Once you see this graceful cat with striking good looks, it is difficult to remain indifferent. Ocelot makes a lasting impression. Many people have the desire to have this luxurious pet at home.
Before going to the kennel, you should carefully examine the features, character and habits of the beast.
Appearance
Flexible toned body ocelot reaches 50 centimeters at the withers and 100 to 120 in length. A cat’s tail rather short, up to 40 inches. Weight of one individual from 10 to 16 kg. traditionally, Males are larger than females. Powerful paws of the beast at any moment ready to pounce.
Coat each wild cat ocelot has a unique coat color. Dense, velvety fur is pleasant to touch and decorated with patterns of rings and stripes of all shades of white, red, gold, brown, black. Add a charm a white belly and chin, round ears and huge, summed up the coal strip, brown eyes with oval pupils. On the back of the ears – pattern resembling eyes. Zoologists make a few versions. Someone said that it helps kids to follow ha cat through the dense bushes, others claim that the figure needed for protection from other predators.
For their skins the cat has long suffered from the encroachments of hunters. The end of XX century the international fur trade the ocelot is prohibited. It does not always stop poachers.
The ocelot is a native of America.
It can be found on the territory of such States as:
- USA;
- Brazil;
- Ecuador;
- Peru;
- Argentina;
- Bolivia;
- Mexico and others.
Often he dwells in the thickets of tropical forests of the Amazon basin. Wild cat leads a nocturnal life. Day prefer to relax in the crown of trees, hollows or crevices of rocks. He is a great swimmer and no problems climbing mountains. Ocelots are solitary and jealously guarded possession. Admit into its territory a cat only a female.
Ocelots are good hunters and ruthless killers. Great ear, great sense of smell and keen eyesight does not leave victims of chance. Fangs dig into the prey and tear apart. Posterior teeth the beast is not. Food are small mammals, birds, sometimes snakes and lizards.
Ocelots try to avoid larger relatives of the family Felidae: the Puma, Jaguar. They have the same habitat, can be dangerous and attack.
In the natural environment ocelots breed year round. Steam is created only to produce offspring. The mother cares for the cubs and a few months brings up one of two kittens milk. Leaving the nest young birds are closer to 2 years. Overall life expectancy in the wild up to 15 years.
Taking a decision to Lodge an ocelot at home, the future owner should understand the responsibility. In many countries the sale of wild cats outside the law. The only way that will not cause future problems is to go to the official kennel.
To tame a cat that grew up in the wild impossible. For living under the same roof with a man of a kitten is weaned from his mother’s baby, blind and helpless. Feed the newborn from the nipples. It allows a bit to smooth out the natural disposition of wild cats and grow affectionate, playful pet.
The ocelot is a predator. His life is impossible without the raw meat.
Feeding in home fit:
- beef;
- chicken;
- small rodents.
Latest offer alive, so the cat satisfies the instincts of a hunter. Readily add a raw egg or a specialized feed products with calcium and vitamins. But do not include pork in the diet, high risk of infectious diseases.
Per day adult male eats up to 500 grams of food for 1 or 2 admission. Food should be fresh, the rest will have to regularly clean.
The ocelot, for maintenance, required space. Can not lock the cat in the four walls, the beast can quickly gain weight and get sick. Ideal aviary with an artificial pond, multi-level obstacles and cover, trees; and a minimum area of 15 square meters.
Home of the ocelot can be accustomed to the tray. The beast is ready to accept walking on a leash. Like new bright toys and is able to learn to fetch the ball. However, we should not trust the cat playing with the kids. There is a risk that predator instincts will take over. Of course, it is less of a Jaguar or leopard, but cause significant harm to health is capable of.
As a true cat, the ocelot is able to meow loudly. Skill manifests itself especially clearly during the mating period. Domesticated animals are often castrated. Otherwise, females and males mark territory. Urine has a pungent repulsive smell.
With good care in captivity home the ocelot can live up to 20-25 years. However, the owner will have to devote a lot of time, effort and money.
The easiest and not expensive way to become a master of the wild cat to try to tame an ocelot in the popular computer game Minecraft. This requires only fish and a little patience.
