Savannah Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Savannah Cat is a truly captivating feline, instantly recognizable by its striking, exotic appearance.

A fascinating hybrid breed, it emerged from the crossbreeding of the wild African Serval with domestic cats, resulting in a companion animal that carries the majestic allure of the wild while possessing many of the endearing qualities of a domesticated pet.

With their unique spotted coats, tall, graceful bodies, and remarkably large ears, Savannahs stand out in the feline world.

Beyond their stunning looks, these cats are known for their active, curious, and social personalities, often displaying “dog-like” traits that endear them to their human companions.  

The primary appeal of the Savannah Cat lies in its ability to offer an exotic, wild aesthetic combined with a temperament suitable for a domestic setting.

This inherent blend of wild heritage and domesticated qualities forms the foundation for understanding the breed’s unique care requirements and its suitability as a pet.

Breed History

The story of the Savannah Cat begins relatively recently, in 1986, when the first recorded intentional cross between a male African Serval and a female domestic Siamese cat occurred in the home of Judee Frank.  

The resulting kitten, aptly named “Savannah,” gave the breed its enduring moniker. This initial breeding aimed to combine the Serval’s impressive size and wild beauty with the more manageable temperament of a domestic cat.  

The development of the Savannah breed is characterized by its “filial generations,” denoted by an “F” followed by a number (F1, F2, F3, etc.). This number indicates how many generations removed a cat is from its Serval ancestor.  

An F1 Savannah, for instance, has a Serval parent and is typically 50% Serval. Subsequent generations have a decreasing percentage of Serval blood, which profoundly influences their size, appearance, personality, and even fertility.  

This generational progression creates a gradient from more wild-like traits in F1s to more domesticated characteristics in later generations, such as F4 and F5, which tend to be more outgoing, affectionate, and generally more suitable as family pets.

Breeding Savannahs, especially the early generations, presents unique challenges. The significant size difference between a male Serval and a female domestic cat can pose risks of injury to the female during mating.  

Furthermore, male Savannahs often experience fertility issues, with many not being able to procreate until the fifth or sixth generation, contributing to the rarity and high cost of early-generation kittens.  

The breeding process itself has raised ethical and welfare concerns, particularly regarding the welfare of captive Servals used solely for breeding and the potential for difficult births due to differing gestation periods between species.  

The exceptionally high cost of early-generation Savannahs, often exceeding $20,000 for an F1, is a direct consequence of these inherent difficulties and the low success rates in their breeding.  

To expand the gene pool and refine desirable traits, various domestic cat breeds, such as Siamese, Domestic Shorthairs, Bengal cats, and Egyptian Maus, have been used as outcrosses in the breeding program.  

The breed gained full championship status recognition from The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2012, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a hybrid experiment to a recognized domestic breed.  

Physical Characteristics

The Savannah Cat’s physical appearance is arguably its most defining feature, instantly captivating with its wild, exotic allure. Overall, they present as tall, lean, and graceful felines, bearing a striking resemblance to their African Serval ancestors.

This resemblance is not accidental; a primary objective of Savannah Cat breeding is to closely mimic the appearance of the Serval, making their physical standards intentionally cultivated to fulfill the aesthetic appeal of a wild cat.  

Savannahs are renowned for their impressive size, often holding the Guinness World Record for the tallest domestic cat. They typically stand between 10 to 18 inches (25 to 41 cm) tall and weigh an average of 12–25 lbs (5.4–11.3 kg).

However, early generations, particularly F1s, can be significantly larger, reaching up to 16–18 inches in height and weighing as much as 25–30 lbs. Males consistently tend to be larger than females.

Their bodies are long, lean, and well-muscled, featuring a deep rib cage, prominent shoulder blades, and a slight tuck-up.

Their legs are notably longer than average, with the back legs often appearing slightly longer than the front, contributing to their athletic stance.

They have oval, medium-sized feet and possess medium boning that provides both density and strength.  

Their ears are remarkably large, set high on the head, wide at the base, and upright with rounded tops. A desirable trait is the presence of “ocelli,” light markings on the back of the ears that mimic eyes.

Their medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are set under a slightly hooded brow and are often accentuated by prominent dark “cheetah-tear-stain” lines extending from the corners. The nose is wide with low-set nostrils, and in profile, it shows a slight downward turn. A long, lean neck completes their elegant silhouette.  

The Savannah’s coat is short to medium in length, with a slightly coarse feel due to coarser guard hairs covering a softer undercoat, and it lies relatively flat against the body.

