Serval

Overall description of the breed

The Serval, a majestic and wild feline, has always captured the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts. Native to Africa, it has been the inspiration for many legends and local stories and has also played a key role in the development of certain domestic cat breeds.

The history of the Serval dates back thousands of years in Africa. This graceful predator originates from vast regions of the continent, where it evolved to adapt to different types of environments, from plains to marshes and wooded areas. Due to its size and distinctive features, the Serval has often been celebrated in African culture, appearing in oral narratives and traditional beliefs.

The creator of the Serval as a domestic breed is American breeder Judee Frank, who had the idea of crossing wild Servals with domestic cats to create a new breed: the Savannah. The first crossbreeding attempts took place in the 1980s, and these experiments eventually led to the birth of the Savannah.

The Serval is not a pure domestic breed but a protected wild species. It is rarely found in captivity due to its specific needs and conservation status. However, it is important to preserve this magnificent species for its essential contribution to the ecosystem and biodiversity of the African continent.

The ancestors of the Serval are its wild African relatives, but it has also played a crucial role in the development of the Savannah. By crossing Servals with domestic cats, Judee Frank was able to create a breed that combines the wild appearance of the Serval with character traits suitable for life as a pet.

The Serval stands out with its elegant and athletic morphology. It has long legs, an elongated head, large rounded ears, and a relatively short tail. Its fur is marked with spotted patterns, similar to those of its wild counterpart. Its coat is usually beige with distinct black spots and a white throat. This appearance inevitably recalls its connection to the African wildlife.

The character of the Serval is often described as intelligent, curious, and active. As descendants of a wild predator, Servals have retained much of their hunting instinct and are naturally inclined to be agile climbers and impressive jumpers. They are also known for their love of water, distinguishing them from other domestic cat breeds.

The average weight of a wild Serval is about 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lb), while the Savannah, which is a breed resulting from crossbreeding between the Serval and the domestic cat, can weigh between 3 and 9 kg (7 to 20 lb), depending on the generation and inherited genes.

The breed does not have official recognition as such and is not a common domestic cat breed. Nevertheless, the Savannah, derived from crosses with the Serval, has become a recognized breed by several feline organizations, including TICA (The International Cat Association) and other regional associations.

Regarding the breed standard, the Serval is recognized by some global wildlife conservation organizations. However, due to its specific needs and hunting instincts, it is not well suited to domestic life as a regular pet. Nevertheless, many professional breeders with appropriate facilities have chosen to develop this breed out of passion for this majestic feline. Therefore, in many countries, owning Servals as pets is possible but strictly regulated or simply prohibited.

In summary, the Serval represents the wild essence of Africa in the world of domestic felines. Its graceful appearance and ties to the African wildlife make it a unique choice for exotic cat enthusiasts. While it cannot be considered a full-fledged domestic cat breed, its legacy and contribution to the development of breeds like the Savannah remain a fascinating testament to the beauty and diversity of the feline world.