Bombay vs African Serval - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The 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.

The Bombay cat was developed by breeding black American Shorthair cats and sable Burmese cats to bring about a sleek panther-like cat.

Cats of the Asian group are given the name Bombay cats. It is also known as the Black Mamba or mini-panther. In fact the Bombay cat was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Kentucky, USA.

In 1976 the Bombay cat was successfully bred and was recognized and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and also the International Cat Association.

The 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.

As a short-haired cat, the Bombay is related to the Burmese cat. It’s a medium-sized cat, muscular, lithe, and agile – like a black panther.

The cat weighs anything between 3 to 7kg. It is a stocky, compact cat with a round head and ears that are fairly rounded at the tips. The coat of the Bombay is short and glossy. In fact, it is the pitch-black short, close-lying shiny coat of the Bombay cat that makes it so distinctive and that with its green or copper-colored eyes. The cat’s nose as well as the pads of their paws, are also black

Temperament:

Bombay cats are very social, getting on well with all their human family members. They’re affectionate and like to demand attention from their humans.

They’re typical cats in many ways and are curious and alert. You wouldn’t describe the Bombay as an independent cat breed, although the older ones do become more independent as they mature but they are cats that dislike being left alone for long periods of time.

They are however adaptable to different lifestyles and can easily learn new tricks. They’re intelligent cats and will need toys that make him think. He always loves to play with the toys close to his human owner and has quite a loud meow and purr to voice his feelings

The 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.

These sleek panther-like cats are a perfect choice if you want a cat that loves its human family.

Every cat has got their peculiarities and these Bombay cats like heat – you’ll always find them curled up close to the fire or heaters. On a sunny day they’ll want to be outside soaking up the warmth.

Provide your Bombay with all the things he loves and he is guaranteed to make you the most awesome feline companion.

Make 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.

With good care these amazing cats can live to be between 15 and 20 years of age. Your Bombay, just like with other pets, can have any one of the health problems that cats are known for.

One of these diseases is craniofacial defect where there is a deformity of the head. Kittens with this deformity are always euthanized.

Vomiting is a sign that all is not well with your cat. Vomiting is actually a common problem with cats and is indicative of a number of causes. It could mean your cat has eaten something inedible, it could mean an infection or even a urinary tract problem.

Remember that ongoing vomiting can lead to dehydration so if your cat continues you must get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease for instance can affect both your male or female cat. There are a number of causes of which stress and being overweight are just two.

You’ll notice your cat battling to urinate, blood in the urine, lack of appetite, restless and licking around the urinary area because of pain. Certainly, this is one reason you want to get your beloved cat to the vet.

Diet:

The 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.

The Bombay isn’t a heavy shedder and requires very little grooming.

Provide your Bombay with the right kind of nutrition so that it has every chance to be strong and healthy. Cats are carnivores and you want to be sure that he gets the best food. Make sure that he gets home-made or commercially manufactured cat food that is high in meat protein. Do research or check with your vet to make sure he is being fed the best food there is for his age and activity levels.

Your Bombay requires a constant source of fresh, cool water night and day.

Check inside his mouth from time to time to ensure there are no rotting teeth causing him pain and discomfort. Also, check inside the ears ad make sure they aren’t red which could indicate an infection.

Always get your pet to the vet immediately you suspect that something is wrong.

Keep your cat’s litter box spotlessly clean.

Neuter or spay your Bombay cat to prevent unwanted kittens.Spaying and neuterings as some very beneficial health advantages for your furry friend as well.