Behavior and Personality

Beyond their striking appearance, Savannah Cats possess a captivating personality that sets them apart in the feline world. They are widely described as playful, adventurous, loyal, social, curious, highly intelligent, active, assertive, and friendly companions.  

One of the most frequently highlighted aspects of their temperament is their “dog-like” demeanor. Savannahs often form strong bonds with their families, displaying fierce loyalty and a tendency to follow their owners from room to room.

They can be trained to walk on a leash and harness, play fetch, and even respond to commands like “sit”.

This unique form of affection is active and interactive rather than passive or cuddly; while they offer deep companionship, they are not typically “lap cats” and generally dislike being picked up, carried, or restrained.

Unlike many domestic cats, a surprising number of Savannahs genuinely enjoy water, often playing in sinks, bathtubs, or even sprinklers and kiddie pools.  

Savannahs are high-energy felines that require substantial physical exercise and mental stimulation. They are not typically cats who snooze the day away; instead, they thrive on exploration, play, and interaction.

Their intelligence is another defining trait. Savannahs are quick learners, capable of figuring out puzzle toys rapidly and even opening doors, cabinets, and drawers.

This sharp intellect, combined with their high energy levels, can become a significant challenge if their needs for mental and physical stimulation are not consistently met.  

Stemming from their Serval ancestry, Savannahs possess strong hunting instincts and a high prey drive.

This makes them generally unsuitable for households with small prey animals like fish, hamsters, birds, or rodents, as they may view them as prey and even bring “unwanted presents” home.  

Care Guide

Diet

Savannah Cats thrive on a high-protein, meat-based diet that closely mimics what their wild ancestors would consume. This means prioritizing whole meat, fish, and organs in their meals.

While they are considered domestic cats and can eat premium cat foods, their optimal health relies on a diet physiologically aligned with their wild heritage, making discerning nutritional content crucial.  

They require higher doses of essential amino acids like taurine and arginine, which are abundantly found in lean meat sources such as chicken breast, liver, turkey, salmon, tuna, and prawns.

Exercise

Savannah Cats are exceptionally high-energy and athletic felines, demanding ample physical exercise and stimulation to remain healthy and content. They thrive on activities that engage their natural athleticism, such as running, jumping (up to 8 feet horizontally), and climbing.

Providing a variety of interactive toys, sturdy scratching posts, and tall cat trees or shelves is essential to satisfy their innate climbing instincts. For indoor cats, investing in a cat wheel or treadmill can be an excellent way to help them burn off excess energy.

Many Savannahs can be successfully leash-trained and genuinely enjoy walks, offering an excellent outlet for their energy and curiosity while strengthening the bond with their owner. Owners should aim for at least 30 minutes of dedicated exercise per day.  

Environment & Enrichment

Given their intelligence and active nature, a stimulating environment is vital for a Savannah Cat’s well-being.

Before bringing a Savannah home, extensive kitten-proofing is essential, including securing cords, small objects, and sharp edges, and blocking off any areas where the cat could get into trouble.

Maximizing vertical space with tall cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, and window perches is crucial, as Savannahs have an innate desire to climb and perch at heights, mirroring their wild ancestors’ behavior of climbing trees for hunting or escaping predators.

Offer a variety of interactive toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and small moving objects, to satisfy their strong hunting drive. Regularly rotating toys helps maintain interest and prevents boredom.

While they should never roam freely unattended due to their curiosity and agility, a secure outdoor enclosure (catio) can provide safe exploration and enrichment.

Grooming

Fortunately, Savannah Cats are a low-shedding breed with short to medium coats, making their grooming routine relatively straightforward. Weekly brushing with a soft brush is usually sufficient to keep their coat healthy, clean, and free of loose, dead hair.

Given their unusual fondness for water, occasional baths are generally easy if a Savannah gets particularly dirty. Owners should use lukewarm water and cat-specific shampoo and conditioner.  

Mental Stimulation

A Savannah Cat’s high intelligence means they need consistent mental challenges to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Organizing “treasure hunts” by hiding small portions of their daily meal around the house can also encourage natural hunting behaviors. Daily interactive play sessions with wand toys that mimic prey allow them to stalk, chase, and “catch” their “prey,” fulfilling an intrinsic need.  

Savannahs are highly trainable and respond remarkably well to positive reinforcement. Owners can teach them a variety of tricks, such as “sit,” “high five,” “jump through a hoop,” or “fetch”.

For times when owners are not home, automated or motion-activated toys can provide entertainment and keep their minds engaged. Simple, DIY enrichment items like cardboard boxes (for hiding and exploring) or paper balls can also provide hours of fun.

