Achilles (Siberian Lynx)
Lynx lynx
A
lynx is a medium-sized cat with a short tail and long legs. On the Siberian lynx the end of the tail
looks like it has been dipped in black paint.
The head has a cheek beard, and the long, tapered ears have tufts. These tufts act as antenna helping them to
hear and locate sound sources. They have
large paws that have fur padding on the edges and between the balls of the
soles. This adaptation increases the
surface area of the paw preventing them from sinking in the snow and protecting
them from cold. They are found in
forested regions in northern Eurasia.
They can live over 21 years in captivity.
Achilles was purchased in Texas from a breeder who caters to
exotic cat owners throughout those states where exotic cats are legal. Once smuggled into California, he was housed
in a neighborhood in a fenced backyard.
He has been neutered and declawed, though he can still pack a wallop
with his paws. He is housed with two
other exotic cats who get along as long as there is no food available. Each goes into its private bedroom at feeding
time—Achilles is clearly the head cat in the hierarchy.