Dilute Calico vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

Dilute Calico vs African Serval - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but Dilute Calico is originated from Egypt. African Serval may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Dilute Calico. Both African Serval and Dilute Calico has same life span. Both African Serval and Dilute Calico has same litter size. African Serval requires Low Maintenance. But Dilute Calico requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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South Africa
Egypt
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
13 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Caliby
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
Every color and pattern
Coat:
short
Short and longhaired
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, Stubborn, Sweet
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.

dilute calicoThe Calico isn’t a breed of cat but is describing a color and pattern of the cat. Many breeds of cats can be calico, and ‘Dilute Calico’ simply means that the color of the cat is less intense.

An example of this would be cream being the dilute shade of red, almost like strawberry blonde. People interested in the origins of the cat trace its history back to the trade routes in Northern Africa and Europe, and more specifically to the port cities along the Mediterranean Sea.

A Calico cat is described as having 3 colors - white, black, and red and Dilute Calico cats have ‘toned down’ shades of these 3 colors.

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.

dilute calico kitten - descriptionThese are beautiful cats that can essentially have any size and shape and can weigh between 3 and 6kg. Their coat too can be in different colors and patterns and these don’t have any effect on the cat’s persoality.

Your Dilute Calico can have a short- or long-haired coat. Also, because the dilute calico coloring isn’t linked to any particular cat breed, these cats can be any size or shape really.

They are also nearly always female. Remember that while genes do have an effect on how your Dilute Calico looks and behaves, socialization plays a big part, and where possible, to get your cat from a reputable breeder.

Temperament:

Because calico cats are a coat-color and not a breed, you can find long hair dilute calico cats. The personality of the Dilute Calico is described as colorful as well as they’re fun-loving, independent, spunky cats that are sweet and loving too.

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.

dilute calico cat - characteristicsBecause Dilute Calico cats can be found in many cat breeds, you can’t be certain how your feline friend will turn out.

Bring your pet up well though and treat him with love and care and you’ll have a devoted friend for between 13 and 20 years.

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.

dilute calico kittens - health problemsAs already mentioned, the Dilute Calico isn't a specific breed but rather a color. The calico can be any breed. The average lifespan of any cat is 12-16 years. The males are far rarer than the females and they live shorter lives.

Cancer is a terrible disease in cats and dogs and it is where cells grow uncontrollably, spreading to all areas of the body. For any sign of illness in your Dilute Calico, get him to the vet.

Make sure your cat is vaccinated against the deadly cat diseases there are such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Both males and females can develop lower urinary inflammation, which is also called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). You’ll notice your pet straining to urinate. It’s time to get your pets to the vet with this terrible illness.

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.

dilute calico cats - caringPrepare for your cat – have food dish, water bowl, litter box, cat food, brush, climbing tree, scratching post, cat toys, and cat bed to welcome your pet.

When it comes to commercially manufactured cat food, there are many excellent ones on the market and you can choose from dry and wet cat food. If in any doubt about what is best for your cat, speak to your vet. Your cat is a carnivore and will need food that pays special attention to meat. A kitten will require 4 small bowls of food a day and by one year of age your cat can be receiving 2 smaller meals a day. Provide cool, fresh water around the clock..

Brush your Dilute Calico gently once a week. Some of the longer-haired Dilute Calicos will require brushing twice a week. At this grooming time, check that the eyes are nice and clear, free of discharge, check that the inside of the ears are free of wax and dirt build-up and check inside the mouth that there aren’t any troublesome teeth.

Whether your cat is an indoor cat or he goes outside occasionally, check for ticks and fleas and get him to the vet to check for internal parasites. Your cat will need to be dewormed and to receive all his cat vaccines to avoid some of the deadly cat diseases there are.

If your cat does go outside, make sure he has a cat collar and an ID tag.

Keep the litter box hygienically clean as cats won’t use a messy litter box. You can buy small scoops and rakes from the pet shop and rake up his droppings throughout the day.

Always have your cat neutered or spayed as there are way too many unwanted kittens in the world. Having them ‘fixed’ reduces lots of illnesses such as urinary inflammation.

Comparison with other breeds

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