Incorporating scent enrichment by leaving out items with interesting scents for them to explore can also be beneficial. Dedicated playtime, even short 5–10 minute sessions of hide and seek or batting games, can significantly contribute to their mental well-being.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Why are they so expensive? 

Savannah Cats are expensive due to the significant challenges involved in their breeding. It requires substantial time and financial investment to raise Servals and domestic queens, and success rates for producing litters, especially in early generations, are low. Additionally, male Savannahs often face fertility issues until later generations.

Their rarity, combined with these breeding difficulties, drives up their price, with F1 kittens sometimes costing over $20,000.  

How big do they get? 

Savannah Cats vary significantly in size depending on their generation. F1 Savannahs are the largest, often weighing between 15 to 25 pounds, with some reaching up to 30 pounds, and standing 16-18 inches tall. Later generations tend to stabilize in size, typically weighing between 12-25 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. They also take up to three full years to reach their full size.  

What’s the difference between a Savannah and a Serval? 

A Serval is a wild African cat, typically weighing 25-40 pounds, found in the Savannah Plains. A Savannah Cat is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Serval and a domestic cat, possessing more domesticated qualities while retaining the exotic appearance and some instincts of its wild ancestor.  

Are they lap cats? 

No, Savannahs are generally not lap cats. They are extremely active and typically do not enjoy being picked up, carried around, or restrained. While they are very affectionate and loyal, they prefer interactive play and following their owners around the house over quiet cuddles.  

What does F1, F2, F3 mean? 

The “F” stands for “filial generation,” indicating how many generations removed a Savannah Cat is from its wild Serval ancestor. F1 means one generation removed (a Serval parent), F2 means two generations removed (a Serval grandparent), and so on. The generation significantly impacts the cat’s size, temperament, and cost.  

Do they get along well with other animals? 

With proper and early socialization, Savannahs can get along well with other cats and dogs in the household. However, due to their strong hunting instincts, they are generally not suitable for homes with small prey animals like birds, hamsters, gerbils, or fish.  

Do they get along with kids? 

Savannahs can be good family companions and often bond well with children. However, caution is advised with infants or very small children, especially with larger F1 generations, due to their size and more wild nature. Older children who understand how to interact respectfully are generally a better fit.  

Are they destructive? 

Savannahs are high-energy and highly intelligent cats. If their needs for physical exercise and mental stimulation are not met, they can become destructive out of boredom or frustration. Providing plenty of toys, climbing opportunities, and interactive play is essential to prevent such behaviors.  

Can they eat cat food? 

Yes, Savannahs are considered domestic cats and can eat premium cat foods. However, their optimal health benefits from a high-protein, grain-free diet that closely mimics the carnivorous diet of their wild ancestors. Some owners supplement with raw meat.  

Do they need inoculations like other cats? 

Yes, Savannahs require standard feline vaccinations, including Rabies, Feline distemper, Feline herpes virus, Calcivirus, Feline leukemia virus, and Bordetella. It is often recommended to use killed virus or modified live vaccines. Kittens typically receive their first vaccines around 8-10 weeks of age.  

What colors/patterns do Savannahs come in?

The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes the spotted pattern in four main colors: Brown Spotted Tabby, Black Silver Spotted Tabby, Black (Melanistic), and Black Smoke. The spots are typically bold, solid, and dark brown to black. Other non-standard colors and patterns can occur due to outcrosses but are not recognized for show.  

What is their lifespan? 

Savannah Cats typically live between 12 to 20 years. Their longevity can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, living environment, and overall health care.  

Do they like water? 

Yes, many Savannah Cats surprisingly enjoy water, a trait inherited from their Serval ancestors. They may play in sinks, bathtubs, or even enjoy swimming in kiddie pools or running through sprinklers.  

Are they ‘trainable’ like a dog?

 Savannahs are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform many tricks and commands, similar to dogs. They can learn to walk on a leash, sit, lie down, fetch, and more, especially with positive reinforcement training.  

Are males bigger than females?

 Generally, male Savannah Cats tend to be larger than females, particularly in the early generations.  

Can Savannahs be shown at a cat show? 

Yes, Savannahs are recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and can be registered and shown. They were granted full championship status in 2012.  

Can they be leash trained? 

Yes, Savannahs can be easily leash-trained and often enjoy walks, which provides an excellent outlet for their energy and curiosity.  

Should you allow a Savannah to wander freely outside? 

