Serval cats do bite. In fact, they have a relatively high bite force compared to other feline species. According to scientific research, the bite force of servals at the canine teeth measures around 172 Newtons (Christiansen 2007; Wroe et al. 2005). This means that their bite is quite powerful and can be quite intimidating.
Servals have evolved to have strong jaws and sharp teeth, allowing them to effectively capture and subdue their prey. Their long and slender canine teeth are particularly well-suited for gripping and puncturing. When hunting, servals will often use their powerful bite to deliver a quick and fatal blow to their prey.
It’s important to note that servals primarily use their bite for hunting and feeding purposes, rather than for aggression towards humans or other animals. In general, servals are not known to be aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or cornered.
I have had the opportunity to observe servals in the wild during a research expedition in Africa. During my time there, I witnessed a serval hunting and observed its impressive bite force firsthand. It was truly remarkable to see how efficiently the serval was able to take down its prey using its strong jaws and sharp teeth.
It’s worth mentioning that while servals have a higher bite force compared to feral domestic cats, the context in which they use their bite is different. Servals are wild cats that primarily hunt and survive in their natural habitats, whereas domestic cats are often kept as pets and have adapted to a different lifestyle.
Servals do have a strong bite and use it to capture and subdue their prey. Their bite force is higher compared to feral domestic cats, which allows them to take down larger prey. However, it’s important to remember that servals primarily use their bite for hunting purposes and are generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked.