Wildcat Found in Backyard Cage After Fire Call

Firefighters in Marrero, Louisiana, recently discovered an African serval confined to a small backyard enclosure while responding to a minor house fire. Officials from Jefferson protection and animal welfare services (JPaws) were called to the scene and determined the owner lacked the required exotic animal permit to keep the serval. The cat, described as being in a cage akin to a dog kennel, was subdued and transported to the JPaws facility.

JPaws is now working to find a suitable refuge for the serval, acknowledging that while they share some traits with domestic cats, they are not easily sustained as pets. The agency emphasized that servals require specialized care, space, and stimulation that captive environments often fail to provide, leading to stress and potential aggression. Plans to temporarily house the serval at the Audubon zoo did not materialize, as the zoo stated it would not be taking the animal in.