Cat breed Savannah Cat

Profile

ORIGINUSA

APPEARANCElarge cat

WEIGHTfemale 5 to 8 kg, male 6 to 14 kg

COATshort to medium length, smooth, dense, lying close to the body

PATTERNBlack, Black Smoke, Brown Spotted Tabby, Silver Spotted Tabby

COLOURbrown, silver, black, only light undercoat

EYESamber, brown, gold, green

CHARACTERintelligent, playful, spirited

SPECIAL FEATUREhigh energy level; strict laws determine the care and housing of some generations of Savannahs

ACTIVITY LEVEL

History of the Savannah cat

The Savannah cat is a mix of wild and domestic cat that first saw the light of day in the United States in 1986. The pairing of an African serval with a Siamese cat resulted in a unique kitten that was given the beautiful name ‘Savannah’ – a tribute to the natural habitat of the serval. With their exotic appearance and lively character, Savannah cats immediately captured the hearts of cat lovers. Today, they are coveted not only in the USA, but also worldwide by lovers of special cats.

Appearance of the Savannah cat

If there’s one cat that fits the description of a ‘little tiger’, it’s the Savannah. This cat looks as if it’s just popping into our living room for a quick visit before heading back out onto the plains! Savannah cats enchant us with their wild, elegant beauty. Their slender, muscular body, long legs and striking spots on their short, silky fur are reminiscent of one of their ancestors, the African serval. Their large, upright ears and expressive eyes, which usually shine in an intense gold or green colour, also give them a wonderfully exotic touch. Savannah cats are true eye-catchers and combine wildness and grace in a fascinating way.

Size of the Savannah cat

Savannah cats are among the largest domestic cat breeds. Their shoulder height can vary slightly depending on their gender and generation (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7)*, as can their weight. In general, male Savannah cats are on average larger than females. The shoulder height of Savannah cats can be between 35 and 45 cm. Some F1 males have even reached a shoulder height of 45 to 48 cm, which is impressive for a cat: it’s the equivalent height of medium-sized dogs such as Beagles or Cocker Spaniels! Savannah females are somewhat smaller with a shoulder height of 30 to 40 centimetres.

*What does ‘F-generation’ (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7) mean?

The ‘F’ stands for ‘filial generation’, which refers to the descendants in a family tree. The number after the ‘F’ provides information about the number of generations descended from the wild cat:

“F1” cats: These cats are direct descendants of the cross between a domestic cat and a wild cat. They therefore carry 50 per cent wild cat genes.
“F2”: These cats have about 25 per cent wild cat genes.
“F3”: These offspring have an F2 parent and about 12.5 per cent wild cat genes.
In the following generations, i.e. “F4”, “F5” and so on, the proportion of wildcat genes decreases further.

Overall, the following applies: The higher the F number, the further away the cat is from its wild ancestors and the more its behaviour and characteristics resemble those of a typical domestic cat. The F1 and F2 generations in particular still tend towards wild behaviour and require special housing conditions.

Weight of the Savannah cat

The weight of a Savannah cat depends on various factors. For example, their generation and sex play a major role. The males of the early lines, which are closest to the serval, can weigh an impressive 6 to 14 kilograms! The females of this generation are somewhat lighter. In later generations, such as F3 or F4, the males usually weigh between 6 and 11 kilograms and the females between 5 and 8 kilograms. Despite their impressive weight, Savannahs always appear slim and agile.

Coat of the Savannah cat

The coat of the Savannah cat is a true eye-catcher! It reflects the exotic heritage of these hybrid cats. The coat is short to medium length, smooth and dense with a light, soft undercoat. The coat colours can vary greatly, but they always have a beautiful, high-contrast spotted pattern reminiscent of their wild ancestors in the savannah. Characteristic colours are brown, silver, black and black smoke. The coat of these exotic animals is surprisingly easy to care for: it only needs to be brushed from time to time to keep it well-groomed and always shiny and silky.

