Savannah cat: everything you need to know

If ‘elegance’ was to manifest itself in physical form, we’re pretty sure it’d take the form of the Savannah cat! Sleek, chic, and wildly beautiful, the Savannah cat is a relatively rare hybrid breed - a mix between an African serval cat and a domestic cat - that is known to be adventurous, playful, loyal, and highly intelligent.

From their popularity with Hollywood A-listers (Justin Bieber famously acquired two Savannah cats named Tuna and Sushi) to their record-breaking accolades (a Savannah cat from California was named both the "Tallest Cat in the World" and the "Longest Cat in the World" Guinness Book of World Records!), it’s easy to see why Savannah cats have some seriously hardcore fans out there. 

Whether this is your first time meeting this beautiful cat, or you’re a seasoned Savannah pet parent, read on as we discuss this exotic kitty’s characteristics, personality, history, and more. 

Savannah cat characteristics

Origin: The first known breeding of the Savannah cat was in the 1980s in the United States. They are a hybrid cross-breed between a domestic cat and an African wild serval.

Size: A Savannah cat, full grown, can reach up to 18 inches high, and weigh between 12 to 25 pounds.

Character: The domestic Savannah cat is active, loyal, and curious. These high-energy kitties love adventure and relish attention from their humans. 

Health needs: Savannahs are healthy cats with a long lifespan. The breed is not prone to any known genetic conditions or health problems, but like other crossbreeds, they are slightly more susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart). 

Grooming: Savannahs have a short coat that requires little maintenance, making them easy to groom.

Intelligence: Savannahs are highly intelligent felines that are easy to train. They will need lots of mental stimulation and enrichment to keep their active little noggins' occupied.

Lifespan: 12 - 20 years.

Types of Savannah cat

One thing to know about Savannah cats? There are eight different generations! This number ranges from F1 to F8, and is known as a filial number. Each generation will have a different percentage of serval cat in its genes - the higher the number, the farther removed they are from their original serval ancestor. 

The F1 Savannah cat is closest to the serval - they are also the largest, and pretty rare - they can sell for up to a whopping $20,000. 

The F2 Savannah cat is similar to the F1, but may be slightly more domesticated. An F3 Savannah cat, the third generation, resembles the F1 and F2 in its wild, exotic exterior, but tends to be tamer, more affectionate, and generally more well-rounded as pets.

The F4 and F5 Savannahs tend to be more outgoing, affectionate, and suitable for family life than previous generations. They are typically smaller, too - resembling much more their domestic cat parent. Following generations tend to continue this trend, and are usually more common. 

In some countries, such as in the UK, it is illegal to own an F1 Savannah without a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence. Likewise, Savannahs are banned in a small number of US states, and in others states, only F4 generations or later are allowed.

Savannah cat looks & appearance

In a word? Striking! They are a tall breed cat - a full-grown Savannah cat can grow up to 18 inches tall and up to 25 pounds, depending on their generation and how far removed they are from their wild ancestor.

They have lean, muscular bodies, with long legs and an elongated neck. They have almond-shaped eyes with dark tear duct lines, and large, rounded ears. Believe you me, this is one seriously elegant kitty!

Colours

Think ‘mini Cheetahs’. While Savannahs come in a range of colors and patterns, only 4 coat colors meet the TICA registered breed standard: the black Savannah cat, the brown spotted tabby, the black silver spotted tabby, and black smoke. 

They all sport the classic Savannah pattern, with either brown or black spots, although some may have a lighter or more diluted color pattern. 

Savannah cat personality

For the right family, a Savannah cat can make a wonderful companion. They're sociable, playful, and highly intelligent - they can be clicker-trained to do certain tricks, and some love to play fetch! They are incredibly loyal to their favourite humans - they've even earned themselves the nickname 'Velcro kitties', thanks to their dog-like personalities and tendency to follow their pet parents wherever they go! 

They're highly energetic and very playful, but can be challenging, so will definitely benefit from a pet parent who can keep up with their antics. With proper socialisation, Savannahs can get along fine with other cats and dogs, as well as children, but due to their hunting instincts, are best kept away from small pets such as birds or hamsters. Likewise, they can be suspicious of strangers. 

Due to their wild ancestry, their temperament can be unpredictable - but later generations of Savannahs tend to be more tame and are known to be very affectionate. 

They are known to be vocal kitties, too - so do expect a few meows, chirrups, and trills throughout the day! 

History

So, where did this wild-looking floof originate? Actually, it was in the United States, in the early 1980s. This is when the first known breeding occurred - a wild African serval was bred with a domestic Siamese to create the Savannah, who was, quite aptly, named Savannah.

The breed was further developed in the 1990s, and soon after began to increase in popularity. Today, there are various generations of Savannah cats. 

A relatively new breed, the Savannah cat was officially recognised by the International Cat Association in 2001.

Grooming

Good news - Savannahs are a pretty easy-to-groom kitty. They have a lower-shedding, short coat that requires little more than a weekly brush to keep it looking tip-top. Likewise, you should occasionally trim your fluff's nails, to keep their sharp tips intact. 

You won't need to bathe your Savannah, but if they get themselves into a muck, you'll be pleased to know they LOVE water. Yes, really! Believe it or not, Savannahs are known to enjoy playing in water - and some will even happily go for a swim!

Getting a Savannah cat

If you're thinking of opening your home to a Savannah, it pays to be prepared. You'll need to be able to provide plenty of room for your Savannah to run, play, and climb to their heart's content. Cat trees and interactive toys that will keep them mentally stimulated are also a must! 

Savannahs can jump incredibly high - so you'll also need to cat-proof your home and secure your garden area (or consider a catio). Savannahs are listed by generation - F1, F2, and so on. The later the generation, the smaller (and tamer) the cat tends to be. As some countries and states have restrictions on which type of Savannah you can own, it’s important to check with your local authorities before committing to care for one of these cuties. 

Savannah cats are relatively rare - and expensive. If you're looking to adopt a Savannah cat, a good place to start would be a specific Savannah Cat Rescue organisation. Pet parents can also acquire Savannah kittens from a registered, reputable cat breeder. 

Why do cats...?

Savannah or not, our cats sure do get up to the darndest of things! From why cats have whiskers to your feline friend's sleeping habits, learn the answers to many common cat questions here.