Section 1.
 
What is the process of obtaining a serval, caracal, bobcat or lynx kitten from Stylisticat?
 
First of all, we ask that you submit a kitten application and that gives us the basic information such as your current amount of animals and experience with animals. We will ask you to provide proof of address (such as a utility bill) and a current passport and driving licence which matches the proof of address given for two picture identification purposes. This totals 3 proofs of identity so we know you are who you say you are!

We will then go through all the requirements of owning a wildcat and the kind of responsibilities it entails. You need to arm yourself with a wealth of knowledge and come up with several plans to implement in case of emergencies. You also need to think about your will and what would happen with your cat if you should die. You need to learn about the behaviour of your chosen wildcat and look into how you will increase your bond and chances of a successful relationship. We'll make sure you're really ready for a wildcat before placing one with you, for both of your sakes.

Can I get two at once for breeding?

We only allow experienced handlers to have two wildcats at the one time.
 
Section 2.
 
What about my DWA licence (in the UK only) or permits (USA, Canada and EU) to keep a serval?
 
After we have verified who you are, we will help you obtain your DWA licence if you don’t already have one.  If you do require a permit then we will require a copy of this before we will release the kitten to you. The reason for this is that we have to lodge proof of your licence to our local council/ state department for animal welfare. This a requirement of all kitten sales which are required to have a licence on our premises. You can read more about DWA Licences in the UK here: https://www.stylisticat.com/blog/dwa-licence-questions
 
Where do I start?
 
So you are wondering how we have come to own such beautiful cats and wondered where to start, whilst you give the idea of exotic cat or dangerous wild animal licensed cat ownership very careful consideration…
 
We receive many questions on a daily basis on how to obtain these animals and if they are all as wonderfully tame as they are in our videos which we post regularly on social media. I decided to write this small article as a rough guide to cover these questions and explain reasons behind my answers. I will also discuss the breeding aspect of these animals very lightly.
 
I will refer to the “DWA”, and the, “DWAA” throughout and these abbreviate the “Dangerous Wild Animal” and “Dangerous Wild Animal Act”.
 
Any animal considered not to be domesticated falls into the DWA category in the United Kingdom. You will find that parts of the world have different rules and do not even licence some wild cats for private ownership. In some countries not only wild cat ownership, but hybrid ownership is banned altogether. I would suggest that before deciding to really research private exotic cat ownership, whether this be a hybrid or full wild cat, please do check your local laws depending on which state or country you are in. This is primarily aimed at the UK DWAA, but can be used as a guideline or part of your research on wild cat ownership anywhere in the world as I hope it can give you some useful information.
 
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act was first produced in 1976 and amended in 2010. The purpose of the act was to prevent incompetent ownership of the larger species which were widely available around the time of the Act’s compilation. Do not get me wrong, there are still a number of private owners in the UK with leopards, pumas, cheetahs, tigers and other larger species but they are licensed and inspected annually/ bi-annually to ensure the welfare of the animal is being prioritised.
 
There are no different rules in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales or England on the DWAA.
 
What is the requirements of a DWA Licence and how do I find out more?

Firstly, there are no physical national requirements on enclosure sizes, materials, lighting, heating or design structure. The answer is simply- speak to your local council animal welfare officer. Each individual council or county has their own requirements on what they feel meets the DWAA compliance for them to issue you with a licence.
 
I will give you an example of 4 different wild cat owners enclosure types and they all have DWA Licenses:
 
 
NOTE: the comfort rating and security rating is a personal opinion and is not issued by a council.
 
The rating is inserted to help potential DWA cats keepers to understand the difference that enclosures can make to the life of the animals in their care.
 
Who enforces the DWAA?
 
Your local council holds full responsibility to enforce the DWAA and issue or refuse to issue licences to Dangerous Wild Animal keepers.
 
It is worth noting that you must apply for a DWA licence before you obtain your animal you intend to keep on your premises.
 
Most councils have application forms for a DWA licence so by asking for one well in advance, you will have an insight into what information the council will require from you. It may also be worth speaking to your council DWA officer to gain the contact details of the Veterinary Surgeon who will be inspecting your enclosure. You can then contact her/ him directly and discuss any concerns or recommendations they may have well before you start your building project.
 
It is worth remembering that there are a few requirements that must be met to adhere to the act and this is what the council is there to enforce under the act.
 
What are the basic requirements of a DWA Licence?
 
The council will check to ensure that:

• Your animal is not likely to cause nuisance to neighbours through noise or smell for example,

• You have a current public liability insurance policy to cover the animal,
• You fully understand what the animal is required to eat and your proposed food is adequate,

• You fully understand the characteristics of the animal inclusive of exercise requirements,

• Your animal can exercise and move freely within the enclosure proposed,
• Your enclosure is constructed of good materials (to keep the animal secure) although each council has different ideas on what is secure or not,

• Fire Extinguisher and you can operate it,
• Emergency Procedures,
• Dedicated Veterinary Surgeon for the animal,
• Vaccination Procedures (how will the animal be annually protected and will the vet come to you),

• Heating is adequate for the animal to be comfortable in all weathers,
• Accommodation will be dry and ventilated if required,
• Accommodation will have adequate entry/ exit procedures i.e. double or triple door system.
• If you are trying to licence your home, you must have secure provisions installed such as:

                        Self-close door systems,
                        Secure entry systems where the animal can be accessed i.e. key/ pin code,
                        Lockable windows,
                        Adequate sanitary provision,
                        Animal carriers for emergency vacate,
                        Emergency procedures,
                        Fire Extinguishers,
                        Appropriate meat storage (raw meat & chicks etc),

It may be worth thinking thoroughly through your escape procedures very thoroughly as some councils may not grant a licence on the basis of poor enclosure structure or lack of knowledge. We have a gamekeeper in the local area who has been allocated an emergency position in case of escape and we are unable to capture. The purpose of this is to ensure that there is no threat to the public. It is then down to the individual licensee to ensure that they never have to make that call…
 
If a licence will be issued, it will include the following:

• How many animals are covered on the licence and what species,
• Where the animals will be kept,
• The address of the property,
• The persons licensed to keep the animals (this usually ties in with public liability insurance too so do make sure you have all the names of the people you require to be in contact with the animal on the licence).

• If the applicant is over the age of 18 years and has been previously disqualified from keeping DWA animals,

• A police check for all persons named on the licence,
• Any restrictions placed on the licence i.e. number of DWA kittens allowed on premises and age they should be moved from the home DWA out into the main enclosures. It will also detail the moving of the animals and that this should be done in appropriate, secure carriers.

• A fee payable to the council to cover vet visits and administration, usually around £200 –£300 depending on the area you live.

 
If I plan to breed DWA’s – what happens when another one comes for breeding?
 
Call your council well in advance to notify them and ensure they add the cat on to your licence. Councils have the right to discretion and as this is a temporary situation you will be able to add on the animal for a short period.
 
Do I really need a licence? How would anyone know any different?
 
Power to seize
 
Firstly, we do not trade any animals under the DWA to non-DWA holders. Please do not ask us as we will not risk the safety of our animals.
 
We have exceptionally high-standards in our facility and if you are not deemed competent by the local authority in your area, then we will not undermine this decision, or overrule and give you a cat anyway.
 
“But I’m about to build an enclosure”
“I’m just waiting on my inspection”
“I’ll build the enclosure before the kitten gets big”
“It’s only the one cat, so I don’t think I really need an enclosure”
 
If you would like a kitten from us which requires a DWA licence then please provide us with a copy of your licence that has already been granted.
 
NOTE: Where an animal is being kept contrary to the section 1 (1) of the DWAA (held without a licence when it requires a licence) or any condition of your DWA licence is contravened/ you are non-compliant, the council may seize your animal.
 
The council can hold on to it, rehome it, destroy it or whatever they decide and they NOT liable to pay any compensation for the animal to the owner. Not only do they not need to compensate the owner but they can also charge fees for uplifting the animal and doing what they have decided to do with it. This debt is recoverable through court.
 
I find it difficult to encounter the wild cats which I would like to own…why is everyone so protective?
 
Without a zoo licence, it is not possible to allow visitors to come and visit our animals any more than a few days per year. This also goes for the USA – you need an exhibitors licence to be able to show your animals to other people. Also, you need to work for trust. Network. Visit places if people will allow you to. If breeders of the animal you want to keep are being secretive, ask yourself why. It can be difficult to source if wild cats are inbred or not without being in contact with other people who have bought cats from the person you decide to buy from. If you genuinely want to purchase a wild cat or F1 hybrid then ask breeders if you can spend some time with the breeds they have, stating your genuine interest in purchasing one. Some breeders may even accept volunteers, but be sure that they have adequate insurance to cover others in with their DWA animals. To explain this further, one of our insurance policies only covers those named on the licence, so we have had to take out a further policy to cover those who are not named. By having two, we can change the amount of liability and the type of contact with the animals.
 
What cats are covered under the DWAA?
 
A selection – (remember if it is not considered domestic, then a licence is applicable):
Bobcat
Caracal
Cheetah
Jaguar
Lion
Lynx
Ocelot
Puma
Serval
Tiger

Section 3. Enclosure Building
 
If I have an enclosure built and a DWA licence granted, can I bring the animal in the house?
 
No. Not unless you have your house or more specifically an area of the house dedicated to DWA animals. This is not easily attainable but is achievable through time and knowledge.
 
What’s the point is keeping a DWA animal outside in an enclosure all the time? I want a DWA pet.
 
Firstly, they are not domestic pets. A dangerous wild animal licence covers you for animals that are not “pets”. The term pet is part of the reason why the act was introduced. The fact that these animals are not domesticated means that they are not well-suited to houses or the domestic lifestyle. It is often that these animals will not use a litter tray or play with something that was a much cherished possession of their owners. DWA cats are quicker, smarter, more agile and can give bigger bites than your average domestic cat – they need to be kept secure not only for public safety, but for their own. Their bites are not always in an aggressive manner and merely playing or love bites, but some people may not be able to tell the difference and get upset. The main reason that they are not suited to the indoors only without any outdoor provision is purely for the cats safety more than anything else. It has been known that they have jumped through a window when they've got a fright.
 
If you decide to bring your cat in and it escapes, you will have to put your emergency procedures into place and you could lose your cat and your licence. If you really want your DWA cat in the house, plan carefully and have it onto your licence. We do NOT recommend that you get a wild cat as a pet for a domestic environment.

​
Do I need to make any special housing arrangements for my Serval, Caracal, Bobcat or Lynx?
 
African Serval, Caracal or other medium wildcat-  or F1 Savannah enclosure:

For an F1 or serval, you need an enclosure. We prefer full metal enclosures - contact us for a supplier. We have a special licence which covers an area of our home under the special breeder DWA Licence we hold, but this is not easily attained or recommended.

It is not just about the construction of the enclosure that is important but also what is inside it that counts. You need to think about the natural environment and not just pop them into a wooden shed with a small outdoor area. They should be able to run and get out of breath, Play hide and seek, splash in the water, jump up high, sit on a perch, shelter from rain or sun, scratch their claws, do the toilet in a clean area every time and, of course, explore new objects.
 
From time to time we will reconstruct the whole inside of the enclosures to ensure that they feel like they are somewhere exciting again.
 
The minimum space we would keep F1's (up to 3 plus a male) or a serval (per serval) in is 50 square metres. An example of this is in the picture on the right.
 
You want to make sure they have a place where if they feel like they want to be alone, they can be. They sometimes do not want company and like to go and sleep somewhere up high.
 
