Petting Our Hybrid Cats

[@alspence]

To be fair, I've got a back scratcher like that and my cat HATES being pet with it.

[@PetiteKeyboardist]

Then maybe he's a wild cat and shouldn't be pet.

[@PlagueOfGripes]

Then agian, our cats would be terrified of that stick.

[@cyrenecai]

I'm not surprised they're not OK with being touched. Even feral domestic cats will act like this, let alone ones with wild genes. However most of them aren't actively hostile/afraid either; you could probably play with them a bit as long as you didn't get in close. Either way they're doing far, far better under your attentive and conscientious care than with their prior """owners""" . Keep up the good work!

[@nowandaround312]

I understand why you guys aren't putting your hands in there, but just because they didn't like having a weird plastic hand shoved at them doesn't really prove they don't miss being petted. Some of them probably didn't like being pet in the first place though. 3:50 lol what is that noise?! It sounds like a buzzing insect

[@bigcatrescue]

We have tried the scratcher with them many many times. None of them have warmed up to it.

[@OreoKit3]

...my housecat, 100% housecat, doesn't like any scratchers. Does that mean she doesn't like to be pet? No. Like Privacy Lover said, I understand why you don't stick your hand into the cage, but that is not at all proof.

[@Dixonside69]

it reminds me of an angle grinder

[@silasmayes7954]

dwone jones the person running their social media account is?

[@theangriestcatintheworld]

@Jayne Eyre Well said, thank you. Much as I'd like to disagree, I can't. You are spot on!! 💕 >^. .^< 💕

[@toshatockwhissel1293]

*I'm **_SOOOO GLAD_** you guys exist!!* *It's amazing what you guys do!* *There needs to be **_MORE_** rescues & sanctuaries across the country for kitties!!* *Thanks for sharing the video with us! And thank you for taking care of all them! What you do is **_amazing_** & wonderful!* 💜❤💜

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@Cornka5]

Um... if I were to hold a scratcher into my cat's faces without them knowing what this is, they would react exactly like this.

[@bigcatrescue]

We have been trying these scratchers for years with King Tut and Diablo. We have tried several times with Loki and Beacher since their rescue. We understand they are partially domestic, but they never really come to us seeking affection.

[@HaunaMyKiki]

My cat would react the exact same way to a metal stick, and she thinks the world of me. Their reactions have less to do with them being hybrids, and more to do with unfair testing on animals that have turned feral due to lack of human contact.

[@fart63]

@@HaunaMyKiki they were already feral. They are half wild. They were never going to be like domesticated house cats

[@awittyusernamepleaselaugh7481]

A house cat would also freak out at that scratcher, especially if said scratcher was used to poke them in the face. A better test (although a potentially risky one) would be to put an experienced handler in the enclosure with a couple of the small cats that seems generally chill, while wearing thick enough clothing to prevent a good ol' bite from getting through, yet, not some scary looking overly protective gear. Have them sit still and quiet, then see what the cat does. No movement, no sound, no anything. Let the cat initiate the interaction. Then, if it comes up to you and headbonks you, it keeps its distance and hisses, or just doesn't give a damn it says quite a lot.

[@littlecougarkitty3063]

Not a fair demonstration. I wouldn't want a metal club coming at me either and you seemed to focus on the face. Biased I think. Especially with the last two. Also, it takes some time to build a new relationship with cats. I wouldn't walk straight up to a domesticated cat and attempt to scratch its face ( and definitely NOT with a pole).

[@minomono7352]

Little Cougar they mentioned that they presented it to them before shooting the vid so they could get a little used to it ^_^

[@minomono7352]

Little Cougar although I do agree with the pole thing most cats are scared of them but its the only way that can keep them safe

[@theWeaverofTales]

There's not really an alternative?? You cannot pet these cats, they are wild animals.

[@Treemeadow]

On one hand, my own domestic cats would react the same way to a scratcher, but on the other- only a fool would stick their hand in to offer pets to a half wild animal (and g1 hybrids are still wild animals). So whether or not they'd appreciate a hand pat, it's not needed. They seem quite happy (as happy as a wild animal who can't be released can be) without them.

[@Lynnsayshi]

None of those cats inspected the object enough to even see if this is true. A shiny cold little back scratcher is completely different than a hand

[@alynnelinden8910]

I'm glad that you're respecting these animals as they are and educating the public about what is safe and healthy for the animal and for people. I would love to visit your Sanctuary some day!

