
The natural diet of bobcats
Bobcat
The bobcat is a medium-sized North American cat that appeared during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago. Containing 2 recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to central Mexico, including most of the contiguous United States. The bobcat is an adap…
What should Bobcats be fed?
Bobcats should be fed a raw food diet that needs to be researched to ensure proper nutrition from organ meats, bones, muscle meat, and any other supplementary forms of nutrition in addition to whole prey items. Live feeding is not only unnecessary; it is inhumane.
What to expect from a pet bobcat?
What to expect from a pet bobcat. They also should be fed a raw food diet that needs to be researched to ensure proper nutrition from organ meats, bones, muscle meat, and any other supplementary forms of nutrition in addition to whole prey items. Live feeding is not only unnecessary, it is inhumane.
Do Bobcats make good pets?
While many are inclined to say no, a bobcat can make a great pet if the right person is its owner. It takes a special person to raise a bobcat in the proper manner. These animals are high-maintenance, and should not have the same expectations as a house cat. A bobcat owner must be willing to have the best interest of the exotic animal.
How do I keep Bobcats out of my yard?
Here are some ways you can keep bobcats out of your yard, away from your property and out of your chicken coop: Urine from other species can be beneficial in repelling bobcats and other animals. Simply sprinkle or spray on ground. Choose from bear urine, bobcat urine and more. Like coyotes, bobcats are diurnal (most active at dusk and dawn).

Can I feed my bobcat cat food?
1:467:38Bobcat Diet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I gave in and I decided to come up with a different diet for him I take chopped liver rawMoreAnd I gave in and I decided to come up with a different diet for him I take chopped liver raw hamburger. And then I open up in expensive cans of cat food.
Can you keep a bobcat as a pet?
Some people argue that bobcats can make great pets for the right home, but when it comes down to it, they are wild animals. Bobcats are not domestic cats and being kept as a domestic pet can create a stressful and downright dangerous environment.
What do bobcats eat in captivity?
At the Zoo, bobcats eat a prepared meat diet, mice, rats, chicks and bones.
What is a bobcat favorite food?
What Does a Bobcat Eat? As an obligate carnivore and a skilled hunter, it eats smaller mammals and birds. It prefers rabbits and hares, but it will hunt and eat larger animals if its preferred food isn't available.
Can bobcats breed with house cats?
Bobcats and domestic cats may mate with each other from time to time but they won't produce offspring. They simply differ too much genetically to reproduce. That being said, the two species are similar enough in both size and mating habits that it's likely they'll occasionally try to mate.
What does a bobcat eat?
SquirrelsBobcat / EatsSquirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, a family that includes small or medium-size rodents. The squirrel family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa, and were introduced by humans to Australia. Wikipedia
Do bobcats eat apples?
The bobcats usually eat the fruit only when they can't get enough small game OR when the local creeks/ponds have dried up and they are desperate for water, which has already occurred here.
Do bobcats eat fruit?
Bobcats are largely carnivorous but will consume a wide variety of food sources, even some vegetation such as fruits and grasses.
Do bobcats eat vegetables?
Bobcats eat a wide variety of animals as prey, including: mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits, hares, small birds, grouse, small reptiles and amphibians. Bobcats are strict carnivores, unlike wild canines and eat no vegetable matter as food.
How often do bobcats eat?
Because bobcats get most of their food by stalking or ambush, they usually do not have to travel very far. Bobcats eat about two pounds of food per day, and they prefer freshly killed meat.
Do bobcats eat berries?
Bobcats also consumed fish, vegetation, and berries.
Do bobcats like water?
Bobcats do not like water. They will swim if they have too, but they would rather not. It was convenient of this large log to fall in the river so that a bobcat could walk the river and not swim. The winter can be a hard time for a bobcat to hunt.
How much does a bobcat cost?
Large Bobcats start around $60,000 and can reach towards $100,000 with accessories. A used model can cost as much as $65,000.
Can you tame a baby bobcat?
Many wild animals - like the above bobcat - will appear to be tame when they are very young. But they are and will always be wild animals. And as they mature, most "tame" wild animals will begin to exhibit behaviors that are really inappropriate in house pets - viciously attacking unfamiliar humans, for example.