This is the case for the indoor rooms within our cattery buildings too. Importantly, they need to be able to interested in every environment that they live in, especially when they are with other cats. This room pictured on the left, is in the process of being built. The windows are double sided, with Perspex on the inside, glass on the outside and then meshed over. Incidences have occurred where servals have jumped through windows so mesh is a security system for safety, even though it goes out into the enclosure. Making them feel part of the family even if they live outside is important. It’s always worth changing things up or moving things around to enrich their lives with new surroundings.

If you do not provide adequate comfort and environmental security for them then you may end up with a worst case scenario – a fight between cats. Wildcats can fight each other to the death and therefore you do not want to leave things to chance. Make sure they have the opportunity to be where they feel safe and secure or can jump out the way of a grumpy enclosure-mate if need be.

You can put a lot of things inside your housing. These include things such as:
Steps
Mobiles
Hanging leaves
Artificial Ivy
Artificial Plants
Towers
Bead counter
Picture Frames
Blankets
Cushions
Several litter trays
Water bowls to prevent algae growth on bowls outside
CCTV
Beds
Cubby Holes
Rope Bridges
High Beams and walkways
TV’s
Heaters
Heatpads
Fireplaces
Posters

​The 12 basics for a happy wildcat are:

1. Strongly constructed spacious enclosure,
2. An indoor area,
3. An outdoor area,
4. Beams,
5. High walkways.
6. CCTV,
7. Security lighting,
8. Indoor heating,
9. Absorbent bedding,
10. Toys,
11. Cubby holes.
12. Cleanable and disinfectable terrain

 
If you can afford to build your enclosure fully in metal then we would recommend it simply because it’s easier to clean, much more longer lasting and require minimum maintenance. You can build one yourself or use a supplier.

a. Design
 
Try to include different zones such as water play, balls, rolling around, jumping, climbing. These areas need to be cleaned and also they need to be maintained so try not to make them too difficult to look after. Cats often find places to defecate that are inaccessible by humans so try not to construct something, which causes issues before the cats are even in it. A planted are is also desirable – even with artificial plants.

b. Enrichment
 
You can use rope swings, plants, balls, ball pits, swimming pools, sand pits, bark, hanging baskets, water features, boxes, artificial ivy and logs to create beautiful zones which are interesting to your cat. Try to avoid using concrete slabs over the whole area because it isn’t soft on your cat’s paws and therefore they can wear their pads away walking on concrete all day. Try and think like a cat, make it interesting, put food inside cardboard boxes, have high shelves, hang logs to walk along – important part – have fun doing it!

c. Suppliers
 
Contact us for local suppliers in the UK.

What size should the enclosure be?

This really does depend on your availability of space. Remember they need to be able to run about, so think of this when planning your design. They don't stay tiny kittens forever!

​Section 4. Feeding and Routine
What do they eat?
 
Initially they are raised on a special milk called Zoologic Milk Matrix 33/40. You will need to purchase a bag of this either from us or from the USA directly. This milk is an imported product. We sell the bags from £55.00.
 
In the UK, we recommend a complete mix for your servals food. We supply your servals food for the first few days but you must ensure you have enough stock at any given time to last for two weeks. You will need a separate freezer to be able to store your kittens food as it cannot be stored alongside human food. You will also need an area which you can thaw your kittens food to room temperature. NEVER thaw raw meat in a microwave. In emergencies, if you have forgotten to thaw the meat the night before, then you can thaw it in cold running water in the sink. There are a variety of meats which we can supply you with Kiezebrink raw meat in frozen overnight shipping.
​
The ones we recommend come in 500g or 1kg per unit and this is our prices:

Be very careful with whole prey and raw meat – always cleanse and disinfect the area where they have eaten the meat and collect any uneaten parts. Dispose of immediately in an outside sealed bin. Do not store in the home. A whole prey is not an effective diet on it’s own unless the full body including the organs have been ingested.
 
Section 5. Supplements
What about supplements – what do I use?

Raw meat supplement plus calcium        £9.60 (£8.00 ex.Tax)
 
Suitable to supplement a raw meat diet without bones, for both dogs and cats.
Contains all required vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats, according to European guidelines. Daily easy to use dosages, by using the included measuring spoon.
 
Why this supplement? 
This supplement contains a high level of calcium and is therefore suitable to supplement a raw meat diet without bones. It contains other minerals and vitamins, not just calcium, which dogs and cats need.
 
This supplement is an ideal addition to:
A self-composed raw meat diet that contains muscle meat and possibly organ meat, but no meaty bones.
A diet in which variation is not possible because of allergies for example.
A diet that for any reason there are doubts about the completeness.
 
We also have a raw meat supplement without calcium.

Bayopet Megaflex £8.99
 
For the formation of connective tissue and musculoskeletal system, your cat requires special nutrients. During growth, times of high physical activity, and as your cat ages,he/she require more of these nutrients than is normally found in traditional cat food.
 
Megaflex provides your animal with these nutrients and revives normal tissue regeneration. Specially formulated with biologically enriched, cartilage-protecting substances that supply important nutrients necessary for the development and repair of cartilage.
 
Megaflex ingredients
 
Green New Zealand mussel: 
Glycosaminglycans (GAG), Chondroitin-4-Sulphate and Chondroitin-6-Sulfate, also further cartilage-protecting, all natural ingredients.
Willow bark:
contains natural substances that support the autochthonous regulation in cases of inflammation and pain.
Rampion:
Has supportive, decongestant and soothing qualities.
Humans use it to avoid joint degradation.
Nettle leafs:
counteract cartilage-decomposition and joint degradation with silica and other ingredients.
Vegetable oils:
supports the autochtone reparation processes of the connective tissue.
The vegetable oils contained are rich with non-saturated Omega-3 and Omega-6-fatty acids.
Vitamin E:
helps your cat absorb free radicals useful for treating deficiencies of the connective tissue, muscles, and joints.
 
Ingredients
Meat & meat by-products, fish & fish by-products, dried mussel, vegetable by-products, yeast, vegetable oil, trace elements. 
 
Additives:
vitamin E (100,000 mg/kg).
 
Analytical constituents
protein 25.7 %
fat 5.7 %
fibre 1.6 %
ash 7.4 %
 
Cat's weight feeding amount in g / day
up to 5 kg1 measuring cup (2 g)
over 5 kg2 measuring cups (4 g)
 
Days we feed it
Tuesday Saturday
 
Grau Bone Meal  - £7.50
 
Grau Bone Meal is the ideal calcium supplement for your cat because it contains natural minerals and trace elements and has really high bioavailability so that your cat can effectively reabsorb it. The nutrients contained in bone meal are vital for developing a strong skeleton and powerful jaw, and are particularly important for growth. Grau Bone Meal is suitable for cats and dogs.
 
Grau Bone Meal can be used to supplement raw feeding (BARF) to correct an imbalanced calcium-phosphorous balance. Grau bone meal is also suitable for cats that don't tolerate bones well.
 
Grau Bone Meal:

• Calcium supply in home-cooked rations (BARF)
• Extra high bioavailability
• Supports bone and skeletal development
• Vital for a strong jaw

 
Caution: Due to the high calcium content, cats only require less than half a pinch of ground bone per day! Do not exceed this dosage and do not give WITH other meaty bones or calcium supplement or supplement containing calcium.
 
Note: Grau Bone Meal is exposed to high temperatures and enormous pressure during the cooking process. Heat and pressure kills all the germs so that cats and dogs are not infected with pathogens such as BSE and other diseases.
 
Ingredients:
100% ground bone (beef).
 
Additives:
No additives, according to the manufacturer.
 
Analytical constituents
protein 0.2 %
fat 0.3 %
fibre 0.3 %
ash 81.4 %
calcium 35.7 %
phosphorus 25.6 %
magnesium 0.022 %
sodium 0.016 %
 
Feeding recommendation:
Cats: 1.5g every 2-4 days (depending on the calcium content of meat used and whole prey provided).
A 0.5g measuring spoon is included in the packaging.
 
Caution: Due to the high calcium content and bioavailablity of this product, please do not exceed the dosage stated above if giving to your cat.

​Grau Seaweed Meal - £6.99 400g
 
This natural product is exclusively comprised of fresh seaweed. The many natural minerals, vitamins and amino acids in this product boost pigmentation and bring out the natural colour of the skin and coat. This is particularly noticeable with dark fur. It supports metabolism and the immune system and has a direct effect on vitality, looks and performance.
Natural seaweed meal contains a high amount of iodine, which is essential for a healthy functioning thyroid.
 
 
Nutritional supplement
Supports any natural pigmentation from white to black
Contains 380,g/kg of natural iodine
Promotes a thick and shiny coat
Please note: Seaweed meal should not be used with Hyperthyroidism.
 
Ingredients
Dried, fresh seaweed (Asyophyllum nodosum)
 
Additives: No additives, according to the manufacturer.
 
Analytical constituents
 
Protein 6.8 %
fat        3.2 %
fibre     8.2 %
ash      24.8 %
moisture 8.9 %
 
Luposan Herbal Power 30 - £14.99 600g
 
Feeding with Luposan Herbal Power 30 provides the basis for a healthy metabolism. Herbal Power 30 is a unique herbal food supplement containing micro-algae and many other natural components, including: minerals, amino acids, trace elements, vitamins and non-saturated fatty acids.
Herbal Power 30 makes any food, however good, easier to digest and metabolise. Administered daily, Herbal Power contributes to:
 
Improved nutrient absorption
Shiny coat
Healthy skin
Optimal metabolism
Digestive tract regulation and cleaning; toxin disposal
Regular natural bowel function
Improved natural immune response
Luposan Herbal Power 30 contains approx. 50% herbs including; nettles, horsetail, burdock, pansies, and rose hips, approx. 30% sea algaes and micro-algaes including chlorella algae, and approx. 20% seeds (milk thistle, flax seed).
 
Ingredients:
Herb mixture (apprx. 50%, incl. stinging nettle leaves, horsetail, burdock root, pansy, rose hips, milk thistle, grape seed extract, etc.), algae (apprx. 30%, sea and microalgae), seeds (apprx. 20%, incl. milk thistle, linseed).
 
Analytical constituents
 
Protein 13.9 %
Fat 10.8 %
Fibre 19.2 %
Ash 29.4 %
Calcium 12.0 %
phosphorus 0.4 %
moisture 5.3 %
sodium 0.03 %
 
How often do I feed them? And do they eat kibble or biscuits?
 
A serval kitten needs 4 feeds per day until about 6 months old and then they can reduce down to 2 – 3 feeds per day of meat. You can do 2 bottle feeds per day until 9 months old too. Once 9 months old, a bottle feed can just be part of a bonding process and every 2 or 3 days to once per week. You must be careful when adding supplement to the diet if giving bottles because it contains everything they need in their diet and should not be over-supplemented.
 
I have been asked by a few people recently for help with feeding their serval and caracal kittens. I thought I would compose this guide to make things easier for you instead of you having to recalculate daily and getting all flustered!
                                   
Firstly, congratulations on your new baby and hello to those who are here as part of their research on owning one of these beautiful animals. I would also like to recommend this guide to those who have asked how much milk to feed a Savannah kitten or how much to feed a newborn wildcat kitten.

I will also include some recommendations on what you can purchase to support the feeding routine of your serval kitten/ cub, caracal kitten/ cub, bobcat kitten/ cub or lynx kitten/ cub in the UK. This includes teats, bottles and methods which we use to feed our kittens.
  
