African Serval Photos Pictures of Pet Serval Cats Here's some great pictures of pet Serval Cats.

Servals cats can make wonderful household pets, but they are energetic animals with very special needs!

Here's some great pictures of pet Serval Cats. True to is cat nature, Bubb who is seen in the picture here, is quite content to lounge in the living room. All together we feature pictures of six pet Serval cats. Besides Bubb pictured above, there is a pair of parents called Mouse-E and Siss-E, and their three offspring Shakina, Spook, and Spunk-E.

All of these fine animals enjoy a wonderful home with their human family. Serval cats are very unique companions to keep, and the keepers and their home for keeping these cats is also very unique. It takes great dedication of time and resources to provide for these pet cat companions.

If you are thinking about getting an African Serval as a companion, find in-depth information on cat behaviors and cat care here, Serval Cats as Pets. Ownership of lesser cats (small wild cats) may be regulated by state and/or local law. For example the state of Pennsylvania, where the African Servals seen here live, required an inspection, a permit, and a 4 foot wide x 6 foot high x 8 foot deep cage (4'Wx6'Hx8'D) for a single cat. Be sure you check for any current requirements in your area.

Mouse-E and Siss-E

Sally shares some of her experiences with these two and her other wonderful pet Servals.
The pair of parent African Serval cats featured here are Mouse-E, a 3 year old male African Serval, and his queen, Siss-E. Mouse-E and Siss-E are the proud parents of three offspring.
"Mouse-E weighs about 44 lbs. and likes to eat. He also likes to open doors, sleep, chase our domestics cats, hug, kiss, help his mom fix food for the other animals, hiss intensely at his human male and travel at supersonic speeds around the house!"... Sally.

Shakina

Shakina is a darling Serval kitten.
These cats are very energetic, besides racing around the house they love to explore. They love to go outside, and they even enjoy playing in the rain. But be careful not to let your pet get outdoors without being restrained, as Servals are very difficult to catch. Fortunately, they are very smart and can be harness trained, which helps a lot when you need to take them outdoors in the open.
"Mouse-E and Siss-E escaped one night at 10:00 pm. After their escape we found Mouse-E lying in a neighbors yard eating grass while Siss-E was chasing fireflies (lightning bugs)"... Sally.

There is a wild side to the nature of these intelligent cats. They react in fear when being chased. So if they do escape, you're best bet for catching them is to have a well established, trusting, relationship of trust. It's best if they will come to you!

Spook

Spook looks like he has a good hideout. Its a room with a view - protected, safe, yet roomy. He can observe all that's going on in case he needs to join in, but he also looks ready to just take off if need be!
African Serval cats are curious and attentive. They are very skilled at probing holes with their long forepaws. Servals in captivity will frequently stick their paw in someone's pocket to fish around for interesting items.
"All our servals eat Mazuri Exotic Feline Small, chicken, turkey, and a supplement. Of course they also find the occasional loaf of bread, toilet paper, and paper towels. In which case these playful cats truly think these items must be destroyed and scattered about!"... Sally


Spunk-E

Spunk-E is resting, and looks quite relaxed. But don't be fooled! Pet Servals can become very comfortable with their human family and the family routines, but they are naturally active. I'm glad Spunk-E is posing for his picture, but I'm sure he can be a blur of movement when he's on the go. (Maybe that's why he's taking a nap!)

Servals are sometimes referred to as "the poor mans cheetah". They are capable of jumping 15ft. straight in the air, from a sitting position, to snatch birds in flight.
These incredible lesser cats can also reach speeds of 45 mph for short distances. African Servals have huge ears that enable them to pinpoint rodents and pounce directly on the animal in the long savannah grasses.
Written In conjunction with Sally Comstock of Hilltop Cattery, Pennsylvania


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Serval Cats as Pets Serval Cat Care for New African Serval Owners Serval Cats as Pets Serval Cat Care for New African Serval Owners. Behaviors of Servals. Litter Training Servals. Serval Play.

Serval cats make fascinating pets, with understanding and proper care they can live a long happy life!

The African Serval is a wonderful member of the cat family and can become a very affectionate pet. Keeping Serval cats as pets can be the ultimate experience for avid cat lovers. But these cats take a different mind set than keeping a domestic pet cat, and have special cat care requirements.
That "little bundle of joy" you just purchased will eventually someday accept you as their owner, and you will be a member of their pride. To start your life together however, you need to understand the breed, "African Serval".
You must always remember as an owner of a Serval, that these cats will always be considered a "wild animal." You will never completely domesticate them, though you will come close. You will need to respect the wild side of them, and understand how the wild side will reflect on you. This does not mean they will be aggressive or vicious, but it does mean they have certain characteristics they have developed over thousands of years to help them survive and thrive in the wild. One very important aspect to understand is that you can't yell at a pet Serval. They do not understand that behavior and it can frighten them and will severely damage bonding with them.

Servals that are treated with the love and respect they deserve, will bond with the people that take care of them like no other animal you have ever seen. They will welcome you into their pride and treat you as their pet. You will have years of enjoyment and love. They will treat you like no other cat does. They will chirp when they need your attention. What a joy when your African Serval decides it is time to head butt you into his/her family!

The African Serval is a wonderful member of the cat family and can become a very affectionate pet. Keeping Serval cats as pets can be the ultimate experience for avid cat lovers. But these cats take a different mind set than keeping a domestic pet cat, and have special cat care requirements.
That "little bundle of joy" you just purchased will eventually someday accept you as their owner, and you will be a member of their pride. To start your life together however, you need to understand the breed, "African Serval".

You must always remember as an owner of a Serval, that these cats will always be considered a "wild animal." You will never completely domesticate them, though you will come close. You will need to respect the wild side of them, and understand how the wild side will reflect on you. This does not mean they will be aggressive or vicious, but it does mean they have certain characteristics they have developed over thousands of years to help them survive and thrive in the wild. One very important aspect to understand is that you can't yell at a pet Serval. They do not understand that behavior and it can frighten them and will severely damage bonding with them.

Servals that are treated with the love and respect they deserve, will bond with the people that take care of them like no other animal you have ever seen. They will welcome you into their pride and treat you as their pet. You will have years of enjoyment and love. They will treat you like no other cat does. They will chirp when they need your attention. What a joy when your African Serval decides it is time to head butt you into his/her family!

Responsible OwnershipWhen you accept the responsibility of caring for any animal like a Serval, you must realize that the animal depends on you not just for food, shelter and medical care, but also depends on you for companionship and love.
Each Serval has their individual personalities and quirks, so each is different. A Serval may bond with you and never bond with another person for the rest of its life. This may make it hard for the Serval if you decide that you cannot care for it anymore. Not many people want to spend decades caring for an animal that they can't have a relationship with. Bear this in mind and realize that a Serval may live up to 20 years. The Serval will depend on you for that length of time. Some Servals may be able to bond with a new owner but that is not guaranteed. Even at best, bonding with a new owner takes time.

• Re-homing a Serval
  If for some reason you are unable to take care of the Serval, please contact the breeder you got it from, or the Serval community, for help in finding a new home. They understand life changes and are more than willing to help find a safe, friendly place for a cat to go. There is no embarrassment in doing the best thing for your Serval.
  
• Back up Care Plan
  Always have a back up plan, in case of a hospital stay or worse. Have a relative or a close friend become the serval's playmate in case you are ill.

