Serval Cats Legal States 2025

Serval cats are wild, African-native cats. They are larger than domestic house cats at almost two feet long and range from 20 to 40 pounds when fully grown. They have a lifespan of up to 22 years. Because they are wild animals, they are illegal to own in all states. Some states make owning them as pets illegal, while others require certain permits or inspections.

In What States Are Serval Cats Legal to Own?

As of 2024, seven states allowed residents to own serval cats without obtaining a permit: Illinois, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Additionally, no permit is required at the state level in Alabama, Louisiana, or Texas, though certain counties within those states may still require permits.

States That Allow Serval Cat Ownership with No Permit Requirement:

Several additional states allow ownership of Serval cats if the owner meets certain requirements. All such states require an ownership permit/license and/or an import permit. Additional requirements may include an inspection to make sure the proper living arrangements have been made and/or obtaining the cat from a USDA-licensed breeder. These states include Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

States That Allow Serval Cat Ownership with a Permit:

Note: Additional requirements may also exist

In the remaining states, it is illegal to own a serval cat. As of 2024, these states included Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Colombia, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon (except for licensed breeders), Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.

States Where Serval Cats Are Illegal:

Do Serval Cats Make Good Pets?

Because serval cats are wild, they are not as ideal as domesticated cats as pets. They can bond with a person but are not good for families with children or other pets. This means that they are best if you are an individual who lives alone. Because they are so large and have a high need for activity, they also would not be good pets for those who live in cities or smaller homes without outdoor access.

Serval cats have been bred with domestic cats to produce a Savannah cat. These are easier to care for and more similar to domestic cats for those looking for a unique-looking pet without the extra effort of caring for a wild animal.

Taking Care of a Serval Cat

Serval cats require space of their own outside. Because they have the ability to jump high into the air and use their long legs for digging, a tall enclosure that extends underground is required. It should have a pool of water your serval cat can drink and swim in.

Serval cats cannot be litter trained. Combined with their jumping and digging tendencies, they are unsuitable as indoor pets. They are not affectionate like domestic cats can be and do not like to be pet or cuddled. Therefore, trying to keep them inside to bond will only lead to broken objects, messes, and unhappy pets.

Being outside will also give the serval cat a chance to hunt for prey. Their diet should be mostly made up of animals such as rodents, birds, fish, and frogs.