The Savannah Cat

The Savannah Cat is still a young breed, which has been created by crosses with the serval. After in the eighties of the past century already a successful breeding between a serval and a Siamese Cat has taken place, from 1994 on it became possible to achieve the breed of Savannah Cats regularly.

The name of the Savannah Cat refers to the habitat of the serval - the savannah in Africa. This breed is still very rare and has been created by crosses of domestic shorthair and spotted cats of different breeds with the serval. Savannah Cats have been accepted by TICA as a breed and therefore can be registered in the breed section Savannah (SV). The TICA Standard was developed and Savannahs from the third generation on are allowed to enter cat shows in the Advanced New Breed Class (ANB).

The Savannah is a tall lean cat with long legs and a long neck. The head is smaller in proportion to the body and longer than wide with large ears. Similar to the serval the coat shows a spotted pattern with some bars on a golden to tawny ground color with a light colored underside. Savannah Cats appear to be smaller replicas of the serval. This exotic impression is accentuated by light ocelli markings on the back of the ears as well as prominent tear duct lines in the face. F1 Savannahs can weigh more than 10 kg and stand up to 45 cm at the shoulder. Later generations are showing also a considerable size, although they do not become as tall as the F1. Usually Savannah males are growing much larger than their female litter mates. Due to the graceful and long-legged appearance combined with the movement of a big cat, this striking cat is not comparable with any other breed.

Savannahs are friendly and sociable cats, they get along very well with other household pets and due to their playful temperament quickly get friends with children. They show their affection by eager welcoming and giving head butts. Most Savannah Cats are very outgoing and like to be petted. Due to the long legs the Savannah is an elegant jumper and like the serval often performs high leaps straight in the air. The Savannah Cat loves water and enjoys a bath, if given the choice by placing a tub filled with water.

Despite of the exotic appearance Savannahs do not differ much from other shorthair cats regarding care and behavior. Generally Savannah Cats can be kept like any domestic cat due to their comparable temperament - which is not to say they would not enjoy getting a little fresh air from a safe enclosure.

Savannahs can be fed a high premium cat food, nevertheless a more natural diet is beneficial in our opinion. But this is our personal view regarding keeping, feeding and health care as natural as possible for every cat. To get an idea you can find more on our Cat Nutrition Links Page, although the nutrition pages are only available in German, most links are in English.

Because of the size and exceptional look of the Savannah Cat, imitating the appearance of a wild cat like no other breed, and the unique personality the Savannah enjoys a continuously growing popularity.

This beautiful, still rare breed certainly finds increasing attention and interest.

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