The Savannah Cat in Breed Portrait

The Savannah cat was created in 1980 by the crossing of a male serval (an African wildcat) and a female Siamese cat by breeder Judy Frank. The breed got its name from the origin of the wildcat: the African savannah. Since the serval is significantly larger and heavier than the domestic cat, which is therefore physically inferior to it, the breeding of the first four branch generations of this hybrid is controversial. There is a registration obligation for generations F1–F4 in Germany, as they are considered wildcats, which is why they are particularly sought-after and have a high price. The Savannah cat from generation F5 onwards was only officially recognised by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001 – as these offspring are genetically no longer wild animals and mating is also possible within the cat breed.

Because of their ancestors, Savannah cats are significantly larger and heavier than other domestic cats:

• The animals can reach a shoulder height of up to 45 cm,

• 120 cm long,

• Cats can reach a weight of between 5 and 10 kg,

• while males can even weigh up to 12 kg, making the Savannah cats among the largest cats in the world.

Outwardly, the cat breed is strongly reminiscent of its wild ancestors. Their coat is short to medium in length and has a distinctive coat pattern in the form of spots, which can appear in different colors from black to "Brown Spotted Tabby" to "Black Silver Spotted". The animals' large, erect ears, slender, athletic physique and long legs underline their exotic appearance. The head of the Shorthair is small and wedge-shaped with large, attentive eyes that give the hybrid cats a curious expression.

The character of a Savannah cat is difficult to determine, as each cat can have individual characteristics. Some cats resemble the nature of the wild servals and are impulsive and temperamental. Other Savannahs, on the other hand, are extremely cuddly and affectionate and can form a strong bond with their humans. Savannahs are generally very playful, friendly and have a pronounced hunting instinct. Whether clicker training or retrieving - Savannah cats are not called the dogs among the velvet paws for nothing. If you choose a Savannah cat, you can train with them quickly and easily thanks to their great curiosity and intelligence.

Keeping a Savannah cat can be challenging. Due to her high energy level and curiosity, she needs a lot of space to romp, climb and play. A secured outdoor enclosure or a large scratching post are ideal for a species-appropriate home. Since Savannahs are very social, they can be kept well with conspecifics as playmates. To avoid boredom and unwanted behavior in your pets, you should keep your cats – especially indoor cats – busy regularly and give them mental challenges.

In Germany, by the way, the keeping of Savannah cats is subject to certain regulations: Only cats from the F5 generation are allowed to go outside, all previous generations are prohibited from going into the wild, as they are considered wildcats due to their genetic proximity to the parent generation and can harm the native wild animal population.

Savannah cats do not require extensive care. It is enough to brush their short to medium-length coat occasionally to remove loose hair and maintain the natural shine. If you get your cat used to regular grooming at an early age, you can use these moments as a time to cuddle and relax together.

Since the breed of the Savannah cat is still relatively young, there are no known hereditary diseases typical of the breed. Regular health checks at the vet are nevertheless important to detect diseases at an early stage and prevent health problems. The life expectancy of active four-legged friends can be up to 20 years with species-appropriate nutrition and husbandry.