The Savannah

You’re on the hunt for a feline companion that’s unlike any other. You want a cat that’s exotic, wild, and totally badass. Look no further than the Savannah Cat.

Unleash the Beast

The Savannah Cat is not your average lap cat. It’s a predator at heart, with a keen sense of hunting and stalking. You’ll never have a mouse problem again with this feline by your side. But be warned, the Savannah Cat is not for the faint of heart. It’s a high-energy cat that needs plenty of space to run and play.

A Cat Like No Other

The Savannah Cat is not just a cat, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a conversation starter, a head-turner, and a statement piece. You’ll be the envy of all your friends when you walk down the street with this exotic feline by your side. But more than that, the Savannah Cat is a member of the family. It’s a companion that will bring you joy, laughter, and love for years to come.

The Savannah Cat is the ultimate hybrid, a cross between a domestic cat and a wild African Serval, a large-eared spotted feline from Africa. It’s like having a miniature leopard lounging on your couch. With its sleek coat, long legs, and big ears, this cat is a showstopper. But don’t let its wild looks fool you, the Savannah Cat is affectionate, playful, and fiercely loyal.

If you are a fan of wild and big cats, then the Savannah may be the perfect feline companion for you. As a hybrid between domestic cats and the wild Serval, the Savannah is the largest breed of domestic cat. Still, the size and appearance of these cats can vary drastically due to the hybrid nature of their genetics, even within the same litter.

Appearance of the Savannah

The Savannah is a large breed of cat, with males typically weighing between 13-20 pounds and females weighing between 9-13 pounds. They have a long, lean, and muscular body with long legs and a short tail.

Sleek lines and sharp angles give the Savannah an exotic appearance. Regardless of what type of domestic cat was used in the breeding, these cats are tall, thin, and muscular. Many of these cats, particularly those of earlier generations, have features that are distinctly guided by Serval genetics.

Many have a short, curved tail with stripes and a black tip, as well as tall, wide, cupped ears. The ears are adorned with black ear tips, and they have distinctive tear markings running from the corner of their eyes down to their whiskers. The coat and color is primarily guided by the domestic breed use, though the Savannah is well-known for its wild spots and unique striped ear tips.

Their head is triangular-shaped with large, upright ears that are often compared to those of the serval. Savannah cats have striking, almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, green, gold, or a combination of these colors.

Their coat is short, dense, and soft to the touch, with patterns and colors that can vary widely depending on the specific breed. Common coat colors include brown, silver, black, and smoke, and their coat patterns can range from solid to spotted or marbled.

Overall, the Savannah cat’s appearance is elegant, exotic, and undeniably striking, making them a popular breed among cat enthusiasts.

This domestic cat with a wild look has been stealing the hearts of many cat lovers for almost 30 years.

History of the Savannah

The first Savannah cat, aptly named Savannah, was bred in 1986 by Judee Frank, a breeder of the Bengal cat breed. She used a Serval owned by Suzi Woods and a Siamese cat to produce the first ever litter of these kittens.

The Serval

One of Savannah’s kittens was purchased in 1989 by Patrick Kelley, who ultimately powered the growth of this breed. He acquired the help of a Serval breeder, Joyce Sroufe, to continue the line. In 2001, the breed was officially recognized for registration.

Sroufe continued on as one of the most well-known breeders of the Savannah cat; many credit her as the original breeder. She introduced the Savannah to the world at large during a cat show in New York in 1997.

Check the Laws in Your Area

Owning a Savannah is not as simple as going to buy one from a breeder. Many countries or states classify this breed of cat as an exotic animal, rather than a domestic cat. The laws can vary so drastically, for example, that owning a Savannah cat is legal in the state of New York, but is illegal in New York City. Some countries allow them to be owned in all provinces, such as Canada, but other countries, such as Australia, have completely banned the ownership of these felines, as they could potentially introduce new hunting habits for the wildlife there.

Savannahs: (click images to see full sized)

Servals: (click images to see full sized)

Joyce Sroufe

So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your wild side and bring home a Savannah Cat today. It’s a decision you won’t regret.