No, it is strongly advised against allowing Savannah Cats to roam freely outdoors unattended. Their curiosity, agility, and strong hunting instincts make them prone to getting lost, being hit by cars, encountering wild animals, or posing a threat to local wildlife. Secure outdoor enclosures (catios) are recommended for safe outdoor access.  

How high can they jump? 

Savannahs are exceptional jumpers, capable of leaping up to 8 feet horizontally from a seated position. They can also scale almost any fence.  

Do sterile males need to be fixed? 

Yes, even sterile male Savannahs should be neutered, typically around 5 months of age. This prevents undesirable behaviors such as spraying and marking territory, which are driven by male hormones.  

How old are they when they can go to a new home? 

Kittens are typically ready to go to new homes between 10-14 weeks of age. This allows them sufficient time to be weaned, receive initial vaccinations, and perfect their litter box habits under their mother’s guidance.  

What kinds of toys are safe for a Savannah kitten/cat to play with? 

Safe toys for Savannahs should be tough, sturdy, and engage their hunting and stalking instincts. Examples include interactive puzzle toys, feather wands, small moving objects, and durable balls. Owners should inspect toys for small, detachable parts that could be swallowed and regularly rotate toys to maintain interest.  

Will these cats really open doors cabinets and drawers? 

Yes, early generations, particularly F1s and F2s, are known for their ability to open lever-style doors, cabinets, and even drawers, thanks to their high intelligence and problem-solving skills.  

Do any cat breed registries currently recognize the Savannah? 

The International Cat Association (TICA) is currently the only international cat registry that fully recognizes the Savannah for registration and show.  

Do you need a permit to own a Savannah? 

Permit requirements for owning a Savannah Cat vary significantly by state, county, and even city. Some jurisdictions may outlaw hybrid cats entirely, while others may require permits or only allow later generations (e.g., F4 or later). It is crucial to research local regulations before acquiring a Savannah.  

Are there any known breed-specific health risks/problems? 

While generally healthy, Savannahs are more prone to certain conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Pyruvate Kinase (PK) disease. Reputable breeders screen for these genetic conditions. Like all cats, they can also experience common feline ailments, infections, and parasites.  

Do you need to childproof the home? 

Yes, thorough childproofing is essential for a home with a Savannah Cat, especially a kitten. Their curiosity and intelligence mean they can get into various hazards, including electrical cords, poisonous plants, small ingestible objects, and open cabinets. Creating a safe environment is crucial for their well-being.  

How do I go about acquiring my kitten? 

Acquiring a Savannah kitten involves deciding on the generation that best suits your lifestyle and budget, then contacting reputable breeders. Be prepared for potential waiting lists, especially for early generations. Breeders often require a detailed description of your home environment and lifestyle to ensure a good match, and a purchase agreement and deposit are standard.  

Are there waiting lists? 

es, due to high demand and the difficulties in breeding, waiting lists for Savannah kittens are common, particularly for F1 males.  

What is the average length of time to wait for a kitten? 

The wait time can vary significantly based on the generation desired. For an F1 male, a 12-month waiting list is not uncommon. For later generations, the wait might be a few months or less, depending on breeder availability and your specific requirements.  

Why has the Savannah been called the ‘Most Desired’ new breed? 

The Savannah Cat is highly desired because it allows individuals to experience the majesty and grace of a wild cat within a domestic setting, without the extreme challenges of owning a full-blooded exotic. Their intelligence, affectionate nature, dog-like behaviors, and striking appearance make them truly unique and captivating companions.  

Bonus Facts

Record Holders

Savannah Cats have repeatedly held the Guinness World Record for the tallest domestic cat, showcasing their impressive stature.  

Celebrity Companions

This exotic breed has attracted high-profile owners, including pop superstar Justin Bieber and the King of Morocco, highlighting their status as cherished pets among discerning individuals.  

Unique Vocalizations

Beyond typical meows, Savannahs can produce a range of unusual sounds, sometimes described as a “scream” or even resembling a “velociraptor or a lamb,” adding to their distinctive charm.  

Speedy Sprinters

These athletic felines are capable of impressive bursts of speed, reportedly able to run up to 35 miles per hour.  

Wild Markings

Their distinctive “cheetah-tear-stain” markings at the corners of their eyes and the “ocelli” (light markings) behind their large, erect ears are inherited directly from their Serval ancestors, enhancing their wild appearance.  

Slow to Mature

Unlike many domestic cat breeds, Savannah Cats are slow to reach their full size, often taking up to three full years to mature completely.  

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