Externally, our furry sloths bear little resemblance to their wild forest ancestors. This is not about the lynx-like cat breeds discussed in this article. If you want to have an animal at home that reminds you of wildlife, you should pay attention to the following breeds.
Cat breeds that resemble lynx
- Maine Coon;
- Kurilian Bobtail;
- American Bobtail;
- Siberian Cat;
- Norwegian Forest Cat.
All domestic cats that look like lynxs are characterized by “wild” colors, although animals with a smooth coat color also occur.
Maine Coon
Literally translated as “raccoon of Maine”. It is of North American origin. It is considered the largest domestic non-hybrid cat – the average weight of males is about 16 pounds.
Maine Coon is very popular due to its large size and exotic appearance. It has characteristic tassels on the ears and a recognizable look.
When buying a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder, you can expect to be asked to pay anywhere between $1000 – $2000 for one in general.
Kurilian Bobtail
According to the popular version, this Russian breed originated from mixing Siberian cats imported by Russian merchants to the Kurils with feral Japanese temple cats.
The distinctive feature of this breed is a short pom-pon tail of 2-8 deformed tail vertebrae and a stocky build. Due to the dense short to medium-length fur, they tolerate low temperatures well. Exhibit some canine habits, such as fetching a dropped ball.
A kitten with a good pedigree will cost about $1000.
American Bobtail
It differs from its Kuril breed by its shorter tail and more stocky build. If you want to buy such a cat, it will be very difficult to do it – there are catteries of this breed only in its homeland, the USA.
The price for a kitten ranges from $500 to $1300.
Siberian Cat
A large cat with a long, thick, and very warm coat. Characterized by large and almost round eyes and a barrel-shaped body with medium-length paws.
It is said that this animal, unlike other cats, does not cause allergies. Very early, on average at 5 months, enters reproductive age. Kittens of this breed can be purchased at a price of $600.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is also kept as a pet. This animal is descended from an ordinary domestic cat, presumably of the Angora breed, which has been fertilized over time.
Characterized by long, so-called “triple”, very thick fur, in addition to having water-repellent properties. It has large ears with tassels and a long fluffy tail. Keeping this animal at home does not cause any particular difficulties.
In Russia, offers for such kittens, more or less trustworthy, have a price of about $1000.
Exotic Hybrids
While domestic cats that look like bobcats thanks to conventional breeding, these felines are the result of crossing a domestic cat and its wild relatives. Such hybrids combine an exotic exterior with the peaceful, non-aggressive nature of the domestic animal.
Hybrids of the domestic cat and its wild relatives are not yet particularly common. Not least of all, this is due to the difficulties of breeding such animals. As a rule, interspecies hybrids have difficulties obtaining offspring.
Hybrids have been obtained by crossing with species close to the domestic cat, such as:
- Caracal;
- Serval;
- Canadian lynx.
The genetics of these animals are close to our domestic cats, which allowed us to obtain viable offspring capable of reproduction.
Of course, some lovers of exotics keep at home tame Pallas’ cat or Caracal, but these animals are extremely difficult to keep, because they are very demanding of the conditions, and the nature of the wild animal makes itself felt.
Savannah
The hybrid of a Serval and a domestic cat is called a Savannah.
Average price is $6000-$20000.
Pixie-bob
Obtained as a result of crossbreeding a cat with a short-tailed forest cat living in Canada and the United States. The phenotype of this animal is not yet established, in particular, it is “allowed” to have a tail of different lengths and multi-fingered. Characterized by an almost perfect character.
Pixie Bob kittens’ prices can come with some amount of sticker shock depending on the cattery and the kitten’s lineage, color, and gender. For kittens that are of show quality, the price usually starts at $1500 – $5000, while those that are of pet quality range from $800 – $1500.
Caracat
The hybrid Caracat was obtained by crossing a caracal and a cat, which is reflected in the name itself (caracal+cat).
It is distinguished by original ear tassels and short wool of even, reddish color.
The Internet calls the price for a kitten about $30 000 USD.
Domestic Lynx
Another hybrid has with the lynx not only phenotypic but this time also genetic similarities. It is not called a tame ordinary lynx, but an animal resulting from the crossing of a cat and a Canadian lynx.
The house lynx is rather picky about the habitat – you need a spacious room or aviary with some kind of branches for climbing. So far, this hybrid is not particularly common.
Summary
So, if you want to get a cat in the house, similar to a lynx or a bobcat, the most affordable option would be to buy an ordinary domestic cat of the appropriate breed.
While choosing the cat you should remember that each breed has its own character, and Maine Coons are famous for their more willful temper than the Kurilian Bobtails. It should be noted that among the advantages of these breeds is not only physical appearance but also high intelligence coupled with good health.
If your aim is to get an animal “with a bit of wildlife”, the most affordable option is to buy a pixie-bob. Although, you will have to look for a breeder, who offers such a kitten.
