An Overview of the Serval Cat: Characteristics and Care
The spotted serval cat, with its long legs, can be kept as an exotic pet, but it requires a large enclosure and a steady diet of live animals. Captivity for 22 years
Traits of a Serval Cat
The serval cat prefers the wild. Although not vocal, it can make high-pitched howls, growls, and spitting hisses. The longest-legged cat is a jumper and digger.
This tall, vigorous hunter needs space and a difficult diet. Petting the serval isn't allowed. This 40-pound cat's wild behaviour and aloof demeanour make it unsuitable for children or other pets.
Serval Cat Care
The serval's size, activity level, and leaping make it an inappropriate pet. It can be broken by cables. Servals can't litter. Urine marking includes furniture and walls in human residences.
Active cats require large, secure outdoor spaces. Servals dig/jump fences. Top and subsurface enclosures are required. Swimming, fishing, and drinking water.
Diet and Nutrition
Pet servals should eat a variety of animal prey, preferably living, like they would in the wild. Africa's cuisine includes rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, insects, reptiles, and frogs.
Servals hunt through sight and sound, not smell. Then they eat. Servals are smart cats who adore games and riddles. Pellets can form part of a serval's diet, but not the bulk.
Common Health issues
Foreign items in serval throats are a common veterinary emergency. Servals are hungry eaters, thus they regurgitate and re-consume food. If servals can't regurgitate, they may choke.