Can You Own a Caracal in the UK? Complete DWA License Guide 2026

The caracal is one of the most stunning wild cats on Earth. With its distinctive tufted ears, powerful build, and incredible jumping ability, it's no surprise that exotic pet enthusiasts dream of owning one. But can you legally keep a caracal in the UK?

The short answer: Yes, but only with a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence from your local council. And getting one is far more difficult, expensive, and restrictive than most people realise.

This guide covers everything UK residents need to know about caracal ownership: legal requirements under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, application costs, enclosure specifications, and why the RSPCA has concerns about exotic pet ownership. Researched using official GOV.UK licensing guidance and Born Free Foundation's wild cats campaign.

What is a Caracal?

The caracal (Caracal caracal) is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of India. According to the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, caracals are classified as "Least Concern" globally, though populations face pressure from habitat loss. Often called the "desert lynx" due to its tufted ears, the caracal is renowned for its:

• Incredible jumping ability – Can leap 3 metres vertically to catch birds in flight
• Powerful build – Males weigh 13-18kg, females 8-13kg
• Distinctive appearance – Reddish-brown coat with long black ear tufts
• Solitary nature – Territorial and predominantly nocturnal
• Hunting prowess – Capable of taking down prey twice their size

Caracal Temperament

Unlike domestic cats, caracals retain strong wild instincts even when captive-bred. Key behavioural traits include:

• Territorial aggression – Especially in males after sexual maturity (12-15 months)
• Unpredictable reactions – Can lash out without warning when stressed
• Powerful bite and claws – Capable of causing serious injury
• Scent marking – Spray urine to mark territory (extremely pungent)
• High prey drive – Will hunt and kill small pets, birds, and potentially attack children

DWA Licence Requirements for Caracals

Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, caracals are listed on the Schedule of Dangerous Wild Animals alongside lions, tigers, leopards, and other wild cats that pose a risk to public safety.

Legal Requirements

To legally keep a caracal in the UK, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Apply to your local council (not central government)
3. Pay the application fee (varies by council)
4. Pass a veterinary inspection of your premises
5. Demonstrate suitable accommodation (see enclosure specs below)
6. Obtain public liability insurance (minimum £2 million, some councils require £5 million)
7. Prove you're a "suitable person" (no relevant criminal convictions)
8. Show it won't be a nuisance to neighbours or the public

What the Council Will Assess

Before granting a licence, your council must be satisfied that:

• It is not contrary to public interest on grounds of safety or nuisance
• You are a suitable person to hold the licence
• The animal will be kept in secure accommodation preventing escape
• The enclosure is suitable in terms of construction, size, temperature, drainage, and cleanliness
• Appropriate emergency protocols are in place (fire, escape, injury)

For caracals specifically, councils often consult with specialist exotic vets and wild cat experts before making a decision.

How to Apply for a Caracal Licence

Step 1: Contact Your Local Council

Before purchasing a caracal, contact your council's licensing department. Many councils will refuse DWA applications for residential properties entirely. Key questions to ask:

• Do you accept DWA applications for wild cats?
• What are your specific enclosure requirements?
• Who conducts the veterinary inspection?
• What is the total cost (application + inspection)?
• How long does the process take?

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Application forms vary by council but typically require:

• Your personal details and proof of address
• Animal details (species, source, age)
• Detailed enclosure plans with measurements and materials
• Security arrangements (locks, alarms, double-door systems)
• Emergency protocols (escape procedures, fire safety)
• Veterinary references (exotic vet who will provide ongoing care)
• Proof of insurance (public liability policy)
• Keeper experience (any previous exotic animal experience)

Step 3: Pay the Fee

Fees are set by individual councils and vary dramatically:

| Council | DWA Application Fee | |---------|---------------------| | Hull City Council | £58 | | Cornwall Council | £238 | | West Devon | £349 | | Birmingham | £500 | | Nottingham City | £1,199 |

Plus veterinary inspection fees (£150-300) charged separately.

