I received a comment on a page that I had written about lynx kittens fighting each other. Apparently it’s quite common. And it can go on and on for months. Lynx and bocats are in the same family of cats and are very similar in appearance and characteristics. The person’s comment was as follows:
“I have 2 bobcat kittens, and the other day they started fighting each other. And would not stop, I broke it up twice then the third time they would not let go of each others throats. I had to kick them to get them to seperate. Before one of them died. What can i do? Will it continue or will they get past this thing?.. on..”
The only reasonable thought that came to my head in reply was that she/he finds a way to rehome one of her domesticated bobcat kittens. My assessment was that the fighting probably wouldn’t stop and therefore she would have to bite the bullet so to speak and remove one of the cats from the household to return it to peace.
The problem is that it is very hard to find someone to take a bobcat kitten who I presume has been somewhat domesticated or at least tamed to the point where the kitten becomes a part of the household. It would be hard to find somebody with the commitment to look after a bobcat in the long term.
However, the person believes that one of the kittens, Hector, could be rehabilitated enough to live in the wild. The person lives in a rural area but there are houses about 1 to 2 miles away and is afraid that somebody would see the released bobcat and shoot him on sight for fun. You know what the world is like.
As a result, I was asked for any alternative suggestions and my response this time was to write this post to see whether anybody can provide us with a good idea as to how best to deal with this matter.
It is a complicated matter because it is hard to find somebody to take on bobcat kitten for the life of the kitten and again it is hard to find a place where a semi-domesticated bobcat kitten can grow up to be an adult and live safely in the wild provided he can be rehabilitated, as stated, to live and thrive in the wild.
Please help. I know that Dee, a regular contributor, has a great fondness for the bobcat. Dee lives in Florida. I hope that she can provide some sort of answer. This is an opportunity, it seems to me for somebody to adopt a bobcat kitten. Personally I’m not a great fan of wild cats as pets but I think in this instance the person making the enquiry has saved these cats and has saved many other animals but now finds herself or himself in a predicament and is seeking assistance.
She/he writes:
“I have raised and released several racoons and yawns and even oppossums, I love animals and have a great deal of respect for them. I only want what’s best for them…..!”
Yikes! So wish that you had emailed me about this, Michael.
Happy to have seen this..
To whomever… Trust me that no bobcat will ever be fully domesticated and be able to be rehomed. You need to acclimate them back into the wild as soon as possible. That will take work on your part. If you care, you will do the work. Place them near the edge of a forest, woods, brush, etc. and stay within the vacinity to watch and see if they get comfortable and intrigued. They will.
I know, full well, that you love them. But, letting them go is the greatest love you could give them.
Trust me please. I speak from experience. Bobcats are my most beloved cats.
Thank you. These are never domestic pets. Keeping one as a pet is 10X worse than it ending up in a well run zoo or animal sanctuary.
Have this person contact The Feline Conservation Federation. They will be able to provide any information needed regarding proper care for these bobcats. They (FCF) can also find a good permanent home for them if that is what the current owner chooses. Lynn Culver is the best contact person. She has cared for bobcats for numerous years.
Most states require a wildlife permit to keep and raise wild orphans. She should become affiliated with a rescue so she gets the support she needs.
Many people don’t seek help because in many cases the animals will be taken to a refuge to be raised and released. Wild animals need specialized veterinary care.
This may be a result of pecking order. Neutering is an option. Once the hormones subside they may get along again.
Perhaps this is an instinct to eliminate competition for scarce food supplies as well as ensuring only the strongest survives to get that food. . I would try giving them plenty of fresh raw meat. Perhaps that will make them feel there is plenty to go round and suppress that instinct. Otherwise simply separate them