Adopting a Serval Cat in New York State.

by kay
(lacona, NY, USA)

I was thinking of adopting a serval cat. I do live in north new york i dont know the laws about having a serval cat who could i contact about this?

Kay


Hi Kay, I don’t live in the USA! But I have been involved with the question before. In fact a friend of mine Deborah-Ann Milette keeps a F2 Savannah cat called Motzie. He is a very well known cat. She was recently forced to leave NY and ship her beloved Motzie out of the state because of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). You can read her story here: Jealous Cat Fancier Turns Motzie In As Vicious

serval-face5

So, in answer to your question the people to talk to are the DEC. This is their website: DEC (opens in a new page). As I understand it wild cats and hybrids are banned but that is probably a simplistic answer.

The Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) say this about the Regulations in New York on Wild and Exotic Felines. NY has enacted legislation that prohibits the breeding of wild cats and also bans the purchase and/or sale of wild cats as pets. At the time the law came into force (2005?) the law allowed existing owners to register for a license for 2 years. I suspect that the issuing of licenses to then existing owners would not be renewed once the animals had died.

Certain establishments are allowed to keep wild cats and hybrids such as USDA Class C educational exhibitors.

Wild cat hybrids at or higher than 5th generation are apparently acceptable (marechalcattery.com)

I searched their website for the actual regulations without success (and I search well!). But their page on regulations is here: DEC Regulations — see updates below, please.

I would just ring them! I presume that the regulations I have mentioned cover all of NY state but this needs to be checked.

Update: Click on this: The health code for the city of New York (new window) [update: this link is broken at Nov 2016 – sorry] and

New York State Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals (new window)

Adopting a Serval Cat in New York State to Savannah Cat

Comments for
Adopting a Serval Cat in New York State.

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Jul 15, 2011 servals
by: vanessa

so does that mean its illegal to own one in maine?


Oct 19, 2009 DO NOT BUY OR OWN SERVAL OR SAVANNAH
by: Deborah-Ann Milette

In this forsaken state of New York and in spite of all the good will an F-2 Savannah did for this state you can not own a Serval, or F-1 thru F-5. Meaning you can own an F-6 and that lineage is just begining to occur. Please spare your heart the pain and heart break this state can cause you. Also be aware that Massachusetts, Conn, Rhode Island, Vermont and PA do not allow Savannahs, NH requires a one time permit and update payment every year and I heard but didn’t check Maine is still freer than NH but have not checked. I do now a close friend left the state of Maine and she had 4 servals for Oregon because of laws that are unspoken of.


23 thoughts on “Adopting a Serval Cat in New York State.”

  1. I think that anyone should have access to being trained to work with these exotic cats and then afterward they are allowed to own these animals as pets. Usually when there is a problem with animals a mean human being caused it. Maybe we should ban technology because some evil people use it to hurt children.

    Reply
  2. Hi I’m going to relocate to rochester NY from the UK. I have a savannah F7 but I can not prI’ve her generation because breeder failed to register her and so I don’t have a pedigree certificate. What can I do?I can’t bare the thought customs would take her away from me. Ps she’s an indoor pet.

    Reply
    • As you seem to know, Savannah cats above and including fifth filial are allowed in New York state. So as you say, it’s a question of proving that your cat is within the fifth filial threshold. I think what I would do is to ring up the appropriate department which would be one concerned with the environment and check what proof you need. I really can’t advise because I don’t want to miss-advise you. It would be careless of me if I guessed the answer. You are probably safe and I certainly wouldn’t presume that you have a problem until you genuinely do have a problem. Good luck.

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  3. I have been looking for a Bengal kitten or a Savannah kitten for several months now. I am quite confused at the price range I’m seeing. They go from $700 all the way to $15,000. OMG….. Just looking for a nice exotic companion for our family without the heavy price attached. Looks to me, some breeders are more into the $$ than the happyness of their fur babies. Can you please lead me to a phew good reasonable breeders. Much appreciated
    Cindy from NY

    Reply
    • The huge price difference is probably due to (a) the filial – how far from the wild is the cat and (b) quality – how close to the breed standard is the cat and how special is the appearance. I think the best bet is to visit a breeder who is not far from you and ask questions and look at the place for signs of high standards of cat welfare. You can use the CFA site for breeders or just search on Google. I would not buy blind. Always visit the breeder’s facilities and be tough on questioning. Get a contract and check it. Sorry if this sounds horrendous but this is an adoption for life – up to 20 years. Remember both are wild cat hybrids so the filial level is important. You’d probably go for an F5. Good luck Cindy.

      PS. Clubs sometimes have rehoming services for purebred cats who are unwanted or have to owner. Check Bengal cat and Savannah cat clubs.

      Reply
  4. does anyone know what action is being taken or can be taken to change the law. i live in upstate ny just south of albany. and i would love to have a serval or savannah f1 f2. is there a group established that i can join. or is anyone willing to get together to establish a group to fight for the change in the law. you can reach me at yzbuyz@hotmail.com

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