Have you ever heard of a hybrid cat? The term is often used to describe the crossing of a "wild" cat with a domestic cat. What few people know is that there are some well-known breeds that derive precisely from this type of crossing, resulting in a kind of domestic "wild" cat, as is the case of the Bengal cat. Despite having an appearance that resembles the cats we know,these felines tend to behave mainly on instinct.

If you want to know what a hybrid cat is, what are the main characteristics of these animals and the breeds that belong to this group, just come with us! We have separated the main information on the subject to clarify everything about the cat hybrid!

What are so-called 'hybrid cats'?

The expressions cat hybrid or hybrid cat are common to name a kitten of a wild cat with a domestic cat - that is, it refers to the result of crossing a domesticated feline (female) with a wild one (male). These animals often attract attention for their distinctive appearance that closely resembles their wild ancestors.

However, it is important to note that, as the crossing of hybrid cats with domestic cats takes place and new strains emerge, both the appearance and behavior of these animals change. In this way, the hybrid cat begins to assume characteristics closer to a domestic cat in every way, gradually moving away from its ancestry.

What is the behavior and personality of a cat hybrid like?

What will determine the behavior of the hybrid cat is the degree of kinship the animal has with wild cats. A kitten of a wild cat with a domestic cat belongs to the first generation and carries a much larger share of wild behavior, since it descends directly from a wild animal. When this hybrid cat crosses with another domestic cat, it is the second generation that gives rise to the second generation.generation, so that offspring of this lineage may still show wild instincts, but to a lesser extent than lineage 1.

In general, it can be said that the felines of the last generations are more docile, tame and receptive than a hybrid cat of the first generation. Oh, and here's a curiosity: despite being a little wilder, one of the rarest cat breeds in the world (and expensive too) is the Savannah F1, which belongs to the first lineage of hybrid cats. Its price reaches up to R $ 50 thousand.

Meet some hybrid cat breeds that are super popular!

Chances are you're already familiar with some hybrid cat breeds. The Bengal cat - also known as the Bengal cat - is one of the most popular of this group. It's the result of a cross between a domestic animal and a wild leopard, and has a distinctive coat and unmistakable beauty. In fact, that's why many people refer to it as a catdomestic leopard type.

Another breed that is very successful out there is the Savannah cat, which arose from the relationship between a domesticated pet and an African Serval. Although it is a relatively recent creation, the animal surprises with its size and can be found in different lineages. To give you an idea, the Savannah measures around 50 to 60 cm in length. The lineages vary according to the degree of kinship with the cat.Serval, so that the F1 strain is considered the closest to wild cats.

Wild cat breeds also exist, such as the Caracal

One species of wild cat is the Caracal. It resides on the African and Asian continent and has a natural habitat in semi-desert regions or dry forests. Also called the desert lynx, the Caracal has a very peculiar appearance and usually draws attention because of its long pointed ears that have a slight slope at the top. Despite this, many find the species cute - whichdefinitely does not match his strong hunting instinct.

Although there is a "hybrid" version of the feline, this is an animal that is not recommended to be crossed with domestic breeds because it can be extremely harmful to the health of the mother and the offspring. The "domestic" Caracal first happened as an accident in the Moscow Zoo and attracted attention because of its cuteness, but its breeding is not something natural and, in fact, it comes tobe cruel to those involved.

What care is needed for a domestic "feral" cat?

It is necessary to understand that hybrid cats, especially those belonging to the first lineage (which is the closest to wild animals), have a very instinctive behavior. The predatory and suspicious side often speaks louder, which makes these animals extremely reserved and distant, but not necessarily risky with the family

It is therefore important to encourage the natural stimuli of these pets with appropriate environmental enrichment: installation of niches, shelves, as well as toys for hunting cats are always welcome. You also cannot expect them to be as gentle and docile, like many other affectionate cat breeds, unless they belong to more distant lineages from their ancestorssavages.