The first thing to consider is the age of the animal. Just as with health insurance on humans, many insurance companies do not want to insure an older animal, especially those with preexisting medical conditions. They are considered a liability and the insurance company does not want to risk losing money by having to pay for the older animals vet bills.

The other thing to consider is the breed of the animal. Many dogs and some cats have hereditary traits that create health problems. One of the most common is hip dysphasia in larger dogs. Some animals are even prone to bone and teeth conditions that will require medical attention at one time or another.

The most important thing to consider are the state laws where the pet insurance is purchased. Many state governments consider discounted pet insurance a risky endeavor, therefore they have outlawed them. However, there are many more that will offer quality insurance for pets that will work with the consumer to find the policy that will fit their budget.

Statistics indicate that the average pet will cost around $5000 dollars in medical bills in their lifetime. This is a relatively high number, most do not cost as much. Some pets are born with defects and medical issues that require many visits to the vet office. In cases like that, insurance coverage for at least some of the expenses would have saved the pet owner some money. To save even more money, compare prices and benefits of the many different insurance providers.

For those pet owners who enjoy the company of exotic animals, there is insurance for them also. With the rising popularity of exotic pets such as lizards and snakes, comes the increasing availability of insurance for those type of pets. Be sure to do a little research and ask many questions in order to fully understand the basic coverages of the policy.

When purchasing any insurance policy, whether it is pet or human, you should always shop around. Different companies offer different features with each plan. The prices also differ so do not forget to ask what the monthly or yearly premium covers. Another important thing to do when narrowing down your choice of insurance companies is to ask your pets medical provider to recommend the company that is accepted by the vet.

Most policies are very affordable to the pet owner and can often be broken down into monthly payments. The policy usually covers the annual visits, immunizations and some surgeries. Having insurance on your pet will often help in times of emergencies, which can happen in the home or in the automobile. Be sure to check with the company about any restrictions on payment claims before committing to a policy.

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You will be able to locate the best pet care pet insurance available when you compare sainsburys pet insurance quickly and easily online. For impartial information visit our website now.

Choosing the right pet for your home can be a big decision. You want to make sure that you can provide for it, that the pet will fit the lifestyle you live, and that it has a personality that will fit in.

Before purchasing or adopting a pet it is important to realize the financial and time requirements that a pet consumes. They will need medical checkups, the right kind of food, and other breed specifications fulfilled.

Pets are not an object you can let be for a couple months and come back to find it in the same condition. They need care and attention.

While thinking about this it is important to remember that certain animals will require more maintenance than other. For example, a gold fish will need it’s bowl cleaned every so often and food sprinkled in once or twice a day.

In contrast, a poodle requires veterinarian attention and professional grooming in addition to normal feeding, walks, and care. It is also important to consider the age of the family.

Young children will not be able to handle pets that could be dangerous, such as snakes. Traditional pets like dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils are all good options for young children.

Recently reptiles have been growing as a popular option for a pet. Reptiles are easy to groom, control, and care for. They are also unique pets. The most popular pets in the reptile category are lizards, turtles, and frogs.

Keep in mind that your children may not understand that being rough with an animal can harm them. If this is the case, their interaction with the animal should always be under supervision.

Hamsters have traditionally been the favorite pet for very young children. They are friendly, have soft fur, and rarely bite.

Hamsters also require very little grooming and are relatively cheap to buy and maintain. Besides the age of the family, the term you are willing to commit to caring for the pet should also be considered.

The average life for dogs and cats is somewhere between 10 and 12 years old. However, indoor cats have been known to live until they are 20 to 25 years old and dogs can live up to 18 years old.

Once you have purchased a pet, you have moral commitment to care for it the rest of its life. Buying a pet is not a good idea if you cannot make this commitment.

The environment in your home should also be considered. Pets love stable homes where all of their needs are met. Pets do not only need enough room to run, a place to sleep, and food. They also love to live in stable homes.

They like to have an established routine with specific feeding times and a bed time. Decide which pet will best fit your daily schedule, personality, and budget.

It is generally suggested that a pet should not be adopted if someone with a very volatile temper lives or very young children live in your home. It is also a good idea to postpone buying a pet if your family is one that travels a lot. Pets need attention and love being around people.

They do not do very well when their family is gone for extended periods of time frequently, even if they are provided for by a hired pet sitter. People who are sickly and have extended, frequent hospital stays are also encouraged to not invest in a pet.

