The jungle cat (house) is a magnificent representative of the cat family, known to most of the world's population as the swamp lynx. Nowadays it is an expensive and rare pet for exotic lovers.
The graceful predator has become a sought-after animal for home breeding. The jungle cat combines the best features of a predatory and domestic representative of the family.
Story
The jungle cat is practically never found in the wild, limited to breeding in nurseries and zoos. Currently included in the Red Book list. The jungle cat or house in another way (Felis chaus) has been known since the times of ancient Egyptian civilization from the third millennium BC.
This species is also called the Nile cat in honor of its widespread distribution along the African river bank. It was the Egyptians, known for their unwavering love for the furry family, who were the first to dare to tame such a cat.
Jungle cat: natural enemies and population
Like all felines, this representative also has them - dogs and wolves, as well as humans. Hunting grounds are shrinking: forests are being cut down, water bodies are being drained. Again, a person’s need for a new fur coat, handbag, and collars is growing. There are about 500 individuals on the territory of the Russian Federation. Preference is given to thorny bushes and overgrown banks. Having an excellent sense of smell and touch, the environment not only hinders hunting, but also helps. The graceful predator has binocular (stereoscopic) vision, i.e. cats are able to see one object with both eyes – three-dimensionally.
The German naturalist Johann Anton Güldenstadt introduced the jungle cat to Russia in 1776. At that time, he was sent by Catherine II on a scientific expedition to the southern borders of the Russian Empire. It is unknown who discovered this animal in Egypt. But it received a greater status there - it is a sacred animal (the lion doesn’t know this!). In ancient times, a deceased cat was mourned for 70 days, just like a noble person! Currently, the magnificent predator is listed not only in the Red Book of Russia, but also in the International Red Book.
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Where does the jungle cat live?
The natural habitat of jungle cats includes more than 25 countries, mainly inhabiting the northern banks of the Nile, the Caucasus, there are traces in Kazakhstan, as well as areas throughout Asia.
The jungle cat is also found in Russia, inhabiting the south of the Astrakhan region, Dagestan, and the lower reaches of the Caspian Sea. The animal does not like the cold, because its fur is not thick enough for a snowy winter. In total, 10 subspecies of wild predators are known, including the most common - the Caucasian reed cat.
The predator arranges its living space away from open spaces. It settles in an impenetrable reed thicket, among which it moves easily and often changes homes. Can settle in abandoned fox and badger holes.
The marsh cat is an excellent hunter, preferring to hunt for food at night. In winter, the predator can go for food during the day, tracking down prey in ambush. The wild jungle cat rarely rises to a height of more than 800 meters, preferring lowlands. At the same time, he skillfully hunts birds, jumping sharply high into the air.
Before purchasing, it is necessary to take into account the innate instincts of the pet and arrange a separate territory for it in your homes. In the wild, the animal does not really like to climb trees. The jungle cat is a good swimmer, so in addition to hunting for tasty ducks, he also likes to fish in the water.
Lifestyle of the swamp lynx
The swamp lynx lives in dense lowland forests near rivers and lakes. The cat makes a shelter in the depths of reed thickets, often right on the ground, lining the rookery with wool and dry plant stems. Sometimes it spends the night in the burrows of other animals, but never digs the ground itself. The swamp lynx avoids open places, prefers to move along different paths and easily makes its way through thickets of thorny bushes. The house endures cold winters with difficulty, since it is a heat-loving animal.
The animal leads a solitary lifestyle, with the exception of the mating season: during the breeding season, the cat takes on a partner. The female and male live and take care of the growing offspring together, dividing the prey among everyone. The house hunts on an area from 45 to 180 square meters. km., depending on the region of residence. The male's territory overlaps with the habitats of several females. The reed cat is an excellent swimmer and diver, but does not like to climb trees.
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Character and behavioral characteristics
The house cat is a secretive, cautious predator that prefers night hunting to daylight. A wayward animal, being domesticated, will be able to find a common language with dogs and especially other cats, posing a threat to them only if it gets angry.
When getting such a pet, you need to be prepared for its active lifestyle and wild disposition. Houses are immensely curious; any sounds or movements can attract the attention of predators. The jungle cat chooses and recognizes one owner, loves constant attention, and constantly follows him.
It cannot be said that jungle cats have the character of a domestic cat. Houses, after being domesticated, have in common with traditional pets only their playfulness and affection for people. But these naturally wild animals will not lie on a bed for hours. An obstinate animal subtly senses the attitude of others towards itself, deprived of proper affection and attention, the pet is easily offended.
Is it possible to keep a wild jungle cat at home?
The high price and expensive maintenance of the breed often discourages cat lovers from purchasing such a pet. If you decide to purchase an exotic predator, be sure to study the character traits of the jungle cat. If you are not willing to devote a lot of time to raising an animal, it is better not to get such a problem pet.
An adult wild cane cat will not get along in a domestic environment, no matter how hard you try to tame it. The animal will be more comfortable in a specially equipped enclosure, and the cage area should be at least 3 square meters. m, and the height is about 5 m. If the conditions of detention are ignored, the mobility of the predator will be limited and the animal will get sick. The enclosure is fenced with a metal mesh, the floor is poured with concrete, on top of which a wooden flooring is laid or sprinkled with a mixture of sand and earth. It is advisable to arrange areas with herbaceous plants in the enclosure.