African Serval - Bubb

Behaviors of Servals In the wild, cats needed to be smart to survive. By natural selection, the smart cat was the one who lived to reproduce. In turn, each generation has become smarter and smarter. You will suddenly realize this, when your Serval has suddenly learned to open doors. You will need to Serval proof your home, as you would child proof your home.

There are intelligent behaviors these cats instinctively possess, that were developed for their survival in the wild, and will instinctively be part of them as pets. They have a naturally shy and skittish demeanor, yet are very active, and they have focused attention and drive in their play.
Some of their natural inclinations include:

• Run from danger
  One of the intelligent factors is that wild cats will run from danger. When you run after or chase a Serval, they will think you are trying to hurt them. So they run from, you thinking you are danger. You should never chase your Serval except in an emergency. But even in an emergency, you should try to get the Serval to come to you, by cooing or baby talking, by playing with his/her favorite toy, or by treats. You will have better success trying to get the Serval to come to you instead of you trying to catch him/her.
  
• Shy of strangers
  As they get older they may become shy of strangers. They may never welcome strangers, since strangers will not belong to their pride. In the wild, when an unknown male/female wild cat comes upon the territory of another, usually a challenge occurs or one will run. When you have visitors come over, the Serval may go hide and not come out until after they are sure the visitors have left. Do not try to force your Serval out in the open for display. This will frighten your Serval and may do harm emotionally/physically to your Serval. They may learn to not trust you anymore. Make sure your visitors do not chase the Serval, or the Serval may become scared of all strangers and not come out at all.
  
• Servals and Children
  Be sure all children are supervised who are around the Serval. If they are afraid of children, they may develop a fear of children that will stick with them permanently. They are very smart and can tell a child's voice from an adult's voice. We do not recommend you have a Serval with small children around. Not only for the well being of the Serval, but also for the welfare of your child. With older children, they may be able to learn about the behaviors of the Serval, and be taught how to behave around them. But this is a judgment that would depend on the individual Serval, and the maturity level of the child.
  
• Servals and Other Pets
  Servals usually like other animals. They welcome play with almost any animal once they have time to get accustomed to each other. Once the Serval is close to full-grown however, you should exercise caution when introducing a new small pet, such as a young kitten. They may think that they are a chew toys and hurt them.

Bonding with Your ServalTeach your pet Serval to trust you with food, toys, play, patience, and no negative responses. When you are trying to become friends with your Serval one of the best things is to feed them directly from your hands. This will teach trust. They will learn you are giving them something good when you are reaching for them.

Another way to bond with the Serval is, lay down on the floor with the cat and their favorite toy. Standing will reflect as you being the predator against them. Play with them so you are not towering over them like you would be if you are standing up. When you are level with them, eye-to-eye, they are more at ease and they will soon become comfortable with you, no matter if you are standing, sitting or laying down.

You must remember you must be patient. It may take a while for them to bond with you. Never yell at your Serval. This will teach them to run and be frightened when you are around. Never force yourself upon them. And never physically hold them against their will. They will learn to run from you instead of coming to you.
Housing Serval CatsYour Serval will need a cat room in the house, and a large pen outdoors dedicated only for the Serval. Throughout the home, always remember to keep the windows closed. "I had two Servals flying through the house and ejected themselves through a screen window. Luckily they decided to chase lightning bugs, so it was easy for a rescue."… Sally
They like to paw at mini blind cords and drapery cords. The cords should be pinned up out of their reach because they will jump up to play with them and may get them wrapped around their neck, which can be very tragic.

They are capable of jumping on anything that you have in your house. They like being perched on tall pieces of furniture and on shelves. Anything that is on a shelf or piece of furniture that is breakable should be put in a case or cabinet. Cabinets should be high enough to be close to the ceiling. Also watch out for the top of the refrigerator.

• Indoor Cat Room
  This room will serve as a den for your Serval, especially when you are away from home, or when the need arises for the Serval not to roam your home. You need to make the room "Serval-proof", meaning free of dangers. Make sure there are no electrical wires, dangerous chemicals, etc., no glass or other fragile knickknacks that could be shattered leaving dangerous shards, no places where a Serval could get their leg caught resulting in a sprain or break, no open electric outlets, no indigestible materials, etc.
  
• Outdoor Cat Pen
  The outside enclosure should be long as a run, and it should provide adequate shelter from the elements. An ideal outside enclosure would be attached to the house, with an enclosed "catwalk" to give the cat access to the inside of your house. The outside enclosure should be Serval proof as well. A Serval can jump 10 feet straight in the air from a stand still. The outside cage should have a roof to prevent the Serval from jumping out of its cage.

Litter Training ServalsAfrican Serval - Spunk-E
When the Serval is small you can use a standard litter box. When they get bigger you will need a larger box, approximately 16 inches in width, 24 inches in length and 18 inches in height or even larger to give them enough room. Be sure to keep the box clean. Using two litter boxes, one for urination and one for defecation, can help a great deal. Servals will refuse to urinate in a box that has been defecated in. You must keep these litter boxes clean every day, after each use.
Here's is a list of the basics for teaching your Serval to use the litter box, its maintenance, and some other important things to know:

• Train to litter box
  When you receive your kitten from a breeder, the kitten will most likely all ready be litter trained. But you must show your kitten where the litter box is in order for him/her to release himself. A Serval will use a litter box to urinate and defecate if they are taught to do so. They do not naturally cover up like domestic cats do.
  
• Do not yell to train
  Don't ever yell at your kitten, this will start you two off in a bad way and will create problems. In the wild they use one or two spots in their territory and tend to stick with those spots. The Serval will use the litter box as their spot if they know that is the spot.
  
• Train using repetition
  If you see the kitten going in the wrong spot you should pick it up and bring it to the litter box. You should not scold the Serval for this. You may need to show your kitten the litter box several time, but once they recognize this as their spot, they will faithfully use it.
  
• Maintenance
  The litter box must be cleaned daily, and change the litter once a week. They may occasionally urinate or defecate elsewhere. When you discover this is happening, you must clean the spot thoroughly. NO AMMONIA cleaning products, this will only encourage your Serval to use this place over and over again. Rather clean the area with an enzyme-based odor remover such as "Nature's Miracle" and then use "Feliway" on the spot to discourage this behavior.
  
• Litter box and other domestic cats
  If you have domestics, do not allow them to use the same box as the Serval. This will only deter the Serval from using its own litter box. If your domestics have urinated on carpets, upholstery or furniture, so will your Serval. You must thoroughly clean those areas with the above mentioned and forbid your domestics in those areas. If you are having a problem with the Serval using the wrong spot consistently, contact me and I will be happy to give some suggestions to eliminate the problem.

Feeding Pet ServalsServals need more nutrients than a domestic cat. In the wild, Servals feed on primarily on rodents and small animals, as well as birds. A diet in captivity needs to be similar for them to get adequate nutrition. One of the most important things is that they get enough calcium in their diet of 54mgs per animal while kittens, tapering off to about 45 – 49mgs per pound for an adult of three years. Much of their calcium will be from the bones of an animal.

Recommended Serval diets consist of raw, bone-in poultry, meat, and fish supplemented with vitamins made for wild felines. This includes, chicken in all forms (quarters, necks, thighs, wings and ground chicken) turkey necks and ground turkey, any cut of beef and ground beef, as well as canned fish like tuna, salmon, jack mackerel. You can also offer treats of such things as cheese, beef jerky, fruits like strawberries, cherries, oranges, and bananas, lettuce and tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese.

