If you’re thinking about getting a Savannah cat, then you probably want to know that the cat will make a good pet. The F rating is the most important part of any breeding program for these cats.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Savannah cats are classified using an “F” rating system, which indicates the number of generations removed from their wild ancestors. |
| The “F” rating ranges from F1 to F7, with F1 being the closest to the wild serval and F7 being the furthest. |
| F1 Savannah cats have a higher percentage of serval heritage and exhibit more wild characteristics. |
| The higher the “F” number, the more domesticated and closer to a typical house cat Savannah cats become. |
| F1 and F2 Savannah cats require more specialized care and experience due to their higher percentage of wild genes. |
| F3 and beyond Savannah cats are generally more suitable for first-time owners and families. |
| The F-rating system helps prospective owners understand the temperament and characteristics of Savannah cats based on their generational status. |
These Are The Basic Ratings Used In Breedings
The F rating is a way of gauging how inbred a Savannah cat is. The higher the number, the closer that particular Savannah cat’s lineage is to other Savannah cats and wild servals.
An F5 or higher may have health issues and can be prone to temperament problems. This means that if you’re looking to purchase one of these cats, it’s important to research where they came from and make sure they have been bred responsibly.
Curious about the origins of Savannah cats? Discover the fascinating history and background of this unique breed by exploring our article on where the Savannah cat comes from. Uncover the captivating journey that led to the creation of these extraordinary feline companions.
F1
F1 means that the cat is a first generation Savannah cat. F1 cats have been bred from a domestic cat and a Serval, which are wild African animals.
F1 Savannah cats are very rare, and expensive. They are not recommended for families with children as they can be very aggressive towards other pets, particularly dogs and rabbits.
| F1 Savannah Cats |
|---|
| Generational Status |
| Approximate Serva Percentage |
| Wild Traits |
| Domestication Level |
| Suitable for |
| Care Requirements |
| Recommended for |
F2
F2 Savannahs are the result of breeding two F1s together. Because the F2 is technically just a hybrid, it does not have any special health risks beyond those of purebred cats. The F2 generation usually has more wild traits than the first generation and are generally larger in size than their domestic parents.
Wondering about the transition from mother to independence for Savannah cats? Delve into our detailed guide on how long Savannah cats stay with their mother to understand the developmental stages and milestones these remarkable kittens experience before venturing out on their own.
F3
F3 cats are the third generation of Savannah kittens bred from F1 parents. As you can probably tell by now, F3 Savannah cats are a lot different than their wild ancestors and have almost no physical resemblance to them.
The F3 generation is often referred to as the “middle ground” of domestic Savannah cats because they are bred to be more domestic than F1 and F2 cats, but still retain some wild traits. While this means that your pet will likely be more tame than a purebred cat or dog, it also means that they may not be as friendly towards people or other pets as other breeds might be.
F3 kittens tend to be larger in size than both their wild counterparts and first generation Savannahs (F1).
However, unlike second generation Savannahs (F2), they tend not to be quite as large or muscular compared to purebred pets of similar size like Maine Coon cats or Cocker Spaniels for example.
| F3 Savannah Cats |
|---|
| Generational Status |
| Approximate Serva Percentage |
| Wild Traits |
| Domestication Level |
| Suitable for |
| Care Requirements |
| Recommended for |
F4
F4 Savannah cats are bred from two F1s, which means they have one purebred (F1) parent and one semi-domestic (F2) parent.
The F4 Savannah cat is considered to be the most stable of the Savannah breeds, and are less likely to have health problems than F5 cats.
Are you curious about the gestation period of Savannah cats? Explore our informative article on how long Savannah cats are pregnant to gain insights into the duration and key aspects of the reproductive process in these captivating feline species.
F5
The F rating is not as commonly seen as the other ratings. It means that a cat is a hybrid, and not purebred. This means that it is not a crossbreed, but it isn’t necessarily the same thing as being bred in captivity or by humans.
A Savannah F5 cat could have been born in the wild or have been bred by another Savannah owner, for example.
The F rating does not mean that your cat isn’t healthy or inferior to other Savannah cats—it just means he’s not 100% purebred from his parents’ side (most of us aren’t either).
| F5 Savannah Cats |
|---|
| Generational Status |
| Approximate Serva Percentage |
| Wild Traits |
| Domestication Level |
| Suitable for |
| Care Requirements |
| Recommended for |
F6 And Later Generations
F6 and later generations are not considered Savannah Cats. They are not eligible for registration, showing, or breeding with other F6 and later generation cats.
F6 and later generations cannot be registered as Savannah Cats because they do not meet the minimum of 75% African Serval ancestry that is required by the International Cat Association (TICA).
Uncover the intriguing origins and ancestry of Savannah cats by diving into our article on where Savannah cats come from. Discover the crossbreeding efforts and the blend of different feline breeds that resulted in the unique and majestic Savannah cat we know today.
Anyone Looking For A Savannah Cat Should Know What The ‘f’ Rating Means For The Cat
An F-rated Savannah is one who has been bred by a substandard breeder. The cat will have an increased risk of health problems and might not be able to live a normal lifespan.
If you’re looking for a Savannah, make sure that the breeder has taken steps to ensure they are breeding cats with good health.
Looking to expand your knowledge about Savannah cats? Explore our comprehensive guide on Savannah cats: Facts and Information to discover fascinating details about their temperament, care requirements, size, and other intriguing aspects that make them such extraordinary companions.
Conclusion
The F rating is not the be all and end all of a Savannah cat. It is just one more piece of the puzzle that helps you decide if this breed is right for you.
If you are looking for a unique pet who will bring joy into your life, then the Savannah cat may be perfect for you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for further reading:
Savannah Cat Association: F1, F2, F3 Explained: Dive deeper into understanding the generations and classifications of Savannah cats, including F1, F2, and F3, and gain insights into their unique characteristics and traits.
Moonlight Savannahs: F Generations ABC Designations: Learn about the ABC designation system used to classify Savannah cat generations and understand the specific qualities and considerations associated with each generation.
Savannah Cat Breed: Which Cat is Right for You?: Discover helpful guidance and considerations to determine which type of Savannah cat is the right fit for you and your lifestyle, taking into account factors such as temperament, activity level, and care requirements.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Savannah cats:
How big do Savannah cats get?
Savannah cats are known for their impressive size. On average, they can range from 8 to 20 pounds or more, depending on their generation and individual genetics.
Are Savannah cats good with children?
Savannah cats can form strong bonds with children and be affectionate family pets. However, it’s essential to supervise interactions and ensure proper socialization to establish a harmonious relationship between the cat and children.
Do Savannah cats require special care?
While Savannah cats don’t require any specific care that differs significantly from other domestic cat breeds, they do benefit from regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy.
Are Savannah cats hypoallergenic?
No cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic. However, some individuals with allergies may find that they have fewer allergic reactions to Savannah cats due to their reduced shedding and lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen.
Can Savannah cats be kept as indoor pets?
Yes, Savannah cats can be kept as indoor pets. Providing them with a stimulating environment, including interactive toys, climbing structures, and playtime, helps fulfill their natural instincts and keeps them engaged indoors.
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.
