About Savannah Cats

Savannah Cats

Savannah cats are a spotted domestic cat breed started in the 1980’s. Developed to give the impression of grandeur and dignity of a wildcat with a cheetah type appearance, expressive eyes highlighted by dark tear stains, vibrant coat colors, solid contrasting black spots, huge sonar-like ears and long legs. Since 2006 they have held the Guinness Book World Record for the world’s tallest domestic cat. They do not require any special health care. They visit a regular veterinarian for routine feline health maintenance.

Breed standard calls for all traits to mimic those of its ancestor the African Serval. The goal of the breed is to obtain a well-rounded temperament yet wild-looking breed that makes a suitable alternative to an exotic pet. Poorly developed bloodlines can be mistaken for Bengal Cats, which have an opposite body structure to the Savannah.

• Lifespan: 12-20 years
• Weight: 12-25 pounds
• Exercise: High
• Hypoallergenic: No

Energy Level of the breed is high so exercise is required. Exercise combined with socialization is an extremely important part of a kitten’s training into adulthood. Exposure to friendly atmospheres with positive reinforcement work best.

High intelligence combined with being naturally curious gets them into mischief. Due to high intelligence, curiosity and high energy needs, they are best suited with active dedicated owners.

Temperament is outstanding when properly raised, some would say the feline version of a dog. Ideal companions for owners who want to avoid extra canine requirements but want an active engaging pet. They actively seeking social interaction. They are given to pouting if left out. Remaining kitten-like through life. Profoundly loyal to immediate family members. Some may question the presence of strangers but warm up quickly as they are curious with a desire to interact. Making excellent companions for dedicated owners that are loyal, intelligent and eager to be involved. Demonstrated by the ability to learn simple to complex commands.

Which Cat is your Purrfect Savannah?

F1 Savannahs

F1 Savannah cat size males are 17 to 25 pounds, standing approximately 16 to 18 inches at the shoulder and 22 to 24 inches from chest to rump. F1 females are 13 to 19 pounds. When compared to the pure Serval or the high percentage Bengals, the F1 Savannahs are quite manageable. They are good with their litter box and won’t destroy your house. They will bond with one or two people, being pretty standoffish with everyone else. Not aggressive, but for the most part they won’t socialize with children or strangers. When people they don’t know visit, they retreat to a back room or launch themselves onto a high place to watch the goings on, but be out reach.

Even those with whom they are bonded, rarely can an F1 be held or contained for very long. They’ll want to play with you and expend an amazing amount of energy, but F1 Savannahs are definitely not lap cats. Trips to the vet can be challenging. This can be combated by making at least one trip to the vet to get accustomed to the smells and be “oohed and aawed” over without any negative experience. A positive first experience vet visit will make future trips much less stressful for both the Savannah cat and owner. if an F1 is upset them or they are trying to tell you something, occasionally they will opt not to use the litter box. They are also attracted to plastic grocery sacks if left within reach. They can be taught to walk on a harness and most are highly attracted to water, whether it be an outside pond, the garden hose or sprinkler, or your bathtub. F1 Savannahs fall in the $15,000 to $20,000 price range.

F2 Savannahs

F2 Savannah cat size:  males are 16 to 25 pounds with some reaching 30+ pounds. They measures 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder and are 20 to 22 inches long. Females range from 12 to 16 pounds. There will be a small percentage of F2’s, probably 20%, whose personalities lean towards that of an F1. The rest will be very social with their immediate family, including children. Generally they are not lap cats and do not like to be held, but will want to be petted and will play nonstop with you.

When strangers come into their home, they may initially hide, but will usually warm up to the visitors over the course of their stay. Some will allow your guests to them pet them, others will just stay in close proximity, checking out what’s going on. Litter box habits are good. Like the F1’s, some will be attracted to dry cleaning bags and grocery sacks. Vet visits are going to be more manageable than the F1’s, but going to the vet can still be a handful if they have had a prior negative experience. F2 Savannahs will fall in a $4,000 to $11,000 range. 

F3 Savannahs

F3 Savannah cat size:  males are 14 to 20 pounds, stand approximately 14 to 17 inches at the shoulder, and are 18 to 21 inches long. This is still a very large frame for a cat.  Females range from 10 to 13 pounds. Almost all F3’s will be extremely bonded with their families and social with strangers who come into their home. Most will allow you to hold them and will want to sit on your lap. Extremely intelligent and highly athletic cats, if selective, you can get an F3 that maintains the extremely vivid, wild markings of the F1 and F2, but with a guaranteed great personality. We prefer the F3’s and highly recommend these kittens to many pet homes as they are the best combination of a wild look with a sweet personality and make a great family pet. F3 Savannahs cost $3,000 to $6,000.

F4-7 Savannahs

Savannah cat size:  Males range from 14 to 20 pounds, stand 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder, and are 16 to 18 inches long. Females range from 10 to 13 pounds on a tall, lanky frame. These generations are very similar to the F3’s in temperament. Even more hands on, they’ll want to be petted and played with often. Intelligent and energetic, social and outgoing, compared to a domestic cat, the F4 and F5 Savannah cats are considered much more intelligent and higher energy than a domestic. Price is $1,500 to $8,000. Kittens at the top end of the price range are males available for breeding.