We all know about the plight of big cats, and we know
that there are too many feral cats to count. It is rare, however, to
hear about small wild cats,
like the Bay Cat from Borneo, which is the same size of a typical house
cat, and the Tigrillo from Costa Rico, which is even smaller.
“Most of these cats are endangered and many are at the point of near extinction. These little guys are in need of first, recognition, and on a larger scale, funding to provide research and breeding facilities.”
A Mysterious Cat
One of his favorite cats is the Andean Mountain Cat because it has never been caught or kept in captivity. It lives high in the Andes. Ian admires this breed because it is such a mystery. However, it is endangered. “Like the Margay, the Ocelot, Pallas’ Cat, and others, many are threatened because of their fur,” he explains. “It is hoped that international pressure will bring this ridiculous trade to an end in our lifetime.”
Not for Zoos
“Since these small cats are nocturnal and shy, they do not make good sense as zoo exhibits,” says Ian. “Most zoos have abandoned breeding programs for these small wild cats, and the future of these cats is in the hands of independent privately funded captive breeders.”
Not a Pet
On his website, at his concerts, and during interviews, Ian has called attention for the need to care for animals and the environment. Thanks to speaking out on behalf of small wild cats, Ian has handled a few. But he has no delusions that these small wild cats can be tamed. “These are not the cats that are going to be sleeping at the foot of your bed at night,” he says. “None of the small species make good house cats. They are wild, and we have to respect that.”
On House Cats
Ian and his wife currently live with five cats, all are spayed or neutered. His wife has two dogs, which Ian likes, but he thinks of himself as a cat person. He urges people to spay or neuter their pets. “It is the kindest thing to do,” he says.
source
No comments:
Post a Comment