• Food for kittens
  Feeding your kitten basically takes the form of fine foods rather than whole. Kittens up to about 6 months will need ground meat, offered in combination with wet food. A mixture of ground raw turkey mixed with powdered dry IAMS works well for small kittens. You may want to feed them regular cat food but most types are not well suited to these cats. Use only premium cat food kibble such as IAMS or Orijin, which is 75% meat based. Some kittens, as young as 6 weeks, can chew on a whole chicken wing.
  
  At a later date, you may decide to feed your Serval ZuPreem® Exotic Feline Diet Canned, or "Mazuri". However, many breeders don't like this approach and especially have concerns with Mazuri. "My male Serval had developed stones due to the salt content of the Mazuri."… Sally Comstock
  
• Food for kittens at 6 months
  By the time the Serval is about six months old they may be eating as much as a full can of food per day or a combination of dry and wet food. By this time they will be able to chow down on whole IAMS kibble taking the place of the powdered kibble.
  
• Food for mature cats
  When your kitten starts to mature, you may give him a chicken leg or neck. Remember to remove the skin from the leg. This will only cause a chubby Serval in the future. When the Serval reaches maturity, you will be feeding the raw chicken with bones and all. Do not feed cooked meat. Most meat contains high levels of phosphorus and if not consumed with the proper amount of calcium will cause small or brittle bones and other problems. Exotic cats need the correct ratio of the two minerals to be able to utilize the calcium for bone growth. It is best to let the Serval eat as much as they want but, do not leave the food out for more than a couple of hours.
  
• Amount of food
  An adult will eat between 1 and 3 pounds of meat a day. It is normal for Serval cats to eat a lot one day and less the next day but if you see that they aren't eating you should have them checked at your vets. Vitamin supplements must be considered. A feeding of grass once a week should be done for the digestive system.
  
• Water
  Be sure to have plenty of clean water for them to drink. Having several water bowls around in the house works well. They like to play in water so make sure that you keep the toilet lids closed. This is also best due to the chemical cleaners we use for the toilets.

Serval PlayServals are very playful, as you will soon find out. They will bring things to you for you to throw to them. They are natural retrievers and they love playing fetch. Some Servals will play fetch for hours. Because they love water, it is not surprising to see your Serval peek-a-booing you when you are in the shower. They will enjoy having a kiddy pool in their outside cage. They have fun cleaning their toys. At night, if you have more than one, they will often start playing and chasing each other around the house, even bouncing off of the walls while you try to sleep.

• Serval cats and toys
  Servals love playing with toys. When they are young, toys that are made for domestic cats will be fine. But when they are older, those toys are too small and they will destroy most of them quickly. Some toys may be so small that they will swallow them and choke or block their intestines.
  
  Toys that are made for medium to large sized dog work well. It is fun going to the pet store purchasing dog toys for your cat. Just sit back and watch the reaction when the clerk says, "awww, you buying toys for your dog?", and you reply, "no, buying toys for my cat."
  
• Chewing kittens
  Serval kittens like to chew like a puppy. It is a good idea to have plenty of toys that they can chew on. The hard plastic is preferable. The soft plastic can be eaten, which is definitely not good. If you provide them with plenty of toys, they will be less likely not chew on things that you don't want them to destroy or things that may hurt them. If they begin chewing on electrical cords, a good solution is to spray the exposed cords with bitter apple spray (available at pet stores). This will discourage them. Re-apply frequently as needed. This also works on other items that they may chew such as decorative pillows. As they mature they usually do not chew very much.

Harness Training ServalsIf you want to be able to take your Serval places with you, you should have your Serval wearing a harness at an early age. Always use a harness, and never trust a collar. They can get out of a collar within seconds. When you start harness training, they will think this is fun and will not cooperate at first. But with time and patience they will start to understand that this is a routine humans prefer.

It is a good idea to put the harness on them and let them walk around to get accustomed to having the straps around their body. Then you should put the leash on the harness and let them run freely in the house or their cage. Keep an eye on them and do not leave them alone with the harness attached. They may get it hooked on something while jumping and choke.

After they are accustomed to the harness and leash with no tension you should hold the leash lightly so that they get accustomed to having tension on the leash. Every once in awhile put the leash on it and guide him around the house. Then you may want to take them out for short walks around the house, near your doors so if there is trouble you may have a fast entrance into the house.

Make sure that they cannot get out of the harness at all. Servals are contortionists when they want to get out of a situation. If something scares them and they try to get out of the harness to run, you may not be able to grab them quickly. They won't really be trying to run away from you but rather they are trying to run away from something that scares them or that they are uncertain of.
At all costs, try to prevent the animal from getting loose. When they get loose outside, in an unfamiliar environment, they get scared and they may even be scared of you under those circumstances. A Serval on the loose can cause a stir in the neighborhood. And someone may think that it is dangerous and shoot it. Strangers who try to catch it will just frighten it more. This situation should be avoided at all costs. Servals can be caught but it can be an ordeal.

Serval DisciplineWhen you find your Serval doing something that you don't want them to, it is best to reprimand them with a firm "No". Squirting them with a water pistol works. Servals learn to understand that a water bottle means a definite NO! If they play too rough, such as biting too hard, a firm "No!" and a light tap on the head will discourage them. If it does not work, walk away and quit playing.

Servals are very smart and also very stubborn, so it may take several repetitions in order for them to learn that you are not going to let them have their way. Just remember, don't yell at your Serval, as they do not understand that type of communication.
Serval Health CareServal cats are pretty hardy, but it's important to be prepared should your pet cat get sick. For safe measure, if there is any reason that you suspect that your Serval is ill, the best thing is to take it to a veterinarian. Your pet Serval can't tell you what is bothering them so you have to be the one to look for signs of illness.

Things to look for include indicating illness include drastic mood changes, vomiting, diarrhea and straining while urinating. Particularly, you should be wary of diarrhea (watery stools). In a young cat, this can dehydrate them in a few hours and they may need fluids intravenously. If you see diarrhea more than twice in a row, it would be prudent to have a veterinarian check out the Serval. Treatment is usually easy and quick once the vet determines the cause of the diarrhea. Diarrhea can sometimes result from a change in diet. But this usually goes away quickly.

There is also some routine medical care, and some optional considerations when keeping Serval cats as pets, including:

• Vaccinations
  Serval cats require the same vaccinations that domestic cats do. Make sure your veterinarian uses ONLY vaccines made from killed viruses. Exotic cats may become sick and die if live vaccines are used. This is very important.
  
• Spaying or Neutering
  Both males and females will spray once they reach sexual maturity if they are not altered. Altering is best done at between 4 and 6 months. Consult a qualified veterinarian regarding this.
  
• De-clawing
  When keeping Serval cats as pets, there is a question of whether or not to de-claw the cat. You can discuss this with a qualified veterinarian. There are opinions both for and against this practice. Some breeders suggest that the Servals be de-clawed, and may do this prior to selling their kittens. This can save you from too friendly a playtime, and save your furniture as well. Remember these are wildcat claws and can do plenty of damage.
  
  On the other hand, de-clawing is a very extensive and painful surgery for the cat, and there is a risk of infection. Some breeders feel that a pet serval, with proper training can learn to refrain from using their claws, saving both the keeper and the furniture from damage.

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Tonkinese Cats Golden Siamese, Tonk (nickname). Tonkinese Cats are a loving, friendly, active breed, known for possessing only the best features of its relatives.

The Tonkinese are lively but gentle creatures that they fit very well into families with children!

