Serval Vs Savannah Cats: Know the Differences

Serval cats are unique from Savannah cats in their appearance. Savannah cats are descending from Serval cats, which are African wild cats. When a Serval cat and a domestic cat are crossing, a Savannah cat is formed.

There are significant differences between these two feline breeds. The primary difference between them is their habitat. Serval cats dwell in forests, but Savannah cats are domesticated and kept as pets in people’s homes.

Because of their wild nature, Serval cats are not authorized to live in homes. Savannahs have been long-time family friends.

This article discusses the distinctions between Serval Cats and Savannah Cats.

What is a Serval Cat? Vs. What is a Savannah Cat?

Serval Cat

Servals of the Rainforest A medium-sized African wild cat, the Serval (Leptailurus serval), is called the “serval.” Caracal and African Golden Cat are close relatives.

The Serval may find throughout most of Africa, except for the arid regions north of the Sahara, the western tip of Southern Africa, and parts of Central Africa’s tropical rainforests. It is charming uncommon to come across a northern subspecies, and as a result, it,s classified as endangered.

Their tail is 40 cm long, and they grow to 85 centimeter’s (16 inches). Their shoulder height is 53cm (21 inches). Generally, they weigh between 9 and 20 kg. Their long oval ears are close-set.

Their fur pattern is diverse. This species’ melanism (an increase in black or nearly black pigmentation) is identical to the Black Panther’s. White servals are only found in captivity and are white with silvery gray markings.

Servals have the most prominent ears and legs in the cat family. Their feet are longer than their legs. They have long necks and thin heads. Their coat is tawny-gold with black circular patches. The spots are usually big and form longitudinal stripes on the neck and back. A speckled look can result from multiple tiny dots.

The Serval’s tail is short, reaching the hocks. It has a black tip and is speckled and ringed. The Serval’s ears are black with white stripes. Their skulls are elongated and have upper anterior premolars.

Savannah Cat

Savannah cats are crossbreeds between African Servals and domestic cats. Savannahs are known for their long, thin body and huge ears. The Savannah is a relatively new breed, first appearing in the late 1980s, and more breeders worldwide are successfully mating a Serval to a domestic.

Savannah cats are classed by the percentage of each species they contain, unlike other hybrid breeds of animals. We’ve gotten our breeding procedure down to a science, so everyone gets the right companion for their home.

We have Savannah Kittens ranging from F1 to F6. Breeding a domestic house cat with an exotic beauty like the African Serval requires forethought, consideration, a lot of effort, and love.

We at A1 Savannahs breed our Savannah kittens with love and passion. Our passion for the breed has led to creating the same species that so many people have come to appreciate. Our Savannah kittens are awe-inspiringly beautiful, and they’re also brilliant.

A Savannah cat is the perfect pet for any family. Having the enthusiasm and loyalty of a puppy and the independence and knowledge of the best domestic house cat, the Savannah kitten is the perfect breed.

Serval Cat vs. Savannah Cat Personality

The Serval cat’s personality is distinct from the domestic Savannah cat’s personality. Serval cats cannot live with people because they are wild animals. They’re abrasive toward others, and it’s noticeable. They are not allowed to stay with children.

These cats don’t require any company to be happy. A tranquil and peaceful existence is what they seek. They don’t need any more company. On the other hand, Savannah cats have a charming exterior that belies their canine nature. Family members are welcome back by these cats, which form close bonds with them. They prefer to keep company with others.

Serval Cats vs. Savannah Cats: Hunting Behavior Differences

When hunting, the Serval will halt for up to 15 minutes at a time to close its eyes and listen. For flushed birds, the Servals have an adaption that allows them to pounce on their prey with a characteristic vertical “jump.”

While most cats can only grab prey one out of 10 times, the Serval can catch prey up to 50% of the time, compared to only one in 10. Digging into burrows and retrieving the unfortunate occupant can also be done by Serval.

In windy weather, the Servals wait for movement in the tall grass before moving carefully through it. They jump with all 4 feet off the ground. When the cat uses its forefeet to strike its prey, it usually leaves them stunned or dead.

The Serval will perform a series of quick stiff-legged hops for any missed targets to make up for it. Animals can be flushed from their hiding places by servals, sprinting zigzag over the grass in great leaps.

For as domestic as they are, the Savannah cats will not allow other tiny animals to contact them unless they are acquainted with each other from the outset.

Serval Cat vs. Savannah Cat: Habitat Differences

Serval cats can find in various habitats, from dry grasslands to forested savannas to the moister areas bordering the equatorial rainforests. However, melanistic Serval individuals are more commonly found in hilly regions.

The Serval can’t survive in the semi-desert because it relies on waterways. It can climb and swim, but it rarely does so.

A decrease in the Serval population can attribute to humans encroaching on its habitat and hunting for its pelt. It isn’t at risk of extinction right now; nevertheless, it may if commerce is not tightly restricted.

