Savannah cats are becoming increasingly popular. The hybrid feline is a cross between the African Serval and a domestic cat, but it’s not just about looks.
Savannahs can be expensive to purchase, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 or more depending on their pedigree and lineage.
Additionally, there are other costs associated with owning this new variety of cat that you should consider before making your purchase such as food and veterinarian bills etcetera
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Savannah house cats have a unique and captivating history. |
| The cost of a Savannah cat can vary depending on various factors. |
| Understanding the reproductive cycle is crucial for breeding Savannah cats. |
| Savannah cats can have varying litter sizes. |
| The “F-rating” system is significant in determining the generation and pricing of Savannah cats. |
| Consider the cost when acquiring a Savannah cat kitten. |
How Much Is A Savannah Kitten?
The price of a Savannah kitten will vary depending on the breeder. The average price is around $1,000, but it can go up to $15,000 depending on the breeder’s reputation and how much they are willing to sell their kittens for.
Some breeders may be willing to sell their kittens at a lower cost in order to get more people interested in buying them.
Curious about the fascinating history and origins of Savannah cats? Dive into our comprehensive guide on where the Savannah cat comes from to discover their unique heritage and how they became beloved house pets.
How Much Is A Savannah Cat When They’re Older?
In addition to the initial costs of purchasing a Savannah cat, there are other expenses you should be aware of. These include:
Food and litter – Expect to spend $20-$30 per month on food for your Savannah cat. This may vary based on whether or not you’re feeding them wet or dry food, as well as how much they eat in one sitting (Savannahs will often eat like it’s their last meal).
If you have multiple cats who will be sharing the same litter box, then expect that cost to increase even further unless you’re willing to let them go without changing the box every few days. (Not recommended.)
But if money is no object and this idea doesn’t bother you at all, then by all means! Why not? Just remember: It’s going to add up fast if they insist on eating twice as much as normal.
Vet visits – Like any other living creature with fur and whiskers (or feathers), Savannah cats need regular vet visits so that they can stay healthy throughout life and these can get quite expensive depending on what kind of treatment is needed throughout each visit (vaccinations alone can run into hundreds of dollars).
A good rule of thumb for pet owners would be “spend what it takes,” since there’s no telling when something could happen unexpectedly during an appointment (good or bad) such as surgery following injury from another animal attack outside or illness due to infection caused by being out too long without protection against sun exposure.
Just imagine having two broken legs after falling down stairs because someone forgot about putting sunscreen on before going outside during summertime!”
Other Costs The Owners Must Incur
Beyond the initial cost, you will have to pay for food and medical care. If you’re thinking about adopting a Savannah cat, be aware that they are expensive to feed.
You can buy the dry food at the local pet store or grocery store. However, it is more economical if you buy your cat’s food in bulk from an online retailer; this way you can save some money on shipping costs as well.
Savannah cats require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coats healthy and prevent matting which could lead to skin infections or parasites if not taken care of properly.
Most people choose professional grooming services but it does come with its own set of expenses so if there is no time for this then this might not be the right choice for someone who doesn’t like spending hours brushing out their pet’s fur every week!
If your Savannah has any major health issues such as diabetes or heart disease then these treatments will be very costly as well so make sure that they get plenty of exercise outside while playing fetch so they stay fit enough not only physically but mentally too!
Are you considering breeding Savannah cats? Learn about the crucial aspect of their reproductive cycle by exploring our informative article on how long Savannah cats are pregnant, providing valuable insights into the gestation period and the journey of bringing adorable Savannah kittens into the world.
What Genes Are Carried in the Savannah Cat?
The Savannah cat, in fact, is not a purebred cat. It’s a hybrid of the serval and domestic cats. The Savannah cat is sometimes called F1 because it’s the first generation of this new breed that means that the Savannah cat is actually half serval and half domestic.
So if you’re looking for a purebred kitten, then you can expect to pay more than if you were going to buy a first-generation crossbreed animal (F1).
| Gene | Description |
|---|---|
| ASIP | Determines coat color and pattern |
| TICA | The International Cat Association, responsible for registering Savannah cats |
| SLC45A2 | Affects pigmentation and can contribute to a lighter coat color |
| CCR5-Δ32 | A genetic mutation associated with increased immunity to certain diseases |
| KIT | Controls coat color, pattern, and eye color |
Why Do Savannah Cats Cost So Much?
If you’re wondering why a Savannah cat costs so much, it’s because they are a hybrid breed. They were created by crossing an African serval with a domestic house cat and the resulting offspring had traits of both parents.
