The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), from the Leopardus genus and the Family Felidae, is a medium-sized wildcat native to mostly Central and South America. Their most characteristic feature is their spotted coat which is similar to that of a Leopard. Short and smooth, it has been the main cause for their decline, as their fur was highly praised in the past and were thus hunted down. The color of their fur can vary from tawny yellow to gray. They are around 22 and 39 inches long on average and can weigh up to 35 pounds. It is precisely their size that makes them fairly dangerous to keep as a pet for families, as they have been known to harm small children on occasions.

Another of the traits that make the ocelot an exceptional feline is their big, beady eyes, that have a perfectly round shape and have very distinct darker markings around them that make ocelots even more appealing to the eye. Their ears are not pointed like most common pet cats, but are rounded at the top. As they are carnivores, they have 28 to 30 sharp teeth.

In addition to their striking appearance, ocelots are known for their remarkable agility and strength, which allow them to navigate their habitats with ease. On average, they have a lifespan of around eight to twelve years of age in the wild, although those in captivity can live longer with proper care.

The first thing to learn about when considering an ocelot as a pet is how they behave in nature in order to assess if it is fine to keep it at home.

There is a difference between wild and feral cats as, although all feline, they descend from a different evolutionary branch and the latter have not been domesticated. The actual word says it: wild cats are wild, and thus need to live outdoors. A minimum outdoor surface of 800 square meters is required in order for the ocelot to live happily and adequately.

Ocelots, as most felines, are crepuscular animals, meaning they are at their most active during dusk and dawn. During the hours when this cat is awake an average of 12 to 14 h, their main activity is hunting. Thus, other domestic animals in the surrounding areas can be prey for the ocelot if you have it at home. Dogs or chickens are commonly hunted by ocelots in semi-urban areas.

On the other hand, you should know that, like most New World cats, the ocelot's feces have a distinct strong smell, as well as a highly damp texture. They are also prone to marking territory and can even do so in the places where they sleep. An ocelot at home will mimic this behavior too unless taught from a very young age.

Talking about baby Ocelots, these tend to have infantile or juvenile behaviors for longer than most felines, as they will usually stay with their mother for longer, which is why separating a baby ocelot from its mother at a young age can be a huge mistake that can derive into behavioral problems. For one, a baby ocelot craves for a lot of attention. If they are not paid attention to, they will emit a loud noise, as if they were throwing a tantrum until their mother pays attention to them.

Ocelots in heat also have several behaviors that do not favor keeping them as pets. Female ocelots in heat produce a constant growl and will try to rub their scent against any object they find in their way, their calls, as you can imagine, are much louder than those made by common female cats. On the other hand, once male ocelots have mated, they may be less affectionate with people.

All in all, the ocelot's behavior makes it very dependent from their owner, which is why a potential ocelot carer will have to be highly committed to an ocelot's care, as we'll comment further on. Additionally, their natural instincts can make them unpredictable, which requires a thorough understanding of their needs and behaviors to ensure their well-being.

As mentioned above, the ocelot is a natural carnivore. In the wild, they will hunt for small rodents such as mice or rats as well as several types of birds and even fish^[1]. If you need to feed an ocelot, then their diet should be similar to those of cats. Thus, apart from organ meat, they will need to supplement it with taurine and calcium. You should also make sure you don't give them any of the forbidden foods for cats, as they can be equally harmful for ocelots.

It is important to diversify their diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Including a variety of meats such as poultry, beef, and fish can help meet their dietary needs. Additionally, providing them with occasional whole prey items, like small rabbits, can be beneficial as it mimics their natural hunting experience and helps maintain their dental health.

As you have read above, an ocelot is not the most convenient pet to have at home, even though they may seem cute and exclusive, we have to remember their wild nature so, if you happen to find an injured ocelot in your back yard, work at a rescue center or similar, make sure you follow these basic care guidelines to look after an ocelot:

In general, ocelots are fairly sociable although they cannot be trained basic commands, so it will be a challenge to stay on top of them when it comes to discipline.

Ocelot kitten care

As mentioned previously, ocelots take longer to separate from their mothers, as they take longer to wean and are very dependent on their mother. Sucking fingers of their carers is something usual, as it reminds them of their mother, although you should avoid this behavior to avoid them from thinking that hands are actually toys. To teach them not to suck on fingers, make sure you distract them from this activity by offering them a treat or redirecting their attention towards play. You can use boomer balls, kongs (under constant supervision) or other toys suitable for cats to do so.

