Everything about the Caraquet cat breed: photo of what it looks like, care features, reviews

Man has long been actively interfering with the natural process in order to diversify cat breeds. Why this is necessary is another question, the main thing is that we get the opportunity to choose the appearance and character of a particular pet. Some people want an affectionate kisul, while others prefer an animal with wild genes and habits. These are the people who should take a closer look at this extravagant miracle - the Caraquet cat has both wild genes and an amazing character. Who is it, where does it come from and how to keep it: getting to know the descendant of a domestic and wild cat.

Origin story

The first caracat was born in the Moscow Zoo at the end of the 20th century. One domestic cat was allowed to move freely around the zoo. She probably accidentally wandered into the enclosure of a caracal, and as a result of this meeting, an unusual kitten with a wild caracal color and tufts on her ears was born. The amazing story became public through the media and remained just news for some time. There was no thought about the development of the breed, besides, the born kitten is a boy, and male hybrids are sterile.

Attempts to breed caracats began in 2005 by the American breeder Joy Geisinger, who succeeded in obtaining results in 2007. By crossing a wild caracal and a domestic Abyssinian cat, the offspring of caracats was born. Soon the new hybrid breed was registered as experimental with TICA. But the history of the breed was not continued due to the death of the breeder.

The breed received a revival in Russia. A breeder from Ivanovo, as a result of painstaking work, managed to obtain offspring of caracats. The breed was soon recognized by the ICU.

Modern breeding programs allow the use of not only Abyssinian cats as females, but also cats of any breed suitable in type, color and size, for example, Chausie, Oriental and their crosses.

Price

Hybrids separated into a new breed with an unusual appearance cost over 1.5 million rubles. The high price is due to the rarity of the breed. The breeding program involves a number of difficulties. It is not so easy to breed a large cat and a small cat. Caracals do not always perceive female domestic cats as partners and are in no hurry to mate. If the mating is successful, there is a high probability of stillborn kittens. Kittens born prematurely rarely survive. Viable F1 hybrids are the result of enormous efforts and financial investments, because large animals require maintenance costs, and therefore the price of animals is high.

Origin story

The Caraquet cat looks like a real domestic lynx. And all because it is a hybrid of a real wild caracal (steppe lynx) and a domestic cat. The name of the breed comes from two words caracal + cat = caracat. After crossing wild and domestic cats, a unique breed was obtained. Exotic appearance, graceful gait, huge expressive eyes of a wild lynx, and at the same time the docile and friendly character of a domestic cat. It's no wonder this breed has so many fans. You can fall in love with her at first sight!

The breed appeared quite recently - only 30 years ago - and it happened by accident. In 1998, at the Moscow Zoo, a domestic cat snuck into the enclosure of a male caracal (steppe lynx). Zoo staff decided that the lynx would perceive her as prey and the cat would no longer survive. However, everything turned out differently. The cat carried and gave birth to one kitten from a caracal, which looked very similar to a wild lynx and had obvious features of its exotic father: fluffy tufts on the ears, large soft paws and bright eyes with dark rims. After this incident, no such experiments were carried out for several years.

Then, in 2005, in the USA, one felinologist tried to repeat the experience of the Moscow Zoo and crossed an Abyssinian cat with a caracal. As a result, kittens were born, but they could not have offspring. For several years, the American breeder received several individuals of caraquets, and then ceased operations.

It was in Russia that they began to successfully breed caracats. The owner of the Krasnodar nursery “KATALEYA”, Irina Nazarova, has been conducting breeding work since 2007 and achieving the development of the breed. At the moment, this is one of the largest caraquet nurseries in the world. The breeder regularly receives kittens of the F1 and F2 generations and works to improve the breed. She organized the first caraquet exhibition. And yet the breed is rare. In total, there are about 70 individuals of the F1 type and 15 individuals of the F2 type in Russia.

There are several generations of caracats: F1 - has 50% lynx admixture, this is a direct descendant of the caracal and the domestic cat. F1 are the most valuable representatives of the breed, as they have the most pronounced appearance of a wild cat. The physique is large, wild habits appear. F2 - has 25% lynx admixture and is a descendant of cats of the F1 generation and a domestic cat. F3 - 16% of the wild breed genotype, mating of an F2 female with a domestic cat. These cats still have the appearance of a lynx, but not as obvious. The character is calm and soft. F4 - 6% of the wild breed genotype, the result of crossing an F3 female with a domestic cat. These individuals retain only some external features from the lynx, but their character is very calm.

