Caracal - description of the breed and character of the cat

In the Turks, this cat was called the Black Ear, and we know it as a caracal or a steppe lynx. The type of animal is very exotic, which immediately attracts attention. Outwardly, it looks like something between a puma and a trot. These cats look great in the wild and at home.

The one who calls a caracal a wild animal will be right. But to call him a domestic cat also would not be a mistake. This feature makes representatives of this breed unique. In the world there are few nurseries where you can see the home caracal.

This breed is not artificially bred. In the wild, caracal can be found on the Caspian coast, as well as in areas of Asia and Africa, where the steppe borders with forests. These animals do not like the desert. They prefer the plain. In this area, the cat may remain invisible due to its color.Caracals are nocturnal predators. They can run fast, jump far and even swim.

Caracals were domesticated by humans, but this does not mean that you can take home any cat of this breed. The animal will have all the habits of a wild cat. If you decide to start a caracal, then you can take it only from a special nursery.

Fact! Caracal's ears have sharp tips with a brush. This distinctive feature is the hallmark of the breed.

Appearance

There are 9 types of caracals, but it is impossible to distinguish them with the naked eye, without having professional knowledge. They all have a fairly high growth. In withers growth reaches an average of about 50 cm.

With such growth, the cat does not look large, as it has a very elegant addition.

1. The head has an elongated shape and small size. The muzzle is stretched forward and covered with specks.
2. The ears of the animal are narrow and long, located at a great distance from each other, stand vertically. The color of the ears is black. On sharp tips there are brushes. On the back of the ears are black, sometimes with a light gray, color.
3. The eyes are almond-shaped and yellowish.They are edged with a black stripe.
4. The body of the cat is slim and muscular. The length of the body is approximately 65-85 cm.
5. Caracal has slender large paws of medium length.
6. The tail is long and quite mobile. It is shorter in length than half the cat's body.
7. Short thick coat has a red or sand-red color. On the stomach and chest, it is slightly longer. Under the eyes of the cat there is a yellow stripe. Males and females have the same color.

An adult cat can weigh about 16-20 kg. Caracals live about 15 years.

Cat character

From the wild cat, the home Caracal still has courage and love of freedom. But the domestication made them more affectionate, able to bind to the person. If you take a kitten of this breed in the kennel, get a good faithful friend. Domesticated Caracals are playful and curious. Character is calm and balanced. These animals are very kind and devoted to their owners, amenable to learning.

According to the habits, Caracal sometimes even resembles a dog. He is well accustomed to a new home, but when buying an animal you need to take into account that these cats are active.Owners of small apartments are better not to buy caracals. In such conditions it will not be possible for the animal to create all the conditions that it needs. For them, more suitable spacious aviary or a large country house.

People used to use caracals for hunting. The cat performed the same functions as the husky or dachshund on the hunt. In our time, domesticated caracals behave like the most affectionate domestic cat. She will sleep and eat with the man.

Caracals are very friendly, behind them are not seen the appearance of aggression. But do not buy this cat if there is a small child in the house. If you want such a cat, then wait until the child grows up and will be able to learn all the rules of treatment that the animal requires.

If properly educated Caracal, then an adult animal will not cause much trouble. Rules of upbringing are almost the same as if you were raising a puppy. The animal must learn that it is strictly forbidden to gnaw the wires and shoes of the owners. Also forbid him to jump on the table, and eat from their plates.

Tip! Do not beat the cat, but exercise rigor in education. If you have caracal growing in your home, hide objects and substances from it that can harm the animal.Electric wires, chemical detergents and poisonous plants should not be available for it.

Is it possible to keep caracal at home?

The answer is yes! If you believe the reviews of the owners, we can say that with the proper upbringing of a kitten, there will be no problems in adulthood. The main thing is to survive the first two years. Up to this age, his behavior can be naughty, but be consistent and strict in order to get a “raised” cat as a result.

Care

1. It is only necessary to bathe caracals if the animal is very dirty. But every week it must be combed. Grind claws, rub ears and eyes.
2. If you do not plan to breed these cats, then it is better to castrate them.
3. To walk this cat is better in the muzzle. This should be done with the same regularity as with dogs.
4. Caracal is a very active and large animal. He constantly needs to move a lot, often on the street. It is good if you have a spacious aviary in the yard. You can periodically leave the animal in it. If there is no aviary, you will have to walk with the cat. They quickly get used to the leash.Do not walk caracal where you can meet a dog. A cat can throw at it, not paying attention to the strength and size of the dog.
5. Another positive feature of the breed is that they easily get used to the tray. But place it in a quiet place. Do not put the tray where people often walk, the doors open. For these big cats you need a special deep tray. Silikogel or charcoal is well suited as a filler. It is necessary to change the contents of the tray daily.
6. Shedding cat throughout the year, but in the summer this process occurs with greater intensity. Therefore, as often as possible it is necessary to comb and clean the animal. This is best done with a rubber brush or silicone glove. Clean the entire body of the animal, removing excess hair.
7. Using nippers, cut the tips of the claws.
8. Caracals in the wild can swim well, so they are not against swimming at home. It is necessary to bathe them infrequently, using products that do not cause allergic reactions.
9. In the warm season, wear them a collar that will protect against fleas.
10. Lead a caracal to a veterinarian, who will tell you what vaccinations are necessary for the animal, as well as how to carry out prevention from parasites.

Fact! The big plus of this breed is that its members do not get sick very much. They have strong immunity, as well as their wild predecessors.

If you neutered a cat or cat in a timely manner, it will help to get rid of many problems that may arise when the marriage period begins. At this time, the caracal can become uncontrollable, and even show some aggressiveness.

Caracals have excellent immunity. They rarely get sick. If you care for the cat properly and properly feed, then up to 15 years old she will be active and healthy.

What to feed caracal

In addition to animal proteins, vegetables such as cabbage, pumpkin or zucchini should be included in the diet. In addition, raw fish should be present in the diet. Do not feed these cats soup or cereals from cereals. Make sure that the food does not remain in the bowl of the animal. If the cat is not finished, it is better to throw out the remains.

Twice a month it is recommended to arrange a one-day hunger strike for Caracal. This mode will simulate the one that is inherent in wild animals. Do not feed the cat human food, such as candy, smoked meats and fat. It is not recommended to feed them pork. Sometimes you can feed the animal dry food, but it must be of excellent quality. Choose a food that is designed specifically for the Norwegian cat or Maine Coon.

Where to buy a kitten

Do not buy Caracal in an unreliable place, even if you are offered to buy a kitten at an affordable price. Often you can be caught in deception by acquiring an animal without appropriate documents. So usually sick cats are sold. Also, buying a caracal from an unreliable buyer, you can get a wild animal instead of the desired domesticated.This cat is not suitable for life in a house or apartment. It is necessary to contact special nurseries, where cats are bred by professionals.

Anyone interested will want to know the value of home caracal. These cats are considered exotic, so their cost is high. In Russia, home caracal can be bought for 450,000 rubles. In Ukraine, this price will be about 210,000 hryvnia.

Video: Caracal cat breed