About Savannah Cats

Information About Savannah Cats

Savannah cats have the regal grace and dignity of their wild ancestors, the African Serval cat. They have distinctive spots covering their golden or silver fur, and are prized for their intelligence, beauty, friendliness and energetic sense of fun. 

Their unique appearance includes large, emotive eyes highlighted by tear stain markings. The black spots on their fur contrast the fur's golden or silver sheen, and their ears are exceptionally large, particularly in relation to their head size.  They are the tallest domestic breed of cat on earth, and in fact have the distinction of holding the world's record as "Tallest Cat" in the Guinness Book of World Records. They are playful and social, and love to engage in all sorts of games with people and other animals.  In fact, your Savannah might just begin sulking if he's left out of fun and games with the family. Many owners have successfully leash trained their Savannah Cat, because they love to be outdoors and make great companions on family walks or runs. 

Like most of their domestic cousins, Savannahs are innately curious, and love to get up to mischief if they can. They love interacting with their owners, as they are smart, loyal and can even learn to respond to difficult commands. That's why so many Savannah owners say it's almost like owning a dog.

Breed Standards:

The goal of any reputable breeder is striking the perfect balance between an exotic appearance and a calm, gentle temperament, a feline that looks like a Serval but doesn't act like a wild pet. If a Savannah's bloodlines have been improperly engineered, it may look like a Bengal Cat, not a Serval. But Bengals have entirely opposite skeletal structures. 

Longevity: 12 -- 20 years

Weight: 12 -- 25 pounds;

Exercise Needs: High;

Hypoallergenic: No.

Energy Level:

The energy level of Savannah cats is very high, so daily exercise is needed for them. Combining exercise with early socialization is the winning strategy for raising healthy, well balanced Savannah cats. 

Keen Intelligence:

These cats are both keenly intelligent and innately curious, so they do occasionally get into trouble if left idle for too long. That's why their owners must be committed to keeping them active -- playing lots of games and exercising them is the winning combination. 

Disposition:

When they've been raised correctly, Savannah cats behave more like dogs than domestic cats, in that they become affectionate, friendly and love socializing. Many owners say owning a Savannah is like owning a dog but without the high maintenance of a canine. They are incredibly loyal to their family, and while they can be standoffish with strangers at first, they soon become friendly and engaged. Savannahs have plenty of love and affection for everyone they meet. Like dogs, Savannahs can learn the correct response to many commands, whether simple or difficult, because they are so intelligent.

Generations:

This term simply refers to the number of pairings removed from the Serval Cat. Generations are vital to breeders, as male studs are infertile until they contain 10 percent or less exotic DNA. Using other breeds to hasten the dilution of wild genes is against the rules of The International Cat Association (TICA). The Savannah Cat achieved championship status at TICA in 2012, and can be shown at TICA shows. In keeping with TICA rules, no new Serval cat can be registered for use in an F1 breeding program. 

There are four types of Savannah Cat:

F1

F2

F3

Purebred Savannah Cat otherwise known as SBT.

Purebred Savannah Cat:

What defines a purebred? This term means that the cat has three generations of consecutive Savannah Cat heritage. This is the most advanced breed, and can be entered at TICA shows. They are vital to securing high quality Serval Cat characteristics in a breeding line. They are perfect for first time owners, because their behaviour is most like that of typical domestic felines. Their classification is called SBT, and that is how they are known and registered with TICA.  They are also called SBT Savannahs. 

Hybrid Infertility:

This happens when a cross cannot reproduce because of their genetics. Even Joyce Sroufe, who first developed the breed, could not successfully breed a fertile male until five generations removed. 

Nutrition: 

Savannah cats nutritional needs are just like those of any domestic cat. Grocery store food mostly consists of filler, and is largely inadequate for any feline. Filler causes feline osteoporosis and other bone problems. Cheap filler food even has links to certain kinds of cancer, kidney disease, and can cause diarrhoea. Because Savannah cats grow so quickly, they need a balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. A totally raw meat diet is not mandatory, but it can be ideal if it is correctly prepared. Discuss your options with your vet and breeder to understand what, and how, to feed your Savannah cat. 

