So, you want a pet Coatimundi? Wondering if you can rightfully care for a Coati? Well, we have answers to all your queries and doubts. Coatimundis are wild, aggressive, and not those animals whom you can pet.
However, individuals across the globe still have the fantasy of keeping exotic pets at home. And if you, too, are one of them, you might find the information below as helpful.
Let’s have a look together:
Can your own a Pet Coatimundi?
For the least to say, keeping a Coatimundi as a pet is a bad idea. While it could be possible that your State/ area laws allow for the same, the wild possibilities and nature of these animals don’t support the thought.
Domesticating a Coatimundi and making them survive amongst humans is both dangerous and difficult. These creatures, though, have charming appearance, but their personality isn’t similar.
Here’s some light on Coatimundi as an animal and what it takes to pet them.
Where Does Coatimundi Come From?
What is a Coatimundi? Exactly, Coatimundi, or as they are affectionately known, ‘Coatis,’ are diurnal mammals.
It belongs to the Procyonidae in the genera Nasua and Nasuella and is closely associated with Racoons.
Almost like any Racoon family animal, Coatis are noisy, loosely organized, and are known for jumping here and there in the wild.
However, with provocation, they can come into both defense and attack mode and can prove fierce fighters.
Coatis face unregulated hunting; however, since they have a huge population, they are far from being endangered.
Four types (subspecies) of Coatimundis
- The mountain coati
- The white-nose Coati
- The Ring-tailed Coati or banded tail coati
- The Cozumel Island Coati
Where Does Coatimundi Originate?
What Do Coatimundi Evolve from? The word Coatimundi means lone Coati. It came down from the Brazilian ‘Tupian languages.’ At the same time, their other name, ‘Coati,’ came down from the Spanish word “coatí,” which goes back to Old Tupi.
These monkey-like mammals are native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States.
The genetic evidence suggests that Coatimundis migrated from South America to North America.
However, on the other hand, the fossil records suggest that they migrated from North to South.
Researchers even found Coati’s bones in Mayan hunting shrines in Guatemalan Highlands which indicates that these species date their history long back.
Coatimundi Species Taxonomy
| Name | Coatimundi |
| Common Name | Coatimundi, coati, hog-nosed coon |
| Scientific Name | Nasua narica, Nasua nasua |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Omnivorous |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Family and Subfamily | Procyonidae |
| Tribe and Subtribe | Procyonini |
| Lifespan | 7 to 9 years in the wild and 14 years under expert care |
| Size | Length: Almost 20 inches (50 cm); Tail: 11 inches (30 cm) Weight: 2.2 – 3.3 pounds |
| Incubation | Gestation lasts 77 days; 3 to 5 offspring |
Does Coatimundi make good pets?
Coatimundis make great pets; however, whether they are good or bad as pets is arguable.
Coatis are wild animals who, by nature, are habitual of surviving in the jungle setting. Coatimundi makes exceptional pets, considering the keeper is right.
Individuals who are dedicated, alert, and educated about the animal, can provide the right kind of care and environment to Coatis.
However, for individuals who are keeping Coatis for social status but aren’t dedicated to nurturing them, it might turn about as their worst nightmare.
Coatimundis are happy animals with good temperaments. They like hanging around and would behave normally amongst humans until disturbed or provoked.
However, they don’t like dogs, and thus if you already have a pet canine at home, Coati’s won’t make the best pet for you.
Is It Legal to Keep Coatimundis as A Pet?
Keeping Coatimundis as pets is not legal in every country of the world. For instance, European countries such as Spain impose a strict ban on such exotic animals. Whereas most South American countries regulate and legalize them as pets.
Before even considering bringing home a Coati, it is important to check your country/ state/county’s law for exotic pets.
Even under law, most countries don’t mention Coatimundis; specifically, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are allowed.
Also, even when the state allows, remember there goes a lot of paperwork, struggle for permits, and more.
Are Coatimundis legal in the US?
Keeping Coatimundis as pets in the United States legally depends upon which region you live. For example, Coatis are allowed for possession, propagation, and sell/buy-in Texas with a permit.
Whereas in Hawaii, neither is it legal to keep pet Coatis nor one can bring the animal inside its boundaries by any means. Further, enthusiasts can keep Coatis in their house in California, however, only under proper licensing.
If done illegally, the wildlife department team will rescue Coati and transfer it to any wildlife sanctuary. Besides that, the responsible individual will have to pay a hefty amount as a fine.
In addition, according to New York’s wild animal ordinance, they are legal as pets in New York City. At the same time, laws in Arizona are strictly against keeping Coatimundis at home.
Can you have Coatimundis as pets?
Keeping Coatimundis as pets depends upon several factors.
Here are some of the considerations one should focus upon:
- Check for your State and Country law on keeping exotic animals as pets. Also, do observe your local laws as even when the state permits, not all counties, cities, or towns allow keeping exotic pets.
- Ensure you have enough space at home to build a wildlife replica for your pet Coati to live happily.
- Ensure your area’s weather, temperature and humidity allow Coatis to survive healthily.
- Ensure you have enough money, time, and dedication to domesticize a Coatimundi.
- If you do not have a dog at home, Coatis become aggressive around canines.