[@bigcatrescue]

We hope to see you in the near future!

[@tira2993]

Are you serious? A metal stick? ... Looks far more like a toy or some foreign thing than a humans hand. No wonder they just attacked it or ran off. My cats would attack that too! Lol

[@ES-nq8uu]

I dont see how an unfamiliar silver, cold, metal back scratcher mimics a warm, soft, and gentle human hand. This was an unfair "test" at best. I understand the need to be hands off, but the test was a failure from the start. Especially if the scent of another cat is all over that unfamiliar scratcher being shoved in thier faces.

[@SpartanThe300th]

@E S absolutely spot on!

[@nil525]

My cats have exactly the same reaction when the furinator makes its appearance. They're ridiculously spongy for attention until they know either that or the nail clippers are in play, then they're mysteriously aggressive. It's adorable.

[@Finreah]

They are so beautiful. I totally get why people would want them as pets, until they hiss. Yo! Domestic? not so much.

[@miss_xandra_mars]

I love watching your videos. I feel like I always learn something new, and I think it's just amazing to see all the stories your wild cats have. You do a wonderful and beautiful thing. Hope I can visit your sanctuary in the future. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to watching more videos. :) ♡

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@jaynie7992]

I mean they're obviously going to question this shiny new object they've never really seen before... this isn't a good representation if they miss human contact...

[@old4104]

Jaynie W they are wild animals i dont think they will miss humans.

[@bigcatrescue]

They have seen the scratcher before because this was not our first attempt to give them scratches.

[@SBlackmare]

Jaynie W Yeah, domestic cats at shelters rarely show affection for fake hands, and that gets noted on their evaluations. Probably not the best way to show desire for or aversion to being petted. Best way to make friends with a young horse is to scratch its back where it can't reach.

[@silasmayes7954]

Lucky Paws they aren't wild they are 50% (some more) domesticated normal house cat. It isn't fair to say these animals are wild.

[@rabbitzrule2445]

Well they can’t really pet them with their own hands for obvious reasons....

[@hydraking1072]

That lion in the background sound mad lol!!!

[@bigcatrescue]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3LTp317m653qM0

[@anathema_patronus4077]

Didn't know so many people wanted you to pet the hybrids there, made sense if you didn't since they are still wild a bit

[@Redrally]

I was never interested in getting a hybrid cat in the first place, but these 4 really don't seem interested in physical contact at all. That's that then, the perfect advert to explain why you should not get one (unless you have a massive garden cage with lots of toys and raw meat available!)

[@komoriaimi]

I think the fact that it was a scratcher made them more distrustful, however, I can understand why you wouldn't just stick your hand and pet them. Plus, you know your cats better than we do.

[@bm7792]

She knows cats better than the average viewer, certainly, but not better than everyone. She appears to have that impression, though. This was not a good attitude or tone to have in a video for concerned cat-owners speaking up about the issue.

[@bm7792]

Like with any other cat, you need to earn their trust. This doesn't prove anything, other than that the cats do not trust you. Also, if I used a device like that on my cats, cats who sleep next to me every night and seek my attention, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have it. They hate our wooden back-scratcher.

[@yeeter2669]

B Mason well if you want to go chill with a wild by nature cat and try this yourself, go ahead! Make sure to tell the insurance that "I just needed to earn their trust!".

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

Yea i agree

[@kaylen1011]

True. My cat trusts me so much she’ll lay on top of me while i’m asleep lmao

[@SpasticEliteStudios]

The "hissing as the person approaches with a treat" is pretty much the exact opposite of how any cat that likes attention reacts. Even a domestic cat that doesn't trust you and hasn't had human contact for a long time is going to be a lot friendlier if you offer them food. The scratcher example was bad. The block of frozen sardines later? fantastic example showing that these cats ARE NOT PETS.

[@HaunaMyKiki]

Not if the domestic cat is feral. Regardless of how much wild blood is in there, any feral cat is going to initially be hesitant toward approaching humans if they don't have daily contact with them, even if they _do_ provide food.

[@lisacldmom2ksd]

You know I think it would depend on the cat. If they were not abused they might miss the owners cuddling. Some house cats act like that when they lose their human. But then again I have one cat that's a cuddle bear, his brother will only allow us to pet him. Yet the one who likes to cuddle acts more wild and the one that only let's you pet will talk to you and wants to be around you all the time. I've seen big cats more affectionate than my two. Mind you though these were feral kittens we raised.

