A cat weighing around 20 pounds was found in a Marbella garden a few days ago after escaping from its home in the same town, about 20 kilometers away. The animal is a karakat, a crossbreed between a black Abyssinian and a caracal, and its name is a blend of caracal and cat in English.”
Karakat is considered a lynx hybrid due to the mix of a wild African lynx species, the caracal, with a domestic cat known for grace and elegance, the Abyssinian.
graceful and cunning
The karakat’s mother is an Abyssinian, which endows the hybrid with the Abyssinian poise and intelligence. The offspring inherit agility and wit from both parents, earning the reputation of the African lynx in some circles.
Karakats are relatively young in the animal world. The first documented pairing between a caracal and a domestic cat occurred in 1998 at a Moscow zoo, producing hybrids that sparked debate about coloration and lineage. The resulting offspring did not resemble either parent in a straightforward way, which added to the controversy surrounding this hybrid.
more docile
In reports from a German zoological publication, the birth of this new breed captured public imagination and grew popularity in regions such as Russia and the United States. Many observers believe karakats are easier to breed and train than other hybrids, contributing to their appeal among hobby breeders and exotic pet enthusiasts. They are often noted for being more approachable and trainable than wild caracals, which helps explain the rising interest in captivity and care. Still, the crossing process involves significant challenges and requires careful management to ensure animal welfare.
The Moscow zoo encounter is sometimes cited as a reminder that caracals are predators and that natural mating between wild cats and domestic cats is rare, which is why controlled breeding programs have been necessary for karakat development.
Size, weight and fur
The karakat sits between its wild caracal relatives and its Abyssinian parent in size. It typically weighs about 13 to 14 kilograms, stands roughly 36 centimeters at the shoulder, and stretches up to 140 centimeters in length when the tail is included.
Coat color follows the Abyssinian influence with caracal-like tones such as dark brown, tan, and coppery-orange, often accented with black stripes or bands. The chest and belly may be lighter, adding contrast to the overall pattern.
You can notice other caracal-inspired traits in a karakat, such as black fur at the tips of the ears, long ear tufts, a dark nose, large eyes, and a wild, expressive look. The body tends to be strong yet elegant, balancing vitality with a refined silhouette.
Roar
First-generation hybrids, those born from a direct caracal and Abyssinian pairing, tend to be more energetic and wild compared to later generations. As karakats continue to be bred and interbred, some generations become more domesticated, displaying greater docility and affection toward human companions.
Regarding vocalizations, hybrids with a higher caracal percentage typically produce louder roars or a blend of scream-like sounds and roars, rather than the softer meow associated with ordinary domestic cats. The variation in sound reflects the changing gene mix as generations advance.
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Notes about care and welfare are essential for anyone considering interactions with hybrid cats. Responsible ownership requires understanding the animal’s needs, the potential for unpredictable behavior, and the legal considerations that may apply in different regions.
End of overview. All observations summarized from zoological and breeder reports across Europe and North America, reflecting the evolving knowledge about karakats and their place in domestic animal populations.