While the world boasts around 30 different species of wild cats, the term “big cat” often conjures images of seven particularly majestic creatures: tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, and cougars. These powerful and imposing animals capture our imaginations, leading some to wonder about the possibility of keeping one as a pet. But when it comes to jaguars, or any big cat for that matter, what are the realities of pet ownership, and is it even legal?
Species Overview
COMMON NAMES: Tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, and cougar
SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Panthera tigris, Panthera leo, Panthera onca, Panthera pardus, Panthera uncia, Acinonyx jubatus, and Puma concolor
ADULT SIZES: Ranging from 5 to 10 feet in length, and weighing between 49 and 660 pounds
LIFESPAN: Up to 20 years
Legality of Owning a Jaguar
In the United States, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act was enacted in 2004 to address the increasing concerns surrounding the private ownership of exotic cats. This legislation specifically targets the interstate and foreign trade of exotic cats, including jaguars, lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and cougars, intending to curb the pet trade in these animals.
Exemptions to the Captive Wildlife Safety Act are in place for entities like circuses, zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, and certain other licensed facilities. The primary goal of this law is to prevent private citizens from acquiring big cats as pets, although it doesn’t constitute an outright federal ban on ownership.
Despite federal efforts, the legal landscape for owning a jaguar or other big cat can vary significantly by state and even local jurisdictions. Some states have stricter regulations or outright bans on exotic animal ownership, while others may have more lenient laws, often requiring permits and specific housing conditions. It’s crucial to thoroughly investigate both state and local laws regarding exotic animal ownership before considering owning a jaguar. Even if ownership is technically legal in your area, the ethical and practical implications remain significant.
Ethical Considerations of Jaguar Ownership
Beyond the legalities, the ethics of keeping a jaguar as a pet are deeply concerning. History is unfortunately filled with tragic incidents involving pet tigers and other big cats, resulting in fatalities and severe injuries in both the U.S. and Canada. These incidents often lead to the destruction of the animals involved, a heartbreaking outcome that could have been avoided.
Sadly, many jaguars and other big cats kept as pets suffer from neglect, abuse, or are eventually surrendered to sanctuaries when their owners realize they are unable to provide adequate care. These situations underscore the fundamental ethical problem of keeping wild animals like jaguars in domestic settings.
While some owners might genuinely attempt to provide suitable environments and diets, countless others are simply unprepared for the immense commitment and specialized care required. The inherent wild nature of jaguars, regardless of how they are raised, makes them fundamentally unsuitable as pets. Their needs are far beyond what the average person can provide, both financially and in terms of expertise.
Practical Considerations of Owning a Jaguar
Owning a jaguar is an enormous undertaking that demands serious consideration, even if legal loopholes might suggest otherwise. Jaguars, and big cats in general, pose significant dangers to humans and other domestic animals. They are also capable of causing substantial property damage if their enclosures are not robust and properly designed.
These powerful animals require expansive and highly secure enclosures, equipped with climbing structures and environmental enrichment that mimics their natural habitat. Furthermore, jaguars have long lifespans in captivity, potentially living for up to 20 years. This translates to a long-term commitment with substantial financial and legal responsibilities that extend far beyond the initial purchase.
Jaguar Behavior and Temperament
Smaller wild cats like bobcats, servals, and lynx might superficially resemble domestic cats, but their behavior is fundamentally different. Jaguars, being significantly larger and more powerful, are even further removed from domestic feline behavior. While temperament varies among individuals and species, all wild cats, including jaguars, retain their inherent wild instincts.
Even if a jaguar appears docile, it is crucial to remember their natural predatory instincts. Playful behavior in a jaguar can quickly become dangerous, as it often involves instinctive actions like pouncing, wrestling, biting, and clawing. Their immense size and strength make these behaviors a constant potential threat.
All wild cats possess sharp claws and teeth, making them inherently dangerous. Even experienced zookeepers who work with big cats daily face risks of attack if an animal is startled or feels threatened. This inherent danger is amplified in a private ownership situation where expertise and resources are typically limited.
Housing Requirements for Jaguars
Jaguars, like all big cats, need extensive outdoor space to thrive. In captivity, they necessitate large, robust enclosures with very high walls or fully enclosed ceilings. Constructing and maintaining such enclosures is a significant commitment and responsibility, even for smaller wild cat species.
