Can You Really Keep A Serval As A Pet?

Are you curious about whether you can keep a serval as a pet? Serval ownership is possible in certain regions, but these wild animals require specialized care, spacious enclosures, and a deep understanding of their natural behaviors, according to PETS.EDU.VN. Before considering serval ownership, you should carefully weigh the potential risks, legal considerations, and commitment to providing a suitable environment, while exploring alternative options such as supporting serval conservation or visiting reputable zoos, exotic pet ownership, and responsible pet care.

1. What Is A Serval Cat?

A serval is a wild cat native to the African grasslands, typically found south of the Sahara Desert. The cat has a lean body and long legs, with coats predominantly shades of tan or orange with black or dark brown markings that help them disguise themselves when hunting in tall grasses. According to the Small Cats of Africa website, the serval was the symbol of the Italian Tomasi family, princess of the island of Lampedusa. Some people keep serval cats as exotic pets, but they are limited in number. Most servals can be found at zoos or large cat rescues — and there is a good reason for this.

Serval cat with striking markings

The serval cat is a wild animal from Africa. Photo: katrinahockman

2. What Are The Risks Of Owning A Serval Cat?

Owning a serval cat comes with several risks. Serval cats are wild animals, and some states have prohibited their ownership or required specific licenses to contain one. Before deciding to bring a serval cat into your home as a domesticated pet, consider the following:

2.1. Do Serval Cats Need Specialized Habitats?

Serval cats need zoo-like areas to explore, swim, hunt, run, and occasionally climb. These habitats can be expensive to create, and keeping too small of an area or an interior-only option will not allow a serval cat to expel all their energy or fulfill their natural instincts. Enclosures need to be sturdy and provide for their comfort, rough play, and safety.

2.2. Do Serval Cats Require Special Diets?

Serval cats require special diets. This is not a cat you can feed typical cat food and assume their nutritional needs are met. A serval cat needs variety in its diet, just like in the wild, such as chicken and turkey necks/back/legs/gizzards, mice, chicks, beef, a variety of birds such as quail/duck/grouse, and smaller prey such as mice/rats/rabbit. Other foods recommended include different types of seafood such as cod, salmon, snapper, sardines, basa, shrimp, lobster, crab, shellfish; and eggs, cheese, oils, vegetables and fruits, and grass.

2.3. Are Serval Cats Affectionate Like Typical Lap Cats?

Serval cats are not your typical lap cats. Sure, they can be affectionate and are normally not aggressive to humans, but remember that this is still a wild animal. They have basic, inherited instincts they need to fulfill.

Several states have prohibited serval cat ownership or required specific licenses. Photo: 3342

2.4. What Legal Restrictions Exist For Owning Serval Cats?

Owning a serval cat, or any wild or exotic animal, is subject to a variety of laws and regulations that differ widely by location and often by the specific jurisdiction within a location. It’s essential to check the current laws and regulations in your specific area before considering acquiring a serval cat. Here are some guidelines and considerations:

2.4.1. United States

The legality of owning a serval varies from state to state. Some states have outright bans on owning wild animals as pets, while others require permits or licenses. In some states, it’s legal to own a serval without any special permissions, although local laws might impose their own restrictions. It’s crucial to verify with state and local regulations. Here is a general guideline for some states regarding serval cat ownership:

State	Regulations
Alabama	Legal to own a serval without a permit
Nevada	Legal without a permit (except in Las Vegas)
Wisconsin	Allowed without a permit (local regulations may vary)
Idaho	Allowed without a permit (local regulations may vary)
North Carolina	Laws vary greatly by county
South Carolina	Legal with proper documentation and permits
Indiana	Certain exotic pets allowed with a permit (varies)

2.4.2. Canada

Exotic pet laws are determined by each province, and similarly to the US, these laws can be very different from one another. It’s essential to check with local authorities.

