Domestic cats crossed with wild cats

So-called hybrid cats have become increasingly popular in recent years, as the Swiss Animal Protection Agency (STS) wrote on Monday. They result from forced mating of domestic cats with various wild species.

The female – usually a house cat – often suffers from stress, pain, and injuries because the male cat drastically differs from the female in both behavior and body size. Pregnancy and litter also accompany complications, according to STS.

Often bought for their looks

The most common hybrid cat in Switzerland is the Bengal cat, which comes from the Asian wildcat species. In the last four years alone, stock has doubled. About 12,500 registered Bengal cats currently live in Switzerland. In 2022, about 400 of them were imported. The Bengal cat is now one of the most popular cat breeds.

STS rejects the adoption of hybrid cats. They are often bought carelessly because of their appearance. According to the STS, hybrid cats are nearly impossible to keep in the home appropriately for their species due to their urge to exercise and be busy.

Danger to domestic animals

Serious conflicts arise with other cats in the free space. Hybrid cats’ distinctive hunting skills are also dangerous to native animal species.

The protection of animals therefore requires stricter regulations for breeding and care. He wants to achieve this at the legislative level. It is illegal to mate wild cats with domestic cats in Switzerland. First-generation kittens and crosses with more than 50 percent feral cats are considered wild animals.

Challenge for caregivers and animal shelters

Keeping them requires permission and is subject to the same rules as wild animals. As the STS points out, conditions are “often disastrous” when it comes to foreign breeds that many Swiss Bengal cats come from.

As STS continues, animal shelters in urban areas, and especially in border areas, are increasingly having to acquire Bengal cats. The most common reasons given for giving up on them include cleanliness, aggression towards other dogs, and often extremely ferocious behavior. Bengal cats therefore posed a challenge to animal shelters (SDA).

Source : Blick