Savannah Cats | Wild-Looking & Energetic Cat Breed
Around the world, savannah cats are one of the most aesthetically striking cat breeds. Famous for their long legs, big ears, and spotted coats to match the wild, Savannah Cats are a hybrid of the African serval and domestic cats. These animals retain the attitude of a pet with the appearance of a wild creature. Unlike most pets, they are social, energetic, and highly intelligent, making them great companions for anyone seeking an active feline friend.
These cats have been gaining more and more love from people in the past few decades for their unique combination of affection and wildness. Savannah cats epitomize the sheer athleticism, energy, and playfulness of the wild. Savannah cats are ideal for cat lovers looking for a pet that can truly keep them on their toes. This article focuses on the history, traits, and required care of this cat so you can choose whether or not they would be a good fit for your family.
History of Savannah Cat
Compared to more traditional house cats, the Savannah cat is relatively new. The breed was first created in the early 1980s by crossing a domestic American cat with the African serval. The goal was to breed a cat with the exterior features of a serval yet possessing the gentle disposition of a domestic cat.
The Savannah breed has its beginnings from a domestic cat and an African serval. The first successful Savannah kitten was born in 1986. This momentous birth started a breeding craze aimed at refining the hybrid cat into an intellectually engaging and easily manageable domestic companion. Over the years, it became popular and was subjected to selective breeding across many generations in order to reduce wild traits and increase domestic ones.
Classification of Savannah Cat
The International Cat Association (TICA) places Savannah Cats into the category of hybrid felines which cross domesticated house cats with African servals. Not all cat registries accept this fluid categorization due to the presence of wild DNA.
Savannahs are grouped according to their generation with the letter F followed by a number.
F1 Savannahs are the direct offspring of a serval and a domestic cat (50% serval).
F2 and beyond (F3, F4, etc): Further generations were weaned away from the wild ancestor and increasingly domesticated, hence more suited as pets.
F3 to F5 generations are more suited to home life because of their gentler temperament, whereas F1 and F2 generations may still have some wild traits.
By Purpose
Savannah cats were not only bred for looks but also for their intelligence and energy. Combining the looks of a wild animal with the affectionate nature of a domestic cat was the aim of this breed.
These attributes make Savannah cats perfect for active households. If provided with proper socialization, Savannah cats are known to form strong bonds with their families, be it children or other pets. Because of their adaptable nature, they can live in different homes as long as there’s proper stimulation and space.
By Size
Savannah cats are one of the largest domestic breeds. Males typically weigh 12 to 25 pounds and females weigh 8 to 20 pounds. Savannah Cats are considered statuesque because of the long necks, legs, and lean torsos.
Key features include:
Large, upright ears placed high on the head.
Almond-shaped eyes that are expressive and often come in amber, gold, or green.
Capes are spotted in brown, silver, black, and snow (cream with brown spots) colors.
Capes have a striking appearance that often garners notice due to their cheetah-like patterns and fluid, cat-like movements.
Most Popular Savannah Cats
As with other types of animals, for the Savannah Cat, coat color and generation determine popularity and value. The most desirable Savannah cats are those with the most vivid spotted coats and the highest serval percentage. This is especially true for the F1 and F2 cats, which are intensely bred and look like their wild ancestors. They are great for more seasoned cat owners because of their wilder temperament and higher care requirements.
F3 and beyond have become more popular in everyday homes, as they offer the right blend of an exotic look with more domesticated behavior.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Savannah Cat
Below is a list of factors to consider before adopting or buying a Savannah Cat.
Energy Levels: Each of these cats is very energetic and needs daily mental and physical exercise.
Space Requirements: A Savannah cat cannot live in a small apartment. Ideally, they need to be in houses with a lot of indoor space and/or safe outdoor enclosures.
Temperament: They are very intelligent, loyal, and playful but tend to be more independent and less cuddly than other domestic-bred cats.
Legal Restrictions: Some regions do not allow you to own hybrid cats, especially F1 or F2.
It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the local laws before making any purchases.
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Where To Purchase Savannah Cats
Before thinking of getting a Savannah cat, one must look for a breeder that practices good genetics. The Savannah Cat Association is the place where you can get a list of Savannah cat breeders who work with Savannah hybrid cats and follow some certain rules on how to breed pets. The second source is TICA.org which provides listed breeders with the proper paperwork.
