Savannah Cat: Facts, Generations, Legal Issues and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Savannah cats are among the most striking and most misunderstood cats. Tall, spotted and athletic, they combine a domestic cat's looks with traits of the serval, an African wild cat. For the right owner, a Savannah can be a rewarding, interactive companion. For the wrong one, it can be an expensive, destructive and stressful mistake.

Origins

The first Savannah was born in 1986, when Judee Frank bred a male serval with a domestic Siamese. The kitten, named Savannah, started a breed that was developed by other breeders, who crossed hybrids with domestic cats such as Egyptian Maus, Ocicats and Oriental Shorthairs. The breed was accepted into registries in the 2000s. Each generation is labeled with an F number. An F1 has a serval parent, an F2 has a serval grandparent and so on. The further from the serval, the more domestic the cat tends to be. See the Bengal and Ocicat for other spotted cats.

Appearance

Savannahs are tall, slim and long-legged, with large ears. Size varies by generation.

• F1 and F2 males may weigh 15 to 25 pounds.
• Later generations are often 10 to 15 pounds.
• The coat is short, with black or dark spots on a golden, silver, brown or black background.
• Large, rounded ears with a pale mark on the back
• Long neck, legs and a slim body
• Hooded eyes with tear-streak markings

Temperament

Temperament depends on generation and the individual.

• Energetic. They need hours of daily play and climbing.
• Intelligent. They solve puzzles, open doors and learn to fetch.
• Bonded. They can be devoted to one or a few people.
• Strong-willed. They may be demanding and test boundaries.
• Water-loving. Some enjoy playing in water.
• Vocal. They may chirp, hiss or meow loudly.

Early generation cats may be wary of strangers and difficult to handle. They are not suited to homes with small pets, since they have strong hunting drives.

Legal restrictions

Laws differ widely. Some US states ban Savannahs entirely, some restrict early generations, and some require permits. Cities, counties, landlords and insurers may also have rules. Many countries restrict hybrids. Before buying, check local laws and ask the breeder to confirm the cat's generation and paperwork. Buying an illegal animal can lead to confiscation.

Grooming

The short coat is easy to groom.

• Brush occasionally with a soft brush. See how to brush a cat.
• Trim nails and clean ears. See how to trim cat nails and how to clean a cat's ears.
• Brush teeth. See cat dental disease.

Health

Savannahs are generally healthy, but some points apply.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may occur.
• Kittens from early generations can be born early or have low birth weight.
• Diet matters. Ask your vet about a balanced diet. Raw diets carry risks. See raw food diets for cats.
• Anesthesia sensitivity has been reported in some hybrids, so tell your vet the cat's generation.
• Vaccines. Ask your vet about appropriate vaccines. See the cat vaccination schedule.

Find a vet who is experienced with hybrids. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Living with a Savannah

Savannahs need a lot.

• Tall climbing structures, shelves and secure perches. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Several hours of interactive play and puzzle toys. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Secure windows, doors and cabinets, since they jump high and open things. See cat-proofing your home.
• A large, escape-proof outdoor enclosure or leash training
• Company and supervision

Is a Savannah right for you?

A Savannah suits experienced, committed owners with time, space and a legal right to keep one. It does not suit first-time cat owners, small apartments, homes with small pets or people who are away for long hours.

Costs

Savannahs are expensive to buy, with early generations costing thousands of dollars. Ongoing costs include food, vet care, enrichment, insurance and enclosure construction. See cat vet visit costs.

Questions to ask before you buy

Ask yourself whether you have the time, space and money for an exceptionally active cat. Ask the breeder for the generation, the parents' temperament, the health testing performed and a written contract. Ask your landlord, insurer and local authority about restrictions. If any answer is unclear, wait. A hybrid cat is a long commitment, often exceeding fifteen years, and rehoming one is difficult.

Choosing a breeder

Choose a registered breeder who is open about generation, health testing, parents' temperaments and legal status. Visit if possible, and avoid sellers who offer kittens under twelve weeks or who cannot supply paperwork. Consider adoption of a spotted domestic cat if you love the look but not the commitment. See how to choose a cat breed.