What is the lifespan of a bobcat?
7 yearsBobcat / Lifespan
How long do bobcats live in captivity?
25 yearsIn the wild, bobcats may live up to 10 years with an average life expectancy of 3 to 4 years. In captivity, they may live up to 25 years. Few predators can kill an adult bobcat, other than cougars and humans.
Is the bobcat an herbivore, carnivore or omnivore?
It is a carnivore. It eats rabbits, mice, squirrels, and other small mammals.
Do they have any predators?
An adult bobcat has few predators, but owls, foxes, and coyotes often hunt bobcat babies. However, bobcats are popular targets of hunting for the f...
Are bobcats endangered?
They are not endangered. They are listed as a species of “least concern” for conservation status. Habitat destruction and other environmental facto...
Do bobcats live in every U.S. state?
They have colonies in every state except Delaware. They may pass through the state on their hunting trips, but they don’t live there.
What does a bobcat owner need to know?
A bobcat owner must be willing to have the best interest of the exotic animal. He will also have to learn the feline's behavior as this can be way different than that of a domestic cat.
How much does a bobcat weigh?
They are between 30 and 50 inches long and will weigh 13 to 30 pounds. Bobcats that are found in the North tend to be bigger than those who live in the South. A bobcat has a coat that is made to camouflage them from their predators. This enables them to survive in various environments.
How long should a bobcat drink milk?
You can do this with warm milk that has extra vitamins and minerals added to it. The feline should drink milk for 8-12 weeks. At around six weeks of age, a bobcat canned kitten meat can be added to the milk. Slowly increase this amount as the kitten grows. In their natural habitats, bobcats are solitary animals.
What is the temperament of a bobcat?
Bobcat Temperament. When most people think of a bobcat, they think of a wild cat that is aggressive, wild, and fierce. However, bobcats are actually shy animals and will avoid people in the wild. Pet bobcats can be very affectionate if they are raised from an early age by a loving family.
Why are bobcats so aggressive?
However, you should still acknowledge that regardless of how tamed they may seem, bobcats are still wild animals at their core, and certain factors can make them aggressive. Due to a fright, anxiety, an intense smell, or an involuntary kick, the natural predatory instinct of a bobcat can trigger and can quickly engage in a brutal attack.
How to get a bobcat to perch?
Multi-level ramps and places for your bobcat to perch should be included in both indoor and outdoor areas. When planning for your pet, think like they would in the wild. They need places to climb, run, and hide. Also, be sure to add in new things to keep your beloved pet from being bored.
What states are bobcats allowed in?
North Carolina. Delaware. If you live in another country or if your state is not listed above, you may wish to call the department of agriculture (or the competent institution in your country) to see if there is a law preventing you from owning a bobcat as a pet.
What Does a Bobcat Eat?
As an obligate carnivore and a skilled hunter, it eats smaller mammals and birds. It prefers rabbits and hares, but it will hunt and eat larger animals if its preferred food isn’t available. As a result, its diet depends largely on what is around and is easy for a bobcat to hunt.
What made up the majority of the diet of bobcats?
Red squirrels: These made up more than half the bobcats’ diet.
What percentage of bobcats eat snowshoe hares?
Snowshoe hares: 30% of bobcats ate them.
How do bobcats catch their prey?
They repeatedly cross through their chosen territory listening and watching for small animals. When it hears or sees something, the bobcat will freeze into position and wait for the animal to appear from the grass or shrubs. The bobcat pounces on the animal, pins it with a paw, and bites the prey’s neck.
What animals hunt bobcats?
An adult bobcat has few predators, but owls, foxes, and coyotes often hunt bobcat babies. However, bobcats are popular targets of hunting for the fur trade. Bobcat hunting is legal in several states and Canada, and trophy hunting of bobcats is legal in Mexico. All these countries strictly regulate the hunts, and bobcats are a protected species in about 10 states.
Where do bobcats live?
Beautiful, elusive bobcats have a massive range that extends throughout the United States, Canada, and central Mexico. This nocturnal hunter is a successful predator, but what are a bobcat’s favorite meals? Read on to learn about what bobcats eat.
