The Royal and Peppy Serengeti Cat

Boasting a robust and muscular body, exotic look, and innate majesty, the Serengeti cat seems like a monarch in the cat fancy. This feline is a product of crossing the Bengal and Oriental Shorthair, creating a “less wild” cat than the Savannah. But beyond its feral appearance, the Serengeti cat has earned its reputation to be a super loyal companion. However, this furball is also known to be peppy, vigorous, and vocal, making this royal cat the best fit for more active households.

Origin of the Serengeti Cat

Conservation biologist and Kingsmark Cattery owner Karen Sausman is credited for the development of the Serengeti cat in the mid-1990s. She wanted to create a feline breed that will resemble the wild Serval cat of Africa. With that endeavor in mind, she crossed the Bengal and Oriental cat to produce the Serengeti.

While boasting a wild appearance, the Serengeti cat does not integrate any recent wild feline blood compared to the Savannah that does incorporate the Serval’s gene and the Chausie that uses the wild jungle cat in its breeding program.

Serengeti cats are recognized by The International Cat Association as a preliminary new breed. Today, this feline is bred by different individuals in the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, Australia, and the United States.

Physical Characteristics of the Serengeti Cat

Length: Medium

Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Coat Color: Silver-spotted tabby, smoke, lavender, snow, brown-spotted tabby, solid black

Type of Coat: Short, smooth, sleek

Eye Color: Amber, gold

The Serengeti cat is a fairish-sized cat with a medium boning structure. It has a strong, muscular body yet boasts a graceful and lithe stature. Blessed with its strong legs, it is a skilled jumper that can leap up to 7 feet. Meanwhile, it also has stunning, largish ears that make its head appear smaller. However, the ears sit upright, providing them a keen look. The eyes are bright and round, either amber or gold. Lastly, the coat has a bold spotted pattern that gives the Serengeti its exotic and wild regality. As the strands of its hairs are pellucid, it adds glamor as the Serengeti almost tend to gleam from afar.

Serengeti Cat Personality

Serengeti cats are an active and agile feline breed. It’s hard not to notice their high-spiritedness and athleticism that befits its wild cat lineage. These cats’ favorite pastime is climbing and running at extreme speeds! No wonder as they have robust legs that give them enough vigor to last a day playing. They can often be seen on top of the fridge or at the highest points in the house, surveying their surroundings.

But beyond their fun-loving demeanor, they make terrific pets as they get along with everyone. They are a loving feline breed that builds strong relationships and stays loyal with its humans. In fact, they will follow their masters whenever they go around!

Due to its Oriental ancestry, the Serengeti cat tends to be very vocal. They will be happy to engage their humans in lengthy conversations and ask them about their day or air their comments about their last meal. They are bold and will not hesitate to chat away with their families whenever they can.

When dealing with strangers or new environments, the Serengeti cat may tend to be timid at first and take their time to warm up. Once they are at ease and get to know their surroundings, they will break out of their shell and be the typical active they are. If introduced and socialized properly, they will also have no issues living with children and friends, and they will be happy to add them as their new friends.

Caring for the Serengeti Cat

As a short-haired breed, the Serengeti require minimal grooming upkeep. Weekly brushing can suffice in ensuring that its coat stays in its tip-top condition. Moreover, these cats tend to care for themselves well, which helps keep their fur soft and shiny.

Other grooming routines include basic care, such as trimming the claws every 10-14 days to keep their nails healthy, and cleaning the ears and eyes weekly to prevent any dirt build-up or infection. Same with other feline breeds, Serengetis can be vulnerable to periodontal disease. Brushing their teeth weekly using vet-approved toothpaste can help avoid such a condition and boost their oral health.

Brimmed with athleticism and tons of energy, the Serengeti cats need ample space to dart around the house and climb. Cat trees and high perches are suitable investments to provide them safe and secured climbing opportunities. Adding interactive toys and puzzles are also excellent in keeping them mentally stimulated. These cats flourish when they are given enough chance to be active.

Serengeti cats are a friendly breed and are amenable to live with children and domestic animals. Nevertheless, it is best to introduce them with pets under controlled conditions to ensure that they go along well harmoniously. Meanwhile, children should be taught how to handle these cats with respect as any cat that is mistreated may act differently.

Serengeti cats are ideal for cat enthusiasts looking for an exotic and regal cat to add to their homes. With proper love and care, these felines are ready to shower their families with their high-spirited, loyal, and friendly demeanor.