[@wwAurelia30]

Since these cats used to be pets, it's a good bet they haven't seen a scratcher like that before, and it seemed like they were scared of it! It's no wonder they didn't want anything to do with it.

[@bigcatrescue]

We have consistently tired the scratcher with these cats. This was not their first time seeing it.

[@HorsesIC]

Big Cat Rescue K, have you tried touching a domestic cat with a shiny metal stick, even if they were introduced to it multiple times? You have a fundamental misunderstanding of WHY cats want to touch humans. It's not to get their itches out.

[@amyill9280]

@@HorsesIC Maybe if they tried an object that was warm and/or soft? I dunno. I remember learning about an experiment with baby monkeys in which they had a fake mom made of metal wire and wood, and then a fake mom made of rubber and covered in soft/fuzzy material. The monkeys were uncomfortable with the metal one but sought comfort with the fuzzy/soft one. The scientists also tried another experiment with the monkey being exposed to both kinds of fake mothers at once. When only the wire mother had food, the babies came to the wire mother to feed, but immediately returned to cling to the cloth surrogate.

[@LilMissDiscord]

I have the same scratcher! I got it for myself, but my cats love it! I appreciate you guys testing to see if they were into it. I think for those of us who have domestic cats, it's hard to imagine them ever being happy without human contact (I currently have one on my lap now and the others are rarely out of my sight). Even though the cats you rescue are wild and should never be pets, when all a person is used to in their personal life is the domestic breed who can seek out and enjoy interacting with people, it's easy and I think, probably natural to wonder if the former pets you take in would miss it too. Thank you for finding a safe way to answer that question, obviously those of us who support what you're doing and love the cats know that it's best to love them from a safe distance, but that doesn't stop the questions, especially when so many of their expressions or behaviors seem so similar to their smaller, domestic cousins.

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

LilMissDiscord people have these cats as pets,and not all of them are wild and crazy like this,yes it depends on how much serval they have in them..but it also depends on how their owners raised them. Most people get hybrid cats (or even domestic cats) and dont know how to handle them, they dont know a cats body language,etc. Have u ever seen the show "My Cat from hell"? The cats on that show are crazy, mean,and vicious when Jackson first goes to their house...but does that mean the cats need to live outside and be wild? No,it means the humans arent understanding their cat and arent taking care of them properly..by the end when Jackson leaves,those same "mean" "vicious" cats,are now happy,friendly, and perfectly fine because he taught their owner how to understand the cats body language, how to give them more places to get up off the ground, more exercise,enrichment, etc ,so theyre happy. And yes ik savannahs arent full domestic cats,but they arent fully wild either..i feel like these cats just needed experienced owners,and they wouldve been happy and still been able to get love. Now they live outside, and run looking scared (tail held down and close to the body is a sign of nervousness and insecurity) whenever a human approaches them because they havent had any human contact in so long. I love what BCR does for big cats..but for the hybrids it should be different. This test with the scratcher didnt prove anything,they were scared of it,just as any cat would be with somthing thats unfamiliar to them.

[@AuntieWelly]

That doesn't prove wild cats want petting from humans, it proves domestic cats display the same wild social behaviour that is adapted to include humans as their family.

[@ollieolliver2693]

Looks like Tut might warm up to it, once he gets used to a strange metal thing being shoved in his face. The others though, I think are probably happier not being poked.

[@nerysghemor5781]

They are probably more scared by a random object than a hand, that they know what it is. I know my own domestic cats are very wary of trying to pet them with a toy, my feet, or anything not normally associated with petting, like my hand or my nose. (Yes, nose...one of the housemeows loves walking into my face!) It might be more useful to get them accustomed to the scratcher the same way you did your elderly bobcats instead of essentially performing the experiment under different conditions. They’re perceiving a threat from an unknown object, not anything they would even know to recognize as an invitation to affection. Repeat with the same exact sort of conditioning/positive reinforcement given to your fully wild, elderly cats before concluding.

[@jstoneypoint]

I wonder if they were reacting to the smell of the other hybrid cats on the scratcher? Otherwise, I think this is a good way to educate ppl that these cats are wild animals and NOT pets

[@bigcatrescue]

We disinfected the scratcher between cats.