Is the bobcat endangered?
They are not endangered. They are listed as a species of “least concern” for conservation status. Habitat destruction and other environmental factors, however, have damaged bobcat populations in some areas.
What to expect from a bobcat?
While many owners of exotic animals may cite positive exceptions to the general ‘rules’ of exotic animal care due to the experiences of raising their own pets, it is highly important to maintain a degree of flexibility when considering keeping high-maintenance animals.
What is the best personality of a bobcat?
In general, bobcats are considered to have the best personality of the exotic felines (other small to medium sized exotic cat species that are kept as pets include lynx species, caracals, servals, ocelots, Geoffroy’s cats, fishing cats, Asian leopard cats, and jungle cats). While wild bobcats are unfriendly and bold predators, the dynamic dramatically changes when these animals are hand-raised from babyhood by humans.
How to get in touch with people who own bobcats?
Get in touch with people who own them by visiting message boards, or, if you know of any, by talking to bobcat owners or people who have worked with them in facilities.
Is a bobcat an exotic animal?
In fact, bobcats are considered to be the "easiest" exotic feline to start with if the care of high-maintenance animals is your preference. Hand-raised animals are just simply not the same animals as those that roam in the wild, so pet bobcats are not "wild.". If a potential owner is willing to understand the non-domesticated behavior ...
Is a bobcat considered exotic?
Bobcats in the Wild. The elusive bobcat is actually technically less “exotic” than domesticated cats in most states, if "exotic" is defined as "not native to the United States.". Bobcats are native to many areas in North America, including most states in the U.S, in which they are also the most abundant wild feline.
Is it bad to own a bobcat?
There are certainly a lot of downsides to taking on the ownership of exotic pets like bobcats. In fact, one bobcat owner had this to say about their house pet:
Do exotic pets need to be caretaker?
Exotic pet owners are not a typical breed of caretaker. They must be willing to fully anticipate issues like spraying, aggression, the need for outdoor enclosures, and other modifications to accommodate potentially destructive behavior. pinterest-pin-it. A bobcat in Olympic National Park.
What Do Bobcats Eat in The Wild?
In the wild, bobcats eat a lot of different animals that are typically smaller than them but have also been observed taking down much larger prey by jumping on the prey’s back and biting their neck to bring them down. Bobcats usually go hunting just before dark.
How much does it cost to feed a bobcat?
It will not be cheap to feed a bobcat and will require a special diet that could cost you upwards of around $10 per day.
Do You Need a Permit to Have a Bobcat as A Pet Legally?
Some states require a permit to have a bobcat as a pet while others have no regulation in place at all. In most states that allow you to have a pet bobcat, you will need to obtain a permit and register your bobcat as your pet.
What Is a Bobcat's Temperament Like?
Bobcats are usually shy and avoid people as much as possible in the wild. Bobcats aren’t thought of as aggressive animals unless you encounter one with rabies.
Can Bobcats Be Domesticated?
Handling a bobcat as a pet will take knowledge, experience, and the right caretaker. There is no guarantee that a bobcat will ever be able to be domesticated, but with the right person who knows what he or she is doing, it is possible.
Are Bobcats Dangerous to Humans & Other Pets?
While bobcats are smaller in size than most other wild cats, these cats can still be dangerous to you and your other pets if not domesticated properly. Wild animals, including bobcats, can be unpredictable even if you raised them from kittens.
How Much Do Bobcats Cost?
While you must take into consideration how much you are going to spend on having a bobcat as a pet, you must purchase your bobcat first.
How Much Is A Pet Bobcat?
It’s possible to find a bobcat breeder that sells kittens within the US. Often those breeders are tied to the fur industry and sell to private persons with a license as well.
Why Do People Want To Own A Bobcat As A House Pet?
Some people are just bored by traditional pets like cats and dogs. They seek out something more exotic. A pet that is wild. One that only a few people own. And one that makes them feel special. The rarer the pet, the better. Perhaps a rare black bobcat that looks like a panther is a dream.
What is the best way to repel bobcats?
