The Safari cat is a hybrid of the South American Geoffroy cat and a domestic cat, usually a Bengal, Egyptian Mau or an Ocicat. The Safari is an unusual animal that provides the look of the wild with the affection rarely found in the sweetest domestic. The look of the Safari depends heavily on the cross used to produce it .
Some would call the Geoffroy a smaller version of the Margay or Ocelot .The Geoffroy averages 6 – 10 pounds with a more slender build than a domestic cat. Depending on their geographical location their base coat can vary from a golden orange, gray or melanistic (black) with a spotting pattern. In it’s native land the Geoffroy’s relationship to man runs full circle; from a companion to an aid in rodent control to an animal that is hunted for it’s meat and pelt.
Although much more social than the Asian leopard cat which is used to produce the Bengal, the pure Geoffroy cat does require an experienced owner, Special permits are required to own a Geoffroy’s cat, as well as a special diet and care. It is not recommended to have small children around mature Geoffroy’s.
The best alternative to the pure Geoffroy is the Safari cat.The F1 Safari cats have turned out to be delightfully gentle creatures. They are good with children, and even people that they don’t know. The Safari is an incredibly intelligent animal. They can be somewhat mischievous, using their front paws like little hands to get into things. Like most hybrid cats they are high-energy, but they are also more loving and hands on than other hybrid cats. They use a litter box and can be fed a high quality dry cat food.
They are extremely rare and difficult to produce. Breeding felines with a different number of chromosomes has proven to limit the number of Safaris that will ever be in existence. The domestic cat carries 38 chromosomes, while the Geoffroy possesses only 36 chromosomes. The positive side effect of this chromosomal difference in the F1 Safaris (50% Geoffroys/50% domestic) is
that they carry an odd number of chromosomes (37) which seems to increase size dramatically. One must consider the uniqueness of an eight and a twelve pound cat producing 25 plus pound offspring.
As mentioned above, the Safari cat is rare. At this time it is approximated that there are only about 40 Safari cats in existence, with well over the majority of those being females. Due to genetic differences between the parents pregnancies are infrequent and live kittens at birth are even scarcer. This explains why the Safaris are priced higher than other hybrid cats. They range in price from $5,500 to $7,000.
We would like to thank those who allowed us to use pictures of their Safaris as examples of what a safari should and can look like.
Unknown web pictures (if any pics used are yours and I didn’t give you credit please let me know)