However, a pet can be very beneficial to a human’s health. Loneliness is reportedly one of the largest problems in America.

Side effects of loneliness include decreased motivation to do things and a pessimistic attitude. People who are lonely feel disconnected, anxious, and depressed.

When people suffer from these symptoms they often feel a lack of energy to change. Many people do not have positive relationships with friends and family because of death, divorce, or argument.

However, these people still find happiness and success because they do have a connection with a pet. Caring for a pet is very therapeutic. They can reduce stress, and increase the feeling of wholeness and peace.

If you can, pets provide the health benefits that are worth the investment of time and money.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Terry Daniels is a veterinarian and pet-lover. He also volunteers at an animal shelter in his free time and has written hundreds of articles about pets and dog walking New York
.

Contact Info:
Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com

http://NYTails.com

Food & Water
You want to offer your Veileds a wide range of foods, to provide a varied diet. Crickets are the staple food and should make up most of their diet. You should also feed them mealworms, silkworms, butter worms, waxworms and super worms. Wax worms are very high in fat so limit this feeder insect. Some Veileds will eat plant matter, so offer some lettuce greens, and other green leave vegetables. It is imperative to offer a calcium supplement with the food. Calcium aids in the growth of their bones, and without it they will be weak and in pain. Dust the insects with a powdered calcium supplement every second feeding while they are young, and 2 – 3 times a week for adults. You should the Repcal W/ D3 along side of the Herptivite Multivimine.

Water should be either sprayed into leaves twice a day, or seen dripping into the enclosure. To do this, place a small drip system container and let the water drip onto plants. Some Veileds will hardly ever drink, and some will always drink when you spray. It is imperative for young Chameleons that you spray a heavy mist at least once or twice a day.

Lighting, Temperature & Humidity
During the day it is important to offer lighting which creates a heat gradient of 80 degrees F to 95 degrees F. The Chameleon will find its own comfort level by basking at different levels within the habitat. Chameleon’s heat-sensors are on their backs, not their stomachs. Fluorescent lighting should be offered to provide the Chameleon with needed UVB rays. A Reptisun 5.0 UVB Linear bulb should be used. A broad-spectrum heat bulb should also be used at the top.

Humidity should be kept to a minimum for Veiled Chameleons.

Housing
A full-screen enclosure is a must for Veileds. Glass aquariums can lead to respiratory diseases due to the stagnant air not being circulated, and they will be stressed if they can see their reflection. These Chameleons also need a large enclosure to climb around in; and smaller enclosures will stress them. You can use for babies our 16x16x30 full screen cage and Adults can be housed in either a 18x18x36 or even a 24x24x48. Offer lots of vines to walk on and leaves to climb. Try to place your chameleon in a calm area. Outside nose and fast movement can stress them out. With the aluminum cage it is also recommended to offer some natural sunlight so taking your chameleon outside is a great idea.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Melissa is the expert author for Chameleons – She has been writing Veiled Chameleon articles Since 1985.

Tiger Tour :- Ranthambore National Park is India’s famous tiger reserve in India. It streches in vast acres of land. With about more than 40 tigers inhabiting in Ranthambore national Park, its a rare place on Earth. You can enjoy watching this apex predator in daylight, hunting, preying, sunbathing, playing with his cubs. For this reason its an ideal location for the Wildlife explorers and nature lovers. You can also enjoy Jeep Safari alongwith your family or friends. It will let you peep into the personal lives of these Forests Rulers.

Wildlife Tour :- Aside from the Tiger Tour in Ranthambore National park, you can also enjoy an adventurous Wildlife Safari through the deep and dense forests. Besides, Tigers, this national park is also an home to other forest creatures like black bugs, sloth bears, Indian Flying Foxes, Jungle Cats, desert cats, Indian wild boar, jackals, Indian foxes, caracals, Macaques, Ratels, Indian false vampires, toddy cat, Indian Porcupibes, small indian Civets, Longeared Hedgehogs, Coomon Yellow bats and Many more.

Wildlife Safari :- Ranthambore national Park is an easily reachable destination with jaipur as its nearest metro city at a distance of 130 kms. Tourists can either come via train or their local vehicles to the national park. Tourists especially come in to enjoy jeep safaris along with their families and friends to catch a glimpse of various wildlife creatures like Jackals, Tigers, toddy cat, Cobras, banded Kraits, Indian Pythons, Rat Snakes, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Tortoise, Saw-scaled Vipers, and Desert Monitor Lizards.

