In 2017, a YouTube channel called “I_am_puma” appeared. On this channel, a couple from Saransk records videos featuring their exotic pet—a puma named Messi. Such an animal inevitably attracted public attention, and soon, many people subscribed to the channel, with each video garnering hundreds of comments expressing admiration for this unusual pet. The channel still holds 1.74 million subscribers, confirming people’s affection for this domesticated predator.
After watching, it’s natural that people began wondering—can a puma be kept as a pet in the same way? This article will explore the question in more detail, and by the end, a final answer can be given.
How to Get a Puma?
First, it’s important to clarify what a puma is. This carnivorous animal from the feline family inhabits the continents of North and South America. The puma is one of the largest predators in the feline family—only the tiger and lion are bigger. By nature, it is an aggressive hunter that prefers to avoid contact with humans. Although attacks on people are rare, when directly confronted by a human, a puma may attack. Therefore, it is clear that a puma raised in the wild cannot be domesticated.
A puma can only be acquired from institutions where the predator is accustomed to people and adapted to them. These might be petting zoos where the animal can be purchased. Ideally, it’s best to get a puma as a cub, as it will more easily adapt to the home and its owners. However, such animals are rare in petting zoos in our country, so the price will be high.
Care for a Puma in a Domestic Setting
Even when domesticated, a puma remains an active predator, so it needs a lot of exercise; otherwise, its muscles will begin to atrophy, and the animal will become weak. For this reason, a puma should be walked outdoors at least twice a day—morning and evening. In addition to exercising its muscles and bones, the puma will be able to relieve itself, which helps avoid unpleasant incidents related to nature’s call. After the walk, it’s important to take care of the animal’s hygiene.
It’s also essential to provide the wild cat with a proper diet. A puma’s diet should be balanced and rich in nutrients to avoid various health problems. Since pumas are carnivores, they should be fed meat. Any type of meat from large domestic animals—beef, pork, lamb—will do. However, it is recommended to consult specialists to determine the exact diet.
From an early age, the puma should be trained. Being wild cats by nature, they may reflexively harm a person, for example, by extending their claws during play with the owner. This aspect should be entrusted to professional trainers who can properly train the animal. However, it’s important to understand that not every trainer will take on such an exotic pet, so be prepared for a long search for the right specialist.
Finally, when getting a puma, remember the furniture and home environment. Being a wild cat, the animal will scratch its claws, which in its case can cause significant damage to furniture. Therefore, in addition to training the cat, it’s important to set up designated scratching areas—preferably on door frames. Also, when bringing a puma into your home, create a separate corner for the animal to rest.
Can We Now Answer the Question?
Can a puma be kept as a pet? The answer is “yes.” However, when getting a puma, you must consider many nuances. A puma is a rare animal in our country, and it is most commonly seen in zoos, which will not sell the animal for any amount of money. In petting zoos, pumas are even rarer, and if such an animal is available, its price will be high.
In addition to the cost of acquiring the animal, the expenses for its care will also be significant. Home modifications for the animal, feeding, grooming, training—all of this requires a considerable amount of money, as well as time and nerves. Therefore, before deciding to keep such a pet in your home, you must carefully think it over.
