In the realm of exotic pets, none captured the imagination more than the Ashera cat, touted as the world’s most expensive feline. With a price tag exceeding that of a Range Rover, these exclusive cats seemed like the epitome of luxury. However, as the curtain was lifted on this feline fantasy, it was revealed to be an elaborate scam that left buyers outraged. Let’s explore the intriguing tale of the Ashera cat and the unraveling of a high-priced deception.
The Ashera Cat: A Mirage of Luxury
Claiming to be a unique blend of African serval, Asian leopard cat, and domestic cat genes, the Ashera cat burst onto the scene in 2006, promising exclusivity with only 100 kittens produced annually. Lifestyle Pets marketed them as rare and scientifically proven hypoallergenic, further inflating their value. Little did buyers know, they were about to be entangled in a web of deceit.
The Ashera Cat Fraud Uncovered
The elaborate scam began to unravel when suspicions arose among savvy buyers and a Savannah cat breeder reported that the Ashera cats were, in fact, cats purchased from him. The expose intensified when ABC News, determined to reveal the truth, conducted an undercover purchase and confronted Simon Bodie, the owner of Lifestyle Pets, in a surprise interview.
Busting the Scammer: Simon Bodie’s Confession
Under pressure, Bodie initially denied any deception but was cornered when presented with evidence. The anchor, armed with knowledge and facts, exposed the lies, forcing Bodie to confess to purchasing the cats from other breeders and reselling them at an exorbitant price. The promised hypoallergenic qualities were debunked, leaving buyers furious.
The Ashera Cat’s True Identity: Savannah Cats Unmasked
Genetic studies further shattered the illusion, revealing that Ashera cats were not a distinct breed. Instead, they were Savannah cats, a breed already in existence and significantly less expensive. Lifestyle Pets had not bred these cats; they had merely repackaged and resold them at an astronomical markup.
Hypoallergenic Myth: Separating Fact from Fiction
The allure of hypoallergenic cats proved to be another facet of the scam. While certain breeds like Bengals and Savannahs may be more suitable for some allergy sufferers due to their grooming habits, no cat breed is scientifically proven to be completely hypoallergenic. The tale of the Ashera cat serves as a cautionary reminder to approach claims of hypoallergenicity with skepticism.