2.4.3. United Kingdom

In the UK, you need a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence to keep a serval cat, which is issued by the local council and has very strict conditions to ensure the welfare of the animal and the safety of the owner and public.

2.4.4. Europe

Across European countries, laws also vary. Some countries may have bans, while others may require permits.

2.4.5. Australia

In Australia, it is generally illegal to keep serval cats as pets. The importation and ownership of exotic cats are highly regulated and restricted to zoos and wildlife parks.

If you’re in an area where it is legal to own a serval cat, obtaining one involves several steps and considerations:

Permits and Licenses: If required, you must apply for and be granted the necessary permits or licenses. This process may include inspections of the living conditions you’ll provide for the animal and proof of your knowledge and ability to care for it.
Ethical Breeding Sources or Rescues: It’s crucial to source a serval from a reputable breeder or rescue organization that prioritizes the welfare of their animals.
Housing: Servals require a lot of space and specialized enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. They are not typical pets and are known for their high energy and predatory instincts.
Diet and Health Care: A proper diet for a serval is very different from that of a domestic cat and can be costly and complex. Access to a veterinarian who is skilled in dealing with exotic cats is also a necessity.
Insurance: Because servals are considered wild animals, you may need to secure liability insurance.
Cost: Owning a serval is expensive. The initial cost, enclosure, food, vet care, and insurance can be significant.
Long-Term Commitment: Servals live for about 20 years and owning one is a long-term commitment with a host of responsibilities.

Before acquiring a serval cat or any exotic animal, you should conduct thorough research and confirm with your local Fish and Wildlife agency or similar regulatory body to get the most current information on legality and requirements.

2.5. Are Serval Cats Active During The Night?

Serval Cats Are Nocturnal Hunters. Keep in mind that a serval cat weighs an average of 29 pounds. Imagine your serval is playing or hunting at 3 a.m.

2.6. Do Serval Cats Spray?

Serval Cats Mark Their Territory. This includes peeing on household items. Servals may not always take to litter boxes like most domesticated cats, and they will require a much larger litter box than normal.

2.7. Are Serval Cats Suitable For Households With Young Children?

Serval Cats Are Not Recommended for Households with Young Children. They play using their teeth and claws, and they may be too rough with children or view them as toys or prey. This is not likely, but it is possible.

2.8. Are Serval Cats Destructive?

Serval Cats Play Roughly. They can knock over large items, scratch and tear furnishings, jump extremely high, and crash into things during their many excursions. The cats are strong with fast reflexes, and they even use their teeth and claws during play. Scratches are much worse with serval cats because their strength is much higher than that of a normal cat, and even if they don’t mean harm, they can cause it simply by playing. Servals have a bite force at the canine teeth of 172 Newtons, whereas feral domestic cats have a bite force of 56 Newtons, according to a 2016 Queensland Government safety report. Because of this higher bite force, servals can subdue larger prey than can feral cats.

2.9. How Do Serval Cats Hunt?

Serval Cats Have Unique Hunting Styles. They listen and wait until ready, then they jump in the air and land on their prey. Once they hold them or incapacitate them with their weight, they usually deliver a fatal bite to the neck. Servals are considered the best hunters in the cat world, with a nearly 50% kill rate. (A domestic cat’s kill rate is more like 10%.)

2.10. How Long Do Serval Cats Live?

Serval Cats Have a Long Lifespan – around 22 years. This is longer than the average domestic cat (15 years), so you should understand the responsibility of taking care of a wild animal for a long time before deciding to get one.

A serval cat needs space to fulfill their natural instincts. Photo: A_Different_Perspective

3. Is A Serval Cat The Right Pet For You?

There are many reasons you should reconsider buying a serval cat. While some of them can be affectionate, they don’t do well with changing families and need space to fulfill their natural instincts. Don’t confuse space with efficiency — just because you have multiple acres doesn’t mean you can just drop a serval onto the property and they will fend for themselves.

