The Serengeti cat is a cross between the Bengal and Oriental Shorthair cat. Large ears and long legs are typical of this still young cat breed. Its spotted fur is reminiscent of the markings of an exotic predatory cat. Serengeti cats are very temperamental and should only be in the hands of experienced owners.
Serengeti Cat
© Krissi Lundgren / stock.adobe.com
Large ears are typical of the Serengeti cat.
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Appearance: Elegant beauty with striking spots
The Serengeti cat breed emerged by pairing the Bengal and Oriental Shorthair (OSH) cats.
As a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat, the Bengal is classed as a hybrid cat. Because the Serengeti is descended from the Bengal, it also has a small proportion of wild cat – which can clearly be seen.
Wild fur markings
The Serengeti cat doesn’t just have the temperament of its wild ancestors, but has also inherited its coat pattern with striking spots.
Cat breeder organisations recognise the following Serengeti fur colours:
- Yellow to golden with black spots
- Plain black
- Cool grey with black spots
- Silver with black spots
The spots in the short silky coat should always be clearly visible and widely spaced.
Graceful appearance
The Serengeti has a square-shaped physique. With its upright posture and long legs, it is a graceful sight to behold.
At the same time, it is strong and muscular because Serengeti breeders highly value them being in excellent physical condition.
The Serengeti is a medium-sized cat breed. Females weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 kilograms, whilst males are slightly larger and weigh 6 to 7 kilograms.
Strikingly large ears
Along with the spots, the large ears are the Serengeti’s most striking feature. They are inherited from Oriental Shorthair cats and are as long as the entire head.
In addition, they have round, bright eyes as well as a long neck that merges into the base of the skull without tapering.
Character: A Serengeti cat wants to be everywhere
Cats of this breed are described as self-confident, open and friendly. When a Serengeti enters a new home, it may be a little shy for the first one or two days.
Once the initial shyness has been overcome, there’s no holding back. The Serengeti then wants to be everywhere and to help with all household tasks.
Some Serengeti cats follow their owner’s every move so they don’t miss a trick. So don’t be surprised if your Serengeti even wants to follow you to the toilet.
Like their ancestors, Oriental Shorthair cats, Serengeti cats are also very talkative and miaow a lot.
Housing and care of the Serengeti
Unlike a first to fourth generation Bengal cat, there are no regulatory requirements for keeping Serengeti cats, since the proportion of wild cat blood is very low.
Nevertheless, Serengeti cats are only suitable for experienced cat owners due to their temperament.
Cats of this breed are very active and need plenty of exercise. A garden where they can let off steam is ideal. As indoor cats, they should have access to a secured balcony to get some fresh air now and then.
Like the Bengal, the Serengeti also likes water and enjoys having a garden pond or sturdy paddling pool that can withstand its sharp claws.
Climbing options in the home
Your home too should offer your cat plenty of opportunities for climbing and frolics. Cats love climbing up high and enjoying the views from above. Vary the environment now and then to create new impulses.
Find a large range of tall scratching trees for your Serengeti in the zooplus online store.
Tolerant of children and other animals
Serengeti cats are said to be on good terms with other animal species. The requirement for this is you making an effort to integrate them and cautiously getting them used to one another.
The breed is considered fond of children, although not all children can cope with their boisterous temperament.
Low-maintenance
Due to its short hair, the Serengeti’s fur is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing isn’t necessary with this cat breed, although it may enjoy the attention that goes with grooming.
Health: Serengeti cats are considered robust
Serengeti cats are said to be in robust health. There seems to be a certain risk of bladder stones. Apart from this, there are no breed-specific diseases.
Nevertheless, even a Serengeti isn’t immune from normal cat diseases and parasites. Ensure it has the required vaccinations and take your cat to the vet once a year for a health check.
Buying a Serengeti cat
Would you like to buy a Serengeti cat? That could be difficult, because this young cat breed is still rare.
What does a Serengeti cat cost?
In the US, a Serengeti cat costs between 600 and 2,000 US dollars (around 500 to 1,700 euros). Among other things, the price depends on the breeder and the age of the cat.
Cats from rare breeds are also offered for sale online on numerous ad portals. However, such offers are not always reputable. Animal welfarists criticise that sellers often produce their cats in dubious conditions that are anything but species-appropriate.
History and breeding: A little Serval
Contrary to what the name Serengeti implies, this cat breed doesn’t originate from East Africa but the US, where it was created in 1994 by a breeder called Karen Sausman in California. The objective was to breed a cat resembling a Serval, an African wildcat.
As a result, it is a relatively young cat breed. The Serengeti is now listed a as a ‘provisional new breed’ with the US cat-breeder organisation TICA, but it can be registered in the stud book and exhibited.
Conclusion
The Serengeti impresses with its elegant, wild cat-like appearance and loving character, although this exotic cat breed is still quite rare.
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