Generally, we recommend that as soon as we have established a good feeding routine with a serval or caracal kitten, that it comes to you to start the bonding process. Waiting even past 6 weeks can really impact of the bonding process which you will have and the trust that can be built from a crucial stage in their emotional and sensory development. HOWEVER please note:

ENGLAND
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 
 5.—(1) The purchase, or sale, by or on behalf of the licence holder of any of the following is prohibited--
 
(a)unweaned mammals;
(b)mammals weaned at an age at which they should not have been weaned;
(c)non-mammals that are incapable of feeding themselves;
(d)puppies, cats, ferrets or rabbits, aged under 8 weeks.
(4) No female animal with unweaned offspring may be removed from its home environment and newborn, unweaned or dependent offspring must not be removed from their mothers.
 
It is illegal in England to take a kitten from its mother to hand-rear. We are lucky to have social mothers who allow us to socialise kittens in tandem to the mother raising them.

I always recommend that your serval or caracal kitten vaccination is not normally carried out until at least 16 weeks of age due to the slower rate of growth. This is why the feeding requirements are crucial because you become Mum or Dad; you become the only source of life for these kittens and it's crucial you get it right.                                                                                                      
 
Many of you who follow serval and caracal groups on social media will have read recently of a number of servals who have been suffering from a calcium deficiency where, in layman's terms, the bones fracture in the legs and the kittens become unable to support the weight of their bodies on their legs. Many of them have died. There has been a number of deaths of serval and caracal kittens which have been delivered with broken legs over the past few years, not only in the USA but in Europe and this rate appears to be increasing as people buy servals, often related, then breed them to make a quick buck. None of these breeders appear to know or more importantly care what they are doing. These servals are arriving with CITES papers with Savannah written on them and we have been contacted by people who are living in fear that their cats are illegal and fear of them being seized and destroyed. Two breeders which we urge to err on the side of caution (or basically just set your money on fire) with are in Russia and Ukraine. You do not want to go through the heartache that several people have been through with these breeders. Even more recently, servals are being sold from the UK without any paperwork at all and sent abroad in the hope that they won’t get caught or seized. This becomes more about the money than the animals.
BE CAREFUL.

As you know, I am very keen on supplementation and diet research for all of our cats. Some breeders heavily stress by feeding a mixed whole prey diet, that your serval or caracal kitten would be perfectly healthy and this is true to an extent. Often cats in captivity do not eat the whole prey which they would in the wild because they know that their next meal is coming by sunset. Feeding your serval or caracal kitten on chicken drumsticks and mixed minced meat is NOT sufficient for their diet. They need much more than raw meat and some bones. We always recommend you buy Keizebrink Organ Mix to add to your meat and we ALWAYS use carefully measured supplements which are like multivitamins for cats - the main ones are here. It is important that once your serval kitten is weaned that you still add some milk to their meat for the first 6 - 9 months of their life as kittens. Many will still feed them bottles to keep that bond - and that is perfectly okay also. If you do not want to feed a bottle to a serval or caracal then this is not the right kitten for you. This is a major part of the 'breakthrough-barrier' in getting them used to living in captivity alongside you. 

So here are some details that should hopefully get you started.

1. Since each ml of water weights 1 g, 0.1 liters of water = 100 grams. 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams. This means 100 g = 0.1 kg.·    
2. So, 10% bodyweight of a 150g kitten is 15g of powder with 30ml of water per day – since 30g of water weighs 30ml. 20% bodyweight is 30g of powder with 60ml of water, per day divided into equal feeds – at least 5 but preferably more up to 12 for smaller kittens at this weight. You can put milk in a saucer twice per day once they are feeding.
3. The heavier weights, before using a saucer, are more indicated towards servals and other larger cats, since it’s important that they get their nutrients from milk for longer due to the slower rate of growth than a domestic kitten. You can switch to a saucer once your domesticated kitten eating food.
4. We would recommend this guide for use in feeding F1 Savannah Kittens.
5. Powders are in a 1 : 2 ratio of powder to water.

I’ve given you a minimum and maximum range to help those who want to check what the daily healthy range is for their kitten.
 
How to start weaning if you are raising an orphan
 
You would ideally feed from a teaspoon (silver spoon) and wedge just under the front teeth at about 4 weeks old. Your kitten will show resistance to this, but once they get a taste, they will likely start to nibble it off the spoon. You may find whatever you get into their mouth they just push back out again with their tongue. This is a normal part of weaning and don’t lose hope. Keep trying twice a day and continue with bottle feeds as normal. Once they take it easily off the spoon you can lure them to lean down to the bowl with the spoon. You might find they only eat the bits you scoop onto the spoon but keep encouraging them to follow the spoon to the bowl and they will soon be eating from the bowl without your help.
 
You should only need weaning paste for about a week at the most and then you can move onto more chewy, thicker textures. Be very careful about giving him chicken drumsticks as they don’t really have that much goodness in them due to the fact that the cats need organs in their diet to be complete. The chicken meat and bone is good but they will be too little to chew the bone. The better alternative is day old chicks. They are GREAT fun. Very tasty, high in nutrients and fun to throw about for an hour before eating. The bones are soft in day old chicks and so easy to eat.
 
AT NO POINT SHOULD YOU GIVE YOUR SERVAL BISCUITS/ KIBBLE. IT IS NOT A NATURAL FOOD FOR THEM.
 
Junior Diet
 
You can feed your kitten up to 6 - 10% of their body weight in solid food per day for good growth. 10% - 20% in kitten milk per day for infants. Once your wildcat has got to 4 months they should be ready to eat quail and larger whole prey. You can give this to them gradually by cutting them in half with a butcher’s knife and serving in parts. Be careful not to leave uneaten food lying around for too long as the bacteria grows at room temperature and you do not want a sick baby wildcat. By the time they have got to 4 months of age you really do not need to give them any bottles but can continue to do so for bonding purposes. ALWAYS sterilise bottles until 4 months old.
 
Adult Diet
 
You can really mix it up to make it interesting for your serval or caracal cat. You can tie food on string to the roof of their enclsoures so they have to find a way up to it, you can hide it inside cardboard boxes or up a tree! They enjoy 1 quail and 5 day old chicks in the morning 0800 hours, then they have around 500grams/ 1.1lbs of meat at night for dinner at 2000 hours. You really want to stick to around 3 – 5% of their bodyweight in meat per day depending on their metabolism.
 
A pregnant serval, caracal, bobcat or lynx should be allowed at least 2 – 3 times the amount they would normally eat on a daily basis. They will need it for the growth and feeding of the kittens after birth. We always continue to feed our servals this amount for 3 months after the birth of their kittens even though the kittens are hand-reared by us from 3 weeks of age for socialisation purposes. This helps to bring mum back to perfect condition. A “working” serval male will also require a good diet to keep his energy levels high. Servals, caracals, bobcats and lynx do become lazy if overfed, so try and keep them in a nice lean condition.
 
This is copyright and watermarked. You may contact us for a copy of this table for personal use.

​Which milk do I feed my wildcat kitten/ cub?
 
You can buy the milk required for healthy Serval, Caracal, Bobcat, Lynx and Savannah Kittens.
 
Zoo Logic Milk Matrix 33/40
from £58.95 - £99.50
BUY HERE
A milk replacer and nutritional supplement fortified with vitamins and minerals to be used in feeding wild and exotic non-domestic animals such as Squirrels, Rabbits, Opossum, Wolves, Lions, Tigers, Pumas, Servals, Caracals, Binturongs and all Rodents. Part of an integrated system designed to let you virtually match any mammal’s milk.
 
Mixing Directions:
Reconstituting milk replacers with water is most accurately accomplished by weighing the individual components. If weighing is not possible, use the following volume measurements to reconstitute Milk Matrix 33/40 powder to the indicated concentrations:
 
A volume is a measurement such as a teaspoon, tablespoon, cup, etc. Suggested powder:water mixing ratios for various species:
1:1 Rabbit. Most Rodents
1:1.5 Squirrel, Opossum
1:2 Serval, Caracal, Lion, Tiger, Puma, Wolf
1:3 Binturong
 
Milk Matrix 33/40
 
Weights determined by scooping powder from the container and leveling. These values are only guidelines and can vary 5-10% due to variation in production.
 
Milk Replacer: Milk Matrix 33/40 may be used alone or blended with other products in the Matrix family to formulate a milk replacer with nutrient levels that closely match a species’ natural milk.
As a general rule, liquid or reconstituted milk replacer should be fed at a rate of 10% to 20% of the bodyweight daily or as tolerated and required for steady growth and proper stool condition. Divide the total daily amount into 6 to 12 feedings per day, depending on age, condition, species and staffing.
Reconstituted milk replacers should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Feed at room or body temperature depending on size and condition of animal.
 
Weaning Food Supplement: Because of its highly digestible milk nutrients, the formula used during suckling is an excellent supplement during weaning as a transition from milk to solid food. Add to the diet at the rate of one teaspoon of powder per 10 lbs. of bodyweight.
 
Calorie Content (calculated)
The calorie content (ME) is 740 kcal/kg or 11.1kcal/tbs when powder is reconstituted 1:2.
Unblended product: Refrigerate after opening. Discard if unused after three months.
 
Blended powder: Refrigerate for up to three months.
 
Note: To extend storage life of opened or blended powder, freeze in sealed container; discard after six months. Unopened product may be frozen to extend shelf life for six months beyond expiration date.
 
Guaranteed Analysis
 
Crude Protein, min. 33.0%
Crude Fat, min. 40.0%
Crude Fiber 0.0%
Moisture, max. 5.0%
 
Ingredients
 
Vegetable oil (preserved with BHA, BHT, propyl gallate and citric acid), dried skimmed milk, casein, egg yolk, L-arginine, DL-methionine, calcium carbonate precipitated, potassium phosphate monobasic, lecithin, dried corn syrup, calcium hydroxide, salt, monocalcium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, choline chloride, potassium chloride, silicon dioxide, magnesium carbonate, taurine, magnesium sulfate, vitamin A supplement, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, niacin supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, manganese sulfate, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, calcium iodate, pyridoxine hydrochloride.

6. Behaviour
​What if I get a wild cat and I am scared of it?
 
It is natural to be unsure about any animal which you haven’t met before. If you have bought a DWA cat then you must have it transported in a DEFRA-approved vehicle which means it’s suitable for transporting a DWA animal. It is worth getting your own transport approved for this. The travel tends to either completely upset an animal or they breeze through it not even noticing the travel. Give them a quiet room when they come home, but don’t leave them alone. Work with your animal right from the beginning. If your cat has been raised properly then it should be well-socialised and outgoing. Some cats can be shy and will take a few days to come round – but not longer. If they are still shy by day 3 then you will need to contact your breeder for advice.
 
If you have not owned a hybrid of these animals, it would be worth doing so before taking on a wild cat. In all honesty, an F2 will only give you a slight indication of the temperament of the wild animal in their ancestry.  By F2 there is likely to be around 25% wild genetics (2nd generation) from the wild cat, which is, in wild cat terms, huge dilution. The best thing you can do before making the decision is to get experience. Hopefully you will have taken a long time to consider the DWA cat you have purchased and worked so hard for your licence for. DWA ownership is not for those who are out at work all day as they need regular interaction come rain or shine. If you have a DWA cat and decide that it really isn’t for you after trying your best then it is always likely that the breeder will take the cat back (no refund) and you should always ask them in the first instance should you decide to part with the animal.
 
We are currently going through a long process of setting up a non-profit charity in the UK to help with rescue/ rehoming of DWA cats only as more of them come into ownership in the UK and many often sold to un-licensed or unsuitable homes. Should you decide not to speak with the breeder for personal reasons then please contact us for advice.
 
Are most wild cats like yours in the videos? Can I feed them from my hands? Aren’t they aggressive?
 