- Check if there is any exotic Veterinarian nearby. Keeping an exotic pet is only safe and sound when you have an exotic Veterinarian around, or at least within a driving distance. It is important since you never know when the pet might need some medical attention. And since no train, bus, or airplane will allow the pet, you must have an exotic animal Veterinarian nearby. Remember, no regular vet will be able to assist you with pets like Coatis.
If the above considerations are in your favor, you can happily keep a pet Coati. However, if you think you cannot meet these requirements, it is better to drop the idea.
Pet Coatimundis-You have to meet their needs
Now since you have decided to have a pet Coatimundi, learn what it looks like in reality.
Coatimundi Housing Needs
Coatimundis are extremely high maintenance, and they can’t make it in small cages. The enclosure is one of the most important parts of owning them. If caged, Coati needs an enclosure that is at least 10X10X10 throughout.
However, it is advisable to keep these exotic animals in an open outdoor area with more space to run and have fun around.
For instance, a huge backyard or garden will make the best wild replica for housing pet Coatis. The larger, the better. However, since you can’t keep them open, metal fencing all across is extremely necessary.
A custom-made enclosure built either with your backyard concrete walls or dug at least 3 to 4 feet into your garden soil will do the best job. Since coatis are proficient climbers and diggers, leaving no chances is the only safe option.
In addition, includes trees with branches, ropes, a wooden ladder, and other climbing platforms inside the enclosure. They will help in keeping the pet engaged and create a more wild-like environment.
Note: It is not safe to let Coatis roam around your house as they may prove destructive.
Coatimundi Temperature & Humidity Needs
Paying attention to the temperature and maintaining its consistency is important while you are keeping a pet Coatimundi.
These animals love warmer temperatures with milder weather. Though they may even survive in the cold, Coatis may not necessarily like it. Besides that, maintaining relative humidity to be between 30-70% is advisable.
Coatimundi Dietary Needs
Coatimundis are Omnivorous animals who feed on both plants and meat. In the wild, they prefer eating meat, including snakes, frogs, insects, eggs, lizards, mice, squirrels, and birds. Whereas they also feed occasionally on fruits and berries.
However, replicating the same diet in captivity isn’t as easy as it may feel. Bringing home a live/ dead animal for your pet Coati to feed (daily) isn’t easily possible.
That is why, as per experts, fresh fruit, proteins, and vegetables rich supplements are things that aid in keeping pet Coatis healthy.
Adding vitamins and minerals into their food is strictly important. Whereas the same time, avoiding food items including Sugar-free sweeteners, Chocolate, Avocados, Onions, Garlic, Caffeine, and Alcohol too is necessary.
Coatimundi Cleaning
Wild animals, including Coatis, are experts in cleaning themselves and others from the tribe. Unlike dogs and cats, they do not need regular bathing and grooming sessions.
However, since you have kept them in captivity, regulating artificial rain once in a while will make the pet happy and allow them to take a bath naturally.
Common Health Problems with Coatimundi
Some of the common medical issues Coatimundis suffers from include parasites or diarrhea.
Coati, though, generally do not suffer from many health problems, but it is safer to get them checked annually by an exotic Vet.
How Much Does a Coatimundi Cost?
A male Coatimundi will cost anywhere near $1500, whereas a female Coati will cost $1750 or $2000.
Where To Buy a Coatimundi?
It is always safer to buy Coatmundis from USDA-licensed breeders. It is a better option since breeders sell Coatis, who was born and brought up (until your bought them) in captivity.
That is why the animal is already habitual of living in limited spaces (then forest) and especially in human interaction. With breeders, you can also get an insight into Coati’s health, temperature, and nature.
However, adopting a Coati from the wild is a very bad idea. The animals present in the wild are habitual to that environment, and the chances are that they may not have seen a single human before you.
Thus, bringing one from the wild can prove harmful for both humans and animals.
Where To Find a Coatimundi Breeder?
Exotic pet breeders or Coatimundi Breeders are easily present in areas where keeping/ breeding these pets is illegal.
You won’t face a hard time finding one. However, if you do, you can refer to these websites for some guidance,
https://www.dragonstoneranch.com/coatis
https://www.jandaexotics.com/coatimundi-for-sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coatis survive in captivity?
Ethically and by nature, Coatis are meant for living in the wild. However, since the introduction of breeding culture, Coatis today happily survive in captivity. The ones in captivity even have a longer life span than Coatis, who are in the wild.
How long are Coatis’ tails?
Their tails are about 1.5 to 2 feet long.
Who Will Treat Your Coatimundi?
Only an exotic pet Veterinarian can treat animals like Coatimundi. Your regular Vet might not be able to diagnose any issues related to the pet.
Coatis are social, and they display highly gregarious behavior. However, this behavior is limited to other similar animals. With humans and pets like dogs, Coatis aren’t very social or friendly.
Wrapping up…
Of course, you can own a Pet Coatimundi. However, the process isn’t as simple as walking in a pet store, choosing a Coati, paying for it, and bringing it back home.
Instead, it takes a long legal procedure of getting the license and permit before you can even bring coatis home. Some individuals, though, do it the other way illegally but remember, there’s a strict fine and even jail for such deeds.