Serval Cats Price Update 2023 – All Information For A New Parents!

If you’re an animal lover, chances are that you’ve heard of the serval cat. These exotic felines have distinctive spots and long legs that make them stand out from other cats. However, as much as people may want to own one, the cost of buying and caring for a serval cat is not something to be taken lightly.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence the purchase price of a serval cat, along with the costs associated with owning one. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of how much it truly costs to own one of these stunning creatures.

Serval Information

The serval is a wild cat native to Africa. It is known for its long ears, neck, and legs, and its fur that is usually tan or golden brown with black markings. Servals are solitary hunters and prey on rodents, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. They can live up to 20 years in captivity, but only 10 years in the wild.

Some people keep servals as pets in the United States, but it is not legal in all states. Servals are difficult to care for and require a specialized diet, environment, and training. They need a raw diet that includes rodents, birds, small mammals, and rabbits. They also need to be on nutritional supplements their entire lives. Servals can be affectionate and loyal pets, but they are still wild animals and can be dangerous if not properly cared for.

How Much Does a Serval Cat Cost?

There are various elements that can affect the pricing of multiple types of cats, particularly serval cats, which may range from $3,000 to over $10,000.

Factors Influence the Price of a Serval Cat

While the base price of a serval cat may seem high enough, there are several other factors that can influence the final purchase price. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.

Seller Preferences

Servals are wild animals that are not native to the United States. They are also considered exotic pets, which means that there are special laws and regulations governing their ownership. In most states, it is illegal to own a serval without a permit.

Breeders who sell servals in the United States are generally only willing to sell to USDA-licensed facilities. This is because the USDA has strict regulations in place to ensure that the animals are being cared for properly. The breeders need to be sure that their buyers will abide by these regulations and that they will be able to provide the servals with the proper care.

As part of the vetting process, breeders will typically ask potential buyers a series of questions about their experience with exotic pets, their knowledge of servals, and their ability to provide the necessary care. They may also require potential buyers to visit their facility and meet the servals in person.

In addition to the vetting process, breeders may also charge an additional fee to help cover the cost of conducting background checks and other screening measures. This helps to ensure that only responsible and qualified individuals are able to purchase servals.

Genetics

Serval cats are native to Africa. They are wild animals and are not legal to own as pets in most places. However, there are some breeders who import servals from Africa and sell them as pets. These breeders must follow strict regulations in order to import the servals, which adds to the cost of the cats. The cost of importing a serval includes the following:

The cost of obtaining the necessary permits and licenses
The cost of transporting the serval to the breeder
The cost of quarantine and health testing
The purchase price of the serval

Howerver, Savannah cats – a hybrid breed of serval and domestic – cat are more affordable and easier to find than Serval cats. They are not as wild as servals and are legal to own as pets in many places. They are still relatively rare, so the cost of Savannah cats can be expensive. The price of a Savannah cat depends on the generation of the cat, with F1 Savannah cats (which are the most serval-like) being the most expensive.

Here is a table summarizing the cost of serval cats and Savannah cats:

Type of cat	Generation	Price range
Serval cat	Purebred	$3,000 – $10,000
Savannah cat	F1	$12,000 – $16,000
Savannah cat	F2	$4,000 – $8,000
Savannah cat	F3	$3,000 – $5,000

Domestication

They are solitary in the wild, and they do not typically live with other animals. This makes them more difficult to domesticate than other types of cats.

Breeders who want to sell servals as pets put a lot of time and effort into domesticating them. They do this by hand-rearing the kittens and getting them used to humans and other animals from a young age. This process can take several months or even years.

The level of domestication of a serval cat plays a big factor in its price. Cats that have been more heavily domesticated will be more expensive than those that have not.

It is important to note that even a well-domesticated serval cat will still have some wild instincts. They may be skittish or aggressive at times, and they may need to be handled with care.

If you are considering getting a serval cat, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are prepared for the challenges of owning a wild animal.

Location

Servals are native to Africa, so if a breeder in the United States wants to buy a serval from outside the country, they will need to pay for the cost of importing the cat. This includes the cost of the cat’s travel, quarantine, and import permits. These costs can be significant, and they can add up to thousands of dollars.