Birding in Ranthambore :- Besides being a habitat to the land creatures and amphibians, Ranthambore National park is also a home to many beautiful and rare birds due to its numerous water bodies and terrain. There are in all 272 species of birds namely, Indian Gray Hornbills, Drongos, Bee eaters, parakeets, Common Kingfishers, Cuckoos, Asian palm Swift, Dove, Herons, Bitterns, Graylaggoose, sandpipers, gulls, storks, Ioras, Falcons, Mynas, Munias, Finches, Wagtails, Pittas, Flycatchers, Pipits, Bulbul, Orioles, Cuckoo Shrikes, Pigeon, Bayas, Treepies, Crows, Egrets, Owl, Sipes, Terns, Woodpeckers, Minivets, Ibis, Eagles, Storks, Ioras, Pelicans. A bird lover or Ornithologist can easily catch a glimpse of these beautiful flying creatures at the Ranthambore Fort, Padam Talao, Jhalra region and Malik Talao.

Rajasthan Tour :- Rajasthan is a world famous tourist destination and is also an Ideal holiday location for tourists and wanderours globaly. Every year thousands of foreign and national tourists visit Rajasthan to explore its vast and vivacious Culture and historical places. Cities like Jaipur, Udaypur, Jodhpur are amongst the most visited Rajasthani States. Besides, being a land of Epical palaces like Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Colorful handicrafts, Sacred places like Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Moti Dungri In Jaipur, Pushkar, Govinddev Ji Temple in Jaipur, It also throngs in a lot of tourists due to its wildlife Safaris like Ranthambore National park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Sajjangarh, Darrah sanctuary. By passers from Rajasthan usually visit these Wildlife Safaris also.

Watching the wild creatures with a naked eye is a treat to the eye. Imagine ! A living Tiger roaming in search of prey just in front of you. To feel that excitement ,thrill and the goose flesh, tourists visit the wildlife National parks like the Ranthambore National Parks to watch these wild beasts live in action. Best time to visit the Ranthambore National Park is from 1 October to 30 June. So Plan a holiday with your family and friends for this adventourous extravaganza. For information about Ranthambore Nationla park ,you can visit our website.

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For Ranthambore and Rajasthan tour- Ranthamborenationalpark-india.com provides you best tour packages for wildlife tour, ranthambore tiger tour ,hotels in ranthambore, and also rajasthan tour packages and more.

You can help make this live cam possible through donations at the link below. Have your name or company name as sponsor here for $500.00 per month. Email MakeADifference at BigCatRescue.org

Live Bobcat Kitten Cam

Domestic Cat Rescues Baby Bobcats!

3 Very CUTE bobcat KITTENS are given a second chance at life after being adopted by a domestic cat

With a gun in one hand and a sack of bobcat kittens in the other, an Alabama hunter proudly plopped the newborns down on the counter and asked the veterinary assistant to raise them up for him so he could give them to his kids as pets.

The vet tech was stunned, but quickly recomposed herself to tell the hunter she would do it for him so as to rescue the babies from such an awful fate. She immediately began scouring the Internet for an expert in rehab and release. When she called Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue it was agreed that the kittens would come to Florida, be raised for re-release back to the wild and the paperwork began.

It took three days to secure the Florida import permit and time was of the essence. The only kitten formula available to the clinic was one that often causes serious dehydration in bobcat kittens. The second more critical factor was that their eyes would be opening any day and if they were to ever live free it was imperative that they not bond to humans. They never make good pets, but the bonding that takes place during the nursing stage could make them fearless of people and that would get them into trouble as adults.

While Big Cat Rescue President and resident Rehabber, Jamie Veronica, hit the road to begin a 24 hour road trip to rescue the baby bobcats, Big Cat Rescue put out a call to all of the Tampa animal based charities and on all of their social networks that they needed a nursing mother cat who had kittens of her own. Jack Talman of FosteringIsCool.com found a mother cat but her kittens were too old and she was going into heat so there was concern that she may not have milk nor interest for new babies.

Big Cat Rescuer, Merrill Kramer, called on Rick Chaboudy, CEO of Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor, FL and he said he thought he had a good candidate. Her name was Bobbi because of her half tail and she had given birth to 6 kittens of her own and then adopted two more. He found foster parents for all but two of the kittens and brought Bobbi and her brood over to see what she thought of diversifying her family.

