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ACEF
The Alliance for the Conservation of Exotic Felines (ACEF) was founded in 1997 as a branch of the national exotic feline organization, LIOC - Endangered Species Conservation Federation, Inc.*
The organization represents a diverse group of people with different backgrounds dedicated to the welfare of exotic or wild cats in domestic settings. During the past 30 years, many LIOC* members have been recognized by zoos and veterinary colleges for their contributions to exotic feline education and survival. Our goal is not only to educate our members, but also the public, providing a forum for discussion of the realities of these cats, both in
the wild and in captivity. We are interested in educating and organizing people who currently have or wish to have exotic cats as domestic pets.
Through education, we feel we can help prevent irresponsible or abusive ownership of these animals, help to facilitate responsible ownership, and create an environment of support for those owners and their charges.
*LIOC-ESCF is now FCF-Feline Conservation Federation (See Links)
Although the ACEF has only been around for a short time, we have already helped find new homes for unwanted exotic felines, helped defeat a few bills in the Washington Legislature, as well as many city and counties around Washington that would have banned ownership of certain exotics, held a series of community informative lectures about both wild and domesticated felines, started developing a set of rules and regulations regarding handling and caging of exotics, and aided our members from all over Western Washington with health and fitness information about their cats.
The term “domesticated exotic feline” refers to any cat that has been born in captivity and is not classified as “felis catus”, or the domestic house cat. We DO NOT support or encourage the taking of “wild” exotics and attempting to domesticate them. Instead, we support the humane and ethical breeding of previously domesticated exotics and certain hybrids. A hybrid is the offspring of a cross between an exotic and a domestic cat as well as all of their subsequent offspring. The hybrids can sometimes be a little larger than the parents, and will generally have the appearance of an exotic and the personality of the domestic house cat. These hybrids have become very popular with people who want a cat that looks like a wild cat but acts like a regular house cat. Unfortunately, since hybrids are not classified as “felis catus”, they tend to be banned along with other exotics.
The domesticated exotic feline is different than other types of pets. They can be patient, well behaved, playful, curious, and incredibly loyal. If well treated, well fed, and properly trained, domesticated exotic felines exhibit some of the best qualities of both the domesticated cat and dog. It is our belief that while these cats can make good pets, they are NOT for everyone, due to the significant commitment they require that many people are not prepared for. Ownership is an obligation not to be taken lightly. It requires a serious dedication of a person’s life and livelihood to ensure a happy and healthy existence for their charges, which can be as long as 15 to 20 years. Most exotic feline owners dedicate a large portion of their lives, emotions, and financial resources to the care and maintenance of their feline companions. The efforts of these people represent an important component of the safety net that has been established to prevent the extinction of certain endangered or near endangered exotics. Through their efforts, they also have the ability to raise the conscience of the general public, dispelling the ignorance and fear that most people suffer from by providing both an example of animal/human cohabitation and directly teaching the public the values of these great cats.
Although these animals do require special attention and special treatment that is not normally found among standard pet owners, those that do handle these cats are normally a conscientious group. So wide spread is this belief, that over 60% of the states in the continental United States allow private ownership of these cats. This amounts to an estimate of between 5,000 to 10,000 domesticated exotics in the United States. Yet with all of these animals living with and around humans, one might wonder how safe these cats have turned out to be in actual practice. Here are the straight facts. For over forty years, domesticated exotics have proved to be safer to the general community than any other four legged, warm blooded pet. So rare is the occurrence of attack, that neither the ASPCA nor the US Government have ever felt the need to keep track of the statistics.
We encourage potential owners to fully research their desired species PRIOR to acquiring it. Check your local laws and if permits are required, GET THEM! Follow all legal guidelines and continue to learn all you can about the species. We strongly encourage joining a club that will help you learn such as the Alliance for the Conservation of Exotic Felines ... ACEF
Even with the best intensions, sometimes things just don’t work out. That cute little cub has grown into quite a handful and no longer fits into your lifestyle. Or maybe it’s a life change that prevents you from keeping it. Perhaps the laws have changed and no longer allow you to keep the animal. We can help. We have several members with experience who are ready, willing and able to accept unwanted exotic cats.
Maybe you want to keep the animal but are at a loss of what to do about the behavior. We can help with counseling and advice.
What we offer:
- Advice and help with changes required to keep the animal with original owner whenever possible.
- Placements of unwanted exotic cats. We will take in and care for unwanted animals and find them the best possible home to fit their individual needs. During this time any needed vet care will be done, and all needs will be attended to and accessed.
- All animals we place are on a contract that they not be resold, so you can be sure your pet is going to a permanent home.
What we do NOT do:
- We do not take animals against the owners will.
- We do not sell the animals placed with us.
- We don’t breed them to profit on their babies.
We are a non-profit 501C3 organization. We do accept donations. We accept appropriate food, cages, animal transport crates, doghouses, etc and of course money.
If you have a cat you need advice with or wish to place … or can provide a proper home to a displaced exotic cat. Please contact us.
Membership is open to all, worldwide. We are especially looking for people with experience in exotic cats to help with our efforts to educate and assist other exotic owners so that the need to rehome cats can reduced. The opportunities to educate new owners, current owners and would be owners are limitless.
Just a few of the Membership Benefits:
- Monthly newsletter – articles about exotic cats and their care, color pictures, and more.
- Join our Email List – keep up to the minute on club issues.
- Monthly meetings – meet in person with other owners, discuss current issues that would affect ownership rights, exotic care and handling, fun stories, opportunities for hands on interaction with exotic cats, cage building parties, and much more!
- Opportunities for volunteering with exotic cats
- Ground Floor positions open to break into management.
- Discounts on our products, jackets, shirts, cat food and supplements, and growing list of products
- Attend our annual picnic to meet other members from around the country – this is always our biggest turnout, both in human attendance and cub attendance.
- Share your knowledge with others and learn from others!
If you have an interest in exotic felines and would like more information about them or about our organization, please contact us by phone or e-mail.