Generations

An integral part of the concept of a hybrid cat is the so-called “generation”, denoted by the prefix F1, F2 and beyond.
Generation of a hybrid (including caraqueta) - or generation of a hybrid - means the “queue” of birth of a given individual in relation to the wild ancestor. The essence of the concept of generation is the ratio in a kitten (%) of the blood of a wild cat and a domestic cat. For example, the offspring of the first generation - F1 (F1) - has approximately 50% of the blood of a wild cat (caracal - in the case of caracat) and 50% of the blood of a domesticated individual. The generation of the next generation - generation F2 (F2) - occurs as a result of the birth of a kitten by an individual of the first generation, and such offspring already have 25% of the blood of a wild cat. The higher the value of the generation index (the numbers after the letter F (Ф)), the less wild blood there is in a given offspring and the more such offspring resemble a domestic cat in their appearance and size. It should be noted that the percentage of blood (50/50 for F1) in the offspring is approximate: in one litter there are from two to six kittens, and each of them “receives” either a slightly larger or smaller percentage of wild blood (caracal). For this reason, kittens, being from the same litter, may have a somewhat different appearance: usually this concerns the shape and color of the muzzle - a more rounded or more elongated shape, and the severity of the so-called “mask” of the caracal, the length of the tufts on the ears, weight and size. But of course, all these differences are not pronounced - in general, all caraqueta individuals have a decent “wild” appearance.

The concept of generating a caraquet hybrid is especially important for intrabreed work: firstly, to obtain an individual containing entirely only the blood of a caraquet (purebred individual), and to obtain a fertile male of this hybrid, since up to the fourth generation, male hybrids, including male caraquets, are considered barren. Therefore, females are of particular value in breeding hybrids, thanks to which work on the development of the breed is possible

The generation of a hybrid is also important for sales purposes: since keeping a completely wild cat at home is difficult, breeders strive to create a cat that is as similar in appearance as possible to a representative of the wild, but with a domestic “safe” character.

History, character and description of the Caraquet breed

The caracat was the result of a bold experiment - this exotic cat was descended from a wild caracal cat crossed with domestic breeds. The caracat received the first part of its name from its wild ancestor, and the ending “cat” means “cat” in English. The appearance of such a spectacular pet was thanks to our compatriot from Krasnodar - Irina Nazarova. It was in her nursery that, from 2013 to 2022, two healthy generations of caracal and domestic Bengal cat hybrids were obtained. The new breed is officially registered with the International Cat Association (TICA) and is included in the Unified Cat Register (ICU). Unusual pets are still considered rare - the number of adult individuals in the world is not yet so large. But the unique, bright appearance of caracats has already become the reason for their rapidly growing popularity among lovers of exotic animals. However, not everyone can afford to buy a Caracat cat, the price of which is an impressive amount.

Appearance

A cat with a wild appearance has a lean, strong body with long legs and a beautiful exotic color. The color of the coat is sandy or silver, the ears end with dark tufts like those of a steppe lynx.

Photo of the Caraquet breed:

Individual weight

The size of the caracat is significantly larger than any of the domestic breeds. These large cats can reach a height at the withers of 45 cm, and their body length is 90 cm - the weight of an adult pet will be at least 15 kg.

Character

The caracat is a mobile and active pet. Its pronounced hunting instincts are complemented by sensitive hearing and the ability to jump to heights. The pet may also prefer a nocturnal lifestyle, which can be very inconvenient for the owners. In order for a cat to sleep at night, it will have to be given sufficient exercise during the daytime - walks and active games will be required. The animal is highly intelligent, quickly remembers its nickname and even some words, although this does not mean obeying commands. This exotic pet will delight its owners with its rather pleasant, calm, and affectionate character. But it should be remembered that the caracat values independence no less than other domestic cats.

Health

This cat boasts excellent health and almost never gets sick. Problems can only begin from improper feeding. The pet does not tolerate dry food well, since its digestive system has been adapted for centuries to digest raw meat and bones. The best solution would be to feed with natural food, and it is recommended to create a diet together with the breeder or an experienced veterinarian.

Photo of the Caraquet breed:

Care and care

The price of a caraquet is high, but its maintenance will also require money. This cat needs space and movement, otherwise it will compensate for the lack of activity with destruction and aggression. It is recommended to keep the animal in a country area, in a special enclosure, or provide frequent walks on a leash. Otherwise, the caracat is perfect for keeping at home - it quickly gets used to the rules and is easily accustomed to the tray. Caring for the short hair of the Caracat is easy. To comb your cat you will need a special comb-brush. It is necessary to wash your pet no more often than other domestic breeds; in general, the pet is able to independently monitor the condition of its coat.

Caraquet care

Caracats are cared for in the same way as regular house cats. This active animal loves to play, run and jump, so it is necessary to provide the pet with space for play, a large multifunctional play set and a variety of toys (intended for dogs - without feathers or loose parts).

A large gaming complex is necessary for a mobile and active caraquet

It is very important that only high-quality and durable materials are used in finishing toys. Anything that is poorly sewn or glued will definitely be torn off by the cat. Toys should be varied so that the pet can choose what he likes. They need to be changed periodically.

