Safari

		Safari
		Translation Francis Vandersteen
		Origin The Safari is a breed of cat originating in the United States, the result of hybridization between a Geoffroy Cat and a Domestic Cat.


This large cat is characterized by its short-haired coat with a spotted tabby pattern.
The possession of this animal is not authorized Royal Decree establishing the list of mammals not kept for production purposes that may be kept (M.B. 24.08.2009)

The Safari is the result of a cross between a domestic cat and a Geoffroy cat (Leopardus geoffroyi). These crosses began in the 1970s for leukemia research at the University of Washington. Due to various problems, the university soon abandoned these crosses and breeders took over. However, the breed struggled to develop and remained rare.
The first names chosen for the breed were “criollo” and “appaloosa”. The term “safari” was chosen to evoke the breed's exotic side.
Cross-breeding between domestic and Geoffroy cats predates that of the Bengal, and rapidly declined due to breeding difficulties. However, since the Bengal has taken off, some Safari breeders are hoping that this new breed will enjoy the same success. At the end of 2007, less than 70 individuals had been registered by TICA worldwide, mainly in the United States.

Despite their wild origins, from the very first generation, these cats are said to be very easy to live with. They are also affectionate, intelligent and have strong personalities. However, these traits are entirely individual and depend above all on the history of each cat.

Cross-breeding between a wild cat and a domestic cat is considered a threat to the wild species, as the breeding stock is often illegally imported, thus encouraging the trade in endangered species.

They are short-haired with a spotted tabby pattern, i.e. a coat studded with solid black spots (unlike the Bengal breed, which has rosettes). The original pattern can be mixed with the many colors of domestic cats, such as colorpoint or tortoiseshell.