A tall, athletic cat built to look like a small serval, but with no wild blood. It stands upright on long legs, has a long neck flowing into the head, and carries huge round-tipped ears about as long as the head itself. The short, tight coat feels silky and is usually boldly spotted.12
Colourstan, beige or gold with black or dark brown spotssilver with black spotssmokesolid black (may show faint ghost spots)gold to amber eyes123
Personality what they are like
Self-assured and friendly once settled, though it may be a little shy at first in a new place. Serengetis attach strongly to their people, often trailing them from room to room, and like to talk with chirps and meows inherited from their Oriental side.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Very athletic and loves heights, so it needs daily play and tall climbing spots.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low. A weekly brush keeps the short coat neat and cuts down on hairballs.3
Home where they are happiest
Tall cat trees and shelves to satisfy its love of high places.13
Company who they like around
Wants plenty of time with its family. Usually fine with other pets and with children when introduced properly and socialised early.13
The story where it all began
Conservation biologist Karen Sausman began the Serengeti in the mid-1990s at Kingsmark Cattery in California. She crossed Bengals with Oriental Shorthairs to get a domestic cat with a serval-like outline, and the breed is now found in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and Russia.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Despite looking like a serval, the Serengeti has no serval in its ancestry.1
I wake up early and stretch on my tall cat tree, watching the sun pour through the window. I chirp a good morning to my human and follow them to the kitchen, weaving between their legs. After a quick snack, I race up to my top perch and pounce on a toy mouse. I love heights, so I spend the morning leaping from shelf to shelf. When my human sits down, I curl up in their lap and purr loudly. I chat with chirps and meows all afternoon, then watch birds from the window. At night, I snuggle close, ready for tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
TICA
Registered; can be shown as a Preliminary New Breed1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Serengeti. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Tuna Catnip Biscuits
A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.
You need
145g tuna chunks in spring water
120g plain flour
1 tablespoon dried catnip
1 egg
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before serving.
How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Serengeti, and at what times?
Feeding frequency depends on your cat's age, activity, and health. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day, but your vet can give you a schedule tailored to your Serengeti. Always provide fresh water.
What should a Serengeti eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality cat food appropriate for your Serengeti's life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.4
Does a Serengeti need baths?
Serengetis rarely need baths because their short, silky coat stays clean with weekly brushing. Bathe only if they get very dirty or sticky, using a cat-safe shampoo.53
How often does a Serengeti need brushing?
A weekly brush keeps the short coat neat and reduces hairballs. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which fits well with general guidance for short-haired cats.35Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Serengeti's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 2 to 3 weeks using proper cat nail clippers, cutting only the tip. Go slowly and reward your cat. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days, and general guidance recommends starting with no more than two claws per session.5Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Serengeti need?
Serengetis have high energy and love heights, so they need daily play sessions. Provide tall cat trees, shelves, and interactive toys to keep them happy and exercised.13Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Serengeti's teeth and ears?
Brush your Serengeti's teeth regularly, ideally daily, to prevent dental issues. For ears, check weekly and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Your vet can show you the proper technique. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Serengeti live?
Serengetis typically live between 10 and 15 years, bringing you many years of loving companionship.3
Is a Serengeti good with children and other pets?
Yes, with proper introductions and early socialisation, Serengetis are usually good with children and other pets. They are self-assured and friendly once settled, and they form strong bonds with their family.13
Can a Serengeti be left alone?
Serengetis want plenty of time with their family and may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. If you must be away, provide tall climbing spots and interactive toys to keep them entertained.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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