Mary Allen
The Origins of the Serengeti Cat Breed
If you’re looking for an exotic, wild-looking cat, you might be interested in the Serengeti cat breed. The Serengeti cat is a relatively new breed that was developed in the United States in the 1990s. The breed was created by Karen Sausman, who was interested in developing a cat breed that resembled a wild animal, specifically the African Serval, but with the temperament and personality of a domesticated cat.
Crossing Wild Cats with Domestic Breeds
To create the Serengeti cat breed, Karen Sausman crossed a Bengal cat, which is a hybrid of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat, with an Oriental Shorthair. She then crossed the offspring with a Siamese cat to create the desired look and temperament. The goal was to create a cat that looked wild but had the personality of a domestic cat.
The Role of Bengal, Siamese, and Oriental Shorthair
The Bengal, Siamese, and Oriental Shorthair cat breeds were instrumental in the development of the Serengeti cat breed. The Bengal cat brought the wild look to the breed with its unique coat pattern, while the Oriental Shorthair and Siamese cats contributed to the temperament and personality of the Serengeti cat. The result is a unique breed that has the exotic look of a wild cat but is playful, curious, and affectionate like a typical domestic cat.
Selective Breeding for the Desired Traits
The development of the Serengeti cat breed involved a lot of selective breeding to achieve the desired traits. Karen Sausman focused on creating a cat with a wild look, but with a friendly and outgoing personality. The breed’s coat pattern, size, and temperament were carefully selected to create a unique cat that is both striking to look at and easy to live with.
The Importance of Health and Temperament
When breeding a new cat breed, it’s essential to focus on health and temperament. The Serengeti cat breed was no exception. Karen Sausman prioritized the health of her cats and worked to ensure that her breeding program was free of genetic diseases. She also focused on creating a cat with a friendly and outgoing temperament, which makes the Serengeti cat an excellent choice for families with children or other pets.
The Recognition of the Serengeti Cat Breed
The Serengeti cat breed was first recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2006. Since then, the breed has gained popularity among cat enthusiasts who are looking for something a little different. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) also recognized the breed in 2012.
Meeting the Standards of TICA and CFA
To be recognized by TICA and CFA, a cat breed must meet certain standards. The Serengeti cat breed was recognized by these organizations because it met the standards for a breed that was healthy, had a good temperament, and had a unique appearance. This recognition has helped to raise the profile of the Serengeti cat breed and has made it more widely available to cat lovers around the world.
The Future of Serengeti Cats in the World of Feline Breeds
The Serengeti cat breed is still a relatively new breed, but its popularity is growing. As more people become interested in this unique cat breed, breeders will continue to work on improving the breed’s health, temperament, and appearance. With its exotic look and friendly personality, the Serengeti cat breed is sure to be a favorite among cat lovers for years to come.