What is a Savannah Cat?

A Savannah cat is an exotic-looking new breed of domestic cat. It has large ears, long legs and striking markings that can resemble those of a leopard. The Savannah breed was developed by mating domestic cats with African servals. A serval is a wild cat that lives in open grassy areas called savannahs. This habitat helped inspired the name for the domestic and serval cross breed, savannah cat.

The Savannah was bred to retain some unique traits of the wild serval. One unique characteristic of the Savannah breed is its size. It is the largest of all domestic cats. The build of the Savannah cat is very slender rather than muscular. The Savannah's coat pattern is especially bold and striking as it has black stripes and/or spots on a lighter, often golden tan, background color.

The first recorded breeding of the Savannah cat was in Pennsylvania in the early 1980s. The development of the Savannah breed continued in the early 1990s, but today Savannahs are still considered rare. There may be only a few hundred Savannah kittens available worldwide at any given time. The international breeding organization for the Savannah cat is a group called the Savannah International Member and Breeder Association (SIMBA).

In general, the Savannah cat is said to be very intelligent and playful. Some Savannahs enjoy playing fetch like a dog and many get along well with dogs and other cats. However, the Savannah cat is known for often wanting to be the dominant or alpha animal in the home. One interesting trait of the Savannah breed is a unique hiss that sounds much like a snake's warning to keep away.

Despite their size and wild heritage, the Savannah cat is domestic and is an indoor animal. Some Savannahs may even walk on a leash or harness if trained from an early age. These cats thrive on human companionship and are often very loyal and affectionate toward their owners. Savannah cats are sometimes confused with the Bengal breed as the markings and features can look very similar. The Savannah is usually larger in size than the Bengal though.

A Savannah cat is a hybrid breed created by crossing a domestic cat with an African Serval. The result is a tall, lean, and exotic-looking feline with striking spotted coats and large ears. They are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and often dog-like loyalty. Savannahs are categorized by filial generations (F1, F2, etc.) indicating how closely related they are to their Serval ancestors.

The size of a Savannah cat can vary significantly, with early-generation Savannahs (F1 and F2) being the largest due to their closer genetic ties to the Serval. These cats can weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and stand up to 17 inches at the shoulder. Later generations (F3 and beyond) tend to be smaller, more akin to average domestic cats in size.

The legality of owning a Savannah cat depends on local regulations, which can vary widely. Some areas may have restrictions or bans, particularly on the early-generation Savannahs due to their higher percentage of wild genetics. Prospective owners should check their local laws and regulations before considering a Savannah cat as a pet.

Savannah cats are known for their energetic and playful nature. They are highly intelligent, curious, and often enjoy interactive play and games. They can form strong bonds with their owners and display loyalty similar to that of a dog. Early socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted temperament, especially in higher-generation Savannahs with closer Serval lineage.

Savannah cats typically have a lifespan similar to domestic cats, often living between 12 to 20 years. Their lifespan can be influenced by their health, diet, environment, and the level of care they receive. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential for ensuring a long and healthy life for a Savannah cat.

Savannah cats require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a diet that meets their nutritional needs. They benefit from space to climb and explore, as well as interactive play with their owners. Due to their exotic heritage, some may have specific dietary or health considerations. Consistent veterinary care, including vaccinations and preventive treatments, is vital for their well-being.