Serval cats are carnivorous mammals from the cat family. They are called shrubby because the animals' normal habitat is not always forested. Most species prefer savannas, bushes, and semi-deserts. However, there are still those who live in forests.
Serval cats are carnivorous mammals from the cat family.
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* We invite you to watch a video about the Serval . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given cat breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Serval looks like.
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The Serval is a beautiful member of the feline family that can make a very affectionate pet. Raising Serval cats as pets is a great experience for avid cat lovers. But servals have very different behavior than the domestic cat and have special care requirements. To start a life together, you need to understand the nature of the “African serval”.
Are they trainable?
Many owners of this breed answer that the Serval is a cat that you need to buy for a fun time. A wild kitty loves to play, so you will have to buy special toys for her at the pet store, which are usually intended for dogs. Others will simply break and be chewed to pieces in a couple of minutes. Games should be careful - cats are prone to injuries, for them an unsuccessful fall or jump can result in a fracture.
The African serval, the price of a baby of this breed, although not affordable for the middle class, from the first days of interruption in the family chooses one owner. Cats are obedient, understand people well, and react to changes in the tone of voice. During games they often flirt and may bite their partner. Immediately stop such behavior - make sounds, show that you are in pain. This will slightly calm the amused predator.
Servals taste everything. They swallow small coins, shoelaces, and balls. They should not be left unattended near wires - the cat will taste them. A jumping cat can climb onto the kitchen or dining table without a twinge of conscience - make sure that there is no food, plastic dishes, or drinks left on the furniture.
If you haven’t changed your mind yet and want a Serval cat waiting for you at home, the price of the pet shouldn’t scare you. Our managers advise buyers in detail about the cost of a wild cat, and will also tell you all about the intricacies of caring for it.
History of the origin of the serval
The name "serval" is the Portuguese name that Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, used in 1765 for a spotted cat that was kept at the Royal Menagerie at Versailles at the time. The name Leptailurus may have come from the Medieval Greek λεπταλέος or λεπτός, meaning "beautiful, subtle". Serval cats have lived with people since the ancient Egyptians and were often used in their drawings. However, they were not domesticated.
The world first heard about this living creation of nature from the scientist Schreber in 1776, and over the course of approximately 80 years, several other subspecies were discovered. Already in 1858, an official scientific classification was created, which stated that this cute kitten belongs to the mammals, carnivores, cat families and belongs to the serval species.
Fun fact: Research conducted in the 2000s and 2010s suggests that the serval, along with the caracal and the African golden cat, forms one of eight lineages of cats. According to a 2006 genetic study, the origins of the Caracal date back to 8.5 million years ago.
The serval cat is native to Africa, where bushes and tall grass provide maximum camouflage for the animal, allowing it to sneak up on its prey. Originally found throughout Africa, wild populations are now primarily found in southern Africa, Zimbabwe and Natal. Small groups are found in the Atlas Mountains. Servals have also been found in Algeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, and sub-Saharan Africa. Thanks to translocation, members of this species can now be found in northern Tanzania.
Serval cats make different sounds:
- High-pitched cry to call other individuals;
- Growl;
- Spit;
- Purring and much more.
To see this amazing creature in its natural habitat, you need to travel a little. The range of these large cats is quite large, but this eccentric is a rather secretive animal. Having the longest legs of all cats, servals are very agile jumpers and skilled hole diggers. They can catch birds taller than 2.7m in the air and dig up to a meter to get under a fence.
Health
The advantage of the breed is the absence of characteristic hereditary diseases. But, like any cat, the African predator has its weaknesses.
- Does not tolerate cold, drafts, or temperature changes. Close windows and room doors before swimming. Do not walk your cat outside for long periods of time in the fall and winter.
- Serval is not suitable for some vaccinations with active viruses. A wrong step by the owner can cost the pet's life. Consult an experienced veterinarian before vaccinating.
- Tendency to diarrhea. Watch your diet carefully. It is recommended to coordinate the diet with your veterinarian.
- Possibility of injury due to outdoor games and jumping. Kittens are especially susceptible to damage, since the bones of the limbs are still poorly formed.
The breed is long-lived. With caring attitude, proper care and proper nutrition, the life expectancy of a cat is 15-20 years.