Ears: 

Your Savannah cat's ears are one of its most distinct, unusual physical features. The ears should be just like those of a Serval cat. They have the largest ears of any feline, wild or tame, in relation to its head size. The ears should stand up and have rounded tips. The base of the ears should be in line with the head. Ideally, the inside base of each ear sits at the top of the head. You can often draw a straight line from the corner of the eyes to the inner base of the ears.

Savannah cats have "ocelli" markings on the back of the ears, which they have inherited from their wild ancestors. These are high contrast markings believed to be for scaring away predators in the wild, because in the dark they resemble the eyes of the predator's enemies. Savannah Cat ocelli markings are often less dramatic than those of their wild cousins, such as black with brown, rather than black with white, but this is not considered a flaw in any way.

Head Shape:

The head should be a broad, modified wedge shape, with rounded contours. An anterior view of the head shows a clear and balanced triangular shape. The chin is small, and the nose is long. Ideally, it has an "ll" marking, rather than the "M" marking on tabbies' foreheads, but this isn't a mandatory requirement of the breed.

Pattern:

Solid, dark spots cover the coat but do not connect. A series of stripes, from the back of the head to the shoulder blades, fan out somewhat over the back. Smaller spots may be found on the feet and legs, and on the face. The coat is thick and short, and may be coarse to the touch, or soft. 

Colors:

Savannah cats are black, smoke, brown and silver. Acceptable colors are the same as those found on the African Serval. The color that occurs most frequently in African Servals is a rich, mellow gold with black spots. Because gold is a shade of brown, it is rightly registered as a Brown Spotted Tabby (BST).

* Brown Spotted Tabby = Aguoti Cat (AI)

* Silver Spotted Tabby = Aguoti Cat (A+ Inhibitor Gene)

* Black = Non-Aguoti Cat (AA)

* Smoke = Non Aguoti Cat (AA) + Inhibitor Gene.

Eyes:

A Savannah Cat's eyes are one of its most striking physical features. They should be medium sized and set below a slightly hooded brow line. The top part of the eye looks a bit like a boomerang, set at a precise angle so that the corner slopes down the line of the nose. The bottom half of the eye is almond shaped. The eyes are somewhat deep set, low on the forehead, and in keeping with perfect facial symmetry. Tear stain markings are present along and beside the nose. All eye colors are accepted by TICA, and bear no relationship to coat color. 

Bottle Feeding:

This is the way breeders ensure that Savannah cats are thoroughly socialized and ready to adapt to their environments. In order for them to have the mild, gentle disposition that breeders strive for, the kittens are bottle fed to guarantee that they grow up ready to interact, play and socialize with everyone. It is because of bottle feeding that Savannah cats become ready to engage happily with people and their surroundings, and other animals. It is vital for cats with exotic lineage to receive this care. Of course they stay with their mothers for the first several weeks, to ensure they have healthy immune systems and much-needed antibodies to thrive. And it is worth mentioning that all creatures must be socialized properly and completely or they will grow up maladapted and ill at ease with people and their environments. 

Leash Training: 

Many owners have had great success leash training their Savannah cats. However, just like with dogs, it takes time, patience and discipline to train your cat, but it is worth the effort for everyone involved in the cat's care. And the cat will love you for it!

Allergies:

No breed of cat is hypoallergenic, and neither are Savannahs. A popular misconception is that it is the fur people are allergic to; it's not, it's the saliva. 

Lifespan: 

Savannahs live between 12 and 20 years, depending on how far back their Serval lineage goes. Giving them a raw meat diet will certainly help them thrive, and will also contribute to keeping them lean.

Size:

Because Savannah cats are so tall and lean, people easily mistake them for being bigger, and heavier, than they actually are. In reality, they usually weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, depending on what they are fed, and how often. They should be kept trim and lean, which makes them a much happier pet.

How much do savannah cats cost? :

The price of Savannah kittens vary, depending on bloodlines, scarcity, and demand. Discuss cost with a reputable breeder and be specific about the kind, color and genetic makeup you want in your Savannah cat.

