Think you can own just any cat? If you believe that a cat tree and a deep pocket are enough to take home any cat, think again. Some cats are so feral, rare, and wild that they’re downright prohibited. Maybe it’s because of their size, foreignness, or belligerent nature, but either way, these cats are illegal in certain parts of the globe, and for good reason…
1. Chausie
Half domestic cat, half jungle cat, and generally a handful, the Chausie is not your typical lap cat. Reaching 30 pounds, the Chausie requires plenty of space and intellectual stimulation. Their jungle heritage makes them illegal in Australia, New Zealand, and a number of U.S. states.
2. Bengal Cat
With leopard spots, Bengals look like jungle creatures. They still have strong predatory instincts, so New York City and Hawaii have outlawed them. In some locations, Bengals four or more generations domesticated from the wild are legal.
3. Savannah Cat
Picture a domestic cat with the vigor of a wild predator: that’s the Savannah. A cross between a domestic cat and a serval, this cat is athletic, playful, and sometimes even aggressive. Prohibited in most U.S. states and prohibited in Australia and Canada, these supple cats are not on everyone’s list of family pets.
4. Caracat
Crossed with a domestic cat, the Caracat is stunning yet unpredictable. It has tufted ears, deep eyes, and a fierce temperament that’s difficult to train. Such unconventional hybrids are illegal in most countries because they may resemble cats, but they’re not suited for domestic life.
5. Ocelot
Once a favorite among the rich and famous, ocelots are now illegal to own in most places. Their luxurious spotted coats made them prime targets for poaching, and while their populations have rebounded, keeping one as a pet is still forbidden in many regions.
6. Geoffroy’s Cat
Geoffroy’s Cat is indigenous to South America and, despite being small, is completely wild. Nocturnal predators by nature, these cats are also ferocious and solitary, and not pet material. They’ve been banned for domestication by most nations, including the U.S. and UK .
7. Serval
Servals are wildcats in their purest sense, and having one is the equivalent of having a small cheetah in your house. Quick, powerful, and extremely independent, these cats don’t thrive anywhere other than in the wild. Private possession is forbidden in Australia, the UK, and many U.S. states, unless you possess a special wildlife permit.
8. Margay
Margays are the epitome of tree-dwelling cats that can climb down a tree headfirst and leap like acrobats. Their highly specialized nature makes them extremely tricky to keep captive. Conservation statutes protect them worldwide, preventing them from falling into the pet trade.
9. Asian Leopard Cat
This wild cat is the Bengal’s ancestor, but while its domesticated equivalent must remain within a house, the Asian Leopard Cat has no business there. Shy and solitary, these cats are prohibited in most U.S. states, Australia, and the UK.
10. Cheetoh
The Bengal-Ocicat hybrid, the Cheetoh cat is domesticated, in theory. However, their greater predatory drive has meant that they have been banned in states with stricter laws. If you’re searching for an active and clever cat, you may have to verify the law in your state before bringing one in.
11. Fishing Cat
Unlike other felines, the Fishing Cat loves water. It lives in South and Southeast Asia and is an excellent swimmer that preys on fish, frogs, and small alligators. It is classified as a vulnerable species, so owning one is illegal in most nations to preserve its numbers in the wild.
Stick with Domestic Cats
Exotic cats may appear hip, but that’s exactly why they’re illegal in so many jurisdictions. They require plenty of space, are difficult to trust, and overall are more of a threat to humans and natural wildlife as a whole. If you desire a pet that’s going to stand out like no other, consider getting a Maine Coon, Abyssinian, or even a legally accepted Bengal. Your furniture, and the Earth, will appreciate it.
