How Long Do Bobcats Live In Captivity?

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

Many people are fascinated by bobcats, with their elegant spotted coats and powerful hunting skills.

But how long do these charismatic felines live in captivity?

The answer may surprise you.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the average lifespan of bobcats in captivity, as well as some of the factors that can influence their longevity.

So read on to learn more about these fascinating animals.

How Long Do Bobcats Live In Captivity?

In captivity, they may live for as long as 25-26 years.

They are solitary animals except when females are raising kittens.

In the wild, they typically live for around 7-12 years, although they can sometimes live up to 15+ years.

Why Do Bobcats Live Longer In Captivity?

There are many reasons why bobcats may live longer in captivity.

Firstly, they typically have better access to food and water in captivity.

This is crucial since bobcats are territorial and often compete for food in the wild.

Having better access to food and water also means that they are less likely to suffer from malnutrition or dehydration, both of which can shorten an animal’s lifespan.

Second, captive bobcats are typically not exposed to the same level of danger as their wild counterparts.

This includes things such as being hit by cars, attacked by other predators, or contracting diseases.

As you might know, bobcats are also hunted by people in some areas.

Third, captivity can provide a more stable environment for bobcats, which can be beneficial to their health.

In the wild, bobcats may experience extreme changes in temperature or weather conditions, which can take a toll on their health.

Finally, captive bobcats typically have access to regular veterinary care, which can help to keep them healthy and extend their lifespan.

Whereas in the wild, bobcats may not have access to regular veterinary care, or may not be able to afford to see a vet if they do.

Are There Any Disadvantages For Bobcats Living In Captivity?

Talking about the disadvantages, there are some.

First of all, they are hunters by nature.

In the wild, they live and hunt alone.

Bobcats are nocturnal animals which means that they sleep during the day and are active at night.

This can be quite difficult for their owners since they will have to get used to a lot of bobcat’s sound at night.

Secondly, bobcats are known to be very territorial.

In the wild, they have large territories that they defend from other bobcats.

This can sometimes lead to aggression towards their owners or other animals in the home.

Lastly, bobcats are not domesticated animals and are not used to living with humans.

This means that they can be quite difficult to handle and may require special care.

Even when they are tamed, bobcats can still be dangerous for humans and pets as they may bite or scratch their owners.

What Should You Do When Your Captivated Bobcat Gets Old?

how long do bobcats live in captivity

When your captivated bobcat gets old, you should take him to the vet more frequently for check-ups.

This is to make sure that he is still healthy and to catch any health problems early.

You should also continue to provide him with a good diet and plenty of water.

As your bobcat gets older, he may become less active and spend more time sleeping.

This is normal and you should not be concerned unless he stops eating or drinking or shows other signs of illness.

In some cases, bobcats in captivity may be euthanized when they reach a certain age or become too sick to live.

If you are unable to care for your bobcat when he gets old, you should discuss this with your vet.

They may be able to help you find a suitable home for him.

What Causes Bobcats To Die?

There are a variety of reasons why bobcats can die.

Some of the most common causes of death in bobcats include infectious diseases, automobile accidents, hunting and trapping, and predation.

Infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of death in bobcats.

These diseases can be transmitted to bobcats through contact with other animals or through exposure to contaminated water or food.

Some of the most common infectious diseases that affect bobcats include rabies, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Automobile accidents are another common cause of death in bobcats.

Bobcats can be hit by cars while crossing roads or when they attempt to scavenge food from roadsides.

Hunting and trapping are also major causes of death in bobcats.

Bobcats are often killed by hunters or trappers who target them for their fur or meat.

Conclusion

Overall, captive bobcats typically live longer than their wild counterparts.

This is due to a number of factors, including better access to food and water, a more stable environment, and regular veterinary care.

However, there are some disadvantages to living in captivity, such as the fact that they are hunters by nature and can be quite territorial.