Serval - description of the breed
Adult servals are slender, agile animals, approximately 60 cm long from shoulder to tail. Males weigh 9 - 18 kg, and females 9 - 13 kg. Thus, they are almost 20 cm taller than South American ocelots, which have a similar body length, and about 30.5 cm taller than the caracal, which has a similar weight. The serval has a small head with large round ears. The legs are very long: in the entire cat family, no other species has such long legs in proportion to the body. The tail is of medium length, reaches forty centimeters, the body is very slender.
Fun fact: Servals resemble cheetahs, but have a shorter tail than their cousins. As a rule, they hunt near cover to quickly hide in case of danger and stay close to water. In the wild, they are solitary and occupy an area of four to 20 km². African serval cats are not listed as endangered.
Their legs and ears are considered the largest in the cat family. The serval is similar to the sympathetic caracal, but has a narrower footprint, a rounded skull, and no prominent ear tufts. It resembles a cheetah in structure and coat pattern, but not in size. The serval is similar in adaptation to marshy habitats with the jungle cat. Both cats have large, pointed ears that help locate prey.
In April 1986, the first Savannah cat was born, a cross between a male Serval and a domestic cat. The specimen was larger than a typical domestic kitten and resembled its father in its pattern. This cat breed has the habit of following its owner like a dog and can be a good swimmer. Over the years, the hybrid has gained popularity as a pet. The Savannah may be a better option than the Serval for people who like the appearance of the animal but want a more docile pet that is easier to care for.
Description of the species
There is no clear standard for these cats yet, since domestication of wild animals began spontaneously. But felinologists are studying this species, so an official description may appear soon. At the moment, there is a general characteristic of the species, so lovers of exotic animals are cautiously considering the option of taming the serval.
Serval is always only Africa. It seems that he has never even existed in Israel.
Miracinonyx, forum visitor
https://forum.zoologist.ru/viewtopic.php?id=812
The serval is a medium-sized wild cat that resembles a cheetah. The cat's muzzle is small, there are two dark stripes that stretch from the eye line. This pattern on the face makes the cat look sad, but this is simply a means of camouflage. Large, elongated ears set high on the head. The cat's neck is long and powerful. The Serval's body is small compared to other wild cats, but large compared to domestic whiskers. The body length of a bush cat can reach 1 meter in length. The serval has long legs (this is due to the need for speed of movement in the wild). The cat can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. When jumping, the serval reaches 3 meters. Thanks to its developed muscle mass, a serval can weigh up to 18 kilograms or more.
Serval ears are extended upward and mobile up to 90 degrees
The serval's coat can be of any color (depending on the subspecies), the main colors are from light beige to dark brown, almost black. There are spots on the cat's body, the color of which is darker than the main tone. The spots form lines on the back. In some places (chest, muzzle, belly) there may be no spots. The ears have transverse stripes of the same color as the other spots. Sometimes areas without spots have a slightly lighter color than, for example, the back. The pattern on the body of a serval is almost always the same. There are also white servals, whose spots are silvery (or almost invisible). But this is a product of selection, and not the result of the influence of nature.
The tail of the African cat is short but thick, because it should not interfere with hunting. The maximum length of the tail is 40 centimeters.
Serval character
The African cat has regal manners, but this does not stop him from being friendly with people. If you take a serval as a baby, he will quickly get used to his owner and the rest of the family. The cat will grow up playful and inquisitive. You can win the trust of a bush cat only with affection and care. Such a cat will not show aggression towards people who feed and entertain him.
The Serval is capable of learning. Of course, a wild cat is not as easy to train as a dog. But still, the animal will understand what exactly the owner wants from him. It all depends on the patience of the owner himself and the relationship between the owner and the cat. You cannot scold or hit a serval, even if he knocked over the TV or broke a cup. The cat will understand the dissatisfied intonation of the person and learn the lesson.
Servals are very curious and playful
In the wild, the serval prefers to choose solitary behavior. Moreover, the cat has a habit of marking its territory, thus protecting its space from other cats. This habit remains with the serval even when he is fostered by a person. Therefore, owners of wild cats are recommended to castrate their pet. Servals coexist well with other animals (for example, dogs). The cat may mistake smaller animals for prey. So birds, rodents, reptiles, etc. can suffer from the teeth of a predator.
