The history of the origin of the Safari cat breed, the standard of appearance of the animal, the character and health of the pet, how to care and maintain at home, the price of a kitten. The Safari cat is one of the most unique species in the feline world. This animal harmoniously combines the primordial uniqueness of wild predators and a disposition, distinguished by sociability and friendliness inherent in pets. If you want to have such an unusual cat, characterized by the color of a wild cat and the affection of a gentle pet, then this breed is just for you. There is evidence that of all the hybrid breeds, this one is distinguished by special kindness and love and abundance.
The history of the origin of cats of the Safari breed
This hybrid variety of cats arose as a result of a robot, by crossing the usual yard Murka and the South American breed of the wild cat Geoffroy (Leopardus geoffroyi or Oncifelis geoffroyi). The first pets, which were obtained in the process of selection in the 1970s in the United States (Washington state), were used to study such a terrible disease as leukemia (blood cancer). This is because in the course of research it was revealed that wild cats are not subject to this terrible feline disease (feline leukemia), in what way they differ from pets. All breeding processes were carried out in cooperation with those breeders who were engaged in the development of a hybrid variety of the domestic cat, which has the peculiar spots inherent in the color of the leopard.
But there was a problem that the domestic cats and Geoffroy's cats had a different set of chromosomes (36 and 38, respectively). The first generation of such animals (F1 hybrid) differed in 37 chromosomes and contained 50:50 percent of blood from the domestic cat and Geoffroy individuals, and the second generation (F2 hybrids) could have both 37 and 38 chromosomes. But males appeared incapable of producing offspring, so females of this hybrid breed could only be crossed with domestic cats. Usually in the role of such a representative of the feline were the varieties of the American Shorthair or Siamese, but occasionally other lines resorted to the help of Bengal cats.
At the very beginning, the activity of breeding semi-wild hybrid breeds, due to difficulties with the inability to reproduce, was discontinued. However, since the Bengal cat breed was successful, the interest in hybrids began to appear again. Mating of a domestic cat and a wild feline almost never ended in success, although initially such attempts were made, but a wild cat always killed a pet. Therefore, it became clear that it is necessary to engage in the cultivation of such animals together practically from the "young claws". However, even with such a trick, getting healthy kittens was unrealistic.
To name the exotic species, it was suggested to use the word "Criollo", translated as "half-breed", as the wild horses of South America were previously called. And also "Appaloosa" (Appaloosa, as the horses of the forelock color were called), since the coat of the cat had a spotted color. But everyone came to the conclusion that these two names were too associated with horses, not cats, and it was decided to use the term "safari", implying hunting wild cats in Africa.
Due to the fact that in some lines there was a mating of Geoffroy cats with Bengal cats, some experts in felinology began to argue that safari cats are almost identical to Bengals. But most connoisseurs distinguish Safari cat in a separate form. Although outwardly, these two varieties differ little, despite all the efforts of breeders who have tried to ensure that the new breed has similarities with both pets and wild ones. Compliance is only found in the area of coat color.
If we talk about the population of safari cats, then their number has become such that it is possible to cross animals within a variety without involving other types of felines. Today, safari cats are not recognized by any felinological organization in the world, and they are experimental in TICA, but representatives of this species, due to their extravagant appearance, continue to be popular.
Safari Cat Breed Standard Description
In 1980, Californian breeders produced a description of the standard for the safari cat variety, and at the same time, they were registered in the experimental section in TICA.
The size of these animals directly depends on the degree of relationship with representatives of the Geoffroy breed, the same applies to the temperament of the pet. If the male is especially large, then his weight can reach 17 kg. The female of the first generation usually grows on average up to 8 kg, while the male will weigh 14 kg.
- Body individuals of any sex are distinguished by their strength and muscularity, it is proportional and compact. Moreover, both the shoulder blades and the croup are rounded and raised. The rib cage is deep and moderate in width.
