Exotic African Cat Loose On Streets

PHOENIX -- A rare and exotic African Serval cat bolted from its owner and is loose on Valley streets far from its native African savanna.

Karen Shaw said while several residents have spotted Suzie, her pet eludes capture.

"She's nothing like a domestic cat," Shaw said.

House cats don't grow to be as big as the serval or have ties to ancient Egypt.

"They've actually been pets for about 1,000 years," Shaw said.

The long-legged cats with large ears generally have a length of 34 inches, plus 16 inches of tail. The shoulder height is about 21 inches.

"She can jump up 10 feet straight up from a sitting position," Shaw said.

The animal has been Shaw's pet for about three weeks. She said she got it from a woman in Kentucky who had to get rid of it.

"The cat was being beaten with a belt from her soon-to-be ex-husband," Shaw said.

Shaw said the animal escaped 12 days ago while she was playing with it.

"She went straight bee-line, so fast it was unbelievable, right over that fence," Shaw said.

"By the time I got to the other side, she had been through three yards. Leash was stuck in a fence, but she was gone," Shaw said.

Shaw has put up 600 fliers.

She said one woman in Ahwatukee spotted the cat and took some pictures. But no one has been able to corral the animal.

Shaw said people shouldn't fear her pet because Suzie is approachable and not dangerous. She is declawed, but does not like to be grabbed.

The cat's fur is described as gold with black spots.

People spotting the animal should call Shaw at 602-820-3665.