The chances of finding a serval cat in a zoo are higher than in families as tamed pets.
The higher chances of finding one is in the wild such as in a national park because they are wild animals that have not been fully domesticated as pets.
Serval cats are medium-sized wild animals native to sub-Saharan Africa.
They are known for their captivating stripes and are sometimes mistaken as young ones of bigger cats like leopards and tigers.
In the wild, they are skillful hunters capable of jumping high into the thin air to capture and feed on smaller prey.
Their small prey such as reptiles, fish, birds, rodents, and insects, can easily be found in households which is one of the reasons they are considered for domestication.
However, there have been so many failed attempts to domesticate them as pets but the question of some animal lovers remains “How can a serval cat make a good pet”.
What is a Serval Cat:
Serval cats are agile, strong, intelligent, and fast-running wild animals that strive best in grassy and bushy environments.
They have a slender body with large and attentive ears that can hear the faintest of sound.
Their giant ears compared to their average body like that of medium-sized dogs make them easily notable and memorable when seen for the first time.
They are native to sub-Saharan Africa but have been cross-bred with domestic cats to produce hybrids such as the savannah cats which are one of the most intelligent cat breeds.
Breed Overview:
Origin: Africa
Length: 24-36 inches
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: Adult males- 16 to 23kg
Adult females -11 to 16kg
Life Span: 20 years in captivity.
Can a Serval Cat Make a Good Pet:
In a world where the curiosity of humans has made them explore other unconventional and exotic animals as pets, it’s not surprising serval cats are in such debates if they make good pets.
No, they are not good pets! Serval cats are wild animals that have proven difficult to be domesticated.
They have retained their wild instincts which makes them unsafe for household living.
They also require a large and fully fenced outdoor space to exhibit their wild unpredictable behaviors such as jumping so high, running, and predatory instincts.
However, if you choose to keep them as pets, you should consider the following before making any decision to have them as a pet.
Legal and Ethical Issues:
In some states in the United States and other parts of the world, it is illegal to own a serval cat and other wild animals.
It is necessary to check with local authorities if it is legal to own one and how to acquire a permit.
Here is a list of states where it is permitted to own a serval cat.
- Alabama
- Michigan
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Wisconsin
If you live in any of these states as of the time of writing and you want to own a serval cat, you can proceed to purchase after reading the other considerations.
Space and Housing:
Serval cats require large areas for their physical and mental stimulation.
They cannot dwell in little spaces or cages without it affecting their general well-being and quality of life.
They require large spaces with trees or other structures for climbing and poaching their prey such as birds, rodents, and insects.
If you have a large space, you will have to completely fence it off to avoid any escape which can cause possible danger to other pet animals and residents in the vicinity.
They can also lose their lives when hit by a car or killed by other residents because of safety concerns if they escape.
Vertineray Care:
Serval cats just like other animals require medical care and attention which might not be readily available because of a lack of skilled professionals with experience of exotic pets.
They require regular medical check-up that includes vaccination, physical examination, and preventive care from experienced exotic pet vets.
If this is not provided, they are susceptible to obesity, urinary tract infections, obesity, feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus,
rabies, dental issues, etc.
Before introducing one home, you have to consult with local vets if they can easily take good care of one.
Training And Handling:
Serval cats are larger than other domesticated cats which makes them not so easy to handle given their wild nature.
They are trainable to some extent but their responses are unpredictable and it will pose some difficulty to find a professional that can easily train them like other domesticated animals.
Cost Of Ownership:
The cost of owning and maintaining an exotic pet such as a serval cat is higher because of their specialized needs.
A serval cat can cost between $1000- $5ooo to purchase depending on the breeder and their progeny.
Other expenses and care such as nutrition, enclosure setup, healthcare, insurance, toys, etc can cost a combined fee of over $15,000 with a recurring annual cost between $1500-$2500.
It is important to consider these expenses before committing to over a decade of responsibility for owning a serval cat as a pet.
Compatibility With Other Pets and Family Members:
Before purchasing a serval cat, you need to discuss with other members of the household if there are any concerns.
Serval cats are wild animals that do not co-exist easily with smaller animals and kids without close monitoring.
They will likely see other small pet animals as prey and if they are not in an enclosed space, they will like to pounce on them causing injuries or fatalities.
They can co-habit with larger size of dogs such as German shepherds, Pit bulls, etc, depending on the temperament of the individual dog and the serval’s level of socialization.
In general, they should have a different and enclosed space from other pet animals and also from household living. Any interaction should be gradually and closely monitored.
Serval cats are fascinating and captivating wild animals that do not make a great pet.
Any consideration should domesticate and introduce them into households should be carefully done.