African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but Abyssinian is originated from Ethiopia. African Serval may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Abyssinian. African Serval may live 7 years more than Abyssinian. Both African Serval and Abyssinian has same litter size. Both African Serval and Abyssinian requires Low maintenance.

History

african serval - historyThe African Serval is a wild cat that hails from Africa. You’ll see them on Africa’s savannas where there is tall grass and reeds, preferably near water.

If you want to own a serval cat, you have to check whether you require licenses and permits as they are particularly difficult to rehome once you have owned one. Humans have kept them since ancient times, but they are not domesticated cats as such.

Breeding servals arrived in the United States many decades ago. Breeders have also crossed serval cats with domestic cats to produce hybrids, one of which is the Savannah cat.

abyssinian - historyKnown also as the Bunny Cat or the Abys, the Abyssinian cat hails from Abyssinia which is today known as Ethiopia.

It is believed that the cat was brought to the UK in the 1860s. At first the cat was crossed with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds.

The cat was imported in 1900 to America with some breeding programs starting in the United States in the 1930s. It is thought that it was a good thing that cats were exported to the U.S. because World War II took a toll on breed numbers but the breed was built up again in the USA.

Basic Information

Origin:
South Africa
Ethiopia
Weight Male:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
5 - 5 kg
11 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
9 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
3 - 6
Other Names:
None
Bunny Cat, Abys
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
many colors - reddish-brown base with black ticking.
Coat:
short
Short and close-lying
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

african serval kitten - descriptionThe Serval is a medium to large-sized cat that stands at between 54–62 cm in height and weighs in the region of 9–18 kg.

Some people think its a cat that looks similar to a Cheetah and this is because it also has a small head. It is known for its large ears which are black at the back with a large white dot. The attractively patterned coat is both spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade.

These wild cats make a number of different noises - high pitched cries to growls, spitting sounds and purring. Another well-known feature with the cat is its particularly long legs. The tail has some black rings and it is black-tipped. The eyes of the Serval are a brown/greeny color.

The Serval cats will only come together for mating and then they resume their solitary lives. Gestation lasts for roughly 73 days after which up to 6 kittens can be born. In captivity, a Serval can live to be about 20 years of age.

Temperament:

The Serval is an active cat night and day. They are solitary animals not known for strong social interactions with humans but they can be playful with the few humans he gets to know.

People need to always know that owning a wild pet like this comes with risks. Not only that, a Serval wants to mark its territory and while you may provide a litter box, it's not to say he will use it.

They are able to bond with humans to some extent, more so if they were hand-fed from early on. They bond with one person and can form an affectionate relationship with that one person.

abyssinian kitten - descriptionThe Abyssinian is a slender, lithe, fine-boned, medium sized cat with shortish to medium length silky hair and long, slender legs.

The fur has a distinctive ticked look. The coat comes in several colors – but its base color is a glossy reddish-brown base with black ticking.

You’ll find that the feline reaches a height of 20-25 cm and that its length is roughly 30-41 cm. When your Abyssinian is an adult it will weigh about 4-5 kg. With good care, your feline pet can reach up to 13 years of age.

The kittens are born with dark coats, but as they mature, the coat lightens. The head of the cat is somewhat wedge-shaped and it has fairly large ears with big almond-shaped eyes. The eyes can be green or hazel, depending on the coat shade. The tail is long and tapering.

Temperament:

The Abyssinian loves leaping onto cupboard tops or anything that has some height. It's an intelligent cat this Aby and always on the go. He is a playful cat and just loves being the center of attention, and when he has lots of toys he is always occupied, entertaining you with his antics.

If you were to be away at work every day, it would be a good idea to have a friend for him because he’s the kind of cat that becomes bored and lonely and then he becomes naughty. This cat is known as a clown with its outgoing, mischievous nature.

Characteristics

african serval cat - characteristicsThe African Serval is a wild animal and should be left in the wild.

However, if you do decide to bring one into your home as a pet, they aren’t recommended for homes with young children or for a first-time pet owner.

Their play is rough and they like to use their teeth and claws during play. If the child gets hurt, then in typical unfair human fashion, the Serval is the one who suffers. They are capable of making good pets though but it is not recommended.

abyssinian cat - characteristicsYour active Abyssinian cat is such a pleasure to have in the home as these cats love their human family as well as other pets in the home.

He’ll talk to you in a quiet way. They’re playful cats and you want to make sure you supply him with some stimulating toys.

Remember to brush his coat gently and make it a special therapeutic, bonding time. Make sure your active cat has exercise and provide some climbing equipment for him. Most of all he just wants to be around you and to get your loving attention.

Health Problems

african serval kittens - health problemsMake sure that before you take in a Serval as a pet you have access to a good veterinarian who is experienced in helping exotic pets.

Also, the African Serval, when domesticated, will need the same cat vaccines that you would give your regular kitten.

abyssinian kittens - health problemsThe Abyssinian has been known to be prone to kidney disorders. It can also be prone to gingivitis which can lead to periodontal disease.

Also, the Abyssinian has been known to have problems with blindness. An eye problem, called progressive retinal atrophy is where the cells deteriorate over time and this is what causes the blindness.

The Abyssinian can also be prone to patellar luxation where the kneecap can become dislocated.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

african serval cats - caringThe Serval is a wild cat so in the wilds it eats prey such as frogs, birds and reptiles. They are known for leaping high into the air to catch prey but they will also burrow into holes to get prey out.

You should try to provide your Serval pet with some whole prey. Do research on the food of Servals because you will need to offer your wild pet a feline supplement. There are also formulated pelleted food, but this shouldn’t form the bulk of his food but rather be a supplement to his meats. Choose a variety of meats such as chicken, mice, turkey, beef, duck as well as rabbits and birds.

Space:

If you keep a serval, it is imperative that it has large outdoor areas to roam in. They’re nocturnal animals, so they become more active at night. They’re used to living near streams in the wild so some kind of pool will be required for him, possibly even a fish pond where he can catch his own fish.

abyssinian cats - caringThe Abyssinian cat’s short, fine coat is easy to care for. Brush and comb it timeously to remove loose hairs.

Because of periodontal disease, brush your cat's teeth. If you feel you don’t know how to perform any of these ‘caring’ routines for your kitty kat, don’t despair as your vet can do a dental cleaning procedure as well as your pet groomers.

Your Abyssinian cat is carnivorous and will need food similar to that which they would prey on in the wild. Your cat will require foods high in protein and with added vitamins and minerals.

Avoid cat foods that add in useless fillers such as wheat and soy. It is important that you buy the right cat food for your Abyssinian, and if you’re in any doubt, speak to your vet. Make sure your cat always has access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Always keep your Abyssinian’s litter box spotlessly clean. You can keep a special little plastic rake to rake up the sand and rid the box of cat droppings immediately.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Aegean vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  3. Chausie vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  4. American Bobtail vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  5. American Curl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  6. American Keuda vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  7. American Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  8. American Polydactyl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  26. African Serval vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  27. Chausie vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  28. American Bobtail vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. American Curl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  30. American Keuda vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  31. American Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  32. American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  33. American Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  34. American Wirehair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  35. Applehead Siamese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  36. Ashera vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  37. Asian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  38. Asian Semi-Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Mist vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  40. Balinese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  41. Bengal vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  42. Bicolor vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  43. Birman vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  44. Blue Russian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  45. Bombay vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  46. Brazilian Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  47. Bristol vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  48. British Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  49. British Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Cat Breeds