Michael Bezjian, WireImage
To find out more, we contacted Carlos Driscoll, a scientist who researches cat genetics at the National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Genomic Diversity. It turns out we had good reason to be suspicious. "Her cat is most assuredly not hybridized with a cheetah," Driscoll told Paw Nation.
For one thing, the huge size difference between the house cat and the cheetah would make it impossible for them to mate, he says. Beyond that, "A cheetah is too far, genetically, from a domestic cat to produce viable offspring," Driscoll said.
"House cats and exotic cats can, on some occasions, breed, but not any [exotic cat] species, and certainly not a cheetah," Driscoll told us. Based on Quiji's appearance, he guesses that she might be a Savannah cat, a mix between the domestic cat and a wild feline called a serval.
But even Savannahs aren't as exotic as they sound, Driscoll adds. "Such cats sold to the public are, by law, at least five generations away from the serval. As a result, there is an almost undetectable serval genetic component to them," he told Paw Nation.
Bai Ling claims her ex-boyfriend paid $30,000 for the exotic cat. If so, we hope he's not reading this. That's a lot of dough to drop on a fake cheetah -- especially for an ex-girlfriend.
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who cares what its mixed with so long as its tame and keeps you company? Seems like people are to hooked on the novelty of breeding and spending money to brag then simply realizing almost any domestic cat/dog can make a great pet. Ahem though with a Savannah I will admit anyone who'd been thinking about breaking in and causing harm to you will think twice once they see this massively big, very cute, potential killer.
It is a myth that all Savannahs are huge, the first two generations are generally large cats but further on a Savannah will be taller than your average kitty but not necessarily weigh too much more. They are a very lean build of cat, just like the African Serval.
As to why care what the cat looks like... for the same reason people choose certain brands of clothing or a color of tshirt, we like choice. And although all clothes cover you and can keep you warm or protected from sun, sometimes we want choice on how we do that.
It is a Savannah, but the article was a little incorrect. It's only in New York state that the law requires them to be five generations away from the Serval. In California (assuming Bai Ling lives in LA) all generations are allowed.
Yes, that certainly is a first generation Savannah. Bred by a Serval Father and a Bengal mother. I paid $6000 for mine. That is the going rate. $30,000 could have gotten you five of them. The breeder saw that sap coming. LOL Enjoy the little guy. Don't try to breed him, he isn't fertile. Very dog like animals and they bite pretty hard. Keep him happy. He is beautiful but not as beautiful as my Jabari.
I'm curious, if they aren't fertile, how do you get one that's five generations removed from the serval?
One more reason why it's her EX boyfriend...
This type of cat is called a Bengal cat. Not sure what it is bred with but it's not a cheetah. If he paid $30,000 dollars for it, he was ripped off. My friend has had two of them. She paid about $2000.00 When they reach maturity they tend to wander off and only come home infrequently. Not the best pet in the world but a beauiful cat.
They are bred with a domestic and a Leopard Asia. I have one and he cost me $1800.00. You have to get a breed line of a F4 or they are to wild. I've been around a lot of Bengals and I would bet money that is what this cat is.
Well, it's a beautiful cat whatever it is. But people should consider adopting from a shelter, where there are thousands of abandoned, homeless animals.
My sister raises those cats. They are a lot of work and dedication. Yes, they are beautiful, but if you do decide to own one, you better be ready for a lot of expense from just buying the cat, to vet bills, food, and this is no house cat. they need room to roam.
Animals, cat, dog, or whatever should not be treated as a fashion accessory, but as a living, breathing soul that requires care, love, time and a lot of expense.
Very well said, Kris. Too many people buy pets as a novelty item; when the "cuteness" wears off, the animal suffers in return. All of mine are rescues and have a killer life. They are very loved and very spoiled!
Peace,
michelle
Oh please, anyone who pays more than $20 for a cat or a dog is getting ripped off. No way this cat is mixed with a cheetah, geez, honestly sometimes I think these people got way more money than they have sense. 30K for a mixed breed cat? SMH! Hey would you pay say 50K for a cat mixed with a dog? Have I got a deal for you! LOL