- Head has a wedge-shaped, muzzle with a slight elongation. The chin has a strong and broad outline. The lower jaw is well developed, the bite of the safari cat is correct. Mustache pads are dense, rounded and taut. The transition from the muzzle to the head is clearly pronounced, with a curvature. The cheeks are tucked up, and the cheekbones are quite high. If the male is an adult, then the standard allows his cheeks to be slightly saggy. The outlines of the bridge of the nose are wide, its contour is V-shaped, it is absolutely straight. The forehead is rounded, moderately wide. The nasal pad has a moderate bulge, it is wide and large.
- Ears Safari cat is large in size, the ears are close and wide apart, their shape is rounded. The ears are characterized by mobility and depth, affecting the back of the head. On the back of the ears there are whitish spots that resemble a fingerprint in their shape. Such spotting is called "false eye", which serves so that the predatory animal can scare away its enemies, sneaking up from behind.
- Eyes Safari cats have the following shape: the lower eyelid resembles an almond, and the upper one resembles an oval. The animal's gaze is distinguished by alertness and intelligence. The edging near the eyes is dark, there is a "tear trace" at the inner corner of the eye slit. The color of the iris can range from yellow to green. But this shade will always be combined with the color of the coat.
- Neck Safari cats are of medium length, shape is wide and strong.
- Limbs differ in proportion and muscularity. The length of the hind legs and front legs is equal, but at the same time, the position of the animal gives the impression that its croup is raised.
- Tail it is medium in length, differs in flexibility, at the base it is thickened, at its tip there is a narrowing.
- Wool safari cats are short and dense, with a well-developed undercoat. The coat is quite resilient and capable of repelling water.
- Color six tricky. There are whole or broken rings on the tail and legs. On the chest there is a pattern of a number of torn necklaces. There is a spotting along the entire back, which descends to the sides. At the same time, the spotted pattern in these places does not differ in symmetry, since the spots have a round and elongated shape. There are small spots or rosettes on the chest and abdomen. Spotless coat and lighter color only between the forelegs and in the groin. According to the standard, the color must meet the criteria for a leopard pattern, that is, spotted tabby. Coloring directly depends on what breed of domestic cat was involved in mating, so a safari species can have a golden, brown or reddish (red) color scheme. The rare and most valuable colors are cats with black and smoky colors and spots that are clearly visible on the coat.
All breeders of this species note that their pets have a grace borrowed from their wild ancestors.
Features of the character of a cat of the safari breed
Despite the fact that this breed is hybrid, it does not resemble similar species in its nature. The owners of safari cats emphasize that even in the initial generation, the animals are very affectionate. They are in harmony with people, especially children and other pets, only if they are not rodents and birds. The character of these representatives of felines is unobtrusive and they do not require increased attention to their person, although they do not mind cuddling and sitting in their arms.
Safari cat health
Despite the fact that this animal is a hybrid and many similar species have health problems, safari cats are distinguished by their endurance and are not subject to any genetic or hereditary defects. However, it is clear that specialists cannot give any 100% guarantee. But an important aspect is a properly composed diet, especially when the pet is actively growing. Many breeders insist that problems arise only when the products that the animal eats do not meet the proper quality.
It is also important not to forget about routine vaccinations and deworming. In the latter case, the drugs Drontal-plus or Cestal have proven themselves well on the market. But remember that you must follow the manufacturer's instructions completely. Since these animals must spend a lot of time outdoors, it is worth protecting them from external parasites. In this case, you can use drugs that drip onto the withers of the pet (for example, Stronghold) and collars from the manufacturer Hartz are used as a prophylaxis.
Safari cat care rules
Although this animal resembles a predator, it is rather unpretentious in keeping.
Wool
Since the coat of safari cats is not too long, they do not need any specific care. It is recommended that you simply periodically brush your pet so that short hairs do not cover all surfaces in the house. It is clear that it is better to devote a little time to this every day, using a soft brush, the teeth of which will not injure the skin of the animal. This is especially true for the period in spring and autumn, when intensive molt begins.
