The Future of the Designer Cat

The Designer Cat - there is a distinct possibility that "designer" or hybrid cats like Bengals and Savannahs will be banned in the UK. I've got a pretty strong opinion on this!
0:00 Introduction
1:40 Are bans a good idea?
3:02 What is an F1? F2?
3:47 My experience with hybrids
5:46 The exotic animal industry and how it's problematic.
7:59 The true cost of the hybrid industry
10:07 If you want a hybrid cat...
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When pop-science and cats intersect!
• Can a Cat be Evil?
• Creating Cat Clones?
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#JacksonGalaxy #Cat #Advice

[@CandiceLemonSharks]

I'm on team "if you want a hybrid, go to the local shelter and adopt the biggest, lankiest, leggiest, big-steppy-est brown tabby they have, make a $20,000 donation, name it Savannah, and then just tell people you spent $20,000 on your F-whatever "Savannah" cat"

[@j.elizabeth4621]

This is so true. My gigantic former tom cat tabby gets mistaken for a bengal all the time because he has a few rosettes. He is such a handful.

[@BasilWyrth]

ahaha so true ! And true for every other breed, too ; I got a few strays around my home that could legit pass for Egyptians Mau, and one who definitely looked like a Siberian one.

[@MirceaKitsune]

Gonna be honest: Only reason I'd even consider wanting such a hybrid is... they're much larger. Domestic cats are beautiful but so tiny, why can't we have cats at least the size of a pitbull if not a german shepherd?! Then again I've seen videos of larger than usual tame cats, super rare though.

[@allisonmarlow184]

There you go, Candice. Best idea yet!!

[@user-dn8ny9dr5z]

What about Maine Coons? No where near as large as pitbulls, but they are very large cats. I'm sure a rescue near enough to you will eventually have one.

[@wilsoncrystal9661]

I wanted to buy a Sphinx cat and I was willing to spend thousands on it. Instead I ended up with a cat from the streets who never left my sight. Spent thousands on vet visits but I have to say, she is the BEST thing that happened. I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world! 😻

[@SonsOfLorgar]

I did get a sphynx from a responsible breeder (only two litters for each cat mom before sterilization, full medical documentation, vaccination,ID chip and kitten insurance as well as all the essential kit including carrier, food, mom-smelling comfort blanket, toys and a 2nd year vet checkup included in the sale) just over ten years ago, he was the smartest, most inquisitive, verbal and most empathic cat I've ever had the privelige to get to know, both to me and my spouse as his humans, to other people and to other cats. That said, in the future, we will only get rescues.

[@elliekim6666]

@@SonsOfLorgar oh sphynx cats I can understand if someone is allergic to cats and if they don't get them as sick or sick then it's understandable but yeah if you're fine with cats always adopt . Street cats are amazing cats. My three cats (one died) all came from shelters and all are unique.

[@Darkstar-se6wc]

@@SonsOfLorgar - Can’t help but notice that you say “was” not “is.” 😢

[@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376]

@BlancBaily Agreed! Also, while this isn't always the case, although of times they are inbred and abused to be 'beautiful'.

[@ferret_lover2665]

@@elliekim6666 Same with Bengals, their hypoallergenic, and our cat is definitely one of the most curious/ intuitive creatures I've encountered, this video makes me a little sad because it reminds me of how they banned full wildcats in the 1900s(at some point), taking the wildcats away from owners, who actually cared for them, as well as the government making it really hard for the owners to get a license before their cats were taken away. Our cat is an f3 though, so that may have something to do with her behavior being nicer(she's still plenty hyper, and she nips when she is feeling playful) but I can say their are plenty of hybrid owners that take good care of their cats. We just need to put an end to breeding for more f1s.

[@devinriver7529]

We’ve got a savannah cat at our house. My housemate rescued her (no payment involved) from a breeder who neglected her due to her lacking outward savannah traits. She was the runt, and is still only about nine or ten pounds. She’s only four years old and riddled with arthritis, and she’s clumsy and constantly injuring herself just by running and jumping. Fortunately, she’s very sweet, if a little skittish. But poor kitty… she’s got a body that will hurt for the rest of her life. These breeders will always create rejects like her, undesirable kittens whose genetics work against them, who in the best case scenario end up in a loving home but struggle with their health forever. It’s an appalling practice.

[@WhiteWolfos]

Unfortunately that's with many domestic breeds too. Interbreeding cats/dogs, or breeding short face animals result in genetic side effects. That's why you see stuff like golden retrievers with arthritis, heart problem & cancer prone, cocker spaniel or toy poodles with tremor or seizures, or flat faced cats prone to asthma as few examples.

[@LiMaking]

what are you feeding her? could it be that she needs more raw meat in her diet, due to her more wild part?

[@christopherchristian6579]

​@@LiMakingwtf??? That's what you got out of her comment? The point is that these animals aren't similar enough to always come out as what is considered "desirable" It is almost like a human being forced to mate with another primate. Do you think that is disgusting? Well, that's what we are doing to these cats. Its AWFUL!

[@devinriver7529]

@@LiMaking You know, actually that is not a bad idea. She looks just like your average tiny black housecat, if a little more angular and muscular, so she's always just been treated as such. We get her the best dry and wet food we can find, but maybe she would benefit from adding raw food into her diet. Her troubles are due to her hybrid genetics and not her diet, but if there's any way we can help her be in less pain we'll try it.

[@devinriver7529]

@@WhiteWolfos Truth

[@minoutv7347]

I’m a Bengal guardian, my first one was a rescue. She was in danger of being put down because she would not use a litter box. She was an F4, papered and considered “show quality.” The previous owner was threatening to put her down in a couple weeks unless someone took her. So I stepped up and took her in. Many thought she was reacting to her environment at that time. But the behavior did not change. She was a very loving kitty, but she sprayed EVERYWHERE, including my bed. I went to several vets, no luck; tried flower essences, no luck; several animal communicators, still no luck, tried all kinds of herbal remedies for irritable bowl and urinary conditions, no luck there either. Then I learned that some cats have a condition where they are not able to hold it in at all, so it’s near impossible for them to make it to their litter box in time. That made a lot of sense. I hung in there with her. Went though gallons and gallons of cat urine spray all over the house and furniture, as well as constantly laundering my bedding. I hung in there with her because the alternative was to either put her down or turn her over to a sanctuary where she would be outdoor all the time. I did not have the heart to do either. She was a sweet little girl otherwise, and definitely bonded to me. She made it until she was 15 before crossing the rainbow bridge. I didn’t think I would take in another Bengal after that, until another rescue from an abusive home became available. This one had good litter box habits, so I took him in. It’s taken nearly three years for him to calm down from his former environment, and is now a very loving and affectionate boy. But had I not been used to the breed from the first one, not sure if I would have been able to help him. These hybrid breeds are not for the faint of heart. I agree with Jackson on his talking points.

[@57thorns]

My first cat was an old Bengal lady, perhaps 12-13 when I was asked to look after her for a while. Her owner told me that I would not see much of her, as she did not like men. Well, the first night the cat slept under my duvet. When the friend got a new boy friend that did not like loud cats, suddenly the Bengal was mine. A chatty and very lovely old lady whom I miss dearly. I did not care it was en expensive breed, all I saw was an old lady with an eating disorder that needed a calm home, and in return would keep me company. A little later a young male visited me for a few days (friends of friends) and he was _wild_, but in a good way. He ran from one cat tree to the next climbing, and the loved playing with water. A very different experience indeed. Should (after reading a few more comments) point out that I never "wanted" a cat, I was happy to look after my neighbours cat when i he is away, or other friends whose cats occasionally was visiting me for a weekend or a week. I did not want the responsibility of having to make sure an overweight cat with an eating disorder got fed exact amounts of food three times per day. Whenever there was an after work event, I had to get home in between to make sure the cat got her food. I did not want all that, but I am still happy I got a few good years with her. As for my second cat, yes, she was a part time cat that eventually decided i was the human she wanted to be with. She was extremely unhappy with her owner, and that is another story that is also sad, and there is nothing wrong with that owner at all, she did what was best for her cats.

[@wintermoon7003]

I always wanted a Bengal cat or a savannah or even an Egyptian Mao, but I also love tortishell cats so much! After losing my first one, I adopted another one because I didn't have the heart to get a different "breed", just using the term to keep it simple. Maybe eventually I will get one of those cats, though through adoption, not through a breeder unless I'm rescuing them from said breeder. But all the animals I ever gotten I either taken off of the streets as they chose me to be their next owner, or I adopted them from someone getting rid of their pets because they simply can't for terrible and selfish reasons. My first tortishell cat, who was my first personal pet that my parents adopted for me, though I got to choose her out, passed away a couple years ago as well. She was 18. Now I have another plus her son and I really couldn't care less that they aren't designer breeds or anything. Yeah the fur is pretty but I prefer to have cats with good affectionate personalities over their wild one. Another reason why I am not in a hurry to get one of those type of cats.

[@belgiumball2308]

the fact that we kill animals for not being good pets is interestic

[@jacintavattuone4442]

I agree with everything you said, Jackson. But one point you only touched on briefly: the wild cats being kept in captivity for "breeding" purposes. How is this any different from puppy mills, which are illegal in many states? I realize that banning these hybrid breeding farms [?] would be difficult, but wouldn't that also be an acceptable alternative/addition to help control the burgeoning population? Also, if these places were required to be licensed there would be regulations put in place to ensure the health & wellbeing of both parents and offspring. Just a thought from a non-expert animal lover. Thanks for all you do for cat lovers everywhere. 🤩

[@michaelmckenna9022]

Our Bengal had a UTI and was going outside the litterbox. After about 2 years of coaching we were able to solve the problem. At our cabin she had no problems with the litterbox. Cats remember traumatic events and relate places to these events. When I get home I tell the Bengal to go the the bathroom and she obeys me. What helps is my wife is an animal whisperer. Wild animals come to her all the time.

[@erincrone8036]

I worked at an exotic animal sanctuary that cared for an unwanted F1 savannah cat named Hoss, who highlights another issue with breeding cats like him. Savannah cats (especially F1) are really prone to health issues because domestic cats and servals are so physiologically different. Hoss had horrible sinus issues because his sinuses weren't formed properly (domestic cats and servals have really different head sizes, so breeding them is kind of a crapshoot). He was constantly sneezing up thick mucus and was always on medication. Also, the goal of breeding savannahs is to get a cat that looks "exotic" but acts a little more like a house pet, and Hoss was the exact opposite. He looked nothing like a serval, just like a really oversized tabby cat (cute in his own way, but definitely not Instagram-worthy) and acted like a serval. Savannahs that end up like this can get abandoned or worse because that's not what's going to make a breeder money.

[@petersmythe6462]

They should make a rule that breeders need to care for animals that don't fit her standard or find them loving homes that ARE equipped to deal with an undomesticated and medically challenged animal. Creating animals by "survival of the fittest" is not very ethical.

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

I got to pet an F1 Savannah once. She was docile and being used as a surrogate mom for the F3 kittens at a Savannah cat shop at the mall where visitors could play with the kittens.

[@xepphir]

😊

[@WhiteWolfos]

Accidents happen all the time though it's just the law of nature. Any cat or dog with a flat face are also prone to issues sometimes severe, as well as stray cats born with malnutrition. I've got 2 ragdoll/Norwegian forest cats that aren't hybrids and they are also full of chronic sinus problems and constantly need cleaning because their faces (eyes & nose) get all crusty. The vet told me that sometimes cats get exposed to respiratory infections and even with the vaccine it can develop to a chronic issue as the case with these 2 big brothers who one developed asthma on top and needs medications. So it's just not an issue that only happens with hybrids but many domestic breeds. At least, the people that take in exotics usually have the money and will to keep their pets safe and secure unlike those that are very low income take in a cat for their kid to play with and leave it outside to roam once they get bored of it. The bigger issue I believe is people making their cats obese and then the cats live it out miserably, developing diabetes and getting very short lifespans.

[@julierobertson148]

Thank you for this poignant, real-life experience. The truth should always be the first thing considered in any decision and you made a very strong point.

[@morbidmeganlee6969]

Hello Jackson! Been a big fan for many years. My mom acquired an F1 Savannah female kitten about 15 years ago now. She got her spade when she was old enough because she did not want to perpetuate the cycle anymore. We always had cats, but she is very different from any domestic cat any of us ever encountered. She is very weary of strangers, and most people in general. She has really high prey drive to the point she couldn’t be around one of our other very small domestic cats. She tears up things, climbs anything she can, can jump over me, and I’m nearly 6 ft, and she is 15, and still agile and at it. Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely love her, she is really sweet when she wants love, and she’s part of our family of course, But I agree with your sentiments. Now having experienced living with her, Dottie is her name, I would not suggest anyone go out and get one without doing a lot of research, and generally, in my opinion, they should not be a pet at all, and would caution against it. She paces all the time. We have built several catios for her to have extra space, but I still can’t help but feel she wants to be outside, doing wildcat things. It’s sad to me to know she isn’t as happy as she could be, and she was born for something, she herself, probably wouldn’t have chosen. We’ve tried hard to make her as happy as possible though. I really worry since they have become such a thing now, how many end up abused and/or neglected because people get more than a regular cat when getting a hybrid? Thanks for talking about this. It needs more attention.

[@philipwhitakerjr6829]

I’ve had domestic cats for many years. Years ago the stayed mostly outside. One day I came home and found the injured neighbor’s cat in my driveway. I took her to a vet because her leg had apparently been caught in a trap and my neighbor was on vacation. Even though very expensive, the vet removed the damaged leg. She became my cat when the neighbor came home. She lived in and out of my house as she wished. She had three black kittens which unfortunately disappeared one Halloween night. Eventually I found her dead in front of the refrigerator when returning home. Eventually I adopted a male cat who had been declawed in front only by previous owner. The shelter told me he had been given up because the owner’s land lord would only allow him to have two cats. He lived inside for 15 years before he died. I also had another cat during this time. She lived inside but developed an infection because she had not been spayed, according to the vet, and died in surgery. I now have two cats which were litter mates. They have been spayed and neutered but not declawed. They live exclusively inside and were given to me as kittens by the people across the street. I have no idea what their breed is and I don’t think it matters. The male plays more aggressively than the female. I’m 78 years old and they wait for me to bring the fishing pole with stuffed toy on a string. Sometimes they manage to open the door to the entry and pull the toy and string under the door leaving the pole on the other side.