Tonkinese Cats are a loving, friendly, active breed, known for possessing only the best features of its relatives. This is a hybrid cat breed developed from the Siamese and Burmese breeds. The Tonkinese was created as a new breed in the United States in the 1950's. Tonkinese enthusiasts claim that this breed has the best features of these two breeds, but none of the unfavorable features.
The fur of the Tonkinese is wonderful, being both silky and shiny. The coat has a darker base color than the traditional Siamese, but with the dark points. Overall it is very similar to the original Burmese. The coat is also short and lies flat on the body, which means they require minimal grooming. In the United States the names of the color varieties with this lustrous coat are followed with the term "mink", though in Britain they are just given the traditional color names.

The Tonkinese cats have a muscular body form, but medium in size and length. Its legs are long and muscular with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front. The head of this hybrid is longer than it is wide, which is not quite like either of its forebearers. It is wider than that of the Siamese, yet narrower than the Burmese. The head is a slightly rounded wedge-shape with slanted cheekbones, almond shaped eyes, and wide-set ears with rounded tips.

This breed is especially active and playful, and it is also curious and intelligent. The Tonkinese is a great family breed as it is quite affectionate and gentle. It enjoys socializing with adults, children, and other animals. It dislikes being alone and solitude, but does not become as attached to one person as the Siamese. Like the Burmese and Siamese, the Tonkinese has a loud, distinctive voice. Tonkinese Cats are popular in the U.S., but rare in Europe and Australia.


Background The Tonkinese Cats are essentially a hybrid breed developed between the Siamese Cat, which is a natural cat breed, and the Burmese, which is another hybrid cat breed. This cat breed was first intentionally bred in the United States in the 1950's by Milan Greer, an American feline expert. He crossed a male Burmese with a female Chocolate-point Siamese and called the resulting breed the Golden Siamese.

When Greer passed on the breeding project to Edith Lux, she changed the name to Tonkinese. The breed is named after the Gulf of Tonkin, which is close to Burmese and Siamese (Thai) territories, but does not belong to either, just like the Tonkinese breed. Common names for this cat breed include Tonkinese, Golden Siamese, and Tonk (a nickname).

In the 1960's, Margaret Conroy, a Canadian breeder, registered the Tonkinese in its first cat club, the Canadian Cat Association. In 1978 it was recognized by the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA), and by the 1990's, it was recognized by all North American cat societies. By 1991 it was recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in Britain. However, it is still not recognized by all associations in Europe as a true breed.

Description The Tonkinese is a muscular, medium-sized cat. Its body is neither long, nor cobby, but of medium length. The head is wider than that of the Siamese, but narrower than the Burmese'. It is a slightly rounded wedge, which is longer than it is wide. The ears are medium-sized with rounded tips. The eyes are almond shaped and slanted along the cheekbones. The legs are muscular and the hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs. The Tonkinese weighs approximately 6 to 12 pounds, and it has a long life expectancy of 15 or more years.

Their coat is short, silky and glossy. It has dark points, like the Siamese, but the base color is darker than the traditional Siamese. It is close to the original Burmese color. The color varieties are called "Mink" in the U.S., and correspond with the traditional Siamese colors. They are Natural Mink, Champagne Mink, Blue Mink, Platinum Mink, and Honey Mink. In Britain, traditional color names are given, such as Brown, Blue, Chocolate Tortie, and Lilac Tabby.
Care and Feeding The Tonkinese requires no special diet. Like the Siamese, this cat breed is not prone to becoming overweight.

Housing Your Cat The Tonikinese is an active breed that needs room to run and play. Indoors it should be allowed to run throughout the apartment or house, and be offered a variety of toys along with a scratching post. It enjoys being outside, but is known for running away, so care should be taken when letting it out of the house.

Maintenance This breed needs minimal grooming. Weekly brushing is recommended.

Social Behaviors The Tonkinese is a sociable breed that enjoys being around people, other cats, and even dogs. It is gentle and affectionate, but not too docile, which makes it a good breed for families with children. It craves attention and affection, but is less demanding than the Siamese. It is also less prone to attaching itself to one person than its Siamese counterpart.

Activities This is an active cat that needs a place to exercise so provide ample room for it to romp around. It should be provided with a scratching post and toys inside to keep it occupied. It is generally not a destructive cat unless it is isolated away from other household companions for too long a time, or becomes bored.
Breeding/Reproduction The average sized litter contains 6 kittens. A Burmese crossed with a Siamese will produce a full litter of first generation Tonkinese kittens.

Though they exhibit a wide variety of coat colors and patterns there are three main patterns; mink, solid and pointed.with the mink pattern considered the most desirable for showing. When breeding two mink pattern Tonkinese together however, they will not usually produce only mink pattern kittens. Usually it will result in one solid pattern kitten, one pointed pattern kitten, and two mink pattern kittens. Conversely, mating a pointed pattern Tonkinese to a solid pattern Tonkinese will result in all mink pattern kittens. These facts are why some cat associations do not recognize the Tonkinese as a true breed.

Common Health Problems This is a generally hardy breed, but Tonkinese kittens are susceptible to respiratory disease.


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Oriental Shorthair Oriental Shorthair Cat, Oriental Cat, Foreign Cat. The Oriental Shorthair has the delicate, graceful qualities of the Siamese.

The Oriental Shorthair cat is a playful, kitten-like breed that loves giving and receiving attention!

The Oriental Shorthair has the delicate, graceful qualities of the Siamese. But this little darling comes in many exotic, varied color forms. As its name suggests, the coat is short, but it is also very fine and glossy. This lively little cat makes a great low maintenance pet cat that requires little grooming.

The Oriental Shorthair Cats are man-made Hybrid breed cats developed from the Siamese. This cat breed basically has the long slender stylized body form of the Siamese Cat, but without its pointed pattern. Its body is medium-sized, long, and lithe. The legs are long and slender, and it has a long tail. Its head is angular, complimented with almond-shaped eyes and pointed ears.

The history of the Oriental Shorthair is somewhat vague. The natural breed Siamese Cats were first imported into Britain in the 1800's, both with a pointed pattern and without. But only those Siamese with the pointed pattern were developed. Color types of the Siamese without the pointed pattern began to be revived in Europe in the 1950's, but by then their numbers were greatly diminished. Breeders at that time became quite creative with crosses to build up their breeding programs. A number of shorthair cats including the British Shorthair, Russian Blue, Abyssinian, and other domestic cats were crossed with Siamese. Over a few generations cats were created that looked just like Siamese but were not pointed. Today this breed is found in many striking varieties, such as the Foreign White and Oriental Spotted Tabby. Oriental Shorthair Cats are currently found in many Western countries.

The Oriental Shorthair has most of the same characteristics as the Siamese. It is an energetic, playful, affectionate breed that loves spending time with its owner. It is definitely an extrovert that dislikes being alone. It can be demanding in its need for attention, though it can also be an extremely loyal friend. Interestingly, the Oriental Shorthair is known for being comfortable with using a leash and collar and is less objective towards restraint than other breeds. This characteristic is much appreciated when traveling or going to cat shows. Like the Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair has a loud, distinctive voice.

Background The original Siamese breed included many different colors and pattern types. However, when the breed was brought to the west, Breeders focused on a specific color type: the Seal Point coat (a pale coat with brown extremities) with blue eyes. Later, other pointed variations were accepted, but the many other possible color patterns were excluded.
As a result, many Siamese color types disappeared, until in the 1950s, when breeders became interested in reviving the other Siamese coat colors and patterns. This ambition was accomplished by crossing the Siamese with various other shorthair breeds, while taking care to pass on the new colors while retaining all other Siamese features.

