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Savannah cat master archive image

ARCHIVE / SAVANNAH

Savannah

ORIGIN & HISTORY

The first Savannah was born in 1986 after a cross between a male Serval and a Siamese, bred by Judy Frank. The breed was further developed and standardized in the late 1990s by Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe.

IDEAL FOR

  • + Owners seeking the charisma of a wild predator within a domestic setting
  • + Active individuals who want an intelligent, dog-like partner for adventurous play
  • + Homes with significant square footage and high ceilings for vertical movement
WEIGHT
5 - 11KG
LIFESPAN
12 - 20YEARS

THINK TWICE IF

  • - People looking for a traditional, sedentary lap cat
  • - Apartment dwellers concerned about noise and the physical impact of a large, leaping cat
  • - Beginners without experience managing high-energy or hybrid breeds

MORPHOLOGY STUDY

Savannah cat frontal morphology study
01 / Frontal Face
Savannah cat 90-degree profile
90° PROFILE
Savannah cat full body lateral line
LATERAL LINE
Savannah cat eye macro focus
EYE MASTER
HEALTH RISK ADVISORY
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Severity: Moderate
Taurine deficiency
Severity: Low
Variant study
VARIANT STUDY

The Savannah is a large, exotic hybrid cat known for its exceptional height, intelligence, and striking Serval-like appearance.

CARE INDEX

GROOMING
SHEDDING
ACTIVITY

ECONOMICS & ORIGIN

PRICE RANGE
$5,000 - $30,000+ (Varies greatly by generation)
ORIGIN & BIOLOGY
United States / long_tall

SOCIAL COMPATIBILITY

KIDS
OTHER CATS
DOGS
STRANGERS

RECOMMENDED CARE ITEMS

Heavy-Duty Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree
Provides a safe and sturdy vertical outlet for their exceptional jumping ability and large size
Large Cat Exercise Wheel
An essential tool for burning off high energy levels in an indoor environment

IDENTIFICATION TIP

"Compared to Bengals, Savannahs are much taller with longer legs, larger upright ears, and a more slender, elongated silhouette."

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Q. How large do they grow?

A. Early generations (F1) can stand up to 45cm at the shoulder and are significantly longer and taller than any standard domestic cat.

Q. Do they get along with dogs?

A. Yes, they often pair well with active, confident dogs who can match their energy levels and play style.

Q. Can they live in an apartment?

A. It is challenging. Their incredible vertical leap means no shelf is safe, and without adequate space and exercise, they may become destructive due to boredom.

Q. What is the difference between a Serval and a Savannah?

A. A Serval is a pure wild animal. A Savannah is a hybrid cross between a Serval and a domestic cat. As generations progress (F1 to F5), they become more domestic in temperament and slightly smaller in size.

Q. Do they really like water?

A. Yes, it is common for Savannahs to play in sinks, bathtubs, or even join their owners in the shower. Water play is an excellent form of enrichment for them.

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION

TICA (The International Cat Association)
Championship Breed

REFERENCES & SOURCES

TICA (The International Cat Association)
TICA (The International Cat Association) VIEW OFFICIAL STANDARD
TICA (The International Cat Association) VIEW OFFICIAL STANDARD

* This guide describes general breed characteristics. For medical decisions, always consult a professional veterinarian.