[@kiralee7607]

I don't know what your living situation is like, but what helped with my exotic kitties was to fence in the whole yard. Can't get a normal fence though, gotta make it extra tall and also angled inward at the top with either plastic or metal (something they can't get their claws into.) Then they need a cat door so they can go in an out of the house as they please. This allows them to hunt and climb trees naturally, but not be able to escape. I realize this is an impractical solution for most people but that's why I think most people shouldn't have exotic cats lol. A large outdoor enclosure full of enrichment is the bare minimum these kinds of cats need. Im not trying to say you shouldn't have Dottie, it sounds like you're aware of her needs and truly care for her, I'm more just trying to reiterate to others that these are not normal house cats and cannot be treated as such. (Something you seem to have realized long ago.)

[@mcmlxii4419]

*spayed, not "spade"

[@pye5386]

I have 4 domestic cats and have/had f1 and f2 Savannahs. Savannah’s are different from domestic cats and you need to accommodate to their needs. Ours have our whole yard turned into a catio. They are wild but they are amazing. They get attached to one person and they are sooo loving, so intelligent! They make amazing part of the family for someone who knows what they are doing

[@catw5294]

Thx for taking the time to post. It is important to hear from people who have had this experience

[@jwoolman5]

I think a normal domestic cat is quite wild enough for most of us. My uncle actually said that he thought one of the good things about pet cats was that they kept us in touch with the wild. He was talking about little domestic shorthairs like Muffy and Sylvester, not the current crop of exotic hybrids….

[@aliceinwonderland1339]

Haven’t finished the video but everyone sharing stories about wanting a specific breed and getting something unexpectedly better so here’s mine: my dad is allergic to cats and although I don’t live with him anymore I would like him to be somewhat comfy when he visits. I got really lucky finding a blue Russian from a hoarding situation but he has lots of trauma and as a result only lets my mother touch him. He’s a sweetly but definitely her cat, not mine. I’ve been wanting a cat for awhile and have been really interested in Siamese cats for a long while too. I found some on pet finder and told myself whenever I’m ready I’d probably go on there to find my new baby. I kept waiting cause it never felt like the right time and then this little stray started lingering around my neighborhood. I fed her every night at the same time and she started getting to my house a little early and would watch me prepare her food through the window. I’d sit out there as she ate and slowly moved the bowl closer till she let me get close enough to pet. As they say, she “took a pet no problem” and soon after that I took her in, did stray hold, she was chipped but her owners didn’t respond, her name is prudence and she’s the biggest sweetie pie. She’s always making biscuits to pay me back even though I’ve told her she owes me nothing in return. She’s my dads allergy nightmare but I have no regrets. I know he’ll understand when he eventually meets her. For those curious, she’s a long haired tuxedo with very very green eyes. She feels like silk, by far the softest cat I’ve ever felt.

[@harrygillway1465]

Hi Jackson, First off, I'm not a cat person... or wasn't a cat person. I rescued a tiny kitten 7 years ago while on a walk with my wife at our local lake. She's a great part of the family today. Fast forward after rescuing another kitten and finding a great home for him, I rescued another. I'm the sheriff in a small county in Nebraska and volunteer at our local lake and campground. I got a 911 call two years ago of a little kitten at the campground. When I arrived, I was met by the 911 caller who pointed out the kitten. It was a tiny thing and sickly, it's eyes were matted shut and not in good shape. I planned on taking it to the local shelter but was afraid they might see the condition and put it down. I decided to take it to our veterinarian to check it out and see if it could be rescued. A hundred dollars later with a full checkup, shots and meds to take with me, I took him home and cleaned him up. My intent was to get him healthy and take him to the shelter. There was something special about him and we quickly bonded. After a week or so I noticed his animal drive, patterns and realized he was a Bengal. I now suspect he was dumped by someone at the campground who couldn't care for him. I'm guessing he's a third generation and a bit wild. He's extremely intelligent and sometimes I think he's thinks he's a dog. He plays fetch endlessly, he follow commands and is extremely loyal. All in all he's my buddy and I feel blessed for him...even if he's a pain sometimes.

[@karolinagren5846]

I have a cat from a rescue. She's had some behavioral issues, because she was taken from her litter too soon. She can be a pain sometimes, used to scratch me up seriously, but I paid for a behavioralist to have a look at her and do some recommendations. Like you I put a lot of time into stimulating her with play or food puzzles. She's sleeping beside me now. Likes to stay close to her mom, even though she roams as well outside and gives me prey as presents. She's small, but holds her own against the two cats of my neighbours. She's a little weird, doesn't like to be petted too much, but she always greets me when she jumps in through the window and preferably is close to me. Animals are such individuals and show their love in various ways. So I totally get feeling blesses with your animal even is he/she is a pain sometimes. Here's to being best buds with the not so average cat and giving them the best life we can!

[@already.selected]

Yup, they can be such brats and need constant stimulation or they can be destructive. Get him some of those food/puzzle toys. I refer to Bengals as dog cats, mine played fetch too.

[@julierobertson148]

More proof special animals need special people. Sadly, when they get "trendy" too many special animals end up the hands of ordinary (or even sub-ordinary) people. You've been beautifully rewarded for your respect and concern.

[@garlicbread4792]

​@@karolinagren5846I think that might have happened to my cat! She was adooted around 6-7wks old. What did the behaviorist suggest for you? Maybe it'll help out with my cat (she's 10 now)

[@karolinagren5846]

@@garlicbread4792 Well, when it comes to petting; don't overstimulate her. Give a couple of pets on the head and let go. Always leave her space to leave your lap etc. And as I mentioned before; play with her in all sorts of way. They feel loved that way too, not just by petting. Let me know how it goes!

[@lizbecker1677]

My ex used to rescue alligators. At first, I thought this was really interesting, and I always admired him for his dedication to these former pets who outgrew their owners' welcome. I know it's not the same as a cat, but it kind of is. The gators grew fast and the headcount increased to the point that I just couldn't take it anymore. The care they required was intense, and keeping them healthy and happy as they grew was like having another full-time job that didn't pay. Wild animals are wild for a reason, and many well-intentioned people only learn how true this is from experience. Unfortunately, it's never humans who suffer the consequences--it's the animals, and they have no choice in the matter.

[@lalaishappyyy]

did he let them go?

[@lagopusvulpuz1571]

"It's never the humans who suffer", Yes, they do. They pay with literal flesh for their stupidity of having the status of having a wild creature. The difference is that they choose it & have the information on what they are getting involved in.

[@truesheltopusik1140]

@@lalaishappyyy You can't let alligators that used to be pets and are used to humans into the wild.

[@JNoMooreNumbers]

Alligator is tasty

[@JNoMooreNumbers]

@@StarvingArtist-sl2ve Like raising chickens. Too many roosters and they can get nasty so freezer camp. Quail roosters can be assholes too. So grow out the least desirable after hatching then weed them out. At least it's food and not others pecked to death. More gruesome and suffering.

[@sparkymularkey6970]

Back in 2006, I really wanted a Savannah cat, but that's just because I was a kid who didn't know any better. 😅 I am much happier with my found/adopted Siamese boys.

[@The-Secret-Dragon]

Meezers are the best!

[@MossyMozart]

@sparkymularkey6970 - And they don't look that way from a breeding program, either. There was a naturally occurring mutation in the fairly isolated country of Siam that spread though the population.

[@mehdimanca]

My friend woke up one morning to find a kitten under her tire that she managed to pay attention to just in time. Apparently, a local (illegal) breeder's breeding female had escaped and gotten pregnant. The breeder waited to see what the litter would look like then decided the offspring wouldn't get anything for him, so he decided on this method of disposal. That's how my friend got a Bengal kitten. I do hope that registration will help cut down on such breeders in the future, and that it includes harsh penalties for those who breed illegally and unethically.

[@57thorns]

Ugh. They place a cad under someones tires to run over? And they are still walking around town (as in not in prison, where they belong)? Apart from animal cruelty, that is (psychological) assault on the humans that could have run over the cat.

[@mehdimanca]

@@57thorns the issue is establishing intent, which is clear to us but not to the authorities involved.

[@floriduhgeorgia]

idk

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

The first time I saw a Bengal cat I just wanted one, the pattern was just too pretty. I didn't even know it was a hybrid. So I started to do research on them, and found out, but I mean so many people do have them, so what's wrong with being a hybrid. Then I came across your video and I was like okay so these cats are just wild... So I made a promise to myself that I will actually not buy any cat, and I will let cat find me. I believed one day, this one cat will just appear in my yard, and wanted shelter.... Then a chihuahua found me. That's the story of how I wanted a bengal cat, but got a chihuahua.

[@MissMoontree]

Haha, I think I only found out last year or the year before. Thought they were like a Persian or British cat. Grew up around basic black cats (most often donated to my family) and now love an adopted turtoise cat.

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

@@MissMoontree aha yes funny I also did get 2 black cats, looked like bats when they were kitten, but absolutely gorgeous once they grew up

[@MothGirl007]

@@ooXChrissieXoo Looking like bats is not a bad thing - they're super cute!

[@teeniequeenie8369]

Aaaaww i have a chihuahua too lol in fact hes passed out on me right now lol originally i thought I wanted a bigger dog being a single women but i could NOT be happier hes my best friend and he goes everywhere with me...the universe gives you exactly what you need even when you dont:)

[@teeniequeenie8369]

Moth Girl lol my little black chihuahua looks like a fruit bat lol too funny.

[@carolinekelley9473]

I think anybody who adopts a domestic kitten (or cat!) has a wild-enough little buddy in their house. Just play and you'll see the wild come out! Thanks for this thoughtful, balanced opinion video Jackson!

[@daphnedherbert]

And not enough people understand how much play a domestic cat needs to be healthy and truly happy long term.

[@eva-w]

💯% my thoughts!

[@communisticus191]

This is mostly for people who are planning on getting a hybrid, id just like to add that domestic cats cant really be compared to hybrids in that regard, its not the same and you shouldn't expect it to be the same. Don't think that just because you do great with domestic cats that you will be fine with a Bengal or Savannah. They are an insane amount of work (like second job level) and they often don't behave/react the way you would expect a cat to behave (for example my Bengal has completely different body language). Do your research and make for damn sure you are able to take great care of them (also id suggest waiting/looking for any that need to be re-homed/rescued, there is more than you would think), there are already far too many neglected hybrids.

[@NatYourAverageNerd]

My current foster kitten (and the others I've fostered in the past) can confirm this! If not for my sweet adult girl, Macchiato, I'd have a lot more play biting and claw marks all over my feet from them wanting to play with me when I'm working.

[@user-bm6ff8ot9e]

I got a street cat from a reservation near by, and he looks like a miniature bobcat. He’s the absolute best cat I could have ever asked for ❤

[@MrBuns-yi2hk]

I got a rare exotic breed of cat called a shelteris catus. A beaitiful yet menacing breed of cat that eats lots of food, sleeps most of the day, and curls up beside me whenever I am around. Truly a arvelous creature.

[@janslehmann05]

Very cute. I think it went over everyone’s head though

[@PartanBree]

Something that I've just come across lately is the big social media presence of "tame" caracals, and the insistence of their owners that frequent hissing and other similar behaviours are "just how they communicate". It seems really obvious to me watching the videos that these cats are extremely stressed, and that their hissing etc. means exactly the same as it would in any other cat. But these owners go ahead and ignore the cat's obvious signals and touch it, poke it, grab it, while the poor creature is hissing the whole time. It just makes me so sad. They must have been removed from their mothers so young, they don't know how to be a caracal and they're constantly being pushed into unnatural behaviours by humans who don't listen to their clear communication, don't give them space, don't respect them at all. Do you have any thoughts on this? Is it possible I'm wrong about the hissing? I don't think I'm wrong.

[@radiokitty9007]

What’s even more bothersome is that when people try to bring light to this, people try to “correct” then by saying “they can’t meow like cats do” (this is false. they can.) and say that they’re only mad if they pin their ears back (not true, and a very narrow way of thinking about their emotions.) There’s that one channel that posts videos of their caracal and he’s kept around a domestic cat. He hisses, but the domestic is unbothered, which shows me that he isn’t perceived as dangerous, but it’s still very clear, made by the fact that he’s hissing in every video, that he’s not happy. It’s possible that he’s good aggressive and the owner is waving a piece of meat behind the screen (Ik that sounds a little rediculous but hear me out) bc I recently saw a video of the cat approaching them hissing and trying to get to a bowl of meat they had in their hand, and they’re commonly known for hissing and being aggressive while eating.

[@JNoMooreNumbers]

I seen the hissy one. Another channel, the caracal.squeeks and seems a happy pet.

[@moonflight3806]

Caracals are not domesticated animals. If an animal is not domesticated, it should not be a pet(unless it’s like, a reptile or amphibian or insect? Idk, not educated on that topic), as it is not bred for human interaction or to be comfortable in a place like a house. It cannot get used to it, and also certainly did not come from an ethical place either. A pet caracal is not better than a pet lion(well, a lion is more likely to outright kill you, but I mean other than that). Hissing, in felines or I think any other animal, is a sign of fear and aggression(or sometimes just irritation/frustration) similar to growling. So yes, hissing is how they communicate. It’s how they communicate they are angry, scared, and/or stressed.

[@janetczernecki7779]

​@@radiokitty9007I've seen those video's. I'd be wary. I see the wild in him. He also seems protective of the domestic cat. One day he might attack his owner's.

[@cathyblock6197]

I find the videos with the servals to be disturbing-these cats are so stressed & wild. They don’t belong in a home & they shouldn’t be on instagram or KZbin.

[@RealmsMedia]

Unfortunately, the whole concept of breeding for aesthetic reasons is a huge problem for both cats and dogs. I have a rescue Bengal, who nobody wanted from the litter because she was a runt and "not as cute" as the other kittens. I love my little troublemaker to death, and we can't see our lives without her, but at the same time, there are so many strays that need homes and people are paying hundreds to sometimes thousands for a living creature that is more of an accessory than a new member of the family.

[@sims41ife35]

Indeed I also think those who are willing to pay for an animal would only see it as an accessory.

[@MaryTheresa1986]

@@sims41ife35 Those kind of people sicken me. My cat is my baby, not my "accessory". I don't "own" her, I *love* her. I'm her mother and will anything to make sure she is safe, happy, and always feels loved.

[@littlekitsune1]

Sadly, I don't think that mindset will ever stop so long as we have animals for sale like goods.

