Description: Savannah
The Savannah cat is a striking and majestic breed known for its wild appearance and dynamic personality. This breed is a hybrid, originating from a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized wild African cat. The result is a tall, lean, and beautiful cat with a striking coat pattern, often spotted, which resembles that of wild cats. Savannahs are known for their loyalty, often compared to dogs in their loyalty and behavior. They are highly energetic and intelligent, known to seek adventure and play. Due to their strong hunting instincts, they are very active and require a lot of interaction and space to explore. Savannah cats are also known for their ability to jump great heights and are very social creatures, often forming strong bonds with their human families.
Properties
The Savannah cat, a striking breed known for its wild appearance, blends the exotic looks of its wild ancestor, the African Serval, with the friendly temperament of domestic cats. First bred in the 1980s, it has gained popularity due to its unique physical attributes and engaging personality.
A defining feature of the Savannah is its size. This breed is one of the largest hybrid cats available for domestic life, with some males reaching up to 25 pounds. They possess a long, lean body, large ears, and long legs which contribute to their distinctive, elegant appearance. Their coat, which can be spotted or striped, typically features colors ranging from beige to gold with black or dark brown markings. This patterning closely resembles that of their wild ancestors, making them a type of pet that looks much like a wild animal while being entirely suitable for family life.
In terms of temperament, Savannahs are known for their high energy levels and intelligence. They are often compared to dogs in their loyalty and can form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for their ability to learn tricks, play fetch, and even leash train with relative ease. This breed also exhibits a curious and adventurous spirit, often seeking high vantage points or exploring their environment thoroughly. Due to their intellect and energy, they require frequent interaction and stimulation; otherwise, they may become bored and destructive.
The social inclinations of the Savannah also stand out. They are typically very sociable with family members and can get along with children and other pets if properly introduced. However, their need for dominance can sometimes be evident, so early socialization and consistent training are crucial. Additionally, the Savannah’s vocalizations are distinctive; they are known not only for typical meowing but also chirping, a sound inherited from the Serval. This chirp is often used as a form of communication between the cat and its owner, especially when seeking attention or food.
Importantly, prospective owners should be aware that keeping a Savannah cat may require special considerations. Depending on the generation from the Serval, some Savannah cats can be more challenging to handle due to their size and strength. Legal restrictions also vary by location, as some states or countries may classify them differently based on their percentage of wild genetics. Prospective owners should check local regulations and make preparations regarding space, enrichment activities, and care needs to ensure they can provide a suitable home for this remarkable yet demanding breed.
Appearance
The Savannah cat is a striking and majestic breed, known for its remarkable appearance that closely resembles its wild ancestors. The breed was initially developed by crossing a domestic cat with an African Serval, and this unique heritage is evident in their physical characteristics.
The most distinctive feature of the Savannah is its tall, lean, and graceful physique. They are among the largest cats bred for domestic life, with some males reaching weights of up to 25 pounds or more, and standing much taller than typical domestic cats. The breed's body is long and leggy, and when a Savannah stands, its hind-end is often higher than its shoulders.
Another hallmark of this breed is its coat, which is short and can vary in color but typically displays a spotted pattern similar to that of a wild Serval. The base coat of Savannahs can range from a warm golden tone to cool cream hues, overlaid by dark spots. This not only adds to their exotic look but also serves as a camouflage mechanism inherited from their wild relatives.
Their ears are remarkably large and upright, with a broad base and rounded tips, situated directly on top of the head, giving them an alert and wild expression. This feature is one of the breed's most serval-like characteristics. The eyes of a Savannah are also notable; they are almond-shaped, set underneath a slightly hooded brow, and can come in various shades including green, gold, or brown, adding to their captivating and enigmatic appearance.
Their long legs contribute not only to their tall stature but also to their incredible jumping ability. A Savannah can leap to impressive heights, which is a trait that potential owners should consider when cat-proofing their homes.
The breed's backend is often higher than its front, creating a unique, sloping back line that further distinguishes the breed. Even more, their paws are large, proportional to the rest of their body, supporting their taller and heavier frame.
Overall, the Savannah cat's appearance is a spectacular blend of wild and domestic features, which makes them a captivating sight in any home. Their energetic demeanor, combined with their physical traits, makes them a unique and exotic companion.
History
The Savannah cat is a fascinating and relatively new hybrid breed that first emerged in the 1980s. This unique breed was created by crossing a domestic cat with the Serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat. The successful outcomes of this cross are attributed to Judee Frank, a Bengal breeder, who in 1986 inadvertently bred a male Serval with a Siamese domestic cat. The first Savannah cat, named 'Savannah,' was born on April 7, 1987, from this pairing.
The primary motive behind this breeding was to create a cat with the distinct appearance of a wild feline but with the temperament of a domestic pet. Savannahs are known for their striking coat patterns, which closely resemble that of their wild ancestor, the Serval. This includes bold spots, stripes, and other markings distinctive to the wild genealogy. Following the creation of the first generation Savannah, named the F1 generation, breeders continued with further breeding programs, pairing Savannahs back with domestic cats or other Savannahs to create subsequent generations, such as F2 and F3.
As interest in this breed grew, the need for formal recognition became apparent. In the 1990s, a breeder named Patrick Kelley acquired one of the early Savannahs and founded the Savannah Cat Club in 1996. In 2001, Savannahs were first recognized as a new registered breed by The International Cat Association (TICA). With this recognition, breeding standards were formalized, and the breed's popularity has continued to grow.
Savannahs are particularly prized not only for their beauty and resemblance to wild cats but also for their intelligence and loyalty. They are known for their high energy levels and their ability to form deep bonds with their owners, often displaying dog-like characteristics such as following their owners around, playing fetch, and even leashing training. This interactive and engaging nature makes them a favored choice among cat enthusiasts who are looking for a pet with a distinctive appearance and dynamic personality.
Over the years, concerns related to the ethical breeding of hybrid animals and the preservation of wild species like the Serval have risen. Consequently, Savannah breeding is subject to certain regulatory guidelines in different countries to ensure the health and welfare of the breed. The story of the Savannah cat is one of innovation, beauty, and companionship, making it a cherished addition to many households around the world.