The cage is equipped with a doghouse type shelter, the bottom of which is laid with straw and wooden or stone terraces. The house uses a tray with filler as a toilet. Kittens brought home at 3 months or earlier are relatively easy to tame, but require a lot of attention. It is important to understand that even the cubs of jungle cats are not harmless: the animals have a capricious character, recognize only one owner and always follow him. The pet is wary of other family members and may snort and hiss at them.
Character and behavior of the predator
The jungle cat is very active, so those who want to have a calm animal should choose a different breed. It is better to bring a kitten into the house before the age of three months. The baby will choose one owner to whom it will be devoted; the animal will remain cool towards the rest. Strangers will also not be able to establish a relationship with the pet. A special feature of the Hausa is its love of water: all jungle cats love water treatments, but they should be taught to bathe as early as possible.
When starting a Chausie, remember that the animal needs care and affection, without which the pet remembers its wild past and becomes aggressive. If you do not have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the animal, it is better to choose another breed. Adults meow loudly in a bass voice, while kittens only snort and hiss. Houses are willful and smart, they love space and freedom. During the mating season, jungle cats can show aggression towards people and other animals.
Representatives of the breed are faithful and devoted, but they will never become tame and will not sit on your knees. Houses are not recommended for families with children. The Reed Cat gets along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, as long as they are not aggressive. Small animals and birds in the house will be at risk. Jungle cats are very dexterous, curious and smart, they easily learn to open doors, remember where things interesting to them are, and easily climb the highest furniture.
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Maintenance and care
The wayward animal requires certain conditions of detention. Only a kitten can be tamed and raised. It can be kept at home, with a wide living space including an open area for walking.
The lack of ultraviolet radiation and space for active outdoor games will significantly worsen the pet’s health. The jungle cat feels quite comfortable at home, but keeping it is quite expensive.
They get used to the tray quickly, their fur sheds moderately, and they are in good health. Caring for a cat of this size will be a pleasure if you have a country house with an enclosure that allows you to walk it and a swimming pool for swimming. You should definitely purchase a home scratching post so that the jungle cat does not damage furniture and household equipment.
Health and nutrition
The predatory nature determined the animal’s predominantly meat diet. The reed cat's diet consists of lean meat, live birds, reptiles, and small rodents. It is better to give your pet fish no more than once a week in measured portions.
Once a week, Hausas are given a fasting day to prevent obesity. The domesticated jungle cat eats according to natural instincts. Attempts to introduce only plant-based cereal foods will destroy the animal. It is highly not recommended to completely switch to dry cat food.
Proper care will increase a cat's lifespan to 14 years.
Important aspects to be observed:
- Feed kittens under one year old twice, adults - once a day;
- the diet should contain plant foods and live animals;
- additionally feed with special feed with minerals.
Reproduction
The period of mating and rearing of the jungle cat's offspring occurs in the spring, affecting February. Before the mating season, the animal leads a solitary, solitary lifestyle; during the mating season, they can be found in small groups. There are always more males born in a litter than females. After five months, the kittens become independent and begin their own development path.
Fact 3
We are accustomed to the fact that you cannot drag a domestic cat into the bath. You have to tie your paws, put a gag in your mouth to prevent her from biting, and so on. In general, it’s just a hassle. But the jungle cat, on the contrary, swims willingly and a lot. He is able to dive and fish. It lowers its muzzle under the water and grabs the victim with its teeth.
According to many biologists, the jungle cat can kill, including young individuals of larger species. There are times when animals eat carrion that is left after the hunt of their fellows.
The jungle cat is considered a social individual. The mating season occurs in February and March. But the gestation period in females lasts more than two weeks. In the natural environment, you can see full-fledged cat families, where both parents are involved in raising and protecting their offspring. It was found that males in captivity become more active and pay more attention to the care of kittens.
There are no more than six kittens in a litter. When babies are born, they weigh no more than 150 grams. Every day about 22 grams are added to them. Kittens can hunt at 5-6 months. But at 11 months they should already be considered adults and independent individuals. In the conditions of the reserve, the jungle cat lives for about 15 years.
How much does a jungle cat cost?
The reed breed is rare in Russia; you can purchase a pet through specialized nurseries. Breeders of the breed can be found at elite exhibitions.
Reed kittens are expensive, the price tag starts from three thousand dollars. Before purchasing, the individual must be three months old. During this period, the seller carries out a series of vaccinations for the cub:
- against calcivirosis;
- panleukopenia;
- rabies (must be carried out annually);
- herpes infection.
Kittens under 1 year old should eat plant and animal food 2 times a day, according to natural instincts. Children should be vaccinated on time and have the opportunity to walk in the fresh air.
Cat Chausie
There is a special, new breed, bred by crossing a wild reed breed (males only) with a regular cat - Chausie (Chausie). Externally, the pet is very similar to its father, but there are differences:
- the tips of the ears and tail are strictly black:
- smaller dimensions, weight;
- elongated tail.
It is more difficult to train such a cat to use a litter box, but its character is more flexible; with proper training, they become excellent companions. The parent’s genes make themselves felt with similar signs:
- love of open spaces;
- sociability;
- passion for bathing;
- large dimensions.
The distinctive features of the domestic version of the reed breed are reflected in physiological signs:
- hybrids have sensitive stomachs, it is strictly forbidden to feed your pets pork and grains;
- sterility of males until the third generation.