A serval can simply study strangers, but a cat can show tender feelings towards its owner. If a person strokes and caresses his pet, the animal may let out a contented purr. The African cat can purr, and its voice is similar to the chirping of birds. Children living in the same house as a serval need to be careful. Small children may not understand that they are playing with an animal, and the animal may inadvertently “defend itself” from the aggressor. Therefore, they try to protect the serval from children.
If a serval living in the wild is in danger, it will try to hide or run away. Sometimes a cat jumps up a tree. This way the enemy will not reach him, but the offender will be clearly visible.
Lifestyle of African cats
In its natural environment, the serval occupies open spaces with tall grass or bushes. When choosing a habitat, a wild cat is guided by the rule “closer to water.” These Africans avoid any plains (including deserts). If the habitat is a tropical forest, the animal will choose the edge of the forest or its outskirts, since the animal also does not like a too humid environment. The cat comes out to hunt early in the morning and late in the evening. The main requirement for hunting time is twilight. The serval preys on small animals (hares, frogs, etc.).
nature has endowed the serval with everything it needs to survive in the wild
Nutrition
In addition to small animals, the serval also hunts larger animals. Hyraxes, guinea fowl, flamingos and even antelopes can become victims of the predator. Large, movable ears allow the cat to hear movement in the distance, and powerful long legs allow it to cover long distances with instant speed. The long neck allows it to look out for prey by peering out of the tall grass. In addition, a wild cat can dig holes in the ground and climb trees. This animal rarely fails (half of its attempts end in the capture of the victim). The instinctive desire to eat some animal remains in a cat even in captivity.
Philemon grew up. Died at the age of 15. Ate raw meat with bones (turkeys, rabbits, parts of lambs, kids). Everything is fresh, but dead.
Kasima, forum visitor
https://mainecoon-forum.ru/archive/index.php/t-48366.html
Video: Serval hunting
Reproduction
The African cat becomes sexually mature by the age of one and a half years. In the wild, a serval mates with a female of its own species, and a domesticated animal can mate with both caracals and ordinary cats. When mating with a caracal, babies will be born with characteristics of both parents (caraval or servical). When a wild cat mates with a domestic cat (for example, a Bengal breed), hybrids are born, which are called savannahs. This is already a separate breed, which Americans began to breed at the end of the 20th century.
A female serval bears offspring for up to 75 days. Up to three kittens can be born in one litter. African cats give birth 2 times a year.
female African cat breastfeeds her babies for up to 1 year
In its natural habitat, a wild African cat can live up to 15 years.
Habitat and role in the ecosystem
Servals are indigenous Africans. Previously, they inhabited the entire territory of the mainland. Now they can be found in the southern part of the continent (South Africa, Zimbabwe). Several groups are found in the Atlas Mountains. Additionally, small populations have been found in Ethiopia, Morocco, and also Algeria. Now the serval's range has shifted somewhat, so they can also be found in Tanzania.
Servals are one of the strongest links in the food chain. Their predatory lifestyle does not allow the plains to be overpopulated with rodents and pests. Although wild cats themselves can become prey. Leftover food and excrement become fertilizer for the tropical soil. Servals are also carriers of Toxoplasma. All this suggests that the existence of a species is a connecting link between different organisms (from protozoa to humans).
The serval occupies a niche in the ecosystem of an entire continent
Popular serval colors
Servals are tall and slender animals with noticeably large ears. Proportional to their body size, they have the longest ears of any wild cat. The back is darker. The base coat color is sand to copper with black or dark brown spots and a striped pattern. The belly is light beige to white. The pattern is unique for each individual.
Black spots and stripes on the body vary in size and location for each individual. Individuals living in African grasslands have larger spots than those found in forests. The markings run from the top of the head between the ears and continue down the back, breaking into four distinct lines. Having reached the shoulders, the lines break and are scattered into spots along the same path of the stripes.
Interesting fact: In the early 19th century, taxonomists believed that small-spotted and large-spotted servals were different species. In the highlands of East Africa, such as the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya, there are also all-black servals, which were also originally considered a separate species. Most of these melanists were seen at altitudes from 2440 m to 2745 m. But snow-white individuals with silver spots were bred by breeders.