In Britain, the new breed was called the "Foreign Cat", when referring to solid colors other than the Havana Brown, and "Oriental Shorthair" when referring to the other pattern types. Later, in the early 1990s, the two names were consolidated and all Foreign Cats, except those that were solid white with blue eyes, became known as Oriental Shorthairs. The solid white variation is known as the "Foreign White". In the United States, they were always referred to as "Oriental Shorthairs".

Description The one feature that distinguishes the Oriental Shorthair from the Siamese is its coat color. Essentially, the Oriental Shorthair is a Siamese without a pointed pattern. The following are the various categories of patterns with specific examples: Solid (Blue), Shaded (Fawn Sliver), Smoke (Cameo Smoke), Tabby (Ticked Tabby Pattern), and Parti-Color (Ebony Tortie). One specific color form that deserves mention is the Oriental Spotted Tabby, since breeders attempted to give it standing as a separate breed that resembled the ancient Egyptian domestic cat.

Except for the coat color and pattern, the Oriental Shorthair has the same appearance as the Siamese. The body is medium in size, long, and svelte. The tail and legs are long and slender. The head is wedge-shaped with large pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes. The coat is short, fine, and glossy. They weigh 9 to 14 pounds and live approximately 12 to 15 years.

Care and Feeding This breed requires no special diet, though a diet low in fat is preferred in order to maintain their slender form.
Housing Your Cat Oriental Shorthair Cats enjoy the indoors and the outdoors. However, they are very active, so if kept inside, they should be provided with toys and a scratching post, in order to prevent them from turning to curtains and furniture for entertainment.

Maintenance Weekly brushing is recommended, as it is for any low-maintenance cat.

Social Behaviors Oriental Shorthairs are social cats that need plenty of attention. They usually do well with kids, other cats and dogs, thriving on lots of activity and interaction. However they can vary in behavior, possibly due to the amount of socialization they get when young. Some may not get along as quite as well with young children, or other companions.

Activities This breed is very active, and should be provided with toys and play time. It will enjoy time outside to run around and play, and indoors will enjoy a variety of toys as well as social interaction with its family and other household occupants.

Breeding/Reproduction This breed matures quickly. Breeding is generally not a problem, unless the female is especially fine-boned. Litters contain approximately 4 to 6 kittens.

Common Health Problems Oriental Shorthair Cats are generally healthy with no special problems documented.

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Ocicat. The Ocicat was an exciting, exotic development.

Ocicats are wild in appearance, but make great pet cats with a tame and loving character!

The Ocicat was an exciting, exotic development. This is one of the most unique hybrid cat breeds, having the alluring beauty of a wild cat but being an all domestic cat. Its coat has distinct spots on a light background, running from its ears to almost the tip of its tail. Its name, Octicat, is said to come from a combination of the resemblance to the wild Ocelot, and its earlier name Accicat. The name "Accicat" resulted from this cat being an accidental hybrid combination.

The first accidental cat with this spotted coat pattern was named Tonga, born in the 1960's. Ms. Virginia Daly of Michigan was dabbling in hybrid crosses, mating a hybrid Abyssinian x Seal Point Siamese female with a Chocolate Point Siamese male. Tonga was a pretty little thing with an ivory colored coat topped with golden spots. Neither the kitten's coat color nor its pattern were recognized at that time, so Tonga was neutered and sold as a pet. However this kitten sparked some curiosity. First Ms. Daly, and then other dedicated cat fanciers worked to try and selectively breed a a small, graceful, spotted domestic cat that resembled a wild cat.

The wonderful Ocicats seen in the United States today are the glorious results of these endeavors, with a few other additions. The American Shorthair cat, which is a natural cat breed, was introduced into the mix for additional colors and body size. There is also a Longhair Ocicat variation. Ocicats come in all Tabby cat colors as well as silvers, with contrasting well defined spots. Like the fur found on the Abyssinian's, each hair has several bands of color except those at the very tip of the tail, which are usually black. The coat has a natural shine but is soft and short, making this a cat a low maintenance breed, needing only a weekly grooming.

The Ocicat offers an exotic appearance without any of the wild personality characteristics. They have a powerful look yet are neither cobby nor chunky. They are considered a moderate type cat, meaning they are medium-sized and well proportioned. They have muscular legs, strong paws, and a long tail. The head is wedge-shaped with moderately large ears, and large almond-shaped eyes. It also has a moderate voice.

The Ocicat is a high-energy cat that is very active and playful. They are highly social, but with an even temperament, and are also very durable with few health problems. Like the Siamese, they can attach to one person more than to others. They can also be dominant with other cats. The Ocicat is known for being unusually easy to train, and can be trained to use a leash. This breed makes a great family cat that has no special grooming, dietary, or health needs.

Background The Ocicat was accidentally first created by Virginia Daly in 1964 in Berkeley, Michigan. Virginia Daly was attempting to breed an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese by crossing a Chocolate Point Siamese male with a Seal Point Siamese and Abyssinian hybrid female. Surprisingly, the litter that was produced contained a golden-spotted male kitten. This kitten was named Tonga and was neutered and sold as a pet, since he did not fit into this particular breeding program. However, the prospect of a new spotted breed perked Virginia Daly's interest, and she retained the further spotted kittens that were produced.

Another American breeder, Tom Brown began a long-term breeding program. Other breeders introduced the American Shorthair into the breeding programs, which increased the cat's size. The Ocicat achieved championship status in the United States in 1987. It was introduced to Britain in the late 1980s. Also in the 1980's, a separate European line of Ocicats was developed in Germany by Karen Dupuis.

This breed's name is a cross between "Ocelot" and "Cat", since it resembles an Ocelot, but is a domestic cat. Two names that were also used in the early years of this breed were "Ocellete", since it resembles a small Ocelot, and "Accicat", since its inception was an accident in another breeding program.

Description The Ocicat has a large, long, and muscular body. It is neither stocky nor angular in appearance. The head is a modified wedge, slightly curved from the jaw to the cheek and is proportionate in size to the body. The eyes large and almond-shaped, and the ears are moderately large. All eye colors are acceptable for this breed, except blue. The legs are muscular and fairly long. The tail is moderately long, thin to medium in width, and slightly tapered. This breed weighs 6-14 pounds. The Ocicat's lifespan is approximately 15 years.

The hair is short, fine, and silky. Like the Abyssinian's fur, each strand has several bands of color. The hairs at the tip of the tail are the only ones that do not share this trait. The coat is spotted, with the most common color type being tawny, or light brown. Other variations include Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blue, Lavender, Fawn, Silver, Chocolate Silver, Cinnamon Silver, Blue Silver, Lavender Silver, and Fawn Silver.

Care and Feeding The Ocicat should be fed a simple balanced diet with no special requirements.
Housing Your Cat The Ocicat is an active cat that enjoys playing and exercising outside. However, if a yard cannot be provided, a large house or apartment with a terrace can suffice.

Maintenance Ocicats require very little grooming. Their coat is short, fine, and naturally shiny. Weekly brushing is recommended, as it is for any low-maintenance cat.

Social Behaviors Ocicats are social cats that do not like being alone. Like the Siamese, they can attach to one person more than to others. They can also be dominant with other cats.

Activities The Ocicat is a naturally active breed that needs no coaxing to get its exercise. It should be provided with ample room to play and run. It should also be given many toys to play with inside, especially if it is kept indoors most of the time.

