Serval Cat Size report

The serval is a cat breed known for its superb hunting abilities. Their long legs and long ears are very eye-catching, allowing them to have first-class athletic ability and sensitive hearing. Very unique and handsome appearance, coupled with a strong body, makes many cat lovers want to own a serval.

Note that be aware of local animal protection laws to avoid breaking the law before adopting a serval. Servals are protected animals in many countries, and private breeding is prohibited. You have to get the relevant license to keep a serval. Otherwise, you will be considered illegally breeding wild animals and face fines or imprisonment.

The serval cat is a beautiful animal that some people keep as an exotic pet. It is important to understand the risks involved in owning a wild animal. This article shares more basic information about serval cats, such as their living habit, feeding, average size, etc.

Serval Cat General Description

Serval is a medium-large cat native to Africa, mainly distributed in sub-Saharan, feeding on various small animals, especially rodents. Adults have a generally golden to pale yellow coat with black spots and stripes. There are what is known as melanistic servals, which are all black. Compared to other cats, they are more slender, with long legs and short tails, and their ears are long and close together. The body and the pattern of serval cats are very similar to cheetah, and the serval is also called a "small cheetah." Servals are often mistaken for wild cats or cheetahs.

Average Size

Males are usually larger than females. The serval grows to be 26-40 inches long and has a tail length of 9-18 inches. Their shoulder height is about 53 cm (21 inches). Their weight can range from 9 to 20 kilograms (20 – 44 pounds).

Living Habit

Servals are found in west, central, and eastern Africa. They mainly inhabit savannah and moist environments such as reeds, swamps, and occasionally in forest margins and forest clearings with lush grass. These cats are usually shy during the day and more active at night. They prey on large insects, birds, fish, frogs, and locusts at dusk and help farmers hunt locusts and rodents but rarely kill livestock. Because servals often gather by rivers, they are easily exposed and hunted by humans and, at the same time, face the danger of habitat loss.

Reproduction

A female serval has a gestation period of 65-75 days and can give birth to two-three kittens at a time. Servals do not mate for life and are solitary animals. When the young servals are one year old, they will leave their natal range. Their lifespan is around 20 years, while a domestic cat can live anywhere from 12-18 years.

Serval Cat Care

Ownership of a serval cat is illegal in many locales and requires others' licenses, permits, and inspections. You must check with local laws to know which will apply. Serval cats are also difficult to re-home if you can no longer care for them. Serval cats can bond with humans, especially if they are bottle-raised and hand-fed. You will need to spend time with the serval cat, requiring patience and a gentle hand in training and playing. While you can try to socialize a serval, they will often remain shy of strangers and can be frightened by visitors.

Characteristics

Servals are wild animals and generally don't make the best pets. To raise a serval cat, you must create a large, secure outdoor enclosure and provide a warm environment year-round. They will need to feed on whole prey food and require veterinary care from an experienced exotics vet. You will need to have a plan for someone to care for your serval cat if you take a vacation, need a break, or develop your health problems.