In addition to the importation costs, there is also a significant amount of paperwork involved in importing a serval into the United States. The breeder will need to obtain a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and they will also need to comply with the import regulations of the state where they live. This can be a time-consuming and complex process, and it can also add to the cost of the cat.

Servals are not as common as other domestic cat breeds, and they are especially rare in the United States. This means that there are fewer breeders who sell servals, and the competition is not as fierce. As a result, breeders who import servals from outside the United States can often charge a higher price for their cats.

The demand for servals is also a factor in the price. Servals are exotic and unique cats, and they are becoming increasingly popular as pets. This high demand drives up the price of servals, regardless of where they are bred.

How Much Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical for Serval Cats

Secure van for transportation Servals are wild animals and can be dangerous if not properly handled. A secure van is essential for transporting servals to and from the vet.	$15,000 to $28,000
Stainless steel cage Servals need a large, secure cage to live in. The cage should be made of stainless steel to prevent rust and should be large enough for the serval to stand up, turn around, and stretch.	$2,000 to $3,000
Annual vaccines Servals need to be vaccinated against rabies, feline distemper, and feline leukemia, FVRCP. Let’s see: Why Are Vaccinations Important for Cats?	$200
Nutritional supplements Servals have a high metabolism and need a special diet to stay healthy. Nutritional supplements can help to ensure that your serval is getting the nutrients they need.	$7,500

How Much Cost of Food and Supplies for Serval Cats

Having a serval cat can be quite expensive as they require additional expenses compared to domestic cats. The cost of food and supplies for servals is listed in the table below:

Five acres of land Servals are wild animals and need a lot of space to roam around. They should not be kept in small apartments or houses. A minimum of five acres of land is required to provide them with enough space. The cost of land will vary depending on the location.	$15,000 to $100,000
Enclosure The enclosure should be large enough for the serval to run and play. It should also have a secure roof to prevent the serval from escaping. The cost of the enclosure will vary depending on the size and materials used.	$2,000 to $6,000
Enclosure Roofing The enclosure roof should be made of a durable material that can withstand the elements. It should also be properly ventilated to prevent the serval from overheating.	$2,500 to $10,000
Annual Permits Some states require permits to own a serval cat. The cost of the permits will vary depending on the state.	$200
Annual Liability Insurance Liability insurance is important to have in case the serval injures someone or something. The cost of the insurance will vary depending on the policy.	$1,000 to $14,000
Food Servals cats are obligate carnivores* and need a diet of mostly raw meat. The cost of food will vary depending on the quality of the meat.*	$4,000 to $6,000
Toys Servals need toys to keep them entertained. The cost of toys will vary depending on the type of toys.	$500

You may consider that Serval are not easy to eat foods as human, they can not eat alot of foods such as:

Chocolate
Cats can not eat Sausage
Dairy products like milk
Can cats eat Marshmallows or Candy and other sugary products? – please NO!
Large amounts of tuna fish
Grapes and raisins
No feeding Pickles for cats
Onions and garlic
Ranch Dressin is harmful for cat
Mushrooms
Hummus not for cats eat, it’s human food
Dog food
Nuts
Human medicines
Cats no eat Cheerios for breakfast
Pretzels are harm to cats
Vienna Sausages is no good for cats too

The Cost to Insure a Serval Cat

Because servals are wild animals, they can be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. In many states, it is illegal to own a serval without a permit. Even in states where it is legal to own a serval, there may be restrictions on where they can be kept and how they can be transported.

In addition, not many veterinarians are qualified to work on servals. This is because servals have different medical needs than house cats. For example, servals are more susceptible to certain diseases, and they may require different medications or treatments.

Because of these factors, pet insurance companies are hesitant to insure servals. They are concerned about the risk of liability if something were to happen to a serval that was insured by their company. They are also concerned about the cost of providing medical care for a serval, as it can be more expensive than providing care for a house cat.

