Do Ocelots Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

Do ocelots make good pets?

Some people think that having an exotic animal as a pet is cool, but the truth is, it’s not always a good idea.

Exotic animals can be high maintenance, requiring a lot of attention and care.

They can also be dangerous, and even deadly.

We will dig a little deeper to find out if ocelots are good pets or not.

Overview About Ocelots

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) is a wild cat species native to the Americas.

The ocelot is considered a relatively small cat, with an average weight of 8-16 pounds (3.6-7.2 kg).

They are characterized by their spotted and rosette-patterned coats, which provide excellent camouflage in their forest habitats.

Ocelots have been hunted extensively for their fur, which was once considered a luxury item.

As a result of this hunting pressure and habitat loss, ocelots are now listed as a threatened species.

Despite their small size, ocelots are skilled hunters and have a diverse diet that includes rodents, birds, reptiles, and even fish.

Ocelots are also known to be very agile and can leap up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in the air to catch prey.

They are typically solitary animals, but will occasionally form groups during the mating season.

Do Ocelots Make Good Pets?

No, they do not.

If you’re thinking about getting an ocelot as a pet, think again.

They may look cute and cuddly, but these animals are wild and can be very dangerous.

Ocelots can grow up to three feet long and weigh up to thirty pounds.

They have sharp claws and teeth, and they can scratch or bite you if they’re feeling threatened.

Here are problems you will face if you decide to own an ocelot as a pet.

Related: Do Black Panthers Make Good Pets?

Ocelots Like To Hunt Anything

They’re excellent hunters.

In the wild, they hunt anything they can find, including rodents, reptiles, birds, and even fish.

This hunting instinct makes them very dangerous animals to keep as pets.

If you’re thinking about getting an ocelot as a pet, you need to be aware of the risks involved.

These animals can be unpredictable and aggressive, and they’re certainly not a good choice for everyone or your other pets.

Wildcats Like Ocelot Have Strong Odours

If you’re thinking about getting a pet ocelot, think again.

They may be cute, but they have a very strong smell.

Wildcats in general have a much stronger odor than most other pets.

And since ocelots are wildcats, their smell is even stronger.

Even if you can handle the smell, your other family members probably won’t be able to.

Ocelots need lots of space to roam around in, and they make a lot of noise.

Ocelots Are Very Needy

Ocelots are very needy creatures that require a lot of attention and care.

If you’re thinking about keeping an ocelot as a pet, you should first consider whether or not you’re prepared to meet their needs.

They also require a lot of food and attention from their owners.

If you can’t commit to meeting all of an ocelot’s needs, then it’s best to leave them in the wild where they belong.

Ocelots Can Be Destructive

Ocelots are wild animals, and as such, they have certain instincts that can make them dangerous to humans.

For example, they may scratch or bite if they feel threatened.

They can also be very territorial and may attack other animals or even people who come too close to their territory.

While ocelots can make great pets for some people, it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals.

If you’re not prepared to deal with the potential risks involved, it’s probably best to stick with a more common pet.

Exotic Animals Like Ocelots Will Require Special Medical Care

As exotic animals like ocelots continue to become popular pets, it’s important to be aware of the special medical care they will require.

These animals often come from warm climates, so they are not used to the colder temperatures here in the United States.

If they aren’t kept in a climate-controlled environment, they could easily get sick and die.

Additionally, exotic animals can be quite costly to keep.

They may require expensive food and veterinary care, which can add up quickly.

So before you decide to add an exotic animal to your family, be sure you are prepared for the financial commitment involved.

Ocelots Are Difficult To Find

do ocelots make good pets

Local pet stores just don’t seem to stock ocelots very often.

So, if you’re set on getting one of these beautiful creatures as a pet, you’re going to have to do your homework and be prepared to search high and low.

Ocelots are quite common in the wild, but they are very shy around humans.

This makes them difficult to catch and therefore difficult to sell as pets.

If you do find an ocelot for sale, be prepared to pay a high price – they aren’t cheap.

Several factors can affect the price of an ocelot, including its age, size, health, and even its country of origin.

In general, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for an ocelot.

Of course, the price of an ocelot is just the beginning.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of food, housing, and other necessary supplies.

So if you’re thinking of adding an ocelot to your family, be sure to budget accordingly.

They Have Behavioral Problems

If you’re considering keeping an ocelot as a pet, you should know that they can have some serious behavioral problems.

Ocelots are wild animals, and if they’re taken from their mothers at too young an age, they can become anxious and aggressive.

It’s illegal in many places to keep ocelots as pets.

So think carefully before you decide to bring one home.

Ocelots Live Long

If you’re thinking of getting an ocelot as a pet, you need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.

Ocelots can live for up to 20 years, so you’ll need to be ready to take care of your furry friend for a long time.

They’re also very active animals, so you’ll need to have plenty of space for them to run around in.

If you think you’re ready for the responsibility of owning an ocelot, then go ahead and adopt one today.