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Alabama Gardening

Need plant for bob cat habitat

al_wildlife_center

17 years ago

We have a bobcat too tamed to be released into the wild. We are trying to find funds to build him a large enclosure, but until then we are trying to make his current enclosure as nice as possible. Currently he has 2 wax myrtles planted in large metal tubs with holes in the bottom. Currently 1 of the myrtles is dying. It is all brown and crispy on the to, but there is some green elsewhere. We're pretty sure he's peeing on it. Any suggestions for:

A) A way to save the wax myrtle

B) alternate plant choices.

This enclosure only gets dappled sunlight.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alabama Wildlife Center

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Comments (6)

tedposey
17 years ago
LMAO I assume that male bob cats are similar to male dogs in that they heist their hind legs and urinate on uprights to mark their teritory. Set out cedar or locusts posts around the perimeter and sprinkle powdered cayenne around the wax myrtles.
lsmcw
17 years ago
I agree. Also, I expect he would appreciate some dense foliage in the middle of his "territory" in which to hide or lounge. Florida anise is an evergreen and will do well in part shade. Maybe a circle or horseshoe shape of broomsedge will give him some privacy and I doubt even bobcat pee will kill it. It prefers full sun but will take part shade. Linda
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tsmith2579
17 years ago
I've never seen a cat of any type hike his leg to p. Most back up and spray, male and female, to mark territory boundaries. You should look around the park and bring in some dead fall limbs. Pile them up so you leave a hidey-hole space inside the pile for him to hide. Pile on some libs big enough for kitty to lounge on outside. Kitty will want to hide and sometines stand on top of the pile. Please keep us updated about kitty.
oakleif
17 years ago
You might try a catnip plant or two. they may love it as much as domestic cats.
oakleif
queenamy
17 years ago
There is a big cat rescue in Attalla, AL... Tigers for Tomorrow.I am a volunteer there. They have tigers, lions, cougars, and an African Serval (among other exotics). They may be able to advise you or to put you in contact with someone who can make environment suggestions.

Amy

Here is a link that might be useful: Tigers for Tomorrow
tedposey
17 years ago
I have a better suggestion. Why not add the bob-cat to the collection at Attalla? I think it would be very appropriate to have a native among all the other examples of big cats.

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