Savannah

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Savannah

Weight
20-30 lb
Physique
Tall, lean
Lifespan
16-20 years
Best Suited For
Families with older children
Temperament
Loves to jump. Friendly with children and other pets. Very active cat.
Comparable Breeds
California Spangled, Sphynx
Height
12-14 inches
ADVERTISEMENT

Savannah Breed History

The Savannah is a hybrid cat created by breeding an African Serval with a domestic cat in the 1980s. Judy Frank, a breeder of Bengals located in Pennsylvania, is credited with the first such pairing when she bred a male serval to a Siamese in 1986. Concerted efforts to develop the breed gained traction in the early 1990s due to the efforts of Patrick Kelley, who bought one of the kittens from Frank’s initial experiment. Breeder Joyce Sroufe helped Kelley develop the breed, and the proposed breed standard. The cats were accepted as a new breed by The International Cat Association in 2001, and were granted championship status in 2012. The early popularity of the Savannah has taken the cat world by storm, and there are now some 60 breeders worldwide.

Savannahs make excellent companions and are surprisingly receptive and convivial with other pets in the house.

Breed Traits

ADVERTISEMENT

Savannahs make excellent companions and are surprisingly receptive and convivial with other pets in the house. Known for their friend “head bump” greetings, Savannahs are often found in the highest places they can reach. These cats are serious jumpers! They can leap approximately 8 feet from a sitting position with no warning. They simply burst upward like elegantly coiled springs. Savannahs love to play in water, and have something of a good natured sense of humor. They are quite adept at opening doors and cupboards, so child locks are a must when one of these cats is in the house. Extremely loyal, they have many “dog like” characteristics, including a willingness to be leashed, and to play fetch. They are known to wag their tails, and to fluff out their tail fur as a sign of greeting. In terms of vocalizations, a Savannah can either chirp or meow, and occasionally do something in between. The breed also lets out with a hiss like that of a loud snake that can be highly disconcerting until you get used to the sound.

Overall Description

Tall and lean, the Savannah owes much of its physique to its wild antecedents. Officially the largest domestic cat, the Savannah’s conformation makes it look much larger than it really is, but some individuals do reach as much as 30 lbs. The cat’s long neck and long legs give it a graceful ranginess augmented by the stunning coat marked with black spots and bars on a tawny, golden background. Typically, these cats are about half the size of the wild Serval cat, which is approximately 40 pounds. Savannahs have wonderfully erect, black barred ears, and very prominent shoulders. Their eyes can be green, gold, or brown, but at birth, they are blue. Overall, the appearance of the breed is one of intelligent alertness with an aura of mysterious aloofness that is a complete front for a cat known for its high level of loyal devotion to its humans.

Colors

ADVERTISEMENT

The Savannah’s primary coat is a warm golden to tawny color covered in distinctive dark spots and bars.

Grooming Requirements

Savannah’s are incredibly easy to groom. They have short coats, and they so love the water that most owners simply invite their cat into the shower with them.

Photo credit: Erik Lam/Shutterstock

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Yorkillon

The combination of the delicate Papillon and the spunky Yorkshire Terrier results in this unique designer dog. The Yorkillon is sweet, cute, and friendly.

Best Litter Deodorizers for Cats

We love our cats, but we hate the smell of their bathroom! Want to get rid of the stink? Try one of these best litter deodorizers for cats.?

Thoroughbred Horse

The Thoroughbred Horse has a bold and spirited personality that isn''t suitable for riders and owners who do not have experience.

Gee, This Dog Sure Is Nosey! [Video]

They say two heads are better than one, but what two… noses? Staff at an animal shelter in Tulare County, California, were in for the shock of their l…

Norwegian Forest Cat

Although well adapted for life outside, the Norwegian Forest Cat would much rather spend his time indoors. This cat likes to be at home with his people.

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex has a patient, loving, and tolerant personality.They are docile and good natured, and enjoy nothing more than cuddling with you.

Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 2

Are you thinking about feeding your dog wet food? In the second part of her series, Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, takes a look at t…

Poodle

A lot of people have fun with their Poodle and enjoy the grooming that its coat requires as just another way to spend quality time with the dog they love.

Midland Painted Turtle

The Midland Painted Turtle is a good option for beginner turtle keepers, as is is tame, hardy, and enjoyable to watch. They come in a range of colors.

PetPace Wireless Smart Collar Tracks And Monitors Your Pet’s Health

I''m excited to hear about the PetPace, a new smart wireless collar that monitors your pet''s health, vital signs, activity and wellbeing all day, every day.

Devastating Statistics Show an Increase in Euthanasia of Cats and Dogs

The data collected by Best Friends Animal Society indicates that there is an animal shelter crisis in America, with more and more pets being abandoned and less of them getting adopted, but it’s not all bleak – even though shelters have seen better day

Best Dog Exercise Pens

Dog exercise pens help keep energetic dogs safe both indoors and outdoors. Easy to store and practical, these dog exercise pens are great to have around!

Satin Rabbit

The Satin Rabbit has silky, short, rollback fur that has a unique satin sheen to it. Its hair contains tiny air bubbles inside that catch the light.

Scents Of Security Comfort Toy Is A Security Blanket For Your Dog

The Scents of Security comforting dog toy gives your pooch a way to always be close to you. Ideal for create training puppies, separation anxiety.

Cotonese

Cotonese was developed by crossing two small dogs of similar traits, the lovely Maltese and the sweet Coton de Tulear. Find all about this desinger dog!