This means they cost more to breed and raise than your average house cat because they require specialized care.
Savannahs are expensive in other ways as well:
They cost more to buy since there aren’t as many Savannah cats available on the market compared to traditional breeds like Maine Coon cats and Persian cats.
Plus, their popularity has put them out of reach for many potential owners who may not be able to afford one at all!
It takes longer for a breeder to raise them than most other types of pets due to the time it takes for them to mature from baby kittens into adult animals that can be sold off into homes; this makes owning one even more expensive over time!
Curious about the potential size of a Savannah cat’s litter? Our veterinary expert answers this question and more in our detailed article on how many kittens a Savannah cat can have, shedding light on their breeding capabilities and the joy of welcoming a litter of playful kittens.
What’s Included In A Good Breeder’s Price?
A good breeder’s price includes:
A health guarantee, which means that he or she will take the cat back if anything goes wrong with it.
A health certificate and microchip, as well as a breeding rights contract. This is something to think about if you want to breed your cat later on, that’s fine, but it’s not something we recommend for most people.
Full registration papers (AKC/CFA), which give you the right to show your pet in competitions and other events. If you don’t want this option, then skip this step!
Free vet check and health certificate before taking your kitten home from their litter (or when adopting an adult Savannah).
You should also ask for proof of vaccinations against viruses like Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) and Distemper Virus before taking home your new feline friend these aren’t standard with all breeders but are important vaccination requirements recommended by some organizations like World Cat Federation (WCF).
7. Beyond the Basics-Things That May Be Extra
There are some additional things you may want to consider when purchasing a Savannah cat.
These are typical extras that come with owning any type of cat, but they’re important enough to be singled out as extras in this case.
Food: Depending on the breed and size of your Savannah, it will require more food than other breeds. If you plan on feeding your Savannah wet food, be prepared for an increased cost for both the food itself and its serving container (a small bowl is fine).
Dry food is less expensive than wet food, but you’ll have to buy litter boxes as well if you choose this option instead.
Litter: Most people use a combination of clumping clay litter and wood shavings or paper pellets in their litter box because they feel like one or the other alone doesn’t provide enough odor control. This is an extra expense that can add up over time!
Toys: You’ll need toys for your kitten just like any other pet needs toys—but these toys will probably cost more money because they’ve been designed specifically with Savannahs in mind!
Confused about the ‘F-rating’ associated with Savannah cats? Discover the meaning and significance behind this rating system by delving into our illuminating guide on what the F-rating means for Savannah cats, helping you understand the different generations of Savannah cats and their pricing based on their lineage.
How Many Generations Of Breeding Are There In The Savannah Cat?
There are two generations of breeding in the Savannah cat. The first is called S1, which means it’s the first generation bred from a serval and domestic cat.
As you might expect from that name, these cats are larger than their offspring who are hybrids between an S1 and a domestic cat.
Savannah cats are not purebreds, though they do look very similar to purebreds in appearance. They’re also much larger than ordinary house cats and have longer legs, wilder eyes and more pronounced features.
How Closely To Wildcats Are They Related?
Savannah cats are not the same as wildcats. Savannah cats are a hybrid of a serval, a small African wildcat, and a domestic cat. They carry only some of the genes that make them similar to their wildcat ancestors.
Savannahs have been bred since 1983 with the goal of creating an animal that looks like an African wildcat but with all the benefits and loyalty of a domestic cat.
These traits include intelligence and playfulness while still retaining many natural instincts such as hunting mice and birds or climbing trees if they feel so inclined.
Unfortunately for those hoping that their Savannah will be able to hunt down prey in your backyard (which is not recommended anyway), this isn’t possible because they lack both physical features such as retractable claws and instinctual behaviors necessary for survival in the wilderness outside your home!
| Species | Genetic Relatedness |
|---|---|
| African Wildcat | 95-99% |
| European Wildcat | 90-95% |
| Jungle Cat | 85-90% |
| Sand Cat | 80-85% |
| Asian Leopard Cat | 10-15% |
What If The Breeder Doesn’t Supply You With All The Necessary Papers?
If you are buying your Savannah cat from a breeder, you will want to make sure that you get all of the necessary paperwork.
The breeder should provide you with copies of the cat’s pedigree and registration papers, as well as any other documents that can help you prove ownership.
It is important for both parties to have these documents since it allows them to be able to take legal action against each other if there is ever any dispute regarding the ownership of said cat or kittens.
