Controlled alien species for individual owners

In B.C., certain exotic, non‑native animal species are designated as controlled alien species. The possession of controlled alien species is regulated under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation.

Under certain circumstances, individuals may be allowed to keep a controlled alien species as a pet if they hold the appropriate permit and meet regulatory requirements.

On this page

• Non-native, non-domestic cats designated as controlled alien species
• Hybrid cats
• Native and common domestic cat species
• What this change means for cat owners
• How to apply for a permit
• After a permit is issued

Non-native, non-domestic cats designated as controlled alien species

In the past, the only exotic cat species regulated as controlled alien species in B.C. were “big cats”, such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars and panthers.

The B.C. government regularly reviews the Controlled Alien Species Regulation to ensure it addresses potential and emerging risks to people or property, or wildlife and wildlife habitat. Following a recent review, the regulation has been updated to expand the list of cat species designated as controlled alien species.

Effective May 1, 2026, all non‑native, non-domestic cat species (family Felidae) are designated as controlled alien species, including species such as servals, caracals and ocelots.

Hybrid cats

Under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation, hybrid offspring within four generations of a controlled alien species are also classified as controlled alien species. This means hybrid cats that are first through fourth generation (F1–F4) offspring from a wild cat are controlled alien species and require a permit to be kept as pets.

Hybrid cat species recognized as domestic

The B.C. government recognizes that some hybrid cat species are now broadly considered to be domestic breeds after generations of intentional breeding. These breeds include Savannah, Bengal and Chausie cats. 

Permit requirements for recognized domestic breeds

• Cats from these recognized breeds are considered domestic at the fourth generation (F4)
• Fourth generation (F4) and greater are exempt from the regulation and may be kept as pets without a permit
• A permit is required to possess first through third (F1-F3) generation of hybrid cats from these breeds

Other hybrid cat species

Hybrid cats that are not recognized as domestic breeds (for example, caracats) require a permit to be kept as a pet, unless they are fifth generation (F5) or greater.

Native and common domestic cat species

Wildlife species native to B.C. and common domestic cats are not designated as controlled alien species and therefore not regulated under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation. 

Native cat species, including cougars, lynx and bobcats are designated as wildlife under the Wildlife Act and may not be kept as pets.

What this change means for cat owners

Effective May 1, 2026, the breeding or release of any cat listed as a controlled alien species is prohibited.

Owners of cats designated as controlled alien species have until May 1, 2027, to apply for a permit to keep these cats as pets.

Breeding

Breeding of non-native, non-domestic cats is now prohibited. 

Pregnant non-native, non-domestic cats

If a newly designated controlled alien species (non-native, non-domestic) cat is pregnant when the regulation comes into effect on May 1, 2026, the pregnancy may continue, and the resulting kittens may be sold. No further breeding is permitted after that pregnancy. Purchasers of these kittens who reside in B.C. must comply with the regulation and apply for a permit to possess the cats before May 1, 2027.

How to apply for a permit

All species listed in Schedule 1 of the Controlled Alien Species Regulation are considered prohibited in B.C., and a permit is required to lawfully possess them.

The permit application process depends on the species you are applying for:

After a permit is issued

Once a Personal Possession Permit has been issued, permit holders may:

• Possess the controlled alien species as authorized by their permit
• Ship or transport a controlled alien species within B.C., if authorized and in accordance with permit conditions

Permit holders must not:

• Breed controlled alien species
• Release controlled alien species
• Breach a condition of their permit
• Transfer or import new controlled alien species into B.C.

Failure to comply with the regulation or permit conditions may result in penalties under the Wildlife Act, including fines of up to $250,000, up to two years imprisonment, or both depending on the offence and circumstances. Learn more about controlled alien species enforcement.