Supercats

THEY are the latest must-have pet for status-conscious owners with money — and space — to spare.
Savannah cats are a hybrid created by mating domestic felines with servals, a species of African wildcat. They cost up to £10,000, but demand is increasing. As many as 300 British owners now give homes to the mighty moggies, which can be three times the size of the domestic cat and weigh up to two stone.
Their days could be numbered, however, as the RSPCA is calling for government action to close a legal loophole allowing people to keep the hybrid cats without a licence. It says they are potentially dangerous to people and other animals.
The cross-breeding of domestic cats with more exotic species is not new. The bengal cat, a hybrid with the Asian leopard cat, is recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy — the feline equivalent of the Kennel Club.
The serval roams the plains of subSaharan Africa, hunting prey such as birds, rodents and small gazelles. It can reach speeds of up to 50mph.
Australia has already banned the importation of savannah cats, fearing for its native wildlife. Its concern is echoed by the RSPCA, which said: “Hybrids are likely to exhibit combinations of characteristics from both domestic and wildcat species, or even new characteristics, which could prove to be dangerous.
“The RSPCA is also concerned that hybrid cats could have an impact with regards to wildlife predation.”
Anyone owning a wild animal breed, such as a serval, or a firstgeneration descendant from it, must have a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. Savannahs that are at least two generations distant do not come under the act.
Breeders insist the cats are harmless. Carl Ainscoe, whose kittens sell for up to £4,500, said: “It’s a load of rubbish that they are dangerous. They get on beautifully with children.”