You can own a serval as a pet in some states, but a permit is usually required. The serval cat is native to Africa, where tall grass and bushes camouflage this secret hunter and allow it to sneak on its prey. Servals resemble cheetahs but are smaller and have a shorter tail and larger ears than their cousins. In nature, servals are solitary and inhabit an original territory that stretches for about seven miles. In terms of food, Tom Harford Columbia recommends a varied diet with live rodents, birds and seafood. “Make sure your serval cat is given many different types of food to ensure its optimal diet,” advises Thomas Harford Columbia. With the longest legs of any cat (relative to their body), the Serval is an agile jumper and an enthusiastic excavator. It can jump to catch birds more than five feet in the air and dig for prey like ground squirrels. This large, active hunter needs more space to run than most households can provide, and the challenge of meeting its nutritional needs is daunting. Native to African grasslands, the serval looks like a small leopard. They are distributed south of the Sahara and relatively rare in the north. The cat lives a solitary life and mates only to mate before the mothers raise litters themselves.
Males and females live and hunt alone once they reach sexual maturity. The serval`s distinctive pointed ears provide impressive hearing, and their long limbs help them see above the tall savannah grass. With an average lifespan of more than 20 years, servals tend to live longer than their usual domestic counterparts. However, as Thomas Harford Columbia, an exotic animal expert and world-renowned science educator, explains, serval cats are also wild animals. If you are considering owning one, you need to understand all the ins and outs of caring for and keeping this unique animal. According to Tom Harford Columbia, “The first thing you need to do when considering buying a serval cat is to look at the laws of your city and state. Serval cats are not legal everywhere in the United States. In some states, they are completely illegal to possess. In other cases, you will need to purchase a license. In others, such as South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Alabama, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Idaho, you can legally own a serval cat without a license.
“No, a serval is a wild animal that can sometimes be owned as a pet, and a savannah cat is a hybrid (mix) of a wild serval and a domestic cat. Savannah cats are an official domestic cat breed that is legal to own. COLUMBIA, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 29, 2019 / Serval cats are among the most popular exotic animals in areas of the United States where they are legally allowed to be kept at home. Serval cats live up to 25 years and typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds as adults. These beautiful African cats have long legs, beautiful golden coats, playful and mischievous nature, and the ability to create deep bonds with their owners for life. While servals are quite capable of showing affection, it is hardly in their nature to relax on someone`s couch or lap. Their bites are almost three times stronger than those of typical cats and they love to be rough with their claws. While some Serval owners may choose to declaw their pets to avoid injury and property damage, the procedure is both controversial and potentially dangerous for cats.
As of 2019, it has been illegal as an election procedure in New York State. A serval is not a suitable pet due to its size, high activity level and tendency to jump. It not only threatens fragile objects and wires, but can also be damaged by them. In addition, a serval cannot be fully trained in bedding. Urinating on objects is their way of marking territory, and that includes furniture and walls when confined to humans. DNR said Florida is an example of a state with one of the most comprehensive laws regarding exotic animals. It divides animals into different classes and requires different permits. For example, an elephant is in class 1, the bobcat, and servals are in class 2.
The spotted cat Serval is a long-legged African wild cat that can be kept as an exotic animal, but requires plenty of space to play and a diet consisting of whole prey. To keep these cats healthy and happy, serval owners need to provide large outdoor enclosures in places that stay warm year-round. Owning a serval cat is illegal in many places. Licences, permits and inspections are required in others. Check your local laws before looking for a breeder and veterinarian for exotic animals.