Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–20 years
Weight
5–11 kg
Group
Shorthair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Brown Spotted Tabby · Silver Spotted Tabby · Black · Black Smoke
Savannah
About This Breed
The Savannah cat is a hybrid cat breed. It is a cross between the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat, and a domestic cat. The first kitten named Savannah was born in 1986. The Savannah cat is the largest domestic cat breed. They are known for their tall, slender body, large ears, and spotted coat that gives them a wild appearance. Savannahs are very active, loyal, and can be taught to walk on a leash.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Savannah
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Shorthair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 5–11 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–20 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Brown Spotted Tabby · Silver Spotted Tabby · Black · Black Smoke |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Active · Curious · Loyal · Playful · Adventurous |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Savannah house cat descends from a hybrid of the domestic cat and a wild African Serval. With their stunning jungle cat-like coats, these felines look just as exotic as they sound. While they emulate their wild relatives in more ways than one, Savannahs are also sweet-natured and family-oriented when properly socialized. But before setting your heart on this perky-eared breed, check state and local regulations for any restrictions. Certain states, such as Nebraska, prohibit owning any Savannah cat, while states like New York and Colorado might allow you to keep a Savannah cat outside city limits—if your cat is of a higher generation.
Care Guide
The boldly spotted Savannah towers over other domestic breeds. According to the Savannah Cat Association, first-generation (F1) Savannah cats can average 16.3 inches in height, compared with domestic tabbies that might reach 9.8 inches. However, the world’s tallest cat—a Savannah named Fenrir—stands at 18.83 inches tall! A kitten or cat called an F1 Savannah has one African Serval parent and one domestic cat parent, making them first-generation offspring. Second-generation offspring are called F2, and they have a Serval grandparent. As the generations increase, Savannah cats mellow in temperament and become a little smaller. Therefore, it’s recommended that pet parents consider F3 Savannah cats or higher for everyday companionship, especially if your household includes small children. A Savannah cat’s spotted coat and uncommon lineage are far from the only traits that set them apart from other cats. Savannahs are said to delight in baths, are always up for a game of fetch, and make fantastic on-leash jogging partners.