I wish I could say they were. Every cat has their own individual temperament but you need to allow enough time when every cat you receive is new to have them imprint on you. Here at Stylisticat, I am the main carer. I am here almost 24/7 and spend an extensive amount of time with the cats to ensure that they know who is the most trusted person they can rely on. It has been often asked how I have molded them to be so loving when other struggle to get them to come when called or to pet their DWA cats. Some are flabbergasted that I have a serval cuddling on my knee, cleaning my face. It has not come easily and I have had to work so hard for the trust and love that I am given. I always say to people that you reap what you sow. My cats are all affectionate on their terms. The larger wild cats we have here will hiss at visitors who approach the enclosure. Once they get to know them a bit better they will rub themselves along the fence to try and scent the person and show affection. Always be persistent with animals, similar to small children. Do not reward naughty behaviour but do not ignore it either. When wild cats are small they play with their mouths. You may have to wear gloves initially until the training period is over and you and your cat have a behavioural understanding where possible. Some cats do not ever become ‘safe’ to work with, particularly the adults that are rehomed. Bear that in mind. Even my most loving cats can bite or scratch when they want/ do not want something and it’s certainly not just your average nip of the skin. You may get puncture wounds in your skin through play. This can be difficult to get used to initially and is not enjoyable but always have a toy to hand so that you can divert attention and show praise for playing with toys and not human skin. I would never advise playing with any DWA cat of a larger size such as lions or tigers. There is a great difference for example in the way that I play with Servals than the way I play with caracals! A lot goes on behind the scenes in any DWA Licensed keeper where there are a number of cats – great and not-so-great things. It’s only natural. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
 
Do I have to hand rear the serval?
                 
We will always make sure the servals are still feeding from bottles even though they eat meat by the time they leave. When we deliver your serval kitten to you, you will be shown how to feed your serval with a bottle and also how much meat to feed per serving. You will be required to obtain a few items before we deliver your serval OR you can select the option to have a full delivery package with all the you are required to have for your kitten. The hand rearing for us is essential to your bonding process and we recommend everyone in your household does this whom the cat requires to have a bond with.
 
When they are naughty, how do I correct their behaviour?
You must sound a loud noise if they bite or nip you as a kitten. They must learn that this is not an acceptable interaction with a human. In order to encourage positive behaviour, you can always have a toy in your hand if playing – NEVER play with hands only, this encourages play but the wrong kind and when you touch the cat for a non-play purposes, they may bite you thinking that you are playing. This is not the kind of behaviour you want to encourage. Never smack your wildcat. The larger the cat the more likely it is that you should have safety methods for emergencies in place. These can include fire extinguishers and very powerful hoses. If you have a difficult adult cat, you can use these as a method of protection in the instance that you have a difficult cat that is not backing down.
 
Sometimes wildcats need an effective time-out session and that is when they get so super excited that they become completely hyper and over-stimulated. They need to be put into a small room to calm down until they are ready to come out and behave again. This is effective at calming an over-stimulated cat down.
 
Many people will crate train kittens so that they can be safe while the owners are away from home. This is a good method of protection for the kittens and great for safety/ licence purposes.
 
What do you mean train them with your voice?
 
They need to learn when they are being rewarded or if they are doing something undesirable. You need to ensure that you adjust the tone of your voice accordingly and show affection with your hands when you are rewarding them. You can give them a chick in reward and if they are showing undesirable behaviour, you need to raise your voice or make a loud noise to warn them as other species do in the wild.
 
Bonding for life
 
Your baby needs to know you are the number one thing in their life. This is why it’s important to help them realise this bond from day one. It will come, but the older the cat, the earlier the generation, the harder they are to ‘break’. All our cats are completely socialized so we don’t have any concerns in terms of willingness to play or come and greet you, however if you have a wild cat, the bonding process is more difficult and you will need to work hard with them alongside being very patient. Your visitors need to know how to respect and care for the animals and also if you are on holiday, you might want to get someone to come to your home, rather than them going to the cattery to reduce the stress on them. Patience, playtime and basic care are the start of the bonding process. Talk to your cat and A LOT. Let them recognize your voice and feel the comfort from it. They will learn to love you.
 
Do they mix well with other cats or pets?
Servals mix well with other animals but the other wildcats need a lot more supervision. This is purely down to the robustness of the other wild cats. Servals are powerful in their strike but they are quite fragile in comparison to a caracal and would be unlikely to win in a battle with a caracal. Caracals are extremely dominant whether that comes to food, blankets or even water bowls! They often ingest blankets to prevent other cats from being able to lie on them. They are extremely loving cats in any case, and adore a cuddle but can be quick to change and may bite if they feel you are overpowering them. You need to spend a lot of time with the cats to make sure you realise what different behaviour they are displaying means. You need to speak to them and train them with your voice. Don’t just let them loose and expect everything to be great. It can be! But it doesn’t always work out like that. You need to remember that any animal is an intruder in an already formed household. The pack needs to restructure and build again. This takes time. Be very encouraging and calm. If they hiss and spit, alongside puffing up just speak calmly and let them know it’s okay. Never give them into trouble or shout as it only heightens the anxiety and makes a bad atmosphere within the situation.

It is normal for a caracal to attack smaller cats such as domestics. They see them as prey and hunt them in the wild. It's their natural instinct. I would never recommend leaving a caracal alone with a smaller cat.
 
You want to ensure you have a really close bond with your serval, caracal, bobcat or lynx.
This is why you introduce all methods such as quarantine for the first two weeks, harnesses for safety, bottle feeding and behavior training.
 
The bottle feeding and bonding process should be very well underway before you introduce your wildcat to another friend. Once you feel very connected and have exchanged blankets back and forth between your current cats and new cat for the second week, you are ready to allow them to meet.

Introduction to dogs and other pets
 
Always ensure that your cat has somewhere high to get away from the other pets. If you find that the dog is very aggressive through a controlled introduction such as through a glass door or through a baby gate, then make sure they are on the lead so you can be in control of the situation. Never panic if they start to fight. Try to diffuse the situation quickly and calmly.  You will be surprised how quick they will get used to each other. It does take time and patience.
 
7. Harness Training 
It’s important to harness train a serval or caracal if you are in the UK because if you have a fire emergency and no access to transport boxes readily, then you can evacuate quickly and securely with a harness. Also, if you have to go to the vets then the cat can be examined but controlled at the same time through a harness. They are used to harnesses by the time they leave us. They need to have it removed at night time for sleeping or when they are not being supervised to prevent chocking or injury. When you take your wildcat to his new enclosure for the first time, it is advisable to have a lead and a harness on the cat to prevent them from getting a fright then shooting away and hurting themselves on the sides of the enclosure. I would always try to make them feel that when they have their harness on, it’s an enjoyable experience. The harnesses which we provide and manufacture are made from cotton and have Velcro along with a double clip to prevent escape. Harnesses are available from £20 up to any amount you wish with the option of real diamonds to be affixed onto the hand-crafted collar.
 
8. Buying a wildcat 
There are loads for sale overseas – how do I import one?
 
Any animal imported may be covered by CITES Licences you can contact CITES here.
Any animal which is covered under a DWA licence i.e. a full wild animal or F1 hybrid cannot travel under the Pet Passport Scheme into the UK.
You will be required to obtain an Import Licence from APHA/ DEFRA - Go to DEFRA.
You will be required to quarantine the animal for 4 months in England and 3 months in Scotland within a DEFRA-approved quarantine facility. The facility will have a quarantine licence and must also obtain a DWA to accept your animal.
PLEASE NOTE: We do have a DEFRA Quarantine Licence and so can help with your quarantine process. Contact us to discuss.
 
Buying a cat from overseas cannot be released to you until it is at least 6 months old in the UK. This is beyond the bonding window and you may find that you cannot even get near the cat for the rest of it’s life.
 
Buying from the UK means doing a lot of research. Unfortunately, it’s not a big market and therefore feedback can be few and far between. Finding a reputable breeder is very tough. There are only a handful of successful private wildcat breeders in the UK. Be sure to visit and check for anything that looks like a kitten farm. Ask to see all enclosures and check if they are clean and tidy. Check if the acts look healthy and happy. If something doesn’t feel right then walk away. A breeder should be on hand for advice if you should ever need it and be sure to ask loads of questions about lineage and where the parents came from. Always make sure you look on their Facebook pages and websites for their last litters from the parents. If they are breeding the Queen every 3 months then they are over-breeding and they are not interested in the cat’s wellbeing, only the profit. There are known breeders churning out wildcats in the UK and this only develops ill kittens and depressed mothers since their kittens are repeatedly removed for hand-rearing. Kittens from kitty mills are often cheap and easily available but cost more or die in the long run.

9. Bringing your Wildcat or Hybrid Home and Importation

The most exciting part after you have chosen your baby wildcat or hybrid kitten is the part where you bring them home.

We recommend using IATA approved carrier boxes because they are very robust and most importantly secure. You can use a soft carrier if you are travelling on a plane however we recommend you use one with the least mesh to ensure that you can keep an eye on the meshed window during the flight to prevent escape. The beauty of soft carriers is that they can be squeezed or moved slightly to allow for different seats in the aircraft. Many airlines will not allow you to put the animal anywhere apart from securely under the seat during the duration of the flight. Some may allow you to sit the box on your knee during the flight to comfort your kitten. More on this in the flying section below.
 
We recommend Vet Bedding as it is highly absorbent and is easy to wash. IT also dries very quickly. Keep an eye on the water supply during travel because if it spills on the vet bed then it will absorb it and it won’t be available for your cat to lap up through the journey, which other beds may allow for.
 
If you can, get a big enough box that you can put in a litter tray and a bed, along with two bowls on the door. You can buy special bowls that have clips on the rear for carriers. This way you can provide wet or dry and some water. I would always recommend wet food for the flight because dry food will dehydrate the cat if they don’t feel like drinking. Do not put the bowls too close together because if the water spills slightly then it will go onto the food next to it. Space them as far apart as possible.
 
You can use natural medication such as Zylkene to calm your kitten for the flight, rail, air or boat journey. ALWAYS start one week before the trip to allow it to work. Always leave the cat carrier around from at least 2 weeks before if possible so that it smells like them and they feel comfortable with going inside it. You can then use the blanket for the travel for comfort.
 
Plan well in advance with any agencies involved in the travel of your kitten.
For UK travel, there are no travel requirements from us. Your kitten will be vaccinated twice, wormed three times and treated with advocate for fleas and any other potential parasites such as ear mites or fleas. Bringing in to the UK can be a lot more complicated due to our strict requirements. Any Wild Cat or F1 generation hybrid will require 3 months quarantine in Scotland and 4 months in England at a Dangerous Wild Animal licensed facility. Any F2 – F5 will require CITES which is a system of import and export permits to control the movement of the species.
 
For travelling abroad, your kitten will be delivered by us personally so you can trust we are experienced with the multiple agencies involved such as APHA, DEFRA, USDA, CFIA and other CITES departments.
 
For those overseas, we apply for a CITES permit [export] and after we receive this within 30 days, you need to apply for an import permit with the Fish and Wildlife Department in your country. Please beware of that the USA can take up to 4 months to process an Import and Export. The whole CITES process can take up to 6 months for UK to USA – occasionally 9 months. You have to be dedicated to the kitten of your choice and also be prepared to put in extra time to bond with it when it finally arrives. We request if you have a CITES kitten from us that you take at least 2 weeks off work to ensure they have your full attention when they arrive. We want our kittens to live happy, safe and fulfilled lifes so we have to look ahead to their arrival in their new homes before they have arrived. This is important even more so for wild cats. It’s a good point here to remind you that a wild cat may never bond with a human they have just met after being 6 months old.
 
