Exotic Shorthair | Plush-Faced & Easygoing Cat Breed
Savannah cats might be the most captivating breed of all in the feline universe. Their long and athletic frame along with their spotted coat and vivid expressions instantly bring to mind wild African cats. But do not get misled by their exotic appearance. Savannah cats are affectionate, sociable, and can easily form strong emotional attachments with people.
Savannahs are a cross between the wild African serval and domesticated cats. They epitomize contradictions, bearing a wild appearance and an affectionate nature. These cats are ideal pets for active households as well as for seasoned cat owners looking for something extraordinary because they are renowned for their high energy, remarkable intelligence, and playful behavior. This guide delves into the Savannah cat’s astounding rich history, eye-catching looks, and unique care needs, as well as what makes them so thrilling to live with.
History of Exotic Shorthair Cats
The Savannah cat breed is relatively new in the world of domesticated pets, having originated in the 1980s. The first Savannah kitten, named “Savannah,” was born in 1986 due to the crossbreed between a female domestic cat and an African serval cat. The distinct hybrid captured the attention of breeders, which sparked the urge to nurture future generations exhibiting the same ‘pet-friendly’ beauty coupled with a calm demeanor.
The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the breed as an official one in 2001. Savannah Cats are still regarded as a ‘hybrid breed’ owing to their untamed ancestry. In a bid to refine the breed across several generations, breeders tried to mitigate the wild traits while retaining the servals look and built.
Savannahs are marked by subclass as follows: F (filial) generation denoting the number of wild ancestors:
F1: 50% serval – possesses the wildest temperament and largest size.
F2: 25–37% serval – remains relatively wild but more compose,d yielding to better manageability.
F3 – F5: Most suitable for family life and significantly more domesticated.
Each generation brings forth a blend of untamed beauty and domesticated features; F3 to F5 seems to attract most pet enthusiasts.
Classification of Exotic Shorthair Cats
Essentials of Exotic Shorthair cats are that they are short-haired cats, but they have a round face and a flat nose like the Persian breed. They represent the Persian family of cats and, due to the difference in the coat and the care it requires, are classified as a breed on their own.
These years of selective breeding were done with finesse; it was not only to create a hybrid with heavenly looks but to incorporate the serval’s athleticism and elegance with friendly domestic cat characteristics.
The goal was to provide a perfect combination: the emotional attachment and trainability of a domestic pet alongside the thrilling exoticness of owning a wild-looking cat breed.
By Purpose
The Exotic Shorthair cat was first bred to be a hypoallergenic version of the Persian cat breed. Persian cats are famous for their long silky fur but the Exotic Shorthair has a short dense coat which does not need much attention. This makes the breed more convenient for people who fell in love with the Persian breed, but do not want to spend a lot of time grooming it.
People are fascinated by Savannah Cats because of their heightened intelligence and boldness. Contrary to the stereotype of hybrid breeds, Savannahs are known to be sociable, affectionate, and loyal. Furthermore, it allows them to best thrive in households that are energetic and busy, along with craving to be interacted with and stimulated mentally. Such pets have a unique personality with the potential of being more than simply family pets, they are ideal for families that want active members of their family.
By Size
Due to their grace, spotted coat, and wild serval heritage, Savannah Cats are taller than ordinary house cats and possess long struts, giving them a distinctive upright stance.
Savannah Cats are referred to as “the supermodels of the cat world” because of their tall, sleek, and confident appearance. Typically, traits include:”
Weight: Males tend to weigh around 12 to 25 pounds. Females are comparatively smaller weighing from 8 to 20 pounds.
Height: Taller than usual house cats, Savannah Cats seem to have long legs, giving them a distinctive upright stance.
Ears: Often decorated with a light “ocelli” (eyespots) pattern, Savannah Cats possess large ears that are positioned high on head.
Eyes: Savannah Cats tend to possess expressive almond eyes. Their color can be golden, amber, green, or hazel.
Coat: Their coat covers them in a variety of colors, such as gold and silver, snow and black, with dominant dark spots and marbling, as well as being short to medium in length.
Their looks often charm the world with descriptions of “wildcat meets domestic beauty,” making them extremely photogenic and adored worldwide.
Most Popular Exotic Shorthair Cats
Within the breed, fame usually depends on a mixture of patterns on the coat, color, and generation. This is what cat lovers usually look for:
With F1 and F2 Savannahs, who are bigger, have serval traits, wilder personalities, and cost approximately $10,000, these are often kept and in high demand by enthusiasts. A considerable amount of care and experience is needed to maintain them, along with an experienced handler to keep them under control.
