Watch the video: XXL cat goes viral on Tiktok – but animal rights activists advise against keeping savannah cats as pets.
An unusual cat from Ontario, Canada: Dexter’s size and weight are the same as that of an adult bobcat.
Dexter is a savanna cat and is descended from a serval, a wild cat species from Africa.
More than 300,000 people follow the big cat on Tiktok.
His owner, 34-year-old Laura Kay, had been looking for an exceptional cat and paid more than 2,200 euros to a breeder to buy Dexter in 2016.
At seven years old, the cat weighs an impressive eleven kilos and measures an impressive 89 centimeters.
Due to its size, the domestic cat relies on dog toys and is fed dog treats.
“I buy him dog toys because if I get him tiny cat toys he’ll just destroy them. All the cat towers are way too small for him. Even though I bought the biggest one I could find, it’s still far too small for him.” – Laura Kay
Even the usual litter boxes are too small for him, which is why he has to use a 110 liter storage container to do his business.
“Cat treats are also too small for him. If the ingredients are the same, which is often the case, I turn to dog treats instead.” – Laura Kay
Dexter’s size makes him an expensive pet. Laura spends around 100 euros per month on toys, food and vet bills.
The keeping of Savannah cats, which are descended from the Serval, is controversial. Animal rights activists advise against this: a serval is a wild animal that does not belong in a private household.
The offspring from a cross between a serval and a domestic cat also requires approval in many countries.
Animal rights activists also complain about breeding: a petite cat can be seriously injured by a Serval tomcat and the risk that the offspring will not be born viable is increased.
Cat lovers should think carefully about whether it really needs to be a Serval cross for their home, as is the case with Bengal, Caracat or Savannah cats.