[@Miss_Marisa]

This was a great way to go about showing it! I think some people will say "but it's not the same as a hand"-- which I agree with. But at the same time, it's not worth exposing them or a human just for the sake of an experiment in cat petting.

[@kevinguo3127]

idk about this one, that scratcher looks way scarier than a hand lol

[@bigcatrescue]

It is smaller and less intimidating than a hand.

[@SkyFoxCode]

aghhh let them finish sniffing it! Idk how those cats would do it but I know that most house cats need to sniff something sufficiently before rubbing their face on it

[@bigcatrescue]

We did. This video was edited to get straight to the point.

[@thanrose]

Any of your hybrids that for some reason were seeking out contact with a human would probably make that pretty noticeable to regular keepers. I'm confident that you are doing right by these cats.

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you!

[@notthefather3919]

How would they react differently than any wild cat?

[@zaleofsiteb]

Hehehe, I love how you can hear sooooomebody roaring up a storm in the background of King Tut's footage! These were some pretty interesting, if not expected, responses from these little dudes. Thanks for the video, as always!

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@amandanies3174]

Would there be an update video on Loki? He looked so scared when he arrived, and I want to see how well he's settled in.

[@bigcatrescue]

We will look into doing that.

[@chihuahuabulldog]

I thought King Tut was going to say, "Finally! My servants have arrived!" Wow the one at the end sticking his/her head through the fence surprised me! Thank you for the info. Great video.

[@wildroses2009]

"I THOUGHT YOU WERE GIVING ME FOOD YOU BIG TEASE!"

[@MrCattitude793]

I wouldn't let you touch me with that thing either. It's like you don't understand cats at all.

[@Mytube777]

They want to cuddle with a human if they lived indoors before. Not a metal thing. Awe.

[@juliamillikin]

They are just beautiful. Do they live together in one enclosure as a community or is it 4 different houses? I wish ppl would stop seeking new ways to breed cats to make hybrids. It only hurts the animals 😢

[@bigcatrescue]

All of our hybrids live separately.

[@dbztrunkslover98]

They probably don’t want the other cats’ scent on them.

[@bigcatrescue]

The scratcher was disinfected between each cat.

[@Mythraen]

I'm glad the comments are full of people pointing out what a worthless test this was. If you really want to find out if they want to be petted, get yourself some thick, long sleeves, gloves, and go inside and try petting with your hand.

[@howdy9207]

You honestly sound condescending. At least try to be more polite when bringing up particular issues. Also, I doubt that you know or actually understand the full story of these cats. Just because you have experiences with other cats doesn't automatically mean you fully understand these cats. So maybe try not to act like a "know it all" next time and refrain from making haste judgements.

[@testerwulf3357]

They do not want to physically handle the cats because they'll attack. Simple as that. You can see by their body language alone (before the stick) that they didn't want physical interaction and some actually hissed when approached! While the stick didn't prove much you could see from their body language alone they do not desire to be petted or touched; in many videos they actually try to attack people through the fence..hissing and swatting through the fence when anyone's close enough (like when trying to give meds or treats).

[@Sik15]

When people comment about these animals missing human contact and want to be petted, that is simply them (the people) projecting what they desire onto the animals. People don't tend to understand what it means to project their feelings outward, but it happens all the time. I apologies for sounding complain-y, but I appreciate this video that showcases these cats true natures and desires to be solitary and at peace.

[@rebeccahooker138]

They're hybrids. They are partly wild and partly domestic. So, some of them are more domesticated than others. It's like dog/wolf hybrids. Some of them have more wolf in them than others. How much depends on how far away from their wild ancestors they are. Yes? I understand that cats who are completely wild need to be completely wild. Makes sense, and I support that position entirely. I also support leaving those of these four cats who don't want to be petted alone. Yes? However, if any of them liked petting and might miss it, I'd hate to see them never have that joy again. It's not my choice. I know that. If there's any chance that Big Cat Rescue is going to go with the petting option, how is anyone going to know if these cats like petting if they just use this crazy experiment? It in no way simulates a human hand. And even if that metal thing is the one way that it's going to happen, it's not possible to determine if it's going to work from this one time. None of them have ever seen this thing before. Any of us who've had cats know that it wouldn't work with our own house pets. The ones who were smelling it and rubbing their noses on it a little might actually like it if they get a chance to get used to the object. Basically, we know nothing at all from this experiment.

