Tigers
Tigers are one of four types of cats known as the “great cats” or “big cats.” This group also includes lions, leopards and jaguars. They are distinguished from other cats by their size and their ability to roar. While many people think that lions are the world’s largest cats, the truth is that the Siberian tiger is larger. Adult males can grow to lengths of twelve feet and weigh more than 650 pounds. These animals can catch prey as large as wild oxen. There are other breeds that are smaller than lions, but still among the “big cats.” These include the Bengal, Indo-Chinese, Sumatran, Malayan and South China breeds. These big cats are, of course, characterized by their stripes and their strong, sharp claws and fangs. These stripes are designed to help it blend into its surroundings so it can sneak up on its prey. Amazingly enough, no two have the exact same pattern of stripes! These animals are extremely quiet while stalking their prey. They rely on sharp vision and eyes that glow in the dark as well as very sensitive whiskers to sense what is going on around them. Tigers are territorial animals. Females have smaller territories than males and are more likely to tolerate sharing parts of their territories with other females. Males will share prey and sometimes parts of their territories with females, but they are fierce about protecting their space and their “women” from other males! All breeds are endangered and now number only between 5,000 and 7,000 in the wild. The South China breed is the most endangered, with only about 100 left in the wild. They are threatened mostly because of the illegal activity of poachers, who can get up to $65,000 for a single skin. The population of these big cats in captivity is almost three times that of the population in the wild. There are an estimated 20,000 in captivity throughout the world.
Big Cats as Pets? If you’re like most cat-lovers, you have probably wondered what it would be like to have one of these great cats as a pet. While people can and do have them as pets, it is of course nothing like living with a domestic cat. There are licenses, regulations and lots of special equipment and supplies needed to house cat this big. Just imagine the space just one of these animals would need and the amount of food it would eat! In reality, the challenges are many, and very few people have the resources and requirements needed to own a wild cat. Still, it is fascinating to read the stories of those who keep tigers and other exotic cats as pets. Back to All About Cats Home Page
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