The other qualifiers are usually a rabies vaccination at 12 weeks old, then at least 21 days wait before travel, a passport issued by a qualified vet, recorded parasite treatment, a rabies blood test may be required for some countries, a skin test to check for ringworm may be required and occasionally countries may place additional requirements on proof of lineage.
 
If you are buying from us then we know all about which requirements are in force for your country and can work quickly and efficiently to get these documents in place. Be very careful about importing or exporting a kitten without the correct documents, this can result in confiscation of the animal, death of the animal, a monetary fine and worst of all it puts the animal at risk.
 
So, after all that work, your animal is home...
 
You are required to take your kitten to your own Veterinary Surgeon within 48 hours of leaving our premises. The purpose of this visit is to ensure you and your vet are satisfied that the kitten is in perfect health; the kitten is fit for purpose i.e. breeding and there are no visible genetic faults.
 
Your new baby kitten will take a few days to come round and feel back to their usual self. They have been used to litter mates jumping on them, playing at all hours of the night and best of all – Mummy! Now with no friends, no mum and being taken to a strange place you new baby will be feeling a bit scared and sorry for itself. Try to put them in a room on their own such as a utility room. Ensure you remove all chemicals and close toilet lids if you decide to place them in their for two weeks. Coax them out, if hiding, with their new feather stick (they all love these) and ball tube toys are also great. We recommend you buy a scratch post, as this is what they are used to playing on and will bring some home familiarities.
 
Your kitten may exhibit stress signs through a funny tummy, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and/ or constipation with all the stress of coming to their new home and could have diarrhea for the first week. This should settle down by the first week. As we’ve said above – your cat has been fully tested for everything so if there are any runny bottoms then it will be down to the move or if you have changed their diet. Please ensure you have fresh water available at all times for your new kitten and change twice daily.
 
Once you get your kitten home try and give them some time alone. A couple of days of the various visits to their room will help your kitten realize that everything it okay and there is nothing to be scared of. Once the kitten is settled with you and demonstrates a happiness to see you with purrs, puffy tail and back, along with possibly chatting to you, they are ready to explore the rest of the house. DO keep an eye on them on stairs as they are still babies. Try not to move the litter tray and DO introduce a few more if you have a large house. This may result in confusion and accidents. Your kitten is used to: Wood Litter Pellets.
 
Always introduce other pets to your kitten gradually and ALWAYS supervise. It is natural for your kitten to puff up and growl or spit to show they are defending themselves and your pet may do this also. Try not to intervene heavily and keep a calm, encourage voice telling them it is okay. It CAN take a few MONTHS for your kitten to be fully accepted in a house with pets already there. Animals do have a hierarchy system and is a natural process for them to let each other know where they belong in that system! Try to be confident and calm as animals do feed off our actions and energy.
 
Try and baby-proof your home. They will knock of your favourite ornaments by accident when whizzing around playing, may disappear behind the fridge, squeeze out a window, fall down the toilet (and possibly drown!), and eat a plant or flowers, which may be poisonous to cats. Also select good toys, which do not have chokable items, which could come loose. Please note – we can supply you with cat food, litter, bedding and toys at discounted prices so do get in touch if you require anything. Most breeders call it Savannah or wildcat-Proofing. You have to lock your medicine cupboard, razors in a sharp box and in a lot of cases you are better to have a fridge latch too. One of our F2’s managed to open our freezer door and steal some “Fish Fingers” out of the second drawer, inside a cardboard box. You can’t really be angry at their intelligence, they knew that’s where the food was. They watched us getting food from there and cooking it. They have often opened the oven door to check for any leftovers so it’s important to always be one step ahead of your Savannah cat. Don’t leave anything, anywhere that could be dangerous. You MUST find their intelligence fascinating otherwise it may not be the cat for you.
 
Birth to 4 weeks old
 
Kittens can wean from 4 weeks old but we like them to stay with their mothers until at least 6 weeks old when they are fully weaned. Our new cattery buildings have hospital grade flooring in each room, which means each cat has a full-sized single bedroom to have privacy and give birth in – and I can sleep on the floor beside them. The cattery has music on through out the day and then they get a DVD on a bedtime in the evening. This helps to acclimatize them to all the usual sounds. The daytime is so busy vacuuming and cleaning that they are used to all household noises before they have even progressed to the kitten room. We watch each of the rooms on CCTV, which is linked, to our mobile phones and a large 50” CCTV screen central in our kitchen with all cameras featured on it so they are supervised at all times. Their enclosures also have CCTV, which means there is no place unseen in our cattery. It means then that they are not moved out of their home into a different zone to have their babies. There are 4 of us that work on the cattery and enclosures to maintain an excellent level of hygiene and an excellent level of interaction with all our animals.
 
5 weeks old till leaving day

Once the babies are weaned, we bring them into the kitten room and they enjoy their integration into family life. Your baby will be used to typical things in our house such as Disney Junior, Xbox Car racing and Just Dance, along with a mixture of Country, Dance, Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Pop and Rock/ Metal Music.
 
They will be used to playing with toy cars, craft and anything else a 7-year-old would take into the kitten room with him! We also watch some movies with the surround sound on, which can be funny to watch them adapting to. They are placed beside dinosaurs as part of an attack on an army of dragon warriors or given an important role in choosing colour of paint for a picture although sometimes our Son does disagree with their choice of pink for his pictures!
 
These souls can breathe family life and we aim for them to be just as important in their furrever home. This is why selecting a breeder is crucial when choosing your wildcat. If all they have learned through their short time with the breeder is that humans are there to feed them and change their litter tray, then they will not want to be around them. They will not want to be around you and you will need to work hard to win them round.
 
First few days
 
From Stylisticat, your cat will have been brought up in a very social environment with children. Your kitten should not be nervous after it's first few days in it’s new home with you. Remember that our kittens are full wild or hybrid cats and can be picky with who they decide to bond with. They usually form a parent/child type bond with one person but that is not to say that your kitten will not be approachable by anyone else. Encourage visitors to talk to your cat and pet them but do not force people or children on your kitten as it may deter them from people in future. Gradual is a key word we use for just about everything as cat breeders. Introduce them gradually to both you and your new home.
 
Don’t feed normal portions. Offer smaller amounts and more regularly. This helps to encourage your kitten to eat as the food is fresh each time and the amount is not overwhelming. Also, it helps to let them know that you are there to care.
 
What to feed and when
 
Your kitten would be used to being fed 4 times a day.
These times are:

7am, 12pm, 5pm and 9pm.
 
We feed Kiezebrink and whole prey, which is a complete diet along with some other supplements. With wildcats, you can add some Taurine or Calcium as they can require higher doses than domestic cats. You can feed raw food or any other kitten food as long as it is a good quality food. We do not force you to feed raw but we do ask that you feed grain-free food because it is much better for them. We do not feed wild cats biscuits or kibble. They have a full meat/ prey diet only.

10. Litter trays and toileting
 
Wild cats usually prefer open top trays or 25 litre tubs. Wood pellet litter is usually best although for smaller kittens chick feed can be better in case they eat parts of it. Our hybrid cats prefer hooded trays but they must be very clean. One toilet break can mean the whole tray is deemed unusable – so grab a few before your baby comes home. Make sure you have a few about the house to ensure the cat knows where it is. Put your new cat in the litter tray several times a day to encourage them to use it and remind them where it is.
 
Some wildcats will tend to hose spray all their enclosure to fully claim it and this is normal behaviour. You need to ensure that you keep up to date with sanitary methods and procedures. This prevents rust on the metal or complete deterioration on the wooden beams. The panels often need replaced if wooden due to deterioration and that is why I always recommend metal for enclosures. Our kittens are litter trained before they leave in open top trays.
 
11. Breeding Practice
 
As a general rule – we do not allow our female cats to go to breeders who will breed from them any more than 3 times in 2 years. Failure to follow this rule will result in legal action to take our cat back. We not believe accidents happen in responsible breeders premises where queens and studs are kept separate. If you have a cattery then this MUST be heated (through heat pads or other source), ventilated and have outdoor access available to the cat at all times during the day. Any less than 25m2 of outdoor space is unacceptable and we may ask you for proof of outdoor space before selling you a kitten. In special cases, we may make an exception.
 
12.Good Suppliers
 
Suppliers we recommend are:-
Zooplus
PetPlanet.co.uk
Cattreeking.co.uk
McClaw cat wheels
B & M Stores Cat Litter and toys

13. Calling for advice
 
You can call us for absolutely anything at all! When you buy a kitten from us you get a 24 hour number for advice.

14. Choosing a vet
 
Ensure that your vet is comfortable treating a wildcat or hybrid. Most vets are okay with it but some of them can be uncomfortable as it is not the normal protocol and they don’t want to make a mistake, which could cost them their career. Power is knowledge so you don’t need to fear taking them to the vet – help your vet understand their needs.

15. Vaccinations and Healthcare
  

• Vaccinations
   
  You kitten is vaccinated twice before it leaves unless you have them young for bonding as wild cats. Afterwards, we recommend vaccinations every 18 months. Every 12 months is over-vaccinating, although your vet will recommend it.

 

• Worming
   
  We recommend always using Advocate Spot On. If you can, import it to your country, as it’s very effective against just about every parasite.

 

• Fleas
   
  Do not use any Bob Martin product as they can be dangerous and are cheap for a reason. You can use Frontline or Advocate spot on.

 

• Injuries
   
  If your cat is injured or suffering in any way then take them to the vet. Do not rely on social media for a response. Take them to the vet immediately, but please do let us know.

 

• Emergencies
   
  It is advisable to ensure that you don’t use ketamine in emergency surgeries as it is known cause issues or even death in wild cats or hybrids., however, we have used this in spay/neuter and also some emergency surgeries and had no problems with it on our hybrid cats. It is believed any complications associated with ketamine and hybrid cats could be linked to HCM because of the way it alters blood pressure and heart rates. There is no proof on this subject however hearsay causes us to be cautious and advise caution in any case. The main issue on our part is that there is no reversal agent and it can alter behaviour permanently. We no longer use it for this very reason.

 
16.    Our Anaesthesia/ Veterinary Care Requirements
 
The buyer has to agree that the cat will receive NO Ketamine under any circumstances and make their VS aware of this at the first appointment where the kittens record is made.
 
The buyer also has to agree to treat the kitten with Advocate at 5 week intervals, deworm with Panacur or similar quality every 3 months and take the kitten for a health check at 6 months of age, 1-year-old then annually for a checkup.
 
The buyer has to agree to not use Bob Martin products on the kitten.
 
If the buyer is unable to afford health care for the animal then they would contact Stylisticat to make them aware of the known issue and offer the animal back to the Seller for free.
 
Do not use Dexdomitor in cats with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation, or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue. Dexdomitor should not be administered in the presence of pre-existing hypotension, hypoxia, or bradycardia. As with all α2-adrenoceptor agonists, the potential for isolated cases of hypersensitivity, including paradoxical response (excitation), exists with Dexdomitor. The use of Dexdomitor as a pre-anaesthetic in dogs and cats significantly reduces the amount of induction and maintenance anaesthetic requirements. Careful patient monitoring is necessary to avoid anaesthetic overdose. Arrhythmias, bradycardia, apnea, emesis, convulsions, hyper salivation may occur with Dexdomitor use. We prefer you avoid Domitor where possible in case there is an undiagnosed heart condition and this drug puts your cat’s life in jeopardy.
 
