Savannah Cat

Wild in appearance, affectionate in character: the Savannah Cat combines the elegance of the African serval with the sociability of the domestic cat, creating one of the most spectacular breeds in the world.

Features

Height at the withers

Male: Between 35 and 45 cm.

Female: Between 28 and 38 cm.

Weight

Male: Between 7 and 15 kg.

Female: Between 4 and 8 kg.

Life expectancy

Between 12 and 20 years.

Coat

Short, dense and slightly coarse to the touch, with a very striking spotted pattern.

Color

Golden brown with black spots, silver with black spots, solid black or smoky black.

Diet

High-quality diet with a high animal protein content, ideally wet or raw food, adapted to its active metabolism and semi-wild nature.

Care and diseases

Weekly brushing to maintain coat shine, occasional bathing and regular ear and nail cleaning.

Origins

The Savannah Cat is a hybrid breed created in the United States by crossing an African serval (Leptailurus serval) with a domestic cat. The first known generations date back to the 1980s, although the breed was officially recognised by the TICA in the early 2000s. Its name refers to the African savannas where the serval originates.

Characteristics and aptitudes

The Savannah Cat is one of the largest domestic cats in the world, with a long, slender and very muscular body. Its short spotted coat is reminiscent of a miniature leopard. It is intelligent, curious and very active: it loves water, learns tricks and can follow its owner throughout the house. It requires a great deal of stimulation and space.

Care

The Savannah Cat needs an enriched environment: tall scratching posts, interactive toys and space to move around. It is not the ideal breed for small apartments or busy owners. It requires early socialisation and a high-quality diet adapted to its active nature. Vet check-ups should include regular cardiac monitoring.

Most common diseases

The Savannah Cat may be prone to some health conditions worth knowing about:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: thickening of the heart muscle that can affect heart function; periodic echocardiography is recommended.
Digestive issues: gastrointestinal sensitivity common in early generations if the diet is not suited to their specific needs.

A balanced, high-quality diet is key to your cat's health. Discover our selection of cat food.