Reaching the rear, the spots extend perpendicularly and form rings on the tail. The tip of the tail is black. The back of the ears is black with a white line between them. Melanistic servals are occasionally observed. The Serval has great individual differences. For example, there are servals with very small spots, while others have large spots.
Appearance and character
The Serval is a slender, agile, elegant cat with “legs from ears.” The length of its body can reach up to 100 cm, plus a relatively short tail of 25-40 cm. The height at the withers of such a cat can reach 60 cm and weigh up to 19-20 kg, and some large individuals can weigh 25 kg. Among other representatives of wild cats, this is a very small animal, but compared to the usual domestic cats, even the largest ones, the serval looks like a real giant.
His head is miniature compared to the rest of his body. Based on a number of morphological features, the serval is considered a close relative of lynxes and caracals, although in color it most closely resembles a cheetah - dark spots and stripes on a yellowish-gray background. His chest, belly and muzzle are white. The ears are black on the outside with yellow or white transverse spots.
The serval has a very shocking appearance - due to the length of its paws, the size of its ears and its natural color, it attracts the attention of even people who are indifferent to cats.
The serval has a huge need for movement and play. Possessing a serious intellect, he is capable of getting bored and starting to invent games for himself. Therefore, the owner must take care of the pet’s leisure time in order to keep his home intact. You should definitely take into account that the serval is capable of jumping several meters up and loves to do this. The best option would be a lot of toys, active games with the owner (without elements of hunting for body parts!), as well as walks in a special enclosure or even on the street. The Serval can be trained to use a leash and harness.
Serval and his relative - the caracal cat
The serval is sincerely attached to its owner, but is very afraid of strangers. This cat will most likely avoid guests - this is their natural behavior towards everything scary and unfamiliar.
Character and habits of servals
In the wild, cats must be smart to survive. Natural selection allowed the smartest and most dexterous individuals to remain alive, and you will understand this when the serval suddenly learns to open doors. The animal has a shy and fearful behavior, but it is very active and playful.
Some of the natural tendencies of servals are:
- One reasonable factor is that feral cats will run away from danger. If a serval is chased, the animal will think that you are trying to harm it. There is no need to follow this cat unless absolutely necessary. But even in an emergency, you should try to get your serval to come to you by cooing or talking to your baby serval, playing with his favorite toy, or offering him a treat. You will be more successful;
- Adult servals are wary of strangers. In the wild, when an unknown male/female feral cat enters another's territory, a challenge usually occurs, or one of them runs away. When visitors come to you, the serval may hide and not come out until he is sure that the guests have left. Do not try to exhibit a serval for show. This will frighten your pet and may cause emotional/physical harm. They may start to distrust you;
- Be sure to keep an eye on children who are near the serval. If children harm the animal, it may develop a fear of children and servals may attack the offenders. This fear of children will remain with them forever. They are very smart and can distinguish the voice of a child from the voice of an adult;
- Servals generally love other animals. They can play with almost any animal once they get used to each other. However, as your cat gets older, you need to be careful when introducing her to a new small pet. They may think that they are chewing toys and causing pain to the baby.
Don't forget that although the animal lives next to you, it should also have its own cozy nest. For this reason, it is useful for him to create a comfortable, soft place where he can retire, sleep or just lie down.
Features of care
If you decide to have such a cat at home, you must provide proper conditions for its life.
For example, it is worth securing the wires, because this cat loves to hang on various ropes and laces.
Little kittens chew everything in sight.
a Labrador puppy at home , but not a Serval kitten.
If you value certain things, the only way to distract your baby from them is to buy him more toys.
Cat toys are suitable for a kitten, but as they grow, it is better to notice them for those intended for large breeds of dogs, like the husky.
This will protect the serval from accidentally swallowing a small object and similar troubles.
Advice! An interesting way to discourage your pet serval from chewing dangerous objects is to spray them with apple spray. This discourages the animal's interest.
Accustoming to a collar must begin from childhood, and first the Serval must get used to a loose collar.
To make your cat feel safe with you, never frighten her.
Moreover, if the serval breaks free and tries to run away, it is quite possible that he simply sensed danger somewhere nearby.
As with the Bengal cat , fetch and tug are favorite activities for the serval.
In this photo, the serval shows off its gorgeous fangs - they are noticeably larger than those of domestic cats.
A large cat can easily get accustomed to a litter tray, the best filling being wood.
