big cats for pets

forjazmine · 02-22-2005, 10:58 PM

we live on a small farm and we own one bobcat and a panther they are well kept pets and we love them they are declawed but they still have big teeth my pa is a wildlife vet so he did it here at home would you get a big cat if you had the space?

CTChin · 02-22-2005, 11:24 PM

I absolutely would never own a big cat. Large cats and pets should never be used in the same sentence. Just my opinion

Formula86 · 02-23-2005, 04:26 AM

the only time that i feel that that is ok is for rehabing purposes. and even then i would hope that they would be released back into the wild if possible. they are not domesticated animals.

Banshee · 02-23-2005, 07:36 AM

I personally would never own a large cat. I'm with CTChin that 'big cat' and 'pet' shouldn't be used in the same sentence. Especially if I had to declaw them to keep them as pets.

hawaiianchinnielover · 02-23-2005, 12:29 PM

I would never own one. I feel that they are wild animals and should be left in the wild. I feel the same way about people keeping large snakes and such.

Brandy · 02-23-2005, 12:31 PM

Craig wants a linx or a bob cat so bad!!!!! but theres NO way not to mention we cant get them in Canada,,lol

BUT i do think its cruel,,,we were looking up big cats as pets one night, I came across a website where a lady had numerous large cats living in her house, etc,,,

then I started reading about things that you need to do when we own one of these large cats,,,,and ALOT of peope delclaw and "deteeth" them,,,i guess when people buy a cub, when they take them in to have them fixed and declawed they also have the K9 teeth removed for their "saftety"

HELLO if you have to get rid of claws and teeth for your saftey then I dont think the animal should be kept as a pet!!

Denise · 02-23-2005, 12:31 PM

I think it is incredibly cruel to declaw a domestic cat let alone a big cat! I would not condone anyone owning a big cat. These animals are not meant to be kept as pets!

chinluver · 02-23-2005, 01:12 PM

Very good point Brandy!

Lixx · 02-23-2005, 03:29 PM

I think it's discusting that a beautiful animal like that has been mutilated so you can enjoy it.

LankaKitten · 02-23-2005, 04:00 PM

Absolutely not under any circumstance whatsoever!
Big cats are not domestic and nothing should ever be mutilated for my enjoyment or pleasure.

This is why PAWS got started.

Read Gracie's story: Gracie is a six-year-old tiger who was seized from horrendous conditions during a raid by law enforcement agencies. She had been declawed and was in very poor health. She is adjusting well to her new surrounding and friends at PAWS.

Or Denny's: Denny is a male African Lion. He was purchased by a private individual from a pet store when he was a cub. This person brutally declawed him causing permanent damage to all four paws. He has also been defanged. Fortunately for Denny, he was confiscated by the Detroit Police Department's Harbormaster Division on Belle Isle, when they discovered his owner jogging with him in the park. Denny arrived at the Detroit Zoological Park on September 14, 1997. Denny, along with two other lions - all victims of the horrendous trade in exotic animals - were given to PAWS in December 1997. Denny and his two buddies shall spend the remainder of their lives in the peaceful surroundings at the PAWS sanctuary.

And Blake's: In 1993, Blake was confiscated from his owners who had purchased him as a pet. He had been declawed and was kept in a house and fed an improper diet. When he began chewing the furniture, he was disciplined and kept in a small box. By the time he came to PAWS, his spirit had been totally broken and he showed absolutely no aggression. His ability to show aggression seems to have returned and he spends much of his time curiously watching the elephants and sleeping in the sun.

Grr! This infuriates me!