Created by biologist[1] Karen Sausman of Kingsmark Cattery in California in 1994, the breed is still in the development stages, but the ultimate aim is to produce a cat that looks similar to a serval, without using any recent wild cat blood.

[citation needed] Serengetis are spotted cats, with long legs and very large, round tipped ears.

Most Bengal cats used in Serengeti breeding programs are many generations removed from these origins and possess few genetic contributions of the wild forebears except alleles affecting coat color.)

Serengeti cats are generally a healthy breed, with a few health issues, such as urinary crystals.

However spots can be black or dark brown on a tan, light beige or gold background.