Have you ever heard of a Liger? What about a Jaglion? How about an Ocicat? These animals might sound like something made of fiction, but they are real and they all have a few things in common: They are all feline hybrids, they do not exist in the wild, and they are all exploited by humans.
Big Cat Hybrids
Any two feline species in the same genus can hypothetically reproduce to create a hybrid. Big cats, like tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, and snow leopards all fall under the genus Panthera. So, you can imagine how many different combinations are biologically possible. However, it is extremely important to know that any big cat hybrid is an unnatural creation. They are only bred in captivity. Geographically speaking, it is unlikely for two big cats of different species to meet. Lions and leopards are the only two big cats that might encounter one another on a frequent basis in the wild. Regardless, any two species are naturally inclined to avoid one another. In the same region, two predators are competing for resources like territory, food, and water.
Due to their unnatural origins, feline hybrids are disqualified as true species. They are forcibly created by man in captive environments for the purposes of entertainment and monetary gain. Hybrid breeders often guise their motive for profits behind a “curiosity for research.” The truth is that feline hybrids shouldn’t exist, and forcing them to breed commonly leads to a myriad of health problems for these animals.
Are There any Naturally Occuring Hybrids?
The Blynx – a hybrid between a Bobcat and a Canada Lynx – is the only exception. These two small cat species are hybridizing in the wild, but even this is unnatural and driven by climate change. Deforestation, human development, and warming climates has forced these two species to share their ranges and resources. As their genetics begin to mix, the already threated Canada Lynx becomes increasingly at risk to go extinct.
The Consequences Feline Hybrids Face
Within a breeding pair, the male gives the resulting hybrid the first part of their name. For example, a cross between a male lion and a female tiger is called a Liger. Because Ligers are not a naturally occurring animal, it isn’t surprising that they have health problems. Both male lions and female tigers pass on a growth gene to their offspring. So, Ligers commonly experience gigantism; a condition that causes excessive growth. The largest Liger on record was over 900 pounds! For Tigons, a hybrid between a male tiger and a female lion, the inverse is true. Both parents pass on a growth inhibitor gene. As a result, many tigons have dwarfism and do not live long.
Small Cat Hybrids
When it comes to small cats, things become even more complicated. Small felines can be made to hybridize beyond their genus. Breeders hybridize wild small cats with domestic cats to sell as pets. For example, a Savannah Cat is a hybrid between a housecat and an African Serval. These animals are sold to buyers who are commonly uneducated about their care requirements, health problems, and temperamental issues. There are dozens of wild-domestic hybrids being sold in the pet trade, and unlike big cats, they do not have any federal protections.
Although fascinating, feline hybrids are a product of an exploitative industry. These animals are made against the laws of nature, and continuously bred for profits regardless of the health problems and cruelties they go on to face. Hybridizing cats, big or small, is never ethical. it is important for animal advocates to speak up on behalf of feline hybrids. A kinder world is a world void of animal maltreatment.
Sources
https://www.fortigers.org/post/the-ugly-truth-about-ligers
https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2019/Oct-Nov/Animals/Wildlife-Hybrids
https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/hybrid-cats-problematic-exotic-breeds
https://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/education/species/hybrid-domestic/what-is-a-hybrid-domestic/
*Published by Mack Polk on 07/26/2025*