Step 4: Veterinary Inspection

A council-appointed veterinarian (usually a specialist in exotic animals) will inspect your premises. They assess:

• Enclosure security – Can the animal escape?
• Enclosure suitability – Is it appropriate for a caracal's needs?
• Temperature control – Adequate heating for a species native to warm climates?
• Drainage and hygiene – Can the enclosure be properly cleaned?
• Safety features – Double-entry systems, secure locks, emergency procedures

Step 5: Decision

If approved, your licence will be issued with specific conditions. Licences typically last 1-2 years (varies by council) and require annual renewal with a fresh veterinary inspection.

Total Costs of Keeping a Caracal in the UK

Owning a caracal is extraordinarily expensive. Here's the realistic breakdown:

One-Time Costs

| Item | Cost Range | |------|------------| | Caracal purchase (captive-bred) | £3,000 - £10,000 | | DWA licence application | £58 - £1,199 | | Veterinary inspection | £150 - £300 | | Enclosure construction | £15,000 - £50,000 | | Security systems (CCTV, alarms) | £1,000 - £3,000 | | Initial vet health check | £200 - £400 | | Total Initial Investment | £19,408 - £64,899 |

Annual Ongoing Costs

| Item | Annual Cost | |------|-------------| | DWA licence renewal | £58 - £600 | | Veterinary inspection (annual) | £150 - £300 | | Public liability insurance | £500 - £1,500 | | Raw meat diet (2-3kg daily) | £2,500 - £4,000 | | Veterinary care (routine + emergencies) | £1,000 - £5,000 | | Enclosure maintenance & heating | £1,200 - £2,500 | | Total Annual Cost | £5,408 - £13,900 |

Finding a Vet

Very few UK vets have experience with caracals. You'll need to locate a specialist exotic vet willing to treat wild cats. Use our Find a Vet directory to locate exotic specialists in your area, or search for vets with big cat experience at exotic vets in Glasgow, Liverpool, or London.

Enclosure Specifications (Council Requirements)

Council requirements for caracal enclosures are stringent. While specific requirements vary, typical standards include:

Minimum Space Requirements

• Outdoor enclosure: Minimum 37m² (5m x 7.4m) per animal
• Indoor heated area: Minimum 9m² with temperature maintained at 15-25°C
• Minimum height: 3 metres (caracals can jump 3m vertically)

Security Requirements

• Perimeter fencing: 3m+ high, with 1m inward-angled overhang
• Mesh specifications: Minimum 10-gauge welded mesh (not chain-link)
• Foundation: Concrete base or buried mesh to prevent digging
• Double-entry system: Airlock-style entrance preventing escape
• Locks: Padlocked gates with secondary locking mechanisms
• CCTV monitoring: 24/7 recording of enclosure
• Escape protocols: Written procedures filed with police and council

Environmental Requirements

• Shelter: Weatherproof den area with heating
• Climbing structures: Platforms, logs, elevated resting areas
• Pool or water feature: Caracals enjoy water access
• Visual barriers: Hedging or screening from public view
• Enrichment: Varied environment to prevent stereotypic behaviours

Why Most Caracal Applications Fail

The reality is that most DWA applications for wild cats are rejected. Common reasons include:

1. Unsuitable Property

Councils typically refuse applications for:

• Standard residential properties
• Properties with nearby neighbours (noise/nuisance concerns)
• Properties without adequate outdoor space
• Rented accommodation (landlord consent issues)

2. Inadequate Experience

First-time exotic cat owners rarely receive approval. Councils prefer applicants with:

• Previous big cat keeping experience
• Formal qualifications in animal management
• References from established wild cat keepers

3. Neighbour Objections

Councils will consult neighbours. Objections on grounds of:

• Noise concerns (caracals can be vocal)
• Safety fears (escape risk)
• Property value impacts
• Nuisance (smell, vermin attraction)

Often result in automatic refusal.

4. Insurance Difficulties

Many insurance providers refuse to cover wild cat ownership. Without valid public liability insurance (£2-5 million), your application will be rejected.

