Babies kept with adults other than mother

Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 22:50:57 EDT Subject: FEL-L: Bobcat babies

Today, I went to the local S.P.C.A. which has a little zoo out back. They have a lion, Tigers, snow leopards, Lynx, Jaguars, Bobcats and many other types of animals.

As I stood observing the Bobcats, there was a bail of straw over in the corner, I saw a male and female and noticed they were very interested in the straw. After standing there for a while, I saw a head pop up from the straw and I heard some little noises. I went to the front desk on my way out and asked them if they had baby Bobcats and they said no. I told them that they should really go and look because I felt as though there were babies.

The man went into the pen and checked, and sure enough, he saw at least one. I offered to take the baby and bottle raise for them if they wanted, but they thought that they should leave the mother alone with the babies, still in the pen with the male and other female. I have never raised Bobcats, but have raised other types of cats and I really didn't think it was the best thing to leave the babies in with other adults.

Does anyone have an opinion on this, and if they do decide to pull the babies, is there a good formula to use for young Bobcats?? thanks, martha

Date: Wed, 08 Jul 1998 01:52:34 -0500 Subject: Re: FEL-L: Bobcat babies

The mother needs to be alone with her babies. The others should be moved to a separate cage 2 weeks ago!!!!! If the others are left in with the mother & babies their chances of surviving are very slight. The babies should not be pulled until they are 10 days to 2 weeks if they are going to be socialized & kept as pets. At the very least they need 2 or 3 days to get the colostrum. They will die without it. If they are to be kept as zoo cats or released with mama then leave them on her.

There are many formulas suitable for bobcats. Basically any product for domestic cats will be all right. We've used a formula with Esbilac & yogurt or just goats milk. There's also Just Born & KMR.

Note - see the formula page in this FAQ

Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 09:47:05 EDT Subject: Re: FEL-L: Bobcat babies

This shelter is located in Newport News, Virginia. He told me that they like to wait and pull the young at about a week old. The man that saw the babies felt like they were a day or two old. Yes, I couldn't believe that they left them all in the pen together. I am sure they have pens to move them to, and I have space at my home for that matter. The male was extremely curious as to getting in the mound of straw. She had made a hollow area inside the straw. Thanks for your advice. Martha

Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 11:26:10 EDT Subject: Re: FEL-L: Bobcat babies VA

Hi Martha, I live outside Charlottesville VA. We are a USDA and VA licensed private facility here. We have bobcats, cougars, lynx and South American Geoffroy. If this is the same SPCA that took the cougar a year or so ago they are not to bright. I can't believe that they have a snow leopard too. What a scarry thought. They didn't even know how to properly care for the cougar when I spoke with them. They were pretty snooty. I hope that there is someone there that has more common sense than the person that I spoke to.

You will need a state permit to take the bobcat kittens because they are indiginous to VA and VDFG is really tight on this type of thing. You can call USDA . The SPCA didn't have a USDA permit when I spoke with them according to my USDA inspector they are suppose to since what they are doing is considered exhibiting. Dr. Charles Watson is our regional inspector. (804) 448-1617, (804) 786-2481, (410) 571-8692 You can check with VDFG, (804) 367-1076 Dianne Davis is the person you will contact first. She is the Permits person. Were these bobs captive bred or wild caught? If I can be of further help please let me know. (804) 263-6652 Sherry :)

Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 12:00:15 EDT Subject: Re: FEL-L: Bobcat babies VA

I do have my USDA license but about a year and a half ago, when I called Diane, she told me as long as I have USDA, then I would not need a state permit. This really concerns me because I never know if the state laws will change and then they say that I was never issued a license. I guess I should have gotten something from her in writing to protect myself.

I tried to call you and left a message. We may have spoke on the phone over a year ago. Yes, I believe the SPCA is now USDA because when Dr. Charles Watson was here last, he mentioned that he had just done an inspection there.

Was it hard for you to get a state permit?? I don't understand why Diane told me that.It just makes me wonder if the laws are in the making to change and that way, I won't be grandfathered in.

Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 10:49:53 -0700 Subject: RE: FEL-L: Bobcat babies

I have raised a bunch of baby Bobcats, Canadian Lynx, and Siberian Lynx and have consistantly found that KMR and JUST BORN give them diarrhea. The ESPILAC has worked out the best, either with goats milk or water. I always pull them at 10-14 days depending on the mother. One litter was mother raised with the male in the pen the entire time and they were fine, but I wouldn't suggest doing that. When I had the cats with me, I always separated them when she was due, but one year when they were out of my control the person left them together. This particular male happened to be very gentle and non-aggressive and the female was very protective and an experienced mother, so I think it was just lucky that the kittens survived. No telling what effect another female in close proximity will have, but not a good idea either.