Oriental Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison

Oriental Longhair vs African Serval - Breed ComparisonAfrican Serval is originated from South Africa but Oriental Longhair is originated from United Kingdom. African Serval may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Oriental Longhair. African Serval may live 5 years more than Oriental Longhair. Both African Serval and Oriental Longhair has same litter size. African Serval requires Low Maintenance. But Oriental Longhair requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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South Africa
United Kingdom
Weight Male:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Foreign Longhair
Colors Available:
Spotted and striped with black against a golden/tawny shade
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
short
Medium to long haired - silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

african servalThe 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.

oriental longhairYour Oriental Longhair cat has his foundations in the Siamese breed. The Siamese came from Thailand to the UK in the 1800s.

Sometimes a litter of Siamese kittens produced a long-haired variety but in the 1950s breeders started honing in on these longer haired Siamese cats.

Various crossings took place and Oriental Shorthairs came about. By breeding these Shorthairs with Balinese cats, the Oriental Longhair came about in the 1970s.

Description

african serval kitten - descriptionThe 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.

oriental longhair kitten - descriptionThe Oriental Longhair is a medium-sized cat with a fairly long, muscular, lean body. The Oriental Longhair actually resembles the Siamese cat.

They also come in an outstanding array of colors and patterns with the coat being long and silky. The coat can be a solid color but you can also find tabby-type coats as well as tipped coats. The cat doesn’t have an undercoat and coat lies fairly flat against the body. You will also hear it being referred to as a semi-longhair.

The tail is attractive and forms quite a bushy plume.

The Oriental Longhair cat has almond-shaped green eyes. If you see the white Orientals, they can have green or blue eyes. They can also be odd-eyed.

Temperament:

These cats are intelligent, curious, and good-natured and they love to talk. Therefore it is important that such a cat breed have a home where there is plenty of company.

They’re active cats too, loving to play and bound and leap. He'll want to willingly join in with some of your games. The cat will certainly need some exciting toys to keep him occupied.

They are loyal cats and become loving and devoted to their human family, getting on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

They don’t like being left alone at all and will prefer to have company, even if it is from another pet.

Characteristics

african serval cat - characteristicsThe 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.

oriental longhair cat - characteristicsYour Oriental Longhair is such a friendly, lively cat and he makes a splendid companion. It is an inquisitive cat and likes to be part of the activity in the household.

He is a social, talkative cat and has always got a lot to say/ They love the attention of their human family and don’t like being separated too long from them.

When you get one of these cats, you get both an entertainer and a friend.

Health Problems

african serval kittens - health problemsMake 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.

oriental longhair kittens - health problemsThe Oriental Longhair is generally considered a healthy breed. Because the cat can be prone to some inherited conditions, it is always a wise move to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder.

A couple of these diseases to look out for include Progressive Retinol Atrophy which is a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness.

Also, look out for periodontal disease which is common in many cat breeds.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

african serval cats - caringThe 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.

oriental longhair cats - caringThis is a slim cat and you can easily tell when he has put on weight. Be very careful with how much you feed your cat and what you feed him.

Cats are carnivores and you need to ensure that his diet is rich in meaty ingredients. These cats have long slim legs and extra weight can put pressure on the cat’s joints. Keep your cat lean and healthy. If in any doubt about diet for your cat, speak to your vet, Always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Prepare to have a cat included in your family. Invest in food and water bowls, a cat bed, grooming brushes, toys, climbing tree, scratching post and litter box. A cat box for transporting your pet to the vet is also a good idea.

The Oriental Longhair loves to leap up into high areas so he will need a climbing tree. Try to get your cat out into the sunshine where possible and allow him to climb into a tree.

They’re playful cats and will require some stimulating toys.

The cat’s medium- to long hair will require brushing once or twice a week. When you brush your pet gently but purposefully, he loves it and it becomes a bonding session.

Provide your cat with a litterbox and make sure to clean out the box every day. You can do that by buying a small plastic rake at the pet shop and it keeps the litter nice and even for your pet.

Have your cat neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Oriental Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
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  3. Oriental Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
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  5. Oriental Longhair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Oriental Longhair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Oriental Longhair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Oriental Longhair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Oriental Longhair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Oriental Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Oriental Longhair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Oriental Longhair vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Oriental Longhair vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Oriental Longhair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Oriental Longhair vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Oriental Longhair vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Oriental Longhair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Oriental Longhair vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
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  20. Oriental Longhair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
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  22. Oriental Longhair vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Oriental Longhair vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Oriental Longhair vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Oriental Longhair vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. African Serval vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Chausie vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. American Bobtail vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  30. American Curl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  31. American Keuda vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  32. American Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  33. American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  34. American Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  35. American Wirehair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  36. Applehead Siamese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  37. Ashera vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  38. Asian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  39. Asian Semi-Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Mist vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  41. Balinese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  42. Bengal vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  43. Bicolor vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  44. Birman vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Russian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  46. Bombay vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  47. Brazilian Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  48. Bristol vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  49. British Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  50. British Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison