Messi The Puma is a Big Ol’ House Cat

Meet Messi the Puma, now unlike most big cats that exist in the wild or in zoos, this big cat, lives in a 1 bedroom apartment in Russia.

Messi was born in captivity at a zoo in Russia, but suffered from various health problems at just three months old. During his stay at the zoo, Messi was kept in a very small enclosure and was malnourished, which caused him to develop muscle weakness, rickets which is a degenerative bone disease and a urinary tract infection.

The zoo decided that because pumas were not native to Russia, they could not simply release it into the wild, and because of it’s illnesses, that prevented him from living in another zoo or animal sanctuary. So they had planned to euthanize him.

A couple by the name of Aleksandr and Mariya Dmitriev, heard about the sickly cub, and after talking with other puma breeders and learning everything about the maintenance and care of the animal, they took a leap of faith and approached the zoo about adopting it. And to their surprise, the zoo agreed!

Fun Fact: Despite their large size, cougars are actually more closely related to house cats than they are to other large cat species like jaguars and tigers.

Cougars, also commonly referred to as puma or mountain lion, and are members of the Felidae family.

Pumas are native to the Americas, and they are the largest feline species on these continents, with males being up to 2.4 m (7.9 ft) long from head to tail and weighing up to 100 kg (220 lb).Messi is unlike most cougars, he is about half the size of a normal adult male because of his health conditions. The owners also point out that he is very gentle and loving.

Thanks for watching.

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[jonahthrane]

This is hilarious. They aren't rich idiots who just wanted an exotic pet. They are normal people who wanted to help a poor animal who would have died otherwise. This is awesome.

[jimrustle]

The fact that a puma is domesticated, follows commands, goes to training with other dogs and doesn't claw at them says quite a bit about the positive care.

[Sweet-djgk]

There is no ethical dilemma here. These people didn't go out an buy a wild animal. They saved him from an unnecessary death. He looks healthy and happy, no signs of stress. They are heroes for their dedication.

[turdferguson]

That cat takes having his nails clipped better then any regular cat I've ever seen.

[cleverduck]

That clip where he's at the dog training school is adorable. He's like a kid who feels awkward his first day at a new school.

[ariobintangnugraha]

At first I was like "why is he named Messi?"

And then I saw how he dribble the ball. It all made sense

[solblaze]

If your pet is calm during baths and nail cuts then you are extremely lucky.

[CakeofRage]

"Despite having many toys, Messi's favorite thing in the world is plastic bottles" yep, that sounds like a cat 😅

[CC_Babblecock]

I’ve followed Messi for years and agree this is the most well-rounded and respectful video of his story that I’ve seen. His owners are incredible people, and as for Messi, he’s very intelligent, but also a total goof ball. He’s a 3 year old child in a puma costume, and I think he knows he’s living the good life. Well done guys on giving this family the credit they deserve! This is no Tiger King scenario for the haters.

[tedjob]

This isn't about just arbitrarily keeping a wild animal as a pet, it's about saving an innocent life. He's beautiful and has a blessed life.

[AnsonArmando]

I am teary-eyed seeing the Puma's affection towards Aleksandr. His love truly is unconditional.

[bernbsy]

They took in a sick and undersized puma that would have been unable to survive in a zoo let alone in the wild. To do this requires a great deal of dedication, money. time. and love. Messi looks really happy to me.

[JT-xeyi]

This is a special circumstance that the Puma required more care and attention than a wild life preserve would be able to offer. I have a great deal of respect for these people.

[cliff]

I’ve always noticed how much Messi seems to love his dad to the point of screaming and crying if he can’t find him, but knowing that they had basically nurses him back to health from a point of possible death, it all makes sense and brings a tear to my eye

[LIFE-pgkz]

I wasn't much of a cat person until I watched this. I can't imagine how much work it took the owner. That's amazing.

[SenorSol]

What a gorgeous big cat, and massive kudos to Aleksandr and Mariya for adopting him and looking after him with such love! He's clearly a happy and well-looked after cat!!! Congratulations!!!

[kuyajonny]

Seeing him at a dog training school was adorable.

[jim]

That man and Messi have a bond like any man and his dog. Never separate them.

[Mactrizel]

Those people that say he shoulnt be a house cat should be thanking this man for giving this cat a happy meaningful life and they should watch how happy this big cat is