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The Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium size cat weighing approximately 10 to 30 pounds, and standing 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Colors vary from buff, brown, to reddish orange with black stripes on the head with white undersides and black spots. The ears have a small tuft, the tail is 4 to 7 inches long and appears to be bobbed, and the tip is black.
Diet: in the wild bobcats eat rabbits, birds, and rodents. In captivity they eat either a raw meat diet with added vitamins and calcium, Zupreem Exotic Feline canned diet, or Mazuri dry diet. Our main diet here is raw meat (chicken, beef, pork, or turkey) with vitamins and calcium added. We also feed some (non-live) whole prey such as quail, rodents, and rabbits.
Kittens are hand raised starting anywhere from birth to 10 days. We bottle feed goat milk and add vitamins. Goat milk can be fresh off the farm, or purchased from the grocery store in cans or some grocers are now carrying goat milk in the refrigerator section.
Bobcats are definitely not for everyone, but for the right people they can be a wonderful addition to the family. Bobcats tend to bond very close to their humans.
Bobcats are predators and as such have large sharp teeth and claws, making them unsuitable for families with small children.
Bobcats can live in the house but they should also have access to an outdoor enclosure with room to run and play. They do well with other pets (cats & dogs) when raised with them. To have a bobcat in the house you have to be prepared for “typical cat” behavior, like racing through the house, jumping on counters, and tables, but at a bobcat level. This means they can run faster and jump higher than normal housecats so when they race through the house and jump for the chair, furniture can (and will) get knocked over.
It is important to spay or neuter your pet bobcat before they reach sexual maturity because both intact males and females will mark their territory.
Bobcats are found throughout the United States making them native to most states. Bobcats are not legal to own in all states and some require a permit to own. If you are interested in owning a bobcat as a pet you must check with your local Fish & Wildlife office or Department of Natural Resources office.
F.A.Q.'s
Q. Do Bobcats make good pets?
A. Bobcats can make wonderful pets for the right person.
Q. Do Bobcats require a special diet?
A. Yes, Bobcats should be fed either a canned food made specifically for exotic felines called "Zupreem", a dry food made for exotics felines "Mazuri exotic small feline diet", or raw meat with vitamin supplement like Oasis or Mazuri. Bobcats should not be fed regular cat food.
Q. Can Bobcats be litter box trained?
A. Yes, if started young. Kittens take to a litter box naturally and do very good until they reach sexual maturity. But keep in mind all cats are different and some are better at using the litter box than others.
Q. Can Bobcats be trained to walk on a leash?
A. Yes, if started young they can behave quite well on a leash.
Q. Do I need a license or permit to have a bobcat?
A. You must check with your local Fish & Wildlife office to find out. Some numbers can be found on our "State Agencies" page. If you do not see the number there, look under government in your local phone book. Please call them before trying to purchase an animal. | 
