If you’re an animal-lover of a certain age, you might remember when Savannah cats were all the rage.
The exotic-looking felines with their long legs and lean bodies were all over social media in the early part of this decade.
But what exactly is a Savannah cat? And how should you proceed if you want to bring one into your home?
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Savannah cats are a unique and captivating breed. |
| They are known for their striking appearance and wild-like features. |
| Savannah cats have a high level of intelligence and curiosity. |
| They are active and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation. |
| Proper socialization and training are important for Savannah cats. |
| Savannah cats may have special dietary needs due to their hybrid heritage. |
| It’s essential to provide them with a safe and enriched environment. |
| They can form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy interactive play. |
| Savannah cats are not suitable for everyone and require responsible ownership. |
| Understanding their characteristics and needs is crucial before considering adoption. |
Savannahs Are Large Cats
Savannah cats are large cats, comparable in size with a Maine Coon cat. Savannahs typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, which is larger than most domestic cats but still smaller than tigers (which can weigh up to 500 pounds).
Their body shape and long body length mean that they aren’t good for small apartments or tiny homes; if you want to put one of these kitties into an apartment or condo, your best bet is to make sure you have plenty of space for them to roam around.
Savannahs have slightly longer tails than other domestic cats usually between 8 and 15 inches long!
Did you know that the pregnancy duration of Savannah cats can vary? Learn more about the average duration and factors affecting it in our comprehensive guide on how long Savannah cats are pregnant.
They Are Very Social
Savannah cats are very social. They like to be around people, and they like to be petted and held. Savannah cats have a lot of affectionate energy, so they enjoy being cuddled and talked to!
They Like To Play Fetch
Savannah cats love to play fetch! They will bring the ball back to you and even drop it at your feet.
If you can’t be bothered to keep up with them, just leave it out and they will bring it back again and again.
Savannahs are very social, curious, intelligent and affectionate creatures who are always looking for something new to do or someone new with whom they can play.
They also like other cat toys such as cardboard boxes filled with crumpled paper balls or feathers on sticks that dangle from their toy trees (which are great for scratching).
Toys with bells are always popular because Savannahs have a keen sense of hearing and love the sound of a bell ringing as they pounce on their prey!
Their Diet Is Similar To The African Serval
Although Savannahs are not strictly carnivores, they have a very high protein content in their diets.
Therefore, they need more meat than your average cat. Also, because of their large size, they eat much more than smaller cats and domestic pets.
Savannahs require foods with a minimum of 30% animal protein and less than 10% fat for their diet to be complete.
This means that you should feed your Savannah at least 2 to 3 ounces (60 – 90 grams) of meat per pound (kg) of body weight daily. That’s about half the amount required by small dogs like pugs or dachshunds!
Understanding the F-rating system is essential for Savannah cat enthusiasts. Explore our informative article on what the F-rating means for Savannah cats to gain insights into the significance of this classification.
They Have Large Ears
Savannah cats have large ears that help them hear better. They also act as a sign of a healthy cat. The ears can be used as a tool to communicate with you, such as if they want food or water.
A Savannah Cat Will Hop Up Onto Your Shoulder If You Let Them
Savannahs are very social cats, and as such they like to be around people. They will follow you just about everywhere and enjoy being petted and scratched while they relax in your arms or lap.
If you give them some space, however, they will often settle down on a nearby chair or couch to get comfortable.
Savannahs love to play with toys which may include balls of yarn or anything that rolls across the floor.
They are also quite adept at catching those silly little bugs that fly around your house in mid-summer!
Savannahs can be trained to use a litter box if properly introduced at an early age (7-10 weeks).
However it is important not to allow them outside until about 6 months old due to possible exposure to diseases carried by birds or rodents living near your home!
They Have Four Long Legs With A Long Neck And Back
Even though they are the same size as a regular cat, Savannahs are long and lean. They have a long back and legs, which gives them their athletic body shape.
They do not have a short neck or stubby legs like many other domestic cats. Instead, they have a very long neck and back with limbs that can reach up to 3 feet in length!
The Savannah’s muscled body allows them to have strength in leaps and jumps so high that they can catch birds while they’re flying by!
