Cat Breeds

Savannah Cat

  • Breed Overview

    Attitude towards family

    Social needs

    Frequency of shedding

    Propensity to vocalize

    Grooming

    Compatibility with other pets

    Intelligence

    Playfulness

Cat Breeds

Savannah Cat

Savannah’s striking appearance combines the elegance of a wild cat with the loving nature of a domestic cat. The breed’s characteristic fur and long, lean body capture the hearts of cat lovers all over the world. Savannah cats are also known for their intelligence and playful nature. They often engage in interactive games and easily absorb what they learn. These beloved members of the family also show loyalty and trainability with exceptional frequency. 

Savannah cats have an excellent ability to adapt to an indoor lifestyle, however, only if they can get adequate mental and physical exercise indoors. Savannahs coexist harmoniously not only with other cats and dogs but also with children living in the family.

The Main Characteristics:

  • High intelligence
  • Loving nature
  • Social Personality
  • Active vocalization
  • Playfulness 
  • Curiosity
  • Independence
  • Detailed Information

    Size

    Savannah’s height reaches 33-38 centimeters, and its length ranges from 51-56 centimeters.

    Weight

    An adult savannah weighs from 5.4 kilograms to 11.3 kilograms. Savannah’s weight varies in each case according to genetics, diet, and health status.

    Lifespan

    Savannah’s lifespan ranges from 17 to 20 years. However, remember, these numbers are only tentative and your important family member’s life expectancy depends on their healthy lifestyle and stress-free living environment. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet will significantly improve the quality of life of your companion animal.

    Fur

    Savannah cats boast short to medium-length soft fur and typically maintain their cleanliness through self-grooming. However, it’s essential to monitor their fur’s condition, as excessive greasiness may signal an avoidance in grooming habits and potentially indicate underlying health issues.

  • Savannah Cat Personality

    The Savannah cat is renowned for its exceptional intelligence, curiosity, and boundless energy. Their inquisitive nature drives them to thoroughly explore their surroundings, yet despite their wild appearance, Savannahs are affectionate and hold a positive regard for all family members.

    With proper socialization and training, Savannahs exhibit gentleness and sociability towards both children and other pets. Their unique blend of wild instincts and domestic cat qualities makes them beautiful companions for those willing to invest time and effort in their furry friend.

    Early socialization is essential for Savannahs to develop friendliness towards strangers, as without it, they may exhibit aggression. Given their energetic nature and need for attention, Savannahs thrive in homes where there’s abundant human interaction, and make them less suitable for families where individuals are frequently away from home.

  • Potential Health Problems

    Anemia

    Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells. Since red blood cells supply the body with oxygen, their deficiency is associated with a lack of oxygen in the body, which causes fatigue and weakness. There are several types of anemia. For example, iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body and poses a threat to the proper functioning of organs. As for megaloblastic anemia, it is caused by a lack of vitamins B9 and B12.

    As a competent parent, remember that a nutrient-rich diet and regular veterinary checkups are important prerequisites for your companion animal’s health. Practicing responsible care can prevent the development of anemia and other health problems.

  • Nutrition & Feeding

    The amount of nutrients in food varies depending on the age, lifestyle, and overall health of the companion animal. So it’s no surprise that an energetic growing kitten needs a different balance of nutrients than a less active sterilized cat.

    Due to their large size, Savannah cats should be offered a higher protein diet than other domestic cats. In the best case, the basis of their diet should be high-quality protein of animal origin. Savannah cats are also very active, so they need to have a diet that includes enough calories to meet their energy needs. However, to prevent obesity, we recommend giving preference to balanced commercial food.

    In addition, Savannah cats are characterized by a sensitive digestive system, and it is not uncommon for food allergies to occur. To avoid this discomfort, gradually add new foods to the diet and carefully monitor the functioning of the digestive system. Consult a nutritionist to develop a personalized meal plan. It will share nutritional recommendations based on factors such as your companion animal’s age, weight, activity level, and health.

  • History of Origin

    The genesis of the Savannah breed traces back to the 1980s, when a domestic cat was mated with an African serval resulting in a remarkable companion animal. Spearheaded by Judy Frank and Patrick Kelly, this initiative laid the foundation for the breed’s development.

    The birth of the first Savannah kitten, named “Savannah,” on April 7, 1986, marked an important milestone in the breed’s evolution. To diversify the gens, succeeding pairings with servals involved domestic breeds like Egyptian Mau, Ocicat, and Oriental Shorthair. Some breeders also experimented with Bengal and Maine Coon mating to introduce distinct traits like sharp spots or long coats.

    The breeding efforts gained momentum with the addition of enthusiast Joyce Stuff who enhanced the efficiency of the selection process. Together, Joyce, Judy, and Patrick aimed to create a feline that possessed the wild allure of the serval paired with the domestic cat’s temperament.

    Recognition by the International Cat Association (TICA) as an experimental breed in 2001 validated the Savannah’s existence as a distinct origin. Nowadays, these cherished family members are adored worldwide for their alluring appearance, affectionate personality, and playful temperament.