WELCOME by Belle Savannah FL

Owning a domesticated Savannah cat may just be the closest thing to having a pet wildcat. But not all Savannah cats are created equal, in terms of their wild lineage. Learn more about “filial” ratings in Savannah cats, whether an “F1” Savannah cat is considered dangerous, as well as other wild facts about these exotic cats.

The Savannah cat was developed in the U.S. in 1986 after breeders crossed a female Siamese domestic cat with a male African serval. 

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African servals are mainly solitary wildcats. They are widespread in Sub-Saharan countries, weighing between 20 and 40 pounds, with a carnivorous diet that mostly consists of rodents, small birds, frogs, insects, and reptiles. According to Wildcats of the World (University of Chicago Press), servals are able to purr, chirp, hiss, cackle, growl, grunt, and meow.

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What is a Savannah Cat? Breed features

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Savannah cats typically have a spotted coat in brown, tan, or gold; silver; and black or black-smoke colors. Other “diluted” coat colors and patterns found in the Savannah include rosetted, marble, point, blue, cinnamon, chocolate, and lilac (lavender). 

 

Serval characteristics most commonly found in Savannah cats include:

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• Color markings, including black or dark “tear-streak” or “cheetah tear” markings that run from the corner of the eyes down the sides of the nose to the whiskers 

• Tall, wide, rounded, erect ears that feature ocelli on the backs  

• Very long legs, with a hind end that is often higher than their shoulders while standing 

• Small heads that are taller than wide; long slender necks; and fat, puffy noses 

• Hooded eyes that are green, brown, gold, or a blended shade

• Savannah cats is popular hybrid cat breeds known for their distinctive appearances and playful personalities. However, they differ in several aspects. 

• The Savannah cat, a crossbreed of a domestic cat and the serval (African wild cat), emerged in the 1980s, showcasing a larger size, spotted coat, and wild-inspired patterns. In contrast, Bengal cats, developed in the 1960s-1970s through the hybridization of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat, exhibit medium to large sizes with spotted or marbled coats reminiscent of wild leopards.

• While both breeds share energetic, playful, and intelligent temperaments, Savannah cats may demand more attention and stimulation due to their higher energy levels and curiosity.

• Savannah cats vary in size depending on their generation, sex, and other factors: 

• Generation

• Early generations (F1 and F2) are usually the largest because of their stronger genetic influence from the African serval ancestor. F1 Savannah cats can be very large, sometimes the size of dogs, and weigh up to 40 lbs. Later generations are more similar in size to other large domestic cat breeds, weighing between 7.7 and 18.1 lbs. 

• “F” stands for the Savannah cat’s “filial” rating—specifically, how many generations removed from the African serval that particular cat is. In the case of an F1 Savannah cat, the highest number, you’re looking at a first generation domestic Savannah. 

• Because there is a significant difference in gestation periods between the African serval (75 days) and a domestic cat (65 days), Savannah cats are considered very difficult to produce. There are also incompatibilities between each species’ sex chromosomes. 

• Savannah cats have incredible jumping abilities

• The Savannah cat’s height lends itself to their amazing jumping abilities, which reach up to 8 feet in the air! Savannah cats are known to frequent high places, jumping on top of cabinets, doors, refrigerators, and just about anything else they can seek out. 

• They’re also one of the longest-living cat breeds

• With a Savannah cat, you’ll have a friend for a very long time: This breed is slow to mature, sometimes living for 20 years or more. 

• Savannah cat diet 

• All cats require a diet high in animal protein—especially because cats can’t synthesize the essential amino acid taurine. Without enough taurine in their diet, cats are likely to develop a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, experience vision problems, contract UTIs, and have other health issues. Savannah cats are no different; and in fact, most breeders agree that Savannahs have a need for more taurine than the average domestic cat. Taurine supplements are recommended for adding to any type of food.

• Here are rough estimates for the cost of Savannah cats as Pets:

• F1 Savannah Cats (first-generation)

• Prices can range from $15,000 to $25,000 or even more. F1s are more expensive due to the inclusion of a serval parent.

• F2 Savannah Cats (second-generation)

• Prices may range from $9,000 to $15,000. F2s are typically smaller and more affordable than F1s.

• F3 Savannah Cats (third-generation) and beyond

• Costs can vary from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. As you go down the generations, the prices generally decrease, but they can still be higher than those of many other domestic cat breeds.

• Savannah cat personality - a highly intelligent and energetic breed

• You must be able to devote a lot of time to a Savannah cat: They are highly energetic cats that require a lot of exercise, play, and interaction. They are exceedingly clever, sometimes said to “play tricks” on their humans. 

• In fact, Savannah cats may be too clever for their own good: They can learn how to open doors and cupboards, among other troublemaking situations.

• Just like other cat breeds, early exposure to people and other pets is paramount in raising a friendly Savannah cat. Savannah kittens should be cuddled and played with frequently. However, when you’re bringing home a new Savannah cat, be sure to introduce them slowly to other pets in the house like cats and dogs. (It’s best not to introduce them to small pets like rodents and birds —potentially seen as prey—at all!)

• A Savannah cat’s size and energy level may intimidate even the most relaxed cat or dog in the house.

• These cats act more like dogs!

• Savannah cats are known for being dog-like in their loyalty, often following their humans around the house. They also take well to walking with a leash in the great outdoors. Before going for a walk with your Savannah, just make sure you outfit them with a breakaway collar with identification tags, and that they are microchipped.

• They enjoy water

• Perhaps because their parent breed, the serval, prefers areas close to water bodies such as wetland and savanna, Savannah cats enjoy water! You might find them hopping in the shower with you, or even taking a swim in a small body of water outside. On the flip side, you may notice with frustration that your Savannah cat likes to bat their water bowls until they’re empty. In this case, a cat water fountain may be the best way to make sure your kitty stays hydrated!Savannah cats are clever, highly energetic cats that require a lot of exercise, play, and interaction. They have strong hunting instincts, so exercise caution if you have other small pets in the house such as rodents, birds, and fish.