Meet The Savannah Cat, An Exotic-Looking Hybrid Breed Between A Wild African Serval And A Siamese Cat That Was First Developed In The Late 1980s

Linda J Photography - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual cat
Linda J Photography - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual cat

The Savannah cat is a creature of mystery and intrigue due to its exotic look. With its lean body, large, perky ears, and beautiful spotted coat, it looks as if it belongs in the golden plains of Africa, which leads you to wonder if they’re actually suitable as a house pet.

Savannah cats are a hybrid breed, a cross between a wild African serval and a Siamese cat. The result is a feline with the appearance of a wildcat but the friendly demeanor of a domestic pet.

They were first developed in the late 1980s. In 2001, they were recognized as an official breed by the International Cat Association.

These kitties are sociable, highly intelligent, and active. They are said to be dog-like and will follow their owner around the house.

In addition, they can be easily trained, and some owners like to take them outside on leashes. Their coats come in a range of colors, from light tawny shades to deeper tans and browns, always bearing that characteristic black spotted pattern.

In general, Savannah cats get along well with other pets and older children. However, smaller kids may feel intimidated by the cat’s size.

Adult Savannah cats can weigh 25 pounds and grow up to 17 inches tall, so they need a home with lots of space. They also love to leap onto high surfaces, showing off their athletic prowess.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, lazy kitty that lounges around in your lap all day, the Savannah cat probably isn’t the best choice for you. Savannah cats demand more attention and care than your average house cat.

You have to make sure they get plenty of playtime, exercise, and enrichment to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Linda J Photography – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual cat

Provide numerous places for your pet to climb, run, hide, and scratch. Also, keep breakable objects out of your cat’s way. Unlike most other felines, Savannah cats love the water. They’ll splash around in it for hours if you let them.

Savannah cats are pretty healthy and can live between twelve and twenty years. So, aside from regular veterinary care visits, there isn’t much to worry about regarding their health. When it comes to grooming, their short coats just need an occasional brushing.

And, of course, there’s always nail and dental care. Establish basic maintenance routines early on so it’s not such a struggle to do it in the future.

The type and price of the Savannah cat are linked to its filial generation, which indicates how closely related the cat is to its serval ancestors. An F1 Savannah cat has one domestic parent and one serval parent.

They are the most expensive ones. An F2 Savannah has a serval grandparent, while an F3 has a serval great-grandparent. The further down the line it goes, the more the cat loses its wildness. Male Savannah cats are sterile until the sixth generation.

Overall, the Savannah cat makes a fantastic family pet. Unfortunately, they are difficult to breed, so they’re relatively rare and expensive. Additionally, some states may ban them or require permits for pet ownership.

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Emily  Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a ... More about Emily Chan

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