meet the savannah cat

©T. Savannahs at Feline Fine

Rosettes or spots—pick your pleasure when it comes to the purebred cat fancy! When it comes to discussing purebred cats—people typically think of either the rosette covered Bengal or the spotted Savannah. Today, we are going to discuss the gorgeous long legged, big eared cat related to African Servals known as Savannahs! This breed is often misunderstood and the myths often overshadow this beautiful breed of cat.
The breed originated in 1980s when a small exotic cat, known as an African Serval, was bred to a domestic cat. This produced the first known Savannah. Since then the breed was introduced to The International Cat Association, TICA, in 1991 and gained championship status in 2012. It has been a long road for the Savannah cat community—faced with misconceptions, legal hardships and misunderstandings, but the breed is now a permanent fixture in show halls throughout the world.
When you think of a Savannah cat, you may think of a large spotted cat as the definition of the breed, but this breed is more than spots! While standard colors are black (solid), brown/black spotted tabby (what most people think of in regard to the Savannah), silver spotted and smoke—because of the origins of the breed and the crossbreeding required to further a breed that began as a hybrid of exotic to domestic, you can find Savannahs in almost any color. Even more shocking to most people—Savannahs are typically not large cats! They are leggy like supermodels, but they are not dog-size unless we are talking about a Pug! The majority of Savannahs (including those in the show halls) are average cat size, but they sport longer legs as per the breed standard, big cupped ears on top of their heads, and a lithe appearance—giving the illusion of size without the weight or inches expected. While there are larger Savannahs (even up to 30 pounds), owners should not purchase in hope of a future exceptionally large cat.
This breed is inquisitive, often smart, and energetic. While Savannahs may not be lap cats—they are loving and loyal—often adoring their owners to a fault. These cats are ideal family companions—they have the energy to keep up with children and kids love their antics. Yet remember-- want to go away for a weekend? Expect attitude when you walk in the door! Want to show your Savannah off to the world? Make sure you start young as many Savannahs settle into routine and may not enjoy meeting strangers once mature. Beware some veterinarians are uneducated about this breed and may consider them ‘wild cats.’ It’s better to avoid these types of vets completely—Savannahs should be handled by competent, calm professionals who are not afraid of their heritage.
This is a generally healthy breed of cat. Currently, breeders are working to eradicate erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK Deficiency) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Thankfully both of these issues require a simple DNA test and as long as carriers are spayed/neutered and placed as pets—these problems could be eradicated from the breed before causing major issues.
If you are looking for an energetic breed of cat that is a show stopper, the Savannah may be ideal for you. This breed has traveled a long way from its origins and makes a wonderful family pet. Remember always buy from a reputable breeder— and in the cat world, spots are always in!
Interested in meeting a Savannah? Visit a local TICA cat show and meet breeders, exhibitors and hopefully the breed! Are you a Savannah cat owner or fancier? Post your favorite pics in the comments!
Click here to find a local cat show: https://www.tica.org/my-tica/show-calendar
Click here to find out more about the Savannah breed standard: https://www.tica.org/res.../our-publications/breed-standards

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