True, they don’t know how to bury their “deeds,” like most domestic cats.
If a serval went to the toilet where it was forbidden to do so, do not rush to scold him.
Just show him where to do it. Gradually he will understand everything.
Of considerable importance is the fact that all family members pay attention to the serval.
Servals usually prefer to hide from new people.
Remember that they are very intelligent and can be trained like dogs.
Important! If a cat scratches you, do not scold or hit him, but simply leave him in the room alone for a while. Soon he will understand everything.
A domesticated serval can only show real aggression when protecting its cubs from a threat.
There is an opinion that the African serval can be dangerous, and we are talking about domestic animals. But this is a myth.
At least, domestic servals, unlike captive ones, are affectionate and playful pets.
In nature, they hunt small prey and humans are too formidable opponents for them.
Domestic servals are afraid of children who kick them and pull their ears and tail.
Only in this case can he bite or scratch, but only for the purpose of protection.
This is one of the reasons why it is not recommended to have servals in families with children under 5 years of age.
Even in the photo, the serval confidently demonstrates its intelligence: one glance is enough.
If your cat does something bad, do some basic training.
Arm yourself with a water pistol and the word “No!”
Next time he will understand you after a verbal command, and a wet shot will not be needed.
Don’t let him “fight” with your hands or feet, otherwise, when the serval grows up, the habit will remain, and you will constantly bear the marks of cat attacks.
It is better to use toys for such games.
The domestic serval gets along well with other animals if it was introduced to them as a kitten.
Advice! with birds, small rodents and reptiles such as geckos and chameleons - this is its food in its natural habitat.
At the first meeting, an adult serval may mistake a small cat or dog in some sense for a toy and injure it, be careful.
This applies to Russian Toy Terriers , Bunny Dachshunds , Pomeranians and other small dogs .
Interesting facts about servals
These cats are slender but strong. Their name comes from the Portuguese word meaning "wolf-deer".
Let's find out what is remarkable about a small cat:
- Servals are long-legged, which is why they got their nickname “giraffe cat.” Much of their long-leggedness comes from the elongated metatarsals of their legs;
- The largest ears among cats. On top of their small heads are sickle-shaped, tall oval ears, black on the back with a characteristic white spot. If people had ears like servants, they would be as big as dinner plates;
- Servals jump high. When hunting, they make high vertical leaps into the air;
- Both males and females mark their territories by spraying urine onto trees and bushes, rubbing fresh urine into the ground with their claws. Males do this more often, spraying liquid up to 46 times per hour or 41 times per km²;
- Servals engage in cat fights. Threats can look scary: cats straighten their ears, arch their backs, bare their teeth and nod their heads enthusiastically. If the situation escalates, they lash out with their long front legs and bark and growl;
- Servals purr. In addition to barking and growling, the serval can purr, chirp, hiss, giggle, grunt and meow. Listen to the sounds on the video;
- Servals can live more than 20 years. Life expectancy in the wild is 10 years;
- There is a serval-domestic hybrid cat. It's called a savannah, and it's a cross between a serval and a regular house cat. This breed was recognized by the International Cat Association in 2001.
How long do domestic servals live?
In the wild they live for about 12-13 years. But domestic cats, which are properly cared for, provided with a balanced diet and there is no threat from large predators, can easily live up to 20 years.
Pros and cons of servals
Living with such a miracle of nature as a serval under one roof is a pleasure. If you bought a small kitten, there is no particular need to equip it with a cage or enclosure. His behavior is not much different from ordinary kittens, and he feels very comfortable in the apartment. Only such an unusual pet needs to be raised from early childhood. This is necessary so that as he grows up, he still perceives you as his best friend.
Advantages of the breed:
- The special beauty of the animal;
- Balanced temperament, absence of causeless aggression;
- The serval is a very loving and devoted animal;
- Has almost dog-like habits (fetching balls, toys, fooling around) but moves around the house much more gracefully and accurately;
- Good health;
- Trained and performs even complex tasks;
- Friendly towards other pets at home;
- There are no hereditary diseases;
- Easy care.
Flaws:
- Servals are sometimes stubborn; you need to point out the limits of what is permitted;
- They jump on high furniture;
- A lack of toys leads to damage to objects around;
- Often everything overturns;
- Needs a lot of personal space;
- He responds to screams and force with aggression;
- Marks territory;
- High price.
