Escaped pet serval cats alarm Cainta subdivision residents

Residents of a private subdivision in Cainta, Rizal were alarmed when two serval cats escaped from the care of one of their neighbors.

According to a report by Cedric Castillo on Monday, the serval cats were kept as pets by a resident living in the subdivision.

One of the cats managed to climb a local's 10-meter fence, alarming the homeowner.

Residents said they complained about the matter to the homeowners' association but the body did not take action.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said a serval cat was considered a wild cat and only domesticated animals were allowed as house pets.

The DENR said it would investigate the matter.

However, the pet owner claimed they have a permit for their animals.

“We were able to retrieve the cat immediately and no one was harmed. This serval was born and raised here and has corresponding permits from DENR,” the owner said.

The owner added that the serval cats were attractions at their cat cafe in Quezon City. Their business closed late last year.

The owner added they were supposed to relocate the animals to their farm in Lemery, Batangas but due to the Taal Volcano eruption and the enhanced community quarantine, they were unable to move the cats.

“[W]e ask help from the authorities to grant us a pass so we can personally transport them to our farm in Batangas ASAP,” the owner said.

“We appeal for understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.” — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News