Buy A Big Cat Apr 2026

Buying a "big cat" (such as a lion, tiger, or leopard) is effectively in the United States as of 2022. While some may still seek these animals out of fascination, federal law now treats them as "prohibited wildlife species," strictly limiting their possession to accredited zoos, universities, and sanctuaries. 1. Legal Prohibitions

: Individuals who already owned big cats before the law was enacted were allowed to keep them only if they registered them with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by June 18, 2023. No new big cats can be acquired by these owners. buy a big cat

: It is now illegal for private individuals to breed, sell, purchase, or acquire big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars. Buying a "big cat" (such as a lion,

: Costs could exceed $100,000 for a single animal, including secure enclosures with high walls and caged-in ceilings to prevent dangerous escapes. Legal Prohibitions : Individuals who already owned big

: Ongoing expenses typically surpassed $10,000 per year. This includes feeding up to 15 pounds of raw meat daily and specialized veterinary care.