For the calmer members of the household, F3 to F5 Savannahs are perfect. They are easier to train, more affectionate, and while keeping the exotic look.
The dominant color preference is golden coats with bold black spots (classic wild look); However, silver and snow (light cream with faint spots) are also admired for their rarity and elegance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exotic Shorthair
Uncommon and stunning is what people who own exotic pets will tell you, making Savannah cats far more difficult to acquire than the rest, but claiming their lack of chromatic details decreases beauty and details is highly subjective.
If you’re thinking of adding one to your house, consider these factors carefully:
Energy Level: These felines never stop moving and need at least a few hours of engagement each day. This breed is not ideal for quiet homes or people who are rarely around and prefer a cuddly lap cat.
Space Requirements: A small apartment won’t work. They need significant room to freely walk, leap, and scale heights. Homes that come with outdoor safes are prefered.
Social Requirements: Savannahs are able to form deep connections with humans, but do not take enjoyment in being left alone for extended durations. They do well in active households.
Legal Concerns: Cats like Savannah hybrids are banned or restricted in some states and countries, especially the F1 and F2 generations. Make sure you know the laws in your area before buying.
Skill Level: New cat owners might find their high intelligence, strong-willed attitude, and boundless energy difficult to deal with.
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Where to Buy a Savannah Cat
There are many websites which post information regarding breeders who have Exotic Shorthair cats for sale. Perhaps the most popular website where people go to look for Exotic Shorthairs for sale is through the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). They provide the breeders who use ethical breeding and who meet the requirements of the CFA.
Another reliable website to buy Exotic Shorthair kittens is Kittens for Sale. Here, you can view numerous Exotic Shorthair adverts, see photos of the cats, and get in touch with the sellers with questions on available kittens.
Potential owners should always get the breeder’s information right and confirm the health status of the kittens and ensure that they are well vaccinated and well exposed to socialization.
Tips for Responsible Exotic Shorthair Ownership
1. Ensure They Remain Engaged Both Mentally and Physically: Savannah cats see boredom as an archenemy. Helping them remain happy includes puzzle feeders, interactive toys, fetch games, and cat agility training. They also enjoy clicker training and can follow commands like sit, stay, and even high-five.
2. Vertical Space Is A Necessity: Savannahs are fond of climbing and require more than one cat tree shelf. Set up cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or ceiling-high perches to allow exploration of vertical spaces. This caters to their instincts while keeping them busy.
3. Safe Outdoor Access: Never allow unsupervised outdoor access, as their sense of curiosity can be dangerous. Consider crafting an enclosed “catio” or using a tall fence. Surprisingly, training them to walk on a leash provides a safe means to explore the outdoors.
4. Early Socialization: Have kids, other pets, and the rest of the house routine interact with Savannah kittens early on. The earlier they are exposed, the better adjusted and more loving they will be as adults.
5. Proper Nutrition and Vet Care: A vet-approved diet that is high in protein, raw, or grain free is best. Regular checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control are essential, especially for hybrid breeds.
Fun Facts About Exotic Shorthair Cats
1. Jumping Champions: The Savannah breed is capable of jumping an impressive eight feet vertically. You can frequently catch them atop doors, fridges, and cabinets as well.
2. Dog-Like Behavior: They follow their owners around the house, warmly welcoming them at the door, and can even be leash-trained. These cats are also known to exuberantly play fetch.
3. Water Lovers: Unlike other felines, Savannah cats love water. Expect them to jump into the bathtub, splash around in fountains, or even attempt to join you in the shower.
4. Extremely Vocal: They chirp, hiss, and meow, as well as make various noises derived from their serval ancestors. Unlike domesticated cats, their vocal ranges are higher.
5. Impulsive Personality: The Savannah cat has a highly inquisitive nature. The Savannah cat is capable of operating drawer handles and flicking light switches. Some may even know how to unlock doors leading to new areas. Be prepared for a lot of trouble if there are no cat-proof precautions taken in the house.
FAQs About Exotic Shorthair Cats
Conclusion
The Californian Exotic Shorthair cat is an ideal representative of beautiful cats with a balanced temperament and easy care. Being small in size, round in the face, and always fluffy with lots of fur, they are friendly animals that are perfect for families and individuals. While they may need a little grooming and must be taken to vet frequently they are friendly, loving animals that are great to have around. If you are interested in getting low-maintenance cat with the appearance of the Persian or just in need of a friendly four-legged friend, Exotic Shorthair may be the right choice for you.
If owned by the right person, Savannah cats can become more than just pets; they are companions unlike any other who guarantee adventure, affection, wild charm, and so much more.