Full Grown Caracal Cat: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The caracal is a beautiful wild cat known for its long legs, powerful body, and unique spotted coat. While still small cats compared to larger felines, caracals reach their full adult size and maturity around 18-24 months of age.

Today, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for a fully grown caracal cat.

Size at Full Growth

On average, caracals reach their full size between 18-24 months of age. Fully grown males tend to be slightly larger than females. A fully mature male caracal measures:

• Body Length: 35-45 inches (89-115 cm)
• Tail Length: 15-25 inches (38-63 cm)
• Shoulder Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm)
• Weight: 15-25 pounds (7-11 kg)

Females are typically a bit smaller, with averages of:

• Body Length: 30-40 inches (76-102 cm)
• Tail Length: 13-23 inches (33-58 cm)
• Shoulder Height: 13-18 inches (33-46 cm)
• Weight: 12-20 pounds (5-9 kg)

Appearance of a Full Grown Caracal

Visually, a fully grown caracal cat retains the lanky physique and spotted coat that it had as a kitten, but with more muscular definition.

Their coats are thick and usually golden, reddish, or sandy colored with solid black ovals or dots.

The contrasting spots stand out evenly over their body and limbs.

As caracals mature, the coloring of their coats may deepen slightly. Their ears grow longer and more pointed, and their faces take on a lean, angular shape.

The lynx-like tufts of longer hair on their ears and lower legs also become more defined.

Personality of a Mature Caracal

While playful as kittens, caracals develop a more aloof and independent personality as adults. They can be shy around unfamiliar people but warm up slowly with regular positive interactions.

Their wild instincts remain strong, so caracals are not typically cuddly pets. With proper socialization from a young age and a patient owner, they can become relatively tolerant of handling as adults.

Fully grown caracals may be more skittish and energetic than domestic cats. They require more space to climb, perch, stalk toys, and release pent-up energy through play. Owners need to provide physical and mental stimulation daily to keep caracals content in a home environment.

Price of an Adult Caracal

Unfortunately, due to their endangered status in the wild and legal restrictions in many areas, pet caracals typically come with high costs:

• Purchase Price: $5,000-$15,000 depending on age, sex, and bloodlines.
• Enclosure: A minimum of 10x10 feet indoors and 30x30 feet outdoors. Expect to pay $1,000-$3,000 to build custom habitats.
• Food: $75-$150 per month on a raw protein diet like chicken, rabbits, or quail.
• Veterinary Care: $300-$800 annually for checkups, testing, vaccines, and any medical issues.

Prospective owners must also check local and state regulations about keeping wild exotic cats as pets. Permits may be required at additional costs.

Feeding a Fully Grown Caracal

Like in the wild, caracals thrive on a natural raw meat diet as adults. This provides optimal nutrition for muscle and bone development. A fully grown caracal should eat:

• 1.5-2 pounds of raw meat per day (chicken, rabbit, quail or other small game meat)
• Fresh water available at all times
• Calcium & vitamin supplements 2-3 times per week
• Treats of meaty bones for chewing 1-2 times per week

Feed meals 1-2 times daily according to the individual cat's appetite, metabolism, and activity levels. Proper nutrition prevents obesity, strengthens their immune system, and supports a lifespan of 15-20 years indoors.

Lifespan of Caracals

With excellent care and a balanced raw diet, pet caracals can live 15-20 years on average. However, their lifespan in the wild is much shorter at only 2-3 years due to factors like diseases, injuries from hunting/fighting, and lack of veterinary care.

Proper husbandry and preventative healthcare from a young age promotes longevity of fully grown exotic cats as pets.

Health Considerations as an Adult

Common health issues that may affect fully grown caracals include:

• Obesity - Treat with portion control, exercise like climbing/toys, joint treats and CBD oil as needed.
• Dental disease - Prevent with raw bones and regular cleaning by your veterinarian.
• Upper respiratory infections - Monitor for sneezing/coughing and treat promptly with antibiotics.
• Internal/external parasites - Deworm monthly with fenbendazole or ivermectin per vet instructions.
• Injuries - Provide a padded, low-stress home and cover sharp edges/points.

Routine annual wellness exams and bloodwork screenings aid in early detection of any health problems that may occur.

Daily Care for an Adult Caracal

The daily routine for a mature pet caracal involves:

• Cleaning litter boxes 1-2 times daily and thoroughly sanitizing weekly.
• Replenishing fresh water in bowls as needed.
• Providing 2 feeding times of raw meat and supplements.
• Grooming with a soft brush 1-3 times weekly depending on shedding.
• Thorough habitat cleaning and disinfecting weekly.
• Several play and interaction sessions with cat-safe toys.

Nutritional Needs as an Adult

Caracals require certain supplements in their diet as pets to ensure complete development and wellness as fully mature adults:

• Calcium - Keeps bones/teeth strong. Give crushed eggshells or powder.
• Vitamin D3 - Aids calcium absorption. Sprinkled on food.
• Omega 3/6 Fatty Acids - For coat and skin health. Salmon, flax, or krill oil.
• Probiotics - Support digestion and immunity. Powder on food 1x week.
• Multivitamins - Insurance against any dietary deficiencies. 2-3x week.

Balanced nutrition sets the foundation for a caracal to thrive well into their senior years with continued exceptional owner care.

Behavioral Changes After Maturation

Some behavioral shifts may occur as caracals complete sexual maturity:

• Increased territoriality/defensiveness of space and resources.
• Spraying/marking behaviors in non-neutered males. Spay/neuter is recommended.
• More aloof social interactions and less playfulness seeking attention.
• Stronger prey drive causing obsessive stalking of toys/lasers. Manage triggers carefully.
• Potential same-sex intolerance. House solo if signs of aggression emerge.

Expect personality traits amplified by maturity - their independent nature, agility, and caution around strangers will be enhanced. However, with the right housing in a species-appropriate space, physical and mental stimulation daily, and patient compassionate handling, most fully grown caracals can thrive as pets.

Notable Characteristics of Mature Caracals

Some distinguishing features that set fully grown caracals apart include:

• Beautifully Spotted Coat - Their ocelot-like pattern has developed fully, perhaps deepening in color.
• Powerful Musculature - Lean muscles allow them to leap great heights for prey or pounce with force.
• Distinctive Face and Ears - Larger tufted ears and bold facial markings identify them as adults.
• Strong Prey Drive - Hunting instincts are at their peak and may display fixation on toy animals.
• Impressive Vocalizations - Fully mature meows, purrs and chirps evolve into a wider cacophony of calls.

Mastering their care as adults involves understanding and accommodating these heightened natural behaviors within a pet setting. With effort, caracals are capable of forming rewarding bonds with informed caretakers.

Conclusion

Reaching full maturity brings changes to these wild cats physically and mentally, elevating certain traits while maintaining others. Caracal ownership demands extensive preparation, research, facilities, time commitments and patience. For a dedicated exotic pet guardian, the reward lies in nurturing these magnificent creatures through a long and enriching life.

With compassionate care provided according to their needs discussed here, many caracals adapt well to living under controlled conditions as full-grown, non-releasable pets.