Introductions like these can be very scary because the mother cat can be overly protective of her own kittens and fatally strike out at the new comers. President, Jamie Veronica, has had a considerable amount of experience in this area though and had taken every precaution to make sure it went as well as it possibly could. Bobbi turned out to be a dream come true for three little orphaned bobcats though. She immediately pulled them in close to nurse and began to bathe them. The little bobcat babies were so startled that they hissed at her!
She ignored their resistance and just kept on loving on them. Once they figured out that this strange smelling “bobcat” mom had the real deal to offer at her breasts, they were in love too.

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THANK YOU!

You can help by donating to Big Cat Rescue at 12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625 813.920.4130, by sharing this video with your friends.

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About the Author:
Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild.

They originated from Africa, and can be found in other parts of the world such as Central Asia and Iran. They have an elongated body with a small head and narrow waist, which facilitates aerodynamics. Cheetahs have semi retractable blunt claws which help them to get good grip during fast pursuits. The color of its coarse fur is tan and has small black spots. A rare kind of cheetah known as King Cheetah is larger in size with big merging spots. Its thirty three inch long tail is encircled with five to six black circles and it helps in taking sharp turns as it acts like a rudder. Black lines which start from its eyes and run along the sides of the nose towards the mouth are called tear marks. These lines enable them to see long distances and minimize the glare of the sun.

Cheetahs can be trained very easily and also they are very caring animals. They make noises such as chirp, yowl, yip, growl and hiss and their purr is very deafening. But they do not have the ability to roar like other big cats and also are diurnal, where as others are nocturnal. They are carnivorous animals and hunt for small mammals and young ones of larger mammals. Cheetahs hunt when it isn’t hot, like at dawn and dusk. They also do not go after animals which they cannot get hold of easily and they hunt not by smell but by vision. Nearly fifty percent of attempts end in failure as they give up fast. One of the reasons can be the immense heat which is generated while running, which can be serious for the animal. They rest for at least half hour after the intense chase. They also have the ability to make sounds of some birds, in order to catch them.

Cheetahs always eyes for the animal which is distant from its herd. It chases the animal and then trips it. After the animal falls, it suffocates the animal by biting underneath the throat as it does not have the strength to break the neck. For some reason they do not hunt weak and old animals. During high speed chases, cheetahs can get adequate oxygen with the help of big nostrils. They also have an enlarged heart and lungs which utilize the oxygen to the maximum by increasing the respiratory rate while running.

Cheetahs also fall under the category of endangered species. Many organizations and acts have been implemented to conserve them. One of the reasons for their endangerment is that they are environment sensitive and are the most vulnerable. When held in captivity, they should be provided with their natural habitat. Studies have proven that there is a lack of genetic diversity in cheetahs which are held in captivity. They don’t reproduce regularly like other felines and find it difficult to breed. Also their lifespan decreases and the rate of survival are low. In residential areas, they have been killed by poachers on large scale for protecting cattle. Such farmers are now being provided with dogs that can guard the livestock and scare away the wild cheetah. It has also being hunted for its fur with beautiful pattern.

To obtain a permit to keep cheetahs as pets is not only a big problem for individual owners but also for big zoos. People who have passion for cheetahs and haven’t got the permission to own them can donate generously to conserve the species.

Owners relate their pet bobcat to a tabby cat, but their requirements are far from those of a domestic cat. They demand special care and extra attention. Like Servels they also have the habit of spraying. They also are very hyper and aggressive by nature. They need to be bought up in mostly in outdoor location where they have lots of space to play, like they do in the wild. If they don’t get adequate place outside, they run around destroying things in the house. Some owners are very content with their pets, but it is recommended that potential owners should do their homework before making up their mind.

Their diet shouldn’t be like any other domestic pet. Since they are exotic pets and come from the wild, they have different nutritional requirements to be healthy. At a time, they eat a whole chicken, which should be presented with feathers intact. They can also be given fresh killed squirrel, rabbit, and beef. They do not eat much during the summers, but make up for it during the winters. They also require special medicine and vaccine doses. A normal dose of sedative given to other domestic pets while declawing can kill them. It would be good for their health if they have their claws, or if the owner has made the decision to declaw them, only the front claws should be removed. Their canines should never be removed. Otherwise, the owner has to cut the food into small bits in order to feed them, as they would not be able to eat a whole chicken without their canines.