Coat colour of the Savannah cat

Savannah cats are breathtakingly beautiful creatures who captivate onlookers with exotic coats that shimmer in a wide variety of colours. Savannah colour variations perfectly underline their exotic, wild appearance. The brown spotted coat, which is reminiscent of the African serval, is the most typical. However, there are also distinctive colour variants in silver, black and black smoke. The silky coat gives the Savannah cat its very own wild look!

Coat length of the Savannah cat

The coat of the Savannah cat is short to medium length and has a smooth, silky texture. It lies close to the body and emphasises the slim, muscular build of this fascinating breed. The length of the coat helps to accentuate the Savannah’s typical spots and stripes. Savannah cats don’t require much grooming as their coats are short to medium-length and quite dense. Occasional brushing is sufficient to remove loose hairs and maintain the coat’s natural lustre.

Coat pattern of the Savannah cat

The Savannah cat is a dream! Their exotic charm is truly unique and enchanting. Their fur is usually covered with bold, high-contrast spots that stand out beautifully in dark black or brown on a golden, silver or smoke-coloured background. This unique pattern makes Savannah cats truly something special. They can also have beautiful stripes on their legs and a distinctive ‘M’ on their forehead. The Savannah cat is a real feast for the eyes and has a distinctive look that makes it highly unique.

Eyes of the Savannah cat

The eyes of the Savannah cat accentuate its exotic appearance. They are incredibly beautiful, large, almond-shaped and slightly slanted. Nothing escapes these cats, and their eyes give them a particularly alert and inquisitive expression. The eye colours of these beautiful cats are as varied as their coat colours, making them a true feast for the eyes! The colours range from bright gold to intense green and warm amber. These eye colours harmonise perfectly with Savannah coat colours and enhance their wild yet graceful appearance: Don’t they look like mini cats of prey?

Special features of the Savannah cat

Savannah cats fascinate onlookers with their unique mixture of wild appearance and friendly nature. Their long legs, large ears and spotted coat make them look like a ‘real’ wild cat. But that’s not all: Savannahs are also incredibly intelligent and curious! They love to open doors, retrieve toys and even learn little tricks. They also have an unusual affinity for water – some Savannahs have been known to enjoy playing with water and even bathing in it! This combination of wildness and playfulness makes them very special housemates.

Key attributes of the Savannah cat

Savannahs are instantly recognisable by their beautiful, wild and exotic appearance. With their slender, muscular body and beautiful coat, they resemble their ancestor, the African serval. Their large, upright ears and beautiful almond-shaped eyes give them a particularly alert and inquisitive expression. Savannahs are not only impressive to look at, they’re also very intelligent, playful and spirited. Their thirst for adventure makes them exciting companions for active cat lovers.

Character of the Savannah cat

In terms of character, Savannah cats are true whirlwinds! They’re incredibly intelligent, always on the move and curiously exploring their surroundings. Breeders describe their hybrid cats as friendly and affectionate. Caution is advised, however, as you never know exactly which characteristics they’ve inherited from their wild ancestor, the African serval! Wild cat species are often very shy, crepuscular and nocturnal, preferring to roam large territories and live as loners. This makes them difficult to live with, especially when it comes to offspring up to the F4 generation.

Price of the Savannah cat

How much does a Savannah cat cost? The Savannah cat is one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. Anyone interested in this exotic beauty will have to dig deep into their pockets: When purchasing a cat of this breed, you can expect to pay between €1,700 and €3,000. The price depends on the generation the cat belongs to as well as on the breeder and the cat itself. F1 cats, which are still very close to the wild serval, are often somewhat more expensive. The high price for F1 cats reflects not only their unique appearance and rare origin, but also the considerable breeding effort involved. But you can find a suitable name for a Savannah cat here for free.

Breeding of the Savannah cat

Breeding Savannah cats is a very demanding undertaking and requires a lot of patience and expertise. As the Savannah is a hybrid breed, the first generations are the result of crossing a serval with a domestic cat. Breeding the first few generations is particularly difficult, as reproduction between wild and domestic cats does not always go smoothly. Siamese, Egyptian Mau, Oriental Shorthair and Bengal are often used for crossbreeding, as they combine the wild characteristics of the serval with the gentler and more domestic character of a domestic cat.

