Serval
Scarlet - I think she is pregnant here.
The serval (Leptailurus serval) is long-bodied, long-legged, big-eared,
lightly built cat with a lovely spotted coat. They are 24 to 36 inches long
with a tail 1/3 to 1/2 of its head-length. It weighs between 20 and 40 lb. and
stands from 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder. The base coloration can be from
cream through tan and orange. The dark brown to black spots are in rows on the
sides and stripes on the back. Both large and small-spotted types, depending
on the location. The tail has several rings and a black tip. There are melanistic
servals that have been seen in Aberdare Mountains, Mount Kenya, Mau Forest and
Kilimanjaro.
Help! I've got spots on
the rug! A group of youngsters.
They have extremely large funnel-shaped
ears that are edged with black and have a large white spot on the back. The
legs and neck are extremely long. These cats inhabit areas below the Sahara
Desert, around rivers where there is heavy vegetation They hunt for rodents
and birds. They are extremely agile and can jump great heights from a stand-still.
They are also capable of short bursts of great speed. They are one of the most,
if not the most, graceful of all the cats.
The serval is found in areas with good cover of grass, trees, reeds and scrub
and water. They are solitary and mainly terrestrial. Hearing is the means for
locating its prey and its long legs and neck assist it in tall grass. Their
main prey in the wild are rodents, hares, small antelopes, reptiles and birds.
They are capable of hearing and digging out mole rats under the ground. Servals
can emit a shrill 'meow', and can growl and purr.
They are sexually mature at about 18 months but usually do not breed until 2
years of age. Litters can be 1-4 and are weaned at 3-4 months of age. Gestation
is 66-77 days. In the wild, offspring can be nursed up to seven months.
A pair of our breeders
napping.
In Captivity
Servals are not difficult to keep in captivity
especially if they are hand-raised. As pets, an owner needs a deep understanding
of their nature and why they do the things they do. They are highly trainable
cats and can perform amazing feats of leaping and jumping to catch toys they
like. Servals have a very strong prey drive and are relentless about any movements-
bugs, mice, etc. They are wonderful at keeping a house free of mice and insects.
Servals can bond to one person if they are not properly socialized which can
prove to be a problem if the owner needs someone to care for their cat at some
time. Servals are capable of leaping very high and are high-energy cats that
can have nearly uncontrollable spurts of energy at times. They need an owner
who keeps track of their whereabouts at all times. Cats find many household
pesticides and chemicals, extremely toxic, sometimes to the point of death.
Dog products cannot be used on them for fleas, etc. You must animal proof your
home before you add an exotic or even domestic cat to it.
All exotic cats should be trained to a leash and collar or harness when it is
young so it will be able to take walks outside. You may never let an exotic
cat run free outside, even in your own back yard.
Zinger is an 18 month-old
male.
We recommend declawing for all exotic cats kept in captivity as education animals
or pet/companions. A cat that is not declawed will tear your house to ribbons
and scratch you also even in play. We declaw ours at 5 to 6 weeks when it is
less stressful to the cat and healing is rapid. Also, the animal does not have
strong self-cleaning instincts developed as yet and will not 'worry' the surgery
sites.
These animals must be neutered to curb behaviors related to sexual hormone stimuli.
These cats need lots of play time due to their highly predatory nature. Games
can be played with them that will help curb these natural predatory behaviors.
They must have an outlet for their energy.
They must be socialized as kittens or they will remain hidden when strangers
are present. They may stalk or watch young children. Caution must be exercised
at all times with these cats and they must never be taken for granted.
Sarah at 4 months of age.
Additional Photos:
A youngster-about 10 months.
They go through a real teenage stage where they are
lanky.
Scarlet, at 3 months - female
Charlotte and Sarah, a pair of 8 month old females
Scarlet comes of age!
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