Curious about the typical litter size of Savannah cats? Our veterinary experts have provided valuable information on how many kittens Savannah cats can have in a single litter. Discover interesting facts about Savannah cat reproduction.
They Can Be Taught Tricks Such As Roll Over, Sit And Shake Hands
If you’ve ever seen a Savannah cat play fetch, then you know how smart and trainable they are.
Savannah cats can learn to roll over, sit and shake hands. They are very social pets and like to spend time with their humans.
If left alone or if they don’t get enough attention from their owners, they may become lazy, depressed or destructive.
The best way to keep your Savannah happy is by giving them plenty of exercise (such as playing fetch) and lots of attention! And if you let them sit on your shoulder sometimes…they will happily do so!
The Breed Has Distinct Colors And Patterns
Savannah cats can have spots, stripes, or rosettes. Some are black and white with a few spots of color, while others are solid orange or cream. The colors include brown, red and blue as well.
This breed has been developed to resemble the wild African Serval cat (a large wild feline). As such they have a strong resemblance to their larger ancestors in terms of size, coat type and coloration (or lack thereof).
They are generally larger than other domestic cats with males weighing between 10-20 pounds when fully grown out.
| Color/Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Brown Spotted Tabby | Savannah cats with a brown base coat and black or dark brown spots, resembling the patterns of a wild African serval. |
| Silver Spotted Tabby | Savannah cats with a silver or gray base coat and black or dark gray spots, creating a striking contrast. |
| Snow | Savannah cats with a pale cream or off-white base coat and spots that can be either brown, silver, or a combination, resembling the appearance of snow leopards. |
| Smoke | Savannah cats with a darker color at the tips of their fur, gradually fading to a lighter shade near the roots, giving a smoky or gradient effect. |
| Marble | Savannah cats with a marbled or swirled pattern on their coat, featuring a mix of contrasting colors like black, brown, and tan in a unique and intricate design. |
Savannahs Have Excellent Jumping Capabilities
Savannahs are known for their jumping ability. They can jump up to six feet in height, so they’re able to go from the floor to a chair or couch with ease.
When Savannahs are young, they tend to be more excitable and energetic than other cat breeds. This is why it’s common for them to leap from high places like refrigerators, counters and tabletops.
Are you amazed by the impressive speed of Savannah cats? Discover firsthand accounts and insights on how fast Savannah cats can run as shared by experienced cat owners. Prepare to be astounded by their agility!
Their Eyes Look Similar To Their Ancestor, The African Serval
Savannah cats have large, round eyes that give them a look similar to their African Serval ancestors. Savannah cats also have vertical slit pupils, which are the result of their excellent night vision.
In fact, this is one of the biggest differences between domestic cats and wildcats domestic cat eyes don’t need to adjust to different light levels as much as wildcat eyes do.
Some Savannahs Are Hypoallergenic
So what exactly is a Savannah cat? The Savannah cat is a hybrid, which means it’s not a purebred. It’s also known as the African serval cat or African wildcat, but you can think of them as the same thing:
A medium to large-sized feline with long legs and ears, and spots. As one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, they’re often called “mini leopards” or “leopard cats” because of their striking appearance.
While some people may think that Savannahs are hypoallergenic (meaning they don’t produce allergic reactions), this isn’t true for every case and many pet owners who have been exposed to pit bulls would probably say otherwise!
Because no breed of animal is completely hypoallergenic, there’s no guarantee that anyone who has an allergy will be able to live peacefully with a Savannah without experiencing symptoms like sneezing or watery eyes simply from being near the animal.
| Savannah Breed | Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|
| F1 Savannah | No |
| F2 Savannah | No |
| F3 Savannah | No |
| F4 Savannah | Yes |
| F5 Savannah | Yes |
| F6 Savannah | Yes |
They Self Groom Like Many Different Breeds Of Cat Do
Savannah cats are very clean, so they don’t need to be bathed like other breeds of cats. They do groom themselves, like many different breeds of cat do.
Savannahs use their tongues to clean themselves and their ears.
They also use their paws to clean themselves by licking them. This is similar to how a cat would groom itself if it was living in the wild without human owners who could help them in this regard!