Enclosure security is paramount due to the very real danger of a jaguar escaping and potentially attacking people or other animals in the surrounding area. Beyond security, enclosures must also provide ample intellectual and physical stimulation. Jaguars are intelligent and inquisitive animals that require enrichment to prevent boredom, which can lead to depression and health issues. This enrichment should mimic aspects of their natural wild environment.
The Issue of Spraying
Jaguars, like many cats, exhibit spraying behavior as a natural instinct for territorial marking. This behavior cannot be trained out of them. Jaguar urine has a strong, musky odor that, along with their excrement, can quickly permeate and ruin a house, severely impacting property value. Therefore, keeping a jaguar indoors is not only dangerous and potentially cruel to the animal but also financially unwise.
Financial Implications of Jaguar Ownership
Big Cat Rescue estimates that the initial investment in the first year of owning a small to mid-sized wild cat can be around $25,000, with annual costs of approximately $7,500. For larger big cats like jaguars, these costs escalate dramatically. Expect initial year expenses to exceed $100,000, with ongoing annual costs easily surpassing $10,000.
These expenses cover specialized food, veterinary care, enclosure maintenance, and enrichment. Considering that jaguars can live for 20 years, the long-term financial burden is substantial and often underestimated by those considering ownership.
Jaguar Diet and Health
Jaguars are obligate carnivores and require a diet consisting primarily of raw meat, with some species consuming up to 15 pounds of meat daily. They also need specific vitamins and supplements to replicate the nutritional intake they would receive in the wild from consuming whole prey, including organs and bones.
In their natural habitats, jaguars prey on a variety of animals, including deer, fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Providing a nutritionally complete and appropriate diet in captivity is both complex and expensive.
Like domestic cats, jaguars are susceptible to feline diseases like distemper and rabies. Zoos typically vaccinate their big cats against these diseases. However, finding a veterinarian willing and qualified to treat a wild animal like a jaguar can be challenging for a private owner, potentially leading to inadequate healthcare.
Jaguars are also vulnerable to other feline ailments such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), both of which can severely compromise their health.
Exercise and Grooming Needs
Jaguars are highly active animals that roam vast territories in the wild. They require ample space to exercise, run, climb, and engage in behaviors that mimic hunting. Providing adequate exercise opportunities in captivity is crucial for their physical and psychological well-being. Enclosures should ideally include open space and climbing structures to challenge them physically and mentally.
Jaguars are meticulous groomers and naturally maintain their hygiene. They do not require bathing or brushing by humans. They use their rough tongues to clean their fur, removing dirt and parasites. While some jaguars may enjoy access to water for thermoregulation, this is not primarily for hygiene purposes.
Jaguar Size and Power
Among the “big cats,” jaguars are powerfully built and substantial in size. While not the largest (tigers and lions are larger), adult jaguars can reach impressive sizes, contributing to the challenges of keeping them as pets. Their strength and agility further underscore the potential dangers associated with private ownership.
Purchasing a Jaguar
Even if the idea of owning a jaguar still appeals, several critical factors must be considered before seeking out a breeder. First and foremost, owning a jaguar is likely illegal in many locations due to local and broader regulations.
Secondly, finding a veterinarian willing and legally able to treat a jaguar can be extremely difficult. This lack of access to proper veterinary care poses a significant risk to the animal’s welfare.
Finally, the reality for many privately owned big cats is a life of neglect and even abuse when owners become overwhelmed by the demands of care. Choosing to own a jaguar is accepting an exceptionally high level of responsibility that most individuals are simply not equipped to handle long-term.
More Suitable Pet Options
Owning a jaguar is overwhelmingly impractical, dangerous, illegal in many places, and ethically questionable for the vast majority of people. For those drawn to felines as pets, there are numerous domestic cat breeds that offer companionship without the immense challenges and risks associated with wild animals. Consider adopting a domestic cat from a shelter or rescue organization – you’ll be gaining a loving pet and providing a home to an animal in need.
FAQ
How many people have been harmed by captive big cats in the U.S.?
The Humane Society of the United States reports that captive big cats have been responsible for the deaths of 25 humans (20 adults and 5 children) and have mauled 274 others since 1990. In these incidents, 151 big cats were killed.
How much does it cost to buy and care for a jaguar?
The initial year costs for purchasing, housing, and feeding a big cat like a jaguar can easily exceed $100,000.
What is the lifespan of a jaguar?
With proper care in captivity, jaguars can live for close to 20 years.
