Years ago, some people thought it was fashionable to keep wild cats as pets. Famous artist Salvador Dali kept a pet Ocelot named “Baby.” Even though many of these animals were cared for, others were forced to become living trophies. Many people today still dream of owning an exotic wild cat of their own. Fortunately, there are now groups which can aid and advise people on the many difficulties they’ll face in properly caring for a wild cat. One such organization, called Mainely Felids, is dedicated to teaching the public about wild cat needs, and ending the unrealistic expectations people often have about keeping a wild cat in the home.
Of course, many cats have suffered a far worse fate than captivity - they end up as rugs, wall decorations, or fur coats. In the 1970’s alone, it is thought that 60,000 Leopards were killed every year for their skins. In 1975, Leopards were listed as endangered by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). While organizations like CITES and India’s Project Tiger are trying to keep wild cats alive, the natural habitats of cats are shrinking as cities and villages get bigger.
To keep wild cats on this planet, it is important for us to learn about these beautiful creatures. We must treat them - and their environments - with respect. “Hunting” wild cats with a video camera is much more fun than using a gun!
