What Is a Savannah Cat?

A Savannah cat is a fairly new hybrid cat breed that is growing in popularity. It is a domestic animal with an exotic look, resembling the wild cats that helped make the breed. They are loved for their curious, outgoing personalities and their dog-like loyalty to their human companions.

  1. General Information

    • Savannahs are hybrid cats and are the result of a pairing between a wild serval and a domestic cat. The first Savannah was born in 1986 and a foundation for a breed was established by other first-generation Savannahs. The initial generations successfully created a stable bloodline where hereditary traits are passed down to offspring. To be considered a true Savannah, and not only a foundation cat for the breed, a cat must be the fourth generation or beyond of pure Savannah and at least four generations removed from the foundation parents (the domestic cat and the serval). Today, these cats can be registered and shown with The International Cat Association and are classified as a New Advanced Breed.

    Physical Traits

    • The most striking feature of a Savannah are its markings and features that give it a wild, exotic look. Coming in tabby, brown, tan and even black colors, these cats are spotted with parallel sets of stripes that begin at the shoulders and go down the length of the body to the tail. The markings are solid and very bold. Savannahs also have bold features, like large, triangular ears and a lean, lithe body with long legs. They are graceful and elegant. In general, these cats should recall their serval ancestors though they are smaller in size, no bigger than a typical large house cat.

    Personality

    • Savannah cats are extremely intelligent, curious and alert. Loved for their friendly and happy personalities, they are very sociable and enjoy interacting with their human family members. They have often been compared to dogs because of their loyalty and their desire to be close to people. While they are independent and can be willful, in general the Savannah is an energetic and playful cat that simply wants to be the center of attention. They are not aggressive or challenging. Most Savannahs get along very well with other animals, including dogs, although smaller pets like rodents should always be kept in a safe, secure place where a curious cat cannot make them into toys or meals.

    Savannahs as House Cats

    • Though the Savannah breed was founded in part by wild cats, they are domesticated animals and make great house pets for some families. They can vary in size, but all Savannahs are energetic, active and playful. Anyone considering buying or adopting a Savannah should ensure he has plenty of room for the cat to run, jump and climb. Many owners install outdoor enclosures to provide even more space and an interesting environment for their wild-looking companion. As with any independent animal, children should always be supervised around Savannahs. While they are friendly and get along with kids and other pets, they may react by lashing out when startled or hurt.