Buying a "big cat" (such as a lion, tiger, or leopard) is effectively in the United States as of 2022. While some may still seek these animals out of fascination, federal law now treats them as "prohibited wildlife species," strictly limiting their possession to accredited zoos, universities, and sanctuaries. 1. Legal Prohibitions
Before these bans, the cost and effort required to "properly" house a big cat were astronomical. Experts from organizations like Big Cat Rescue highlight the extreme burdens: buy a big cat
The , signed into law on December 20, 2022, fundamentally changed the landscape of big cat ownership: Buying a "big cat" (such as a lion,
: Most standard veterinarians will not treat big cats due to liability and lack of specialized equipment, such as the heavy-duty "squeeze cages" required for safe exams. 3. Ethical and Safety Concerns What You Need to Know About the Big Cat Public Safety Act Legal Prohibitions Before these bans, the cost and
: It is now illegal for private individuals to breed, sell, purchase, or acquire big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars.
: The law also prohibits public contact with big cats, ending "cub-petting" photo opportunities that previously fueled commercial breeding cycles. 2. Financial and Logistical Reality