How Much is a Serval Cat? 2023 Pricing
Contemplating on how much is a serval cat? These wild-looking felines have a distinct beauty and price to match.
What is a Serval Cat?
Serval cats are medium-sized wildcats native to Africa, known for their striking gold and black spotted coat and distinctive long legs. They are considered exotic pets due to their unique appearance and rareness, but it is important to note that they are still wild animals and require specialized care.
As carnivorous animals, serval cats require a diet that consists mostly of raw meat such as beef or chicken. They also need ample space for exercise, as well as regular veterinary care to ensure they remain healthy.
History & Origin of Serval Cats
Serval cats have been around for thousands of years in Africa, where they have been revered by many indigenous cultures. They were often depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs, showing their importance in ancient Egyptian culture. In the 1800s, Europeans began importing servals from Africa to be used as exotic pets or for breeding with domesticated cats.
This practice eventually led to the creation of hybrid breeds such as the Savannah cat. Today, serval cats continue to be bred selectively for their unique traits and have gained popularity among those seeking an exotic pet.
Why know the cost?
When considering adding a serval cat to your family, it is important to understand the financial commitment involved. The cost of buying or adopting a serval can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands depending on various factors such as age, gender, pedigree, bloodline and location.
It is also important to factor in ongoing costs such as food expenses (which can be higher than typical housecat food), veterinary care (which may require specialized treatment from an exotic animal veterinarian), housing needs (servals require larger enclosures with enrichment items) and potential legal fees or permits required to own a serval in your area. By understanding the costs associated with owning a serval cat, potential owners can make an informed decision and ensure they are able to provide for their new pet’s needs.
Factors that Affect Cost of a Serval Cat
When considering purchasing a Serval cat, it is important to consider the various factors that can affect the cost. These include age and gender, pedigree and bloodline, as well as location and availability. Each of these factors can have a significant impact on how much you will end up spending for your new pet.
Age and Gender
The age and gender of a Serval cat are two major factors that can affect its cost. Kittens are generally more expensive than adults due to their high demand and limited availability. Moreover, male kittens tend to be pricier compared to female kittens due to their rarity in breeding programs.
In addition, adult Serval cats are less expensive than kittens because they are not in high demand. Buying an adult cat may also be beneficial for those who prefer a calmer pet since they have already developed their personalities.
Pedigree and Bloodline
The pedigree of a Serval cat refers to its lineage or ancestry; this determines whether it is purebred or hybrid. Purebred Servals come from parents who both belong to the same breed while hybrid ones come from interbreeding with other species like domestic cats. Show quality vs Pet quality also affects the price of a serval kitten or adult.
Show-quality Servals are bred specifically for exhibition purposes and tend to have desirable traits such as physical appearance (e.g., coat pattern) or temperament (e.g., being sociable). Compared to Pet Quality cats which may have undesirable traits such as being shy or having physical flaws which make them unsuitable for shows.
Location & Availability
The location where you purchase your Serval cat can affect its cost significantly. Local breeders tend to have lower prices because they do not have to account for the cost of shipping.
However, international breeders can offer rarer hybrids and purebred Servals that may not be available locally which can cause a higher price tag. Moreover, supply and demand play a key role in determining the price of Serval cats.
If the demand for Servals is high compared to their supply, breeders may increase their prices to reflect this. Conversely, if there are many available Servals in a particular area, the price may be lower due to oversupply.
When considering purchasing a Serval cat, it’s important to take these factors into account as they will affect how much you end up spending on your new pet. By understanding these factors and carefully researching potential breeders or sellers, you can ensure that you find your ideal Serval cat at a reasonable price.
How Much Does is a Serval Cat?
Serval cats are exotic pets that require a considerable investment. The cost of a serval cat depends on several factors, including age, gender, pedigree, and availability.
In general, younger and purebred servals are more expensive than adults and hybrids. Additionally, males tend to be more expensive than females due to their larger size and higher demand.
Kitten Prices:
Kittens are the most sought-after serval cats because they can be trained from an early age. The cost of a male kitten ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, while female kittens range from $4,500 to $7,000.
The price of a kitten is determined by several factors such as pedigree and breeder reputation. Purebred kittens usually command higher prices than hybrid kittens because they come from parents with known bloodlines.
Show-quality kittens also tend to be more expensive because they meet the highest standards for the breed’s physical features. Other factors that may affect kitten prices include location and seasonality.
Adult Prices:
Adult serval cats are typically less expensive than kittens due to their advanced age and lower demand. Male adults range from $2,500 to $4,000 on average while female adults range from $1,800 to $3,500.
However, adult servals can still be pricey depending on factors such as pedigree and availability. Show-quality adult servals will cost more than pet-quality ones due to their superior breeding history and physical features.
Hybrids will also generally be cheaper than purebreds in terms of adult prices since there is less demand for them in the marketplace. Overall it is important for potential buyers of adult Serval cats specifically that they read about its background before making any commitments.
Where to Buy a Serval Cat?
