There have been multiple cases where people rescued a kitten they found, only to have a veterinarian drop the shocking news: surprise, it’s a bobcat![2] X Research source Domesticated cats don’t care for monogamy; they often mate with multiple partners. Even if a house cat has a litter after a liaison with a bobcat, it isn’t proof that he’s the daddy. [3] X Research source Scientists have even tried to produce a domestic cat/bobcat hybrid via in vitro fertilization. Sadly, their attempts to create a new hybrid cat breed failed. [4] X Research source
In 2017, Dr. Joy Halverson of Zoogen Labs created a definitive DNA test to screen for bobcat genes in domestic cats. However, commercial usage of the test isn’t available. [6] X Research source Mitochondrial DNA tests can determine which species a cat’s mama is. [7] X Research source One way researchers can determine a feline’s heritage is by looking for a specific genomic sequence: any feline with domestic cat parentage will have multiple copies of the endogenous feline leukemia virus (enFeLV). Science![8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
In an epic plot twist, the judge declared the results of the mitochondrial DNA test “inconclusive,” since it only examined the maternal line and provided no info about Rocky’s father. The judge ruled that Rocky could stay at his home. [10] X Research source In yet another plot twist, Rocky escaped once again in 2015. After fearful neighbors called the police, Rocky’s owner permanently surrendered her wild child to the zoo. [11] X Research source Some news reports claimed Rocky was a fifth-generation domesticated hybrid. If that were the case, chonky Rocky would have been closer to the size of an average house cat. [12] X Research source
A bobcat kitten may or may not have ear tufts, depending on its age. Younger kittens may not have grown the distinctive ear tufts bobcats are known for.
Bobcats also chortle and make birdlike chirps. [26] X Research source It’s pretty adorable![27] X Research source
If your cat’s urine has a horrific odor, please take it to the vet for a checkup ASAP.
Bobcats are solitary, predatory wildcats. [32] X Research source During their winter mating season, you might hear their eerie screams. It’s kinda spooky![33] X Research source
Where do bobcats hang out? Their habitat stretches from Mexico up to southern Canada. These adaptable animals are found in forests, coastal swamps, and desert scrub lands. [35] X Research source
In fact, a bobcat may be more interested in eating a house cat than seducing it![37] X Research source
The Pixie-bob story goes back to the mid-1980s, when Carol Ann Brewer obtained a large male cat who allegedly had a bobcat daddy. Brewer bred this husky boy with a domestic tabby, then named one of the kittens Pixie. [39] X Research source Ultimately, DNA testing had the final word in this debate: Pixie-bobs are confirmed to have 100% domesticated cat lineage. [40] X Research source
If you live in one of the following states, you’re in luck! It’s legal to own a bobcat in Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. [42] X Research source With the proper permit, you can also adopt a bobcat in Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, or Texas. [43] X Research source The procedures and costs for scoring a permit vary depending on where you live. In the US, you can find additional information on the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service website, or on your state’s Fish & Game website. [44] X Research source
Since bobcats are armed with sharp teeth and claws, they shouldn’t be trusted around young children. Play it safe, and keep kids away. [46] X Research source When raising a bobcat, kitty kibble won’t cut it. A bobcat needs a raw meat diet; chicken, rabbit, and turkey are safe food options. [47] X Research source
At a minimum, a bobcat’s enclosure should be at least 24 x 24 x 12 feet (approximately 7. 5 x 7. 5 x 3. 5 meters), and made of at least 8-gauge welded wire. [50] X Research source
Although Maine Coons aren’t descended from bobcats, they do have big, tufted ears, as well as furry cheeks! Perhaps a domestic hybrid would share those characteristics as well?[52] X Research source An average house cat weighs around 10 pounds (4. 5 kg), while a bobcat weighs up to 40 pounds (18 kg). A hybrid might be about the same size as a Maine Coon cat, which weighs up to 25 pounds (11. 5 kg). [53] X Research source