There are so many cats and other animals waiting for homes in shelters and rescues across the country and the world. So please consider giving one of them a home before taking the risks of serval cats explained above. If you just adore serval cats and need an exotic cat fix, visit your local zoo or a large cat rescue.

4. Fascinating Facts About Serval Cats

Serval cats are fascinating animals known for their unique characteristics and behaviors. Here are the top five interesting facts about these wild felines:

Remarkable Jumpers: Servals can leap up to 10 feet in the air to catch birds in flight.
Large Ears for Hunting: Their large, rounded ears provide excellent hearing, helping them detect prey in tall grasses.
Solitary Creatures: Servals are mostly solitary and establish large territories.
Unique Coat Patterns: Their coats feature distinctive black spots and stripes, which provide camouflage in their natural habitat.
Diet Diversity: In the wild, servals eat a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, insects, and fish.

These fascinating traits make the serval cat an intriguing, though challenging, exotic pet.

5. What Are The Alternatives To Owning A Serval Cat?

Instead of buying a serval cat, there are alternative ways to appreciate and support these animals without taking on the responsibilities and risks of ownership. You can contribute to serval conservation by donating to organizations that work to protect their natural habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries offer opportunities to observe servals in environments that mimic their natural habitats while ensuring their welfare.

5.1. Supporting Conservation Efforts:

Financial contributions to wildlife organizations aid serval conservation. These organizations work to protect the servals’ habitats, conduct research, and combat poaching, which are crucial for the survival of serval populations.

5.2. Visiting Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries provide a safe environment for servals while educating the public. These visits can increase awareness and understanding of the species, which can lead to greater support for their conservation.

5.3. Responsible Pet Ownership:

Consider adopting a domestic cat from a local shelter. Domestic cats share some physical traits with servals but are better suited as house pets. This reduces the demand for exotic pets and promotes responsible animal care.

These alternatives provide a more sustainable and responsible approach to enjoying and supporting serval cats, ensuring their preservation in the wild while avoiding the pitfalls of keeping them as pets.

6. Understanding The Responsibilities And Challenges Of Serval Ownership

Serval ownership involves significant responsibilities that extend far beyond those associated with domestic cats. Servals need large, secure enclosures to mimic their natural habitat, including climbing structures, water sources, and plenty of space to run and hunt. Meeting these requirements can be expensive and time-consuming, often necessitating custom-built environments.

6.1. Dietary Needs:

Servals have specific dietary needs that can be challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Their diet should consist of whole prey items, such as rodents, birds, and rabbits, which are essential for their nutritional health. Supplementing their diet with commercial cat food is insufficient and can lead to health problems.

6.2. Veterinary Care:

Finding a veterinarian experienced in treating exotic animals can be difficult. Regular health check-ups are crucial, but not all vets have the expertise to handle servals. Emergency care can also be problematic, as standard veterinary clinics may not be equipped to treat these animals.

6.3. Behavioral Issues:

Servals exhibit natural behaviors, such as urine marking and destructive scratching, which can be difficult to manage in a home environment. These behaviors are instinctive and cannot be easily trained out of them. Additionally, servals can be aggressive, especially during breeding season, making them unsuitable for households with children or other pets.

6.4. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Owning a serval is legal in some areas, but it often requires permits and strict adherence to local regulations. Ethically, keeping a wild animal in captivity raises questions about animal welfare. Servals are not domesticated and may suffer from stress and boredom in a confined environment, regardless of how well it mimics their natural habitat.

Understanding these challenges is essential for anyone considering serval ownership. It’s crucial to carefully weigh the responsibilities against the potential impact on both the animal and the owner.

7. How Do Serval Cats Compare To Domestic Cats?

When considering whether to keep a serval as a pet, it’s essential to understand the significant differences between servals and domestic cats. Servals are wild animals with distinct behaviors, needs, and instincts that set them apart from domesticated felines.