We ask that you refrain from the use of ketamine. Careful consideration should be taken with an Injectable anaesthesia drug called ketamine which is injected into the muscle.  This will result in about 30-60 minutes of complete unconsciousness with a gradual waking up that can take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours.  Ketamine is a dis-associative drug, which means that even if your cat were to feel pain they don't associate it with themselves, and it does also have some pain blocking effects as well. Ketamine does have some brief discomfort associated with its injection. Ketamine does have some cardiac effects, and can lower what is called the seizure threshold, so should only ever be used on young, healthy cats.  In addition, ketamine can potentially change a cat's personality, sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently.  Once ketamine is in your cat's system, the vet cannot reverse it.  So, if there is a complication, such as not breathing during surgery, they cannot do anything until the ketamine starts to wear off. Your cat could die due to ketamine being in their system.
 
There are two different types of gas anaesthesia that are used in cats called Sevoflurane and Isoflurane.
 
Sevoflurane is a very fast acting gas anaesthesia which will result in a quick loss of consciousness and a quick return to consciousness.  However, it is extremely pricey.
 
Isoflurane takes just a little longer to both lose consciousness and regain consciousness, but it is a little more cost effective.  Therefore, usually the vet will use sevoflurane to induce anaesthesia and then switch to isoflurane to maintain anaesthesia during the procedure.  Both gasses are very commonly used in human medicine.  The advantage of gas anaesthesia is that they maintain control of the depth of the anaesthesia, and can deepen it or lighten it as needed during a procedure.  If there is a complication, they can wake up the cat almost immediately if it is safe to do so.  While there is no 100% safe anaesthesia, gas anaesthesia has the fewest risks associated with it.

17. Insurance
 
It is definitely worth insuring your kitten or cat. Certain companies will only cover you for short term or long term illnesses but be certain to write down what you need cover for and work out a budget. Many insurers won’t guarantee the purchase price of a hybrid or wild cat and may only offer a small amount against the purchase price. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t insure them as vets bills can run into the thousands.

You will need to get public liability insurance for your wildcat and you will often be asked to lodge them with a copy of your licence.

18. TICA Registration
 
We will ensure that you receive the Green slip or breeder slip when you receive your cat or kitten. If you have chosen your own name then we guarantee it will be with you within 2 months of arrival if you are breeding your cat for hybrids. Otherwise our own pedigree.

19. Breeding and Code of Ethics
 
You would not be allowed to breed from this cat unless we have registered it, Stylisticat, on the active register with TICA. If your cat has been sold on the inactive register then it MUST be neutered or spayed by the time it is 5 months of age and certainly before we will transfer them into your name through TICA. Please see our TICA Voluntary Code of Ethics as to why we follow this rule.
 
We work extremely hard to develop an excellent breeding standard. We are inspected annually from a Veterinary Surgeon and the local council to receive our Cattery of Excellence by TICA and renew our Dangerous Wild Animal Licence, which is required to have Serval’s and F1’s.
 
If you are buying a DWA you MUST have suitable housing and provide us with a copy of your DWA before we will sell you one. We are required to keep a log of DWA sales by the local council as part of our licence.
 
We are certified as “Responsible Breeders” by The International Cat Association and have signed the Voluntary Code of Ethics.
 
We abide by these rules as follows:
 
1. We will remain in good standing of TICA and have a registered cattery.
2. We will breed discriminately and ensure we find appropriate homes who can provide a life-long commitment
 
Any cat sold as a pet or show will be sold under the following conditions:
 
a) We guarantee the cats in good health at the time of sale.
b) We urge the buyer to have the cat examined by his or her own vet.
c) We require the cat be neutered or spayed.
d) We have explained the dangers of the outdoors.
e) We have provided a written sales agreement.
f) We will only provide the TICA registration/ pedigree for the kitten ONLY AFTER we have received written confirmation from a licensed VS that the cat has been neutered or spayed.
g) We encourage you to contact us if you have questions and will respond in a timely manner.
h) We will not release a kitten, which hasn’t been inoculated twice against at least: Rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus.
 
20.Collection dates and UK/ International Delivery
a) Collection is 15 weeks for international and 12 weeks 3 days for UK, not earlier and the full balance is due on collection or prior.
b) We may keep your kitten longer if we feel it needs some extra time to ensure it is completely healthy and ready for departure!
c) International: Buyer is responsible for CITES Export fees of which the Seller will apply for the export permit. They are also responsible for their own import CITES certification application, which the Seller will assist with to complete.
d) Shipping and export costs are also the responsibility of the Buyer.
e) Shipping may be discounted if the Seller can deliver multiple kittens en-route.
f) Any cancellations made due to no fault of the Seller will not be claimable against the Seller but the travel company who is at fault this includes but is not limited to Airlines, Ferry Companies, Taxi Services, Car Hire Companies and Train Services.
g) The buyer agrees to import the cat legally to their country and to comply with all legislation in relation to their kitten/ cat. The Seller will not be held responsible for any seized cats due to legislation and no replacements or refunds will be given in any of these instances.
h) Exports to Western countries such as Japan require blood tests and quarantine. The buyer agrees to all costs in relation to this.
i) Russian exports require a feline skin test and agree to pay for this test.
j) The Buyer agrees to make special arrangements to have the correct travel crate and the correct size according to their airline. The buyer will check these details with their chosen airline to ensure they comply BEFORE collecting their kitten.

If you are buying internationally from us, you will likely be aware that kittens are hand-delivered or collected unless it is not legally possible, such as shipping cargo-only laws. We may have a number of stops required before your kitten will get to your destination and this can result in overnight stays in hotels. Your kitten has been well socialized in a home environment and therefore, the kitten should not be overly under stress when travelling with us directly. We prefer NOT to use a courier where other kittens or cats are in transit at the same time due to infection control and the responsibility of a number of cats to care for. You are welcome to request a direct-delivery with payment due before delivery can be scheduled. 

We will collect and return you to the airport free of charge if you are collection your kitten, with airports being Edinburgh or Glasgow (EDI or GLA). We recommend that you do not take wet food on transit internationally inside the cat carrier as it may make a lot of mess and grow bacteria with the changing temperatures. Biscuits are always advisable due to the shelf life of them being longer. Do not worry if your kitten does not eat on the travel. It is normal for them to refuse food when in transit. If the journey is long, then we always stopover in a hotel – even for an afternoon to allow the kitten to rest and replenish itself. Please note you cannot fly INTO the UK with a cat in the cabin or the hold. This means if you want to fly internally with a cat from Scotland to England it is not possible. You must fly OUT of the UK with your kitten and not connect within the UK.
 
If we must use cargo, then the kitten will have a water funnel attached to the front of the kennel to allow for replenishment of water. Biscuits will be taped to the top of the carrier in a secure package in case of emergency. We do not feed our kittens biscuits and so this may upset their tummy. The buyer is also responsible for checking with their local state wildlife department that the desired cat is legal within their area. We will NOT send a cat to an illegal state OR change any documentation to reflect that they are a different generation to reality. The  buyer should also check what they are required to have for the importation of the cat in terms of documentation.
 
21. Deposits / Pre-Birth Reservations

All deposits secure a Stylisticat Kitten in the order they are received. You will be made aware of the number on the waiting list in front of you before you decide to make a reservation. No-one can "skip the queue" via offering a higher deposit. This will not be acceptable. If the kitten can no longer be offered due to any unforeseen circumstances, the desired Sex/ Colour/ Type of kitten is not born in the litter then the deposit is fully transferable to another litter. If the Buyer changes their mind about waiting for a kitten or proceeding with the sale, then the Seller will not offer any refund. No cash refunds of deposits under any circumstances. The seller can revoke the contract at any point and refund the buyer any payments made.
 
22.Genetic Understanding (FOR BREEDERS ONLY)

The kitten would be sold on the basis that it will be mated ONLY to a cat with the following test results:
a.         Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK DEF) = N/N Normal/Normal.
b.         Progressive Retinol Atrophy PRA & PRA-B = N/N Normal/ Normal.
c.         HCM = No known HCM in the lineage.
d.         Herpes Virus = There is no known herpes virus in either parent.
 
Under no circumstances will the kitten be mated to a carrier or affected cat of PK Def or PRA. As the breed develops throughout the years, there will be more tests available as science develops. It will be expected as part of this sale that the purchaser will endeavour to carry out any new tests on this kitten (and offspring if required) which could affect the health of the line. Being a breeder means that we all have a duty to test kittens before selling as breeders and before using them in our programme. If required, your kitten will have been tested for PRA and PK Def if their parent is a carrier. IF you have purchased a carrier for breeding then you will ensure that you abide by the statement above to ensure that the kittens are healthy. Buyer will also test offspring of the kittens through Langford's UK or UC Davis USA, or similar, before considering selling a kitten to someone for breeding. 
 
Buyer will under no circumstances sell a carrier kitten from this cat for breeding and if possible neuter/ spay carrier kittens before they leave. Buyer may keep a carrier from the litter to use in their own programme. Buyer will also assess the suitability of the purchaser to ensure that a suitable judgement can be made on the character of their Buyer to try and ensure that their contract will be abided by. Every effort to ensure that the health of the kittens are top priority in the breeding programme of the purchaser will be taken, no matter what cost to the Purchaser. We also recommend that you have an HCM Scan carried out by a cardiologist annually. We advise heavily against swab HCM tests because these are known to be very inaccurate at this stage of scientific development..

Other Notes:

You may want to consider an emergency plan for your cat should you fall ill and be unable to care for your animal. If you have purchased your wildcat from us then we are able to care for your cat within our quarantine facility. We will always take responsibility for our kittens after they have left us and if that means they need to come back, then we will receive them with open arms.

You will want to have your animal in your will in case of death. Wildcats can live well beyond 20 years and are a lifelong commitment. 

You can have your wildcat around your children at your own risk. You will need to train your children on how to act appropriately.

Do you declaw your cats?

NO. We will not sell you a cat if you plan to declaw either. It is cruel and inhumane. There are a number of arthritic cases in older servals because they cannot walk properly without their last toe joint. The declawing process involves removal of the bone/ first toe joint, not just the nail. Laser surgery does not reduce the pain or the healing process, it's just quicker surgery. This makes me feel phsyically sick and very upset. If anyone were to declaw one of my animals then I would take them to court to have the cat returned for animal cruelty. This is a HUGE no-no in our home. It is a strict part of our contract.

SERVAL KITTENS UK

We have a crazy waiting list at the moment for boys. As much as we love getting to know you all and chatting with you in PMs, without a copy of your licence, we cannot legally sell you a serval.

We also expect you to have gained a reasonable amount of knowledge either through our website http://www.stylisticat.com/blog/dwa-licence-questions
or other avenues, understand basics on what serval dietary requirements are, the specialist veterinary care you require, imprinting process and if you plan to become a licensed carrier to take them to the vet in your vehicle (yes you need a licence for that too) and when our baby comes to you it needs to be their forever home and had experience either visually or at another owners.

http://www.stylisticat.com/blog/dwa-licence-questions

We will not sell a serval to breeders of Savannahs with less than 3 years breeding experience, this to ensure you are truly in it for the long haul.

And are you ready to give up your holidays away from home? Your baby will need you and that could possibly mean only you!

We won't ship them outside the UK> 16-30 weeks is too old for them to imprint.

We won't fake dates on vaccinations to enable you to get them overseas very young like breeders in Ukraine, Belgium other places in Europe and Russia.

Chances are if you get CITES paperwork it will be fake as there are no CITES for a serval to the UK from the EU. Check the CITES, does it say Savannah when it's supposed to say serval?...