Savannahs are smart creatures and they know exactly what they’re doing when they are grooming themselves!
Ever wondered about the origins of Savannah cats? Uncover the fascinating history and heritage of this unique breed in our article on where Savannah cats come from. Dive into the captivating world of Savannah cats and their lineage.
It Takes 20 Years For A Cat To Become Domesticated
Savannahs are very intelligent animals, but they will never become 100% domesticated. At best, they can be trained to do tricks and other things that would amaze people who have a lot of experience with cats.
However, even after 20 years of living in the house with you and your family, these cats will always remain wild animals at heart.
They Make Good Companions
Savannah cats are known for being affectionate, playful, energetic and intelligent. They can be trained to do tricks such as fetching and rolling over on command. They make excellent companions for children and other pets.
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple | Known for producing reliable and user-friendly devices, Apple creates technology that becomes a trusted companion in daily life. |
| Subaru | Subaru vehicles are renowned for their reliability and safety features, making them reliable companions on the road. |
| Amazon | Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant provides companionship through voice interactions, offering entertainment, information, and smart home control. |
| LEGO | LEGO sets provide hours of creative fun, making them ideal companions for children and adults who enjoy building and imaginative play. |
| Patagonia | Patagonia is a brand that emphasizes environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, attracting individuals who value a companion in their outdoor adventures while being conscious of their impact on the planet. |
| Nintendo | Nintendo gaming consoles and games offer entertainment and companionship, allowing players to immerse themselves in virtual worlds and connect with others through multiplayer experiences. |
| Fitbit | Fitbit activity trackers and smartwatches serve as companions for individuals striving for a healthy lifestyle, providing motivation and tracking progress towards fitness goals. |
| Spotify | Spotify is a popular music streaming platform that offers a vast library of songs and personalized playlists, acting as a companion for music enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite tunes anytime, anywhere. |
Their Vocal Range Is Varied And They Communicate With Their Owners Often
Savannah cats have a wide range of vocalizations. They can make different sounds to communicate with their owners, such as for attention, affection and self-preservation.
Savannah cats can learn to respond to their owners’ voices and can be taught to respond to specific words or phrases (e.g., “kitty,” “no”).
Conclusion
If you are considering getting a Savannah, be sure to research all the information about the breed. They are very social and like to play fetch so they need lots of human interaction.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of Savannah cats:
WebMD – What to Know About Savannah Cat: WebMD provides valuable insights into the characteristics, care, and considerations for Savannah cats.
Daily Paws – Savannah Cat Breed Profile: Learn more about the origins, personality traits, and unique characteristics of Savannah cats with this comprehensive breed profile.
Undercover Pet Houses – 5 Fun Facts About Savannah Cats: Explore five intriguing and entertaining facts about Savannah cats, shedding light on their quirks and behaviors.
These resources offer different perspectives and information about Savannah cats, including their general overview, breed-specific details, and interesting facts that will deepen your understanding of this captivating breed.
FAQs
How big do Savannah cats get?
Savannah cats can vary in size, but they are known for their larger-than-average stature. On average, they can range from 12 to 25 pounds, with some exceptional individuals weighing even more.
Are Savannah cats suitable for families with children?
Savannah cats can make great companions for families with children, but it’s important to consider their energy levels and playfulness. Proper socialization and supervision are crucial to ensure a positive and safe interaction between children and Savannah cats.
Do Savannah cats require any special care or grooming?
Savannah cats generally have low grooming requirements. Their short coat is easy to maintain, and regular brushing to remove loose hairs is usually sufficient. However, it’s essential to provide them with proper dental care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a balanced diet.
Are Savannah cats suitable for apartment living?
Savannah cats are active and highly energetic. While they can adapt to apartment living, it’s important to provide them with enough mental and physical stimulation. Regular play sessions, interactive toys, and vertical spaces for climbing and jumping are beneficial for their well-being.
Do Savannah cats get along with other pets?
Savannah cats can get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats, if properly introduced and socialized from a young age. However, individual temperament and compatibility may vary, so gradual introductions and supervision are recommended.
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.