7.1. Behavioral Differences:

Hunting Instincts: Servals retain strong hunting instincts, requiring opportunities to stalk and capture prey, which is impossible to replicate in a typical home environment.
Social Behavior: Unlike domestic cats, servals are typically solitary animals and do not thrive in multi-pet households.
Marking Behavior: Servals mark their territory by spraying urine, a behavior that can be challenging to manage indoors and can damage property.

7.2. Care Requirements:

Enclosure Size: Servals need much larger enclosures than domestic cats, often requiring outdoor spaces with climbing structures and secure fencing.
Diet: Their diet consists primarily of whole prey, such as rodents and birds, which is expensive and difficult to source consistently.
Veterinary Care: Servals require specialized veterinary care, and not all vets are experienced in treating exotic animals.

7.3. Temperament and Trainability:

Temperament: Servals can be unpredictable, especially during breeding season, and may exhibit aggression towards humans or other pets.
Trainability: While servals can be trained to some extent, their wild instincts make them less trainable than domestic cats.

The following table highlights the key differences between servals and domestic cats:

Feature	Serval Cat	Domestic Cat
Size	20-40 pounds, 21-24 inches tall	8-11 pounds, 9-10 inches tall
Origin	African grasslands	Domesticated worldwide
Diet	Whole prey (rodents, birds)	Commercial cat food, occasional treats
Social Behavior	Solitary	Social, often enjoys companionship
Enclosure	Large, secure outdoor space	Indoor environment or small yard
Veterinary Care	Specialized exotic animal vet	General vet
Trainability	Limited, strong hunting instincts	Highly trainable
Legality	Restricted, requires permits in many areas	Generally legal
Lifespan	Up to 22 years	12-15 years
Hunting Instincts	Very strong, requires active hunting	Mild, often satisfied with play
Marking Behavior	Frequent urine spraying	Occasional marking

Understanding these distinctions is critical for anyone considering serval ownership. The unique needs and behaviors of servals make them unsuitable for most pet owners.

8. Legal And Ethical Considerations Of Serval Ownership

Owning a serval cat involves several legal and ethical considerations that potential owners must understand and address. The legal aspects vary significantly by location, ranging from outright bans to permit requirements. Ethically, the welfare of the animal should be the primary concern.

8.1. Legal Requirements:

Permits and Licenses: In many regions where serval ownership is legal, obtaining a permit or license is mandatory. These permits often require proof of adequate housing, knowledge of the animal’s needs, and compliance with local regulations.
Local Ordinances: Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, such as zoning laws that prohibit keeping wild animals within city limits.
Interstate Transport: Transporting a serval across state lines can be complicated due to differing regulations. Compliance with both the sending and receiving states’ laws is essential.

8.2. Ethical Concerns:

Animal Welfare: Keeping a wild animal in captivity raises ethical questions about its welfare. Servals have complex physical and behavioral needs that can be difficult to meet in a domestic environment.
Conservation Impact: The exotic pet trade can negatively impact wild populations by encouraging poaching and habitat destruction.
Public Safety: Servals are powerful animals with the potential to cause harm. Owners have a responsibility to ensure public safety and prevent escapes.

8.3. International Regulations:

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): While servals are not currently listed under CITES, international trade in exotic animals is subject to regulations aimed at preventing endangerment.
Import/Export Laws: Countries have varying import and export laws for exotic animals, which must be followed when acquiring a serval from overseas.

Potential serval owners should thoroughly research and comply with all legal requirements and carefully consider the ethical implications before acquiring one of these animals.

9. What Should You Do If You Encounter A Serval Cat?

Encountering a serval cat, whether in the wild or as an escaped pet, requires caution and specific actions to ensure both your safety and the animal’s well-being.

9.1. Safety Precautions:

Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from the serval. Do not approach or attempt to interact with it.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat by wild animals.
Do Not Feed: Feeding a serval can encourage it to approach humans, creating a dangerous situation.
Supervise Children and Pets: Keep children and pets indoors or at a safe distance from the serval.

