Owning a wild cat in California is illegal, but exotic pet enthusiasts have found a loophole: "hybrid" exotic cats. Hybrid wild cats are the result of crossbreeding a domestic cat with a wild cat, such as an Asian leopard cat. Hybrid cat ownership is a growing fad in California, but experts worry that owners are not aware of the challenges these particular pets pose.

While smaller than their full-size wild cousins, hybrid cats can still emulate the behavior of those in their bloodline. In some cases, this leads to owner abandonment. Because of the unique challenges in caring for hybrid pets, they are often euthanized. Experts recommend that potential owners research the requirements for hybrid breeds before adopting.