When Gavin Lee discovered his serval cat Rosie had escaped following a suspected break-in at her enclosure in Plymouth, Devon, he immediately began searching for his beloved pet. Within hours, the 15-year-old serval cat, approximately the size of a whippet dog, was safely back home. This incident highlights important aspects of exotic pet ownership and the special considerations required when keeping serval cats in domestic settings.
Serval Cat Characteristics and Care Requirements
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Serval cats are native to the savannahs and wetlands of Africa. These striking spotted felines have long legs, large ears, and can weigh between 20-40 pounds when fully grown. Despite their wild origins, serval cats can form strong bonds with their owners when raised from cubs, as was the case with Rosie.
“I’ve kept Rosie since she was a young cub,” said Lee, who holds a dangerous wild animal license for his pet. “Normally she would come up to us like a dog, but she was petrified when we found her, so we had to encircle her to get her back.”
Caring for a serval cat requires specialized knowledge about their dietary needs, environmental enrichment, and health concerns. These exotic cats typically eat a diet consisting primarily of raw meat, mimicking their natural diet of rodents, birds, and small mammals in the wild. They also need ample space to exercise and express natural behaviors like jumping and climbing.
Serval Cat Licensing and Legal Requirements
In the UK, owning a serval cat requires a dangerous wild animal license, which Lee has maintained for Rosie throughout her life. These licenses ensure that owners provide appropriate care and housing for these exotic animals while protecting public safety.
Following Rosie’s escape, Plymouth City Council confirmed they would be conducting an inspection of the property. A spokesperson stated they would be checking to make sure it has “sufficient security and all license conditions are complied with.” This regulatory oversight is crucial for both the welfare of serval cats and community safety.
Devon and Cornwall Police received reports of the serval cat being spotted near the A38 in Plymouth around 1:15 BST on Wednesday. Officers initiated an investigation into the reported burglary at the property that led to Rosie’s escape. The quick response from both police and the cat’s owner likely contributed to the happy outcome.
Responsible Ownership of Exotic Felines
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For those considering exotic pets like serval cats, this incident serves as an important reminder of the significant responsibilities involved. Beyond the legal requirements, owners must prepare for specialized veterinary care, secure housing, and the financial commitment these animals require throughout their 15-20 year lifespan.
Proper serval cat enclosures need to be escape-proof with high fencing (they can jump up to 10 feet high), secure roofing, and protection from the elements. Enrichment through toys, climbing structures, and hiding places is essential for their psychological well-being.
“I’m just relieved that we’ve managed to get her back in one piece,” Lee said after recovering Rosie. His concern reflects the deep bond that can form between serval cats and their dedicated owners.
Conservation Status and Ethical Considerations
While serval cats are listed as “least concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list of endangered species, ethical questions surround keeping these wild animals as pets. Conservation experts emphasize that only properly licensed and experienced individuals should consider ownership.
In their natural habitat, serval cats play an important role in controlling rodent populations. When kept in captivity, it’s crucial that owners recreate aspects of this natural environment to ensure these magnificent animals thrive.
For Rosie, the adventure ended safely. Now back in her secure enclosure, this serval cat’s story highlights both the special connection between exotic pets and their owners and the substantial responsibilities of caring for these remarkable wild animals throughout their lives.