[@XxzephyrusxX1]

You do realize that some people just like the breed and temperament of the breed, right? Selecting a breed is all about containing random variation. If you're looking for a roommate, you won't just pick the first person that knocks on your door. You'll likely talk to them, see their history, ask for their employment, their family situation, their likes, their dislikes etc. If you adopt a random kitten, its temperament, its likes, its dislikes, its activity level, are all random. You may get a cat that's super energetic, or you may get a cat that likes to sleep 22 hours a day. Both are fine but some people want one thing and not the other (perhaps they don't have enough time to deal with an energetic cat or they want an energetic cat to bring some chaos in their lives). You shouldn't be shaming people for wanting to own a specific breed. Obviously, the whole F1 issue is a separate story. There's no reason why you should want an F1, but breeds in general are fine.

[@RealmsMedia]

@@XxzephyrusxX1 I understand having preference, but considering the large overpopulation issue that we have, I think people need their priorities in check. You can always adopt cats based on temperament. When it comes to breeding, it wouldn't be an issue if so many animals weren't being put down because people prefer to buy them from breeders. Those same cats would otherwise be in a perfectly suited home, but unfortunately, they were born the wrong breed.

[@kalenadams1918]

I helped care for an F2 Savannah named Bobby Joe for several years. He had very serious allergies because the local climate was so very different from what his species would normally live in. He had issues with his lungs, coat and eyes. His owner was a vet student who adopted him when a client who brought him into a clinic she was an intern at surrendered him rather than pay the vet bills related to his condition. Working with Bobby Joe gave me a visceral understanding of just how unfair these cats lives are. They are more often than not burdened with medical or behavioral issues related to their ancestry and those who buy them are usually unprepared to do what is necessary to help them work through those issues.

[@devotae]

every cat i have owned (and i have a more then a few) have had some kinda allergies from very serious to mild. I never thought about the climate, i always thought it was our shitty packaged food. I remember seeing a Dodo video where someone adopted a chipmunk and feed it fruit and nuts and it had horrible allergies too, no one seems to notice it or comment. people in general are pretty uneducated.

[@kalenadams1918]

@@devotae It probably had something to do with the food too. With Bobby Joe it was the climate because he was a Savannah, meant to live in a hot dry place but the weather where he lived tended more towards cold and wet especially in the winter.

[@Kiraiko44]

@@devotae my cat has allergies that are definitely seasonal, not food based. We moved from the very hot and humid southeast to the much dryer and colder midwest (in America) and they now only bother her when it's hot outside and we've gotten a lot of rain. So heat and humidity (and probably some of the plants that like those conditions) are clearly what affect her. She gets insane dandruff, will scratch her ears bloody, and her eyes get really irritated and runny. Humidity seems to be the real enemy, but it also needs heat. It used to be almost constantly when we lived back in the southeast, same with our late dog, but once we moved further north, both of their allergies got so much better. So did my husband's actually (I'm lucky, allergies aren't an issue for me, I tend to have sinus issues instead)

[@MirceaKitsune]

I can see that point, thanks for clarifying. I think they should exist too, but obviously to be happy. I hope a solution will be find over time.

[@myview5840]

Domestic cats are desert dwelling originally.

[@Savantrovert]

A friend rescued a Pixie Bob that had been used as a breeding stud. He had to lock it in the bathroom for many days at first until it got used to the new home situation, and it drew blood every time he came in to feed it/clean litter. Eventually it became a really sweet house cat, but with some quirks. If you were petting him, you could NOT talk to anyone or have your attention focused on anything but him. He would see you were petting absent mindedly and bite your hand HARD, drawing blood of course. The house also had a super friendly and hyperactive pitbull who loved to lick everyone and everything... except for the cat. This dog was obviously many times the cat's size and a giant brick of muscle and energy, but she was completely terrified of that cat and would avoid any and all confrontations despite her instincts urging her otherwise. One of the people in the house was home frequently and so could devote a lot of time to spend with the cat to avoid him getting bored and tearing up or peeing on stuff; you'd have to be insane or clueless to have an animal like that in a small apartment where you're gone most of the day, but that's clearly one of the core groups of people JG sees on MCFH

[@Rara_T_20]

I agree with this 100%. I wanted a Bengal, and then a Savannah, and started following rescues. These poor cats are being re-homed (or worse) because their owners aren’t prepared to raise a wild animal. It’s so heartbreaking. These cats then are supposed to be adopted with established behavioral issues at no fault of their own. They are gorgeous animals, but we instead adopted from a local rescue and they’re wonderful pets. We have to consider the welfare of the animals above all. 🐾❤🐈

[@buddhaoli]

Permits should be issued for people who want pets. Same for breeders. The amount of people that don't care or don't know how to care for their animals is insane. These are living beings who deserve to be respected and loved. The declawing topic is another thing on which I'm strong opinionated.

[@annawesometheflameingpikac3688]

My mother was telling me about a radio host she listens to who is recently a first time cat owner. He got savannah cats as his first ever pet cat! And now he claims that getting cats was a mistake and that no one should get them. Drives me insane really.

[@norikosato7823]

That radio host should go back to school and take biology class to learn the difference between domestic animals and wild animals.

[@lagopusvulpuz1571]

Cats are pretty docile & they always come home if allowed outdoors. Cats have been domesticated for a very long time. It's not something you compare to a wild animal. I even tamed street cats & they never scratch me. I remember a couple who had a Savanna cat that escaped & the cat was found many kilometers away from home, because it's a larger species & has a larger territory than a domestic cat. You can't really compare a wild creature with thousands of years of domestication.

[@annawesometheflameingpikac3688]

@@lagopusvulpuz1571 well, I would like to point out that outdoor cats do not always come home, which is a big reason to keep your cats indoors. But yeah, they are not the same animals in any way

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

@@lagopusvulpuz1571My regular domestic cat’s territory is so huge I think he’s got multiple owners.

[@felixoupopote]

Sounds like a great journalist. Bravo to his research skills. Even making an a&& of himself after the mistake.

[@DonnaLena1]

I’m a believer in the rescue of the many domestic cats who are already here and desperate for good homes. Six weeks ago I adopted my first ever cat, a little girl who is a domestic shorthair. She’s a delightful companion and I already love her dearly. On the other hand, my neighbor purchased a beautiful but quite expensive purebred male kitten. Yesterday she offered me some expensive toys for my kitten, explaining that her cat cannot play with these toys because she recently had him DECLAWED. I’m sure my face reflected my horror because she hurried to explain that the surgery was done by an accomplished veterinarian who uses lasers which causes less bleeding. Her reason for taking this action is that she scratches and bleeds easily and her pet must fit into her lifestyle. I’m not convinced. I believe this is a cruel and possibly immoral practice.

[@cadosbeene]

Yea thats so messed up!! I have a selkirk rex and I trim his nails once every 3 weeks. I’ve been trimming his nails since he was 3 months old. He tolerates it and I give him kibble afterwards. I have a cat tree he loves with scratching posts. He has never ruined my furniture. Owners don’t need to resort to declawing!

[@jenfreed78]

Congratulations on adopting your first cat! Shame that your neighbor is such an uncaring and ignorant individual. Hopefully we will continue the trend of making declawing illegal.

[@littlekitsune1]

If your lifestyle involves maiming your cat, you shouldn't have the cat. Also that vet should be fired. Shame on them!

[@cwenwflute]

She shouldn’t get any cat if she’s going to declaw them; it has nothing to do with the breed!

[@danroak]

Can't believe declawing is still done these days. There are claw caps for people who have issues with scratches. Omg. I feel extremely bad for the cat.

[@tiffanym4202]

When I was a girl I had my heart set on an ocelot. A couple of years ago I had considered getting a Bengal. They are just so beautiful. I looked into breeders and gasped at the price tag. And then I thought about how many shelter cats I could take in with that money. Easy decision.

[@K_8T]

I smell a catwomen arising here 🤌✨ (I am very allergic to cats (or their spit?) but I still love being around them)

[@Meimoons]

@@K_8Tsame 😭🤚

[@jsbrads1]

Where would you even keep an ocelot? On your private train car ice skating rink? 😅

[@YoSoyConando]

All my cats have been from neighbors or rescues. Every single one of them was a wonderful pet. And if you want a fancier breed, they do show up in shelters. One of mine was a Thai!

[@MiljaHahto]

There's now a rescue Scottish fold in a shelter I know... And they announce clearly that the owner will need to have the ability to care for a chronicly ill cat, because that's what she'll be. There's no Scottish fold cat that doesn't get chronic pain when aging. Which is why a rescue is the only responsible way of having one of them.

[@afandrich]

I tried to report a backyard breeder when he called the vet clinic I was working in to ask if there were any vets that would take out the teeth of his serval because it kept killing the domestic cats. Unfortunately I was too flabbergasted to try and coax his information out of him so there was nothing the investigators could go on. Major regret on my part.

[@allisonmarlow184]

Wow! I would have been speechless too.

[@yvonnesanders4308]

Wow. Keep your animal inside away from other cats or give it up to someone experienced

[@Schainukan]

@@yvonnesanders4308 This is not about indoor/outdoor cats. And a serval is not a regular cat, it's a wild and exotic animal not meant to be owned. This person was not letting their serval out and it returned with dead domestic cats, no, this person was forcefully trying to make that serval breed with the domestic cats to create savannah cats because they sell for a ton as stated in the video, however, the serval had none of it and saw the smaller felines as prey items.

[@MirceaKitsune]

That is... sad. I admittedly also underestimate the difference between being wild versus domestic: They can be pretty significant. I like the idea of such cats living alongside people as well, but if it's harmful to either them or other creatures... not okay of course, dunno what to say.

[@jjohnsengraciesmom]

You tried, that's good. And someone else may have reported him.

[@mala3isity]

It's the aiding the illegal traders that tipped it for me, too. Never thought of where the wild sperm or eggs were coming from. Our pair of males had died and when we were missing cat presence, my boyfriend was enthralled with Savannahs. The same man who grumbles at having to do the AM feeding wanted a cat that needs sooooo much maintenance and space. We have a small house. Thankfully, you Jackson, had just done the episode with the Savannahs & I made sure he actually watched it, not play a game and give the show a glance once and a while. We both learned a lot and he decided a Savannah was a pack of trouble we didn't need. We still got wild cats, in the form of adopted feral kittens who've grown to be happy indoor cats who sometimes harken back to their kitten days. We talk them down and they say it was fun but prefer being the gentle cats who get loved.

[@Nakia11798]

Savannah's are gorgeous, but very high maintenance, as you know.

[@derfman1963]

I had a cat that was the grandkitty of a bobcat. Neighbor was a retired wildlife officer and had a few cats that were offspring from one of the bobcats he was taking care of. My cat, named Aunt Clara after the absent minded Bewitched character(she forgot her tail), was almost completely black and the most muscular cat I have ever picked up. Yet she was a bit on the small side. She was also super smart and a real sweetheart of a cat, as long as you were not a bird, mole, or gopher. She caught birds while wearing a cone after getting stitches in her leg. One day my neighbor saw her crossing the street when a car caught her by surprise and she just stood still, waited until it passed over, and then continued walking. I really miss that cat.

[@kellynnd5361]

i had a bobcat hybrid, gorgeous, smart and very loving... but... she would stalk deer, no local wildlife was safe and she could be very destructive when pissed and would find something of yours and piss on it if you made her mad. i raised her socialised with other cats/dogs and children, so she was good with people. still, she destroyed my bedroom door when i tried to lock her out of it at night, then she figured out how to open doors... i trained her to hand, whistle, and verbal commands and leash, she was basically a dog that could purr. we miss her a great deal which is why we picked up a pair of bengal kittens, but we're also prepared for what we're dealing with.

[@robinhowells159]

I worked at a veterinary hospital & we had a client with a Bengal cat & an African Grey parrot. The owner originally only brought his bird to be boarded with us. The bird was one of my favorite boarders. She could imitate just about anything & was a pleasure to have with us. The owner started to bring the Bengal & while he was beautiful, what a handful. When the owner returned, he explained the cat would be better if put in the same room as the bird. 😮 To my surprise, it worked, the cat was better behaved & got on well with the bird. We never left the bird out with the cat unless supervised. But the behavior of the cat improved while he was in the same room as his little buddy. I still don’t know how the owner accomplished this unusual pairing.

[@lostineggsaisle]

Animals can be pretty amazing

[@JuMiKu]

By being irresponsible... Seriously, 9/10 that bird would be dead at some point. 1/20 the cat would have lasting damage or be dead, because parrots aren't exactly defenseless.

[@carlbernard4197]

​@@JuMiKuyes how well I know that. Had a green wing 12:01 Macaw that hurt when she would get your fingers.

[@lenitaa7938]

Probably, they grew up together! Not unheard of!

[@lenitaa7938]

@@JuMiKuJudgemental much? Just like many dogs and cats become best buddies, the same happens with the other species! I’ve seen this many times! Yeah, one needs to be aware and cautious, but, often, when brought up together, they can become buddies!

[@kaleya3d484]

There was a time about 16 years ago when I desperately wanted a Bengal. I lived in a small town so no breeders were in my area so I posted an ad asking to buy one and I got a reply from a lady who said she had some kittens that looked Bengal for free. So I met her to meet the kittens and I found a box full of tabby kittens who looked nothing like Bengals but I took one home anyway and fell in love with her and had her for 16 years until she passed. Turns out I didn't need that Bengal after all. They are very pretty but a plain little rescue kitten is a much better choice and there are a lot of them out there who need homes. I do worry that a ban could have dangerous consequences for the cats who are currently being exploited and I hope if there is a ban put into place that the agencies responsible will take steps to insure the safety of those cats. Who knows what an unethical breeder might do to them once they aren't able to use them as a meal ticket.

[@shep9231]

you have good cause to be concerned. I share your concerns myself :)

[@user-oe8dp4ux7l]

The problem is that if they do not ban, much more cats would be exploited :/

[@kaleya3d484]

@@user-oe8dp4ux7l I'm not against the ban, I just hope someone will protect the cats who are being exploited once they have no value to these people who breed them.

[@alchemysaga3745]

@школа оригами Their concerns is more that many breed bans tend to accidentally cause similar damage to what they're supposed to prevent. Think of the "Bull breed bans" that have lead to officers taking dogs that aren't anywhere near being a banned breed, that don't have any behavior issues, and have even been trained as service animals to some capacity just because they "looked like a bulldog" to the officer. They aren't saying there shouldn't be a ban. They are saying that whatever ban there is needs to be built in a way it isn't going to cause unconsidered harm to existing animals.

