Exotic cat found under Vancouver porch prompts call to police

The Vancouver Police Department was called by residents who found a large, exotic cat under their porch.

A serval cat that had escaped its home was found under a porch in Vancouver Sunday night, prompting a call to police.

Authorities posted about the incident on social media, sharing a video of the large, exotic cat hissing from beneath an East Vancouver home.

“Friendly reminder: If your pet escapes, give your neighbours a heads-up. Last night, someone found a serval under their porch. Not a typo. A full-grown African serval cat, which is approximately (three times) larger than your typical housecat,” the post from the department said.

Conservation officers were called in to assist, and the cat was reunited with its owners, police added.

British Columbia officially banned exotic cats, on May 1 of this year — with an exception for people who already own the animals. Under the legislation, owners of cats of certain species, including servals, caracals and ocelots, are required to apply for a permit before May 1, 2027, which entitles them to keep the cat for the rest of its life.

“In addition to not breeding or buying new exotic cats, permit holders must agree to restrict public contact with their animals. Cats may not be displayed or allowed to interact with people outside the owner’s household,” a statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship announcing the ban said.

“Provincial staff will work with pet owners and animal welfare organizations to help existing owners come into compliance.”

The B.C. SPCA had long advocated for the ban and welcomed its announcement.

“It is nearly impossible for exotic cats to express their natural, wild behaviours in captivity,” said Dr. Sara Dubois, in a statement on the organization’s behalf.

“When exotic cats are not free to express their natural behaviours, they may become depressed, destructive or resort to self-mutilation.”

Those who don’t comply with regulations on exotic animals can face penalties under the Wildlife Act, including fines and jail time. In cases where there is a danger to the public, the animal can be seized and euthanized.