Exotic cat on the loose in Decatur, owner desperate to find it

DECATUR, Ill. (WICS) — Macon County Animal Control is looking for an exotic cat that's been on the loose in Decatur.

A 30-pound African native cat called a Serval is currently on the loose.

The owner, Christopher Solomon, is desperate to find his companion.

Solomon acquired his pet serval, named "Reese" from a woman in West Virginia last month.

He said the previous owner sold the Serval to him due to his knowledge and experience working with exotic animals.

Solomon said his friend left the door open and that's when Reese escaped. He said he is devastated because he only had a little time with him.

"If you see him he will pose no threat to you or your children. I can't promise anything about your small pets because he is a predator," Solomon said. "He's not aggressive. He may look scary, but he's really not aggressive. He's honestly a great boy."

There have been disputes over the legality of the ownership but Solomon says the Illinois Department of Natural Resources sent him an email allowing him to own the cat.

He said his apartment complex was aware of the animal and allowed him to keep it.

Solomon said Macon County Animal Control has not been in much contact with him and he doesn't know if Reese will be returned to him once found.

We reached out to the Macon County Animal Control for an interview but we did not hear back.

IDNR sent a statement saying the department only oversees native Illinois species.