If worst comes to worst, and no one has their papers at hand when needed then there are several options available:
You could contact your breeder again who may have kept them somewhere safe but not offered them when first asked;
A good number of registries maintain digital versions so this would also be an option; or
You could contact another registry directly on behalf of yourself (if possible) which should lead towards obtaining copies/replacements quickly enough without having too much trouble getting hold off someone else who has done so before hand
Why Are They Illegal In Some States?
While the Savannah is recognized by a few cat associations, it’s not considered an official breed in many areas. In fact, it’s illegal to own these cats in some states.
Why? Because of their hybrid status and ambiguous origin the Savannah is not recognized by either the FIFe (Fédération Internationale Feline) or CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association).
If you’re interested in owning a Savannah cat but live in one of these states where they’re banned, we suggest you check with the local authorities to see if there are any exceptions made for private ownerships outside of a cattery.
| State | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Illegal |
| California | Restricted |
| Florida | Legal |
| New York | Restricted |
| Texas | Legal |
What Can You Expect From Your Hybrid Savannah Cat, In Terms Of Temperament And Intelligence?
When it comes to the hybrid Savannah cat, you can expect a very intelligent and active animal. Savannahs are known for their sociability and affectionate nature, so you’ll have no problem keeping your feline entertained. They love to play with toys and other animals, but they also enjoy spending time with their owners as well.
Savannah cats are extremely smart; they learn quickly and adapt easily to change in their environment.
They won’t be hard on furniture or objects around your home because they are used to climbing trees outdoors this means that if you have plants outside on a balcony or patio area, they will not damage them while exploring!
And because they adapt so easily, there’s no need for intense training sessions (or even any at all).
Are you curious about the cost of Savannah cat kittens? Explore our informative article on how much Savannah cat kittens cost to gain valuable insights into the pricing factors and considerations when acquiring these captivating and exotic feline companions.
Health Issues Specific To The Breed
However, there are some health issues specific to the breed that you should be aware of before adopting a Savannah cat. One of these is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), which is a neurological disorder that can affect both cats and dogs.
This condition causes an animal’s nervous system to react unusually when exposed to stimuli such as light and sound.
There are several other health conditions specific to this breed as well, and it’s important for potential owners to do their research so they know what they’re getting into before bringing one home!
Conclusion
If you’re considering adding a Savannah cat to your life, then we hope these facts help you decide!
The truth is that the cost of these cats really depends on where you get them from. If you are looking for a purebred, registered Savannah cat, then the price will range anywhere from $1,000-$15,000 USD.
However if you want an unregistered Savannah cat from an animal shelter or rescue organization then expect to pay between $100-$300 USD depending on their age and health condition.
Takeaway: If you’re willing to spend money up front for a purebred kitten, then buying one is definitely worth it as they live long lives and require little maintenance costs later on down the road.
But if adopting an adult rescue cat seems like the better option, don’t fret because they can still make great companions too!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for more information about Savannah cat costs:
Bubbly Pet: Savannah Cat Cost: Discover the factors that influence the cost of Savannah cats, including their generation, appearance, and breeder reputation, to make an informed decision.
Excited Cats: Savannah Cat Cost: Learn about the average price range for Savannah cats and understand the variations in pricing based on factors such as generation, pedigree, and geographical location.
Cat Wiki: FAQs – How Much Do Savannah Cats Cost?: Find answers to frequently asked questions about Savannah cat costs, including the range of prices, factors that affect the cost, and tips for finding a reputable breeder.
FAQs
How much does a Savannah cat cost?
The cost of a Savannah cat can vary depending on factors such as generation, pedigree, breeder reputation, and geographical location. It generally ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
What influences the cost of Savannah cats?
Several factors influence the cost of Savannah cats, including their generation (F1 to F7), markings, coat color, breed standards, breeder reputation, and demand in the market.
Why are Savannah cats more expensive than regular domestic cats?
Savannah cats are a hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of domestic cats with servals, a wild African cat species. The selective breeding and rarity of the breed contribute to their higher cost compared to regular domestic cats.
Are there ongoing costs associated with owning a Savannah cat?
Yes, owning a Savannah cat involves ongoing costs such as veterinary care, vaccinations, regular grooming, quality food, litter, toys, and possible licensing fees or permits depending on local regulations.
Are there any additional considerations besides cost when adopting a Savannah cat?
Yes, besides the cost, it’s important to consider the specific needs and characteristics of Savannah cats, such as their high energy levels, need for mental stimulation, and potential legal restrictions in some areas. It’s crucial to ensure you can provide an appropriate environment and care for a Savannah cat before adoption.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a veterinarian who has spent her career working with cats and has seen firsthand how important it is to understand each breed’s unique needs.
