A new designer cat, the Ashera

[Freedom]

Well, if you do a bit of web research, it seems this may be a scam.

The cat is a Savannah; they have been registre with TICA since 2000; and they run $2000 to $3500.

The person behind this Ashera thing has defaulted on several loans, changed the name of the Ashera company 3 times already, and fled UK. At least, I found a few news articles on each of those items. Most blogs were quoting Barnum and Bailey, "there's one born every minute." And everyone was surprised that the news media seemed to pick this story and run with it with NO background research!

Kate, the vid you linked to, that sure makes us here in the US look like idiots! Ugh.

[cassiesmom]

Web site http://www.lifestylepets.com/cats.html

This gives me the heebie-jeebies. A $20,000 cat? There are sooooo many cats in shelters waiting for homes. I think I'll go home and give my moggie (for whom I paid a $50 adoption fee in February of 1997 - best investment ever!) an extra hug.

[Medusa]

Every time I read something like this I get my hackles up. So many cats and kittens need loving, permanent homes and I read nonsense like this. Only in America.

[CultureJunky]

Thanks for searching a bit Sandra, I didn't think to do that. If it turns out to be a scam, then that's $20,000 not well spent by the new owners of this wonder cat.
Just imagine what $20,000 would do for a local shelter or local feral cat groups

[Freedom]

Web site http://www.lifestylepets.com/cats.html

This gives me the heebie-jeebies. A $20,000 cat? There are sooooo many cats in shelters waiting for homes. I think I'll go home and give my moggie (for whom I paid a $50 adoption fee in February of 1997 - best investment ever!) an extra hug.

Yup, that is the site. They claim to have the "market" on Ashera. The man behind Life Style Pets has been involved in many scams in the past.

[moosmom]

I saw a Savannah at a TICA cat show last month. What a stunning, BIG cat. The breeder took him out of the cage and he was all muscle!! His demeanor was like no other cat I've seen. VERY regal disposition. Didn't at all mind all the attention.

Thanks for doing the research, Sandra. I kind of figured it was a Savannah.

Give me a good 'ole shelter kitty anytime!!! $20,000 for a freaking designer cat??? THAT is despicable.

[catmandu]

These People Are The Same People Who Ahve Driven Up Prices On All Colectibles Like Old Movie Posters Not Beacuse They Are Movie Fans Or Baseball Fans , But Because They See A Profit In Artificially Making Things More Expensive.
What A Shame They Are Now Tampering With Living Creatures.

[MyCatMowgli]

I love how the news clip says that scientists created a new breed.

The funny thing is you can breed these cats yourself easily.
If you could sell them for that amount of money you would make a TON off the first litter.
From what I understand they use the Serval and Asian leopard cat mixed with domestic cats. Hmmm, lets think.
A BENGAL and a SAVANNAH bred together might make something like this no?

So pay a few thousand for a good breeding savannah and bengal. Breed them and out pops a ton of money! Couple litters a year and you are set!

[catfamily]

It's too bad the RICH could care less(some rich...not all) about all the shelter or homeless out on the streets.

My sister is the type to buy a cat like that.
She hasn't...but if she knew about it...she might.

Me?I only take the ones that are in bad shape that need help.or just the lovely cats that noone really wants.Homeless/shelter cats.They end up being the best personality ones anyway because they appreciate everything you've done for them.It shows in their face and actions.Being so happy to have a home finally with love.