Other than their playtime they can be kept in a two-cage home which is fourteen feet tall and twenty-four feet wide and which is connected by a six-foot walkway. The cage in which they are kept should have ramps, platforms, toys so as to keep them occupied. Some are really affectionate and like to lick the face of their owner, but again be ready for their tongue, which feels more like sandpaper. The trained ones even sleep with their owners, but the owner should get habituated to their loud purring. They also get up early in the morning like five and start playing, which means that they will start playing in the bed itself. They play really hard putting in all their energy.

Bobcats also have a liking towards water and they like it especially when it rains. If there are puddles, there is a high chance of the entire house getting messed up. Other than keeping the toilet seat down, also no container filled with water should be left unattended. When they roam around in the house, it is a really bad idea to do the dishes or mop the floor. Bobcats are good with people whom they are familiar with, they get very anxious when guest drop in. At such times, they are better kept in the cage. They become motionless; they hide and remain scared till the stranger leaves their territory. And when the guests leave they come out and sniff all around till they are content.

Owners wouldn’t be able to go out on long vacations or even party out on weekends, by leaving the animals alone at home. If a babysitter is appointed, care must be taken that it shouldn’t be stranger, but a friend whom the pets are familiar with. When owners start to realize that they have got more responsibility than they had asked for, they start thinking of giving up the pet by either releasing them in the wild, which is extremely dangerous, or give them to someone else. In the later situation, bobcats find it extremely difficult to trust and bond with its new owner. Some states in United States and even other countries it is illegal to keep a bobcat as a pet.

There is major difference between weight of males and females. The males weigh up to sixty pounds where as the females weigh thirty pounds. Since the natural habitats of these animals are found on high altitudes, they have a long, thick and furry tail. They have the longest canine teeth among the cat family. The structure of the body in front is compressed and powerful. Clouded leopards have short but muscular legs with huge front paws.

Since the animal comes from the mountainous region, it is very found of climbing. Its cage should be built at least ten feet high and it would be even better if trees are provided within the captivity. Climbing trees and reaching great height is a must exercise for them to satisfy their psychological needs. But extra care must be taken when they are outdoors and on trees because if they escape they are very quick and difficult to catch. The cage can also be equipped with hanging toys, which they can leap to reach. Other than that other toys can be included.

Clouded leopards can be fed with fresh chicken, pigeons, chunks of beef, rabbits, rats and even with fresh blood. Before consuming the food it does a ritual which aids their digestion process. They have a very unique way of hunting it prey. The prey is killed first, after which the clouded leopard plays with the deceased prey for more than an hour. At the end, it eats its prey. And if a tree is provided in its living habitat, it will take its dead prey up the tree and eat it there. Clouded leopards can make up to forty sounds and have very good vocal chords. They mimic many birds and also monkeys in order to trick them and subsequently kill them. Other than the regular food they should also be given daily vitamins supplements and giblets. Their daily diet should comprise of at least one chicken, a rabbit and a rat.

Clouded leopards make partners for life and bonds very early in life. Unsuccessful attempts are made to breed them by introducing the pair to each other post adolescence which is too late. In order to be successful, the pair should be introduced very early so that they can take time to develop the comfort level and build love. The pair shouldn’t be separated till death, as that will affect both of them immensely. After the birth of the offspring, it can be kept with the mother for six weeks, after which it can be paired with the opposite sex for bonding. If the cub is separated earlier than that, it can be fed with bottled milk, which also helps to develop a relationship with the owner.

In zoos, too, these animals shouldn’t be exposed a lot to the public, which drags them into extreme stress and eventually untimely death. Also they shouldn’t be transferred frequently and separated from their partners after a certain age.

They have five long fingers on each limb which help them in easily opening latches, boxes, jars, open trash cans and turn knobs. There prints have great resemblance to human baby’s handprints. Raccoon’s tracks are found mostly on mud near water, where they usually wander in search of food. Their body weight can vary from six to thirty-five pounds and the length of their body can vary from twenty-four to thirty-six inches. Their bushy tail measures up to ten centimeters and has an alternate coloring of white and black. The black circle around their eyes, make them look mischievous and give them an image of a thief. That is substantiated by the fact that they are often sighted in urban areas stealing human garbage or eating other pet animal’s food.

