You’ve heard of the socalled ‘big cats’, but what about all that’s in between? In the pet exotic cat world, small to mediumsized cats are the most popular and they pose almost no threat to public safety compared to their larger counterparts in the event of an escape. Exotic cats have a natural fear of strangers and you are more likely to be attacked by a domesticated cat! All exotic cats with the possible exception of hybrids (domestic cats derived from exotic cat DNA) are challenging to care for compared to most domesticated cats and are a tremendous commitment.

~Education is Key~

All exotic cats should be a legal option for qualified caretakers. However, if you are interested in any of these species, be aware of the many reasons why they are considered to be ‘difficult’ pets to care for.

• Exotic cats do not rehome well. Expect any adult exotic cat to be a nonhandable pet (not a house pet, exhibit only) if it is forced to change homes.
• In most cases, outdoor or indooroutdoor large enclosures are ideal for maintaining exotic cat species.
• Compared to tame domestic cats, exotic cats can be skittish and temperamental. Many do not accept the presence of strangers and need a space to retreat to!
• You may have to drive for an hour or two to commute to a vet that will see exotic cats, and the cost can be double or triple the amount of ‘regular’ cat vets.
• Escaped exotic cats are difficult, if not impossible to recapture, so thorough containment measures are ESSENTIAL.
• If you can’t find a very reliable caretaker for your exotic cat, no vacations.
• Exotic cats are recommended for EXPERIENCED owners.

Missing from this list are sand cats, another rare but awesome species! Learn more here: https://www.exoticanimalsforsale.net/...

Cheetahs are large cats but they pose little threat in comparison to ‘big’ cats. Can they be kept as pets? Learn more here: https://pethelpful.com/exoticpets/ab...

How to care for pet tigers (potentially dangerous exotic pet, expert only): https://pethelpful.com/exoticpets/ti...


Welcome to MASpets! A channel dedicated to providing high quality information about exotic, alternative, and unique pets, as well as traditional ones. This channel supports the freedom of pet owners to care for the species of their choice as long as that animal has been shown to thrive in human care under the right conditions. We strongly believe that facts and education, not admonition, is the best policy for encouraging potential pet keepers to choose the best pet for their living situation. We believe there is no such thing as a ‘good pet’, and do not promote any particular species as pets, however we understand that the desire of some to own something different is essential to their expression and existence as an individual. Whether you are considering a pet, or are just interested in the subject, this channel invites you to become informed about the exciting world of animal diversity.

There are hundreds of species of exotic pets! Some examples include: fennec fox, porcupine, serval, wallaby, boa constrictor, rainbow crab, bush baby, zebra, squirrels, ostrich, kinkajou, macaws, springhare, lemur, leopard gecko, tarantula, capybara, sloth, owl, cockatoo, muntjac deer, lion, shorttailed opossum, raccoon, scorpion, green iguana, and more.

Domesticated exotic pets include: camels, alpaca, reindeer, zebra finch, potbellied pig, hedgehog, domestic rats, hamster, gerbil, goldfish, guinea fowl, Bengal cat, peacock, fainting goats, and sugar gliders.
We post introductory videos to animals that can be kept as pets, care tips, address controversies, legal issues, and more. Please see the posted links for more information about this subject!