Caracat
F1 Caracat - the highest degree = one parent is a caracal, one a domestic.
F2 Caracat - the second highest degree = a grandparent is a caracal.
F3 Caracat - a great-grandparent is a caracal.
F4 Caracat - a great-great-grandparent is a caracal.
etc.
So you see, the higher the number, the less "wildcat" will be in it. Later generation are still beautiful of course, but only within the first two generations will you find more of what we love about the Majestic Caracal Cat, namely the gorgeous ear tufts and the wild wild face.
F1 & F2 Caracats need outdoor enclosures with protection against harsh weathers! Their close relation to the Caracal makes them more hyper and active than their domestic blood, they need space to run.
Caracat PRICE
How much do Caracat cats cost? That depends on its lineage, or more how close it is to its wild ancestor, the Caracal.
The higher the pedigree, the higher the cost, basically. But that of course also depends on where the cat/kitten is bought. As a rough idea on how much the cats go for, on average, here a short list:
F1 - $15,000 - $25,000
F2 - $10,000 - $15,000
F3 - $3,500 - $10,000
F4 - $1,500 - $10,000
The reason that these numbers are so wildly different, are easily explained by coat, ear, color, and breeder potential. Basically - the prettier and more likely a good breeder the kitten would make, the more it will cost, no matter who sells it to you.
Caracats are still a developing breed, making it probably the rarest cat breed in the world. For this reason, F4 and F5 are rare, and for further breeding of a certain look, domestic breeds other than established Caracats are being used. Most often these are Chausies, Abyssinians, Maine Coon, and Orientals - and/or hybrids of there aforementioned. At Velvet Exotics we will not be using any of these, but there are established breeders for these mixes in Europe, and some up and coming ones in the U.S. as well as Canada (ask us for recommendations if our Caracats are not what you are looking for!).
Watch out for scammers! If it's too good to be true, it's probably a scam! (Example - no one will sell you an F1 for $5,000 unless there's something seriously wrong with it or there’s simply no cat to sell!)
Caracats AS PETS
Considering a Caracat as a pet? No problem, as long as they're legal where you live (for U.S. check here), and you can provide for them properly. Remember that some states have specific laws for Hybrid cats that are next to indistinguishable to their "wild" ancestors - which could include your F1 Caracat.
Although Caracats are mostly considered domesticated cats, they are Hybrids, so don't be fooled by their cute big tufted ears and fluffy baby coats. They WILL get bigger, more mischievous, and wilder. They are very loving and affectionate, and just as their Caracal ancestor, might only bond to one human or family for life - especially higher generations F1 & F2. If you cannot take care of it anymore, it will be very hard to impossible to rehome it with another family/person. It might have to go to a wildlife sanctuary, and they are NOT happy about that for a reason.
Caracats, just as their wild ancestor the Caracal, need to eat whole prey and raw meat, and F1 & F2’s will do better with bigger toys to play with (think durable dog toys they can't swallow). Lots of space to run and be wild (but safe), and LOTS of attention are important. And I mean LOTS. An unhappy Caracat will be just as unhappy as a house cat when not played with and ignored. It will be rebellious and pissy. Literally.
Caracats might spray. A lot or a little, or none at all is all depending on the individual cat and it's generation. The closer to the Caracal, the more it might spray.
They are litter box trainable (think big litter box please, it's a big cat after all). But it's hardwired in their nature to mark their territory, and your home will not be an exception. It is possible to try to contain it, to prevent damage and (too strong) smells around the house by placing these where it will go. But nothing is 100% and it will be your job to check the Caracats' home regularly and wash/clean/sanitize everything that was in its pee-path.
Caracats might chew on your cables, push down vases, jump on cabinets - just as their related Caracal and domestic parents. But since they're bigger than most cats, and veterinary visits might very well be much more expensive, "baby" proofing your house will save you money and heartache when your Caracat decides to get electroshocked from some cable or swallows something that nearly suffocates or causes an obstruction.
Caracats are very active cats, they need an outdoor enclosures with protection against harsh weathers.
They can make lovely pets, as long as you know what you're getting into and are prepared to deal with it.
Caracat BREEDERS
We are breeding for F1 Caracats and are planning to also breed for F2’s in the coming years. Let us know it you are interested or need more information.
Caracat DIET
F1 & F2 Caracat’s diets should mostly consist of whole prey and raw meat.
They can do ok with a “commercial” diet, meaning mostly raw meats (with bone!), some shrimp/sardines/other fishy treats, and some canned big cat food like ZuPreem Feline. But whole prey is a must, even if it’s not their only source of nutrition if you want to keep your cat healthy. Good starter foods are chicks of different sizes, little pinky or fuzzy mice, quail, rabbits, and other “whole” animals.
Great sources for whole prey are RodentPro and MyPetCarnivore.
The diets of Caracats depend, just as their lifestyle and temperament, on their pedigree. F3 and higher are calmer and house cat enough to be handled and treated just as any other cats, meaning their diet can consist of the same foods and they can play with the same toys as others. Though whole prey and raw is still highly recommended!