Savannah Cat | 11 Things You Need to Know About this Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat, tall and graceful, was introduced in the late twentieth century. Savannahs are a cross between a Siamese cat and a wild serval. You can see these distinct wild features in the Savannah: the breed has large perked ears, long legs, and a spotted coat while maintaining the affable disposition of a domestic companion.

Savannah cats are still an uncommon breed, despite being introduced a few decades ago. A few governments even set limitations on them, generally based on generation. Before bringing a Savannah cat home, it is a good idea to check state laws.

Committing to acquiring this uncommon and distinct breed of cat needs considerable thought. Before you even contemplate buying a Savannah Cat, you should learn more about them to make an informed decision.  It is advisable to conduct your own study on what the Savannah Cat is all about to see if you can be a reliable owner of a Savannah Cat.

Here are 11 exciting things you need to know about the Savannah Cat:

1. Savannah Cat’s History

The first Savannah cat, also named “Savannah,” was presented to the public in 1986. The first of its kind in the cat world was made by mixing a male wild African serval cat with a domesticated Siamese cat. The resultant youngster had the wild cat’s lovely spotted coat and physique but preserved her mother’s pleasant, domestic personality.

It didn’t take long for breeders to see this magnificent animal’s potential; throughout the years, the population grew, and additional generations of Savannahs were produced. Savannah cats were officially recognized as a breed by the International Cat Association in 2001.

2. Savannah Cat’s Price

The price of a Savannah cat can be anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the filial grade. The majority of the higher price barrier is attributable to F1 Savannah cats, who are the generation considered to be the most exotic. This is most certainly attributable to the challenges involved in producing F1 Savannah cats.

Before you go out and buy a Savannah cat, you should know that even though F1 Savannah cats are not thought to be dangerous to people, possessing one is against the law in more than ten states. A number of jurisdictions in the United States recognize Savannah cats that are at least four generations old. In the states of Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, and Rhode Island, Savannah cats are considered illegal pets. Some people believe that the cat’s immense size and wild parentage are the primary factors to be concerned about. Other states do not prohibit ownership so long as you have the proper authorization.

3. Savannah Cat’s Lifespan

These cats live an average of 12-17 years. However, there have been reports of them lasting up to 20 years. Many things influence your cat’s longevity, including their nutrition, activity, living environment, and pre-existing health concerns.

The progenitor of the Savannah Cat, the wild African Serval, has been seen to survive for up to 20 years. This is the fundamental reason Savannah Cats live such long lives.

4. Savannah Cat’s Possible Health Conditions

Accidents may happen to any cat at any age, even Savannah cats, known to be among the healthiest cat breeds. It is highly recommended that you consult a veterinarian if your cat sustains an injury or becomes unwell.

When searching for this breed, it is essential to keep in mind that Savannahs may have genetic disorders that are difficult and expensive to treat. Even while a reputable breeder will do genetic testing on your cat’s parents to lessen the likelihood that they will pass on hereditary issues to their offspring, these issues are not always avoidable. Some of the most common potential illnesses are coronary artery disease, periodontal disease (also known as gum disease), diabetes mellitus, and hip dysplasia.

5. Savannah Cat’s Care Regimen

Aside from regular medical care, your Savannah cat requires plenty of mental activity to stay happy and healthy. Her short coat takes minimal attention other than an occasional brushing to remove stray hair and dead skin. Savannahs, like other breeds, require regular nail trimming and oral and dental care. Do not forget to start nail and dental care when your cat is still a kitten so you don’t wind up battling your (very huge) full-grown Savannah when it’s time for basic upkeep.

Make grooming fun for your Savannah when she’s young by giving her snacks or toys after each session. Start leash training early if you want to take your cat on outside trips. It is critical to take small steps and never force your kitty to do something she does not want to do.

Savannah cats appreciate water, maybe because its parent breed, the serval, prefers places near bodies of water such as marsh and savanna. You could discover them jumping in the shower with you or swimming in a tiny body of water outside. On the other hand, you may observe with annoyance that your Savannah cat likes to swat their water containers until they’re empty. In this instance, a cat water fountain may be the most fantastic method to keep your kitten hydrated!

6. Savannah Cat’s Coat

The coat of the Savannah can be black, brown spotted tabby, silver spotted tabby or black smoke in color. Their coat is short and thick, making it simple to maintain with just a few quick brush strokes once or twice every week. The eyes of Savannah cats are another trait that sets them apart from cats of other breeds. The form of Savannah’s eyes is slightly almond-shaped and hooded, and she has a gorgeous gaze that is both friendly and penetrating. Her tear duct line is black. There is a strong correlation between the color of the coat and the color of the eyes. However this is not always the case.

The winter coat is present in Savannah cats, just as it is in many other kinds of cats. Because of this, they are forced to shed their coats when required. On the other hand, it’s common knowledge that Savannahs shed far less than other types of cats. When the proper therapy is administered, shedding can be considerably reduced (such as frequent brushing).

