Origins and history of Savannah Cats
The history of Savannah Cats is fairly recent. The first animal of the breed, a female aptly named Savannah, was born on April 7, 1986 from the hybridization of a domestic cat and a serval, a wild feline native to Africa. Breeders Patrick Kelly and Joyce Sroufe define the breed standard and present it to TICA in 1996.
In 2002, the latter accepted the Savannah as a new breed of domestic cat, but only for so-called “third-generation” animals, that is to say from the third generation following mating with the serval. LOOF allows the Savannahs to be exhibited, but with the same limit as TICA regarding the first two generations.
Their Characteristics
The characteristics of the Savannah vary depending on the generation. In general, the closer it is to the serval, the more imposing its physique and its independent character. Thus, it is not uncommon for cats of the first generation (one of whose parents is a serval) to reach 40 cm at the withers and approach 14 kg.
Ideal Habitat of a Savannah Cat
Savannah cats need to exercise. Even if it is possible to raise them in an apartment, they enjoy long walks in the middle of nature. The ideal habitat for them is a house with a garden. They also like to have access to a water point. These very large cats can cause some damage indoors, especially when they are young and experimenting with their new surroundings. However, they become calmer as they age.
As players, the Savannahs coexist well with children and other animals, which serve as their perfect play partners! If you often have to take time off for work, your Savannah won’t mind. They tolerate loneliness well, but still, remember to provide them with some cat toys so that they do not get bored.
Male or female?
There is no significant difference between female and male Savannahs. Although the latter may be slightly larger. Some breeders find the males more affectionate and the females more independent. But it depends on the character of each cat.
If you are adopting a female and do not want to have kittens, it is best to have them sterilized. Your veterinarian can advise you.
The evolution of Savannah Cats according to its age
- Kitten (up to 1 year): playful, the Savannah kitten is particularly dynamic and close to its owners. It needs specific nutrition for its growth to take place at its best.
- Adult (from 1-10 years): although calm, they remain a very active cat who enjoys exercise. Food rich in protein and fat is indicated.
- Senior (from 10 years old): Thanks to its wild ancestors, the Savannah lives relatively old and remains generally in good health despite its advanced age.
Savannah Cat Size
The Savannah is among the largest cat breeds. Voted largest domestic cat in the world in 2017, the Savannah Arcturus Aldebaran Powers measures 48.3 cm at the withers and weighs approximately 13.6 kg!
The behavior of Savannah Cats
From its ancestors, the Savannah inherited its intelligence, its curiosity, its taste for the game, and its love of water. They’re a cat who loves to jump, climb and hunt. Often defined as a “cat-dog,” the Savannah enjoys walks on a leash and can bring back any toys you throw at them. Clever and skillful, they’re able to open doors or taps and quickly learns to use their environment to their advantage.
The Savannah is an easy-to-train cat. Despite its wild origins, it adapts very well to domestic life, and especially to litter. They’re a little runaway and can even be a little clingy.
Food
Savannahs have higher needs than other races. This is why it is advisable to provide them with a diet rich in protein. Dry food or cat food? Both are suitable, but the kibble has the advantage of keeping longer.
Be careful, some foods common to humans are toxic to cats. This is the case with onion, chocolate, avocado, and grapes, among others. To reward or make your pet happy, opt for cat treats instead.
Their Health
For a healthy Savannah, see your veterinarian regularly, choose a quality diet that matches their metabolism, and offer them frequent play and cuddle sessions. It should then be worn like a charm.
Savannahs are very hardy cats, evidenced by their record longevity of up to 20 years. Veterinarians do not know of any specific health problems for them.
Reproduction
Savannahs can breed as early as 5 months old, but it’s best to wait until they are over a year of age. In order not to exhaust the female, do not exceed one litter per year.
The reproduction of the Savannah is special, as it is a hybrid breed between a wild animal and a domestic cat. Males are sterile up to the fourth generation, or even up to the fifth.
Colors of Savannah Cats
The Savannah’s dress ranges from gray to orange, but still with an off-white belly. The most common variety is the brown spotted tabby (fawn, brown color), marked by small spots identical to those of the serval.
Easy to maintain, the hair of the Savannah only requires a brush stroke from time to time. You can give them a bath, they love it!
