Savannah vs Serval
Servals Do Not Like Change vs Savannahs Are More Tailored for the Home
This means changes in the home, people, or routine. They like quiet and schedule. Any change is reflected in a serval’s behavior.
Savannahs do have a serval ancestor; however, they are domestic and accept change much more readily
Servals Need Attention vs Savannahs Like Attention
Servals need the stability of their owner(s) and lots of toys, playtime and their humans
Savannahs are very interactive, playful and loving. They are not however as dependent on their human to the same extent as a Serval.
Travel with a Serval is Difficult vs Some Savannahs Like to Travel
The legality of traveling with a serval falls under USDA ruling and special permits are needed to travel with a serval. To travel without the permit is breaking the law.
Early harness and leash training will, most times, acquaint a Savannah to outdoors and trips that he or she might enjoy. Fewer regulations make travel with a Savannah
easier.
Proper Nutrition is Important vs Savannah Diets are Sometimes Easier
Many servals eat a raw diet and they always require a balanced diet with calcium and other important ingredients. Broken bones and soft bones can occur without the right balanced diet.
Early generation Savannahs (F1, F2) will still like to have the raw meat diet and at times even later generations like it as well. Many Savannahs, however, will eat a high protein, grain free kibble and canned food that has the nutrients needed.
Litter Box Use
With lots of work and training, a serval will use the litterbox some of the time. They are not domesticated, and the best training falls short when their instincts take over. Then there is the consideration of their spraying.
Like any domestic cat, if the litterbox is cleaned regularly, the Savannah cat is very happy to use their litterbox.
Adult Servals Mark Their Territory vs A Savannah, Neutered or Spayed, Will Not Spray
Both male and female altered or unaltered serval cats will spray in a home. There are a few exceptions.
Most cats of any breed are happy to confine any toilet habits to the litter box. Un-neutered Tomcats will spray most times, as will an occasional Queen. A strong case for neutering your pets.
Servals in the Home vs Savannahs in the home
Servals are smart, fast and inquisitive. All valuable items must be secured and places that may cause harm to a serval must me guarded or off-limits. Think baby-proof everything and forget curtains and curtain rods.
Again, Savannahs are very interactive. They will play fetch and chase feather toys with their human family and friends. It’s impossible to keep them amused and busy 24/7 so you can expect the Savannah to get into mischief. Savannah-proofing is much the same as for a serval but not so extensive unless you have an F1.
Servals Require an Exotic Vet vs Savannah Veterinarians
Not all Vets will treat a serval. A vet must be found and must agree to treat a serval when and where it is needed.
Savannah cat vets should be and are the same Veterinarians as you would take a Persian or Siamese. They will require a lighter form of sedation and all other aspect are the same as far as immunizations.
Servals are for LIFE vs Re-homing a Savannah
Once a bond is made, a serval will not ever trust or love someone else like their first person. It is heartbreaking to see someone get a serval only to figure out they cannot handle the cat in their home. The spirit goes right out of the animal when they lose their home and family.
At times humans find they no longer want or can take responsibility for their Savannah cat. It is not an easy task because that cat loves his human. The best way to re-home is to contact the original breeder who will hopefully help with the process. It can be done if done correctly and if the breeder will not help there are the Savannah Cat Rescue folks who will try to help.
Servals and Other Pets vs Savannahs Like Other Pets in the Home
While the Serval is a kitten, they seem to do well with other cats and other dogs. As the Serval gets older, subtle changes will start to happen. By the time the serval is fully grown, he may not even recognize the pets he grew up with as friends.
Of course, never trust a Savannah with a bird or rodent pet, and that is true of any cat. However, if you have no older or infirm pets, a Savannah will fit right in after a short adjustment period.
Serval Housing vs Savannahs can survive in the home
A serval, in the
Serval Ownership is Regulated vs Savannahs Have Fewer Regulations
Many states and municipalities have strict regulations restricting the ownership of a serval, and some do not allow it at all. Others have permitting and inspections as a way of controlling exotic ownership.
Some breeders have servals illegally in their area and live with the constant danger of having their cat confiscated and euthanized. That is a very sorry person who would put a serval in that danger.
Savannahs do like to sit by an open window and smell the fresh air. All screens must be secure, though. They do well with indoor/outdoor enclosures or an enclosed porch.
Many Savannah owners purchase walking jackets made specially to avoid escape and they teach their cats to walk outside on their leash.
Some States that regulate servals will often allow all Savannahs. or even late generation Savannahs. It is always important to check with your local, county and state regulations before deciding to own a Savannah. There could be Vets, friends, a breeder or even a mailman report a Savannah and your pet could be gone; even worse put to sleep. Be responsible…