What is a Savannah Cat?
A Savannah cat is a hybrid breed, resulting from the cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat. The African Serval, known for its tall, slender frame, large ears, and distinctive black spots, serves as the wild ancestor of this breed. The goal of breeding Savannah cats is to closely replicate the look and traits of the Serval, while maintaining the temperament of a domestic cat. Despite its exotic origins, the Savannah is considered a domestic breed. Although relatively rare compared to other cat breeds, demand for Savannahs continues to grow.
Do Savannah Cats Get Along With Other Pets or Children?
Yes, Savannah cats generally get along well with other pets and children when raised in an environment where both are well-behaved. They are social animals and often form strong bonds with their family members. Savannah kittens raised in such households can become very affectionate, even cuddling with children or other pets, including dogs.
What is the Temperament of a Savannah Cat?
Savannah cats are known for their affectionate and outgoing personalities. They are often described as having dog-like loyalty, following their owners around the house and even enjoying activities such as playing fetch or walking on a leash. These cats are highly intelligent and can learn quickly, often thriving when they are included in family activities.
Savannahs also love water—many owners have been surprised by their cats jumping into running showers or playing in sinks. This breed enjoys being a part of the family dynamic, rather than simply living as a typical house cat.
How Large Does a Savannah Get?
The size of a Savannah cat varies, depending on the generation and the amount of wild Serval genetics in its ancestry. For example, I have an F2 female that weighs around 8 to 9 pounds. Since size can differ even within a single litter, predicting the adult size of a Savannah cat can be tricky.
F1 Savannahs, the closest to the Serval, are typically much larger than domestic cats, with males weighing between 15 to 28 pounds. F3 males may still be larger than typical house cats but generally closer to the size of domestic cats.
As you move further from the Serval in the generations, the cats become smaller but retain the wild appearance with long legs, large ears, and a sleek body. Savannahs generally reach their full size by three years of age. If you’re looking for a larger cat, F1 or F2 males are your best bet.
Savannah Cat Generations and Size Comparison
| Generation | Height at Shoulder | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| F1 (50% Serval) | 16-20 inches | 13-28 lbs |
| F2 (25% Serval) | 13-16 inches | 11-25 lbs |
| F3 (12.5% Serval) | 12-14.5 inches | 9-16 lbs |
| F4 (6.25% Serval) | 11-13 inches | 7-15 lbs |
| F5 (3.12% Serval) | Domestic size (rarely 18 lbs) |
Diet & Healthcare for Savannah Cats
Savannahs thrive on high-quality dry food, complemented with wet food and raw or cooked meat. Avoid kibble with grains like soy, wheat, or corn, as these are lower quality ingredients. Opt for reputable brands rather than grocery store options, which are often filled with fillers.
Like other domestic cats, Savannahs should receive regular vaccinations and veterinary care. I prefer to use “all-killed” vaccines instead of “modified live” vaccines for my cats.
All Savannah kittens raised here are fully litter box trained and vaccinated before joining their new families.
What is the Cost of a Savannah Cat?
The price of a Savannah cat can vary depending on factors like the cat’s generation, size, and breeding quality. Prices for pet-quality kittens are typically as follows:
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F2 Savannahs: $5,500 – $8,000
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F3 Savannahs: $3,000 – $4,500
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F4 Savannahs: $1,500 – $2,500
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F5 Savannahs: $1,200 – $2,000
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SBT (Stud Book Tradition) Savannahs: $1,000 – $1,500
Breeder cats are priced higher due to their potential for breeding and show-quality traits.
Understanding Savannah Cat Generations
Savannah cats are labeled by their filial (F) generation number, which indicates how many generations removed they are from the wild Serval. For example, an F1 has a Serval parent, while an F2 has a Serval grandparent.
The breakdown of the generations is as follows:
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F1: One generation away from the Serval (50% Serval)
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F2: Two generations away from the Serval (25% Serval)
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F3: Three generations away from the Serval (12.5% Serval)
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F4: Four generations away from the Serval (6.25% Serval)
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F5: Domestic-size but may reach up to 18 pounds
Basic TICA Codes for Savannah Cats
The TICA (The International Cat Association) codes help identify the ancestry of each cat:
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A: One parent is a domestic (non-Savannah) outcross
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B: Both parents are Savannah cats
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C: Both parents and grandparents are Savannahs
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SBT: Parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are all Savannahs
To show a Savannah at TICA events, the cat must be SBT—the level recognized as a true breed.