How Much Does an Ocelot Cost?

If you are planning to get an Ocelot as a pet just because it’s cool, take a couple of moments to reflect on the expenses. Most cat lovers believe that the price of Ocelot is the biggest drawback, but that is just the start.

Take note, the rarer the cat, the greater the price.

You should have some things ready when the cat comes home. Even if your cat is an adorable and cuddly kitten now, within a year, it will be nearly its full size and will be spraying.

Average Ocelot Price

Ocelots can be obtained by anyone if they have the right permits to own a wildcat. According to Big Cat Rescue, the average ocelot cost is around $1,500 to $15,000. On the other hand, a grown healthy Ocelot can cost up to $20,000.

With all the additional expenses that comes with owning a pet, you can expect to invest around $25,000-40000 in your first year in keeping a mid-size Ocelot, with annual expenses of around $10,000 to $20,000.

All pets have a cost, and this is the price of doing right by the animal. When you take shortcuts on any of these matters, things will end badly.

If you can’t afford such steep rates, don’t even think about owning one. You will be doing a great favor for that ocelot.

Securing an ocelot from a reputable US breeder is essential for potential owners. US breeders must follow strict USDA regulations, ensuring the animals are raised ethically and in good health.

When choosing a breeder, look for transparency regarding their licensing, animal health records, and breeding practices. Note that ocelots are rare in the US pet trade, partly due to these stringent requirements, affecting availability and price.

Cost BreakDown

Ocelots are exotic felines and are usually bred and traded as pets in the United States of America. However, most people considerably undervalue the fiscal responsibility needed to keep these animals; the area conditions, the care concerns and the cost of maintaining them. Below are some of the expenses you need to prepare for if you’ve decided to buy one.

• You are required to have state and federal permits. The payment for the licenses could cost you more than $300 a year.
• The laws on your state may require you to take liability insurance, and this can cost you around $10,000 to $15,000 a year.

• You will need to have a stainless-steel squeeze cage that is able of holding your Ocelot at its maximum weight. Such an enclosure itself can cost around $2500 to $3,000.
• Your ocelots need ample space to roam about. An 800 square foot enclosure is sufficient for one to two ocelots to roam freely, as long as there is adequate enrichment. It could cost around $1,200 to $1,400.
• Feeding your feline and its general care is a recurring cost annually. Great foods and vitamins for this mid-sized wildcat will cost you almost $1,200 to $1,500 per year.
• Moreover, you will need to have a Vet on call who already agreed to take care of your ocelot.  There are few vets with experience and less who want to deal with the responsibility of handling an exotic cat. Thus, the vet fees can go around $200 to $250. And they are so hard to find in the case of wild cats, left alone the fees.
• Ocelot spay/neuter cost would be around $250.

• You also need to de-worm your feline every month, which will cost $540 to $780 per year.
• You need flea prevention, which will cost from $100 to $250 per year.
• You will need to transport your ocelot to the vet clinic for its yearly vaccinations and check-ups, thus you’ll need a dependable vehicle, because of its size. It is suggested to have a minivan, which cost around $15,000 to $18,000. You can’t depend on borrowing a car if your cat needs emergency vet treatment.
• Cat bed is not obligatory but is surely something your ocelot would enjoy. You can purchase fairly priced cat beds for $30 to $70.
• Your Ocelot requires exercise, too, like any ordinary cat. A variation of cat toys will keep your kitty animated and give it an opportunity to discharge some energy. Cat toys from a pet shop will cost around $50 to $70.
• Also, it is always best to factor in additional costs of $200 to $500 each year for extras such as shampoos, medical products for minor cuts, replacing equipment, etc.

You might have reached a conclusion by now: ocelots don’t come cheaply.

Where to Buy?

• You can inquire at Leon Baltia about the price of Ocelot. However, they do not sell to people living in apartments, and to families with kids or other animals.
• You can check with Kitten Nganu for ocelot kittens available for sale.
• You can also check at Chitku for ocelot kittens for sale. The price of ocelot is not indicated, so ask the supplier for the costs.

Conclusion

The financial ocelot cost is not as simple as buying a kitten and feeding it.

Along with veterinary charges, there are numerous other expenses that you will almost unquestionably run into throughout your Ocelot’s life. So, before you consider getting an Ocelot, you must determine whether you can afford its upkeep for the duration of its life.

You can’t easily get an Ocelot, especially if you reside in an apartment, or you have kids or other pets. The existence of enclosure at your home is the primary condition required for you to have an ocelot. It is also essential to make sure that it will be given the time and attention it requires.

If you’re living in a rented home, your homeowner might end up asking you to leave the home. Not many would rent to you if you have a wild cat with you.

Furthermore, be reminded of the fact that ocelots are strange animals to keep as pets and may not be a fit for everybody. It can attack or claw you very severely, particularly during the games. You need to research and get to know more Ocelot before really considering getting one as a pet.

Wild animals are never that good as pets, no matter how hard you try. One bad day and the effect of that day could hunt your whole life. So, unless you’re sure where you’re stepping into, don’t make the mistake of buying one.