[@koriev2920]

not necessarily - we know that petting stimulates neurons that reduce stress, and that shelter animals as a whole really benefit from (wanted) petting. so while not all animals enjoy human contact, those who used to enjoy it probably do, and animals have the same capacity to be touch-starved as humans.

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

But u dont know how these cats are feeling either

[@VulpisFoxfire]

Actually, all this video showcases is that cats don't like being poked with sticks.

[@silasmayes7954]

Sam Williams some of these cats are more than 50% domestic you need to learn about cat hybridization before you "become" a zoology expert

[@enemyv]

Totally nuts that anyone wanted to try to keep these as pets.

[@XMysticHerox]

Not that nuts. Normal house cats are extremely closely related to their wild parents anyways. Some house cat types are also even more closely related to various wild cats. They are too small to really hurt you and only a little more feral than regular house cats.

[@tarnisment7400]

Thereon Inarek these are still wild animals learn your facts these people work to help them.

[@Crusader1815]

spuspu Absher - Neither you nor BCR understand the definition of "wild," and BCR just propagates this ignorance. "Wild" is a condition of existence, not a genetic fact, and with intelligent animals like cats, the difference between "wild" and "domesticated" has more to do with how they were brought up as kittens.

[@SpasticEliteStudios]

@Crusader Actually, you're using the existence of transitional cases to obfuscate the fact that Domestication has a genetic factor. there is a "friendly towards humans" gene (as proven by the Russian Fox Experiment). We selectively bred dogs, cats, horses, cattle, chickens, pigs, goats, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters to carry it but it can crop up in a lot of different animals. The animals we consider to be truly domesticated are ones where this gene is a permanent feature. (but even these animals will revert to more wild behavior and the expression can fall off over time, creating feral creatures.) Servals do not carry this gene (though they can carry some base components of it). So when you breed a housecat with one, the first generation offspring will only carry the gene and not express it. Which is why first gen savannahs are not considered Domesticated. Second gen offspring, as long as they are born from a first gen and a housecat, will carry two copies of the gene and will probably express the desired behavior. (it's not an absolute because it's affected by several other genes as well as socialization during developmental stages of life.) TLDR: first gen savannahs are NOT domestic animals and you shouldn't treat them as such.

[@silasmayes7954]

EnemyViolent Gaming F1 hybrids if cared for properly (in a home) do seek human affection and are extremely intelligent and loyal.

[@86haushinka]

Such beautiful animals. So glad that they now have forever homes where they can be loved and respected. 💕

[@ScarecrOmega]

3:55 Beacher is a character

[@womanofsubstance8735]

Your defense of non-contact seems a little, mm, weak because it appears that you are demonstrating apples by slicing oranges. How long since they have been offered petting contact, and did their owners use the scratcher tool that you used for the demonstration? It looked like that tool was unfamiliar to all but the bobcat. They are not going to recognize the scratcher as petting affection, and of course, will shy away from it. Clearly, this demonstration was designed to support and "prove" your answer instead of the actually test the animals' desire for petting. It is false to say, "Well! It is safe to say these hybrid cats are NOT seeking our affection" based on this flawed demonstration. Most animals will learn to not seek affection after they learn it will not be offered. This demonstration did NOT show an offer of affection. I understand that wild hybrids may quickly revert to type, and I love that your organization does what it does. I will continue to watch and mostly like, but please be fair with your explanations.

[@lisacldmom2ksd]

Woman of Substance I agree. I don't think that woman was the best person for the video. Animal behavioralist use human look alike hand to test aggression. But alot of hybrids owners do not do what requires to be done to care for them and the cats land in these reserves. Seen some examples on that show with Jackson Galaxy. But luckily the one I saw the owner was willing to do whatever it took.

[@MintMovies]

So well worded. I was thinking the same thing. The scratcher was even used in a way to annoy. I hope this resort to weak but easy arguments is just a fluke for them because I support what they do.

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

Exactly, i agree

[@goddessmelanisia]

My housecats, which constantly seek petting and attention, ran from the back scratcher when I tried this a few minutes ago.

[@loveydovey802]

exactly what i was thinking. how is an unfamiliar metal fork the same as a warm hand?

