Savannah Cat Breed: The Elegant, Slender Offspring of the Serval

The Savannah is a beautiful, exotically spotted hybrid cat breed that in many ways resembles its wild ancestor, the serval. It is an incredibly affectionate, playful, and agile animal, whose unique features include a long neck, large ears, and graceful limbs.

While the Savannah cat possesses many wildcat traits that guarantee its elegant and charming appearance, a well-socialized and properly raised specimen from a reputable breeder will never be aloof, aggressive, or problematic.

History of the Savannah

The first known Savannah was born on April 7, 1986, when a domestic female cat gave birth to a kitten fathered by a serval. This F1, or first-generation cross, was the first recorded instance. The unique female kitten exhibited characteristics of both the domestic cat and the serval. Both the kitten and the breed were named “Savannah.”

Shortly thereafter, Patrick Kelly heard about this new hybrid and decided to attempt to establish the breed through selective breeding. Joyce Sroufe, a breeder, assisted him in this endeavor; together, they drafted the original TICA breed standard for the Savannah. Of the three major cat registries, TICA is the only one to officially recognize the breed. In 2001, it became eligible for registration, and by 2012, it achieved championship status.

Breed standard of the Savannah

The Savannah cat has many unique characteristics that make it stand out, even among hybrids. Perhaps the most striking are its large, high-set ears that sit right on top of the head. Another unique feature is its distinctively shaped eyes, with a straight upper line and a curved lower line, giving it an exotic, typically wildcat-like appearance. This trait can also be observed in another hybrid breed, the Chausie. The Savannah’s body is slender, and its long legs make it appear relatively large, though this is deceptive. It is only slightly larger than an average domestic cat, with a similar weight.

The Savannah’s coat can be short or medium-length and feels coarse due to the guard hairs. Standard colors include brown (black) spotted tabby, silver spotted tabby, black, and black smoke. The Savannah’s pattern can only be spotted. Non-standard shades include chocolate, cinnamon, blue, and marble, among others. Any eye color is acceptable as long as it matches the coat.

The character of the Savannah

One of the most remarkable features of the Savannah is its exceptional personality. It is an incredibly curious, assertive, intelligent cat, who is brave, adventurous, and takes advantage of opportunities. It is a very active breed, requiring plenty of physical and mental stimulation daily. The owner plays a central role in its life, making shared activities essential. It also gets along well with other cats, especially those with a similar temperament.

The Savannah is an extremely loyal pet but not a lap cat. Many compare its temperament to that of dogs. Don’t be surprised if your cat greets you at the door, follows you everywhere, and checks that everything is in order in the household. It can be easily trained to walk on a leash or fetch. It even loves water!

The ideal environment for the Savannah

A Savannah is not for everyone, but those who meet one will never forget it. As the description suggests, it is a highly curious, lively, and active breed that thrives on spending quality time with its loved ones. If trained to walk on a leash and properly socialized, it can accompany you to many places, just like a dog. A Savannah requires more commitment and time than a “typical” cat, so it is only recommended for those ready to include their purring companion in nearly every aspect of their lives.

Caring for the Savannah

The Savannah’s coat is short, with a dense undercoat, requiring no extra grooming. Brush its fur once a week, or more often during shedding season. As with any cat, the Savannah’s eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly, and daily or every-other-day tooth brushing is also recommended.

Feed your pet the best quality, highest-protein food that fits your budget and is appropriate for its condition and age. Additionally, ensure fresh water is always available and clean the litter box daily.

Common health problems of the Savannah

The Savannah has an average lifespan of 12-15 years. It is generally a healthy breed, but certain screenings are particularly important. These include tests for hereditary pyruvate kinase deficiency, a metabolic disorder, and progressive retinal atrophy, a hereditary condition that causes degenerative damage to the retina.