Two Exotic Cats Found near Seattle Middleschool

January 25, 2008

SEATTLE, Wa. - In the last month, two African Servals have been found roaming through residential Seattle.

The first was found on Dec. 30, just 20 blocks from Madison Middle School. The second was spotted over the weekend by children, who witnessed the cat roaming the school grounds.

Servals are considered to be exotic animals and are illegal to own in Seattle. The felines grow to about 50 pounds, and are at times temperamental. They are sometimes mistaken for cheetah and leopard, but are somewhat less fierce.

Both cats were humanely captured, and are thought to be about a year old. They are also declawed.

It's believed that the animals came from the same home and were a pair. The first cat was brought to a nearby animal sanctuary, and it is likely the other will end up there if no one comes forward to claim it.

Animal control has indicated that if the owner comes forward there may not be any penalties. They just want to educate the owner about the laws and dangers of raising exotic animals in a city environment.

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