[@tjclarke5401]

Jackson, I just wanted to share a story here. I was camping in September 2020, and while I was out, I learned my mom had passed away. Everyone else had already left the campground due to the weather, but my daughter and I stayed one more night, it was only us left in the whole campground, and I was feeling really really sad. At around 12:30 a.m., I heard a cat meowing, and I went out to look, and saw 2 glowing eyes in my flashlight beam. I shined the light on myself and coaxed the cat to come over. He was clearly a friendly domestic cat, he must have been out there for a couple of days, probably escaped from an RV and the owners just left. Anyway, long story short, he stayed with us in the trailer overnight and we brought him back home. We asked around on the campground website, but nobody replied. Some good friends took him in and he felt right at home, and he is still doing well today, happy as can be. He is an absolute titan of a cat though, just huge! There was no way I was just leaving this cat in the campground in the onset of winter, on its final closing day. No way. It was almost as though my mom's spirit was telling me to stay another night, because I had a mission to rescue this cat. Interestingly enough, my friends now rent my Mom's home, and the cat lives there now, very happy and well cared for.

[@angelachouinard4581]

My roommate had a Bengal. I loved this cat more than anything. When he had to go to his country of origin to renew his visa things got complicated and I had his Bengal and other cat to myself for a year. So intelligent it was like living with a person. He was also probably one of the least destructive or troublesome cats I've ever had. But I'm an introvert and my cats are my social life so he got tons of play and exercise. He's since passed away but having had a Bengal was a major highlight in my cat experiences.

[@dahyimi2185]

I have a common tabby, and he's smarter than any human. He's got me completely tamed!

[@SethParr]

I think that's what it is all about; catering to the needs of your cat. If you can, then you have a great animal friend. If not, then you have quite the opposite. Good on you on meeting the needs of your cat.

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@SethParr Thank you Seth. Knowing Shinki and getting to live with him was a joy and a privilege.

[@daphne10120]

The best cat I have ever owned cost me $40 and I got her in a McDonald’s parking lot. She’s made me fall in love with cats again and I don’t think I’ll have another like her.

[@s.ebright7620]

Good for you, very kind woman. Cats are individuals, like people. Choose your cat after spending time with it. Think carefully!!

[@kittybyrd6224]

A former boss of mine purchased two Savannah cats (an F2 and a F6, if I recall correctly?) with the intention of breeding them for money. He brought them to the office on a regular basis and let them roam around. The F2, a female who cost almost as much as my yearly salary, ended up being shy, but a total sweetheart. The male F6 was really friendly as a kitten, but after reaching maturity he was scary. He'd still be friendly, but sometimes it was like a switch flipped and he'd become aggressive, hissing and growling and coming towards you. It always came out of nowhere. He also sprayed everywhere and made the place stink. People who buy animals just for how they look or to make money off of them have no business owning animals. Those kind of people also seem to never do research on the needs or behavior of the pets they're buying. They don't research how abusive the industries churning out exotic and special breed pets are. It really disturbs me just how little these people actually care about the well-being of the animals involved.

[@ladycaticorn2950]

That's so sad. Those poor cats. Yeah, people who profit off of animals are not good folks in my eyes. Even if you supposedly "love" the breed, you're still doing something cruel to them by breeding hybrids and subjecting them to a lifetime of frustration and suffering because they shouldn't be kept in captivity with humans. So very sad how the animals always suffer in these scenarios.

[@kellyngrey4950]

Not saying my cat is any type of hybrid, but I suspect he's several generations of feral/street cat (he's at least 3 generations back of being born on the street). He's a DSH, but his markings are distinctive, he has a very long tail and high back legs. He has a very high prey drive and incredible energy. He also has a temper that goes off in an instant and he is very territorial/aggressive with other animals and people. Point being is that I think that he has a long enough lineage or heritage as being feral/street cat that he's lost some of the docile traits people purposely bred into cats. Cats are wild enough as is. We don't need to breed wild animals into domestic cat lines. As it is, people have a hard enough time understanding cat behavior and how to properly care for them.

[@maraandthecity966]

My male Maine coon is a cutie pie, I can’t count the times people told me not to spay him because I could get money from breeding. Everyone of those people where surprise seeing my hard no, completely ignoring how much work is to take care of that kind of situations. I really can’t understand how people think about money before well being of a breathing creature 🙄

[@BooBaddyBig]

TBH that behavior is not that uncommon for unspayed males even if they're not hybrids.

[@jesusmalverde612]

You are trippin. I have both Savannah Cats and regular domestic tabby cats and let me tell you. My regular cat is more aggressive towards people she has bit my friends scratched them and destroyed alot of my furniture. My Savannahs just run around but don't hurt my guests or destroy my things. It's all about the character of the cat not the breed.

[@saylremi]

My opinion on this has changed a lot. I used to be a supporter of responsible hybrid breeding with good, responsible breeders. I'm not anymore. I have an F2 Savannah cat, and he is my world. He's the sweetest cat I've ever owned and he's very social and happy. HOWEVER. I've begun to see more so the pain of Servals being in captivity. And my Savannah boy, sweet as he is, is not a cat I would recommend for just anyone. He requires lots of attention and cleaning up after. He pees everywhere. And when he gets sick, he's not very calm about vet visits. My normal, rescue cats are wonderful and much easier to care for. I think it's time to make the hybrid market less of a thing and focus on what we have

[@saylremi]

Also, I absolutely HATE the idea of getting a pet for status or social media points. Pets are family, not accessories!

[@MrKaypet]

I totally agree with you. My son has 2 Bengals and even he got so frazzled he thought about giving his boy cat away, thinking some one with a bigger house would be better for him. I told him he has to fix any of the problem behaviours to make rehoming somewhat viable.Son ended up working from home and the cats are fine now. Being wild cats, intelligent and more highly strung it takes being owned by a responsive owner, a few play sessions a day and someone who is home for most of the day. My son, his child and these bengals are a very happy loving family. Yet realistically how many people have the money for their vet visits, special vet foods, have a well paying IT career where they can insist on working from home 95% of the time.Or are motivated to work out any of the cats problems and solve them? Has son who is the same. Plus he is fit enough to keep up with the cats activities and rescue them from danger or escaping.

[@lessismore8533]

@@saylremiexactly!

[@endersmith162]

I adopted a Bengal this year. This is his FIFTH and final home. What's appalling is how many people get a designer cat because it's popular, many not even having a cat before and not understanding that these cats are much more needy and destructive than their domestic cousins, and then mistreat and abandon it when it behaves as such. Education is so vital.

[@melanieanddavideccles895]

I support rescue and every cat I've ever had has been a rescue. I know two people personally (and I don't have a wide circle of friends by any means) who have gotten designer cats within the past year. I also have feelings about the designer cats who are hairless cats, ones with shriveled ears or short stumpy legs, etc. It seems cruel to me. In response to any questions I raise, I ALWAYS get the "But they've been doing it to dogs forever!" Bah! Is what I say, Fie. However, thank you Jackson for all that you do, I've been watching you for years and have always appreciated how you approach each animal and situation carefully and with great thought. Thank you! Thank you!

[@avalitor]

The dog comparison is not very good if your friends know anything about dog breeding. Yes dogs are bred, but they are often bred to preserve a specific working purpose (herding, tracking, etc). Breeding just for specific coat colors is seen as unethical even in the dog world.

[@HydraBill57]

I'd tell em so what? Dog breeding can be pretty terrible sometimes too. Just because something else is bad that does not in anyway make what you do good.

[@debrabiderman4275]

I agree. Every time I see a cat with short legs i think, How cruel! What a mean thing to do to a predator. Dachshunds were bred to go into burrows. Cats wait outside for days.

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

They’ve been doing it to dogs forever… and look at the resulting health issues. German Shepherds with heart issues, joint issues, spinal issues and skin allergies. Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers who can hardly breathe. Cocker Spaniels that go insane (Red Cocker Syndrome). Dachshunds who die because their spine implodes. Sharpeis with rashes so bad they’re either itchy or in pain most of their lives. Yeah, keep it up people. Part of humankind seems to have forgotten the particle ‘kind’ in their name. Unscrupulous breeders who have no consideration for the individual’s AND the breed.s welfare aren’t part of humanKIND. They’re a separate group called humanCRUEL. Most of my pets are and have been rescues for a reason. When not a rescue, they came from a reputable breeder.

[@lenitaa7938]

The genetic anomalies that were perpetuated through breeding, such as the Persian, Munchkin, Scottish Fold, etc have genetic health issues! The original Persian breed looked nothing like the one is bred today! Same with the Pomeranians and many other breeds! Why do we keep shrinking these dogs, affecting their brains, health, temperaments and wellbeing!?? It is incredibly cruel to keep breeding flatter noses and faces , short necks and big heads when a dog struggles to breathe , often has cleft palates, skin fold allergies, has difficulty in mating and giving birth! These Often results in the short life spans and a lifetime of serious health issues! A dog struggling to breathe is not cute!! The Veterinarians tried to get them officially banned, but so far, unsuccessfully! There are breeders, however, who have been working very hard to improve these breeds, by producing the Bulldogs, etc with the longer necks, smaller heads, longer noses and longer legs, etc! Their dogs are much healthier, more active, give normal births, normal breathing, longer lifespans, etc! The Olde Englishe Bulldogge is one such example of the improvement! There are others! I heard of improved Pug breed Research, research! Why put a cat or a dog through a lifelong torture to breathe and walk, etc!?

[@arguchik]

I'm 100% with you. I feel the same way about wolf-dog hybrids, which can also be very unpredictable. I met a few when my dog was still alive. Some (many) people have a really unfortunate tendency: they see an animal they admire and immediately want to own one. For myself...I have gotten all of my pets through shelters, foster homes, and rescue organizations, except one kitten who was abandoned in my apartment complex parking lot by some tenants who had just moved out.There are *so many* cats and dogs out there who need homes and kind human caretakers.

[@bonjovirocks24]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheScandoman]

Yeah, people get wolf-hybrids, and they are maybe ok as puppies, but, usually, it's just a matter of time 'til you have problems.

[@daceliepins9108]

💖💖💖

[@bonjovirocks24]

I volunteered with an organization called Pets on Death Row in NYC. If you saw the sheer number of cats and dogs that are immediately flagged to be killed, without a chance to get adopted, you wound never buy a pet from a breeder again. It’s horrific. These cats & dogs know that they’re about to be killed and fight like hell. It’s not a peaceful euthanasia whatsoever. I adopted 3 cats that were slated to die the next day & they’ve been the best companions for years. It’s like they know they got a 2nd chance to live.

[@arguchik]

@@bonjovirocks24 I never have purchased a pet from a breeder, thanks, and I'm well aware of a pet's chances in the shelter/rescue system.

[@carlosespinal17]

My brother was crazy about Bengals. Very crazy wild cats. One of them died of stress from having to move homes and live with other cats. The other died of a virus the local cat population had. The surviving one was given for adoption and my mom took it in. He is doing great and is a sweet guy, but is nothing like a domestic cat. I'm all in for hybrids being banned. They are indeed beautiful, but we must stop owning pets for superficial reasons.

[@AY-lt5oc]

Very well argued points. I totally agree with you. I volunteer at a pet rescue and I have seen the bengal cats coming in. Love from London 🤗

[@jeanettemclaughlin4296]

Every word Jackson says is why I have adopted all my pets. I don't want to perpetuate the cycle of selective breeding.

[@zengj779]

I've rescued two Bengals from the same residential area. Both are absolutely sweet and got adopted pretty quickly. But the fact that they were both found in the same area makes me wonder if there's a backyard breeder who just "gets rid of" cats who don't meet the ridiculous beauty standards.

[@mrdumbguy6026]

could also be that someone bought them and abandoned them after realizing they couldn’t deal with them. Happens a lot.

[@maryhirsch7170]

I have a Bengal and he's nothing like what has been described. He's low key, not as good a jumper as my DSH. He's difficult cat to do his nails, but I get it done. He's an adorable cat. He's far enough removed,ctgat he's just a big domestic with incredible markings.

[@gliiterr]

@@maryhirsch7170 Still can't fathom why you would spend thousands on a product of animal exploitation rather than spend $30 to save a shelter cat from euthanasia.

[@maryhirsch7170]

Hopefully not. I knew the owner of my cat. They just decided they wanted more dogs, so my beautiful Bengal was looking for a home. Their loss!

[@gilldavidmour4199]

@@gliiterr Much like when people spend big money on an alligator or cow hide garments. Just knowing that an animal was slaughtered in order for some woman to have a new handbag or shoes when she could of only spent $30.00 at the local Goodwill store,...I still can't fathom.

[@sagaedling195]

A point I think you missed is that there’s two sides of the rowdy behaviour of hybrid cats. Yes it’s difficult for the humans to handle, but it’s also horrible for the animal. Domestic cats have it in their dna to bo social with humans, to be less wary and live in a smaller space. A wild cat has very different needs. I cannot imagine the stress a hybrid must endure on a daily basis.

[@tinatalker178]

Excellent point.

[@cdc3]

Just posted a counter to what you say here above. My f5 Savannah is closer to a domestic, but I guarantee that she is well adapted to life with me. We live alone in a 760 sq ft house together quite well. Although she is entirely an indoor cat, she goes out with me every day for all of the activities retired people do. There are places where I dare not show up without her, she's so well know and loved around here. She "tells" me every time when she wants to go and I have a huge feeling of guilt when I have to deny her. But she is well adjusted to our life together and is not stressed at all.

[@sagaedling195]

@@cdc3 aw that sounds lovely ❤️ I don’t doubt that your girl thrives, and there’s probably a lot of wonderful thriving hybrids out there. The problem with hybrids though is the fact that genetics in cross breeding are very unreliable. There is no telling what those 50 % will be and so you can get littermates where one has all the sociability from the domestic and just the energy and hunting drive from the wild cat, but you can also get a cat that just gets the body build from the domestic parent and all instincts from the wild parent. So there are of course some wonderful hybrid cats, but for every wonderful hybrid cat there’s also littermates destined to struggle thriving in a home environment. Of course they get fewer every generation, but if you go up the family tree there’s a lot of miserable cats there.

