Serval cat found roaming the streets in Reading

When a group of reading teenagers walked down Madison Avenue Friday, they knew what they saw wasn't an ordinary stray cat.

The spotted feline turns out be an African big cat called a serval, which is considered an exotic animal and illegal to own without a special permit. That didn't stop curious neighbors to help corral the well-mannered cat in a back alley

Reading police were called to Madison Avenue and were able rescue the 30 pound female feline on a dog leash.

It's temporary home is at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County where it spent the last 5 days. Shelter officials say the 1 to 2 year old serval has been well-cared for and is most likely someone's pet who is too nervous to come forward. They say servals can sell on the black market for up to $30,000.