If a cat walks on the street, then you will have to bathe him more often than his fellows who do not go outside the premises. But in the latter case, bathing is needed if the pet is too dirty. Usually, the wool is cleaned with shampoos every three months. Depending on your preference, there are dry and liquid shampoos or sprays on the market. If you use a liquid consistency product, then the cat's hair must be moistened and the preparation diluted with water should be applied to it. Do not immediately pour shampoo on the cat, as it can dry out the skin and then the animal will start to itch.
A liquid shampoo can be 8 in 1 “Perfect Coat” which has proven itself among cat-lovers. When using dry shampoo, the preparation is poured onto the coat and then thoroughly with the help of a comb, remove the remnants of the product. But there are such funds that do not require such a withdrawal. It is advisable to use dry shampoos for cleaning wool - "Trixie Trocken Shampoo", manufactured by the German company TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co KG.
But it is worth recalling that safari cats love water very much, they splash with pleasure in the shower jets and can simply watch the water flow for a long time. Do not deprive them of the pleasure of bathing and use dry cleaning products, unless your pet is very fond of water procedures.
Important
Never use human-made shampoo to bathe your cat. The acidity of the skin of an animal and a person is different and a violation of this rule can lead to skin diseases of the animal. After the product is washed off, the cat needs to be dried: you can use towels or a hairdryer, but in the latter case, the animal may get scared and then the drying procedure will become problematic. Protect your pet from cold winds and drafts until the coat is completely dry.
Ears and eyes
Taking care of these parts of the body is also easy. It will be enough to wipe with a damp cloth or cotton swab only once a week. But, to clean the ears, you can use cotton swabs with restraints (they will not injure the ear of the safari cat), as well as moisten the cotton tip in special cleaning products, such as AVZ Bars or Hartz lotion (it contains aloe and lanolin).
It is better to wipe the eyes with folk or specialized means. The first can be a decoction of chamomile or a strong tea brew; from ready-made lotions, some of the most popular are Cliny C or SaniPet. Each eye is wiped with a separate cotton pad.
General Tips
Since the safari cat is large in size, it is clear that she needs physical activity and activity. Its dimensions do not allow keeping such an animal in a city apartment, and it would be better for her to have a country private house with a large plot or aviary intended for walking, where there will be plenty of room for mobility. For the owners of this exotic living in apartments, you will often need to go for walks with them, taking them on a leash.
This should be thought about before purchasing an animal, as outdoor games for a safari cat are very important, as is the case with dogs. If the owner ignores such recommendations, then sooner or later this will lead to destructive behavior of the pet, and he will become nervous and spoil things.
Important to remember
Since the ancestors of safari cats were wild predators, the animal will jealously guard its territory and if a neighbor's cat or an uninvited guest accidentally wanders into it, they will always be perceived as enemies.
Claws
When living in a private house, when a cat walks on the ground, then its claws will partially wear out, but the issue of them is not completely resolved and it is still better to have a scratching post in the house and use claws. The latter device can only be used if the owner is confident that he can handle the procedure and will not injure the animal. Otherwise, it is better to go to the vet.
Nutrition
Since safari cats are born hunters, keeping them is about maintaining a proper diet. It is important here that the animal receives a sufficient amount of meat products, which include low-fat meats and sea fish, which will make up up to 70% of the total diet.
Dry food is not used for this pet, and it is also not recommended to offer him milk, although you can diversify food by offering cottage cheese or yogurt. But water should always be in the public domain.
Safari kitten price
Since the process of breeding such pets is quite complicated, it is problematic to acquire a safari breed. Even in their homeland, America, there are very few breeding nurseries. Due to the rarity of this variety, it ranks second in the ranking in terms of cost.
Naturally, this is reflected in the cost of the animal. So the price of a first generation safari cat can vary in the range of 4,000-10,000 USD. But if you buy an adult cat or a safari cat, then their cost may be in the range of 10,000-12,000 USD.
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