The Savannah cat is a breathtaking breed known for their wild appearance, strong bodies and immersive personalities. Noted for their spots just like a wild cat, Savannah cats are an exotic wonder in the domestic feline realm. Are you intrigued by this distinctive breed? Read on to know more about Savannah cats and their unparalleled charisma.
Breed Overview
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Savannah |
| Scientific Name | Felis catus x Leptailurus serval |
| Characteristic | Adventurous, independent, intelligent, active |
| Life Span | 12-20 years |
| Build | Medium, athletic, lengthy |
| Average Weight | 12-20 lbs (5.4-9 kg) |
| Average Height | 14-17 inches (35.5-43 cm) |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Coat Colors | Golden, silver, black, smoke |
| Coat Pattern | Spotted |
| Eye colors | Blue, green, brown, gold |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Physical Description
Savannah cats are a striking feline breed, displaying a robust yet graceful build that is distinctly reminiscent of their wild ancestors. Weighing between 12 to 20 pounds and standing 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, Savannahs are medium-sized cats with a noticeably lengthier body, slender neck, and long legs, contributing to their athletic configuration.
Their coats, which are short and easy to groom, display a number of shades including golden, silver, black, and smoke. However, it’s their unique spotted pattern that truly captures attention, a signature trait passed down from their serval lineage. The random, bold spots are spread against a lighter coat, giving them a wild aesthetic.
These cats feature large, rounded ears complemented by vibrant eyes, which could exhibit stunning shades of blue, green, brown, or gold. Interestingly, males often appear larger and more robust whereas females present a more demure appearance, although both sexes display the same wild allure characteristic of their breed.
Behavior and Temperament of the Savannah
Brimming with energy, Savannah cats revel in adventure and display unique personality traits often related to their serval heritage. They are one of the eccentric breeds that love playing in water, exploring new nooks, and won’t back down from a good chase, asking for interactive toys and games. They enjoy being in the spotlight and have been known to follow their favorite humans around the house with keen interest.
Considered one of the more intelligent cat breeds, these felines require ample mental stimulation, often enjoying puzzle toys or fetch turfs. While Savannahs form strong bonds with their families, they are known for their independence, often striking a balance between social interaction and personal time.
The Savannah cat can be an excellent choice for families with older children due to their active and playful disposition. However, their intense hunting instincts might not make them the best choice for homes with small prey-type pets.
History and Origin
The Savannah cat is a relatively new breed, with their recorded history dating back to the 1980s. A successful pairing between a domestic Siamese female and a wild serval male led to the birth of the first Savannah in 1986. Judy Frank, a Bengal breeder, is credited with officially initiating the Savannah breeding program.
Despite trailblazing the amalgamation of wild and tame qualities, it took around 17 years after their initial creation for the breed to be recognized and accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001. The ‘Savannah’ name was inspired by the natural habitat of the serval cat.
Savannah Cat Care
Savannahs are high-energy cats requiring both physical and mental exercises. They appreciate having climbing frames, cat trees, or puzzle toys.
While not opposed to outdoor exploration, Savannahs should be provided with a safe and enclosed outdoor space to prevent them from wandering off. Regular interactive playtime with their owners can significantly help in enhancing their life quality.
Grooming is not an arduous task with this breed. Their short coats require minimal care—just a weekly brush down to keep it sleek and shiny.
Common Health Problems
Savannahs are generally healthy cats but could potentially be susceptible to:
- Genetic health issues: This indicates a range of inheritable conditions which may include specific vulnerabilities due to their unique genetic backgrounds, such as renal anomalies or neurological conditions prevalent in these lineages.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A form of heart disease often found in the breed, signifying the risk of heart-related issues inherited from ancestors, characterized by the thickening of the heart’s walls.
- Liver Issues: Denotes potential hereditary liver conditions such as hepatic lipidosis or cholangiohepatitis, which could be more prevalent due to the genetic predisposition of their serval or Siamese lineage.
To prevent these, routine veterinary visits and adequate nutrition are recommended.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Savannah
Adopting or buying a Savannah cat may require some research. Checking with local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or reputable breeders may be a good start. However, due to their unique genetics, Savannahs require specialized breeding, making them quite expensive. The average cost varies between $1,000 to $20,000 depending on their lineage.
Diet and Nutrition
Savannahs need a diet high in protein, similar to their wild counterparts. Fresh, raw, or wet cat food is recommended to provide adequate hydration while ensuring optimal health. While they can have dry food, it should be premium-quality with high protein content. Contrary to many cats, Savannahs might enjoy fruits, boiled eggs, or cooked fish as occasional treats.
Comparable Breeds
If you find the Savannah intriguing, similar breeds worth exploring include:
- Bengal: Reflects the wild appearance and high energy levels common to certain breeds, such as the Abyssinian.
- Caracal: An exotic breed whose unique features and behaviors may find similarity with oriental breeds.
- Servals: Known for their large ears and lean body, reminiscent of the Somali, a long-haired variant of the Abyssinian.
- Siamese: Renowned for their sociability and similar physical attributes- recalling breeds like the Siamese, known for their communicative nature and similar build.
For more cat breed profiles, feel free to explore our extensive collection.
FAQ’s about Savannah
Is Savannah cat a good pet?
Savannah cats, with their playful and intellectual disposition, can make great pets for families who can provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Why are Savannah cats so expensive?
The high cost of Savannah cats is due to their unique and specialized breeding, which involves a wild serval and a domestic cat.
Is a Savannah cat a house cat?
Yes, Savannah cats can be kept as house cats. However, they require significant physical exercise and mental enrichment.
Why are Savannah cats rare?
Savannah cats are rare as their breeding involves combining the genetics of a wild serval and a domestic cat, a process that is not common or easy.
Are Savannah cats safe?
Savannah cats are safe to keep as pets, although their active and adventurous nature can sometimes come across as assertive.
Is a Savannah cat exotic?
Yes, Savannah cats can be classified as an exotic cat breed due to their wild serval ancestry.
Is a Savannah cat like a dog?
Some people regard Savannah cats as similar to dogs in regard to their loyalty and their love for games like fetching.