NOTE:

The breeding of Savannah cats is regulated in many countries. In some cases, such as in Australia, the import of Savannahs is even banned altogether. Why? The crossing of servals with domestic cats is viewed critically by animal welfare organisations. The concerns are justified, as the mating of wild cats such as the serval with domestic cat breeds causes considerable health and animal welfare problems.

Things to know about keeping and caring for the Savannah cat

The ownership, care and maintenance of Savannah cats, especially up to the F4 generation, are subject to strict laws. According to §2 of Germany’s Animal Welfare Act, the minimum requirements involved in the keeping of mammals² must be observed. In accordance with these regulations, hybrid cats must be provided with plenty of space, a large, escape-proof enclosure and a variety of activities. Bathing facilities are also important. As Savannahs need very large territories and plenty of exercise, keeping and caring for them in a species-appropriate way by private individuals is scarcely feasible and rejected by many animal welfare organisations.

²Source: Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft BMEL (17.07.2023): „Haltung von Säugetieren“, online unterBMEL – Tierschutz – Haltung von Säugetieren, accessed on 6 Sept 2024

The Savannah Kitten

Cute Savannah kittens are little whirlwinds with lots of energy and an exotic look! Even at a young age, they display the typical slender build and spotted coat that makes these furry friends so unique. These little rascals are very curious, playful and alert and never miss an opportunity to get to the bottom of things. In order for them to grow up to be confident and happy tigers, they need to be kept busy and given lots of attention, just like all kitten. Ideally, they should be kept in a safe, spacious environment with plenty of opportunities to play and climb and where they can let off steam to their heart’s content!

Typical diseases of the Savannah cat

The Savannah cat is a relatively robust cat, but like some other hybrid breeds, it can be susceptible to certain diseases. One disease that is unfortunately quite common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a disease of the heart muscle that can also occur in many other cat breeds. In addition, some Savannahs are prone to intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because they are a mix of wild and domestic cats, they can also be more susceptible to infections from parasites such as Tritrichomonas foetus.

Life expectancy of the Savannah cat

The Savannah cat has a life expectancy comparable to that of other cat breeds. On average, they live between 12 and 20 years. Just how long a Savannah will live depends on various factors. These include the genetic disposition, their generation (F1, F2 etc.), diet and quality of their care. In order for these active cats to lead long and healthy lives, they need plenty of space, opportunities for activity and regular veterinary examinations.

Frequently asked questions about Savannah cats

How much does a Savannah cat cost?

The cost of a Savannah cat varies greatly depending on the generation and breeder. As a rule, the price is between €1,700 and €3,000 ³. Especially the first-generation Savannahs (F1 and F2) are more expensive, while generations like F4 or F5 are usually a bit cheaper.

How old do Savannah cats get?

Savannah cats have a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years, depending on factors such as care, diet and generation (F1, F2, etc.). With a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups and plenty of exercise, they can live long and healthy lives.

What does a Savannah cat look like?

Savannah cats have an exotic appearance and resemble wild cats. They have a slender, muscular and long-legged build. Their short to medium-length coat is usually golden brown, silvery or black, with dark patches reminiscent of their wild ancestor, the serval. Their large, upright ears and almond-shaped eyes give them an alert and inquisitive expression.

How big do Savannah cats get?

The Savannah cat is one of the largest cat breeds. Males reach a shoulder height of 35 to 45 cm, while females are slightly smaller. The F1 generation in particular, which is closest to the serval, is larger and heavier than later generations.

When are Savannah cats fully grown?

The Savannah cat is normally fully grown at 2 to 3 years of age. This depends on the generation they belong to and their individual growth rate. Although they can reach their full size after just one year, their muscles and weight often continue developing until they’re three years old.

Should Savannah cats be kept indoors or outdoors?

