American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but American Polydactyl is originated from United States. African Serval may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than American Polydactyl. African Serval may live 4 years more than American Polydactyl. Both African Serval and American Polydactyl has same litter size. Both African Serval and American Polydactyl requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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South Africa
United States
Weight Male:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Hemingway cat, Big-foot cat
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
All colors and patterns
Coat:
short
Short or long
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, 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

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 polydactylIt is believed that this unusual cat came to the United States on ships – kept by sailors who thought of them as a good luck charm and to keep the mice population under control.

These unusual cats became popular in the 1800s as ship cats but the cats soon began to be seen in port cities on the Eastern coast of the United States as well as Canada, and their numbers began to increase.

It is also believed these interesting cats were brought specifically to the Boston area.

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 polydactyl kitten - descriptionThe Polydactyl cat is unusual in that the cat has been born with something odd about it. It has more than the regular number of toes on just one or more of its paws.

Normal cats have a sum of 18 toes, with 5 on the front and 4 on the back but with Polydactyl cats you may find as many as 9 digits on their front and back paws.

American Polydactyl cats are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. The cat can weigh up to 6kg. The head is broad, the ears wide-set and pointed and the coat can be any color, pattern and length.

Temperament:

These cats are easy-going, relaxed, and social. They’re hardy too and they’re able to enjoy being outdoors and indoors.

They’re affectionate with their human family and are also playful and energetic. It is prepared to be friendly with dogs and children too, but it is also able to act independently and get on with things. The Polydactyl cat is distinctive but also a very popular cat breed.

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 polydactyl cat - characteristicsThe American Polydactyl cat is such a down-to-earth kind of cat that you can welcome him into your home with ease.

Easy to look after, this lively and interesting cat will fill your home with love and companionship, and just a few extra toe nails to clip!

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 polydactyl kittens - health problemsWith good care, these cats can live to be between 14 and 16 years of age. You need to be diligent with keeping this cat’s nails trimmed because depending on the placement of the toes, the nails could become a nuisance, growing in the wrong direction and cutting into he cat’s flesh.

Keep the nails trimmed as necessary. To avoid possible injury to your pet, your veterinarian can safely trim your cat’s claws.

Always pay attention to your cat's behavior as well as taking note of your cat when you groom him as both are good ways to discover whether anything is amiss with your polydactyl cat.

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 polydactyl cats - caringKeep an eye on your cat’s paws as their extra toes can make it that they are at a higher risk of hooking on a carpet or some other material, but this can be managed with regular nail trimming.

Daily needs:

Provide your cat with all the things he needs to make his life pleasant while in your care. He’ll need feeding and drinking bowls, a nice warm, dry bed, a litter box, stimulating toys, and things such as a scratching post and cat climbing tree.

Diet:

Cats are meat-eaters, and they need protein from meat for health. Some cooked chicken and beef can be a real treat for your pet. Grains and carbohydrates should only play a very small role in your pet’s diet. Too many grains can lead to malnutrition and obesity as well as problems with your cat's organs.

Always take into account your cat’s age because different life stages mean different energy levels and therefore different nutritional needs.

Take your sick cat to the vet when you see he is not his usual self. Make sure you keep up to date with all his vaccines and anti-parasite treatments.

Spaying and Neutering:

One of the most important health decisions you’ll make for your Polydactyl cat is to have your pet spayed or neutered. The procedure is common and performed in your vet’s office every day.

It offers lifelong health benefits. It improves your pet’s behavior and keeps them close to home too. Spaying a female cat will prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and for males, it can prevent testicular cancer.

Best of all, it helps to prevent yet more kittens into a world overrun with stray cats and rescue centers jam-packed with unwanted kittens and cats.

Comparison with other breeds

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