Savannah
USA · 1986 · Check local lawsTall, wild-looking, very high energy — check the law first
Savannahs come from crosses between domestic cats and the African serval. They are tall and spotted, with long legs and big ears. Generations are labeled F1 (serval parent) to F5 and beyond; later generations are smaller and easier to live with.
At a glance
Life with a Savannah
They are extremely active, jump very high, open cabinets and doors, and often love water and leash walks. They are loyal and dog-like but rarely lap cats. They need a lot of space and daily exercise.
- Experienced cat owners with time and space
- Active people who enjoy training and walks
- Homes without small pets
- Your state or city restricts them — check first
- You live in a small apartment
- You want a calm, cuddly cat
Several states, including Hawaii, Georgia and Massachusetts, ban or limit Savannahs by generation, and some cities, such as New York City and Denver, restrict all generations. Laws change — check your state, city and HOA rules before you pay a deposit.
- Choose F4 or later for a family pet; early generations are larger and harder to live with.
- Lots of climbing, play and puzzle feeders.
- Secure windows and doors — they are escape artists.
Health
Later generations are generally healthy; HCM occurs. Early-generation males are usually infertile.
- Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
- Generation papers (TICA registration)
Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.
See Savannah kittensSimilar breeds
Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.