[@cdc3]

@@sagaedling195 Thank you for your kind response. I am 71 and have had many cats over my lifetime, from the age of three. What you say is true and I know that, but what is also true is that domestic cats have the same problems in my experience. Many are wonderful little personalities who are with us as companions. But it is also true that quite a few are rotters and cannot be fixed easily due to the same instabilities in the same litter, though admittedly not with the same frequency. The extra "spark", the cayenne pepper of the wildness enhances the love my cat has for me, even though at times she is unpredictable. I have learned to accept pain from her when she does go wild for a bit in anger, waiting her out while she has her claws and even teeth into me at such times and just talking to her until she releases. That is definitely not for everyone. But the rewards of her love and companionship, her constant desire for my presence makes that a slight burden to me in my love for her. I believe in God, in the mercies and love of Christ in my life. I view pets as a kind of example of how God sees us, loving those who are His far more that we can know and love Him. My cat will never know the depth of love I have for her or the pain she occasionally causes me. Yet it is sufficient that she loves me and I love her in the same way in which I love God without understanding fully the depth of His love for me, just like Juni.

[@sj4iy]

@@cdc3 Think of Savvanah cat, the F1, F2, and potentially F3 and F4 that had to suffer in captivity to get your closer to domestic F5.

[@rhoda6573]

Basic brown tabbies look just like their wild ancestors and are usually the sweetest natured cats as well. The Ocicat is a purely domestic breed (originated with a Siamese/Abyssinian mix) that has been bred to look even wilder, if you must have a cat with a spotted coat.

[@nikki2663]

My fiancé and I adopted our little bangel baby. She also came from not a great home and she had massive anxiety in the beginning. Also territorially peeing is definitely a common issue we juggle and we just ask people not bring dogs into her space. Today she’s 100% happy and obsessed with my fiancé.

[@ildonoa3928]

I had a rescue bengal. We think she lived to about 19 years old (we don't know because rescue). She had been declawed by a previous "guardian". I loved her to pieces. Sure she was gorgeous, but I don't remember her for her looks. I remember how she used to gently pat my face if I slept past her breakfast time. I remember brushing her on her heating pad as part of our nighttime routine. I remember the look on her face when I wouldn't let her eat human food. I remember her meowing at me when I did not read her mind quickly enough. None of these memories are tied to the fact she was a bengal. None of these personality traits are bengal - I've had plenty of cats that were just as vocal rescued from underneath dumpsters. There is plenty of variety, in looks and personality, at your local shelter. We currently have a kitten at our shelter (only about 4 weeks old, so we don't have any idea what his adult coat will be) that is white with cream tabby stripes, and lilac-pointed, except the points are tabby-striped, too. We are certain he is going to be gorgeous, however it turns out. Have you seen dilute torties? I am also a strong advocate of the domestic Haus Panther (standard black). If you are looking at exotics because you are an adrenaline junkie wanting to take your pet guardianship to the "next level", go to your shelter and say, "I would like to foster a cat with behavior challenges". Guaranteed, your shelter has at least one cat that needs one-on-one work in a foster setting. Most of these are going to be shy cats that have been abandoned or abused, unfortunately. There is NOTHING that beats the first time a shy cat lets you give them scritches. NOTHING. I love all cats, just like I love all dogs and I would hate to see any of the animals that are already here banned. I whole-heartedly agree with making it illegal to own wild cats unless you are a licensed zoo or wildlife rescue.

[@nancydorsey4363]

I wasn't finished !! LOL. My 1st rescue Bengal acted up when bored. I played with him regularly and he became the Perfect Bengal!!! no mouse ever survived more than a day in my farmhouse lol. I thought he needed company so I adopted a neglected Bengal which had not been touched or played with for the first 6yrs of his life!!! That too is abuse. I patiently pet her however she did not get along with my male Bengal. After 8 months, I was able to love on her, pet her from head to tail and I gent tug on the tail to get my Bengals used to tail tugs in case a young kid would do it so the kid doesn't get scratched. I am definitely alpha. I found her a loving home with a friend since she hated my first cat and truly attacked any chance she got. I had to keep a room between he and male because she often rushed thru door to get to him. She is very happy with new owner. I then got a young male Bengal. He sprayed, but the owner didn't get him fixed. I got him fixed asap and now I have Two Loving Perfect Bengals. Yes they climb and play king of the mountain regularly. Yes they play rough with each other then clean the others fur and curl up together. They are my perfect pets and have saved my sanity through Covid. I wouldn't know what to do without them. Oh I was allergic to girl Bengal but her fur showed she was further down the f generations. My newest boy is hypoallergenic. I deduct the the closer to F4 and up, the less allergenic they are.

[@jhaustrick2535]

I had a 'dilute' tortie, but she was called a 'faded' tortie, it made her seem like she had spent too long in the shop window!

[@cdc3]

"She had been declawed by a previous 'guardian'. " As you can see, my cat is a Savannah f5. Not for a ban on them. But as far as "declawing" a cat, I'd like to declaw those who do that with the same method used on the cats - amputation at the first knuckle - and see how well they do with that...

[@ildonoa3928]

@@cdc3 Yep, thus the quotes. I really hope the practice becomes outlawed universally. I really feel the declawing impacted her for the rest of her life, causing her discomfort and later pain in her front paws.

[@cdc3]

@@ildonoa3928 Just noticed another thing which you wrote earlier, " I remember how she used to gently pat my face if I slept past her breakfast time." We raised a couple of litters of the most beautiful Siamese cat I have seen, having both the cranky blue point mother and the schizoid extremely dark seal point father (inside he was meek and mild, when he got outside he was a terror to anything which moved). In the first litter, a woman called and was going to buy out last kitten of 6 but she didn't show. We kept him. He was the most gentle giant, weighing in at 22 lbs. Toddlers would roll right across him and he would just lay there. When he got in bed with you, he'd duck under the covers, turn around and stick his head out inbetween your body and arm, face up like a child. When we told him it was bed time, he'd trot off to bed. if you were down or depressed, he'd jump up on your lap, stare into your eyes and gently pat your cheek with his fully armed paws. I never knew him to get angry or upset. Many, many tears when he died at 18 of cancer. Funny thing is, when we had the second litter, the same woman called and wanted one of them. We sold her a male who cost her less than the toys she had already bought for him. Seems she was on her way for the first cat and had a stroke. Later, after her new cat was a little older, she called and told us that late at night she had fallen and because of the stroke was too weak to get up in her bedroom. The cat left her, went to her 40 y.o. son, woke him up and led him to his mother. That cat had it made for the rest of his life!

[@adam091080]

THANK YOU JACKSON! You always impress and amaze me - 2017 I was in India trying to find an ashram - I ended up in this village in Northern India on the banks of the Ganges - never found the ashram did find a 4 month old kitten crawling in the dirt eating cookie crumbs while two large dogs were in the most frightening stand off with each other growling and salivating ever closer to this destperate little kitten. I decided to pick up the skeletal kitten take it to a vet, get it fed healthy, neutered and return it to the village. The kitten turned out to be blind and have a weakness in his back knees from the lack of protein in his diet. The kitten turned out to be extremely determined, fiesty, fierce and as he grew became more and more like the shape of a Bengal - extremely lean and muscular. He is exactly why I agree with you regarding wild cats - this boy was wild not a domestic or feral cat and only because he is blind and I found him at a young enough age was it possible for him to become a domestic cat - but he is hard work - 2 hour long walks everyday often 3 walks and playtime are absolutley necessary for him to be calm and happy. He cannot stand to be left alone ever- he gets very depressed if he's left alone more than a couple of hours while he is sleeping. - he cries and howls so louds when you don't get ready to get him out the door for his walks fast enough - he is adorable, loving and full of character but he is lucky that his family can work from home and give him all the time and attention he requires - I feel so sad that that these F1 are abandoned because people didnt realise what a job it would be - I didn't realise what a job it would be! I just rescued a starving a kitten and now he runs my/our lives haha! But the trajedy is the captured wild animals used for mating too as you say - their mother will most likely have been shot and the cubs/kittens grabbed from their dead mother's side -- then kept captive in a cage and forced to breed with the wrong species - it's sickening really isn't it? how can we continue to be so cruel? and really is it as much as 1 million cats killed in America every year! I am devastated to hear this news it's appalling - thank you Jackson for this video as always and love and light to you to you and yours too

[@sandiolives4114]

thank you for saving him

[@Sofiaode18]

Thankyou for saving a kitten in need! Even domestic cats long to socialize and play around outside so consider it abuse if an owner forces a cat with an active personality to stay inside all the time. Not all cats like to laze around alone, although it's certainly convenient to believe that all cats are like that.

[@jessechristian8665]

11,000 kids go missing every year in the US, never to be seen from again. There are some cruel people out there and their cruelty isn't just saved for cats (and dogs).

[@adam091080]

@@jessechristian8665 There are surprisingly large number of cruel people, and that's an appalling number of children I can hardly take it in? Really? We are all just so self absorbed with our lives, are own careers and our own children to care enough to be giving enough and active enough to really make change happen - it's very overwhelming and where to start? I started with a kitten as I am long term chronic ill ( over 10 years now ) and a couple of rescue cats is about all I can manage. It's my belief that every all of us need to take a year off from our lives 2-3 times over our life times and just donate our time, love and energy and money to the people and communities around the world who don't have -

[@Blitterbug]

Wonderful video, Jackson. It reminds me very much of the high demand for civet coffee being the cause of horrific conditions for thousands of beautiful civet cats.

[@lucasr4515]

I think it is so noble of you to take such an unbiased approach to this topic. I can tell you are a good person who actually cares what is best for these cats. Best wishes.

[@katdroidd]

I had to get a crash course in hybrids after adopting a Bengal mix that no one realized was a hybrid. He was an amazing cat. So hybrids are already out in the general cat population making babies.

[@karenstandefer1]

Yours was probably not a hybrid. Hybrids are only the first 4 generations. After that they are considered domestic.

[@sabbathsermonau]

We know that. Should not have happened

[@RustyRefuge]

@@karenstandefer1 They still retain the genes of the wild cats. The genes are not diluted by generations. It is still possible that a kitten generations removed, will receive wild DNA which will likely be a dominant gene. Think of what happened to pit bulls. It is hard to find homes for them because they can turn out to be animal aggressive. They were bred to be animal but not human aggressive originally and many current dogs show those characteristics. The cats that carry the wild gene may be unsuitable as pets for most people. Also there are health issues. I had a sweet pure persian rescue that was so badly made (sway backed) that she could not jump up onto the couch and ended up being put down due to heart failure at the age of three. Irresponsible breeders want to make a buck at the animals expense. AKA puppy and kitten mills.

[@jessikahobbs2025]

Well, as Jackson pointed out, a lot of them get dumped because people don’t really understand what they’re getting into. All of my Monkey’s vets have been pretty convinced he’s part Bengal. 16lb, beautiful, wild-looking boy, but he’s a total scaredy cat momma’s boy. 😹

[@atomicskull6405]

@@karenstandefer1 Domestic cats are already mostly african wild cat with various other local wild cats that interbred with domestic cats by chance. This is nothing new.

[@dianejuenemann2660]

My 3 domestic cats have plenty of personality and “wild cat” behaviors. I feel sad about the wild cats that are in breeding captivity. I hope people listen to your wise words. Thank you for all you do!

[@GingerTheSpoiledCat]

Yes, thanks Jackson

[@lucyfur]

Agreed, my 3 cats, especially my boy, can be pretty wild when they want to be. But then, when they want to be, they can be little snugglebugs. They have domesticated me not the other way around and I wouldn't have it any other way, even when I wake up to a mouse carcass outside my bedroom door.

[@kiwiprouddavids724]

in NZ our PM jacinder Arden is talking about having people register their cats just like dogs ,they say it's because of conservation efforts but it's just another tax on the working classes and revenue gathering for her bullshit woke courses

[@johannamansson6005]

Me to. Enslaved wild cats just to breed.. hoomans are 🥶😔

[@TurkeyFarmerGirl]

I got 4 wild baby's I took in. They are grown now and sleep with us. My son tamed them out. I'm off grid, not to worried about it.

[@karenleepickett]

I know someone who has "hybrid" cats, but lives in an area where they have "lots of room" for them to not feel "trapped". I know that it is "cool" to have something "unique", but you have to know the specific needs of that breed. And, as you pointed out - there are rescues that take in these cats and there is no reason to BUY one (sorry breeders). My cats have all been rescues - and one an owner surrender because he was "too vocal". Yes, you are correct. There are millions of cats looking for homes - and I wish I could adopt them all.

[@janicebroom1612]

Always interesting, thank you. I didn't even know Bengals were hybrids. So many cats in rescue centres awaiting homes

[@scottnieradka6836]

I have a rescue bengal, and I agree with the ban. I love her to death, but people dont know what their needs are, she came with a pile of behavioral issues and took alot of patience and work. She requires 4-5 hours a day of walks and play to keep her happy. Im sure a high percentage of these rich people buying these dont know what they are getting into (i underestimated it, honestly, and I knew), and there are alot of neglected cats.

[@ladycaticorn2950]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Honestly, I think that people like the idea of "owning" a wild cat, so they don't care if it's the best situation for the animal or not. I'm glad your cat has you because you sound like a very loving owner, but that has to be exhausting meeting all of her energy requirements. I already feel like my own two domestic kitties don't get enough play; I can't imagine meeting the energy needs of a hybrid.

[@rev.rachel]

Yeah, my greatest regret of the pandemic is that I got long covid and can't play with my rescue Bengal enough anymore. Poor thing is so droopy when we can't play, and I feel so so bad for her, and I just don't have the energy in my body anymore. Being a disabled parent is hard.

[@noradennis4361]

@@ladycaticorn2950 I did too, when I saw a woman walking a cheetah down the street. I outgrew the urge. Having four domestic cats (two little panthers, a calco and a tuxedo) is the closest I will get to having a "wild cat" in my home. 🙂

[@anonymousfellow8879]

I have a different take on bengals: -they’re hypoallergenic and one of the few (if not the only) short-haired vs Fucked Up Fur Genetics (like sphinx and rexes) or Long-Haired (like angoras and ragdolls) -ANY rescued animal is going to have temperament issues -there are plenty of dog breeds that are “higher energy” than others and thus needing more specific care and diets -bengals can reproduce. They don’t have to be produced by crossing a domestic cat with an asiatic wild cat -MANY cats are “high prey” and cannot be conditioned to households with prey-animals. Likewise MANY dogs are the exact same way-even small dogs, but especially larger dogs to smaller dogs. -Quite frankly the Traditional Method of keeping cats Indoor-ONLY increases their anxiety and makes them asocial and agoraphobic. -Dog breeds have varying activity and anxiety levels depending on breed that MUST be addressed, which also varies individual to individual. Cats are similar in those regards individual-to-individual. Why WOULDN’T their breeds as well So…Do your research before getting a bengal. See if it’s an animal you can actually take one. But that should be a Given, we need to normalize socializing and enriching cats Anyway, and bengals don’t just “look cool”; they actually DO fit a specific niche (ie, a hypoallergenic breed that’s 1) short haired and 2) actually healthy.)

