Safari cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A very rare hybrid breed from crosses between the small South American Geoffroy's cat and domestic cats, with a spotted coat and little documentation.
Also known as Safari cat, Geoffroy hybrid, Geoffroy's cat hybrid
Quick facts
| Origin | Hybrid of the South American Geoffroy's cat and domestic cats, bred in the United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense coat with a spotted pattern |
| Colours and patterns | Spotted patterns; the full colour range is not well documented |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 3 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 2 |
Best suited to
| Suits | An experienced owner who has checked local law and wants a rare spotted cat from a documented breeder. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A first-time owner, a small home, or anyone who needs a cat with a predictable temperament. |
About the Safari
The Safari is a hybrid breed. It comes from crossing the Geoffroy's cat, a small wild cat of South America, with domestic cats. Geoffroy's cat is a spotted species about the size of a large house cat, so the Safari is meant to look like a small spotted wild cat without being large. Breeders began pairing the two in the late twentieth century, and only a small number of cats have ever been registered.
Very little about the breed is well documented. Sources disagree on dates, on which registry holds it in what class, and on how many cats exist. The coat is short and spotted, and the build is solid and medium-sized. There is no published weight range that can be relied on.
Temperament and living with one
Reports from owners describe a bold, active, curious cat that is attached to its people and can be wary of strangers. Because the breed has a wild-cat ancestor, early generations may be harder to handle than a typical pet cat, and temperament varies a good deal between litters and between breeders. Which generation is a usual pet, and how many generations have passed since the wild parent, differs from breeder to breeder, so ask for the pedigree in writing.
Rules on keeping hybrid cats differ by place, and some states, provinces and countries restrict early generations or ban the breed outright. Check local law before you commit to a kitten.
Care: coat, food and play
The short coat needs only an occasional brush. The harder part is exercise. A Safari is likely to want climbing space, puzzle feeders and several play sessions a day, and a bored cat of this type can become destructive. Provide tall perches, sturdy scratching posts and a secure home. Some owners fit a harness and train the cat to walk on a lead, which should be done with care and with a vet-approved collar. Feed a complete, measured diet and keep weight in check.
Health
No breed-specific health problems are well established, mainly because there are so few cats and so little research. Hybrid cats can carry any condition seen in domestic cats. Ask the breeder what screening the parents had, and ask your vet about a plan for vaccination, parasite control and regular check-ups. If a kitten has diarrhoea, weight loss or lethargy, call a vet promptly.
Is it right for you?
The Safari suits an experienced owner who has researched the breed, has confirmed it is legal to keep, and can find a breeder who is open about pedigrees and generations. It does not suit a first-time owner, a rental with strict rules, or a household that wants a calm lap cat. If you like the spotted look but want a breed with a longer record and wider registry support, look at the Bengal, the Savannah or the Ocicat.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026