A ‘Crazy-Looking Cat’ Loose in Missouri Was Actually a Wild African Serval

A “crazy looking cat” discovered by Missouri farmers in recent months turned out to be an African serval. Luckily, the wild cat survived the harsh winter and was captured without any problems. Although it is unKnowing how the animal ended up there, it is now reportedly safe and healthy at a nearby sanctuary.

The bizarre tale was shared by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge late last month focused about the care for abused or abandoned big cats.

Over a period of six months Farmers had seen glimpses of the serval on their property, which one of them described as a “crazy looking cat,” according to the shelter. After they began regularly finding feathers and bones along their haystacks, they decided the animal couldn’t remain undeterred. They set a live trap designed to humanely catch a wild animal or vermin, and 12 hours later they caught their unexpected guest. Farmers continued to tend to their catch, feeding it venison and water. They even took it to a local vet for a quick check-up, who determined it was female, probably three years old, and unmicrochipped. After consulting with authorities, the farmers called the refuge, which is about two hours away in neighboring Arkansas. Stough soon came to the farm for emergency rescue.

“You never know what the day will bring!” said President Tanya Smith in a opinion.

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servals (Leptailurus serval) are wild cats native to the more temperate regions of Africa and are the only surviving members of their genus. While not considered big cats like tigers or lions, they are larger than the typical house cat. As adults, they weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and stretch to about 24 inches in length. Domestic cats, on the other hand, usually weigh 10 to 12 pounds and are about 13 to 16 inches long. However, just like your local tabby cat, servals are solitary hunters and tend to prey on rodents, birds, insects. and reptiles.

While its origins are a mystery, the most likely explanation is that it was once owned by a backyard breeder, or Savannah Cat breeder, according to the shelter. The serval might have done it fled or were deliberately releasedwhich unfortunately an allto-common destiny for exotic pets. The refuge notes that the recently passed Size aboutt Law on Public Security– which henceforth prohibits the private ownership of certain wild cats as pets – would not apply to smaller cat species such as the serval.

The serval is now settling into the sanctuary and is said to be enjoying a nice mulch bed. The refuge plans to update the public on her status, including her name.