Simba (Caracal)
Caracal caracal
A caracal is a close relative of the lynx. It has long legs, ear tufts, but lacks the cheek beard of a lynx. The body fur can range from wine-red to yellow-gray. The uderside is white. It has black spots above the eye and black on the whiskers. The caracal is found in both Africa and Asia. It lives in savanna or rocky terrain. A favorite food is low-flying birds that it is able to catch by jumping high into the air. The caracal breeds readily in captivity.
Simba was confiscated from Armona. He was purchased in Texas from an exotic cat breeder. Exotic cats are illegal to possess in California. The owner moved the cat along with two other exotics into Kings County, keeping them in her backyard. He has been neutered and declawed and has a somewhat surly attitude toward people. His hissing is often just a greeting, but it takes practice knowing when he is serious about being left alone.