In the first few days after purchasing a kitten, it is recommended to keep it in a limited space (room), where you need to place a bed, tray and bowls. Adaptation usually takes 5–7 days, then the baby can be released into other rooms.

Nutrition

The feeding area should not be located next to the bed or toilet. Leftover food should not be left in the bowl; as soon as the kitten leaves the plate, the food should be removed immediately. The daily amount of food is taken at the rate of 5–10% of the pet’s weight. Small kittens and adolescents up to 1 year old are fed twice a day; an adult animal needs one feeding per day. The animal's diet should consist mostly of meat.

Feral cats should only be fed meat

The following diet is recommended for Caracats:

lean veal and beef;
duck;
rabbit;
horsemeat;
elk meat, venison;
chicken heads;
quail (gutted and plucked);
raw quail eggs;
chicken heads.

It is forbidden to feed cats food from the common table, fatty pork, chicken eggs, tubular bones and entrails (liver, lungs, etc.).

Experienced breeders recommend feeding caraquets freshly killed game (bird, rabbit). Meat products must first be thoroughly frozen, and then immediately defrosted and filled with hot water immediately before feeding. The food should be slightly warm.

It is necessary to ensure the constant availability of clean drinking (filtered, bottled) water in the drinking bowl, which should be changed daily.

In terms of nutrition, you should follow the recommendations received from the breeder. According to a friend who owns a serval, such animals should be fed exclusively with meat. Under no circumstances should they be given regular food from human kitchens. The digestive system of wild animals is also not adapted to dry ready-made food. Improper nutrition almost immediately affects the appearance of the pet. The fur becomes faded and begins to fall out a lot. And the animal itself feels bad and is constantly nervous. It is possible that fourth or fifth generation caraquets will be able to eat like regular domestic cats. In the meantime, their menu is quite expensive for the owner.

Video: Caraqueta kitten eats meat

Toilet

Caracats are potty trained like regular cats; they understand very quickly and without any problems what is required of them. In most cases, the breeder gives away a pet that is already litter box trained. The toilet is installed in a quiet, secluded place where the cat will not be disturbed. It should be placed away from food bowls and resting areas. There should be no other animals or small children there.

Considering that individuals of this breed are distinguished by their rather large dimensions, the pot should be purchased large enough. But you need to take into account that it may be difficult and uncomfortable for a kitten to get into it at first. Therefore, over time you may have to purchase a larger container.

Any filler is suitable for carakets; they are not particularly picky in this regard. Kids are advised to sprinkle wood or paper pellets, as they are safer: even if the kitten swallows them, they will not cause him any harm.

Although any litter is suitable for caracats, for kittens it is better to choose natural wood

Caracats do not need to be constantly taken outside to relieve themselves, like, for example, other large wild cats. They are smaller in size and therefore can use a regular cat litter box. According to a friend, the serval had to be let out for a walk at least twice a day.

Appearance care

An important point is the care of the caraquet's coat. Once a week, your pet should be combed with a special rubber brush or mitten to remove dead hair. During the shedding period, which usually occurs in the summer, cats need to be brushed every day.

The caraquet's fur needs to be combed with a special plastic brush.

Washing animals unnecessarily is not often necessary; once every three months is sufficient. Representatives of this breed usually bathe with pleasure, as they are not at all afraid of water.

Once every 2-3 weeks you need to trim your nails using only special scissors. And you definitely need to provide your pet with a good and firmly secured scratching post. It is better to purchase designs using sisal, since the softer material is easily torn apart by a strong animal.

Approximately once every 10–14 days, it is necessary to inspect the ears and wipe them, if necessary, with a cotton pad moistened with warm water. There is no need to go deep inside with cotton swabs. If you suddenly notice any discharge or an unpleasant odor, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Eye care involves regularly removing accumulated dark plaque with a damp soft cloth, which is moistened in a special solution for washing the eyes or in warm boiled water. The presence of purulent or serous discharge from the eyes should be a reason to consult a doctor.

Walking

Unlike wild steppe lynxes, caraquetas do not need to be walked to relieve their natural needs; they can go to the toilet in a cat litter box. But they love to walk, because they are extremely curious and inquisitive.

You only need to walk your caraquet on a leash.

You only need to take your pet for a walk on a leash.

Maine Coon with ear tassels

The Maine Coon is a native North American cat breed that translates to “Manx Raccoon.” For big cat lovers, keeping this breed will be a great pleasure. Although the cat is on the list of the largest cat breeds, it easily gets along even in small apartments. The external features of Maine Coons are well remembered: long thick hair, large amber-yellow eyes, a square head, large sharp teeth and widely spaced ears with tufts at the ends. The fur of these cats is so dense that it is practically water-repellent. An adult Maine Coon also boasts a thick collar, which is not typical of many cat breeds.

