Servals typically live for 12 to 18 years, with a maximum lifespan of 22 years and 5 months, and a theoretical lifespan ranging from 11 years and 3 months to 22 years and 5 months. The species reaches sexual maturity between 1 year and 8 months and 2 years and 10 months of age. A serval’s eyes open between 1 and 2 weeks after birth, and the young begin walking between 2 weeks and 4 days and 4 weeks of age. During the embryonic stage, the fetus develops inside the mother, receiving nourishment from her without eating independently. The kitten, or young, is born with closed eyes and is entirely dependent on the mother, who feeds it milk and provides protection. An adult serval can hunt independently and produce offspring, and this adult stage lasts from 1 to 20 years.