[@MollyGrue1]

@@anonymousfellow8879 well, Jackson is talking about banning the catch and use of wild creatures and their first offspring. If a bengal suits you go to a breeder or a rescue and be happy with a f2 to fxxxx generation product. And thats ok so far - agree with you, we all have to pick the right animal that adapts well into your home and way of life. I do not agree with claiming that all rescue animals have temperament issures. Thats just not right.

[@queenalchemist3601]

my state is set to become the second US state to ban cat declawing! great news for all cats and cat lovers today

[@bevidobb7293]

I had an F3 Bengal, who came to me at age 1, because the owner (who bought him from a breeder) couldn’t keep him. I had known this kitty since he was a kitten. I wanted him so badly! Well…he was part Abyssinian and part Asian Leopard cat. Inside the house, he was the sweetest house cat. All Aby. Polite, fun, lovable and obedient. But since he had been raised his first year freely living inside/outside, it was impossible to keep him a prisoner indoors. Not and keep our sanity. 🙄 He was the most intelligent, sensitive cat I’ve ever had. Definitely like having a four-year-old in the house. We quickly learned how much ENERGY he had, and required lots of active, creative play time. This is why Bengal owners get those running cat wheels, just so the animals can run off some of that agile energy. And yes, did I mention they are consummate acrobats? They need high places to climb and jump. Sometimes our Bengal boy (neutered) would leave our yard and be gone for 24 or more hours. Nerve wracking for us. He was out HUNTING. Our neighbors said they never saw him without a mouse in his mouth, and he never let anyone pet him. When he would come home (at 3:00am, strolling in like, “Whut? Where’s breakfast?”), he would have this wild glint in his eyes. He was no longer our pet. He just used us to eat, and disappear again. Very frustrating. We would have to capture him when he came home and ground him for about two weeks, until he remembered he was our beloved pet. Then, rinse, repeat. We had him for nine years. He finally died of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a common breeding trait with these hybrid cats. We were devastated when he passed away. We couldn’t get another cat for six years of mourning him. But oth, I was relieved not to have a wild animal in my house anymore. It was stressful and exhausting. I don’t think I could do it again, even though I long to. Give me a sweet, rescue tabby cat any time. A regular domesticated cat. So you think you want a Bengal (or two)? They’re the most amazing pets, but be sure to read up on them thoroughly. Unless you have Jackson Galaxy next door. 😸😻😻😽

[@kellynnd5361]

thankfully i'm prepared... i raised a F1 bobcat/siamese, she was an accident, and i had her till renal failure took her at 19. i made sure my hubby understood what we were getting into when we started talking about bengals to replace her(she's been gone 7 years now, but we also had two tuxes, sadly gone now too), especially when he only met her when she was already a far more mellow 13. so, now i have a pair of f5 half siblings in the other room since a few days ago...

[@Serenity7747]

You are 100% right. All my kitties that are in my life are family. Most my kitties were homeless. Some are seniors, middle age, and two are very young. Some with special needs. I love them with my life.❤❤🙏

[@2okaycola]

Street cats for the win

[@SnugglesPlays]

I completely agree, wild should stay in the wild. What is our obsession with "wanting a wild animal"?! It's absolutely ridiculous. Admire, respect, and love these beautiful animals for what they are...wild animals living in their natural wild environments, completely and utterly free. Don't buy into this terrible hybrid exotic trend. It's bad news. I hope the ban goes ahead.

[@minhducnguyen9276]

If you want huge house cats, just get a Norwegian Forrest cat or Main coon.

[@lolitisjustme]

@@minhducnguyen9276 Norwegian forest cats are so floof

[@minhducnguyen9276]

@@lolitisjustme Unfortunately I couldn't find any huge cat breed that live in tropical climate besides well.. the Savannah which I can afford anyway.

[@WhyDoBabiesStareAtMe]

It's people that are looking for attention by any means. It's the same kind of people that get pitbull and Doberman puppies to crop their ears, and their tail right to he coxyx. Complete hair-brained savages.

[@mnmsrule3252]

@@minhducnguyen9276 I bought my first Chausie because my husband wanted a big cat. He's only 12 lbs. Darn it. But he's the most amazing cat I ever had. My husband still wanted a big cat so we got a maine coon kitten. He grew up to be 13 lbs. No big cats for us lol. both were great cats, but my Chausie....theres never been a cat in my life I've bonded so much with. And I say that even though he is a naughty little devil. Naughty but sweet, loving, social, smart, and FUN. When I lose him someday I'm going to be utterly destroyed.

[@daytrippera]

I've always been a dog person, until I adopted two stray cats, a year apart from each other. Now both have 7 years old, and are the light of my life. To me, they are both beautiful and perfect and have nothing to envy to any breed. A lot of influencers buy these cats just for looks when they could easily rescue a cat and give a great example to all their followers.

[@mala3isity]

I agree with your idea about the influencers and pets. Imagine if an influencer with over 50,000 followers (better if in the 500,000+ range) did a video or series about adopting a pet? Especially older ones? People move and can't take their pets or die and have no one to take them. The lucky ones end up in a no-kill shelter. What about the towns that still have a Pound? Certain amount of weeks to work their charm and then they're dead. Could be the sweetest, best house trained animal and they're gone, spending their last days in prison. Or worse, no one cares and they end up on the street, having to figure out how to eat and stay sheltered. It's heart breaking. One act of kindness from someone who has listeners could change that, maybe thousands of times.

[@AnnaMaria-zm8cv]

Influencers should be banned too. The disgrace of 20th century. :(

[@em945]

@@AnnaMaria-zm8cv 😁😃👍

[@em945]

Lovely story!

[@NatYourAverageNerd]

Oddly, enough, I helped a guy in my neighboring town who had to surrender his Bengal cat (who he had for three years at that point) due to financial hardship and needing to move as a result of it, so the cat couldn't stay with him. He was asking for $3K on OfferUp, so I sent a message talking about how the local animal shelter can set up appointments for a safe surrender for $50, and the SPCA will give his cat whatever he needs to get adopted into a loving new home. Weeks later, I saw the Bengal cat (I think his name was something like Tom?) in the cat adoption center where I used to work, and I met with the older couple who was filling out the paperwork to adopt him. I shared the original owner's number with that couple so that they could let him know Tom was going home -- and the original owner wound up thanking me for helping him do all of that because he was afraid of Tom being abandoned or winding up in an awful place. Bengals and Savannahs are not common in my region, thankfully, but if anyone has $20,000 they're eager to spend, donate to the local animal shelters. It's tax deductible, last I checked!

[@marileebigelow6517]

I agree 100 % with you and feel sorry for the cats who are forced to breed in this way.

[@ShuShuMcJ]

I used to have a bengal. (My ex has him now.) We got him because I loved the look and my ex wanted a big personality with dog-like traits and wild traits. I think he underestimated the amount of work and patience that takes. But we both adored this cat. After watching this video, I totally agree with the ban on F1s. And after volunteering at a shelter, I'll never shop again.

[@sookibeulah9331]

Burmese are “the dogs of the cat world” and much easier personalities that Bengals.

[@ZebraLuv]

I got a part silver Bengal for free. Someone tossed a litter on the highway. My guess is probably a mill breeder had an accidental half stray batch too watered down to sell.

[@littleblackpistol]

If you want dog-like traits in an animal, isn't it more logical to get a dog to begin with? Not expect a different species to act like a dog for your benefit?

[@thecommunity1102]

I hope to do both. Get my Bengal and a shelter cat. I love orange tabby and I love Bengals. I don't want a low energy cat. I need something I can train and play with daily.

[@xladyfayre]

The last time I went to a pet shop (because the shelter wouldn't get back to my husband and I), the cat got mean and left. Towards the end, he wouldn't even let my father in law touch him. Now, only adoption. My husband put the kibosh on a second cat, unfortunately.

[@wombat.6652]

Taking wild animals from the wild is the distressing part for me. It usually involves killing adults to get the kittens. Often involves trashing the wild place habitat. * Please note that most cats live in family groups. - They are solitary hunters, but not solitary animals. Often there is a lot of "side" kill - of other species. There are so very many domestic cats we do NOT have to worry about gene pool for a very long time. There are so many UN-wanted kittens dieing and suffering in our towns and cities. This breeding for money scheme has no excuse.

[@apprenticerocker9885]

I agree and I wonder if the same can be said for wolf dogs

[@sammygirl6910]

That's what bothers me most as well. Breeding cats in general makes no sense to me, but bringing wild animals into the mix is next level. People are so selfish.😠

[@sammygirl6910]

@@apprenticerocker9885 Absolutely!

[@PaleMist]

"It usually involves killing adults to get the kittens." Since when has that ever been the case???

[@robingray5037]

@Wiezymon Do you have information to the contrary? It would be interesting to know that. My experience while volunteering for Fish and Game at a wild life refuge cemented that ugly truth with reports received periodically. Granted, that was years ago, so the serval wasn't an animal that came up, but tiger and lion cubs and chimpanzee and gorilla infants did. It was a very rare occurrence in CA, but reports were shared across the U.S. from other states. Such incidents and confiscations occurred mostly in TX and FL. Again, if you have information on how the serval is brought from its native lands for breeding, please share. Thanks.

[@leedavis9254]

All of my fur babies (3) were neglected and abused before I adopted them. All three are sweet, loving, adoring, protective and grateful. I am very thankful to have these sweet babies who now feel secure and loved. 🥰😻💞 Adopt, don't shop. 💞

[@brendapatterson7123]

I work in vet med, I have 5 domestic short hair cats adopted from our local SPCA. Awesome cats, every one of them. We see Bengals at the clinic all the time with behavioral problems. Inappropriate marking and over grooming are the most common... It's heartbreaking because we know the cats are not happy and the owners are frustrated. That is hard on the cats and their families. Many of the cats end up at the shelter or worse.

[@BlackSeranna]

What is over grooming? Is that like when stressed birds pick their feathers out?

[@kellynnd5361]

@@BlackSeranna yep... they can rip their fur out and get raw patches from excessively grooming themselves. my F1 bobcat would do that when stressed and there was nothing we could do about that, except of course try and deal with whatever was stressing her out.

[@donnamorgan2313]

I totally agree with you Jackson! I was infatuated with the Savanah years ago and really wanted one. Thankfully I couldn't afford the price tag (sticker shock!) So off I went to my local rescue and adopted a beautiful long-haired tuxedo male kitten and his equally gorgeous sister, a black long-haired beauty. They were found on the side of the road along with their momma who had recently given birth to them. They were the sweetest things. I had the male Avery, for 10 years. I lost him to a lung tumor much too soon. I still have Addison his sister, she just turned 16. I also have a 14 yr old half siamese from the same rescue and she is my furry support baby. Adopt don't Shop!!!

[@angelaatwood46]

Thanks Donna SO much! I've seen a few videos of long haired blonde women being fancy with their Savannah's. I didn't think or know it was wrong. Now I understand! Thanks to this video, I do! I'm so glad you fell in love with the right guy (and gal!) 😻🥰

[@carriegrant7106]

thank you for being a great animal parent,, i've had 12 cats come through my life. no regrets,

[@kellyriddell5014]

Thank you for sharing about Avery and Addison - they both sound beautiful, and I'm sorry you lost your boy too soon. I can understand the appeal of having one of these cats that seem wilder and more exotic, but even in domestic cats, you get some of that wildness. I just got my first cats, a litter of three kittens that were born to a feral mom on my property, and they are wild enough for me. It feels like living with little lions. lol.

[@yura5671]

I wonder what are the adoption rules in your country. Once tried to adopt a cat (in Ukraine). But it appeared to be an unrealistic process because adoption centers had some ridiculous rules. Some don't let you adopt a cat if you have small children. Some don't let you adopt a cat if you are from another city, as they want to visit you regularly to check how it is going. And it is nowadays, when video calls are available for free. Some adoption contracts have a point that they can withdraw a cat without explanation if they don't like something. This opens ways for blackmail. The majority of adoption centers require cat protection on all windows, no matter if you ever open a window or not. This is so frustrating 😞 Many cats can't be adopted because of these over-protective requirements. So we ended up buying a cat. No restrictions about small children, not forced to net all your windows, and no privacy issues.

[@Kiraiko44]

I remember when I first heard about hybrid cats and I was surprised they were allowed. Also, with how cats are escape artists, and we already have a huge problem with feral cat populations, the thought of those feral populations being injected with serval or Asiatic wild cat genetics is frankly a little terrifying. Edit: It's not terrifying to ME, people, I'm not scared of feral cats even if they have some wild blood in them. It's terrifying for the ENVIRONMENT. If you're on Jackson Galaxy's channel and you don't know the toll outdoor and feral cats take on the environment, go look it up and learn

[@DonnaLena1]

This is an excellent point! Considering how many people believe that cats are self sufficient, it’s not hard to believe that someone who can’t handle the challenges of an exotic, wild animal might just turn the animal loose to fend for itself and thereby create a dangerous environment. Just a bad idea all the way around !

[@minimini550]

Yup. Bye bye local wildlife, invasive super hunter genes coming through 👋

[@theredbat8149]

Wild cat DNA in feral cats is not an issue. At least, it wouldn't make the feral cat problem worse. Domestic and feral cats are well adapted to destroy a local ecosystem already. Servals or Asiatic cats may be less adaptive than normal cats in most residential environments in the world. Wild cats survive by staying away from people. Domestic and even feral cats are adapted to live around humans. First come the humans, then the rats, then the cats.

[@redlupo6193]

It sounds like the premise of a really good Stephen King book.

[@merrymachiavelli2041]

The impact would almost certainly be tiny - the ratio of hybrids to non-hybrids is such that within a few generations, wild cat genes would be diluted to practically nothing. In 5 generations, for example, you are talking 1.56% wild cat DNA, constrained to relatively small proportion of the feral cat population. If there is a 'risk', it's that genetic diseases present in wild cat populations could be introduced, but this is probably pretty unlikely.

[@spatular519]

I never thought of this as a problem before. You have changed my mind. I wanted an F1 or 2 and was planning to have one at some point. I have 2 cats already, I have always wanted one with spots or special markings. My rescue tabby I have now has belly spots and I love it! I think that’s what God gave me so I’ll just keep loving the ones I have.