Breeding/Reproduction Litters usually contain 4 to 6 kittens. Breeding generally occurs with no complications.

Common Health Problems Ocicats are generally healthy with no special problems documented.

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The Havana Brown is a particularly elegant looking cat with a uniformly chestnut brown coa

Havana Brown cats are very chic, dressed in a rich chocolate brown mink-like fur and green eyes!

The Havana Brown is a particularly elegant looking cat with a uniformly chestnut brown coat. It has rich, lush fur that is medium in length, glossy and smooth. Except for its green eyes, this breed is all brown from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail. Even its whiskers and nose are brown. The coat requires little maintenance, only a weekly brushing and then shining it with a piece of flannel or a soft glove to bring out its luster.

Havana Brown Cats are lively, active and playful. They are curious, and even mischievous, but not overly destructive cats. Like their Siamese counterpart, these agreeable cats are affectionate, gentle, and highly intelligent. They carrying themselves with certainty and poise and are adaptable to a variety of situations. These cats are extroverted and enjoy being around people, but yet they are faithful to their keeper and will often become attached to one person.

The Havana loves being inside, and is therefore a good apartment cat. They have been described as being both reservedly affectionate and exceptionally sweet. This may be a product of their tendency to become attached to one person. The Havana's voice is medium in volume and pitch, but unlike the Siamese they are much quieter.

The Havana is a hybrid breed cat that originated in Britain. it is a fairly rare breed there, and is even rarer in the United States. This cat breed, with the Siamese Cat prominent in its development, has similar traits found in that breed. Its overall build is moderate. This breed has a body that is medium in length and muscular, a medium length to the legs, and a medium long tail. Although it has a solid build, it is not stocky. The British Havana Brown has a stronger Siamese element than the American breed. So the head of those cats are more triangular with a straight nose while American bred Havana has a rounder face and shorter nose. But both groups have large ears and oval-shaped green eyes.

Background The first recognized Havana Brown, Elmtower Bronze Idol, was born October 24, 1952 in England, though other Self-brown (solid brown) cats had been recorded in the past, including the Swiss Mountain Cat and the Brown Cat. Interestingly, Elmtower Bronze Idol was the product of a natural breed cat, a Seal Point Siamese male named Tombee and a black shorthaired female (half Seal Point Siamese and half Black Persian) named Susannah. Further mating with Tombee and Susannah resulted in a female Havana Brown named Elmtower Brown Study. Though the breeder, Mrs. Munro-Smith had intended to create a Color-point Persian, she had stumbled across an interesting new breed - the Havana Brown.

The Havana Brown was first shown in Britain in 1953 and achieved championship status in 1958. The breed was imported to America in 1956 and was recognized as an official breed in 1959. The British Havana Brown has a stronger Siamese element than the American breed. It is believed that Russian Blue may have been introduced into the line if the Havana Brown.

Two theories exist to why the Havana Brown was given its name. It is believed that this breed was either named after the "Havana Brown" color of Cuban cigars, since the cat's coat resembles the color of the tobacco in those cigars, or that it was named after the Havana Rabbit, which has the same colored coat.
While this name accurately describes the breed's coat color, it led to some confusion concerning its origins. In the late 1950's, a committee decided to rename the breed "Chestnut Brown Foreign Shorthair" since the breed originated in England, and not Cuba. However, due to popular demand, the original name was reinstated in the 1970's. Common names for this cat breed include Havana Brown, Havana, Chestnut Brown Foreign, Chestnut Brown Oriental, Chestnut Brown Foreign Shorthair, Berkshire Brown, Reading Brown, and Oriental Chocolate Cat.

Description The defining feature of the Havana Brown, as signified by its name, is of course its uniformly brown coat. Even the nose and whiskers are brown. All shades of chestnut brown are acceptable. The coat is medium in length, glossy, and smooth.

The body is medium in length and muscular, but not stocky. The legs are medium in length and the tail is medium long. In Britain, the Havana Brown has a more Siamese appearance than in the United States. In Britain, the head is triangle-shaped and the nose is long and straight. In the United States, the head is rounder in shape and the nose is shorter. In both countries, the ears are large and the eyes are oval-shaped and green. This breed weighs 6-10 pounds and lives to be approximately 9-15 years old.

Care and Feeding The Havana Brown is a hearty breed that has no special dietary needs. Unlike some breeds, the Havana Brown is able to digest milk.
Housing Your Cat The Havana is an active cat that should be provided with toys and a scratching post indoors. However, it enjoys being inside and can live happily in an apartment. It can benefit from time outside as well, with some time to romp around and play. This breed is known to enjoy jumping in snow.
Maintenance The Havana Brown Cats require little grooming. It simply needs a weekly brushing and then shining its fur with a flannel or glove in order to maintain its glossy appearance are advised.

Social Behaviors This breed is not a highly social breed. It is a loving cat, but attaches itself to one person. It is a faithful, affectionate pet.
Activities The Havana Brown is naturally active and lively. It enjoys playing with its owner, but requires no special exercise program. When keeping it indoors, provide it with a variety of toys and a scratching post.
Breeding/Reproduction Female Havana Browns are excellent mothers. Litters, on average consist of five kittens. The kittens open their eyes as early as the third day after birth.

Common Health Problems This is a naturally healthy breed. The Havana Brown is even known for having a natural immunity to upper respiratory infections.
Availability Due to its scarce nature, the Havana Brown is an expensive cat breed. However, breeders can be found for this breed.


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The Bengal Cats are hybrids, Bengal Cats Bengals, Bengali Cats

The exotic Bengals retains the striking wild appearance of their Asian Leopard Cat ancestors!

The Bengal Cats are hybrids, created by crossing domestic cats and wild Asian Leopard Cats. This mix has an alluring and desirable "wild-look" reflected in its coat pattern and body form, drawn from its Asian Leopard Cat parentage. Their exotic coats are short with fine fur that requires only a weekly grooming. The fur is thick and extremely soft, decorated with spots, two-tone spots, and rosettes. Some even have spots on their light colored underbelly.
Although these are domestic cats, in their overall appearance the Bengals retain much of the wild physical characteristics of the Asian Leopard. They are a large sized domestic breed reaching between 7 and 20 pounds. They have a long, well-muscled and powerful body with legs and a tail of medium length. The tail tapers, ending in a rounded black tip. Their large roundish head is complimented with large oval-shaped eyes, a large wide nose, and large rounded ears.

The Bengal Cat personality is drawn from its domestic cat parentage. Despite its wild ancestry, the Bengal is an affectionate, sociable breed. This is provided that they are separated by at least 3 generations from the original crossing between a domestic and Asian Leopard Cat. Closer generations, 1st through 3rd generations, are considered "filial" and are used for breeding and specialized pet environments and are not considered domestic pet cats.

The 4th generation and later Bengals are social, extroverted cats that love human companionship and like being part of whatever's going on. An energetic cat breed, they are are quite kittenish and enjoy playing games like fetch or hide and seek. They will often attach strongly to one person, demanding constant attention from that person.

The Bengal gets along with people, as well as dogs and other cats. This breed is lively, very playful, and enjoys interaction, making it a great cat for children. It is a great addition to families who have time to give it the attention it craves. Bengals enjoy playing in the water and are known for joining their owners in the bathtub or pool. It can be taught to fetch and walk on a leash. They are quiet, but have some wild characteristics. Bengals have a distinct voice from most other domestic cats. They like conversation and can be coaxed to speak with their keepers. They are also excellent hunters.