Best articles: Chloroplasts: role in photosynthesis and structure

An adult cat of this breed will weigh about 7-13 kg, females are twice as small, so their weight can be in the range of 4-8 kg. However, it is not for nothing that Maine Coons are considered giant cats - their length (from head to tail) can be just over a meter.

The Maine Coon's intelligence is developed at a high level, which promotes mutual understanding in the family between man and cat. The Maine Coon lends itself well to training and the necessary commands, and is well versed in the intonation of the voices of household members. Their docile nature will not allow them to cause mischief in the house, throw an item off the shelf, and because of their dislike for small spaces, the cat will not climb into cabinets and bags.

This breed is quite unpretentious in care, so in order for the cat to remain as beautiful and contented, you will need:

systematically comb out thick fur with a metal comb;
bathe your pet and don’t forget to clean his ears;
trim your nails at least once every two weeks (or more often);
feed with high-quality and proven food (it is advisable to consult a veterinarian).

However, do not forget the fact that this breed is allergenic. Therefore, if you are planning to purchase a Maine Coon, then you should think again and weigh the pros and cons.

History of origin of the breed

These cats are very hard to get. For the first time, such a hybrid was born by chance at the Moscow Zoo in the 80s. A local cat snuck into the caracal's enclosure, got what she wanted from the cat, and 2 months later gave birth to a miracle with tufts on her ears. It was a boy, so procreation was out of the question. Hybrid cats up to the fifth generation are infernal.

The caracal or steppe lynx is a predator from the cat family. Until recently, it was considered a lynx, but after a series of genetic studies it was necessary to separate the species into a separate genus. The name "caracal" comes from aurochs. Karakulak, which means “black ear”.

The second attempt to obtain such hybrids was made by American and German breeders in the late 90s. But their efforts were unsuccessful, and the work reached a dead end.

The only one who was lucky enough to become the successful founder of a new breed is Irina Nazarova from Krasnodar. The founder of the Caraquet breed and the owner of the first nursery of unique hybrids called “Cataleya”. Working hard since 2007, Nazarova helped organize several other nurseries of a new rare breed, and also organized the first caraquet exhibition with the participation of the best representatives. From 2007 to 2016, she managed to get the second generation F2 caracats, which she can’t help but be proud of. The breed is already recognized by the largest registry in Russia, the International Cat Union (ICU) and the international felinological organization TICA.

Film report about caraquets:

Fact No. 2: you can safely keep a caraqueta in an apartment

If it is safe to keep caracals or servals only in houses with enclosures for walking, then even the owners of a city apartment can have a caraqueta. The hot blood of the caracal dad was “softened” by the genes of the domestic cat: caracals are moderately affectionate, not aggressive and very sociable. But there is more than enough activity in them - the more spacious the apartment, the better!

It’s easy to arrange a caracat’s “intimate” life - the main thing is to buy a large cat litter box (any litter will do) and a durable scratching post made of sisal, hemp or jute twine. Caraquets are very neat and, if raised properly, will have no problem following the rules of behavior in the apartment. It is best to castrate cats at the age of 3–7 months to avoid problems with the marked territory.

Breed of cats with tassels on ears - breed, photo, description

Cat breeds with tufted ears are quite popular today. Many people want to find a specific variety and are willing to pay a lot of money for it. Such cats are beautiful, elegant, sociable and quickly become members of the family.

Maine Coon

These are semi-longhaired cats bred in America and are one of the largest purebred cats in the world, created to live with humans. These are large animals with an amazing appearance, various color options and a gentle disposition.

Maine Coons originally originated in the northeastern United States about a century ago. The second part of the name means raccoon, and this is explained by the fact that the coat of cats is similar to that of a raccoon. The tassels on the ears remind people of lynxes.

The development of the breed took place in northern cold conditions, which is why such pets have wide bones and long hair between the toes. Males can weigh more than ten kilograms.

By nature, Maine Coons are true homebodies who do not require increased attention to themselves. They don't like to be alone, so if you go somewhere or are away, make sure your pet has a sufficient number of toys.

Maine Coons communicate using a variety of sounds. They not only meow, but also make sounds similar to birdsong.

The breed is suitable for any climate; harsh winters and snowy weather are not a problem for them.

Norwegian forest

Official registration took place in 1970. These are unusual and powerful animals, different from their relatives.

Specific features of Norwegian forest cats:

dense water-repellent wool;
large flexible bones, elongated torso and strong muscles;
large triangular head;
large ears with tassels;
oval-shaped paws with hair between the toes, long limbs;
large round eyes with a color matching the coat;
straight and very fluffy tail;
mustaches that stick out in different directions.

