What Are Savannah Kittens?

The Savannah is a new breed of cat created by crossing domestic cats with the African serval, a small wild cat. This makes kittens and adults appear taller and longer legged than most other cat breeds, according to "Cat Fancy" magazine. But more importantly, top-quality Savannah kittens (and adults) will display coat patterns seen on cheetahs or leopards. Savannah kittens can cost up to four thousand dollars each.

  1. Types

    • Savannahs are classified as foundation, F, or stud book tradition, SBT. F-1 means that they have one cat parent and one African serval parent. Filial 2 or F-2 means that they have an F-1 parent and a domestic cat parent. F-3 means that they have one F-2 parent and a domestic cat parent. F-4 means they have one F-3 parent and one domestic cat parent. SBT Savannah kittens need to be at least great-great-great-grandchildren of the original serval-cat cross.

    Identification

    • Savannah kittens have blue eyes until they are about eight weeks old, then the eyes change to yellow, green or gold. Savannahs possess noticeably longer necks and larger ears than most other cat breeds. Savannah's broken tabby stripes resemble leopard spotting, which is accented by a white belly, neck, chin and dark splotches on the backs of the ears that mimic leopard ears.

    Temperament

    • Savannah kittens from generations F-3, F-4 and SBT become closely attached to people. They are affectionate but usually do not like sitting in laps. F-1 and F-2 Savannahs are more aloof. All Savannah kittens like to play dog-like games such as fetch and enjoy swimming. They are also curious and can open cupboard doors, according to "Cat Fancy" magazine.

    Warning

    • Savannahs are considered a hybrid breed because their ancestry contains African serval. Since the breed only was recognized in 2001 by The International Cat Association or TICA, the breed is not old enough or numerous enough to contain more than 99 percent of domesticated cat blood. Hybrid cats, including Savannahs, are banned in some American states and the continent of Australia because escaped Savannahs may prey on native endangered wildlife. Anyone considering purchasing or adopting a Savannah must check their local laws to see if they are legal.