The ocelot's space

Although they can be indoors, ocelots also need their outdoor space. In general, they should have a space of at least 800 square meters. To prevent obesity in this type of feline, you should offer them an enriched space with all of their favorite features such as high climbing poles, platforms and plenty of plants (make sure they are not toxic for them). They will also need some aquatic features too, as they love water, so add a pond where they can play too.

Providing an environment that simulates their natural habitat as closely as possible is essential for their mental and physical health. Incorporating a variety of textures, such as sand and gravel, can stimulate their senses and keep them engaged.

Don't spay

Due to several programs for the conservation of ocelots in certain countries, it's not advisable to spay. Remember the ocelot is an endangered species, so there are other things to take into account when making this decision. Contact your department of conservation and put them into contact with your vet so you can all take an informed decision.

Toilet needs

So where should an ocelot go to do their business? Although some can actually be trained to use litter, although other methods will be easier to teach your pet. We should also warn you that this animal's nature may lead them to swallowing cat litter and cause intestinal problems, another reason why this is not recommended.

Instead, a more recommended method is to teach them to do their business on newspapers.

Ocelots in the house

Ocelots love jumping, climbing and digging, which is why you will need to be extra careful if you let your ocelot inside your house. Make sure you get rid of any objects on display that this beautiful feline could accidentally drop when leaping around and any objects susceptible to nibbling and biting, as this is one of their favorite past-times. Remember to make sure you don't have any toxic plants for cats in the house either.

Biting

As mentioned above, ocelots are prone to biting, which is why you should keep small children away from them. As many other small felidae, they will usually target specific areas of the body when attacking, such as the groin, elbow, armpit or neck. They are also extremely fast and agile, so beware. By this we do not mean that the ocelot is a violent animal, but if they are not socialized, they will still act according to their nature.

Veterinary care

You should take an ocelot to an exotic pets vet that is specialized in ocelots. Regular vets will not have the knowledge to treat them, so make sure your vet has the knowledge they need. If you cannot find anybody specialized, it is best to ask your regular vet to contact a nearby sanctuary or zoo to get advice from professionals.

Regular health checks and vaccinations are crucial for maintaining the well-being of an ocelot in captivity. It's also essential to monitor their weight and dietary intake to avoid obesity-related health issues, which are common in captive wild cats.

Thinking about buying an ocelot? You'd better start forgetting about it. You should always remember the ocelot is an endangered species, so trade is totally illegal. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) clearly states in appendix I^[2] that it is a violation of the Lacy Act to ship an Ocelot to the United States and the person will thus be committing felony.

Regarding the possession of ocelots in the United States, each state has their own regulations on exotic cat ownership, which is why you should be properly informed beforehand^[4].

If you suspect of illegal trade in the US, you can contact the department of Conservation to deal with the issue.

The European Union also states CITES as the reason why an ocelot cannot go through customs in any country of the EU^[5].

It should be noted that the illegal trade of ocelots not only threatens their survival but also contributes to the decline of their natural habitats. Efforts to curb this trade are ongoing, with increased monitoring and stricter enforcement of existing laws to protect these magnificent creatures from exploitation.

Hunting for their fur and trade has been one of the main issues for the conservation of the ocelot during the past century. Although the fur trade was banned decades ago, some illegal trade is still affecting this species. Luckily, hunting of this species is totally banned in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The ocelot's main threat nowadays is loss of habitat and its fragmentation. The reason is basically anthropogenic, logging and poaching the main human activities that affect the ocelots natural habitat. Moreover, a study by the Journal of Wildlife Management pinpointed vehicle collisions as one of the main causes of mortality in ocelots in the US ^[5], which is directly related to their loss of habitat and the ocelot's nocturnal transient nature.

So what can we do about this? Due to their drop in numbers the only way of conserving this species is through the assistance of mankind. Thus, creating green paths and ensuring habitat conservation of wild ocelots for their correct development will be key to help this beautiful feline.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating people about the importance of preserving the ocelot's natural habitat and the consequences of illegal trade. By fostering a deeper understanding of their plight, we can encourage more individuals and organizations to participate in conservation efforts, ensuring a brighter future for the ocelot.

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