Read also: Bobtail - types and their descriptions 33 photos

Norwegian Forest Character Traits:

patient and calm;
can play with small children;
get along well at home;
they are easy to train;
love to sleep;
playful, have a hunting instinct;
love freedom and walks in the fresh air;
Small rodents or birds should not be kept in the same room as Norwegian forest animals.

Pixie bob

A rare cat breed similar to a lynx. This pet is ideal for living with people; it can be trained and taken for walks on a leash.

These are talkative cats and meow often. They have a gentle and kind disposition, and the only requirement is constant contact with the owner.

The pixie bob has a large body, a short tail and a small ponytail. Its fur can be both long and short.

Chauzie

The Shawsie was bred by crossing a common cat and a jungle cat.

These animals are energetic and love to play. They do not like loneliness, so they try to take part in all the affairs of each of the household members. They quickly establish strong friendships with children.

Caracal

An elegant and beautiful animal, an inhabitant of Asian and African countries. This breed of big cats not only has tufts on its ears, but also sharp eyesight and sensitive hearing, as well as strong limbs and a large body.

Today, the cost of a caracal is ten thousand dollars; it is a rare pet, which is a sign of the wealth of its owners. It should not be brought into homes with small children.

It is better to buy such a kitten at the age of six months; during this period, he quickly gets used to others.

Caracal does not tolerate rude treatment and punishment.

Caracals do not like the cold, but they love water treatments.

A well-bred caracal will turn into both a good and faithful comrade and a reliable guard.

Siberian cat

It was officially registered in 1980. Semi-long-haired breed with pronounced or completely invisible tufts on the ears. The body is massive and the legs are strong. The Siberian cat weighs about six kilograms.

These are quite versatile pets. They love affection and are quite friendly.

Conditions of detention

Despite the fact that caraquets have wild roots, they feel great in city apartments, as long as they are not small. This animal loves space; it actively moves around the room, running and jumping.

Already from the age of 3 months, the pet should be accustomed to walks, and it should be kept on a leash so that the cat does not play too much and runs away. An independent walk is excluded.

The cat should make his own house. The pet's personal place should be at some height and be closed so that it has a good view and a sense of security. The pot must contain filler, which should be changed regularly. This cat does not tolerate loneliness; if people are not at home most of the day, he should have a companion in the form of a second cat or a medium or large dog.

The caraquet's coat is thick and short and requires constant care. During the spring molting period, your pet should be combed daily. In normal times, twice for 7 days. Bathing an animal should be done no more than once per quarter. This procedure does not bring hassle or problems, since caraquetas love water procedures. If a cat often goes outside, then he should be treated for fleas and ticks using collars, sprays, and drops.

To care for its claws, the pet must be provided with a high-quality scratching post, for example, a sisal one. This item is safe, strong and durable. But also do not forget about shortening the animal’s claws; this should be done once every 14 days. During the procedure, it is worth using a nail cutter - a pruning shears that has a protective limiter.

Thanks to this newfangled device, you can protect furniture and other household items from the claws of the caraquet. The anti-scratch pad consists of material and medical glue, with which it is attached to the claw. This accessory is safe for the cat, but may create some discomfort for him, since the animal will not be able to climb to any height.

The caracat's hearing organs should be examined once every 45 days. During the procedure, you should turn out the cat’s ear, fix it, and then clean it with a cotton pad. After this, soak the cotton swab in boiled water and clean the ear again. The use of cotton swabs to clean the ear canal is strictly prohibited.

And it is also worth wiping the eyelids of an exotic cat with a cotton pad dipped in tea leaves or chamomile infusion. You should wipe the eye in the direction from the outer corner to the inner one, while keeping the eye closed. Purulent discharge from the visual organ of the caraquet is the reason for visiting the doctor. A pet that eats raw meat products does not require teeth brushing. The animal does not form tartar due to self-cleaning and massage on the gums.

When playing with a caracat, you should not use your hands and fingers, as an adult can harm a person without meaning to. Balls and swings are suitable for him as toys. The feather accessory can only be used for kittens aged 3-4 months. When choosing toys, it is better to give preference to highly durable items. If the attribute of entertainment is constantly available to the animal, then it will lose interest in it.

A sports complex is considered an excellent entertainment option for a cat of this breed, which is well established. Caracat cares about physical activity and energetic entertainment, so the owner should take care in advance about equipping the play area.

Since this animal is quite smart, it quickly gets used to the toilet. You can use any filler, for example, wood or gel. The potty should be placed in the corner of the room where the pet is constantly located. There are no problems with addiction; the person doesn’t even have to teach the animal to do this; he does everything on his own.