Because they sweat far less than other kinds of cats, Savannah cats are excellent pets for people who suffer from allergies. You may reduce Savannah’s shedding to a minimum by providing her with attentive care and attention and having a complete understanding of Savannah’s coats.

7. Savannah Cat’s Temperament

If you are looking for a mellow lap cat, a Savannah is probably not the best breed for you to choose. This agile and active feline is more likely to leap onto the top of your kitchen cabinets (Savannahs are capable of leaping an astonishing 8 feet in height) than she is to sit idly by her food dish. Savannahs can jump an incredible 8 feet in height.

Because it is always looking for new challenges to examine, the Savannah cat is sometimes compared to dogs rather than other types of cats. These agile kittens have a passion for the water and would jump at the chance to hang out with you in the shower or a kiddie pool. Savannahs are highly trainable, and some owners find it more convenient to train their cats to walk on a leash so that they may take them on walks outside.

Because Savannah Cats might be wary of new people, it is essential that you expose your Savannah kitten to as many different people as possible from an early age. The term “velcro kitty” was coined to describe Savannah cats because, much like dogs, they are highly attached to their favorite people and would follow them around the house simply for company. It is common knowledge that they are pretty talkative and make a variety of vocalizations. However, this is not always the case.

8. Savannah Cat’s Living Needs

The size of your home is irrelevant when it comes to Savannah cats. What matters is that you give enough areas for her to hide, run, and climb. This means providing at least one cat tree and plenty of challenging, interactive toys to keep her entertained. And, because she’s so busy, it definitely won’t hurt to have many scratching posts and scratcher toys about your house or apartment to offer her lots of opportunities to stretch and scratch.

Savannah Cats like on-screen cat-centric entertainment, such as movies of birds and squirrels or interactive cat games on a tablet. If you have the room, your Savannah will spend hours hitting toys around a shallow pool or pan of water.

You should also keep all plants and breakable things away from exposed shelves where your cat may knock them over. Remember that Savannahs can leap up to 8 feet from a nearly standing position. Their muscular legs can reach even the top of your refrigerator and bookcases. They may also jump over fences, so never leave your pet outside unsupervised.

9. Savannah Cat’s Food

Most cats, especially Savannahs, have strong food preferences, consume too many calories, and do not drink enough water. That is why it is a good idea to give your Savannah a combination of canned and dry food and to cycle a few tastes, textures (pate, stew, etc.), and shapes (stars, triangles, etc.) to provide moisture, protein, and discourage fussy eaters. In addition, most active adult Savannahs require little more than 330-350 kcals daily to maintain a healthy weight. Consult your veterinarian about how much food to give your cat.

The principal elements in your Savannah cat’s dry diet must be meat-based. Chicken is recommended, yet chicken meal isn’t the most exemplary component. Duck-based meals are also quite nutritious for your cat.

Dry cat food with low-quality carbohydrates might dehydrate your cat and trigger a slew of health problems in the long term. Avoid feeding your Savannah Cat food high in rice, corn, and wheat. While these recipes are frequently less expensive, they will shorten your cat’s life by years.

10. Savannah Cat’s Generations

Any Savannah cat having more than one mother or father is hence designated as an F1 cat. The number rises with each generation (F2, F3, etc.). It’s usually a great idea to know what generation your new cat comes from because F1 and F2 Savannahs are often bigger, and F3 Savannahs are further distant from their African relatives.

Your Savannah should be spayed or neutered as soon as your veterinarian recommends it, just like any other type of household cat. Even while neutered male cats of the F1, F2, and F3 generations make them unlikely to have viable offspring, doing so is nevertheless strongly recommended to help control undesirable behaviors.

11. Savannah Cat’s Size

The capacity of the Savannah Cat to get bigger is one of the characteristics that sets it apart from other cats. Because Savannahs are a hybrid breed, their sizes can range significantly. On the other hand, according to the statistics, these cats weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, but you shouldn’t be surprised if yours weigh more than 30 pounds.

Talk about class! Savannah cats resemble small cheetahs because of their tall, thin bodies and beautiful spotted coats. They can remarkably grow to reach 17 inches tall. They have been named the world’s tallest domestic cat by the Guinness Book of World Records. Their height and weight depend on how many generations distant an individual cat is from her wild serval progenitor.

Final Thoughts on the Savannah Cat

Savannahs are excellent family pets for the appropriate household. They are high-energy and require a lot of care. Thus they are not suitable for a family where the owners are never around. Having said that, they will bond with whatever animal they are reared with if that animal is open to their continual affection.

If you want to adopt a Savannah, you need to research where you can acquire them because they can be tough to find. Make sure that you are permitted to own a Savannah Cat in your area and that you obtain your Savannah Cat from a recognized and reliable provider.