[@stephaniemerlin1]

That's lovely x 🇬🇧

[@Maugirl2]

You could get an Egyptian Mau at some point. They are spotted, sleek, look like savanna cats but smaller and are not hybrids. They are the only naturally spotted cat. They are extremely loving and gentle, very agile and enjoy human company. We had 2 brothers, both sadly passed now but they were wonderful and great company. They dont like to be alone so its always good for them to have human or cat company, preferably both but in my experience they don’t like noise or children chasing them around..

[@drhannah8525]

You've put forth your opinion in a measured and calm way, I really admire that! I tend to get all riled up and preachy and that converts no one of course. I hope this message gets heard by those who need to hear it. So many shelters overrun with loving beautiful cats and people still buying scottish folds, or bengals... it breaks my heart.

[@laurenh5855]

My cat is a “normal” cat. No behavioural issues, no health issues and happy. Wild is wild for a reason

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Hint: Your cat's ancestor, what was it? Yeah: A WILD CAT! If nobody had domesticated those, then you would not have a house cat, so you are quite the hypocrit!

[@caitlynyoung8970]

@@dreamingflurry2729 While I understand the point you're trying to make, did you know it's commonly believed by experts/anthropologists etc, that cats "mutually domesticated" themselves? Basically, once humans stayed in one place and started farming, cats realized where there are humans there are mice. Hence why they were worshiped in ancient Egypt, they kept mice rats and snakes away, and eventually became companion animals as well. I think there's a big difference between cats over a millennia choosing to live with us, and taking a wild creature from its habitat and expecting it to be (or breed) a pet because we think it's cool or novel. Again, while I can appreciate your point, I think it's an apples and oranges situation to compare modern housecats to these exotic and first/second gen wild hybrids.

[@TigerMa75]

Exactly, so glad this debate is going on here in the UK. Particularly, after the first Covid wave, many people were purchasing cats and unfortunately irresponsible breeding has increased. Poor cats are caught up in the middle of a lot of greed and very little thought of the consequences.

[@C7Plague]

I ended up adopting the last kitten in an accidental pregnancy, they were all free. Fell in love with that little face. Took a bunch of pictures because I was so happy! I didnt want a cat at first, it was just a last minute decision since they were giveaways. Took a bunch of pictures because of happiness, next thing you know someone approached me on one of my social medias and asked me "Omg, how much did you pay for your Russian Blue!? 😍" ...needless to say I made their jaw drop whem I broke the news to them. I litterally dont care how much the breed is worth, she is my fur-daughter, and no money in the world would take her away from me now! :3

[@yumekichigai]

I got two twin boys in 2005 from the shelter and I’m certain they were part bengal. Mama was a known calico and they were labeled as tabby’s but they were larger than average, had super intense eyes, very intelligent, and super emotional and attached. They were also the best cats I’ve ever had.

[@karenmills5084]

Thank you, Jackson. The first time I heard about a bengal cat, I was appalled that people would crossbreed domestic and wild cats, mostly, I think, because they like the richness of the fur of the F1 result. This is the same society that allows declawing because cats can damage the furniture. The contradictory behaviors of human beings can have awful effects on animals. I appreciate so much that you explained your thinking step by step to your final conclusion.

[@tessat338]

They're harvesting endangered species out of the wild, holding them in captivity to breed with a domestic cat, and that hurts the wild population. By hybridizing these wild cats with domestic cats, breeders are creating an animal that doesn't have an ecosystem. The offspring isn't a domestic cat, comfortable living in a home setting, but they're also not in the habitat where their ancestors evolved to survive. All this results in is a pretty creature that doesn't know how or where to live. State, local and national governments need to crack down on the importation and ownership of exotic wild cats. There is no good reason for these hybrid breeding programs.

[@rowanoakley3417]

Servals aren't endangered. Yet. Their habitats are being encroached on *and* people are taking them out of the wild for the sake of human curiosity and vanity.

[@tessat338]

@@rowanoakley3417 And the appropriate ecosystem for the resulting offspring doesn't exist.

[@mud6866]

Or, you could see it as saving their dna through mixing before they go extinct.

[@neoqwerty]

@@mud6866 You don't save DNA that way, I'm not seeing effort to breed F1's back into the wild parent's population. You just make a new hybrid species just like when ligers or tigons happen, a species that ISN'T even naturally occuring, unlike with the norwegian forest cats willingly mixing with feral domestics in the wild.

[@littleblackpistol]

@@tessat338 Exactly. They have zero place in the natural ecosystem and zero place in a human home.

[@madisonmorris7394]

With all the cats in shelters, I’m sure you can find the color, pattern, and temperament, you would want in your home, probably at a fraction of the cost. You shouldn’t want an animal for aesthetic in the first place, but if you want, you can definitely cater to your preferences.

[@chancydancyful]

We adopted a kitten from the shelter that turned out to be a Manx. He is highly intelligent, high energy, and every bit a sabre tooth tiger. There is no need for a designer cat when so many of the others can give you that taste of the wild, if that is what you are looking for.

[@Lisa-mw6te]

Manx cats are wonderful.

[@stranglewankhitman4936]

In the UK there's also issues around conservation of the Scottish wildcat. They often breed with feral domestic cats in the wild, and there's fewer and fewer true wildcats left. Another reason it's so important to spay/neuter cats and adopt them, that's just one of the many problems feral ones cause.

[@jlbeeen]

I'm in a part of Canada where there used to be a large feral cat population in one park, and they were messing up the ecosystem. A local shelter had a campaign called "Spay Day" where they would carefully trap the cats, spay them, and release them. They weren't natively wild, but strays. Now the population is much more under control, and there are more birds who eat the bugs. In areas outside the city, I think the wolf/coyote hybrids got to them...

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Scrolled forever to find this comment! Scottish wildcat conservations are on my yearly charity list, all the way from the us of a. I really hate to see their decline!

[@Kathy_No_Numbers]

I met a feral cat that lived around my home. So I decided to adopt him. He was very different then any other cat I had every met. So I sent his DNA to see what he is. He turned out to be part Bengal and Savannah. He is now huge... I named him Bobcat. There is so much interesting to tell about him, but I can't in this forum. I believe him to be an F5.

[@amyrenaud7589]

As a Savannah cross owner, I'd be happy to talk to you.

[@SIC647]

I thought about that too, when watching the video: There will be - there is - hybrids that escape or are abandoned, and now you have essentially "small lions" (only saying it like that for effect) roaming among the wild cat population. Which can definitely cause issues with regards to other wildlife, the ecological balance, and also - selfishly - the safety of humans and domestic animals.

[@StompMom5]

@@SIC647 That's exactly how I feel. I hate it when people get these large savannah cats and let them roam free. They end up killing other people's pets in the area. Bangles are fine, but I hate the idea of the other ones that are large and wild. It's so irresponsible

[@jennifermoore643]

Catchick I went onto your channel in hopes to see videos of your feral kitty but there isn’t one 🥺 do you have any posted on another platform? Would love to see your baby 😍

[@carriebishop8838]

We have an F1 Serval and a half Bengal. When i got my Bengal I had no idea how much time and issues I would deal with. Then a year ago, someone let their male serval out, he took up residence in a feral colony and our now 11 month old F1 was the result. As far as we know, she is the only resulting kitten from the litter. She is as big as our adult cats, she doubled in size every week and was the size of a 1 year old cat by 5 months old. Shes still very feral and doesn't have much to do with us, but she gets along well with all of our cats, has excellent cat manners, and makes friends with every cat she meets. I can see why Jackson talks about this issue. If we didn't have her and a breeder did, she would be considered a throw away cat.

[@Lechuza_Chicana]

THANK YOU JACKSON ❤ I hear about cats needing help daily , all the rescues are full . I have been talking to one of the ladies that works there about how, although necessary , rescue and shelters are just a bandaid . . . We need to try to make changes to the root of this "problem" but it's a lot harder to do . Idk where to start, but I know it's with laws and regulations .

[@kathryngeeslin9509]

Love the coat patterns but for me a regular "domesticated" housecat is wild enough.

[@joppek77]

True that! I adopted a young tuxedo/batcat boy some six months ago and he keeps me busy for sure! My hands are still scarred from the first few months of razor sharp claws but he has calmed down a lot now. Wouldn't want anything wilder than this.

[@zoeye7095]

I ended up with 2 tuxedo cats I adopted several years apart and I'll be working, now that I work from home, and randomly see them somersaulting together as they play fight in the background in a whirl of black and white fur lol. Those other cats are of course beautiful but regular cats are just fine with me. I also never go for coat colors when adopting. I find a cat I like and whatever their coat is, is just fine.

[@PerkyVelociraptor]

Also, there are literally domestic shorthair cats with that pattern, and plenty would be up for adoption. Ocicats are creating that on purpose, but it also randomly happens in tabbies. So many average cats have such lovely coats.

[@singlehandedbeauty3581]

I 100% agree with ending the breeding of F1 cats. I had friends who owned a bengal but lived in a tiny basement apartment. Gorgeous cat, but she was incredibly miserable in that small space. Both owners worked and left to her own devices, this intelligent creature became bored and destructive as a result. In addition, the female own could not touch the cat without being scratched or bitten. We are talking drawing blood. These animals are not meant to be cooped up in interior spaces. With so many abandoned kittens out there, it seems insane to create more cats that will likely end up in a shelter when people realize they are too much to handle.

[@Hija.De.Luna25]

My city has a a spay/neuter ordinance currently. Where you now need a yearly permit to to keep your animals intact. I think it’s great! They don’t actively look for non spayed/neutered animals. Lost cost clinics are being advertised and now have more doctors to do the surgeries~ and shelter animal adoptions have increased! Breeders complain but it’s been going well so far ❤

[@Aj-bh1te]

Hi Jackson. You bring up an excellent point. Unfortunately, many people are attracted to the looks of a hybrid cat but find that they require more work in regards to socialization than they are equipped or willing to give. Once this realization is recognized, they are either sent to a shelter or worse (and more often) abandoned. One such cat, I believe it was a Savannah Cat because he was spotted, appeared on my porch very early in the morning a few days ago. He (or she) was vocalizing very loudly so I assumed he was hungry and was going to give him something to eat. As I was getting him some of Mo-Mo's (that's my tuxedo cat) treats, Mo-Mo, hearing the meows, came to the screen door to see this "new" friend (she has several, but that's another story...yes she's fixed and chipped) and the Savannah hissed very loudly and ran away. The next day my dad saw the Savannah during the afternoon. Again, Savannah vocalized so loudly that the mail carrier became scared and ran across the street. We've haven't seen him since. The Savannah did not look like he had been living in the street very long and I believe that his prior owner just didn't know how to handle him and kicked him out. What boggles the mind is that many people will spend extraordinary amounts of money for these cats without doing any research as far as to the cat's temperament or it's needs. What a waste of an investment and what a sad thing to do to a cat.

[@danroak]

I used to really want Savannah cat for as long as I knew of them for their huge size and beautiful pattern... BUT I recently started fostering cat and ended fostering a pregnant mom cat and saw just how many homeless cats and ton of kittens needing foster nevermind forever home...I started worrying about these kittens that I myself watched being born ever finding their homes...and realized I myself am never going to get savannah or even any "pure breed" breeder cats.

[@Na2Ocean]

I love this for you 💗

[@ladycaticorn2950]

Thank you for fostering and making the choice to only take in rescue kitties! You are a part of the solution, and I appreciate you. I also fostered kittens recently, and I realized that I would never buy from a breeder for the rest of my life because there are too many wonderful animals in shelters without homes and at risk of euthanasia.

[@kellyngrey4950]

Fostering saves lives. Especially when you are able to get the momma cat with the babies. Cheers to you and all the wee ones you care for!

[@jhaustrick2535]

I would love a "posh" pedigree cat, but I won't get one because I only have other people's leftovers. You only have to visit a rescue shelter or dedicated cat rescue to realise that we already have a big enough problem finding homes for "regular" cats, let alone the feral cats or hybrids. I never have kittens, I only adopt the older cats and this time I adopted the Mom cat who had raised 6 kittens because kittens are easier to home.

[@AnnaMaria-zm8cv]

I have given myself the chance to have pedigree animals that are put up for adoption. I wanted to have an Egyptian Mau and after some searching I found out there is nothing Egyptian about this breed. So I went local and adopted two so called Native Egyptian Maus directly from Egypt, basicly straycats that fullfill the profile to be of the ancient Egyptian temple cats. So I saved two precious lives and still had my dream to own an "Egyptian Mau". Though the one of them probably was more a regular housecat or other breed mixed in (but he could pose like a Bast statue and had this dignity the breed is known for). Sadly this organisation seemed to have been a scam all together after I found out years later. This cat sadly passed away (as he was way older than I was told) but was biggest cuddle bug ever. I wouldnt have wanted to miss them both in my life. Since I emigrated the other cat stayed with my parents due to import and quarantine rules of the cat. My parents love her, and I adopted a tortie here from the shelter of what I call Icelandic cat breed. She is precious but totally different than the other two, with her less fancy sides (tortitude), but most important is her easy handling. She slams my face if I cuddle too long, and lets me know if things arent going the way she wants. She is full in control hahaha, but a sweetheart all the same.

[@cleopatrademers2395]

Thanks Jackson for mentioning how many cats are killed every year and touching on the subject of injustice to exotic hybid cats which end up on the short side of the stick.

[@harrywright2408]

I got my cat from a person who showed me two bengals and said they were her parents, however she has tuxedo colouring, when we pulled up to the place there was a handsome tuxedo in the window of the house next door. She displays Bengal traits (easy to train, very active, high prey instincts) she’s a handful but I love her personality. I think most people think she’s just a moggy. I adore my little Juno. Such a great companion.

[@rachaelmorris3405]

I think I remember that episode. Didn't the owner of those two Bengals also live in this super modern apartment on like the highest floor in the building? You guys ended up building these amazing areas for the cats to climb up and perch high in the apartment away from everyone. There was a cool wall of windows and yall did the cat stair steps on the wall for them to get up high next to those windows. That was such a small space for such large breed cats with wild temperaments, but yall did a great job!

[@dinespetersen8711]

I would also like to know what your take is on munchkin cats, where people actively breed cats with known medical issues, just because they think they look "cute". I consider it animal cruelty. A couple of monts ago, Norway issued a ban on certain flat-faced dog breeds. I hope this trend continues around the world...

[@fluuufffffy1514]

Hear hear!