Breeders are obligated to provide TICA with all the relevant details of their Savannahs, including the registration papers, proof of age appropriate vaccinations, frequency of litters and number of kittens born, and other information. Because kittens stay with breeders until they are 10 -- 14 weeks old, it is an expensive venture for anyone. Savannah cats have very unpredictable heat cycles, and so it's impossible to know when a litter might be born. Buyers can often wait a year, or longer, for a kitten to be available, as so few of them are born each year anywhere in the world. 

Females born are often kept by the breeders, but are sometimes infertile and don't reproduce. Fewer than half of all F1 and F2 females ever reproduce.
All of these factors affect price. But if you are willing to wait, and work with an established, reputable breeder, a Savannah cat makes an extraordinary pet, and a cherished addition to your family. 

Legal Guidelines and Requirements: 

Many states have laws about owning exotic pets, and occasionally Savannah cats get caught in this misunderstanding of just what they are and how they are bred.

You should go online to your state's government website, and check the laws in your area thoroughly. Once regulators are educated about the reality of Savannah cats, changes to bans usually follow. But that can be a slow process, so learn the rules now before checking availability with breeders.

A Snapshot Of Savannah Cat Heritage:

The Savannah cat is descended from the African Serval Cat, which has been bred in captivity for approximately a century.

Servals are common in sub-Saharan nations, but not in North Africa or the Sahel. They fall prey to hyenas and wild dogs, and will make huge leaps, often changing direction in mid-air, to escape these predators. They raise their tails high when they jump.

The African Serval purrs, growls, hisses and meows, just like all cats, domestic or wild. It also chirps, an excited trilling sound, just like Savannahs do. However, Servals cost twice as much to keep, don't warm up to strangers, eat only raw meat and, once adult, won't use a litter box. In other words, they are much higher maintenance than Savannah cats. Those are the reasons that so many Serval owners happily convert to owning Savannahs. They offer the best of both worlds -- a striking, exotic appearance and a mild, sweet disposition. Most Savannah cats have less than 10 percent exotic heritage -- just enough to retain their exotic appearance.

Can My Kids & Pets Be With A Savannah Cat?

Absolutely! Savannah cats love everyone who loves them back, and they love to socialize, play games and interact with people and other animals. Savannah cats are truly like the feline version of working dogs -- they're energetic, engaged, happy and intelligent creatures who blend well with just about everyone, man or beast! 

Is A Savannah Cat The Right Choice For You?

If you're looking for a pet with the following characteristics, a Savannah may be the perfect addition to your home:

* Tons of Energy;

* Not a lap cat (they will be beside you);

* Playful and Rambunctious;

* Curious;

* Intelligent;

* Able to Problem Solve;

* Uses A Litter Box;

* Extroverted;

* Affectionate.

If those are the traits you're seeking in a pet, contact F1 Savannahs for more information about Savannah cats. You'll be glad you did! You may have to wait for a kitten, but trust us -- a Savannah cat is worth the wait!

Owning a Savannah cat is akin to owning a 'working' dog -- they have to move. They are truly intelligent, energetic, capable of problem solving, readily trained and can be defiant. These traits are valuable in working dogs, and are an innate part of their DNA.

The same traits are present in Savannah cats, and they need dedicated owners who will give them a stable home and lots of training and attention. An owner who is keen to address those needs, and socialize and interact with their pet each and every day.

Of course, too often an animal is blamed if it behaves badly, and the same is true of Savannah cats, but it usually is not their fault. It is usually the fault of an inattentive owner who fails to give the cat the energy and commitment they need and deserve. Too many owners blame the pet, when they should point the finger at themselves.

If you, the owner, do your part, having a Savannah cat in the house is a rewarding, fulfilling experience for everyone. Socializing....training....playing...engaging... these are the factors that define a successful human--feline relationship. 

As Sigmund Freud once said, "Time spent with cats is never wasted." He was right, and there is no better example of a fulfilling, satisfying bond than that of owner and Savannah cat. Put in the time and energy, and your Savannah will give back ten fold. These creatures are so much more than beautiful... they are smart, loving and curious.

Contact F1 Savannahs for more information on availability, pricing, and other details if you're considering acquiring a Savannah cat.