Background Bengals are hybrid cat breeds. The Bengal Cats of today originated from the United States, though their wild ancestry comes from Asia. Common names include Bengal and Bengali. This breed's name was derived from the Asian Leopard Cat's scientific name, Felis bengalensis. It has no affiliation with the commonly known Bengal Tiger. Currently it is a rare breed that can be found in America and Europe.

The creation of the Bengal breed began in 1963, when Jean Sugden, an American geneticist of Yuma, Arizona, crossed her female Asian Leopard Cat with a black short-haired domestic male in hopes of combining the wild physical characteristics of the Leopard Cat with the friendly disposition of the domestic cat. Though matings between domestic and wild cats usually produce only infertile offspring, the females from this cross were fertile. A female of this litter, named Kinkin, was bred with her father, and produced a litter of both plain and spotted kittens.

This breeding project could have been the beginning of the Bengal breed, but it was abandoned after the second mating, when Mrs. Sugden was widowed. However, later in1973, another geneticist, Dr. Willard Centerwall of California, began a new breeding project with Leopard Cats and short-haired domestic cats in order to determine the Leaped Cat's resistance to feline leukemia. He gave eight females to Jean Sugden, now Jean Mill, after her remarriage, and she used them to start a new breeding program.

In 1983 the International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the first Bengal for registry. His name was "Millwood Finally Found". The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) currently does not recognize the Bengal. Many different domestic breeds have been used in breeding programs for the Bengal, involving both natural breed cats and other hybrids, including the Siamese, Burmese, Egyptian Mau, Ocicat, Abyssinian, Bombay, American Shorthair, and British Shorthair.

Description The Bengal is a large breed, weighing between 7 and 20 pounds. It has a long, well-muscled and powerful body. The legs and tail are medium in length and the tail tapers to a rounded black tip. The head is large and rounded with a large, broad nose and large rounded ears. The eyes are large, oval-shaped, and wide set. The Bengal's life span is approximately 15 years.

The Bengal's fur is short and fine. The coat is thick and extremely soft. The coat is generally covered in solid spots, even on the belly, but some specimens have dark rosettes, or two-toned spots, instead. Bengals can also have a "marbled" coat, which means the pattern flows horizontally in a swirl. The color forms include Leopard (spotted tabby), Marble, Snow Leopard (ivory background with contrasting spots), Snow Marble, Sorrel (Golden), and Mink.

Care and Feeding The Bengal requires no special diet.
Housing Your Cat This is a very active breed that needs a yard and plenty of room to run, play, and hunt. Kittens can be destructive, so preparations should be made to protect furniture and other items in the house. A variety of toys and a scratching post are also helpful in decreasing their destructive behaviors.
Maintenance Bengals need a weekly brushing and combing.

Social Behaviors This breed is very social. It enjoys being around people, dogs, and other cats. This breed should not be left alone for long periods of time because it is likely to find furniture, curtains, or other items to shred in its boredom. If it is going to be left alone frequently, having another cat can help keep it occupied. However, the Bengal can also become jealous if it thinks another pet is getting more attention than it.

Activities As mentioned previously, this is a very active breed that enjoys running, hunting, and playing with humans, cats, and other animals. These cats enjoy interactive play such as fetch or hide and seek, and they can learn to walk on a leash. They also love water. They will readily join their human companions in the family pool.

Breeding/Reproduction Most males are infertile, though the occasional male is able to reproduce. Females are fertile. The 1st through 3rd generations of Bengals are considered "filial", and are used for breeding and specialized pet environments. The 4th and later generations are considered domestic and can be shown and registered.

Common Health Problems The Bengal is a hardy breed. No special health problems have been documented.


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Serval cats are a small cat species originating from Africa, Serval Cats Serval, African Serval, Servaline

Serval cats are a small cat species originating from Africa. They have many of the loving characteristics of domestic cats, but they also have an intrinsic wild side, instinctive in their nature. Although they are called small cats, that's a relative term. A domestic cat will be somewhere between about 7 to 20 pounds while the size of an African Serval ranges between 18 to 40 pounds, with males being the largest. Compared to other wild cats however, they are small. The largest of the big cats, such as the Amur or Siberian Tigers, have males that can reach range between 400 to 670 pounds.
There are seven small wild cat species that are kept as pets, but the African Serval is one of the most distinctive. They look similar to a small version of the cheetah, but are in fact an entirely different species. These exotic beauties have a wonderful coat that is yellowish to reddish brown with distinctive dark spots and stripes. There are also a couple of varieties including the all Black Serval, and the woodland Servaline which has much smaller spots in its patterning. Servals have a long slender build and long legs. The back legs are slightly longer than the front. Their body form is then complimented with a narrow head and very large, prominent ears.
Servals are a swift and graceful predator in the African bush. Everything about the appearance and body form of this cat reflects its natural instincts, behaviors, and abilities. Their coat provides a perfect camouflage, their long back legs provide incredible power in a leap, and they have acute hearing with those large ears. What they lack in size they make up for in speed and agility. They are versatile stealth hunters that will stalk their prey or patiently crouch in the brush listening intently for quarry. With the slightest rustle they leap in a graceful arc, up to 10 feet into the air, pouncing on their prey and striking with a chop of their paws. These incredible cats have a 50 percent success rate, a phenomenal feat in the cat world.
Domestically bred African Servals are raised as pets, and are often available. Like domestic cat breeds, they are lively and playful, and become very affectionate and devoted to their owners. They have a loud purr and express affection with endearing head butts. Rather than a meow, they make a chirping sound. Some of their traits can be likened to that of a dog. They can be trained to walk on a leash, and love to play fetch.
Serval cats make fascinating pets, but they are not for everyone. They are very active, but are also shy and will take dedicated time and attention from their owner to develop a close bond. Once they become your friend however, you have a companion for up to 20 years. Their size and active nature takes forethought to make your home cat proof. Their nature is such that to keep them in a household with children, or with other pets also takes special consideration, and is not it is not assured that it will work out. Serval cats can be a dream come true for a devoted cat lover, one dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of this animal as well as the other members of the household.
Keep in mind that ownership of lesser cats may be regulated by state and/or local laws. So be sure to check with the authorities in your area to see if permits, licensing, or any other obligations must be met, before obtaining a Serval.
Habitat: Natural geographic locationThe Serval Leptailurus serval was described by Schreber in 1776. It was previously described as Felis serval, the scientific name Caracal serval is a synonym. Common names this species is known by are Serval, Serval Cats, African Serval, Servaline, Poor Man's Cheetah, and Chat-tigre (French).
This cat species has a long heritage, and descends from the same Felid ancestor as the Lion. Serval cats have a similar spotted appearance and belong to the same family (Felidae) and sub-family (Felinae) as the fastest animal on earth, the Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus. These two species have a number of traits in common, and it is believed that ancient Servals are the ancestors of the Cheetah. The Cheetah however, can grow up to 53 inches in length and weigh up to 140 pounds, while the smaller Serval only grows to a length of about three feet.
The Serval L. serval is a distinct exotic cat species, and not to be confused with the Caracal cat C. caracal. The Serval is closely allied with the African Golden Cat Caracal aurata and Caracal Caracal caracal, but are believed to have diverged from a common ancestor about 5.4 million years ago. Like the Serval, the Caracal also inhabits a broad range across central and southern Africa, as well as the Middle East, Pakistan and India. It is sometimes referred to as the Caracal Lynx as it closely resembles the Eurasian Lynx, and has tufts in its ears. It differs from the Lynx however, with having longer legs and shorter fur.
African Serval Varieties

• Servaline
  The Servaline cat, once thought to be a separate species, is a small woodland dwelling species. They have the same bold markings, but smaller. Their spots are more like specks on some individuals.
• Black Serval
  An all black species lives in the highland areas of East Africa, such as in the Aberdares Mountain range in Kenya.
• White Serval
  White Servals have a white background with grayish spots and stripes. These cats have not been documented in the wild, but there have been four born in captivity in the 1990's..

