The serval's big ears give it the acute hearing needed for tracking down rodents and reptiles hiding in the undergrowth. It pricks them to pinpoint its prey, then stalks and speedily pounces in much the same manner as other cats. When the grass is long the serval resorts to high leaps to flush out its quarry. A one-metre-high pounce may cover up to four metres in length, while a vertical-only spring can lift the forelegs three metres above ground. Such prodigious leaps are used to claw birds and grasshoppers out of the air.

Rats and mice, caught in the open or hooked out of their holes with sharp, curved front claws, are also normally despatched by fast, hard, downward chops of the paw. Larger victims, like hares, cane rats, small mammals and ground birds, are killed by a neck bite. In typical cat fashion, rats are eaten head first, the guts being discarded.

Despite their value in controlling cropland vermin, the servals' penchant for unprotected poultry makes them no farmer's friend. They have also been hunted for their pelts, which are favoured in ceremonial dress. Other predators include leopards, jackals and caracals. Sensing danger, servals normally take cover and rely on camouflage to avoid detection. Under direct threat they, like the family tabby, may climb trees.

Servals also hiss, growl and purr, but their "miaow" is more of a "how-how" and they don't bury their large scats, but drop them along their regularly trodden paths. Here they warn others of their presence, gender and reproductive status.