The best weapon against bad behavior of a serval, as strange as it may sound, is a simple splash of water. In case of bad behavior, simply spray some water on your pet and explain to him that it is bad. He will hear and listen to you. In general, these cats are very smart and if you repeat the same remark to him several times, he will definitely understand.
How to choose a kitten
Today's price for a serval kitten from a good cattery is approximately 10 thousand dollars.
This stops many who want to have such a pet.
At the current exchange rate, the price in rubles exceeds 600,000.
In order for a domestic serval to become your friend, you need to adopt it as a kitten no older than 5 months of age, but not earlier than 1.5 months.
In any case, the younger the kitten, the easier it becomes tame and the faster it becomes attached to its owners.
If you take a completely baby and feed him from a bottle, this, of course, will further strengthen the connection with you initially, but taking such a step is not necessary.
The main thing is to always hand feed him while he is not yet an adult.
This is a psychological trick: the serval gets used to the safety of your presence and begins to respect you.
This is not just a kitten - this is a child who needs your care, affection and attention.
Important! Never press your kitten with your gaze from top to bottom. You need to play with him so that your eyes are on the same level with him. Then he will feel comfortable. Just lie down on the floor next to him and play. Over time, he will feel calm, regardless of your position in space.
Under no circumstances should you hit a serval - this is a sure way to lose his trust.
The serval cat is a very smart animal, so a few explanations or a silent demonstration of his dissatisfaction will be enough for him to understand and realize his “jamb.”
At the same time, the Serval is quite cunning and stubborn.
Advice! Your understanding and forbearance are the main tools in raising servals. Be patient and give them maximum attention, and they will reciprocate.
Serval breeding
African servals are solitary animals, except during mating periods. They are polygynous, and the territories of males in the wild overlap with those of as many females as possible for optimal breeding. Although there is no set breeding interval, mating occurs more frequently in the spring. A female almost ready to breed will hunt and court a male for several days just before entering estrus. Estrus can last only 1 day.
Breeding in captivity is controversial. It must be based on knowledge and experience. In the world of wild cats, the birth of babies is a real miracle. The babies that are born are very welcome. After a short gestation period of 10 to 11 weeks, females give birth to 2-3 kittens. These young individuals weigh about 250 g at birth and double in size in the first 11 days. Permanent canines develop by 6 months. Sexual maturity occurs between 18 and 24 months.
Interesting fact: Serval breeding challenges breeders because... The Serval is not “created for breeding in captivity,” but these cats can produce offspring in a home environment. During the breeding season, the animal becomes restless, excessively active and can injure other animals. Kittens may be born immature and often require human assistance if they are to be viable at all.
However, if a serval cat carries hybrid offspring after mating with a regular cat, there is a risk that she may kill the tiny kittens. Hybrid kittens weigh only 90 to 110 grams. By the way, male descendants resulting from crossing will remain infertile for three generations. If higher maintenance males are found to be fertile, they often have small litters and remain sterile for a short period of time. As they remain in captivity for several generations, mating efficiency becomes higher.
Captivity
The Serval is one of the few wild cats that can tolerate captivity without worry.
The main thing is a fairly spacious enclosure (about 50 sq.m.) with many climbing frames, some rocky terrain, a mandatory pond or at least some stream (remember that servals live near water sources!), a ditch or deep ditch for shelter and artificial a hollow of such a size that a cat can not only lie down there, but also sit down.
Your bush cat will be pleased with his new home and, as he explores it, will mark the entire territory. The serval does this up to 40-50 times per hour, so it becomes clear why animals not intended for breeding are recommended to be castrated (sterilized) by 6-8 months of age. Not only males, but also females mark, and the scent marks of a Serval cat are no less odorous than those of a cat!
Servals are successfully bred in captivity, especially since the cat’s estrus is not tied to a specific time of year. Kittens are born on the 77-79th day in an amount of no more than 4, blind and very voracious. Mom can be quite exhausting while nursing these cute spotted bastards for up to six months.
During this period, the cat is very dangerous: protecting its offspring requires a lot of courage from it, because in the wild there will definitely be someone who wants to profit from the babies, who are not yet able to defend themselves or escape. Instinct! But the instinct for a piece of free meat does not change!
In addition to store-bought beef, for a complete diet, the serval also needs to catch fish in the pond and track down a rabbit or a dozen mice left in the enclosure for dessert.
Of course, he will not refuse a quail or chicken at all, which means that the enclosure must be well closed not only on the sides, but also on the top. If your kitty manages to escape, the nearest poultry farm will be completely destroyed. Serval, by the way, is an escape artist, because... He is not only agile and fast, he is also very smart.
This mind once led a person to the idea of domesticating Felis serval.
Caring for Servals
Servals are by nature living creatures with remarkable intelligence, and it is not difficult for him to explain the basic intricacies of apartment life. First, you must train your exotic pet to fulfill the need for a litter box. These little animals are very clean, so you won't see much resistance in this training. However, they do not always bury their excrement like regular cats. In addition, servals mark their territory. To prevent unpleasant odors in the home, it is better to spay or neuter your animal.
Teach your pet to trust you. When you try to make friends with a serval, feed them directly from your hands. This will start trust. They know you are giving them something good when you reach out to them. Another way to bond with a serval is to lie on the floor with the cat and their favorite toy and play with them.
When you're on the same level, cats feel at ease and will soon feel comfortable with you, whether you're standing, sitting or lying down. You need to be patient, because... This may take some time. Never yell at a serval. Never force yourself on them. And never hold them in your hands against their will. They will learn to run away from you rather than come to you.
Interesting fact: This friend can be taught a collar and leash from childhood, he will happily walk with you on the road. Just remember to free the animal from the leash immediately after a walk, because a serval can not only injure itself while playing with the collar, but also suffocate.
The Serval needs personal toys to keep important things in the house safe and sound. The thing is, this little furbaby loves to chew on everything and if he doesn't have anything handy, your books, clothes and cables will become play items, and it's not only your loss, it's deadly for the cat. If your cat is focusing its attention on an object in your house, you can spray it with apple spray, the scent will keep it away. Such repellents are sold in every pet store.
Population and species status
Photo: Serval
Despite the fact that the number of bush cats is declining, only one of the 14 subspecies is listed in the Red Book. The northern subspecies of the serval is listed in the Red Book with the status of “endangered species.” All existing subspecies of bush cats are listed in the second CITES convention.
To date, zoologists do not have clear data on the number of serval individuals. They are quite common in nurseries, aviaries, and also in the homes of wealthy and self-sufficient people in different countries.
At the legislative level, no laws have been adopted to protect animals. Also, no programs are specifically developed to preserve and increase their numbers. In some regions, representatives of the Rybnadzor and other bodies for the protection of flora and fauna are involved in animal protection. The law does not provide for any types of punishment for catching or shooting an animal.
In some regions, there is a trade in serval kittens, which are 1-2 months old. It is at this age that the cubs most quickly adapt to new environmental and maintenance conditions. Experts recommend taming kittens at a young age. Then they get used to people and learn to exist in a family environment among people.
Serval diet
Servals need more nutrients than domestic cats. In the wild, servals feed on rodents and small animals, as well as birds. In captivity, the diet must be adequate nutrition. They must receive sufficient calcium (54 mg per animal).
The Serval diet consists of poultry bones, meat and fish with added vitamins intended for wild cats. This includes all shapes of chicken (necks, thighs, wings and stuffing), turkey necks and ground beef, any cut of beef and ground beef, and canned fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel. You can also offer delicacies such as cheese, beef jerky, fruits such as strawberries, cherries, oranges and bananas, lettuce and tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese.
Serval feeding stages by age:
- Feeding kittens consists of high-quality crushed food. Kittens under 6 months of age will need mince, offered in combination with wet food. A mixture of ground raw turkey mixed with powdered dry IAMS works well for small kittens. You may want to feed them regular cat food, but only use premium cat food that is 75% meat;
- By the time the serval is six months old, it can be fed a combination of dry and wet food;
- As your kitten begins to mature, you can give him a chicken leg or neck. When the serval reaches maturity, he can be offered raw chicken, bones and all. Do not feed your animal cooked meat. Most meat contains high levels of phosphorus, and if not eaten with the required amount of calcium, it will lead to small or brittle bones and other problems. Exotic cats need the correct ratio of the two minerals to use calcium for bone growth. The serval should eat as much as it wants, but don't leave food out for more than a couple of hours;
- An adult eats from 0.5 to 1.4 kg of meat per day. Serval cats can eat a lot in one day and less the next day, but if the pet's appetite disappears for a long time, the animal should be taken to an exotic animal veterinarian. Vitamin supplements are required. Feeding grass once a week for the digestive system;
- Make sure they have enough clean water to drink. Place several bowls of water around the house. Animals love to play in water, so make sure toilets are closed.
