Serengeti Cat – Breed#48

The Serengeti cat is a very beautiful, elegant, and active breed of domestic cat that has been adapted to look like the African serval, but it lacks the wild ancestry. Slimy, oatmeal, and lithe, the breed epitomizes the look of a wildcat, but the temperament of a well-socialized household feline, whose temperament is gentle and loving.

Within this exhaustive introduction, we will look at all you want to know concerning the Serengeti cat, where it is native, their disposition, their look and care requirements, and whether it is fit as a pet in your home.

Introduction to the Serengeti Cat

The Serengeti cat can be admired not only for its exotic appearance but with its intelligence, self-confidence, and playfulness. The breed was created in the 1990s with the specific aim of assuring the appearance of several as long-legged, spotted, but not using the wild DNA. Instead, breeders crossbreed with domestic breeds, most of which were Bengal and the Oriental Shorthair breed, and they came up with a super cat that is appealing and lovable.

The end product is a breed with a special combination that makes it graceful, athletic, and sociable.

History and Origin of the Serengeti Cat

A Domestic Beauty with a Wild Look

The Serengeti breed is the creation of a conservation biologist and a cat breeder named Karen Sausman of California. By doing so, she wanted to breed a cat that, compared to the several in looks, would not require grafting in the wildcat DNA and the trouble that is likely to follow in terms of both personality and maintenance.

To accomplish this, she referred to Bengal cats (which are also descended from the Asian leopard cat and domestic cats) and crossed them with the Oriental Shorthairs. The spotted coat was given by the Bengal, and the long legs and lean body by an Oriental Shorthair.

Special breeders have ever since improved and preserved the breed’s maintained features, and it has a lovable and trainable nature.

Physical Characteristics of the Serengeti

Wild in Appearance, Domestic at Heart

The wild, exotic appearance of the Serengeti cat is one of its major attractions. But nevertheless, in spite of the fierce look, these cats are domestic cats by 100 percent.

Key Features:

• Coat: The Coat of the Serengeti is short, soft, and dense. The Black and golden coat with black spots is the most popular, but there are also some other color varieties such as silver, smoke, and solid black.
• Spots: These pattern spots are randomly distributed and shaped as seen on wildcats, such as leopards or servals.
• Body: Their size is medium to large, and being very muscular, they have long bodies and long legs that cause them to appear taller than they are.
• Ears: large and round tip at the tip of the head to add to the wild appearance.
• Eyes: Their eyes are expressive in nature and are normally yellow, amber colored or hazel colored.

They are tiny and have a domesticated anatomy, though the resemblance to a wild cat is wild. The average size is 8-15 pounds.

Personality and Temperament

Intelligent, Active, and Affectionate

Carrying a pretty face is not the only good thing about the Serengeti cat. They have one of the most fascinating personalities. They can be termed as:

• Athletic: They enjoy climbing, running, jumping, and exploring. With tall furniture or cat trees, they will be in heaven.
• Talkative: They are also very talkative, like the Oriental Shorthair. They will even chatter and meow to you, indicating a variety of things.
• Affectionate: Though they might seem wild and loner since they have that appearance, Serengetis get strongly attached to their owners. They love people and will tend to follow them along with the rooms.
• Alerts and Curious: This is an inquisitive sort of cat. It is almost certain that your Serengeti will jump into an open box, open bag, or open drawer and check what the matter is.

They are better off when they are in homes where they are well attended to and interacted with. And when you are not at home most of the time, a second pet (a cat or even a dog) can keep them occupied.

Check Out: Coonish Cat – Breed#47.

Grooming and Care

Low Maintenance with a Need for Stimulation

Grooming requirements of the Serengeti cat are also low due to its short and easy-to-take-care-of coat.

Grooming Tips:

• Brushing: Another recommendation is to brush once or twice each week with a very gentle brush to lessen shedding and keep the coat smooth.
• Nail Cutting: Trimming is necessary, particularly because such cats are climbers.
• Ear Cleaning: Cleaning of their large ears may be required to get rid of debris every once in a while.
• Dental Hygiene: Dental hygiene is, as with any cat it is important regularly, due to the cat’s liking to eat hard objects. Tartar can be prevented by taking dental treats or by brushing.

What is more important than grooming is their necessity to play or to interact. Serengetis perform well in houses where their thoughts and their bodies will be stimulated. It is also suggested that climbing trees, using puzzle toys, and interacting in games would work.

Diet and Nutrition

Fueling Their Athletic Lifestyle

Serengetis are also active and use proteins in food. They, as do all cats, are obligate carnivores and should be meat-based in their protein content.

Diet Guidelines:

• Premium or Top-Quality Wet or Dry Food: When it comes to wet or dry food, premium brands with meat as the first ingredient should be chosen.
• Avoid Fillers: Do not take foods containing corn, wheat, and too many carbohydrates.
• Hydration: Have lots of fresh water, particularly when on dry food.
• Portion Control: Even when they are active, they can still get obese due to being overfed. Administer vet recommendations that are age and activity-level-based.

Treats must be provided sparingly, and human food must, on most occasions, be avoided unless advised by the vet.

Common Health Issues

Generally Healthy with Responsible Breeding

Serengeti is a fairly new breed, yet there are no breed-related health issues that have become prevalent as yet. Their crossbreeding against healthy domestic breeds has made them strong as well as sturdy.

Nevertheless, there are certain potential problems that should be noted:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Evaluated in the majority of breeds, including Bengal breeds, the condition is a heart defect.
• Joint Problems: Could get injured or strained because they have a very active nature and long legs; could be bad playing rough.
• Dental Disease: It is also endemic among cats, and frequent oral care is recommended.

As a result, responsible breeders test these and see that the kittens are not sick before they are adopted.

Living with a Serengeti Cat

Is This the Right Cat for You?

Serengeti cats also perform well in a conducive environment that can support their energy level and time of interaction. They suit perfectly:

• Active households
  Families with older children
• Homes with other pets (dogs or cats)
• People who work from home or spend a lot of time with their pets

They may not be ideal for:

• Small apartments with no vertical space
• People who prefer quiet, low-energy pets
• Owners who are away for extended hours

This breed lives well inside, but he/she will greatly appreciate an environment that has been set up specifically to appeal to cats, known as a catified home: extensive climbing facilities, perches, windowsill, and safe toys.

Buying or Adopting a Serengeti

What to Look For

The Serengeti, being a rather rare breed, is good to get from a good breeder. These are the signs you should never miss in the breeder:

• Provides health guarantees
• Socializes kittens from an early age
• Answers your questions openly
• Offers documentation of vaccinations and lineage

Alternatively, rescuing organizations sometimes will have Serengeti or Serengeti-mix cats. Although less common in shelters, it is a good idea to look: you may consider an adult cat.

You may expect to pay between 600 and 2,000 dollars on lineage and breeder reputation.

Conclusion

The Serengeti cat is a great and fascinating feline that combines the appearance of a wild animal and the heart of a civilized pet. With its dark spots, tall physique, and active nature, it is a unique cat breed on the face of the earth.

Although they need love, entertainment, company, and to play, their reward is unlimited attention, games, and fun. In case you are worried about a cat that is just as photogenic as it is playful, just as loyal as energetic, and wonderfully friendly, you may need to consider the Serengeti breed.

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