Cougars

The "cat of many names;" Felis Concolor is known as the cougar, puma, mountain lion, and Florida panther.

Cougars are officially classified as "small cats," but actually range between 75 and 250 pounds. They are one of the mellower, friendlier exotic feline species, and can be very affectionate with their owners. While their size and strength should never be underestimated, a cougar is usually a better choice than, for instance, a tiger for someone who is ready to commit to owning a big cat. They are the largest feline with the capability of purring.

Photo courtesy of Sue Arnold, www.arnoldsexotics.com

Cougars are not endangered (except for one subspecies, the Florida Panther), but their ownership and interstate transportation is heavily regulated. Check the laws in your state and the Captive Wildlife Safety Act for more details.

The cougar can run as fast as 30 mph (50 km/h), jump 20 ft (6 m) from a standing position and vertically leap 8 ft (2.5 m). Adult males may be more than eight feet long (nose to tail), and weigh about 150 pounds (70 kg). In exceptional cases males may reach as much as 200 pounds. Adult females can be 7 ft (2 m) long and weigh about 75 pounds (35 kg). Puma kittens have brownish-blackish spots and rings on their tails. Female pumas usually have 3 or 4 kittens in a den in a rocky location.

They normally hunt large mammals, such as deer and elk, but will eat small animals, such as beavers, porcupines or even mice, if the need arises. They hunt alone and ambush their prey, often from behind. They usually kill with a bite at the base of the skull to break the neck of their target. Their life span is about a decade in the wild and 25 years or more in captivity.

Pet Cougar Articles

The Cougar

The Last Pet Cougar Cougar owner Amy Rassmussen writes about the joys of life with Dawn, her beloved pet cougar. Read Article....

Living with a Cougar in the House Cougar owner Julie Roper writes about some of her experiences living with her two cougars. Read Article....

Pet Cougar Do's and Don'ts Roper shares what experience has taught her about living with house cougars. Read Article....

Why I'm Not Getting a Cougar Yet I have a secret to share; I very badly want a cougar as a companion. But a responsible review of what's involved tells me I'm not ready. Read Why....

Cougar Photos

To see cougar photos, visit the cougar area in the ExoticCatz.com Exotic Feline Photo Gallery.

Talina the Cougar Some fantastic photos of a pet cougar hanging out with her owner.

Cougar and Tiger Photos This page contains several awesome photos of an owner with her cougar.

Cougar Websites

www.Cougartime.com Cougar owner Robin Taylor's website contains photos of her cougars and other exotic cats.