Animal sensation in Reinbek: Escaped Serval cat finally caught!

Animal sensation in Reinbek: Escaped Serval cat finally caught!

The Serval is currently causing a stir in Reinbek, a small town in the Stormarn district. On Monday, July 7, 2025, the wild cat broke out of its enclosure and left citizens in suspense. A resident noticed the shy serval cat on private property late on Thursday evening, July 10th, and immediately alerted the police. Thanks to a quick reaction, the serval was anesthetized on Friday night and taken to the animal shelter, where he now has to stay for the time being. NDR reported this, and the city of Reinbek also confirmed the events.

The excitement surrounding the Serval is not unfounded. This wild cat, originally native to the African savannahs, is shy and can defend itself if it feels threatened. The Serval has striking yellowish to golden brown fur with characteristic black spots and is larger than a normal domestic cat, reaching up to 60cm at the shoulder. According to rumors, the animal can weigh between 8 and 18 kg. Before it was found, the serval initially wandered around Neuschönningstedt, which prompted citizens to call the local police in order to quickly find the animal.

Residents on alert

The city administration of Reinbek has discouraged the population from getting too close to the serval. There is a particular danger for children and pets, which is why citizens have been asked to keep their distance and to contact the police or local regulatory authorities immediately if they see the cat. Calls from the public made a decisive contribution to narrowing down the search operation and improving the serval's living situation, as the local law enforcement agency had already recorded reports of sightings before it was captured.

Keeping a serval in Schleswig-Holstein requires a permit, and the couple who kept them did not have this permit. While a process to use an appropriate animal enclosure is ongoing, the responsible authority is now under pressure to find a solution for the species-appropriate accommodation of the serval by mid-August at the latest. Karen Schönbrodt, head of the animal rights organization Einhorn e.V., expressed serious concerns about the species-appropriate keeping of such exotic animals and their stress-free lives.

Special requirements of the serval cat

Servals are not ordinary cats. They require special living conditions, which they usually have to have in a large outdoor area. This exotic animal is very popular with cat lovers, but it also brings with it massive challenges. The high procurement fee of 5,000 to 10,000 euros, coupled with the expensive ongoing costs for feed and care, makes keeping them a demanding task. Many aspects, such as a species-appropriate diet and regular health checks, are essential for a happy life together.

A serval isn't just a pet; it is a piece of wilderness within your own four walls. This wild cat has retained many of its natural behaviors and is difficult for the average cat owner to tame. Informed decisions are required here in order to meet the needs of the animal on the one hand and to meet legal requirements on the other. As the Kittystore also states, the decision to keep a serval as a pet is always associated with an intensive discussion about the general conditions and possibilities.

The story of the escaped serval in Reinbek offers an exciting perspective on the challenges associated with keeping such animals. Residents who responded with a lot of commitment and attention have proven how important responsibility and care are when dealing with our animal companions.