Several cat breeds are prohibited from being kept as pets in China, including the Serval, Black-footed Cat, Sand Cat, and Pallas's Cat.
1. Serval
Appearance: Servals have slender bodies and limbs, with yellow fur and black spots, resembling a small leopard.
They possess incredible jumping abilities and a strong prey drive, making them potentially dangerous. In China, Servals are classified as a Class II protected animal, and owning one is illegal. Keeping a Serval as a pet is a violation of the law due to their protected status and potential danger.
2. Black-footed Cat
Appearance: These cats are very small, resembling a tabby cat, with black markings on the soles of their feet.
The Black-footed Cat is known as "the deadliest cat in the world", known to attack prey four times its size. Despite its small size, it has considerable attack power. Black-footed Cats are listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making them illegal to own and breed. They are also banned as pets in China due to their vulnerable status and difficulty to domesticate.
3. Sand Cat
Appearance: Sand cats have short legs, large heads, and large ears, with soft, thick fur, and a coat color close to the sand, with dark stripes on their legs. They are considered adorable in appearance.
Sand Cats are nocturnal animals, resting under rocks during the day and hunting at night. These cats are naturally suited for desert life, and they can easily perish in a domestic environment. Thus, they are illegal to keep as pets in China.
4. Pallas's Cat
Appearance: Pallas’s Cats are similar in size to ordinary house cats, with a fluffy appearance and a stocky body.
Also known as Manul, Pallas’s cats are known for their unique, expressive faces and somewhat cute appearance. However, they have unusual temperaments, possess strong territorial instincts, and a high degree of aggressiveness. They are difficult to domesticate and, due to their small population, are prohibited from being kept as pets in China. Owning one can be harmful to the cat and the owner and is illegal. These exotic cats require specialized care that most pet owners cannot provide, leading to their ban.