Can You Own a Caracal, Serval or Ocelot in the UK? Wild Cat Laws 2025

The idea of owning a caracal, serval, or ocelot is undeniably appealing. These stunning wild cats have gained internet fame, leading many UK residents to ask: are caracals legal in the UK?

The short answer is yes, but it's complicated and expensive. All wild cats require Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licences in the UK. This guide covers everything you need to know about caracals, servals, ocelots and other exotic wild cats - including legal requirements, costs, and practical realities.

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act Explained

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (amended 2007) controls the private keeping of certain wild animals in the UK. Its purpose is to protect the public from animals that could cause injury and ensure proper welfare standards.

Key Points of the DWA Act

• Licence required: You cannot keep any DWA-listed animal without a licence from your local council

• Annual renewal: Licences expire on 31st December each year (regardless of when issued)

• Inspections mandatory: A vet must inspect your premises before licence approval

• Public safety: You must prove the animal cannot escape and poses no risk to the public

• Insurance required: Most councils require public liability insurance

For the complete DWA guide, see our Dangerous Wild Animals Act UK 2025 article.

Which Wild Cats Need a DWA Licence?

Under the DWA Act Schedule, all members of the family Felidae (except domestic cats) require licences. This includes:

Wild Cats Requiring DWA Licence

• Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) - Medium-sized spotted cat from Central/South America

• Caracal (Caracal caracal) - African wild cat with distinctive ear tufts

• Serval (Leptailurus serval) - Tall, spotted African wild cat

• Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - North American wild cat

• Lynx (all species) - Including Eurasian and Canadian lynx

• Puma/Cougar (Puma concolor) - Large American wild cat

• Leopard (Panthera pardus) - Including clouded leopard and snow leopard

• Lion (Panthera leo) - African and Asiatic lions

• Tiger (Panthera tigris) - All subspecies

• Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) - Fastest land animal

• Jaguar (Panthera onca) - Largest American cat

Hybrids That Need Licences

• F1 Savannah cats - First generation serval x domestic cat hybrids

• Bengal cats (early generations) - Only F1-F4 Asian leopard cat hybrids in some cases

• Any hybrid where the wild parent requires a DWA licence may require one

If unsure about a specific animal, always contact your local council before purchasing.

DWA Licence Costs by Council (2024/2025)

Licence fees vary enormously between councils. Here are verified examples:

Example DWA Licence Fees

• Hull City Council: £58/year (lowest)

• West Devon: £150-£300/year

• Basildon: £200-£400/year

• Barnet: £400-£600/year

• Nottingham City Council: £1,199/year (highest known)

Additional Costs to Budget

• Vet inspection fee: £100-£300 (you pay the vet directly)

• Enclosure construction: £5,000-£20,000+ depending on species

• Public liability insurance: £500-£2,000/year

• Purchase price of animal: £2,000-£15,000+

• Specialist diet: £200-£500/month for raw meat diet

• Exotic vet care: £75-£150/consultation, emergencies £300+

Realistic first-year budget: £10,000-£30,000 minimum for a medium-sized wild cat like an ocelot or serval.

How to Apply for a DWA Licence

The process can take several months. Here's what to expect:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Research your council - Search "[your council] dangerous wild animal licence" to find forms and requirements

2. Build enclosure FIRST - You cannot get a licence without suitable accommodation already in place

3. Complete application form - Provide personal details, animal species, and accommodation description

4. Submit with fee - Pay the full annual fee (non-refundable even if refused)

5. Schedule vet inspection - Council arranges inspection by a qualified vet

6. Pass inspection - Vet assesses enclosure security, welfare provisions, escape prevention

7. Council decision - May take 4-8 weeks after inspection

8. Receive licence - Valid until 31st December of that year

What Inspectors Check

• Enclosure security (escape-proof construction)

• Public safety measures (double-entry doors, warning signs)

• Appropriate space for the species

• Heating, lighting, and ventilation

• Food preparation and storage facilities

• Veterinary care arrangements

• Emergency procedures

• Insurance documentation

For help finding exotic vets in your area, use our UK Exotic Vet Directory.

Enclosure & Housing Requirements

Wild cats cannot be kept as household pets. They require purpose-built outdoor enclosures.