[@bimmerpooch]

Just because they're super soft and snuggly looking doesn't mean you should pet them! Some day I'll visit BCR.

[@bigcatrescue]

We hope to have you on one of our tours soon.

[@meteorhatesyou]

Loki’s big eyes staring into my soul is just so cute

[@dahktuh]

This was a really cute video! Thank you for making it. I think you make a great point about how not all cats like being petted. However, it does normally take most cats (especially ones coming from abusive situations) a long time to warm up to physical touch. Maybe these cats just need more time and gentle exposure to petting? But, of course, physical touching and petting isn't the only way to build trust and a good bond with them! You guys know and love these cats better than anyone, so I'm sure whatever you're doing is the best approach to handling them! Also 3:55 LOLLLL

[@horse14t]

Beacher is like "Get that thing out of my face!"

[@suzannemartineu18]

3:56 is definitely my favorite moment

[@deborahchristensen5473]

May God Bless you for taking care of them.

[@fredferd965]

Generally, the cats are saying, "Leave me alone, or I'll turn your hand into sashimi!!!"

[@princessbitch926]

one time i used this to play with my cat and she reacted the exact same way lmao

[@UTAU53Yui]

"If they miss or want to be petted." Thank you, this is the correct approach to any animal interaction, be it with a wild/feral or domesticated.

[@ZekromAmaterasu]

It's best if they pet the scratcher first. That usually shows if they want to be petted or not

[@FCoxUSMC]

You made these cat the way they are by denying them human contact or should I say touch. Only touching them with gloves or a back scratcher does not instill trust or acceptance.

[@amandanies3174]

Beachy buddy is such a silly little talker, like my tuxedo cat O'Malley! And I take it that was him at the end being REALLY talkative for his popsicle. Damn, that was actually funny. It's kind of a shame that these beautiful cats don't want to be petted anymore, but I can understand why. It's even more of a shame on why they were bred like this: because different attracts people. Just like poor liger Freckles, "caravel" Jojo, and sweetie Zabu, these hybrid cats were bred just for money or for the pleasure of being a different pet. I hope that in the future, people will realize and understand that crossbreeding (and inbreeding) is a serious issue, and that wild animals are not meant to be pets. Thank you for taking in these cats. I hope they settled in well and know you're giving them the best love they'll ever receive: a second chance.

[@harizshahhamin6324]

The cat was like "That was good hooman"

[@eustacia03]

I seem to remember that a few years ago you got a hybrid rescue who was a more domesticated cat and that one went home with an experienced cat owner?

[@bigcatrescue]

Yes, she came with King Tut, but we allowed her to go to a home because she was very friendly. Tut did not like to be handled and was not a nice cat. He is much happier living outside to nurture his wild side.

[@elizabethevenson6110]

@@bigcatrescue makes sense. the combination of "well, you're a hybrid but the dice roll ended up with you being a super friendly one" with an experienced cat parent who knows what they're in for can work every now and then, but it doesn't mean it's going to work most of the time and doesn't mean hybrids SHOULD be a thing.

[@rekkariley652]

I've always wondered if because they're part domestic, do some of them need some degree of human interaction? I know the whole nature of hybrids makes them completely random in terms of what they inherit from each parent. Have you ever had a part-domestic hybrid get depressed because of the lack of direct human affection?

[@rekkariley652]

Or is that more of an issue for canine wild-domestic hybrids, because of how dogs have been selectively bred to be so totally dependent on humans (while cats haven't experienced the same degree of selective breeding - they've been bred so they can handle living with humans easily, but not to be as dependent on them as dogs are)?

[@bigcatrescue]

King Tut is the only one of our hybrids that is even approachable. It is almost like a wild cat that is stuck in a domestic cats body. It is a very confusing life they live.

[@rekkariley652]

Big Cat Rescue I imagine it would be, since they'd inherit so many conflicting instincts. Probably like wolf-dogs, depending on which instincts they inherit: part of them might crave affection, but all the instincts they get from the wild parents makes them too skittish and aggressive for that, too. That's a really sad way to live. :(

[@Mpt26]

Haha, so cute!

[@Aaron-Miller-1138]

Loki was funny. But at least give them toys to keep them happy. They are so cute looking to pet but they’re wild.

