Lithuanian Liberation

In March 2024, WildCat Ridge was contacted by a representative from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Wildlife Rescue Centre (LUHSWRC) regarding three Savannah cats. These cats had been confiscated from an individual involved in the illegal breeding of servals, hybrids, and domestic cats. After a lengthy two-year legal battle, the cats were finally seized in 2023 and temporarily housed in a local shelter before being moved to LUHSWRC.

Due to strict regulations in Lithuania and across many European Union countries, where it is illegal to keep wild cats as pets and F1-F4 hybrid cats are classified as wild animals, LUHSWRC was left with three difficult choices for the confiscated Savannah cats:

1. Utilize the cats for scientific purposes

2. Euthanize them

3. Transfer them to a suitable facility for long-term care

The rescue centre quickly dismissed options one and two and began their search for a new home for the hybrids. Unfortunately, no sanctuary or rescue facility in Europe was able to accommodate them, prompting LUHSWRC to broaden their search to the United States. 

When they contacted WildCat Ridge, we were thrilled to offer these special cats a forever home in Oregon. After months of navigating logistics and securing permits, the cats are now ready to leave Lithuania and embark on their long journey to the U.S.

Stay tuned over the next week as we introduce you to this incredible trio and provide updates on their progress to their new home.

Posted by Natasha Nemyre