Since the Caraquet is considered a rare breed, breeding them remains a challenge. On the territory of the Russian Federation, this breed is bred by one nursery, which has several subsidiary branches. Each mating can be called a genetic experience, which cannot give an excellent result. In order for a caracal to fertilize a small animal, scientists create special conditions for keeping and feeding.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

Despite the fact that experts do not know cases of caraquets being infected with infectious diseases of domestic cats, it is recommended to regularly vaccinate them:

from calcivirosis;
rhinotracheitis;
panleukopenia;
chlamydia;
depriving;
rabies.

The first vaccination is given to a kitten at the age of 7-8 weeks with a mandatory repetition after 28 days. In the future, the caraqueta is vaccinated annually.

To prevent diseases transmitted by fleas and worms, a hybrid cat is systematically subjected to antiparasitic treatment. Anthelmintic drugs are given to a caracat kitten once a quarter, and to an adult cat - once every six months. The dosage of the medicine is selected on the advice of a veterinarian, taking into account the weight of the animal.

Caraquet fleas are treated with special drops or shampoos. And if a hybrid cat goes outside, it is additionally protected with an anti-parasitic collar.

What does a caraquet look like?

One litter can contain from one to five caraquet kittens, the weight of a newborn animal is at least 115 grams. Even blind babies have funny, almost horizontal ears, black on the outside. At this age, there are no tassels; the breed is identified by spots on the belly and paws. After two weeks, little caraquets open their eyes, and by the 25th day of life they are well on their feet and taking their first steps. By a month, the size of the kitten’s ears doubles, and small tassels up to 0.5 centimeters long begin to grow from their tips. At this age, the cat looks more like its wild ancestor with almond-shaped eyes of a rich honey or blue-green color.

From the age of one month, kittens begin to grow tufts on their ears and they become more and more similar to their wild parent.

As the caraquet matures, its color changes, the spots on the body become lighter, and the soft, pleasant-to-the-touch coat acquires a uniform color. Most often, the color of the animal is bright, deep and rich, from peach to red, which gives the large cat an even more wild look. The animal has a beautiful, proportionate, muscular body and fluffy strong paws, making the grace with which the cat moves unique. The caraquet can make long and precise jumps over a distance of up to 2 meters. All representatives of the breed have a physiological feature that refers the cat to its wild ancestors - a fatty fold on the stomach, the same as that of a caracal.

Caracats have a very bright and rich coat color in shades of orange, which makes them visually more wild.

The weight of an adult cat can reach 15 kilograms; on average, a caracat weighs 9–12 kilograms, while the height of the animal at the withers can vary from 40 to 55 centimeters. The length of the body reaches 90 centimeters, and if you measure the cat from the tip of the nose to the tail, it can be about 130 centimeters. An adult animal has a large body with a small head, on which large ears are located high, light on the side of the auricle and dark on the outside. Hybrid cats have expressive eyes and a wide nose with a large lobe, which may have a light spot on it. The tail and paws often have black horizontal stripes that blend in with the coat color in a gradient.

The caraquet has horizontal stripes on its paws and tail, smoothly blending into the main color of the coat.

Diet of Caraquet

It should be remembered that this is a hybrid breed, which is still very close to a wild cat. Therefore, the issue of a healthy diet is very acute. For example, Caracal will absolutely not eat dry food; it eats only raw meat, like any cat predator.

Therefore, for Karakets, especially the first and second generations, it is worth giving preference to a natural, balanced diet. The diet must include raw meat - rabbit, beef and, of course, poultry. This could be chicken and quail.

Until the age of two, these pets must receive vitamins and calcium in sufficient quantities, so it is worth including fermented milk products in their diet - kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese.

Until the baby is three months old, meals should be at least three times a day, and it is better to cut the meat into small pieces. From six months you can give larger food, as well as raw heads of broiler chickens.

All raw meat is well frozen before feeding - either in industrial cold chambers using the blast freezing method, or in conventional freezers, but for a longer time. Before giving meat to an animal, it is thawed and thoroughly washed.

Day-old chicks and quails are given occasionally, in small quantities, completely with feathers, heads, and paws. This is how animals can receive the entire complex of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, amino acids and taurine. You should not feed your pet this food more often than twice a week, as this can cause bowel upset.

If quails and day-old chicks are not in the diet, then it is worth supplementing it with special vitamin complexes and preparations with taurine.

Caraket must always have clean drinking water available to the public.

Under no circumstances should you give an animal pork, boiled bones, or food from the human table, especially anything salty, spicy, sweet, fatty, pickled, or fried.

An adult animal, especially the third generation, can be partially accustomed to dry mixtures with age. But even in this case, preference should be given to high-quality holistic and super premium products. Read about the classes of cat food, as well as their composition.

Hybrids

Caraquet

Caracats are a “kind” copy of caracals, the fruit of love between a representative of the latter and an Abyssinian cat. For a long time, breeders suffered defeats in their attempts to breed hybrid offspring capable of reproducing. Our compatriot from Krasnodar was able to succeed in this at the end of the 20th century. Thanks to her, this mixture of cat and steppe lynx combines wild beauty and gentle disposition.