However, when buying a Savannah cat it is important to ask for generation, breed health history, and vaccination records. Another useful thing is to take the kitten to the parents’ home to make sure that they are healthy and friendly. Like with any other breed, the breeder you choose should have the best interest of the cats they intend to breed.
Tips for Responsible Savannah Cat Ownership
Having a cat of Savannah breed is indeed an exciting opportunity, however, it also comes with unique obligations. To make sure your cat is healthy and happy and to provide enriching life experiences, check out the following tips:
1. Ensure There is Ample Mental and Physical Stimulation: Savannah Cats, being a highly intelligent breed, seek constant mental stimulation. Engage their minds with interactive toys, training sessions, puzzle feeders and problem-solving games such as fetch and agility training. They respond well to command training too. Without proper stimulation, Savannah cats tend to exhibit destructive behaviors like scratching furniture or knocking items off counters.
2. Make Room for Horizontal and Vertical Traversal: Savannah Cats are incredibly nimble and tend to be very active. Savannah Cats need designated areas to extend their claws. They also rely on tree-like vertical structures such as windowsill perches, cat climbing shelves and other furniture. These structures serve to not only protect their wild instincts, but also enable stimulation and security.
3. Ensure Proper Containment Outdoors: Allowing Savannah Cats to roam freely is a big no. Their curious nature puts them at compounded risk of encountering danger. If you aim to provide outdoor access, consider using cat-proof fence enclosures or secure “catios”. These provide plenty of safety with ample stimulation. Take advantage of leash training, which they tend to enjoy, for walking sessions.
4. Start Early Socialization and Teach Them to Follow Routines: Routine spending is very helpful for Savannahs, like with most intelligent creatures. Make an effort to socialize them with children, other pets, and guests at an early age. This guarantees that they mature into well-adjusted, friendly adults.
5. Use Suitable Vet Services and Suitable Nutrition: Due to the hybrid nature of Savannah cats, they may require slightly different nutritional needs. Many owners feed them raw food, which is highly rich in protein and does not contain grains (with approval from a veterinarian). To ensure your cat thrives, regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control are critical.
Fun Facts About Savannah Cats
Savannah cats are full of surprises. Here are some fascinating tidbits that make them so unique:
1. Extraordinary Jumping Abilities: Savannah cats are known for their astonishing jumping skills. From a standing position, they can jump up to 8 feet high due to their long muscular limbs. It is not a rare scene of them effortlessly jumping onto the top of shelves, tall cabinets and even refrigerators.
2. Dog-like Loyalty and Trainability: Their loyalty makes them comparable to dogs. They establish a strong relationship with their owners and can be taught to walk on a leash, fetch a ball, and follow simple commands like ‘sit’ or ‘stay. They also like to engage in fun activities and frequently welcome their owners at the entrance.
3. They Love Water: Unlike other cats, many Savannahs are attracted to water. They may follow you into the bathroom while you’re showering, splash around in the sink, or play in small tubs. Some even know how to swim. This makes bath time a lot easier when compared to other breeds.
4. Inquisitive and Mischievous Nature: Savannahs are interested in exploring and will open cupboards, turn sink taps on, and check every available space in their surroundings. These are not your regular lap cats because they prefer to be active and engaged with what you are doing.
5. They “Chirp” Like Servals: Savannahs sometimes make a suit of chirping or meowing sounds — a vocal trait passed down from servals. This is part of their unique communication and is often an attention-seeking signal.
FAQs About Savannah Cats
Conclusion
Savannah breeds form an amazing blend of a wild cat and a domesticated pet because of their looks and need for companionship. The striking blend of their physical beauty with their cheeky and intelligent character makes them an exceptional breed for those in need of a challenge. If it’s not the bold coat or athletic physique that draws you in, it’s surely the dog-like loyalty. Savannahs are unlike any other breed of cat around the globe.
But not everyone can keep them. These cats require a lot of attention, stimulation, and space. With the proper care and environment, Savannah cats become affectionate and deeply engaging pets that owners will love all the time. They are ideal for people looking to infuse their home with the splendor of the wild without losing the cherished cuddly feel of a family pet.