How to care for your Serval

Servals need an outdoor enclosure. They are happy being inside with you, but do love to spend time outdoors. You must put a top on the enclosure as they can jump up to 9 feet, and do climb. They also like water. Putting feeder fish in a large plastic tub will give hours of enjoyment to your serval. Some love to swim, so if you have a pool they may take a dip.

Servals love their humans, particularly if they have been hand raised. They typically bond with one human for life. They can be rehomed but it can be very difficult, and takes time and patience. Daily play time is very important with your serval. Servals are very shy with strangers. If you start young socializing them they can be more accepting of strangers.

Servals are nocturnal animals. They will get into all kinds of mischief when you’re not looking. So a serval proof room is important at night. No breakable objects, wires, etc.

Servals can be litter box trained. However, it is my experience that they don’t squat. So a large tote with high sides keeps them from peeing on everything. Also be aware that they do spray. You can train them to spray in one area. Leave the area you want them to spray at with their scent. Clean all the other places they want to spray with a chemical deodorizer. This takes time and patience.

Servals do like to walk with their owners. You can purchase harnesses that are designed for servals. Please start young with harness training. They will consider it a treat to put on the harness if it means a walk and alone time with their owner.

When you go on vacation, please have someone there to care for your animal that they are familiar with. They can go into a decline if they don’t see their owner for a period of time. If they have someone they know taking care of them they will be less likely to get down.

Please use a vet that is trained to care for exotic animals. Servals have certain needs that most vets aren’t trained for. 

Servals like to play with their food before eating it. They also need extra calcium and taurine in their diets. I highly recommend whole prey included in their diet. You can feed chicken parts (with bone), fish, other meats. You can purchase whole prey frozen. Thaw out and bring to room temperature and feed to your serval. They will be a healthier and happier serval. You can throw their food around and they have to catch it, or put it out in their enclosure so they have to find it. They will appreciate that.