Savannah

According to the specialised nomenclature, black cats, brown spotted tabby, black silver spotted tabby and black smoke are accepted. In any case, the Savannah has a spotted coat.

solid / plain, tabby / striped

Short

golden yellow, green

The Savannah displays the characteristics of both breeds from which they descend. A slender cat, on tall legs. Their heads are small with large ears. Their spotted coat gives them a unique, wild and captivating look. 

The athletic individuals will prefer games to cuddles. 

In most cases, these are very playful cats, combining power and enthusiasm. In addition, their natural skill for physical activity, which comes from their wild ancestors, makes them exceptionally good at jumping, climbing and running. They’re great for walks on a leash. Some of them are even good swimmers!

Once they’ve used up their energy they can be calm and tranquil. 

Lively, sharp and interested, their cognitive ability may shock you. 

Many factors can influence a cat’s confidence around newcomers, but a Savannah usually appreciates new things and strangers. 

They are autonomous and can cope with being on their own as long as their physical and mental needs are met. 

There are lot of differences between different individual cats but a Savannah will usually use their voice to communicate with humans. 

They need exercise, games and stimulation. 

The Savannah is an adventurous, energetic and curious breed… using a leash and a harness for walking will reduce the risk of running away. 

Lots of energy requires lots of food!

The quality of this relationship depends on how the Savannah was socialised as a kitten, so it’s important to take the time to choose the right breeder. They usually get on with other cats of the same breed. However, cohabitation between a hybrid and a domestic cat is not suggested, especially if the Savannah is F1 to F3.

Compatibility with dogs varies and depends on many factors, including socialisation at a young age and how you introduce them to one another. However, a dog and a Savannah can become good playmates. It is important to have cat trees and high spots so the cat can avoid unwanted contact with the dog.

The two can be great playmates but it is so important to ensure your child understands this feline’s body language and respects their limits. 

Their high energy levels do not make this cat particularly good for the elderly. 

Despite having a huge amount of hair, the Savannah loses very little. 

The average life expectancy for this breed is between 13 and 20 years. 

Savannahs are considered robust. Their thick undercoat protects them from the weather and they are typically healthy. 

Many factors influence the risk of feline obesity, such as age, environment, diet and activity levels. Their high energy reduces their risk of becoming overweight as long as their need for physical activity is met.

It is generally recognised that the Savannah enjoys good physiological health. However, an annual medical checkup is suggested to ensure your cat’s well-being. Indeed, they can suffer the same diseases as domestic cats that are not crosses, including oral diseases. In addition, the following illness is sometimes diagnosed:

• Pyruvate Kinase deficiency, or "PKDef". This is a hereditary disease that can lead to nonspecific anemia. A genetic test is however available.

Breeding is allowed with another Savannah or with the following pedigreed domestic cats; the Egyptian Mau, the Oriental Shorthair and the Ocicat. Mating is also accepted with a Serval, provided that they comply with the regulations in force concerning the possession and reproduction of wild exotic species (notably CITES Appendix 2).

On average, the litters are of 3 kittens.

The Savannah comes from the cross between the domestic cat and the Serval, Leptailurus Serval, a cousin species. Indeed, the cat and the Serval are both part of the Felidae family and are sufficiently similar from a genetic point of view to hybridize.

Since ancient times, the wild cat has accompanied humans in their daily lives as pets and as hunting assistants. Hybridisation with the domestic cat began in the 1980s and the breed was officially accepted in 2001.