A Newer, Rarer Cat Breed Is A Mix Between Energetic Bengals And Oriental Shorthairs

You've probably seen or heard of different types of doodle dogs and other designer breeds that have become more popular in recent years, but canines aren't the only pets with hybrids. You can find designer cat breeds, too. The Bengal is a popular one, and it's been around since the late '60s but didn't get its now-beloved name until the mid-'70s. Known for its distinct leopard-like coat, the Bengal inspired yet another hybrid 20 years later: a mix between the Bengal cat breed and the Oriental shorthair. The result? A hybrid known as the Serengeti cat.

In 1994, a biologist named Karen Sausman of California's Kingsmark Cattery developed the hybrid feline. "I decided to create a domestic breed of cat that was partially modeled on the beautiful African serval," she wrote on the company's official website. "However ... Serengeti cats have no serval blood." As a lover of wildlife, she wanted to create a "substitute for owning a wild cat" without actually owning a wild animal. Now, this still-pretty-rare domestic cat, with its unique appearance, energetic nature, and amiability, has been warming some hearts and homes for just over 30 years.

Oriental shorthairs are part of the Siamese family and have lean, muscular bodies and large, wide ears. When mixed with Bengals and their long faces and large ears, the resulting breed — the Serengeti — generally features sizable, deep ears with rounded tips that stand upright. These hybrid cats also have long, muscular legs as well as round amber, green, or gold eyes to mesmerize their humans. In terms of weight, males max out at 10 to 15 pounds, while females have a lower weight range, typically reaching 8 to 12 pounds as adults.

The Serengeti's base coat appears as a yellowish gold color that's covered by a pattern of black spots. These contrasting colors can be various shades of gray, comparable to tabby cats. Some also have melanistic marks that create ghost spots or stripes. Both of this hybrid's ancestral breeds have short hair, and the Serengeti is no different, so expect to find less shedding than you would with a long-haired cat. Their coats are also thick and soft.

Despite their uniqueness, Serengeti cats don't differ much, behaviorally, from any other house cat. They love to play and explore their surroundings, especially when it involves jumping and climbing. If you plan to buy one, plan to give it plenty of toys and exercise opportunities in your home. These cats also score high in the friendliness department and can be vocal at times, so be prepared to learn how to speak fluent feline.