4ft feline: The Ashera stands 4ft tall on its hind legs
Posted on 10/30/2007 12:37:51 AM PDT by Stoat
It is a sight to strike terror into the bravest of mice ... not to mention most breeds of dog.
The Ashera is billed as the world's "largest, rarest and most exotic" domestic cat. The large pointed ears and eye-catching coat come from two wild bloodlines, the African serval and Asian leopard cat, crossed with an undisclosed domestic breed.
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4ft feline: The Ashera stands 4ft tall on its hind legs
It stands 4ft tall on its hind legs, lives for 25 years and weighs up to 30lb.
And with a price tag of around £12,000 including delivery from the U.S., it will leave your bank balance considerably lighter.
The Ashera is being sold by British internet entrepreneur Simon Brodie, whose Californian firm Lifestyle Pets used a team of geneticists to develop the ultimate designer pet.
Despite the daunting price he insists it is low-maintenance - good-tempered, child-friendly and happy to eat tinned food from the supermarket. Because of its exotic heritage, however, it does prefer a heated bed.
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Ashera: The cats have tiger-like stripes and leopard spots, and are the size of a small dog
"They are expensive, but we've already sold a lot in the U.S., in Asia and even in Russia - our waiting list is nine months long," said Mr Brodie.
"People who love beautiful pets will spend £12,000 on a cat.
"People spend that much on jewellery or a big television.
"I have two at home. They have a great temperament, they love children and will be all over you."
Simon began his quest to make the perfect cat three years ago, after developing the hypo-allergenic cat and sold hundreds of them, priced at £4,906.
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Pricey pussy: Yours for just £10,796 plus shipping costs
He said the reason the Ashera costs much more than other designer cats is the guarantee of "consistency".
Simon added: "We guarantee every kitten has the same colouring and appearance and we hand-deliver it to the clients home.
"A lot of hybrid kittens can refuse to go near their owners, or have health problems - but the Ashera is spayed, neutered, micro-chipped and ready to go."
Relations: The Ahera was bred from two wild bloodlines and an undisclosed domestic cat
"I don't like it here! I want to live at the stoat cave!"
Giant Viking Kitty Ping :-)
I actually want one of these! Pretty and so cool! I love cats.
Agreed on all counts. They sound wonderful, from what I've seen so far.
From the article:
They have a great temperament, they love children and will be all over you.
Neutered? For that kind of money I want the whole cat!
Agreed...it would be best to have your own battalion of giant leopard Viking Kitties :-)
I suppose the 'product developer' has to guard his business, however.
Indian Leopard.
Oops, my bad!
No worries, cat pictures are always welcome :-)
If you want a serious watch cat they need to be all there. People think I’m kidding until they come here, and I have to lock my little tomcat in the back before they can come in. He will tolerate my grandson, but that is it. He sleeps on my legs, meets me at the door, understands “no” and “move”, no problems at all, with me. He puffs up about twice normal size, and all anyone sees is a mouth full of teeth. I’ve got to outlive the little fool, no one else would put up with him.
"...Will eat anything, and especially fond of children...?"
No thanks. I've already been bitten by a "Maine Coon Cat".
Sounds like a wonderful friend :-)
I had a powerfully-built part-Manx once who would regularly beat up local neighborhood dogs, and another that would run up and jump into my arms when I came home from work. Cats can be wonderful friends and ferocious allies.
:^)
AWWWW!!!! :-)
You HAVE to see this :-)
(FR thread from Jan 2006; I just tested the videos and they're still working)
2 Videos Home comforts for rare white tiger cub (WARNING Extreme Cuteness Alert)
"...Will eat anything, and especially fond of children...?"
LMAO!! Let's hope note :-)
No thanks. I've already been bitten by a "Maine Coon Cat".
That's a shame, sorry to hear it. I understand that Maine Coon cats need to be fed raw meat as kittens.
Perhaps you were mistaken for a cheeseburger? :-)
Wow, thanks!!!
You're quite welcome :-)
Sort of makes you want to phone your local Zoo and ask to be put on the waiting list to raise tiger kittens at your home, doesn't it? :-)
No thanks I will stick to cats fo the local shelter. I go to feline overlords that way.
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