Safari vs Jungle-Curl - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

The Safari Cat, hailing from the USA, is one of the rarest breeds of cats. There are only about 70 of these cats registered at the International Cat Association.

The Safari cat is a mix of a moggy and Geoffroy's cat. At first, the cat was used for research purposes by Washington State University but then cat breeders took over the development of the breed.

The name ‘Safari’ was chosen because of its wild look.

Originating from the United States, the Jungle Curl cat is a cross between the Jungle cat and the American Curl.

Several other spotted cat breeds have been used to bring about the cat such as the Bengal and the Egyptian Mau .

The Jungle Curl cat is a curled eared wild cat hybrid, though no one seems 100% sure about the different cats used to bring the cat about.

The hybrid Safari cat is a medium to large-sized cat that at first weighed in the region of 15kg, but the cat now weighs roughly 11kg.

Its body is much like that of the wild parent, the Geoffroy – muscular and compact. The ears aren’t particularly large and are smallish, rounded ears with a fairly broad head.

It has a typical wild cat look and is a spotted or rosetted cat breed. Below the spots, the coat is a silvery grey shade.

The coat which is short actually comes in a variety of colors that come from both cat breeds. The eyes of this cat are either yellow or green. The Safari cat certainly has a wild cat appearance, because of the cross-breeding. This is a rare cat and because of this, there is no breed standard for it.

They can live to be between 17 and 20 years of age.

Temperament:

Even though one of the parent breeds is a wild cat, the Safari cat is described as an easy-going cat that can make a good pet.

The cat is very intelligent and playful and will enjoy swimming and climbing. It is for this purpose that he needs to have quite a large outside enclosure with a pool of sorts so that he can paddle.

There isn’t much information on their interaction with children and other pets in the home. While they are quite likely to make good pets where there are children, there would have to be supervision where there are small children. During play, these cats can bit. It would be extremely important to teach children to respect any animal and to be gentle and kind to them.

The JungleCurl is a large cat and it can weigh between 5 and 10kg.

It is a curled eared hybrid cat known for its long and lean frame. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs.

The Jungle Curl’s tail may be medium-length or a full-length, and a bobtail isn't encouraged in this particular breed. An interesting fact with this cat is that extra toes - known as polydactyly, are a sought after characteristic.

The eyes of the cat are wide-set and slanted, and come in shades varying from gold to green.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Jungle Curl is the ears which curl away from the face. Some curls are more severe than others so the degree of the curl can vary from slight to more severe. The ears are somewhat smaller than average, and may be tufted.

The Jungle Curl may have long or short hair. Recognized coat patterns are tawny (ticked), leopard, and clouded leopard. Colors are silver, mink, lilac, fawn, chocolate, sorrel, blue, ebony, with the occasional red and cream.

Temperament:

The Jungle Curl loves exploring and is an energetic cat that is also friendly. Because they are active, they need lots of exercise along with stimulating activities such as toys that make them think as well as climbing apparatus.

People who have owned them as pets say they are dog-like and will love to splash around in water with their human owners and even fetch a ball.

Jungle Curls are more playful and exploratory than many domestic cats. People who have owned them say they have the intelligence and appearance of the wild cat, but the affection of a domestic cat.

These are cats that need a lot of attention. Keep toys and activities ready for this cat and ensure that you give him lots of attention.

The cats are dog-like which means you can even throw a small ball for it to retrieve.

As a hybrid cat, your Safari is interesting alright, but unfortunately, you can’t ever be 100% sure of a hybrid cat. It needs careful consideration before you bring one into your home.

Apart from coming into the home from time to time, hybrid cats need an outside enclosure too that is securely fenced and gated and with a roof.

You made a decision to buy a cat with a wild side. It may live up to all your expectations but it may not either.

When you do research you find that the biggest number of behavioral complaints from owners of hybrid cats are about aggression issues and the refusal to use a litter box when indoors.

There is still a raging debate going on as to whether hybrids make suitable pets, but when you bring any animal into your home, as a responsible adult it is your job to provide well for it to ensure its happiness.

Allowing the private possession of cat hybrids like the Jungle Curl shouldn’t be allowed. It’s not that the Jungle Curl isn’t a wonderful cat – it is – but do research and you’ll find that these cats are always being rescued from animal sheltes because people dumped them there when they didn’t work out.

The Jungle Curl is an intelligent and affectionate cat, and people who have owned it will tell you that it is also one of these cats that become much like a dog in behavior.

It is energetic and playful and loves nothing more than to play with its owner. They love all the interaction and attention and don’t want to be left alone for too long as they become bored.

The Jungle Curl should have an outside cage when he is not being watched. You can even take him for walks. When he isn't being supervised, keep him safe in his outside cage. A hybrid cat needs special attention and a lot of exercise, and before you get one, think carefully.

The Safari cat isn’t a particularly well-known breed so there isn’t much information on their health. They can suffer from the same illnesses as non-hybrid domestic cats.

Certain hybrid breeds, such as the Safari, can sometimes have issues with reproduction as some cats are infertile. Domestic cats and wild cats have a different number of chromosomes and this results in reproductive problems, and stillbirths are quite common.

These hybrids can also suffer from genetic defects that require particular, special diets. They sometimes require surgery because they can’t properly digest their food.

The Jungle Curl is a loving, playful cat that will require a large outside enclosure if you want to ensure his good health. He isn't a cat to keep in a small apartment or constantly indoors.

These cats are susceptible to all of the same domestic cat diseases there are so you have to know of a good vet in your area who can see your cat when he is sick.

Speak to your vet about vaccines for the Jungle-Curl.

It is recommended that you brush this cat each week. He isn’t a big shedder but the brushing once a week keeps the fur in good condition, removing loose hairs and dust.

A high protein diet is imperative. Cats are carnivores and a meat diet is imperative. You can speak to your vet or a cat expert about feeding your Safari cat. Certainly, they need to be fed high-quality cat food. These foods are available in wet and dry form.

He will definitely need some raw meat. Make sure you understand the ingredients in some low- quality cat foods as corn for cats can be a problem for them, hard to digest and it could cause intestinal problems.

When feeding most hybrid cats protein is one of the most important factors. Also, make sure they get a good variety as well.

A cat such as the Jungle Curl will want a mix of meat such as chicken, beef, liver and salmon. Some of the excellent commercial cat foods are tremendously convenient, whether dry food, semi-wet or wet foods. There are sone excellent brands available that are high in protein.

Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Supply your cat with all the things he needs to make his life happy. Water- and food bowls, nice warm bed, brush, grooming accessories, cat carrying box, litter box, and collar and tag.

Love your cat and pour your attention onto him.