About Savanah Cats

Savannah cats are a newer breed of cat being developed by breeders that love the exotic look of an African Serval. African Servals and domesticated cats are bred to form the Savannah breed. Savannahs have been nicknamed "small cheetahs," and were first bred in this country in the 1980's. Since then, they have grown considerably in popularity due to their large ears, golden bodies, and black spots. These special cats can make wonderful family pets and provide fanciers a much smaller and more manageable version of the exotic African Serval.

There is a very high demand for Savannah cats, partly due to the difficulties in breeding these very different animals. With the difference in gestational lengths between the domestic cat and African Serval, the mortality rate of kittens is usually high, increasing care pre and post partium.

Each generation that results from the original Serval/domestic crossing is labeled as "F." For example, the first generation (or initial Serval/domestic breeding) is F1. The result of that cat being bred to another domestic would be F2, and so on. Typically, the first three or four generations of male kittens are sterile, so it is usually not until the fifth generation that the male can reproduce. Of course the F1 generation is going to have more Serval genes (50%) and can be more "on the wild side" than regular domestic cats or F2, F3, etc. generations. This should be taken into consideration when looking at adding a Savannah to your family.

Savannah cats usually reach an average weight of around 10-15 lbs, although the first generation can reach 20-30 lbs. Savannahs are typically very friendly, outgoing and curious in nature. These cats receive the same veterinary vaccines as any other domestic cat and eat the same nutritious food that is currently on the market. Like other types of cats, Savannahs are usually very good about using the litter box and adjust well to other household pets and children (although as with any pet, care should be taken when placing a new animal in a home with small children). Savannahs are very intelligent cats that enjoy romping, jumping and, suprisingly enough, are often curious and play with water!

Overall, Savannahs are excellent household pets and will make a wonderful addition to your home.