"But they are cheaper overseas". Yes, they are a lot cheaper but there is a reason why our prices are what they are. Importing a serval or a cheap F1 Savannah to the UK means:

1. Not meeting the holder or seeing the facility.
   
2. Not meeting Mummy and Daddy.
   
3. Not being able to do weekly visits from 4 weeks old for bonding time.
   
4. Waiting for 12 weeks before vaccinating for rabies
5. Waiting a further 3 weeks to pass before rabies clearance will be given and entry to the UK allowed.
6. Hoping that the kitten won't have an adverse reaction to the vaccine.
7. You need to pay for an approved DEFRA-APPROVED Rabies Carrying Agent to go and collect the kitten and transport it to a quarantine facility in the UK.
8. You will be required to pay VAT at 20% on the overall travel cost plus the cost of the kitten at customs. For example if you pay £6,700 for a serval and £1,200 transportation. Your carrying agent will be required to pay HMRC £1,580 upon landing at the UK Border for you.
9. This is not just for servals - you are required to pay VAT on the purchase price and the travel cost on any cat.
10. There are no commercial quarantine facilities in the UK with a DWA licence legally open to the general public, only private holders.
11. You can expect to pay £2,000 for quarantine, yes, even an F1 Savannah requires quarantine.
12. Once you have paid in advance for all of this, your kitten is required to serve 4 calendar months in quarantine. 
13. Once everything has been completed by the book and you've paid the example costs of £6,700 + £1,580 + £1,200 expenses, your serval or F1 is ready to come home at 8 months old.

By 8 months old you really have missed the boat in getting to know the kitten and them getting to know you. There is a very high chance, in my opinion around 99% chance that you will not be able to handle a serval who comes to you at this age, and likely will never have a close bond.

This is why buying from the UK makes all the difference as we make sure that your serval is with you in time to imprint on you. You become their one and only.

F1 Savannah Cat for sale....no, not worded correctly. I’ll try again.

Not really the ideal sales advert or the ideal solution for either the cat in question or myself.

Owning early generation hybrids and wild cats means that you really do need to be responsive to their needs and change things to suit them where possible. Sometimes when a group have been friends through a juvenile period, after becoming Mothers themselves or even approaching adulthood, the hormones can really upset the balance in a cattery environment, even in large enclosures. We always aim to keep the cats occupied through various enrichment experiences and change things up regularly within their enclosures. Sometimes when the cats take a dislike to each other, they can stay in their “mood” for weeks and even months at a time. You, as a responsible owner, must take the sufficient steps to ensure there is a balance at all times.

Emira our F1 Savannah has always been the most stand-off-ish out of our F1’s and a bit less predictable. She was completely un-socialised when we got her, which meant she was absolutely terrified to come near us. Our advice when we received her was, “here is some Supermarket branded pouches with gravy, she likes those best and kibble along with a couple of mice”. I kept her on the Tesco value sachets and biscuits for the first few weeks as I didn’t want to make her feel even worse. We then moved to what she should’ve been on and that was raw meat. The breeder had also kindly included a blanket – for comfort of smell you would think? No, the blanket was for picking her up with, it was for our 'protection', not for the comfort of the kitten. We were advised not to look her in the eyes and put the blanket over our hands before picking her up, ideally from her backed into a corner so we could control her spitting fit. “She is an F1” we were told. “This is what they are like at 10 weeks, totally wild but will come round through time”.

Emira was our first F1, we were very naïve and didn’t realise that she was far from what a socialised and loved F1 should be like on arrival. Thankfully all our other F1’s were raised in the family home and loved dearly before they came to us. They purred! Purring is something we never got from Emi until she was with us for about 6 months. I wouldn’t give up on her.

After time progressed Emira came round, never really enjoying male human company despite the endless nights of playing without eye contact and reaching out to her without force from my Husband. She has always been so striking in looks and produced lovely kittens for us. She got on with my female serval so well when she was introduced as a playmate as a kitten. They played great together and even slept beside each other in the indoor sleeping house.

After Emira had kittens, she decided she didn’t like the serval anymore. The serval grew bigger and Emira just ‘felt different’. We resisted the sale of Emi for so long and tried changing the cats round, but then it left everyone else upset. She gave my serval a hard time and then as the serval grew, she got it back twice as hard. “I’ll have to rehome her, it’s the only option to rework the balance”, I said to Gordon. “She just hates this serval and I don’t know what else to do”. I asked a breeder who owns Emira’s sisters at her cattery and she said, “I don’t want her. We have enough problems with her sisters!”. I thought, well, at least Emira is not causing any problems when she is not with the serval, so that is a bonus!

F1 Savannah cats are notorious, along with servals for imprinting on one (to two at the most) human. They do this from a young age, within the first few months of their life and that is why getting an F1 no later than 12 weeks is advisable. Getting an F1 after 12 weeks old could be too late and mean that they won’t accept you without a tremendous amount of work, sometimes to no avail. Moving them to a new home can be catastrophic for them and the new owners. I had heard this for years from several breeders, namely of servals and F1's, where they said they would keep all their cats for life…until recently we were told that several breeders cats had been offered for free as an “off-load” to make way for new cats. Along with advice on how never to advertise on certain listings and just to give them away cheap to make it look like you are in demand. They advised me on not selling cats unless they were excellent type and to give away those ones less than perfect, which would ensure your image was perfect because of the way of customer perception. “Everyone is full of shit”, I thought. "I'm my own person, honest, first and foremost and I can make the right decisions for my own cattery". The people who have done this for way longer than us, that preached the best way to care for early generation hybrids and wild cats in the beginning, were doing exactly what they told us never to do - rehoming! You now see their own advice not applying to the person giving it but happy to deceive everyone through hiding the less-than-perfect parts of breeding. I thought to myself, who-ever I decide to home Emi with must have vast amount of experience and be willing to put in the work to bring her round to trusting them. How else could we work out the situation to accommodate, most importantly? But who can I trust?

I reluctantly advertised her. The advert was the largest post I have ever written for an advert on a cat for sale. I boasted about her type, my darling baby, so perfect in every way, the perfect cat. “Doesn’t get along with my serval”, I wrote. I thought this is absolutely killing me.

I received loads of e-mails every day about her. People saw it as a bargain.
“I don’t have a licence but I’ll get one, how much is it?”
“I breed blue puppies because I get £1,000 more a puppy than regular puppies – breed removed- so I’d like an F1 Savannah 'cause they make the most”
“I’ll give you X for her as she is less valuable than a kitten”
It was ALL about money, no-one had a *swear word removed* care about the difficulties in mating F1's. How can I even consider discussing the TYPE of home on offer when we can’t even get past the financial ‘interest’. This isn’t working. To be honest, she is a really friendly F1 now when she is not kittening and I had no concerns with her temperament on a regular day. No-one was really ever going to understand the difference of an F1’s temperament when they have kittens and how to suit/ adjust things to suit an F1 queen which has kittens, when they were more interested in the financial outcome of such kittens. And what happened when they realised how hard it can be to produce F2 kittens or to have live F2 kittens even AFTER a mating has been successful? The thing I most interested in for my F1 was TRUST.

We sat on the bench one evening, as we do, while I have a cup of tea and a chat with the early generation Savannah girls. They know all my stories and secrets. They chat back to me. Emi was reaching up and pawing my face so I would lower it in order for her to reach and give me a head bop. “Ma-ma”, she meowed and I just burst into tears.

I just can’t let my girl go. She is my child and I am her Mother, her world. I have to make this work, there must be another way.

Revelation moment and total re-evaluation of the setup. We pulled together and brain-stormed, drew up plans, put ideas across to each other.

Emira has a new fantastic enclosure pictured above where she now lives happily with some of our other F1’s, her best friends.
 
The plans were drawn up, the enclosures were all re-worked and within 2 weeks of re-working it all, the equilibrium that we once had, was restored. We now have other enclosures drawn up to ensure that we can move any more girls if required. They are our babies and I couldn’t ever imagine them going anywhere else. 
 
Hallelujah!!!
 
What do you think of your new enclosure Emi?
She just looked at me, just like in this picture below.

Absorbent Bedding
We prefer vet bed for travel but it can be messy. The best thing on the first few hours of your journey is puppy training pads as these can easily be put into the bin and replaced if a toilet break has been required. Generally after a few hours the introduction of your pets favourite blanket or bedding can help relax your animal and encourage them to nap the journey.
 
Litter tray on not?
We use extra large carriers on our long distances. This enables us to have a litter tray and a bed side by side. This is to make sure that the cat feels comfortable to be able to go to the toilet.
 
Access to Water and Food
Bowls which clip onto the carrier are the best as this way they are unable to be stood on or knocked over. They are very cheap to buy and some even come with the carrier as standard. Your pet may not feel like eating or drinking but water is the most important offering on a journey because the stress can make your animal become dehydrated, alongside the heat.
 
Familiarity
Make sure you leave the carrier beside the animal a few weeks before the journey to ensure it has their scent and the have got used to the idea of going inside it to nap. We also offer food inside it so that the cat feels comfortable eating inside – this encourages them to eat on the journey. Toys inside also help them feel safe.

Sometimes it may be necessary to have a courier transport your animal for you. We always recommend fully vetting your courier before paying any deposit or in full before having them transport your kitten. There are many things you should consider when selecting a courier for your kitten.

Firstly, is the animal insured to be travelling with the courier?
Are they giving you a contract for the transportation of your animal?
Will the animal be alone or travelling with other pets?
What's the infection control process to ensure your pet is kept safe and secure from infectious diseases?
Do they have secure carriers for your pet?
If they are transporting a DWA animal - do they have a carrying licence for the animal?

We are Defra-Approved registered carriers for the transportation of Dangerous Wild Animal cats and can carry rabies-risk/ quarantine cats. Generally, we hand-deliver all of our kittens where possible and collect any new cats ourselves with relevant paperwork for border control inspection.

You must have a passport of equivalent paperwork for your animal you wish to travel with, import or export. Generally most animals fall into the Pet Travel Scheme set by DEFRA, the UK Government, but it is worth bearing in mind that some do not. In order to cross the border at some countries you may also require an additional licence granted by CITES. The purpose of the passport is to make sure the microchip matches the passport and vaccinations are up to date.

In our case, for Savannahs, you can import and export anything to/ from the UK with no CITES required provided it's within the EU. A brief guide below:

• F1 Savannah:- No CITES required - see notes. Quarantine required at a DEFRA-Approved facility for 3 months in Scotland, 4 months in England. Transportation of the animal must be done through a licenced carrying agent, such as ourselves. You may not transport an F1 Savannah in your car without a carrying agent licence (even to the vets!).
• ​F2 Savannah:- CITES required - see notes. Rabies Vaccination.
• F3 Savannah:- CITES required - see notes. Rabies Vaccination.
• F4 Savannah:- CITES required - see notes. Rabies Vaccination.
• F5 Savannah:- CITES required - see notes. Rabies Vaccination.
• F6 Savannah:- Pet Passport only required with rabies vaccination.

​IMPORTANT NOTE: Under the above EC Regulations there is effectively free movement of CITES listed animals within the European Union so no export/import permits will be required.  However, we would advise that you travel with proof of legal ownership in case challenged by Customs; this could be in the form of a receipt or a copy of an invoice. You should also contact their colleagues in Carlisle to discuss applying for an import health certificate and also any quarantine issues.  Their telephone number is: 01228 403600 or email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Where do I start?

So you are wondering how we have come to own such beautiful cats and wondered where to start, whilst you give the idea of exotic cat or dangerous wild animal licenced cat ownership very careful consideration…
 
We receive many questions on a daily basis on how to obtain these animals and if they are all as wonderfully tame as they are in our videos which we post regularly on social media. I decided to write this small article as a rough guide to cover these questions and explain reasons behind my answers. I will also discuss the breeding aspect of these animals very lightly.
 
I will refer to the “DWA”, and the, “DWAA” throughout and these abbreviate the “Dangerous Wild Animal” and “Dangerous Wild Animal Act”.
 
