Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat is an adventurous and self-assured cat who likes socializing with humans and other cats. He is bright, engaging, and always on the lookout for something new to do, and the more daring, the better. He enjoys playing in the water, unlike most cats, and can even be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch. But don't be misled by his dog-like demeanor; if you don't give him a lot of tough, robust toys and play regularly, you'll find that he may become extremely destructive.

Weight

• Male: 12-25 lbs
• Female: 12-25 lbs

Height

• Male: 14-17 inches
• Female: 14-17 inches     

Lifespan

• 12-20 years

Appearance 

The Savannah is a mix between a domestic cat and an African serval. The Savannah was called after the serval's natural home, and its beauty reflects the lush magnificence of Africa's golden plains. The Savannah is a tall, slender cat with long legs, large ears, and a long neck, similar to its wild progenitor. The Savannah has four distinct coat colors: black, brown spotted tabby; silver spotted tabby, and black smoke. Their coat is short, thick, and easy to clean with a little brushing once or twice a week. Savannah cats have another feature that distinguishes them from other breeds: their eyes. Savannah's eyes are slightly hooded and almond-shaped, with a black tear duct line, giving her a stunning, friendly-yet-piercing stare. The color of the eyes usually matches the color of the coat; however, this isn't always the case.

The Savannah is a smaller variant of the African serval, weighing around half as much as the African serval. It's a friendly, loving breed that gets along well with other dogs and older children.

These cats are colossal. Savannah cats may reach a height of 17 inches and a weight of 25 pounds, depending on the generation. First-generation crossings (also known as F1 and F2) are bigger than subsequent crosses and have gorgeous spotted coats in brown, tan, and black colors. Later generations are farther from their wild progenitor, but they still have the same colors and patterns as previous generations; they're smaller and more docile.

Temperament 

The savannah cat is believed to be a wonderful companion since it is social with other pets, clever, and eager to welcome its owners with nice head rubs. They enjoy a lot of human connection and may follow you around the house. They want to be a part of whatever you do, but they'll frequently show affection just when they're ready, showing up on the sofa only when they're ready for a warm lap, not before.

Savannahs are athletic and clever and love the attention of being clicker-trained. Teach them tricks and games and provide them with interactive toys or puzzle toys that will reward them with kibble or treats as they learn how to use them to keep their brain challenged and engaged in life.

If they are left alone, they are prone to pouting. They keep a kittenish demeanor throughout life. They are extremely devoted to intimate family members so they may be hesitant in the company of strangers. Still, they warm up fast because they are interested and want to connect. They make wonderful companions for owners who are committed, clever, and willing to participate. 

Living Conditions

  Tetsu Yamazaki 

It doesn't matter how big your house is if you have Savannah cats. What matters is that you give her plenty of places to hide, run, and climb. To keep her engaged, you'll need at least one cat tree and plenty of tough, interactive toys. Because he's so busy, having numerous scratching posts and scratcher toys around the house or apartment will provide him with lots of opportunities to stretch and scratch. Your Savannah will also spend hours bouncing toys around a shallow pool or pan of water if you have the space.

Savannahs may leap up to 8 feet tall from a virtually standing position, putting even the top of your refrigerator at risk. Plants and breakables should be kept away from open shelves where your cat could knock them over. They're also capable of jumping over fences, so never leave your pet unattended outside. 

They get along with other cats and dogs, making them suitable for multi-pet households, and they're also fine with older children. When purchasing a kitten from a breeder, be sure the kittens have been socialized in a home-like setting and are not too timid or afraid of humans.

Care

LINDASJ22 / SHUTTERSTOCK

Your Savannah cat will require enough mental activity to be happy and healthy. Their short coat requires only a light brushing now and then to remove stray hair and dead skin. So, brush your cat once a week, and trim your cat's nails as required, which maybe once a week. Their teeth and ears should be cleaned three times a week as well. They may generate a discharge on the inner corners of their eyes, which should be cleaned as soon as possible.

Every week, check your ears for redness or a foul odor that might suggest an infection. Wipe out the ears with a cotton ball wet with a mild ear cleaner suggested by your veterinarian if they appear filthy.

Health

Like other pet cats, Savannahs should be spayed or neutered as soon as your veterinarian advises. Savannah cats are typically healthy and should receive the same preventative care and cat treatment.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is more common in them than in completely domestic cats. The heart's left ventricle thickens in this frequent cat heart disease, leading to heart failure. Also, hybrid male sterility is expected until the F4 generation or later.

Savannah cats can live a long life since they are hybrids, and little is known about what health conditions they are prone to, if any; however they are susceptible to normal feline diseases. They may live for 12–20 years, so taking home a Savannah is like bringing home a lifelong companion.

History

In 1986, the first Savannah cat was introduced to the world. A male wild African serval cat and a domestic Siamese cat were crossed to create the tribe's first member. Savannah was the name given to this first-generation hybrid, and when breeder Patrick Kelly learned about her, he decided to establish a new breed. Kelly and partner breeder Joyce Sroufe started a breeding program for the new cats and created a standard. The kitten inherited the wild cat's magnificent spotted coat and physique but kept her mother's kind, domestic temperament.

Savannahs were first registered by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001. In 2012, the organization gave the breed full recognition, also known as championship status.

Final Thoughts

If you decide to get a Savannah, plan to spend a lot of time engaging with your cat if you want to live happily with it. Make sure it has fun toys to keep it occupied when you're not around. When it accomplishes things you like, reward him, and divert his energy and interests when he does things you don't approve of. And keep special items out of reach to keep him safe. Choose a different cat if all of this seems too much work for you or your family members.