Minimum Enclosure Standards

• Outdoor enclosure: Minimum 20m² for small wild cats, larger for bigger species

• Indoor heated area: Separate indoor space for cold weather (minimum 8-10m²)

• Double-door entry: Airlock-style entry to prevent escape

• Secure fencing: Chain-link minimum 3m high with inward-angled top

• Dig-proof base: Concrete foundation or buried mesh

• Climbing structures: Wild cats need vertical space

• Pool/water feature: Some species (ocelots) enjoy water

Construction Costs

• Basic compliant enclosure: £5,000-£10,000

• Professional-quality enclosure: £15,000-£25,000

• Zoo-standard enclosure: £30,000+

You may also need planning permission from your local council for outbuildings.

Ocelot Ownership: Specific Requirements

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are medium-sized wild cats from Central and South America. They're often considered more "manageable" than larger cats, but still present significant challenges.

Ocelot Facts

• Size: 8-16kg, body length 55-100cm plus tail

• Lifespan: 15-20 years in captivity

• Diet: Carnivorous - raw meat, whole prey items

• Activity: Nocturnal/crepuscular (most active at dawn/dusk)

• Temperament: Solitary, territorial, can be aggressive

• CITES status: Appendix I (endangered, strict trade controls)

Ocelot-Specific Requirements

• Enclosure: Minimum 30m² outdoor space with climbing opportunities

• Temperature: Indoor area must be heated to 18-24°C in UK winters

• Water: Ocelots enjoy swimming - consider pool or water feature

• Diet: Whole prey (rabbits, chicks, mice) plus raw meat - £300-£500/month

• Enrichment: Scent marking areas, hiding spots, varied terrain

• Veterinary: Must have exotic cat specialist available - find exotic vets

Why Ocelots Are Difficult Pets

• Cannot be housetrained - will spray and mark territory

• Nocturnal - most active when you're sleeping

• Solitary - don't bond with humans like domestic cats

• Strong prey drive - dangerous to other pets

• Require specialist veterinary care

• Wild behaviour persists regardless of captive breeding

Caracals & Servals: What to Know

Caracal (Caracal caracal)

African wild cats famous for their black ear tufts and incredible jumping ability.

• Size: 8-19kg, larger than ocelots

• Temperament: Can be aggressive, powerful jumpers (3m+ vertical)

• Enclosure: Must be fully enclosed (roof required) due to jumping ability

• Diet: Raw meat, whole prey - similar to ocelots

• UK popularity: Increasingly popular among experienced exotic keepers with appropriate DWA licences

Serval (Leptailurus serval)

Tall, spotted African cats - popular for Savannah cat breeding.

• Size: 9-18kg, tall and leggy (up to 60cm shoulder height)

• Temperament: More tolerant of handling than some wild cats when raised from kittens

• Enclosure: Large outdoor space essential (40m²+ recommended)

• Special needs: High prey drive, need enrichment to prevent stereotypic behaviours

• Hybrid offspring: F1 Savannah cats (serval x domestic) also need DWA licences

Savannah Cat Laws (F1-F4 Generations)

Savannah cats are serval x domestic cat hybrids. The legal status depends on how many generations removed from the wild ancestor.

Savannah Cat Generations

• F1 Savannah: 50%+ serval - REQUIRES DWA LICENCE

• F2 Savannah: ~25% serval - NO LICENCE REQUIRED

• F3 Savannah: ~12.5% serval - No licence required

• F4+ Savannah: <7% serval - No licence required

F2-F4 Savannah Cats: The Legal Alternative

If you want a "wild-looking" cat without DWA hassle:

• F2-F4 Savannahs are fully domestic in the eyes of the law

• Large, athletic cats with spotted coats

• Can be kept as household pets

• Prices: £2,000-£8,000 depending on generation

• Still require experienced cat owners

Legal Alternatives (No Licence Needed)

Want an exotic-looking cat without the legal and financial burden? Consider these fully domestic breeds:

Licence-Free "Exotic" Cat Breeds

• Bengal Cat: Domestic cat with leopard-like spotted coat. Active, playful, stunning appearance. Prices from £500-£2,000.

• Ocicat: Spotted domestic cat bred to resemble ocelots (no wild genes). Friendly, social, great family cats.

• Egyptian Mau: Ancient breed with natural spotted coat. Fast, athletic, loyal to owners.

• F2-F4 Savannah Cat: Serval hybrid but far enough removed to be licence-free. Large, active, dog-like personality.

• Toyger: Bred to look like mini tigers. Completely domestic, friendly temperament.