Any animal considered not to be domesticated falls into the DWA category in the United Kingdom. You will find that parts of the world have different rules and do not even licence some wild cats for private ownership. In some countries not only wild cat ownership, but hybrid ownership is banned altogether. I would suggest that before deciding to really research private exotic cat ownership, whether this be a hybrid or full wild cat, please do check your local laws depending on which state or country you are in. This is primarily aimed at the UK DWAA, but can be used as a guideline or part of your research on wild cat ownership anywhere in the world as I hope it can give you some useful information.
 
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act was first produced in 1976 and amended in 2010. The purpose of the act was to prevent incompetent ownership of the larger species which were widely available around the time of the Act’s compilation. Do not get me wrong, there are still a number of private owners in the UK with leopards, pumas, cheetahs, tigers and other larger species but they are licenced and inspected annually/ bi-annually to ensure the welfare of the animal is being prioritised.

There are no different rules in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales or England.
 
What is the requirements of a DWA Licence and how do I find out more?
 
Firstly, there are no physical national requirements on enclosure sizes, materials, lighting, heating or design structure. The answer is simply- speak to your local council animal welfare officer. Each individual council or county has their own requirements on what they feel meets the DWAA compliance for them to issue you with a licence.
 
I will give you an example of 4 different wild cat owners enclosure types and they all have DWA Licences:

NOTE: the comfort rating and security rating is a personal opinion and is not issued by a council. The rating is inserted to help potential DWA cats keepers to understand the difference that enclosures can make to the life of the animals in their care.
 
Who enforces the DWAA?
 
Your local council holds full responsibility to enforce the DWAA and issue or refuse to issue licences to Dangerous Wild Animal keepers.
 
It is worth noting that you must apply for a DWA licence before you obtain your animal you intend to keep on your premises.
 
Most councils have application forms for a DWA licence so by asking for one well in advance, you will have an insight into what information the council will require from you. It may also be worth speaking to your council DWA officer to gain the contact details of the Veterinary Surgeon who will be inspecting your enclosure. You can then contact her/ him directly and discuss any concerns or recommendations they may have well before you start your building project.
 
It is worth remembering that there are a few requirements that must be met to adhere to the act and this is what the council is there to enforce under the act.
 
What are the basic requirements of a DWA Licence?
 
The council will check to ensure that:

1. Your animal is not likely to cause nuisance to neighbours through noise or smell for example,
2. You have a current public liability insurance policy to cover the animal,
3. You fully understand what the animal is required to eat and your proposed food is adequate,
4. You fully understand the characteristics of the animal inclusive of exercise requirements,
5. Your animal can exercise and move freely within the enclosure proposed,
6. Your enclosure is constructed of good materials (to keep the animal secure) although each council has different ideas on what is secure or not,
7. Fire Extinguisher and you can operate it,
8. Emergency Procedures,
9. Dedicated Veterinary Surgeon for the animal,
10. Vaccination Procedures (how will the animal be annually protected and will the vet come to you),
11. Heating is adequate for the animal to be comfortable in all weathers,
12. Accommodation will be dry and ventilated if required,
13. Accommodation will have adequate entry/ exit procedures i.e. double or triple door system.
14. If you are trying to licence your home, you must have secure provisions installed such as:
    1. Self-close door systems,
    2. Secure entry systems where the animal can be accessed i.e. key/ pin code,
    3. Lockable windows,
    4. Adequate sanitary provision,
    5. Animal carriers for emergency vacate,
    6. Emergency procedures,
    7. Fire Extinguishers,
    8. Appropriate meat storage (raw meat & chicks etc),
15. It may be worth thinking thoroughly through your escape procedures very thoroughly as some councils may not grant a licence on the basis of poor enclosure structure or lack of knowledge. We have a gamekeeper in the local area who has been allocated an emergency position in case of escape and we are unable to capture. The purpose of this is to ensure that there is no threat to the public. It is then down to the individual licensee to ensure that they never have to make that call…

 
If a licence will be issued, it will include the following:

1. How many animals are covered on the licence and what species,
2. Where the animals will be kept,
3. The address of the property,
4. The persons licenced to keep the animals (this usually ties in with public liability insurance too so do make sure you have all the names of the people you require to be in contact with the animal on the licence).
5. If the applicant is over the age of 18 years and has been previously disqualified from keeping DWA animals,
6. A police check for all persons named on the licence,
7. Any restrictions placed on the licence i.e. number of DWA kittens allowed on premises and age they should be moved from the home DWA out into the main enclosures. It will also detail the moving of the animals and that this should be done in appropriate, secure carriers.
8. A fee payable to the council to cover vet visits and administration, usually around £200 - £300 depending on the area you live.

 
If I plan to breed DWA’s – what happens when another one comes for breeding?
 
Call your council well in advance to notify them and ensure they add the cat on to your licence. Councils have the right to discretion and as this is a temporary situation you will be able to add on the animal for a short period.
 
Do I really need a licence? How would anyone know any different?
 
Power to seize
 
Firstly, we do not trade any animals under the DWA to non-DWA holders. Please do not ask us as we will not risk the safety of our animals.
 
We have exceptionally high-standards in our facility and if you are not deemed competent by the local authority in your area, then we will not undermine this decision, or overrule and give you a cat anyway.
 
“But I’m about to build an enclosure”
“I’m just waiting on my inspection”
“I’ll build the enclosure before the kitten gets big”
“It’s only the one cat, so I don’t think I really need an enclosure”
 
If you would like a kitten from us which requires a DWA licence then please provide us with a copy of your licence that has already been granted.
 
NOTE: Where an animal is being kept contrary to the section 1 (1) of the DWAA (held without a licence when it requires a licence) or any condition of your DWA licence is contravened/ you are non-compliant, the council may seize your animal.
 
The council can hold on to it, rehome it, destroy it or whatever they decide and they NOT liable to pay any compensation for the animal to the owner. Not only do they not need to compensate the owner but they can also charge fees for uplifting the animal and doing what they have decided to do with it. This debt is recoverable through court.
 
I find it difficult to encounter the wild cats which I would like to own…why is everyone so protective?
 
You need to work for trust. Network. Visit places if people will allow you to. If breeders of the animal you want to keep are being secretive, ask yourself why. It can be difficult to source if wild cats are inbred or not without being in contact with other people who have bought cats from the person you decide to buy from. If you genuinely want to purchase a wild cat or F1 hybrid then ask breeders if you can spend some time with the breeds they have, stating your genuine interest in purchasing one. Some breeders may even accept volunteers, but be sure that they have adequate insurance to cover others in with their DWA animals. To explain this further, one of our insurance policies only covers those named on the licence, so we have had to take out a further policy to cover those who are not named. By having two, we can change the amount of liability and the type of contact with the animals.
 
What cats are covered under the DWAA?
 
A selection – (remember if it is not considered domestic, then a licence is applicable):
Bobcat
Caracal
Cheetah
Jaguar
Lion
Lynx
Ocelot
Puma
Serval
Tiger
 
If I have an enclosure built and a DWA licence granted, can I bring the animal in the house?
 
No. Not unless you have your house or more specifically an area of the house dedicated to DWA animals. This is not easily attainable but is achievable through time and knowledge.
 
What’s the point is keeping a DWA animal outside in an enclosure all the time? I want a DWA pet.
 
A dangerous wild animal licence covers you for animals that are not “pets”. The term pet is part of the reason why the act was introduced. The fact that these animals are not domesticated means that they are not well-suited to houses or the domestic lifestyle. It is often that these animals will not use a litter tray or play with something that was a much cherished possession of their owners. DWA cats are quicker, smarter, more agile and can give bigger bites than your average domestic cat – they need to be kept secure not only for public safety, but for their own.
 
If you decide to bring your cat in and it escapes, you will have to put your emergency procedures into place and you could lose your cat and your licence. If you really want your DWA cat in the house, plan carefully and have it onto your licence.
 
What if I get a wild cat and I am scared of it?
 
It is natural to be unsure about any animal which you haven’t met before. If you have bought a DWA cat then you must have it transported in a DEFRA-approved vehicle which means it’s suitable for transporting a DWA animal. It is worth getting your own transport approved for this. The travel tends to either completely upset an animal or they breeze through it not even noticing the travel. Give them a quiet room when they come home, but don’t leave them alone. Work with your animal right from the beginning. If your cat has been raised properly then it should be well-socialised and outgoing. Some cats can be shy and will take a few days to come round – but not longer.
 
If you have not owned a hybrid of these animals, it would be worth doing so before taking on a wild cat. In all honesty, an F2 will only give you a slight indication of the temperament of the wild animal in their ancestry.  By F2 there is likely to be around 25% wild genetics (2nd generation) from the wild cat, which is, in wild cat terms, huge dilution. The best thing you can do before making the decision is to get experience. Hopefully you will have taken a long time to consider the DWA cat you have purchased and worked so hard for your licence for. DWA ownership is not for those who are out at work all day as they need regular interaction come rain or shine. If you have a DWA cat and decide that it really isn’t for you after trying your best then it is always likely that the breeder will take the cat back (no refund) and you should always ask them in the first instance should you decide to part with the animal.
 
We are currently going through a long process of setting up a non-profit charity in the UK to help with rescue/ rehoming of DWA cats only as more of them come into ownership in the UK and many often sold to un-licenced or unsuitable homes. Should you decide not to speak with the breeder for personal reasons then please contact us for advice.
 
Are most wild cats like yours in the videos? Can I feed them from my hands? Aren’t they aggressive?
 
I wish I could say they were. Every cat has their own individual temperament but you need to allow enough time when every cat you receive is new to have them imprint on you. Here at Stylisticat, I am the main carer. I am here 24/7 and spend an extensive amount of time with the cats to ensure that they know who is the most trusted person they can rely on. It has been often asked how I have molded them to be so loving when other struggle to get them to come when called or to pet their DWA cats. Some are flabbergasted that I have a serval cuddling on my knee, cleaning my face. It has not come easily and I have had to work so hard for the trust and love that I am given. I always say to people that you reap what you sow. My cats are all affectionate on their terms. The larger wild cats we have here will hiss at visitors who approach the enclosure. Once they get to know them a bit better they will rub themselves along the fence to try and scent the person and show affection. Always be persistent with animals, similar to small children. Do not reward naughty behaviour but do not ignore it either. When wild cats are small they play with their mouths. You may have to wear gloves initially until the training period is over and you and your cat have a behavioural understanding where possible. Some cats do not ever become, ‘safe’, to work with. Bear that in mind. Even my most loving cats can bite or scratch when they want/ do not want something and it’s certainly not just your average nip of the skin. You may get puncture wounds in your skin through play. This can be difficult to get used to initially and is not enjoyable but always have a toy to hand so that you can divert attention and show praise for playing with toys and not human skin. I would never advise playing with any DWA cat of a larger size. There is a great difference for example in the way that I play with Servals than the way I play with caracals! A lot goes on behind the scenes in any DWA Licenced keeper where there are a number of cats – great and not-so-great things. It’s only natural. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
 
There are loads for sale overseas – how do I import one?
 
Any animal imported may be covered by CITES Licences you can contact CITES here.
Any animal which is covered under a DWA licence i.e. a full wild animal or F1 hybrid cannot travel under the Pet Passport Scheme into the UK.
You will be required to obtain an Import Licence from APHA/ DEFRA - Go to DEFRA.
You will be required to quarantine the animal for 4 months in England and 3 months in Scotland within a DEFRA-approved quarantine facility. The facility will have a quarantine licence and must also obtain a DWA to accept your animal.
 
This page will be updated as more questions are asked to be answered!
 
You can ask us a DWA Licence question here