After considering all the factors that affect the cost of a Serval Cat, it’s time to decide where to purchase one. There are three main options: local breeders, international breeders, and animal rescues. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
Breeders
If you decide to buy from a breeder, there are two main types: local and international. Local breeders tend to be easier to find and may have kittens available more frequently than international breeders. Local breeders can also provide more personalized service as you can visit their facility and meet the cats in person before making a decision.
On the other hand, international breeders usually offer a wider variety of serval cats for sale. They may have access to rarer bloodlines or colors that are not found locally.
International breeders also often have strict standards for health testing, which may give you peace of mind knowing your new pet is healthy. When choosing a breeder, it’s important to research them carefully.
Look for reviews online or ask for references from past clients. Make sure they follow ethical breeding practices and prioritize the health and wellbeing of their cats.
Animal Rescues
Animal rescues are another option when looking for a Serval Cat for sale. These organizations rescue cats from abusive situations or take in unwanted pets and try to find them loving homes.
Adopting from an animal rescue is often less expensive than buying from a breeder because they do not charge as much for adoption fees. By adopting through an animal rescue organization, you’re also helping support their efforts in saving animals in need.
However, finding a serval cat at an animal rescue can be challenging as they are rare pets even in captivity. It might take some patience or persistence before finding one available for adoption.
Key Take-A-Way
There are several options to consider when deciding where to buy a serval cat. Local and international breeders both have their advantages and disadvantages, while animal rescues offer the opportunity to save a life and give a home to an animal in need.
Whatever option you choose, make sure to research carefully, ask plenty of questions, and choose a breeder or rescue organization that aligns with your values and priorities. Remember that owning an exotic cat like the Serval Cat brings with it a huge responsibility so be prepared for the commitment before making your decision.
Care for Your New Serval Cat
Dietary Requirements
Feeding your serval cat is a crucial part of their care. They require a diet that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates.
It’s essential that servals receive a diet that mimics their natural prey, which includes small mammals, birds, and reptiles. A high-quality commercial cat food can be used as the base of their diet, but it should be supplemented with raw meat or frozen-thawed rodents to meet their nutritional requirements.
It’s important to note that servals have specific dietary needs and cannot eat just any type of commercial cat food. Look for brands that are specifically designed for exotic cats or consult with your vet to ensure you’re providing them with the best possible nutrition.
Exercise Needs
Serval cats are very active animals and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. In the wild, they spend most of their time hunting and tracking prey, so it’s important to provide them with opportunities for physical activity.
Provide your serval with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to keep them entertained. They also love chasing laser pointers and interactive toys.
It’s recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes each day playing with your serval cat to help keep them active. Outdoor enclosures can provide an additional opportunity for exercise while keeping them safe from predators or traffic if you do not want them inside the house all the time.
Veterinary Care
Serval cats require regular veterinary care just like any other pet. In addition to routine check-ups and vaccinations, regular visits are also necessary for parasite control – including flea prevention – dental cleaning, nail trimming or declawing (if needed), spaying/neutering (if desired), blood work-ups & testing etcetera). Serval cats are prone to certain health conditions such as dental issues, parasites, and bacterial infections.
It is important to find a veterinarian who has experience working with exotic cats and is familiar with the specific needs of servals. They should be taken to the vet at least once a year for a check-up and if there are any signs of illness or injury.
It’s also recommended that you have an emergency plan in place in case your serval cat becomes ill or injured outside of regular business hours. This will help ensure that they receive prompt medical attention when needed.
Taking care of a serval cat requires dedication and commitment, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By providing them with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, you can help ensure that your serval cat lives a long and healthy life.
Conclusion
Serval cats are becoming increasingly popular among exotic cat enthusiasts. However, potential owners need to know the cost of owning one before making any decisions. This article has explored the various factors that affect the cost of a serval cat, such as age, gender, pedigree and location.
We have also examined how much a serval cat costs and where to buy one. It is important to note that while owning a serval cat can be rewarding, it comes with significant responsibilities.
Serval cats require a lot of care and attention to ensure they live long and healthy lives. This includes providing them with proper nutrition, exercise and veterinary care.
Considering all factors before buying a Serval Cat
Before deciding to purchase a serval cat, it is crucial that potential owners consider all factors involved in their care. This includes the initial cost of purchasing the animal as well as ongoing expenses such as food, shelter and medical care.
It is also important to remember that owning an exotic animal like a serval comes with legal implications. Not all states or countries allow individuals to own exotic animals as pets without proper permits and licenses.
Potential owners should research local laws before making any purchases. Owning a serval cat is not for everyone.
These animals have unique personalities and characteristics which may not be compatible with everyone’s lifestyle or personality. It is important for potential owners to spend time researching the breed before committing to ownership.
While owning a serval cat can be rewarding for those who are willing to provide proper care and attention, it requires significant responsibility and financial commitment from potential owners. By considering all factors involved in ownership beforehand, individuals can make informed decisions about whether or not owning a serval cat is right for them.