The conformation of this new breed of lynx-like cat is identical to the caracal: the same body size, coat color, long hind legs and ear tufts. However, their character is much calmer and more peaceful than that of their wild ancestors. They love to play and get along well with their pet neighbors.

Caracats are easy to train to walk in a harness. They also need a well-equipped playground that satisfies their wild instincts.

Domestic lynx

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, crossing the Canadian lynx with domesticated cats with spotted skins gives us the opportunity to have a real lynx, only a domestic one. She has the same long hind legs, shortened tail, graceful curve of the spine, expressive almond-shaped eyes and “signature” ear tufts.

Best articles: TOP 10 largest lakes on Earth - names, where they are located, description and photos

Individuals of the domestic lynx have thick gray-brown fur. Lynxes are incredibly beautiful, their fur has a gray-blue tint - it seems as if they have just rolled out in the snow.

Such a luxurious fur coat requires constant and thorough combing. Otherwise, the animal runs the risk of choking when licking

In general, caring for a domestic cat-lynx hybrid is identical to caring for a caracal or caraquet - a lot of movement, raw meat and constant attention

Caracal

The caracal is very similar in appearance to the lynx, but is slightly smaller in size. Just like the lynx, the caracal has dense, thick fur, lush dark tufts on the tips of the ears, and coarse bristly hair on the paws. It has a uniform red color with a whitish lower part. Melissas are rarely found - individuals with black coat color.

The caracal is a predatory animal, the original purpose of domestication was to help in hunting. Nowadays this exotic animal is purchased as a pet. Caracals are balanced and energetic. They are characterized by a love of games and affection, and curiosity.

The price varies from 400 to 500 thousand rubles.

You need to buy a pet at the age of 4-6 years and only in specialized nurseries.

If you buy at the market or on the Internet, there is a chance that you will purchase an animal that was caught in the wild and not accustomed to home conditions.

Such individuals are predatory and do not live at home.

Caracal

Grace and grace of the lynx

In nature, the lynx is a separate population of mammals, which in appearance is most similar to the cat population itself. Its dimensions do not exceed those of a large dog, which it slightly resembles with a short body and long legs. Lynxes are great at climbing rocks and trees. Its elongated hind legs, overgrown with hair in winter, help the animal to grip well on loose snow. A rather short tail does not prevent the lynx from moving through trees and mountains in the forest.

Lynxes live in the forests of central Russia, some European countries, the USA, Canada, Central Asia, as well as in the Scandinavian countries. The body length can reach up to 1.30 m, the height at the withers can be up to 0.7 m, and the weight varies from 5 to 30 kg. The coloring of these predators is quite varied: red, brown, smoky, etc. Characteristic features of the lynx: elongated hind legs, a small tail, and specific tufts on the ears.

Character traits

One of the features of this exclusive breed is that they cannot meow, but instead hiss, snort and whine. Babies can actively “talk” and squeak if they feel comfortable, and also hiss in case of danger. Kittens can be frightened by a new toy, the presence of a stranger or a pet. The period of adaptation to something new happens quickly for them. Animals have excellent hearing, so they can detect even slight noise at a long distance.

Caraquets have well-developed hunting skills, as well as a love of active games, but despite this, their character is friendly and non-aggressive

Like any other domestic cat, this breed is affectionate and loves attention. They tend to want to sleep on their owner; these pets love to knead the person, rub against him and purr. Each individual is individual, but in general this breed is considered friendly

Each individual is different, but in general this breed is considered friendly.

This is an obedient, intelligent cat breed that is perfect for raising in a family. This representative of the animal world is low-noise, it is characterized by silence in movement, even during entertainment.

Price for Caraqueta

Individuals of the caraquet are still few in number, and it is difficult to obtain such a kitten. Therefore, this breed is the most expensive in the world. The price of a Caracat cat reaches a million rubles, and this only applies to a kitten for keeping in a family. Individuals with an elite pedigree, intended for breeding, are even more expensive. The high cost and popularity of the breed motivates scammers, so it is recommended to buy kittens only from a trusted nursery.

Life expectancy: 15 – 18 years

Considering the novelty and high cost of the breed, there are no reviews on our forum or website yet. If you have them, you can add a comment below.

Features of mating and breeding of the caraquet

The main difficulty in breeding caraquets is the sexual impotence of males until the fourth generation. Only females take part in procreation. Males of other breeds are selected as partners for them:

Abyssinians;
orientals;
Ocicats;
Serengeti;
Egyptian Mau.

