IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Fowler, M.E. | |
| Felidae | |
| 1986 Book Chapter | |
Both domestic and wild cats have always fascinated humankind. Non-domestic felids are popular zoo exhibits, and it is rare zoo that does not show one or more species. Some felid species breed readily in captivity, but others, among them some that are endangered, do not. We have yet to understand the complexities of reproductive behavior in these species sufficiently well to succeed with propagation. The classification of non-domestic felids is currently in a state of flux, but 38 species in three genera are generally recognized . Though there are differences between the genera, they share many similar characteristics that make them readily identifiable as cats. They vary in size from a sand cat weighing 2.0 kg to a Siberian tiger weighing over 300 kg. From a medical standpoint, it is fortunate that the care of non-domestic felids is similar to that of the domestic species. In general, all are susceptible to the same pathogens and parasites. There are, however, some fundamental differences, the significance of which is not entirely understood. Feline leukemia (FL) is a common malady of domestic cats, but it is rare in wild cats, even though there may be some close relationship. Immunogeneticists are studying certain hybrids to determine the mechanisms of resistance or susceptibility or both to the leukemia virus. |
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