The caracal or steppe lynx is an African and Central Asian cat that is related to the lynx and serval. The caracal has an excellent reaction and very sharp claws, which allows it to hunt both rodents and birds without too much difficulty. That’s why in ancient times it was used for hunting various game. Now this breed of cat is considered rare, expensive and status. In general, the caracal is very easy to tame, but this process has its own peculiarities.
Information about the caracal
We have collected all the commonly known facts about this breed of cats and will try to understand why the caracal cat is a pet that is not suitable for all owners.
Caracal is considered one of the most beautiful and rare breeds in the whole world. In ancient times in middle Asia and Africa, hunters chose this wild cat as a partner when going hunting. Under such circumstances, richer people could afford to use cheetahs, but poorer hunters were attracted to a more economical option – caracals. This is why they were called “cheetahs for the poor” in Asia, Persia and India. Caracal cats also received this name for their extreme speed, although they cannot run for long.
If you translate the name of this breed from Turkish, karakulak means “black ears”, which indicates a characteristic external feature of this animal. After all, the back surface of the ears and the tassels on them are black in color. There is also a black stripe on the inside of the cat’s ear.
As before, caracals mostly live in the natural environment, namely in the deserts of Africa, on the Arabian Peninsula, in Asia Minor and Central Asia. As for domestic individuals, there are not so many. That is why the domestic caracal is one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. Domestication of caracals began in the III-IV centuries BC and this is evidenced by archaeological finds in the form of artifacts with the image of caracals on a leash. As domestic cats caracals are recognized only in the 20th century, when they were imported into Europe. And only recently this breed of cat has been officially confirmed by all felinological clubs and has certain standards.
It is believed that the caracal cat is one of the few wild cats that are easiest to accustom to a new home. Despite her formidable appearance, she can be affectionate and obedient. The main condition for this is to take the animal into the family at the age of 4-6 months, when the character and habits are not yet finally formed. We advise you to buy kittens of this breed only in catteries where their parents are already domesticated, then the taming of cubs will be much easier.
Appearance of the caracal
Caracal is a cat that is not suitable for small-sized apartments. After all, this is a large animal, the height of which reaches 50 cm, the length of the body – 80 cm, and the tail adds another 30 cm.
The weight of an adult cat is from 11 to 18 kg, the cat – from 15 to 22 kg. The life expectancy of this cat breed is an average of 12 to 17 years.
The body of the caracal is muscular, has correct proportions and a short coarse fleece. Its paws are strong and long, the muzzle is slightly elongated, the eyes are large and talking. This animal is an excellent swimmer, climbs trees and jumps far, the length of its jump can reach 4 meters.
The voice of the caracal is special, because unlike ordinary cats, it almost does not meow, but hisses, growls and grunts.
What you should pay attention to when buying a caracal
The cost of a caracal kitten from a breeding cattery starts at $5,000. The final price of a caracal depends on the age, sex, pedigree, as well as the availability of vaccinations, accompanying documents and other additional conditions. Considering such a cost, it is better to buy a caracal only from a reliable kennel that has a special license, extensive experience and good customer reviews.
When buying such an animal, pay attention to the following factors:
- His coat should be thick, without bald spots, shiny and without strange spots.
- The skin should be smooth, without flaking or rashes. Eyes, nose and ears should be clean, without unpleasant odor.
- Kitten requires a lot of attention from the owner, especially at first, when it will be necessary to teach him the main rules of behavior: do not chew on wires and shoes, do not eat from the dishes of the owner, do not jump on the table and the like.
- Caracal needs special toys, on which he can practice his hunting skills.
- This animal coexists well with other pets, except for rodents and birds. Next to them, even domestic cats can work their primal instinct of the hunter.
- Given the activity of the caracal, the ideal place for its content will be a warm winter house with a high fence, a height of not less than 2.5 meters, and with a territory for an aviary. If you intend to settle this animal in a city apartment, then remember that he needs regular walks in the yard.
- Equip the house or apartment area for the animal, where it can jump and play. It can be a slide, a ladder, a house or shelves for the cat. Do not forget about a scratching post. This is very important if you don’t want to change the furniture in your home often.
What not to do with the caracal you have purchased
Specialists do not recommend playing with a caracal using your hands or feet. Despite the fact that it is a domestic cat, it is still a predator, and in excitement can very strongly scratch or bite a person.
It is worthwhile to damage the purchase of a caracal if there are children under 5 years old in the family. It is because it can be dangerous for inquisitive kids who are able to pull the animal by the ears, tail or stick their fingers in his eyes.
You should not leave your important things in the zone of access of the animal. Because of his inquisitiveness they can be chewed, turned over and generally spoiled after his games.
Do not feed the caracal with food that you eat yourself. Do not him and sweet, spicy, salty and smoked foods. Also under a categorical prohibition of pork, which can cause pseudosceles in these animals. The best food for caracals – lean types of meat, this is the meat of chicken, turkey and rabbit. Love to eat these cats and vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, gourd.
In general, caracal cats eat twice a day. However, once every 2 weeks they need to organize a day of unloading and give only water.
Caracal grooming and health
Cats of this breed have a fairly strong immunity and are not susceptible to any genetic diseases at all. The main rule is to regularly show the animal to the veterinarian and timely vaccination. It is worth remembering that the caracal is quite rare, even exotic breed, so it is not worth treating it at home and on someone else’s advice.
Caracals, like other breeds of cats, molt, especially in the summer, so you should regularly comb out their fur.
Usually they are rarely bathed, only if they got very dirty during a walk, because they do not like water at all. In case of pollution, bathing such a strong and large animal can be a real challenge for its owner.
Brush the caracal’s teeth at least three times a week.
Clean the ears and eyes from impurities, as well as trim the claws, it is necessary once every ten days.
If you are afraid to do it yourself, it is better to contact a veterinary specialist or a professional groomer. Agree, it is better to entrust your pet to an experienced specialist who knows how to care for cats without unnecessary stress for them. It is in our salons V.O.G DOG SALON masters work calmly, patiently and with special care, giving your Pet a pleasant care for him.
