A cross between the African Serval and a domestic cat, Savannahs are the tallest domestic cat breed. They leap extraordinary heights, love water, and form dog-like bonds with their families.
- Origin
- United States (Serval × domestic)
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 12–20 yrs
- Size
- Large–Very Large
- Weight
- 5.5–11 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense, boldly spotted
- Colours
- Brown spotted tabby, silver spotted, black
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The first recorded Savannah was born in 1986, the result of a mating between a male African Serval and a domestic Siamese cat. Breeder Judee Frank and later Patrick Kelly and Joyce Sroufe worked to develop the breed. The TICA accepted the Savannah in 2001. Early-generation Savannahs (F1/F2) can be as large as a medium dog. Ownership is regulated or banned in some countries.
🧼 Care & grooming
Early-generation Savannahs require experienced owners and substantial space. They need leash walks, interactive play, and ideally an outdoor enclosure. They are water-curious and may swim. Later-generation Savannahs (F4+) are more tractable but still need intensive stimulation. Check local regulations before acquiring one.
🩺 Health notes
Generally robust — they benefit from hybrid vigour in earlier generations. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency have been reported. Some Savannahs have shown sensitivity to anaesthesia. Later-generation Savannahs have fewer health concerns than the early generations.
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