List of States Restrict a Serval Cat

Before you get a serval, you need to make sure that it is legal to own one in your state. You also need to be aware of the special requirements that servals have. They need a large enclosure with plenty of space to run, hunt, and swim. They also need a very specific diet that can be expensive to provide.

Here are the states where you can own a serval without a license or permit:

North Carolina
Alabama
Wisconsin
Nevada

Here are the states that allow servals, but owners need to have licenses:

Texas
Missouri
Oklahoma
Mississippi
Indiana
Rhode Island
Pennsylvania
Montana
Maine
North Dakota
Idaho
South Dakota

If you are considering getting a serval, you should do your research to make sure that you are prepared to meet its needs. Servals are not easy pets to care for, and they can be dangerous if they are not properly trained and handled.

Is It Risky When Owing a Serval Cat?

Eventhough they are cute, but serval also have some risks when you raise them:

Servals are not legal to own in all states. Make sure to check your local laws before getting one.
Servals are not domesticated cats. They have different needs and require different care. Do your research and make sure you are prepared to meet their needs before getting one.
Servals can be dangerous. They have sharp claws and teeth and can inflict serious injuries. If you have children or other pets, be sure to supervise interactions closely.

If you are still interested in owning a serval cat after considering all of the risks, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are prepared:

Do your research. Learn as much as you can about servals and their care.
Find a reputable breeder. Choose a breeder who is knowledgeable about servals and who cares about the welfare of their animals.
Provide a spacious enclosure. Servals need plenty of space to run and play.
Offer enrichment activities. Servals need to be mentally stimulated. Provide them with toys and activities to keep them entertained.
Take them to the vet regularly. Servals need regular veterinary care to stay healthy.

With proper care, serval cats can make loving and rewarding pets. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before getting one.

FAQs Serval Cats Price Update 2023 – All Information For A New Parents!

Are servals rare?

Servals are not exactly rare, but their population is on a decline due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal pet trade. They are native to Africa and primarily found in sub-Saharan regions. While they can adapt to different environments, their habitats are shrinking due to human activities. They are listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, which means they are not currently at an immediate risk of extinction, but efforts are necessary to protect their habitats and prevent further decline.

Is a serval bigger than a cheetah?

No, a serval is not bigger than a cheetah. Cheetahs are considerably larger and heavier than servals. A serval typically weighs between 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 lbs) and has a body length of about 67 to 100 cm (26 to 39 inches), not including their tails. In contrast, a cheetah can weigh between 21 to 72 kg (46 to 159 lbs) and has a body length ranging from 112 to 150 cm (44 to 59 inches), also not including their tails. Cheetahs are also taller, with a height of 70-90 cm at the shoulder, compared to the serval’s height of about 54-66 cm.

Can serval cats meow?

Servals have a variety of vocalizations, including hisses, growls, and purrs, similar to domestic cats. However, their meow can be quite different from the common house cat, and they are known to make a high-pitched cry, which can sometimes be described as a chirp or a tweet, especially when communicating over long distances. Their vocalizations are an interesting mix and can be different from what you might typically expect from a domestic cat.

Is a serval a good pet?

Keeping a serval as a pet is generally not recommended. Servals are wild animals with specific needs that can be very challenging to meet in a household setting. They have strong natural instincts, and their behaviors can be unpredictable. Moreover, they require a lot of space to roam, a specialized diet, and they have a strong territorial instinct, which can lead to aggressive behaviors, including marking territory with urine, which can be very hard to manage in a home setting. It is always better to appreciate wild animals in the wild or in appropriate, licensed facilities that are equipped to provide proper care and enrichment for them.

Is it okay to own a serval?

The legality of owning a serval can vary depending upon jurisdiction. In many places, owning a serval or other large exotic cats as pets is restricted or prohibited due to concerns about animal welfare and public safety. Even where it is legal, keeping a serval as a pet is a massive responsibility and can be quite challenging. If someone is considering getting a serval as a pet, they should thoroughly research and consider the ethical implications, as well as the substantial requirements for space, diet, veterinary care, and enrichment. It is generally encouraged to support wild animal conservation efforts rather than trying to keep them as personal pets.