It is common to find servals in areas that are well-watered and have a lot of long-grass vegetation. They see in various environments, including alpine grasslands, thick woods, and grassy areas. However, in severe cases, they have used arid locations, including sections of southwest Africa.

Savannah cats are scarce but can find worldwide if a cat owner is willing to look for them.

Serval Breeding Vs. Savannah: Breeding Differences

As with most solitary animals, Servals rarely form large groups. It is common for them to mark their territory with odors and scratches. During mating season, the homes of males and females will occasionally come together for a short period. They split up as soon as when they got together made love.

The female Serval typically has two or three kittens, and she takes care of and protects them. As a mother, she’s a great one. Maybe because they have to spend a lot of time searching for food for their hungry babies, female bears’ success in hunting increases when they become mothers.

Since domestic cats and servals crossed to create Savannahs, there are now numerous subspecies of Savannahs. Each Savannah breed is identified by its filial generation number. F1 cats, for example, are half Serval and a half domestic cat. Similar to F2, F3 has a 75:25 ratio.

Price of Serval vs. Price of Savannah cat

Depending on the size, breed, color pattern, and locality, the price might vary widely. Serval cats are not pets; they must have a license to live with people. Only people in the cat industry can get a hold of these creatures. From $3,000 to $8,000 is the typical price range for a Serval cat.

 In the case of a Savannah cat, the price varies from one breeder to another. For Savannah cats, there is no need to negotiate. There must be an issue if the breeder is selling a cat at a lower price. Savannah cats can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $16,000 on the open market.

Serval Cat vs. Savannah Cat Lifespan

Both cat breeds have a different lifespan. Cats like Savannah, who live up to 15 years, are common household pets. The average lifespan of a domestic cat is between 10 and 12 years.

Serval cats can live for up to 20 years. Wild cats live longer than domestic cats, although Savannah cats live longer because they descend from Serval cats.

Unlike domestic cats, wild cats do not necessitate as much attention. All domestic cats should be provided a nutritious diet and given adequate activity time. To keep their health in control, pets need regular visits to the vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are serval and savannah cats the same?

An African wild serval is called a serval. On the other side, the savannah cat is a domestic cat breed and a wild serval hybrid. What’s the difference between a savannah cat and a serval, and how are they related? Both are incredibly intelligent, and their colors and patterns are similar, although they come from different eras.

• Is an F1 savannah cat a serval?

A domestic cat crossed with an African serval. There is a wide span of genetic variations among Savannah cats based on the generation and individual pedigree. F1 guys, for example, weigh between 8 and 11 kilograms and stand between 40 and 45 centimeters at the shoulders. Wild serval-like markings can see on the coat.

• Are Savannah Cats bigger than Servals?

In terms of domestic cat breeds, the Savannah is the biggest. Servals are medium-sized, large-eared, wild African cats, while Savannah cats are a hybrid between domestic cats and servals.

• Are Servals big cats?

In Africa, you’ll find the Serval (LeptailurusServal), an endangered wildcat. Sub-Saharan Africa, except for the rainforests, is the only region where it is not shared. Slender, medium-sized, and light in weight, the Serval weighs between 9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 lbs.)

• Can you own a serval cat?

Cats from Servals aren’t allowed anywhere in the United States. Legally, they’re not allowed in some states at all. You’ll need a license in some states. You can own a serval cat lawfully without permission in several forms like South Carolina, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

• Why are Savannah cats more expensive than Servals?

Percentage increase A Savannah is one of the most challenging species to reproduce in captivity successfully. Marrying a wild Serval requires years of patience and good fortune. Servals are expensive, time-consuming, and demanding to rise, but the results are worth it in the end.

• How high can Serval jump?

It is known that servals can jump up to 4 meters horizontally and 3 meters vertically, making them great predators. The Serval leaps about 2.5 meters in the air.

• Are servals aggressive?

Servals aren’t your standard house cat. Although they can be loving and are rarely violent toward humans, keep in mind that this is still a wild animal. They are driven by primal urges that run deep in their ancestors’ minds.

• How strong is a serval?

Serval cats are robust, swift, and able to leap extremely high. Servals would jump into the air to grab flying birds, while their slaps on fish could knock them unconscious. They are difficult to housetrain, and they frequently pee on the floor to indicate their territory.

• Are our Savannah cats aggressive?

Even though Savannah cats are more significant than the typical domestic cat, they are unlikely to inflict considerable harm on a human.

Final Thoughts:

However, domestic savannah cats carry Serval DNA. Servals are wild animals. An awareness of the difference is vital. On the other hand, wild animals have a separate set of demands that are addressed through distinct habitats, diets, and habits, and therefore are not adapted to life in a living room.

There is a wildness to even the most familiar of places. Many examples of this can be found all around us, from the savannah cat to a simple moment of contemplation. Regardless of how much money you have or how much time you have to spare, you’ll be awed by how the two interact.