Research again and again shows how tigers are better suited to be called the kings of the jungle instead of their lion cousins, all of these things mean that the tiger is widely regarded as one of the greatest animals on our planet.
So what if you wanted to buy one?
Surely the last thing you’d think of when you think of such a powerful creature is how much one costs, right? Or, can you even own a tiger? In this article we’ll be discussing how much tigers of all ages cost, and how you can buy one.
Can I Even Own A Tiger?
It’s actually incredibly easy to buy a tiger in the united states,it might sound a bit crazy but so long as you have the budget to buy, house and take care of a tiger, and of course you have experience in taking care of big cats, then there’s nothing stopping you from going out and purchasing your very own tiger today!
There are a few things to consider first though:
If you live in the states,being able to buy a tiger can be a bit of a coin flip. Due to the precarious nature of tigers, in the eyes of the American government they can potentially cause life threatening danger.
Because of this, owning tigers is prohibited and illegal in 21 different states. But don’t lose all hope immediately! If you live in any of the states listed then you can legally purchase and keep a tiger all of your own!
Texas
Montana
Nevada
South Carolina
North Carolina
Wisconsin
Pennsylvania
Alabama
As well as this, if you’re planning on buying a big cat whilst living in one of these states, you’ll also have to apply for state and federal authorisations of which the cost can vary dramatically.
You should also make sure that you’re ready for the responsibilities of owning a pet tiger, after all these aren’t your typical pet dogs, tigers are an apex predator and taking care of them is almost a full time job, especially in a domesticated environment such as your own home.
Before you make any flash decisions it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons in your own scenario and make sure you’re certain you can take care of a tiger before you pay for one.
If you’re fortunate enough to live in a state where owning a tiger is legal then congrats! Once you’ve made up your mind and you’re sure you want a tiger then surprisingly that’s the hard part done. Next is buying your new friend.
Where Do You Buy A Tiger And How Much Is It?
Surprisingly, buying a tiger can be an incredibly easy experience once you’ve got your license, the hard work comes once it arrives.
If you live in one of the states listed above, then there’s probably an exotic animal shelter somewhere within driving distance of your home which you can go to, or if you’d prefer; Online exotic animal marketplaces are a very real and mostly credible business.
A simple google search will show many different sites where you can browse not just cats, but lots of different exotic animals for purchase.
The benefit of buying online too is that you can choose exactly what age, gender, and variety of tiger that you’d like to purchase, and your cat can be shipped to you within the week.
The cost of a tiger cub can be anywhere between $800 all the way to $3,000 any maybe even higher, obviously the price will vary depending on rarity, gender, quality, and the vendor that you’re buying from, so it’s always a good idea to take your time and consider these things, buying a tiger isn’t and shouldn’t be a spontaneous decision!
If you were considering purchasing a fully grown tiger instead, they can be more expensive, white tigers in particular begin at $30,000 and if you want an especially rare white tiger with no stripes then it’ll cost you at least $100,000
Keeping A Tiger
There’s also the cost of keeping a tiger after you’ve bought it. Tigers require at least 5 acres of land in order to keep one, and you’ll have to fence off the entire area with a fence at least 8 feet high in order to keep it secure.
As well as that you’ll also need a specialized vet that can be on call just incase anything happens to your tiger, these can be extremely expensive and are quite hard to get a hold of.
If this wasn’t enough tigers also eat, a LOT. In the wild a Tiger’s main diet will consist of deer, wild pigs, antelope, and buffalo just to name a few.
On average, tigers will require from 10-15 pounds of meat a day, and you’ll also need the vitamins and minerals necessary to keep them healthy at all times, they’re at the top of the food chain for a reason!
Altogether the number can vary but you’d be finding yourself spending around $75,000-100,000 a year just on food alone for your big cat.
Tigers also need liability insurance, which can cost up to $15,000 a year, but will vary from person to person. Overall, it’s clear to see how all this money can add up!
Final Thoughts
Overall, buying a tiger really is quite cheap. It’s the cost to keep your tiger fed,safe and happy that you’ll be spending enormous amounts on. This is why it’s incredibly important to think about your decisions before buying a tiger.
But in saying that, if you have the determination and the money, then owning one of these magnificent creatures can truly be life changing. Buy responsibly!
Hi, my name is Joe Edwards and I am fascinated by the world of big cats. It all started when my family and I visited a safari park when I was six years old. I begged my parents to get me a stuffed lion as a memento, and later a book about big cats for Christmas.
Now, over 20 years later, I still can’t get enough of them!
