International animal rights organizations are taking a stand against the hybrid cat trend.

When the desire for exclusivity and animals combine, trends emerge that, while visually attractive and eye-catching, have troubling consequences. One of these is the growing fascination with cats that appear to have come straight from the jungle, the result of crossbreeding domestic and wild species.

Just a few days ago, the Civil Guard arrested a couple in Manacor ( Mallorca ) accused of illegally breeding and selling exotic felines , including a desert lynx and two servals, as well as internationally trading in other protected species such as white tigers, melanistic leopards, hyenas and pumas.

With their speckled coats and striking sizes, Bengal and Savannah cats have gained popularity on social media and trading platforms. However, leading international organizations in feline medicine, such as International Cat Care and The Cat Group , have unanimously spoken out: they do not support the breeding or keeping of hybrid cats as pets . Their arguments do not focus on aesthetic or fashion issues, but rather on the profound ethical, health, and behavioral issues surrounding these animals.

What is a hybrid cat?

Hybrid cats are the result of crossing a domestic cat with a wild feline. These mixes often attract attention due to their exotic appearance and powerful, athletic physique, but their wild heritage isn't limited to the exterior, and many of these animals retain behaviors characteristic of their ancestors, making it difficult for them to adapt to domestic life.

Difficult-to-meet needs

One of the main reasons why feline organizations advise against owning them is the difficulty in meeting their physical and emotional needs. Because these animals have a strong wild genetic makeup, they can exhibit more aggressive and territorial behaviors , which don't always fit well with a home environment.

Furthermore, their indoor confinement, necessary to protect local wildlife and prevent escapes, often leads to frustration, anxiety , and behavioral problems. The lack of specific studies on the well-being of these cats makes it even more difficult to guarantee them a good quality of life.

Hybrid breeding: risks for all involved

The breeding process for hybrid cats also raises serious concerns. In many cases, wild cats such as servals (which can weigh up to 15 kilos) are used to crossbreed with domestic cats, creating physical and genetic incompatibilities.

Pregnancy is often fraught with complications: miscarriages, premature births, non-viable offspring , or long-term health problems. Furthermore, the size difference between the parent species also poses a real risk to the domestic cat during mating or birth.

As if that weren't enough, the illegal trafficking of wild animals to supply the hybrid market remains a constant concern. Some specimens are smuggled into destination countries clandestinely, increasing the health and ethical risks of the process.

Abandonment and lack of veterinary care

The difficulty in handling these animals has led to an increase in cases of abandonment or surrender to shelters, which don't always have the resources to properly care for them. Because they don't behave like typical domestic cats, these hybrids require specialized care, environmental enrichment, and a specialized diet, which, in many cases, they don't receive.

Even among the most dedicated owners, veterinary care isn't always adequate , iCatCare warns, as many veterinarians aren't familiar with the specific needs of hybrids, and visits can be complicated by the animal's behavior. Added to this is the difficulty of knowing the true generation to which each animal belongs (F1, F2, F3, etc.), as there are no reliable genetic tests to determine this.

The rise of these cats is partly due to the desire to own something unique, eye-catching, and unusual, but when it comes to living beings, visual appeal cannot take precedence over welfare. Specialized organizations insist: crossbreeding between wild and domestic cats is not just an aesthetic issue, but a real health, safety, and liability issue.

Although some hybrids from distant generations, such as fifth- or sixth-generation Bengals, already exhibit behaviors closer to those of domestic cats, most experts agree that there are many feline breeds adapted to family life that offer beauty, character, and balance without the need for hybridization.