The Serval is a slender cat with long legs and a short tail. It is similar in size to the Caracal.
The legs are proportionally the longest to its body size of all the wild cats.
COAT
The coat pattern is variable but usually pale yellow with different sized spots, some of which merge into longitudinal stripes down the back and neck.
The underparts are paler but usually also spotted.
The tail has black rings and has a black tip.
Melanistic serval occur with the spotted pattern still showing through on the dark coat.
SIZE
Weight
Size
Female
9 - 11 kg
68 - 93 cm*
Male
11 - 13 kg
71 - 95 cm*
Shoulder height
53 - 60 cm
Tail 1/3 of length
25 - 32 cm
*Head to body length excluding the tail.
FACE
The large, rounded ears are set close together and are a distinguishing feature of this species. They have the largest ears proportionally to their body size of all the cat species.
The backs of the ears are black with a distinct white patch across the centre.