Urine from other species can be beneficial in repelling bobcats and other animals. Simply sprinkle or spray on ground. Choose from bear urine, bobcat urine and more.
What to do when walking with a bobcat?
When walking, try to avoid bushy areas, isolated trails, or abandoned properties (good advice when dealing with any predator). Don’t let your pets interact with wildlife – bobcats are much smarter than you think.. Here are some complete guides on walking your pet safely and protecting them from wildlife:
What is the difference between a lynx and a bobcat?
For example, Bobcats and Lynx are nearly identical – they both have short tails, long tufted ears and honestly, the main difference is that the bobcat is much smaller than a lynx. However, they have a completely different species assignment, meaning each is their own species.
How to scare a bobcat away?
If you see a bobcat (with or without kittens), you want to make yourself appear as large as possible. Spray water on them if you have any, make noise (clap or yell to scare away). Healthy bobcats will not attack unless they’re cornered or threatened. Back away slowly, do not run.
What to do if a bobcat attacks?
If a bobcat does attack, get out of the area however you can. If you see a bobcat wobbling as they walk, acting erratically, or appearing to be confused, it’s likely they are rabid or injured. Call your local wildlife department or fire department to report the animal.
How high should a fence be for bobcats?
Just like locks on your front door help to keep burglars away, a good fence system will help an opportunistic hunter move on to a different target. To be even partially effective, fencing must be at least six feet high with footers extending 6-12 inches below ground level. One effective thiing you can do to a fence is add inverted fencing along the top – angle at the top facing outward at 45 degrees, and 16 inches in width. You can also use a system like coyote rollers to keep wildlife out.
What is a bobcat?
Understanding the Bobcat. Bobcats are quiet, shy and reclusive – usually seen by themselves or a female with kittens. Taxonomists (those who classify animals into kingdoms, phylum, etc.) often group animals into “families” that appear to be random.

Owning Bobcats
Bobcats in The Wild
- The elusive bobcat is actually technically less “exotic” than domesticated cats in most states, if "exotic" is defined as "not native to the United States." Bobcats are native to many areas in North America, including most states in the U.S, in which they are also the most abundant wild feline. They are highly successful at spreading across a broad range of habitats because they are highl…
What to Expect from A Pet Bobcat
- While many owners of exotic animals may cite positive exceptions to the general ‘rules’ of exotic animal care due to the experiences of raising their own pets, it is highly important to maintain a degree of flexibility when considering keeping high-maintenance animals. Do not hold them to the same expectations as dogs and cats. Also keep in mind that bobcats require specialized vets th…
Feeding
- Bobcats should be fed a raw food diet that needs to be researched to ensure proper nutrition from organ meats, bones, muscle meat, and any other supplementary forms of nutrition in addition to whole prey items. Live feeding is not only unnecessary; it is inhumane.
Housing
- Ideally, bobcat owners should have indoor andoutdoor housing for their animals. Some bobcat owners have doggie doors that lead to decently-sized enclosures outside. Such cages should be tested for durability. While they can be affectionate family members, bobcats can also be feisty at times or have bad bathroom habits. They need a safe place to retreat to so that they can have th…
Legality
- Bobcats are not legal as pets without a permit (only provided to educators, zoos, research, animal sanctuaries, etc.) in most states. Recently, many states are joining the ranks of outlawing everything feline except domesticated cats despite minimal public safety issues. Bobcats are not legal to own in California, Connecticut, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia, South C…
Keep Researching
- Always research any new pet; this goes quadruple for exotic felines of any type. Get in touch with people who own them by visiting message boards, or, if you know of any, by talking to bobcat owners or people who have worked with them in facilities. Volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is not a requirement, but experience with exotic animal behavior is always a big help i…
Comments
- Melissa A Smith (author)from New York on August 01, 2020: Kasey Burt: Really? Sorry for the late reply, but that would be fascinating if true. Absbon April 01, 2020: Jeff i agree and I’m in Texas also Jeffon March 16, 2020: Why aren’t bobcats not allowed in Texas and I’m in Texas Melissa A Smith (author)from New York on January 07, 2020: Alyssa: I wouldn't recommend an exotic cat f…