United States
Hybrid
Short, Spotted
10-16 in
8-20 lbs
12-16 years
Meet the Serengeti
The Serengeti was developed in the 1990s by crossing a Bengal with an Oriental Shorthair. The goal was to create a domestic cat with the exotic look of a wild serval while maintaining a friendly, affectionate temperament. The result is an elegant, spotted cat with a playful and adventurous spirit.
Where It All Began
The breed was created in the United States in the 1990s by Karen Sausman. By combining the bold markings of the Bengal with the sleek build of the Oriental Shorthair, she achieved a cat that looks wild but is completely domestic. Recognized by TICA in 2012.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Low maintenance coat.
- ✓ Short coat - easy care
- ✓ Brush weekly
- ✓ Occasional bath if needed
- ✓ Check ears and nails regularly
❤ Keeping Healthy
A balanced diet and regular vet care keep your Serengeti thriving.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • High-quality protein diet
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Dental care is important
- • Plenty of exercise and enrichment
$ Cost of Ownership
Serengetis are premium priced with ongoing care costs.
Purchase Price: $1,500 - $5,000+
Monthly Cost: $50 - $120
First Year Cost: $700 - $1,500
Lifetime Cost: $12,000 - $20,000+
👍 Pros
- Exotic, wild appearance
- Intelligent and interactive
- Very playful and active
- Loyal and people-oriented
👎 Cons
- High energy - needs time and space
- Can be destructive if bored
- Not ideal for very small spaces
- Higher initial cost
💡 Did You Know?
The Serengeti originally comes from United States and belongs to the Serengeti — a fitting background for a breed so often described as vocal.
Compare Serengeti
See how the Serengeti stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
