Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) has severe consequences for non-domestic cats, affecting their skeletal structure, muscle development, and overall health. Big cats afflicted by MBD often experience deformities, weakened bones, and unbearable pain, leaving them vulnerable to many other health issues. Sadly, many tigers suffering from MBD endure lifelong suffering due to the complications and consequences of MBD, all for the sake of a profit-driven industry.
Metabolic Bone Disease is not just a health issue for big cats; it is a symptom of a broader problem within the exotic pet trade. By exposing the dark underbelly of this industry, we can ignite a collective call for change. It is time to prioritize the well-being of these incredible animals over profit margins, ensuring a future where big cats roam free and thrive in their natural habitats rather than suffering silently in the clutches of the disease.
Big cats, especially cubs, are exploited as money-making commodities in the cub petting industry. Unscrupulous breeders bank on the allure of these adorable creatures to attract paying visitors seeking the thrill of interacting with a cub. This constant handling and human interaction disrupts the natural development of the cubs and perpetuates the cycle of metabolic bone disease. Once these cubs are weaned from milk and transitioned to a raw meat diet, they tend to now be too large to be legally used for cub petting. Their care, previously already lacking, tends to take a deep dive as
they are no longer bringing in much money. They are commonly fed only ground meat as it is fairly cheap and they have many mouths to feed. They do not add any vitamin and mineral supplementation as this costs more money. Ground meat on its own is extremely lacking in many vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, critical to the healthy growth of a young animal. As calcium is used for many important bodily functions that are key to life, the body is forced to steal the calcium from the bones. The bones become very soft and malleable leading to many deformities and fractures. These bone deformities and fractures result in unbearable pain and skeletal conformation issues. Besides many fractures in the leg bones that commonly heal in malalignment, the pelvis is also commonly fractured, causing a narrowing of the pelvic canal and making defecation extremely difficult. Constipation and arthritis become a lifelong battle for many of these cats, the ones lucky enough to survive their suffering. These are a few of the many reasons why we do not support the cub petting industry.
Metabolic Bone Disease is not just a health issue for tigers; it is a symptom of a broader problem within the exotic pet trade. By exposing the dark underbelly of this industry, we can ignite a collective call for change. It is time to prioritize the well-being of these incredible animals over profit margins, ensuring a future where tigers roam free and thrive in their natural habitats rather than suffering silently in the clutches of this easily preventable and debilitating disease.