[@KittyMax97]

Ryjel Destiny they get toys 😊

[@tmaxim2651]

You can’t leave many toys alone with any animal because they can pose a safety hazard. These cats get appropriate toys and enrichment when it’s safe :)

[@dawnscott8305]

Toys prove they are pets, this is just so sick. Savannah's are a DOMESTIC breed!!! Just so so cruel, and so much misinformation regarding them. These people should know better. Their wild ancestry is the Asian Leopard cat, Savannahs themselves are not endemic in the wild, there are a created domestic breed. They carry wild genes as do all domestic breeds.

[@Coastie1548]

Lol and Diablo was like "screw you shiny invader! I am not getting anywhere close to that weird thing!"

[@DokoruChanDamdadidoo]

I love how vocal Beacher is!! He’s so cute!!

[@jennhamilton7411]

Even fully domesticated cats are moody enough... would never cross my mind to try to touch these guys! Thanks for all you do for them!

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@DragonFae16]

I'd guess they'd only want to be petted if they were used to it. Even with domestic cats, if they grow up not being shown affection by humans, they freak out if someone tries to pet them.

[@jen9774]

A stray moved in to join me and senior cat. It took at least two years before he was comfortable for me to put both hands on him at the same time and would nearly jump out of his skin if I stroked him while he was sleeping. Now he just stretches and and wiggles the tip of his tail. So I'm not surprised that those Savannahs reacted the way they did to that scratcher come through the wire at them. But better for them to live more like their wilder side requires. Love Big Cat Rescue.

[@AineEithne]

I have a hybrid and he LOVES short head scratches (like your older cats). My 2-year-old Loki doesn't tolerate a lot of touch (I think it hyper-stimulates him), but he loves to lay next to us for warmth and he REALLY loves play. He has shredded MANY toys - lol.

[@stphinkle]

I wonder if the stick feels different than a hand and if they know the difference

[@wolffisu]

Thank you for making the video!

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@maxdaae]

Awww Beacher at 3:50

[@KatzenworldCoUk]

thanks for uploading this!

[@cravenlunatic1]

tbh this was something i was curious about, since some domestic cats seem to really crave human affection. I know my boy wouldn't be happy if he never got petted lol. But since these guys aren't completely domestic, it makes sense that they wouldn't need that kind of attention. Thanks for clearing it up.

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@IlGattonero13]

While I understand the dangers involved, this is not the same as a human hand or human contact. A metal instrument stuck through a wire cage is more likely to make a skittish cat feel threatened, not comforted. (Even a fully domesticated cat might recoil from it.) I don't see how any of this is conclusive evidence that these cats do not crave and would not respond to actual human touch. That said, I do appreciate and admire BCR's commitment to keeping these cats safe and healthy.

[@Renegade666]

are bengals counted as exotic hybrids in the US?

[@catfishcave379]

I wonder how house cats would react to being petted with a back scratcher? Always fun to see overgrown puddytats being their wild selves.

[@calamnitty]

My old cat was a hybrid, Bengal/Asian Leopard. We got him from a pet store who told us he was a Bengal from a certified breeder, but couldn't offer any proof. We took him home anyways, but man was he a struggle. He was very attached and affectionate to me but would get pretty aggressive if anyone got too close to me. It's sad that people don't think about the consequences when they breed without regulation.

[@kiwisweetheart71]

I was watching this while grooming my cat. When the gorgeous cat at the end started talking she was not amused.

[@luridcodex]

I wouldn't say he was terribly enthusiastic but King Tut at least didn't seem opposed to the idea.

[@Phlimbob]

Basically too cute for words

[@onetuliptree]

These hybrids appear very content to keep humans out of their space

[@PrincessCelesteMoonRaven]

They sure do enjoy being wild so glad you guys gave them the oppurtunity to be as wild as they could given their life. I just wanted to let you know about the spelling mistake at the end of the description "leet see what happened"

[@rebeccahooker138]

How do you know what they enjoy? I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I don't think that they are showing that they like or dislike being wild. There's not enough room in those kennels they live on a daily basis for them to be wild. I know they get to go out to a bigger enclosure, but they're not being "wild" right now. They're just not being held captive in a home. I appreciate tremendously what Big Cat Rescue does, and I'm not criticizing them. I'm grateful they took in these cats. However, this experiment doesn't say anything about whether they want to be petted or not. I don't know whether Big Cat Rescue should pet them or not. It's not my decision, and I wouldn't protest if they didn't. However, to try to think you have any idea what these animals want is not reasonable.