African Serval Habitat
Serval cats are widely distributed across the sub-Sahara, a large expanse of central and southern Africa. They are found in a variety of terrains with the exception of tropical rainforests and the Saharan desert. They inhabit well-watered grassy savannahs and alpine grasslands, dense forested areas along waterways, agricultural lands, and in the east heading to the Mediterranean coast they are found from the semi-desert terrains to oak forests. Hunted for its beautiful striped and spotted coat, the serval is now a threatened species. Some fall prey to natives who also hunt the cat for its meat.
Serval Cats Diet in Nature
In the wild, Servals eat a variety of small to mid-sized prey. The majority of their diet consists of rodents, which is followed by birds the size of Guinea Fowl. They also eat small mammals including hares, hyraxes, and small antelopes such as Duikers and Oribi. On the more exotic side, they will eat frogs and lizards, and occasionally will eat termites, grasshoppers, and even some plants.

Hybrid cats developed from the Serval

• Caraval, Servical, and Cara -Serval
  This is a hybrid cat developed from crossing the Serval with the Caracal. Both the Caracal and the African Serval are wild cats with a number of similarities, but they have distinctly different coats. The Caracal has a deep reddish-gray, sand, or gray coat, while the Serval always has a well defined spotted pattern on a lighter background. They are of similar size and there have been documented hybrids resulting from crossings of these two species. These hybrid breed cats are referred to by names such as Caraval, Servical, and Cara -Serval.
   
• Savannah Cats
  These are a hybrid cat breed, with the Serval wild cat being successfully crossed with domestic cats. The first successful cross was in 1986 by breeder Judee Frank, who crossed a male Serval, belonging to Suzi Woods, with a natural breed cat, a Siamese female domestic cat.
   
• Servalynx
  The Servalynx is a non-standard Savannah. They are a very new type of hybrid created by crossing a Savannah hybrid cat with a Pixiebob domestic cat hybrid. These are experimental crosses, bred for short tails, polydactyl feet. and thicker more muscular bodies. They are still in the experimental stage, so not yet recognized by any cat organizations.

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The beginnings of domestic cat breeds

Cats! Creatures of mystery intimately intertwined with humans since the Stone Age, inspiring respect and fascination!

The beginnings of domestic cat breeds, the first “modern” felines, appeared somewhere around 7000 to 5000 B.C. in northern Africa. This was when a few small, tabby-striped wild felines arrived in human settlements. Thus began the process of domestic cat breeds, spurring some of the most intriguing types of cats seen today.
Our list of cat types covers a wide array of breeds from common pet cats to the exotic cat. Each cat guide offers cat information on background and development, the breeds individual cat behaviors, and cat care. Pictures of cats are provided with each cat guide to help in choosing a pet or aid in cat breed identification.

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Getting a Healthy Cat, When choosing a cat, whether an adult or a kitten the best choice.

When choosing a cat, the first things that come to mind are whether you want a male or female cat, and whether an adult or a kitten the best choice. Care and maintenance considerations then follow, for example, choosing a longhair or shorthair cat impacts grooming and hairballs. For detailed cat information on care and maintenance, see Cat Care.
No matter what type of cat you get, you first want to make sure it is healthy. Indications that a cat is healthy include both its behavior and its physical condition. Here are some things to look for when picking out a cat:.

• Cat behavior and personality
  
  • Look for a cat that in general displays interest in its surroundings, one that becomes intrigued when you dangle a string or toss a ball.
  • A kitten should be alert, active, playful, and inquisitive but not overly zealous.
  • If a cat or kitten is properly socialized it should neither run up to you, nor run away. One that approaches your hand to sniff it, and then is relaxed when picked up indicates a well-socialized animal.
    
• Cat health
  
  • Body - A kitten should be the average size of its littermates. In movement, cats should run, walk, and jump with grace and balance. Gently stroke, checking for bumps, lumps, and any signs of discomfort or pain. There should be no sores, scabs, or crustiness.
  • Coat - It should be glossy and clean with a sweet smell. Fur should be fluffy with no matted or missing patches and free if parasites, like fleas.
  • Paws - Gently squeeze the paw to extend the claws to see if they need clipping. This is something that you can do later. Some cats have extra toes, this is a genetic occurrence and not a problem.
  • Nose - should be clean with no discharge, and breathing should be clear with no sniffing or sneezing.
  • Mouth - teeth should be bright and clean teeth, the gums pink and healthy, and beware of bad odors.
  • Eyes - bright, clear and alert, no discharge.
  • Ears - no discharge, sweet smelling. A cat scratching its ears often and vigorously indicates ear mites. Check the hearing with a sudden loud noise, like a clap of your hand. The cat should startle and look towards the sound. White cats with blue eyes can be totally deaf, and those with just one blue eye can be deaf in the ear on that side.
  • Tail area - the anal area and back of the legs should be clean, with no signs of diarrhea.You can check the sex also. Male kittens have two 'dots' side to side under the tail, while females have a singe dot with a small vertical slit.

Types of Cats - Body Form and Color In addition to personality traits. there are also varying body types for cats. Not all types of cats have the same body type.

In addition to personality traits, there are also varying body types for cats. Not all types of cats have the same body type.
Cat Body Forms - Here are some guidelines for body types, as well as the types of cats that fit with these types:

• Slender
  
  • Lithe and graceful but firm and muscular as well
  • Cat breeds of this type include: Abyssinian, Russian Blue, and Turkish Angora
• Cobby
  
  • A broad, round body type with a broad head and shorter legs.
  • Cat breeds of this type include: Persian and Exotic Shorthair
• Semi-Cobby (also called Robust)
  
  • Slightly less compact and usually less round than the cobby.
  • Cat breeds of this type include: Chartreux and British Shorthair
• Moderate (also called medium)
  
  • A broad, round body type with a broad head and shorter legs.
  • Cat breeds of this type include: Bengal, Birman, Traditional Siamese, and Maine Coon
• Svelte (also called Foreign)
  
  • A broad, round body type with a broad head and shorter legs.
  • Cat breeds of this type include: Extreme Siamese, Balinese, Oriental Longhair and Shorthair
• Semi-foreign
  
  • Rectangular and elongated but not tubular, less long than the svelte body type.
  • Usually fine or medium boned.
  • The head is a modified wedge shape. The ears are not as large and the muzzle is usually shorter than the svelte breeds.
  • Cat breeds of this type include: Nebelung, Snowshoe, and American Cur

Cat Colors - Cat breeds can also be described by their markings or coat pattern, types of color coat patterns include:

• Cat colors - color coat patterns
  
  • Tabby Cat - Mackeral Tabby Pattern
  • Tri-color Cat - Tortoiseshell Color Patterns - Torbie Cat and Calico Cat
  • Orange cat or Ginger Cat

Take a close look at your cat see if you can determine its correct body type and color coat pattern. You can also consult with your vet if you require further confirmation.

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