Cheetahs For Sale

Although Cheetahs being kept as captive pets are not as common in the United States due to strict regulations, captive Cheetahs are not uncommon exotic pets, especially in the United Arab Emirates. Throughout history, keeping Cheetahs as pets has been a sign of wealth and not much has changed to today. Cheetahs have been kept by the likes of celebrities and the wealthy such as Phyllis Gordon and Josephine Baker. They also make great hunting companions in African and Middle Eastern countries.

Pet Cheetah

The most common misconception about keeping this big cat is its level of safety. Among tigers, lions, and leopards, it's Cheetahs that are far safer to keep as pets. Cheetahs are the only animal of its class allowed to be in contact with humans in zoo habitats. Zookeepers often carry only weapons of intimidation such as rakes or brooms, if any at all. Typical behavior of a Cheetah when a human approaches is to flee rather than pounce like lions or tigers. This is because of the Cheetah's instincts and diet. Cheetahs do not view human beings as prey like other big cats do. In fact, Cheetahs are less likely to attack humans than some dogs.

Cheetahs are very selective of which mid-sized animals they will prey on. They weigh about 100 pounds and have smaller heads than other animals of its class, which means they don't have the muscular strength and agility to take down larger animals (or humans). They know their place within the food chain. In captivity, Cheetahs require very specific ratios of calcium and other vital nutrients. They are fed a carnivore's diet with whole prey for the health of their teeth and whole body, as well as supplements such as vitamins D, A, and E. Cheetahs not well provided for may lack the nutrients to feed their cubs, abandon their cubs or even eat their own cubs. This is one of many obstacles they and their owners suffer in captivity.

Housing a Cheetah

The most successful environments for Cheetah captivity and breeding have been in zoological facilities. Their success rate for breeding has been just above 40%. Other environment's success rates drop drastically. Zoos have been successful because they usually provide the best for their Cheetahs; adequate space (a football field worth of room for Cheetah families), extensive knowledge of their social structure and diet, and previous experience. However, Cheetahs are also easily stressed by zoo visitors.

Cheetahs need stimulation like any dog or cat would. Exercise is a staple to keep your Cheetah happy. Well known for being the fastest animal in the world, the Cheetah enjoys running in short bursts, like they would after prey in the wild. There are mechanical “toys” that serve this very purpose. They also enjoy seeing their prey. In the wild, they would knock their prey to the ground and bite their necks lethally.

The wildest pets, especially those who are candidates to be re-released into the wild, need the closest replication of environment and stimulation. Cheetahs live to be up to 8 years in the wild, but can live up to 17 in captivity, so it's important to establish it's future plans as soon as possible. If the animal is being “rehabilitated” and considered for release, it needs to have as little “imprinting” with humans as possible.

If you have the opportunity to own a Cheetah, it's likely been captured in an African country and less likely captive bred because of its well-known lack of success. Importing them into the United States is extremely difficult, so you will not likely see them here, even within zoological facilities. Africa, United Arab Emirates and some West Asian countries are the most likely you'll see the exotic animals being sold or auctioned off legally (although they may or may not have been obtained legally).