[@ozonemaniac]

That looks like a claw, maybe it scares them. Try with putting that inside a glove, to make it more human-like

[@cminmd0041]

Why do you think human like is a selling point to a cat?

[@ozonemaniac]

cminmd0041 because they're used to see the gloves. That claw like thing might make them remember their sad past of abuse

[@thefatecontrol]

Man my cat LOVEs when i use my backscratching on her. She will start meowing and carrying on until I start scratching her as well.

[@amyjo248]

Good attempt to appease our curiosity but not the same. You sitting quietly and bonding letting them come to you for a physical touch is much different than trying to touch with a piece of metal. Now THAT little experiment would be interesting if it wasn’t dangerous.

[@dawnscott8305]

Agree, these people appear to have no or very little concept of animal communication or understanding of cats behaviours. They have been removed from familiar surrounding and dumped in cages, they will be distressed to say the very least. The experiment of sitting quietly and bonding would NOT be dangerous as these animals were once pets and crave loving human attention. I have tamed far fiercer animals ( ferrets) and been bitten than these poor ex pets. A cats natural reaction is to skulk away unless cornered. These people are trying to cover up their own misinformation and incorrect management of these beautiful DOMESTIC bred cats.

[@ramentop]

Get back to me on the whole "sitting quietly and bonding" thing when you're missing a finger.

[@philswaim392]

I like the fact you showed that the cats generally dont like being approached and prefer their space. One cat seemed like it could get used to the scratcher, but its up in the air. I wonder if you could put some kind of brush or other type of mechanism in the fences that they could rub against to pet themselves? I imagine they use trees and the furrent fencing to do that any way

[@bigcatrescue]

Some of our older cats do have brush type things attached to their platforms to rub against. Many rub against the cage wall and foliage as well.

[@philswaim392]

@@bigcatrescue thanks for this video! I see so many folks who comment on videos about these cats that they need to be petted since they were raised as domestic for a while. Theres a reason they are no longer kept as pets. They are not pets. And this video definitely proves that. They do look well cared for, well fed, and they have plenty of energy about them.

[@abbeyk1860]

Servals are so cute! One of my favorite big cat breeds!

[@JBur-qb3pq]

Beacher is like, confused, yet curious at the same time

[@kimlambert7194]

wow that tabby looking one looks like a house cat!! Glad you al do what you do!!

[@eddieBanke22]

My high strung Siamese would react the same way but she definitely likes to be petted by me and a few other people. But not by a stranger in less than a week.

[@Michael00189]

I'm prety sure they don't want to be pet by a weird metal claw on the end of a stick. Normal domestic cats get freaked out if you try and pet them with something on a stick from far away.

[@absinthegaming5896]

That bobcat looks like he is well behaved!

[@KahlestEnoch]

yup a definite nope don't touch me. I love how vocal Beacher is lol even when eating his cicle

[@PaladinHeart]

My cats would be pretty fussy too if you stuck a shiny metal claw in their face. Sometimes they're fussy about me touching them too. xD My Sophie acts just like some of the cats in this video. She only tolerates being held sometimes because she loves me. :)

[@noodlesdoodles2948]

Holy smokes that Beacher is chatty ! Well, this video solves that question ! Thanks Afton 👍

[@bigcatrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@snookerb6777]

Beacher wants some human love & not some metal claw that's why he's chatty.

[@TheWilderCat]

A lot of people are saying this test is flawed and I agree, but testing with a human arm wouldn't really be safe so I'm not sure what else they could've done.

[@PhirePhlame]

That first one saw it as prey; I'm surprised more didn't.

[@HandymanArtist]

Hello, what cat is that at 2:51 and what is its hybridization?

[@bigcatrescue]

That is Loki. Here is his story. BigCatRescue.org/Loki

[@teambeining]

I do think that animals “lose” acting like pets and go back to their natural instincts after be on their own for a while. My domestic housecat was lost for two weeks. When we found her, she didn’t want anything to do with human interaction, and generally acted “wild” for a few weeks until she warmed back up.

[@katherinegardner6678]

Do the cats act differently when they know it's feeding time? If so, how do they act differently and how do you deal with their shenanigans?

[@bigcatrescue]

Diablo is skittish and waits for you to leave to eat. Beacher and Loki are very aggressive for food, but we are trained to safely food our cats.