Home of the Small Exotic Cats
Thoughts for Owning an Exotic
Enclosure
Security Entrance
Size of Enclosure for animals comfort
Den box/area away from elements
Enrichment
If in the house an area that the exotic can be contained comfortably if necessary
If in the house are hazardous items locked away from the exotic at all times
Food
Raw or Processed - Where to get the food
Vitamins - What is correct for the diet and age
Calcium - What is correct for the diet and age
Vet
Will they treat exotics
Are they experienced in the exotic animal of your choice
Vaccinations live / modified live / killed
Anesthesia - Some exotics can only handle gas
Squeeze cage or other means so your vet can examine the animal safely
Toys
Is it safe - Is it possible your exotic will eat it (rubber balls, stuffed toys)
Small parts that can be swallowed
Laws
City
County
State
US
Commitment
Who will care for the exotic if you are away from home
What if something should happen to you - Have you made provisions for the exotic animal
What is the life expectancy of the exotic/s you have chosen
Small children/babies and exotics don't mix well
Plants
Poisonous plants have been removed from the premise
Do the plants attract bees and such
Is it hardy and can it take the exotic jumping on it safely
If it is in the enclosure will it spread to areas you don't want (i.e. bamboo)
Disaster Planning:
Domestic cats bond just like many animals and they have a hard time adjusting to new owners. This can mean that they will no longer be loving and affectionate. So make plans to have someone lined up to take your cat(s) if something should happen to you that is familiar with the animal.
Also, carry a card in your wallet or purse next to your driver's license for emergencies letting someone know that you have animals at home and give two emergency name and numbers to contact. Make sure that your contact names have access to your home so that they can get in a feed and care for the animals.
Set aside funds to relocate your cat if necessary if something should happen to you. This will make the move swifter and with less hassle.
Make sure that you have for your "emergency person" a list of:
. What and when to feed
. Keys to the enclosure
. Who your vet is and their address and phone number
. The person that has agreed to care for your cat permanently, if different than the emergency person
. Where carriers and supplies are located
. How to access emergency funds
. Instructions for the best means of placing each cat in a carrier for transport. Each animal is different and may require different means to get into a carrier
. Anything that can be unique to each cat that will help while you are away to make the transition for
the cat as easy as possible (i.e. favorite toy, special treat, a soiled shirt of yours with your smell on it)
This is just a brief list that we have put together to help you start the thinking process of having an exotic in your life. There are other considerations that are not listed here. When securing an exotic of your choice, plan to spend time with the breeder to find out if there are other things that should be considered that you have not thought of.
Be sure to have the food on hand that the exotic is used to eating, as it will help make the move easier on the animal. If the animal is still on formula, get the formula from the breeder.
Last make sure that you purchase your exotic from USDA breeders.
Dealing with breeders that are outside the law hurts everyone in the end.
If you would like to contact us:Cocoa@cocoaspride.com
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