It is optimal to breed caracats at the age of one and a half years and on the 3rd–6th day of estrus. Both partners must:

look healthy and well-groomed;
have the necessary documents - veterinary passport, pedigree, club card, evaluation sheets from exhibitions;
undergo a veterinary examination;
be vaccinated no more than a year and no less than one month ago;
undergo parasite treatment a week before the expected event;
have a fresh manicure so that in the heat of passion you don’t injure each other.

Before mating, a contract is drawn up, which specifies all the conditions, information about the producers, their owners and the date of the event. The “wedding” is held on the groom’s premises, and in order for the bride’s adaptation to go smoothly, you need to take her personal belongings (bowl, tray, bed) with you. The cat spends several days in the new place - as soon as the partner does his job, he will lose interest in her, because the female will lose her characteristic smell. Pregnancy will last from 65 to 79 days, and there will be 1-2 kittens in the litter.

Without harming its health, a cat can give birth once a year - it needs time to recover

An amateur should not breed an experimental caraquet breed - the help of a specialist from the nursery where the animal was purchased is required.

Historical reference

Cats of the Caracal genus live in the deserts and savannas of Africa, Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and the Caspian Sea coast since ancient times. It is believed that the historical homeland of this animal is Türkiye. The word Karakal means “black ears” in Turkish.

Since ancient times, steppe caracals have been tamed and used by the inhabitants of Asia and Africa.

Caracal paintings and bronze sculptures, as well as embalmed carcasses, have been found at excavations in Egypt.

This means that caracals occupied an important place in the life of the Egyptians. In China, emperors gave caracals as valuable gifts. In India, caracals have long been used for hunting small game. In Asia, this breed was used to help in hunting game.. Interesting fact! In Iran, caracals were entertainment for wealthy gambling people

The animals were tamed, trained to hunt birds, and entered into competitions based on the number of birds caught in a jump.

Interesting fact! In Iran, caracals were entertainment for wealthy gambling people. Animals were tamed, trained to hunt birds, and entered into competitions based on the number of birds caught in a jump.

The fact is that caracals are wonderful jumpers; they can jump up to 3 meters in the air to catch flying birds. Up to ten pigeons can be caught in this way at a time. The winner was the one whose cat knocked out the most birds from the jump. All these facts prove that the domestication of caracals is not something new, but rather began centuries ago.

Hybrids with the appearance of a lynx

If you want to have an exotic pet, it is better to choose a hybrid. Today, such amazing breeds of cats with the appearance of a lynx have been bred, such as Caraquet and Chausie. These animals, in the first generation from a wild ancestor, almost completely repeat the appearance of the wild animal, their parent, but are much easier to socialize.

Caraquet

These amazing animals were bred in the first years of the twenty-first century in the USA. Now there are only first and second generation Caracats, that is, with 50% and 25% of Caracal blood, respectively.

Work on selection continues, although the Caraket has been registered by the leading felinological international association TICA as an experimental breed since 2015. Breeders from the United States of America and Russia take part in the selection. This cat will be considered domestic when a stable type of the fourth generation is obtained from Caracal.

Karaket inherited excellent health from his ancestor. These unique hybrid animals need to be fed only raw meat. The hybrid is absolutely unpretentious in its maintenance, is not aggressive, and lends itself well to education. You should not let small children near him - this is not a plush kitten. Caracats will never attack or bite a person, but they can brush them off with their paw. The claws don't come out at all.

Read the article about the graceful Caraquetas.

Chausie

The Chausie hybrid cat breed was bred in the United States of America and registered with TICA already in the nineties of the last century. It got its name from the ancestor of Jungle Cat or House. This wild animal is also called the marsh or jungle cat. House was crossed with an Abyssinian cat.

Chausie is a very large hybrid cat; unfortunately, he does not always have tufts on his ears. The coat is dense, short, ticked, uniform in color from sand to almost orange, without spots, and can be completely black or with gray hair. There are white “eyes” on the back surface of the large, vertically set ears. The tail is long, the body is muscular, athletic in build. The size of an adult individual is up to forty centimeters at the withers, weight up to fifteen kilograms. Chausies are easy to care for. They eat both raw meat and dry food. They get along well with people and are as loyal as a dog to one owner.

There are many myths about this hybrid cat, but the animal is absolutely not aggressive, is well socialized, and can be kept in families with children.

Health

All caraquets have very good health, which they inherited from the wild steppe cat. They are endowed with a good digestive system, which allows them to easily digest raw meat and bones. These animals are highly resistant to extreme conditions; they can go without food or water for a long time. Strong immunity makes your pet resistant to most feline diseases. At the same time, systematic comprehensive vaccinations against viral diseases and rabies must be carried out in a timely manner, especially if the caracat is taken outside for a walk. The life expectancy of cats of this breed has not been established, since the pets were bred quite recently. However, it is believed that the large animal lives several years less than the average domestic cat.