[@tira2993]

Yes, I would love to see more banning of breeds with know health issues that often need surgery to correct, such as pugs and frenchies. Or at least more regulations on HOW they can breed their conformation so that they're breeding for health and not just looks. I don't care how cute something is, if it needs surgery just to breathe that's a massive problem.

[@potatohead785]

if you are interested in my personal thoughts then that's what I think about flat-faced pets Are they cute? Yes, absolutely. Is it animal cruelty? Yes. Do I want a worldwide ban on flat-faced pets? Also yes.

[@filtiarn2180]

We had an English bulldog when I was growing up. I loved that dog dearly. He was like another sibling to my sister and I and was a comfort through some really difficult times of my life. So when my mother called me at college to tell me that he had died at eight years old of sleep apnea, I was absolutely devastated. Sleep apnea is a problem with interrupted breathing during sleep. It's an incredibly common problem with flat-faced dogs like bulldogs and pugs. So he just went to sleep one night, stopped breathing, and never woke up. This was an eight year old dog whose only other health problem was a mild grass allergy. And part of the reason bulldog puppies are so expensive is that they have to be born by c-section. We could only afford him because he came from a breeder who bred show dogs and he had what's called "long bone disease." Which isn't really a disease. It means his legs were too long, his back legs were slightly bowed, and he was too narrow through the shoulders to meet breed standards. He could not be a show dog, and we had to sign a contract saying we would get him neutered (which we did, of course) so he couldn't pass that on. But puppies have to be born via c-section, because they're so broad through the shoulders and so narrow through the hips that the female dog's pelvis just is not wide enough for them to be born normally. And there are all sorts of rules with them. They cannot be subject to any sort of extremes of temperature, as they cannot compensate and it could kill them. (And I mean the sorts of extremes your average herding dog might expect to endure.) You cannot over-exercise them because it can kill them. There are just all these things these dogs cannot do because of the way they're bred to look. And it's all for the look. They were bred for bullfighting, which they aren't used for anymore, thankfully, and they've bred all the ferocity out of them. But they used to be very athletic dogs. Like I said, I adored this dog. He was the absolute sweeted dog ever. Super friendly, loved kids - like legit loved kids, he'd still be wagging his butt and licking them even as they were messing with his wrinkles and jowls, he knew to be gentle with them, he was super patient with them - and he was just all around a great dog. But I don't think dogs should be bred like he was, because that was ultimately what killed him. There are breeders breeding a reconstructionist breed they're calling an Olde English Bulldogge. (I'm not sure if they've dropped that last -ge or not, I've seen it both ways.) And that I can get behind. They're trying to breed them so that their shoulders are a bit narrower, their hips are a bit wider, their legs are a bit longer, and they actually have a snout. It's still not a long snout, but it's enough of a snout to prevent what happened to our bulldog. Basically keeping the personality, but breeding back in some of the athleticism and general dogginess. And that I can get behind, because it doesn't leave them with a ton of medical risks simply because humans think they look good that way.

[@tsunamis82]

There are so many KZbin videos on these cats and I Dislike everyone I see. I don’t and never will support silly people wanting something that is cute. Then they can’t be bothered and go onto something else.

[@jenniferholder5728]

I can’t imagine teaching “no” to a more stubborn, more wild cat than any of the domestics I’ve had. It’s already hard, and an angry cat is so strong already. Nobody needs a bigger cat.

[@Ritalie]

If anything, all research and genetics should be placed on making house cats smarter, and more domesticated. My last male cat was so sweet, from the moment I got him, you could put him on the back of your neck and walk around and he would just pur. And I'd hold him upside down and he'd pur. He never got angry. I picked him specifically out of the liter, there was only one super nice male cat, the rest were mostly just regular cats. Some cats have incredibly nice behavior. Our of any given liter, I've observed that some of the cats in the liter are actually not able to be good pets, they are not social and they want to do wild things. But others in the liter are so sweet, and want to be cuddled. All breeding should be done to maximize the behavior of cats, because behavior is the number #1 most disliked thing about cats. And cat owners need to pay more attention to cultivating good behavior, not encouraging more wild cats.

[@Ritalie]

If people want a wild cat, it should be required that they own a 100% pure wild cat. Because the biggest problem that exists is if stray hybrids start roaming the streets, and contaminate the gene pool. Domestic cats do make amazingly good pets, and it would be incredibly stupid to introduce large wild cat genes into the base house cat gene pool.

[@amandaamanda5398]

The real wild cats are not stubborn at all. 80% of wild kittens won't live to adulthood, and probably only 10% survive long enough to have their own offspring. So the survival wild cats are in the top 10% group. They are incredibly intelligent and flexible, capable of assessing situations and making adjustments. The problem with domestic cats is that there's no natural selection based on IQ, EQ, and long-term physical health. The situation is worse with pure breeds, given the small gene pools and inbreeding.

[@analili0]

Amanda I agree with you. I owned a Savannah cat for 13 years and loved so much. She was highly intelligent, dog like, and wasn’t a risk to no one. I preferred this type of cat do to her characteristics because we moved to a place where we wanted an indoor pet but reminded us of our dogs. Savannah was a gift to my children. A domestic cat as well as a Savannah can be wild you must do your research well prior to selecting a breeder. Don’t stereotype the trait.

[@TheCpadron19]

​@@analili0 I don't think you understood what they were saying, at all. They weren't supporting the owning of a wildcat, they're just saying that because a wild cat survived to adulthood, it somehow makes them not stubborn, as if she knows the moods of a wild animal lol. Owning a wildcat is not a thing people should be doing. Wildcats should stay where they belong, in the wild.

[@Inkedscales]

I really like how you explained this issue. Made it very clear why this legislation makes sense. Personally a lazy Persian is my type of cat but for those wanting a more wild cat I hope they see this video and rethink why they want a wild cat that doesn’t belong in domestic homes.

[@tinybird2413]

If people want a unique cat they just have to go to the shelter. There's so many interesting color combinations, and each cat has a unique personality. I think the danger is happening when people want them as an accessory, not a companion.

[@Pumaky]

Sadly the same can be said about dog/wolf hybrids, considering the very different behaviours from a domestic dog and a wild wolf, the animal tends to be pretty miserable and confused. Wolves and dogs have different body languages, meaning, even if you know the body language of a dog, you won't of a wolf. Of course, everything depends on the individual hybrid, but the growing numbers of hybrids getting euthanised in shelters because hybrid rescues are full are just sad. Hiring a dog-trainer won't always help the situation, since they tend to specialise in dogs and not wolves, so the person has to be specialised in both animals and hybrids to be able to help properly.

[@houndgirl7365]

See but that's on the individual people really need to research before getting any animal. This can be a husky as well as a German shepherd some people just don't know how and some trainers just can't work with all these animals. Wolves I support as being pets for people who can respect and house them correctly. It's safer than some of the home states that are killing 90% of their gray wolf populations. Things just aren't cut and dry my aunt had 3 wolves all loved her very much she was a member of the pack 100% it's just takes more work. People who don't understand this has no business with these animals. As someone who has worked with unconventional exotics learning body language/behavior is everything. Think of it like this though with the rate greed goes there will be no where left for these animals, so living in captivity will be all there is. Sure there are zoos, but if you bring in households that can supply what these animals need ethically it takes some stress off the zoos as far as a genetic standpoint goes.

[@kira3835]

@@houndgirl7365 I agree that some people *can* provide decent care for wolves/hybrids, I just think that the proportion of those people compared to the proportion who *try* and *fail* to provide decent care is negligible. This is why hybrid breeding should be discouraged. It's not about the 1 person who'll do it right, it's about the 99 people who won't. Also I totally agree about Huskies. My local shelter is always full of purebred huskies. People want them because they're beautiful/impressive and think they're just like any other dog. The dog ends up in the shelter when the owner finds out that caring for a husky is nothing like caring for a pug. Edit: I don't think research is the problem. It's true that all animals require research but I think the problem is people who are unrealistic or in denial. Research doesn't fix the arrogance that a lot of people have towards pet ownership. The result is sad when it comes to dogs and cats, and downright dangerous when it comes to hybrids.

[@saphiriathebluedragonknight375]

@@kira3835 I've researched different breeds and learned that I will never have a Husky or Shepard. I just don't have the energy needed for those breeds. Even though they are my two favorites. I think I'll just stick with cats.

[@houndgirl7365]

@@kira3835 you are right there, but who gives the right then to state "sorry because these people can't take care of their dogs we can no longer reproduce 'huskies' in captivity." The same thing could be said about any breed not just huskies. Yes people will screw up they always do unfortunately but that's why there are organizations out there to ensure people aren't being inhumane. To state people can't have wolves because there are people who mess up is ridiculous if that's the case let's get cattle, horse, livestock, and general reptile owners on the chopping block. When one strand is pulled on it always goes deeper. What people don't like is their view point of "these animals belong in the wild and shouldn't be in homes" well yes they require special care, but what wild? Pups are being murdered in their dens with their parents. There are packs that are being eliminated in their own region because people lobbied for it. What now? Just let them die off because people are too ignorant to realize the role they play? Do we step in maybe have RESPONSIBLE breeders do thorough housing checks to ensure these animals go to a proper home with the space/care/financial backing they need? There are more than one ways to do things besides outright banning from the general public. I know right now these same arguments are being had about keeping exotics in the US that we are fighting because it's ignorant and will do way more harm than good. Overall people need to remember to outright ban fixes nothing and makes everything worse. Plus it would be sad to see how many people mix up German shepherd husky hybrids with wolves which could lead to unfair euthanasia. My stance about having exotics ethically just won't ever change not with their habitats shrinking as they are just look at the military macaw endangered due to deforestation, but in captivity this species is thriving.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@houndgirl7365 and who gives you the right to incite and demand the unwarranted slaughter of animal mothers to steal their kittens/pups for breeding stock so that you and others can boost your worthless egos by owning exotic hybrids as "pets"?

[@THESocialJusticeWarrior]

Love the look of hybrids but I hate the idea. Many end up discarded because they are too wild to handle. Then there is the poaching of wildlife.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Domestic cats also hunt, seriously, the only thing that makes hybrids worse is that they are more agile, but any owner of a Bengal will most likely keep it inside (those cats are expensive and might even get stolen if you let them roam freely, not to mention run over by cars!)

[@KristinRasch]

Ive had a bengalboy now for 3yrs- and I agree in what you say. Not because I dont love my cat, but because I was very surprised how much they actually needed. I could not have imagined that the energy level was that high no matter how much I thought I knew and understood before I got him.. And I have had trouble keeping up for sure. Thank God, I have been able to keep him happy, but it is not easy at all. He is an outside cat, but very close most of the time. I am sure most modern people that get them have trouble with the very important disciplin of fullfilling their extreme need for activity- and- grounded safe connection. So I try to warn people as best as I can not to buy them to be honest. Which is very sad, as they are really great companions too. With these cays you have to stretch and stretch, and it is like having a two year old toddler with loads of more energy than you. Most of the time. You HAVE to stretch even if you are exhausted. Its your duty as a bengal or savannah cat "owner". As I have gotten to know him, and felt the strong nature in him, I feel the same. The nature in these cats are meant to stay free, wild and continous occupied by natural stimulants. Most people cant matchthe energylevels or nature itself- when it comes to the levels of needed stimuli and understanding of behavior, that these cats have. And if we can, well, prepare to prioritize the cat and not yourself, prepare to get exhausted. Its your duty. A two year toddler, roaming for full for 15years... Nature are not meant to be contained.

[@cotarddelusion876]

I got my savannah boy from an rspca rescue in the UK. The previous owner thought he would get along living in a tiny apartment near a highway/motorway but as you can imagine, ran into great difficulties with boredom and wild behaviours. There were plenty of other bengals and other hybrids there too. For goodness sake go to rescues first, don't line the breeders pockets. So many end up in rescues. Even if you don't find a hybrid, you'll find yourself in love with the DSH's anyway which the rest of my cat brood are. I love my hybrid boy but he's the most challenging member of the household by far. Not to mention, these hybrid cats ravage wild bird populations too if allowed outside. DSH's are pretty fierce killers, but the hybrids quite often are just so much more relentless taking out all the local bird life they can get their paws on. Its devastating.

[@carlaeskelsen]

I do so wish that Jackson had discussed this in the video. Many songbirds are endangered because of this, which is beyond tragic.

[@littleblackpistol]

Which is why they shouldn't be bred at all and the hybrid species should die out. They have zero place in any ecosystem. Not in the countries where their wild ancestor orginated from, and certainly not in any other country, where they will cause damage to the indigenous species. They also suffer being stuffed inside human housing. I'm shocked the RSPCA rehomed a savannah with another doemstic household. The best place for them to remain is a large wilded but 100% roofed compound in a zoo like setting, at a rescue centre designed for wild cats or animals, or a good zoo or wildlife centre.

[@yvonnesanders4308]

Rspca are jab happy when killing cats and dogs

[@TrineDaely]

I've never worried about a pet's pedigree (or lack of). Generally pets find me instead of the other way around, and they have lower rates of inbreeding than any animal bred for pedigree.

[@xladyfayre]

My sister found mine on facebook. I'd LOVE a bengel but I have such a small space that it wouldn't be fair to it. Also money. It's just a lot but my black cat was free to a good home.

[@at-citie]

Depends, a colony of barn cats have a tendency for inbreeding.

[@at-citie]

Tho it is good to adopt

[@nobodyyouknow7226]

I think pedigrees with certain animals are absolutely important. But if you're simply just looking for a pet just to lay around the couch with and not have for a working purpose, or due to allergies, or to accommodate certain lifestyles then yes.

[@nevermind2394]

Dear Jackson … you are such a wonderful advocate for these glorious creatures - I just adore you. I have a bengal baby - she is one of the most amazing companions I’ve ever had. I adopted her ten years ago - thinking she was a tabby - and then after receiving her into my home, I realized she was a bengal. Loud, affectionate, curious, mischievous, friendly, confident, annoying, clingy, - she is brimming with personality. She’s calmed down a lot as she’s aged … but she still has her bursts - she also pretty smart. I can’t stand the idea that any of her tribe would be mishandled in any way - I agree with your assessment of the situation completely. Keep up your amazing work. Our felines and their admirers thank you for it. ❤

[@stardust949]

You're brilliant----THANK YOU for speaking out, and thanks for being a lot calmer than I am able to be on topics such as this. I appreciate you! 🤩

[@TheRubeeRose]

Thank you for clarifying how this type of cat is created. I must admit that I'd never ever really thought about the Wild Orination Cat (F0) who was now in captivity, just being breed! Terrible. I will now take more notice of this.