California Spangled Cat vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

California Spangled Cat vs African Serval - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but California Spangled Cat is originated from United States. African Serval may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than California Spangled Cat. African Serval may live 5 years more than California Spangled Cat. Both African Serval and California Spangled Cat has same litter size. African Serval requires Low Maintenance. But California Spangled Cat requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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South Africa
United States
Weight Male:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
None
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
silver, Mix of colors such as black, red and white with a mix of different shaped spots, tan
Coat:
short
Short and fairly soft
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, 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.

california spangled catPeople seem to want a cat that resembles some of the wild cats we have, and the California Spangled is a domestic cat that has been bred to resemble spotted wild cats.

In fact, it was during the 1970s, that Paul Casey, an American scientist, returned from Tanzania to create a cat breed that resembled a wild cat such as a leopard.

There are many breeds that make up the California Spangled cat and these are the Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Siamese as well as some stray cats. Today, the breed has all but disappeared and there are only a few of the cats left.

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.

california spangled cat kitten - descriptionThe California Spangled cat is lean with a long muscular body and long legs. Its long body makes it look like it is on the prowl like a leopard.

Its coat, similar to that of a leopard, can be a mix of colors such as black, tan, silver, red and white with a mix of different shaped spots. The coat is fairly short and doesn’t require too much grooming. However, a brush will be like a bonding session for you and your cat and it will keep his coat shiny and free of loose hairs and dust.

The cat has almond-shaped eyes that are amber to copper-colored.

Temperament:

This cat is independent but it still wants to get a lot of attention from his owners. They’re affectionate, social and devoted to their human family. They are known for their intelligence and high energy levels, enjoying games that involve lots of action and participation.

Being an active cat, it needs a lot of space to roam and to play. Because he is smart, buy him interesting toys, a scratching post, and climbing equipment.

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.

california spangled cat cat - characteristicsThese active but calm cats are very sociable, liking to talk to only when needed and then the meow of the cat is soft.

While this cat would prefer being the only cat in the family, they are quite adaptable in the right environment and will adapt to a home where there are other pets.

These are cats that enjoy being the only cat in the house, but they are prepared to adapt to a life shared wth other cats or dogs.

They love playing and will respond well to children who have been taught how to be kind to animals.

They’re pricey cats these but they can certainly provide you with 15 years of great companionship.

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.

california spangled cat kittens - health problemsThis cat is healthy without any hereditary health issues, and with good care he can reach 15 years of age.

It always helps to choose a reputable breeder to minimize health risks. When in any kind of doubt as to the wellbeing of your cat, rather speak to your vet to be sure.

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.

california spangled cat cats - caringWhen it comes to feeding these cats, you’ll find that the California Spangled Cat is highly energetic and therefore his food needs to be of the very best high protein that there is.

The cat requires high-quality food and food that is adapted to his growth and energy levels. If your California Spangled Cat had to hunt for his own food it would be mice and birds - protein.

In your home, he’ll need cat food high in protein. A diet deficient in protein can lead to all kinds of health issues. The reason for this is the protein has amino acids and this plays many essential roles in the body, strengthening the immune system.

Fortunately, in our busy world, commercially manufactured cat foods from top brands are nutritionally complete and balanced, and they’re high-protein cat foods. Proteins are imperative for the functioning of all body parts, and nursing queens for instance may well need more protein to get the kittens off to a good start.

Grooming:

Your California Spangled cat isn’t a huge shedder so a regular brushing once a week of the short coat will get rid of dust and loose hairs.

  

They’re playful cats these so provide them with games and toys that can help with using up some of this energy.

Comparison with other breeds

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