9.2. Reporting the Encounter:

Local Authorities: Contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities to report the sighting. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action.
Provide Details: When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including the location, time of sighting, and any observed behavior.
Photographs or Videos: If possible, take photographs or videos of the serval from a safe distance to help authorities identify and locate it.

9.3. If the Serval Appears Injured:

Do Not Approach: Do not attempt to rescue or assist an injured serval. Contact wildlife authorities immediately.
Provide Location Details: Give authorities precise location details to facilitate a quick response.

9.4. If the Serval is an Escaped Pet:

Contact Local Pet Shelters: Notify local pet shelters and animal rescue organizations to increase the chances of reuniting the serval with its owner.
Use Social Media: Share information and photos on local social media groups to alert the community.

Encountering a serval cat can be a unique experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and report the sighting to the appropriate authorities to ensure the best outcome for both humans and the animal.

10. Exploring Exotic Pet Ownership

For those fascinated by exotic animals like servals but unwilling or unable to commit to the responsibilities of owning one, several alternatives allow for appreciation and support of these creatures.

10.1. Visiting Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Educational Opportunities: Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries offer educational programs and exhibits that provide insights into the behavior, habitat, and conservation status of servals and other exotic animals.
Ethical Considerations: Choose zoos and sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare and conservation efforts.

10.2. Supporting Conservation Organizations:

Financial Contributions: Donate to organizations dedicated to the conservation of servals and their natural habitats.
Volunteer Opportunities: Participate in volunteer programs that support wildlife conservation initiatives.

10.3. Virtual Experiences:

Documentaries and Educational Videos: Watch documentaries and educational videos that showcase the lives of servals in their natural environment.
Online Communities: Join online communities and forums dedicated to exotic animal enthusiasts to share knowledge and appreciation.

10.4. Responsible Pet Ownership:

Domestic Alternatives: Consider adopting a domestic cat breed that shares some physical traits with servals, such as the Savannah cat, which is a hybrid of a domestic cat and a serval.
Promote Ethical Breeding: Support responsible breeders who prioritize the health and welfare of their animals.

By exploring these alternatives, individuals can satisfy their interest in exotic animals while contributing to their conservation and promoting ethical treatment.

FAQ About Serval Cats

What is a serval cat?

A serval cat is a wild African feline known for its long legs, large ears, and distinctive spotted coat.

How much is a serval cat?

The cost of a serval cat can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the breeder and location.

How big is a serval cat?

Serval cats typically weigh between 20 to 40 pounds and stand about 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.

Where to buy a serval cat?

Serval cats can be purchased from licensed exotic animal breeders and dealers, but potential owners must comply with local laws and regulations.

What do serval cats eat?

Serval cats eat a diet primarily consisting of whole prey, such as rodents, birds, and rabbits, to meet their nutritional needs.

Are serval cats dangerous?

Serval cats are wild animals and can be dangerous, especially if not properly trained and housed. They have strong hunting instincts and can be unpredictable.

Do serval cats make good pets?

Serval cats do not generally make good pets for most people due to their specialized needs, wild instincts, and the challenges of providing proper care.

What kind of enclosure does a serval cat need?

Serval cats need a large, secure outdoor enclosure with climbing structures, water sources, and plenty of space to run and hunt.

How long do serval cats live?

Serval cats can live up to 22 years in captivity with proper care.

Are serval cats legal to own?

The legality of owning a serval cat varies by location, with some areas banning ownership and others requiring permits and licenses.

At PETS.EDU.VN, we understand the allure of exotic pets like serval cats, but we also recognize the importance of responsible pet ownership. We encourage you to explore our website for more information on pet care, responsible breeding, and conservation efforts. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, please visit pets.edu.vn for comprehensive guides, expert advice, and resources to help you make informed decisions. Contact us at 789 Paw Lane, Petville, CA 91234, United States, or via Whatsapp at +1 555-987-6543.