Due to their considerable curiosity and strong urge to move around, Savannah cats should primarily be kept indoors, although they should be given plenty of space and many activities to engage in. A secure run or a large escape-proof enclosure is ideal.

Where does the Savannah cat come from?

The Savannah cat originated in the USA and was created in 1986 by crossing an African serval with a domestic cat. The name ‘Savannah’ refers to the natural habitat of the serval. This hybrid breed was the result of an effort to combine the wild appearance of the serval with the friendly nature of a domestic cat.

Are Savannah cats playful?

Savannah cats are very playful! Savannahs especially love interactive games. Intelligent toys and challenges such as food games keep them mentally and physically fit. Their playfulness often lasts well into adulthood.

Which cat breeds are suitable playmates for the Savannah cat?

Savannah cats will enjoy playmates that are just as active and playful as they are and basically any breed that can keep up with them. Breeds such as the Bengal cat and the Abyssinian are well suited as they have a similar level of energy and curiosity. A calmer or less active cat may feel stressed by the Savannah’s lively nature. It’s important that each cat has enough spaces it can retreat to, as Savannahs can be very dominant.

How active are Savannah cats?

Savannah cats are very active and lively! They love to jump and climb, making them one of the most energetic cat breeds. Savannahs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-balanced. Regular play and interactive challenges are important to satisfy their intelligence and high activity levels. A secure outdoor enclosure for them to move around in is ideal.

Can Savannahs be kept alone as only cats?

Savannah cats can be kept alone, but they’re still going to need a lot of interaction to avoid boredom and behavioural problems. Without sufficient activity and attention, they can become unpredictable and aggressive. A household with plenty of company is ideal, either from humans or a second, equally active cat.

Are Savannah cats sociable?

Later-generation Savannah cats (F5, F6, F7, etc.) are sociable. They’re known for their social nature and enjoy actively participating in family activities. They also get along well with other pets, provided they’ve been well socialised and had the opportunity to become used to people and other animals from an early age.

Are Savannah cats susceptible to particular diseases?

Savannah cats are considered to be relatively robust, but like some other hybrid breeds, they’re susceptible to certain diseases. These include the heart muscle disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Parasites such as Tritrichomonas foetus can also occur more frequently.

What are the key attributes of Savannah cats?

The Savannah is an exotic cat. They have an athletic build, long legs, large ears and a spotted coat reminiscent of their wild ancestor, the African serval. Typical coat colours are gold, silver or black with dark spots.

Why are Savannah cats so expensive?

Savannah cats are so expensive because they represent a rare hybrid breed that resulted from the crossing of a serval with a domestic cat. The first-generation Savannahs in particular are expensive to breed as they’re difficult to mate and often require special care. The steep price also reflects the exotic origin and unique appearance of these cats. High demand and elaborate breeding methods further drive up the price.

Are Savannah cats aggressive?

Savannah cats are generally not aggressive. However, due to their wild heritage, they can be more independent and active than other pedigree cats. When properly socialised, they are friendly and playful. Still, without sufficient activity and the right care, they can become restless and, in rare cases, destructive. Good socialisation and plenty of attention are key when it comes to avoiding such behavioural problems.

Are Savannah cats permitted in Germany?

Savannah cats are permitted in Germany under certain conditions. Strict laws apply to the care and keeping of Savannahs that belong to the first generations (F1 to F4), as these cats still have a high proportion of wild cat genes. They must be kept and cared for in accordance with the requirements set out in the Animal Welfare Act and species protection regulations, which stipulate such things as a large, secure enclosure. From the F5 generation onwards, Savannahs are considered domestic cats and are thus not subject to any special restrictions.

Can Savannah cats be kept in a flat?

Savannah cats of the later generations (F5, F6, F7 etc.) can be kept in a flat suitable for cats, but they’re still going to need a lot of space and opportunities for activity. Savannahs are active and intelligent cats that need to be challenged mentally and physically on a daily basis. This means that climbing opportunities, toys and regular interaction are very important. A safe and secure run is also ideal to fulfil their need for exercise.