Why is there a big cat Shihu at home?
In recent years, raising "big cats" such as tiger cats (also known as ocelots) has become a hot topic in the niche pet circle. As a national second-level protected animal, the stone tiger’s breeding legality, ecological significance and market chaos have triggered widespread discussions. The following is the core content and structured data analysis that have been hotly discussed across the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Basic Characteristics and Focus of Controversy of Stone Tiger

Prionailurus bengalensis is a small Asian wild cat. It is named "leopard cat" because its pattern resembles leopard print. There are the following controversies behind its breeding craze:
| Dispute type | Supporters' point of view | Opposition point of view |
|---|---|---|
| legal compliance | Artificially bred individuals can be legally traded | Easily confused with wild poaching individuals |
| ecological impact | Artificial breeding reduces wild capture | Market demand spurs poaching |
| Feeding suitability | Tender relatives can be taken care of at home | Remaining wild carries the risk of attack |
2. Data statistics of hot events in the past 10 days
The data captured through the public opinion monitoring tool shows (from X month X to X month X, 2023):
| platform | Amount of related topics | Hot search highest ranking | key events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 items | 9th place | Internet celebrity posted photos of stone tiger, triggering reports | |
| Tik Tok | 58 million views | No. 3 on the pet list | "Big cat" domestication tutorial goes viral |
| Zhihu | 427 answers | Top 10 scientific topics | Legal experts interpret the red line of breeding |
3. Three major practical problems in raising stone tigers
1.legal risks: According to the "Wildlife Protection Law", individuals need to obtain an "Artificial Breeding License" and a "Business and Utilization License", otherwise they are suspected of violating the law.
2.behavioral habits: Shihu lives day and night and requires at least 50 square meters of activity space, which is difficult for ordinary families to meet.
| Requirements | minimum standards | Domestic cat comparison |
|---|---|---|
| activity space | 50㎡ | 10㎡ |
| food cost | Raw meat/living body 2,000 yuan/month | Cat food 300 yuan/month |
| medical resources | Professional wildlife veterinarian | General pet hospital |
3.ethical controversies: A survey by an animal protection organization shows that 70% of "pet stone tigers" have stereotyped behaviors, indicating that they are not adapted to the captive environment.
4. Expert advice and alternatives
The China Cat Protection Alliance proposed:
• Priority is given to alternative pets such as Bengal cats (legal crossbreeds)
• Participate in volunteer activities for wildlife protection and alternative breeding
• Report illegal transactions to the forestry department promptly
Conclusion
Behind the "cute pet" of Shihu is the conflict between ecological protection and human needs. Rationally understanding the nature of wild animals and choosing legal and compliant pet raising methods are the manifestations of true care for animals. Relevant departments need to strengthen market supervision to prevent protected animals from falling victim to the gray industrial chain.
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