Exotic African Cat Prowling New Jersey Neighborhood

By Kelli Bender Sep 27th 2012

Things got a bit wild on the streets of Florham Park, N.J. According to The (Morristown, N.J.) Daily Record, resident Sarah Flatt saw a large, spotted cat prowling her neighborhood.

Flatt described the animal as leopard-like and much larger than your average domestic feline. Amazed by the seemingly wild creature pawing through her suburb, Flatt took several photos of the big cat. She then watched the cat roam around nearby lawns for 10 minutes before it disappeared into the woods.


The police soon caught up with the not-so-average pussycat after receiving several calls about the animal. Authorities discovered it was a pet Savannah cat, weighing about 20 pounds. A Savannah is a mix between a wild African serval cat and a domestic feline breed. In some states the pet requires an expensive permit, but New Jersey allows people to keep the cats without one.

"It's an indoor cat, it's known to the neighbors, friendly, very healthy and has been there for over a year with no incidents or problems," Lt. Dan Worts said of the feline to the Daily Record. "It has been out a few times, which is a violation of local ordinances. You can't let your pets run at large, but at this time it appears to be a legal, exotic-domestic house mix. We do not feel this falls under the potentially dangerous species act."


Thus, the cat was given a pass for being off its own property. Officials have reported several incidents with residents calling in wild-cat sightings, only to find it is the same local Savannah cat. Authorities say the issue is that people will jump to conclusions when they spy an animal they are unfamiliar with.

Animal-control officers from the area warn animal lovers that although these animals can be kept as pets, owners need to be prepared for the commitment. Savannah cats always keep some of their wild streak, which can cause them to be a tad destructive when they grow older. Shelters have seen these kitties abandoned after they lose their kitten charm and start needing more attention.

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