recommend declawing for all exotic cats kept in captivity as education
animals or pet/companions. A cat that is not declawed will tear your house
to ribbons and scratch you also even in play. We declaw ours at 5 to 6 weeks
when it is less stressful to the cat and healing is rapid. Also, the animal
does not have strong self-cleaning instincts developed as yet and will not
'worry' the surgery sites.
These animals must be neutered to curb behaviors related to sexual hormone
stimuli.
These cats need lots of play time due to their highly predatory nature.
Games can be played with them that will help curb these natural predatory
behaviors. They must have an outlet for their energy.
They must be socialized as kittens or they will remain hidden when strangers
are present. They may stalk or watch young children. Caution must be exercised
at all times with these cats and they must never be taken for granted.
We give full detailed diet and care instructions with all kittens we produce.
Additional Photo:
One of our ladies resting.
R-Zu-2-U Home
R-Zu-2-U FAQs
R-Zu-2-U Animal "Terms"
Treasure Ranch Home