ROYAL OAK, Mich. – A large African caracal has been spotted on the loose in Royal Oak, police said.
Authorities were called around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 13) to the 700 block of East La Salle Avenue. They said reports indicated “several large African caracal cats” had escaped their enclosure.
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This is at least the third time the cats have escaped, according to police.
Two cats were found in what police described as an “unsecured enclosure.” A third was found in the area and returned home with the help of the owner, authorities said.
At this time, one of the cats is still loss, according to officials.
Officials from Royal Oak Schools said they were notified by police that the cat was last seen in the area of 13 Mile and Rochester roads.
Police are advising residents to keep small animals inside.
The cats are nocturnal, and the missing cat is likely to be bedded down somewhere in the area, officials said.
According to the Michigan DNR, this particular species does not fall under the exotic cat classification and is unregulated.
Anyone who sees the caracal should keep their distance and call 911, officials said. Children should not approach or try to interact with the cat, they said.
No additional information has been revealed.