American Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

American Longhair vs African Serval - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but American Longhair is originated from United States. African Serval may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than American Longhair. Both African Serval and American Longhair has almost same life span. Both African Serval and American Longhair has same litter size. African Serval requires Low Maintenance. But American Longhair requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

undefined
South Africa
United States
Weight Male:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
12 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Domestic Long Hair
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
tabby , Many colors and patterns - smoke
Coat:
short
Thick, long double coated
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
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
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

african servalThe 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.

american longhairThe handsome American Longhair cat is thought to be the result of attempts by breeders to have a cat that portrayed some Persian varieties.

American shorthairs have characteristics and looks from both breeds. The American Longhair, although it comes from champion bloodlines, isn’t actually recognized by larger cat organizations.

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.

american longhair kitten - descriptionYou’ll find that there are quite a few American Longhairs that have the snub nose of the Persian cat which is part of its ancestry.

This is a well-muscled, medium to large sized athletic cat with a thick double coat of many colors and patterns that sheds fairly heavily.

Temperament:

This isn’t a particularly vocal cat, but in true cat-fashion, it is independent and doesn’t require a lot of attention.

This cat will make a nice companion for older people and it is calm enough to enjoy a leisurely stroll outdoors with a harness on. They’re adaptable to different situations, but the American Longhair isn’t the ideal choice for children as it isn’t your playful, lover of noise and games type of cat, preferring the attention of other animals.

They love going into barns and being buffeted and licked by the cows and other barnyard animals.

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.

american longhair cat - characteristicsYour American Longhair is an easy-going, friendly social cat that doesn’t demand a lot from his human owners.

These cats are intelligent too and you can even teach them a trick or two. They enjoy the company of their humans and will even follow you around.

Bringing one into your home promises to be a rewarding pet-ownership experience.

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.

american longhair kittens - health problemsThe American Longhair doesn’t have many health concerns and you can expect him to live up to 18, 19 or 20 years of age with good care.

There are some American Longhairs that come with that shortened face of the Persian, and this may mean him battling with breathing problems.

Also, be aware of Polycystic kidney disease where you get cysts that form in the kidneys and which can become larger over time and eventually affect kidney function, leading to kidney failure.

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.

american longhair cats - caringThe long coat of the American Longhair will require some brushing to keep it shiny and smooth and free from dust but also to remove all those loose hairs.

Make sure your cat’s food and water dishes are in an appropriate spot and keep them separate from your cat’s litter box. House train your cat immediately on how to use a litter box. Keep the litter box clean and rake up your cat's droppings regularly and dispose of them.

Before you get a cat, know that they scratch. It is normal for a cat. Provide your cat with a scratching post as well as climbing equipment such as a cat climbing tree.

Diet:

Always feed your cat a meat-based diet, after all, cats in the wild are carnivores. There are some ingredients that a cat must have and they require certain amino acids found in meat-based proteins or else they could become ill.

The top quality cat foods provide cats with all the nutrients they need to keep them healthy. There are some cat owners who opt to feed their cats home-prepared meals because then they know exactly what’s going into their beloved pets food.

There are other cat owners who choose to provide their pet with a raw diet because they believe that this comes close to the cat's natural diet in the wild.

Always speak to your vet if you are in any way uncertain about the best foods for your cat. He should always have access to fresh cool water.

Parasites:

Check your cat for problems such as parasites such as ticks and fleas. You will also need to have your cat checked for worms. Your vet can diagnose worms with a physical exam. If it is discovered that your cat does have worms, the vet will recommend some safe, effective medications for your pet.

You will also need to check its body for skin problems such as unusual lumps.

If you are able to, get your cat regular veterinary examinations to ensure he is always in tip-top condition.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwelcome kittens in a world where there are just too many unwanted kittens. These procedures can have health benefits for your cat as well.

American Longhairs are lively playful cats so give your cat toys to play with to ensure mental stimulation.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. American Longhair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. American Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Longhair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. American Longhair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. American Longhair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. American Longhair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. American Polydactyl vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. African Serval vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Chausie vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. American Bobtail vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  30. American Curl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  31. American Keuda 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