Reproduction
In nature, reproduction in African servals is not tied to a specific time of year.
pregnancy lasts 65-75 days; the litter has an average of two to three kittens, which the mother feeds with her milk for 5-7.5 months.
When they turn one year old they begin to live an independent life.
Sexual maturity occurs at the age of one and a half to two years.
Read more about estrus in cats here:
Serval cats are able to mate with domestic cats, producing hybrid offspring.
But it has not yet been possible to get serval kittens at home.
By the way, kittens born in a pair of servals and caracals are called servicals or caravans.
Very soon this timid little guy will become a long-legged, graceful beauty stalking prey in the tall African grass.
Diseases and health problems
Servals are quite hardy, but you need to be prepared if your indoor cat gets sick. To be on the safe side, it is best to take your pet to the vet for regular checkups. Your pet can't tell you what's bothering him, so you need to monitor his condition.
Signs to look out for include mood swings, gagging, diarrhea, and strained urination. Diarrhea in young cats can lead to dehydration within a few hours and may require intravenous fluids. If diarrhea occurs more than twice in a row, it is advisable to take your cat to a veterinarian for a check. Diarrhea can sometimes occur as a result of a change in diet.
There is also regular medical care that is necessary when keeping these exotic animals.
It includes:
- Vaccinations. Serval cats require the same vaccinations as domestic cats;
- Spaying or neutering. Changes are best made between 4 and 6 months. Consult a qualified veterinarian regarding this matter;
- Declaw removal. When keeping Serval cats as pets, the question arises as to whether or not they should be declawed.
You may want to discuss this with a qualified veterinarian. There are opinions both for and against this practice. Some sellers remove the animal's claws before selling the kittens. Remember these are wild cat claws and can cause a lot of damage.
On the other hand, declawing is a very extensive and painful operation for a cat, and there is a risk of infection. Some believe that a domesticated serval, with proper training, can learn to refrain from using its claws.
Serval cat - pet
It has long been known that people hunted side by side with cheetahs and servals, using them instead of dogs. There is plenty of evidence in the literature. Nowadays, people keep these beautiful cats for the sake of prestige, making them real pets.
A tiny serval kitten or cheetah puppy, weaned from its mother at 1.5-2 months, quickly gets used to the hands that feed and caress it. Not everyone can feed such a baby, but if this happens, the grown-up cat will become devoted to its owner, like a dog. He will learn not only to trust and love, but he will become the best companion, having completed a special training course, of course.
Typically, such adaptation is carried out in specialized nurseries, where babies are artificially fed and given the first instructions on communicating with future owners. German breeders have proven themselves to be the best adaptation school; they willingly spread their methods to other countries, issuing a certificate after training.
When purchasing a small serval for your home, be sure to check for such a certificate, and also request all the documents for the nursery itself, for the baby’s parents, and get to know the staff better. It is important! You are not just buying an expensive fur coat, you are buying a real animal for your home!
And not only mutual living, but also the health (and sometimes life!) of you and your loved ones will depend on his behavior. If you have to talk to a spotted cat of this size from a position of strength, then victory will not be on your side!
A person who knows and understands the animal, an expert in his field, will not “dismiss” you with just a “monthly grocery list,” but will also be able to help you with the right advice on raising your pet, and will promptly correct his behavior and yours if necessary. By the way, he will not forget to warn you that any “live” vaccine for your pet is a mortal threat, only without active viruses!
Don’t lose touch with the factory nursery, and definitely never buy “Serval kitten in the second-third-twenty-fifth generation from good parents, trained to use a tray, I’ll sell it inexpensively.”
There is a 99 percent chance that they will try to sell you an ordinary big-eared spotted cat - once. There are two savages who don’t know what the “rules of family life” are. Or, in the best case, a hybrid of a serval and a domestic cat will come into your house - three.
