How to Own a Pet Tiger

To responsibly own a pet tiger, you need to be prepared to make a long-term commitment of time and money. Tigers can live for 20 years in captivity, eating as much as 2 tons of food per year. Caring for them requires devotion and knowledge. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tiger cage or habitat with greenery and climbing platforms
• Water source
• Perimeter Fence
• Toys such as dead trees, logs and tires

Prepare to Own a Pet Tiger

1. Learn about local, state and federal laws regarding ownership of tigers as pets. In addition to obtaining local permits, you may also need a license from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) if you plan to exhibit or breed your tiger for commercial purposes.

2. Enroll in an animal husbandry class or volunteer at a zoo or sanctuary to learn about big cats before you bring one home. Knowledge and experience are also required for some permits and licenses.

3. Find a veterinarian in your area who works on big cats before you own your tiger. If you're applying for a USDA license, you will need to provide the name of the veterinarian.

4. House your tiger. Some tiger owners keep cubs in the house for a few months, but they grow quickly and can cause damage. Build a habitat or large cage for your tiger, complete with adequate locks, perimeter fence, shade, greenery and water source. Be aware of specific caging and fencing requirements that may apply.

5. Be prepared to make the proper time commitment while rearing your cub. Bonding is almost a full-time job. The tiger needs to be with you in his home surroundings as much as possible.

6. Adopt or buy your pet tiger from a reputable sanctuary or breeder.

7. Learn to bottle-feed or choose a weaned cat if you've never bottle-fed before. Bottle-feeding is a great way to bond with your tiger cub, but only if you know what you're doing.

8. Don't buy a tiger on a whim. It is very difficult to place an adult tiger if you change your mind. Most zoos will not take them and many sanctuaries are overcrowded. An average adult tiger weighs 350 to 500 lbs. Cubs grow very quickly, generally gaining 10 lbs. per month.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a discussion forum for exotic animal owners like the one at ExoticCatz.com (see Resources below).
• Know that federal law restricts the sale and transportation of big cats across state lines for all but exhibitors and breeders.
• Know that it is extremely dangerous to have children near tigers, even if the tigers are tame and in cages.
• Failure to have the proper permits puts your tiger at risk of confiscation and carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Resources

• ExoticCatz.com

[Sweetleaf]

on 12/12/2008 Please, Please, Please!!! Don't try to own a tiger. They aren't PETS!!!!! They are wild animals and they are meant to stay that way. If you really love tigers, you'll help get this awareness out. Adopt a tiger instead thru Big Cat Rescue. These are ways to show your love for them.