Raccoons are omnivorous and apart from eating nut, berries, corn, mice, human garbage they also eat fish, shellfish, salamanders, egg, bird, frog, insects and amphibians. They have a habit of washing their food before consuming it, especially those who live in captivity. Pet raccoons can also be fed with cat food, as they enjoy it very much. A female raccoon gives birth to four to five offspring at a time. Raccoons mate in January or February and following by birth in April or May. They don’t hibernate in winter, but do become inactive.

Besides rabies, raccoons can also be the carriers of parvovirus, canine distemper, and roundworm. Nearly thirty-eight percent cases of rabies are a result of raccoon bites, in United States. If any unknown raccoon is spotted in the locality at daytime, the local health department should be contacted immediately. Raccoons show no sign of rabies and their body fluids will have the virus if they are infected.

It is illegal to keep raccoons as pet in majority of states of America because of the reason that they are carrier of rabies which could risk human life. In states where they are permitted, special exotic pet permit should be taken. Orphans raccoons which are rescued from the forest have a higher risk of being rabies carriers. They should not only be vaccinated, but also tamed. Raccoons can be bought from special breeders who would have taken care of everything before hand because taming a raccoon is a really tough job. They have really wild instincts which require thorough and strenuous training.

They have a natural tendency to bite, contaminate the food of other animals by excreting in it and are nocturnal. All these weird habits of raccoons require complete dedication of time and hard work. They can be even made to sleep at night. But raccoons held in captivity face health problems like obesity and develop a strange diet. The problem aggravates due to lack exercise. As they are omnivorous, they should be also fed with non-veg. diet, which is difficult for people who are vegetarian. When people make decision of keeping raccoons as pets, they should be ready to keep it forever, because captive raccoons face lots of dangers when released in the wild.

The average length of the body of a serval is about thirty-four inches and the tail is about sixteen inches long. It can live from twelve years to twenty years. Its weight can range from twenty to forty four pounds. It tawny fur has a pattern of round black spots. Some even have freckled spots. Servals have melanin in their skin which sometimes gives them the appearance of a black panther. A kind of serval is known to exist with white fur and grayish silver spots.

Servals which have high melanin content can be found in the mountains, while the rest belong to the savannas, bush lands, marshlands, grasslands, reed beds marsh, bamboo forests and open woodlands. It is not habituated to live in desert, semi-desert areas and its habitat should have a water body. Since its environment should have water and trees around, it also has the ability to swim and climb trees, when required. The servals have the longest legs among the cats, when the body and leg ratio is considered. Apart from having long ears, it also has long neck which helps it to see its prey when it is hiding in tall grass. The ears are so sharp that they can track rodents which are moving underground. It increases concentration while listening, by closing its eyes.

Before pursing its prey, it pauses for few minutes and listens to the animal’s movements. Serval relies on its hearing rather than its visuals. It has a characteristic hop which makes it easier to catch birds. They have terrific leaping and pouncing abilities. They can jump as high as ten feet and can make a precise jump from even as far as three to twelve feet. They can even dig burrows and look for rodents deep in the ground. With all these qualities, serval is a very good hunter. It feeds mainly on rodents apart from eating bird, fish, frog, insects, hare, reptiles and hyraxes. Servals eat their catch really fast and sometimes when the prey is big, it throws out the food as it gets stuck in its throat and chokes it. They hunt at mid-night and early morning.

When kept in captivity, everyday they need to be served with one to three pounds of raw meat with bones. Care should be taken that the meat shouldn’t be cooked. Apart from that, they can also be given premium natural cat food, beef, turkey, chicken, canned tuna, and canned salmon. No exotic pets can be trained to use the letterbox properly, but this habit can vary from animal to animal. Owners who don’t have time to devote to train a serval, shouldn’t go for one. Even after thorough training, the pet does develop undesirable bathroom habits. Pet servals have a fascination for water, so its better if the toilet lid is closed at all times.

The pregnancy period of female serval lasts for nearly three months. At a time, the female can give birth to two or three cubs. Very rarely, even five cubs are born at a time. They are brought up behind shrubs or even in abandoned burrows.

Because of the human interference with the natural habitats of servals, they are decreasing in number. They are diminishing in numbers because of large scale hunting for their fur. That is the reason why they have been given the endangered species tag and are being protected in many nations. They are classified as exotic pets which are not threatened with extinction but will be, if their hunting is brought to an end. They have now become rare in the Sahara and almost extinct in the South African Cape.