5. Veterinary Concerns

The inspecting vet may raise welfare concerns if:

• Enclosure is too small for the species' needs
• Temperature control is inadequate
• No enrichment programme is evident
• Diet plans are insufficient

Caracal Care Requirements

If you do obtain a licence, here's what caracal ownership involves:

Diet

Caracals are obligate carnivores requiring a raw meat diet:

• 2-3kg of raw meat daily (rabbit, chicken, quail, day-old chicks)
• Whole prey items (with fur/feathers for digestive health)
• Supplementation (calcium, taurine if not feeding whole prey)
• No processed cat food (inadequate for wild cat nutrition)

Health Care

Common caracal health issues include:

• Feline infectious diseases (feline leukaemia, FIV, FIP) – consult a specialist via RVC's Exotics and Small Mammals Service
• Kidney disease (especially in older animals)
• Dental problems (carnassial tooth issues)
• Obesity (if underfed/exercise-deprived)
• Stress-related behaviours (pacing, over-grooming, aggression) – the Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires meeting psychological needs

Vet visits are complex – caracals typically require sedation for any examination, adding risk and cost.

Lifespan

Captive caracals live 15-18 years – a long-term commitment requiring consistent care, licensing, and expense throughout.

Legal Alternatives to Caracals

If the DWA process seems prohibitive (and it should), consider these legal alternatives that don't require a licence:

| Species | Licence Required? | Similarity to Caracal | |---------|-------------------|----------------------| | Bengal Cat (F5+) | No | Spotted wild-look coat, athletic build | | Savannah Cat (F5+) | No | Large size, long legs, wild appearance | | Abyssinian | No | Similar ticked coat colour | | Maine Coon | No | Large size, ear tufts | | Norwegian Forest Cat | No | Wild appearance, substantial size |

For guidance on choosing a legal exotic pet, see our Best First Exotic Pet UK guide or explore our species directory for detailed care information on legal exotic pets.

These breeds offer exotic aesthetics without the legal, financial, and safety complications of actual wild cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a caracal cost in the UK?

Captive-bred caracals cost £3,000-£10,000 from licensed breeders. However, the purchase price is just the beginning – expect to spend £20,000-65,000 on initial setup (enclosure, licensing, inspections) and £5,000-14,000 annually on ongoing care.

Can I keep a caracal in my house?

No. DWA licences for caracals require purpose-built outdoor enclosures meeting strict security and space requirements. Keeping a caracal indoors as a "house pet" is not permitted under any council's licensing conditions.

Are caracal hybrids legal in the UK?

It depends on the generation. First-generation caracal hybrids (F1) typically require DWA licensing. Later generations (F4/F5+) may not require a licence, but check with your local council as interpretations vary.

What happens if I keep a caracal without a licence?

Keeping a Schedule-listed animal without a valid DWA licence is a criminal offence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Penalties include:

• Fines up to £5,000
• Up to 6 months imprisonment
• Seizure of the animal (may be destroyed)
• Criminal record

How many caracals are privately owned in the UK?

According to Born Free Foundation research, approximately 4,000 dangerous wild animals are held under DWA licences in the UK. Of these, around 137 are wild cats (including caracals, servals, and lynx). The exact number of caracals is not published, though Born Free's annual DWA census provides detailed breakdowns by species and local authority.

Why do caracals have tufted ears?

The black ear tufts are thought to serve multiple purposes: communication (signalling mood to other caracals), camouflage (breaking up the ear outline in grassland), and possibly enhancing hearing (funnelling sound into the ear canal).

Final Verdict: Should You Get a Caracal?

While technically legal with proper licensing, we do not recommend caracals as pets. The combination of:

• Extreme costs (£20,000+ initial, £5,000+ annually)
• Complex legal requirements (high rejection rates)
• Significant safety risks (powerful predator capable of serious injury)
• Welfare concerns (wild animal kept in captivity)
• Limited veterinary support (few UK vets have caracal experience)

Makes caracal ownership suitable only for licensed sanctuaries and educational facilities – not private individuals.

If you're drawn to exotic cats, consider the legal alternatives that offer similar aesthetics without the substantial complications.

For more information on UK exotic pet laws, see our complete guides to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 2025, DWA Licence Costs, Can You Own an Ocelot in the UK?, and Exotic Pets You Can Own Without a Licence.

Need to find a specialist exotic vet for advice? Use our Find a Vet directory to locate RCVS-registered exotic animal specialists across the UK.