• Abyssinian: Wild appearance, domestic temperament. Active, intelligent cats.

These breeds give you the exotic aesthetic while being legal, affordable, and suitable as household companions. See our species guides for more exotic pet options.

Welfare Concerns & Ethics

Before pursuing wild cat ownership, consider the ethical implications:

Why Animal Welfare Groups Oppose Wild Cat Pets

• Born Free Foundation: Campaigns against all wild animal ownership as pets

• RSPCA: "Wild animals have complex needs that cannot be met in a domestic environment"

• Wild Futures: Reports thousands of exotic animals rescued annually in the UK

Welfare Issues with Captive Wild Cats

• Behavioural problems: Pacing, over-grooming, aggression from frustration

• Veterinary challenges: Few vets qualified to treat wild cats

• Lifespan commitment: 15-20+ years of specialist care required

• Rehoming difficulties: Few sanctuaries can accept unwanted wild cats

• Public safety incidents: Bites, escapes, and attacks do occur

If you're committed to wild cats, consider supporting sanctuaries or sponsoring wild cats rather than keeping one privately.

Penalties for Keeping Without a Licence

Keeping a DWA animal without a licence is a criminal offence:

Legal Consequences

• Unlimited fines: No maximum penalty for DWA Act offences

• Up to 6 months imprisonment: For serious breaches

• Animal confiscation: Council can seize the animal immediately

• Lifetime ban: Court can prohibit you from keeping any animals

• Destruction order: In extreme cases, the animal may be euthanised

• Civil liability: If the animal injures someone, you're fully liable

How Unlicensed Keeping is Discovered

• Neighbour reports

• Social media posts

• Veterinary visits (vets must report DWA animals)

• Escape incidents

• RSPCA investigations

If you've inherited or acquired a wild cat without a licence, contact your council immediately to regularise the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you own an ocelot in the UK?

Yes, with a Dangerous Wild Animals licence from your local council. Ocelots are DWA-listed, requiring inspected enclosures, annual licence fees (£58-£1,199/year), and public liability insurance. Total first-year costs typically exceed £10,000.

How much does a DWA licence cost for a wild cat UK?

Licence fees vary by council from £58/year (Hull) to £1,199/year (Nottingham). Add vet inspections (£100-£300), enclosure costs (£5,000-£20,000+), insurance (£500-£2,000/year), and ongoing care. Budget £10,000-£30,000+ for the first year.

Are caracals legal in the UK?

Yes, with a DWA licence. Caracals are powerful cats requiring fully enclosed (roofed) enclosures due to their jumping ability. They're legal to keep but require council inspection, insurance, and specialist care.

Can you keep a serval cat as a pet UK?

Yes, with a DWA licence. Servals need large outdoor enclosures (40m²+), specialist diet, and exotic vet care. F1 Savannah cats (serval hybrids) also need DWA licences; F2-F4 Savannahs don't.

What wild cats can you own without a licence UK?

None. All true wild cats require DWA licences. However, domestic breeds like Bengals, Ocicats, Egyptian Maus, and F2-F4 Savannah cats look exotic but are licence-free.

What happens if you keep an ocelot without a licence UK?

It's a criminal offence with unlimited fines, up to 6 months imprisonment, animal confiscation, and potential lifetime bans from keeping animals. Councils can seize animals without notice.

Making the Right Decision

Keeping wild cats is legal in the UK, but comes with enormous responsibilities:

1. Financial commitment: £10,000-£30,000+ initial costs, £5,000+ annually

2. Time commitment: 15-20 years of specialist care

3. Legal compliance: Annual licence renewal, inspections, insurance

4. Ethical considerations: Wild animals have complex needs difficult to meet in captivity

For most people, domestic exotic-looking breeds (Bengals, Ocicats, F2+ Savannahs) are better choices - beautiful, legal, and suitable as companion animals.

If you're determined to proceed with wild cat ownership:

• Contact your local council before purchasing

• Build your enclosure before acquiring the animal

• Register with an exotic vet in advance

• Research specialist wild cat breeders carefully

• Join UK exotic cat keeper communities for support

For more information on UK exotic pet laws, see our complete UK legal guide, licence-free exotic pets, and pet regulations hub.

In an emergency with any exotic animal, use our 24/7 emergency vet finder.

Information verified against GOV.UK wild animal licence guidance, Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, and local council licensing data. Last updated December 2025.