The Savannah, a hybrid cat with a wild look and an athletic body.
The Savannah, a Fragment of Wild Nature
The Savannah is a relatively new hybrid cat breed, resulting from the cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat. It is famous for its exotic appearance, resembling a small leopard, with its slender body, large ears, and spotted coat. Its size and wild characteristics are more pronounced in earlier generations (F1, F2), softening with subsequent generations.
This feline is renowned for its exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, and curious and playful temperament. The Savannah is a loyal companion that forms strong bonds with its family, capable of learning tricks and even walking on a leash.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : The Savannah's short, dense coat is easy to maintain; weekly brushing is sufficient to keep it shiny. This is a very active and intelligent cat with high needs for mental and physical stimulation. Provide an enriching environment with cat trees, interactive toys, and opportunities to climb and explore. It also has a strong love for water. The Savannah is a social cat that can get along with children (if they are taught to respect animals) and other pets, but its dominant nature may require careful socialization.
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Identifying the Savannah: Characteristics of its Feline Appearance
The slender silhouette and large ears of the Savannah give it its wild appearance.
The Savannah is a medium to large-sized cat, with an athletic and elegant build that recalls its wild ancestor.
Size: Medium to very large-sized cat, depending on the generation (earlier generations are larger). Long, slender, and muscular body.
Coat: Short to medium, dense and soft, with a distinctive spotted tabby pattern. Spots are black or dark brown on a golden, sandy, silvery, or smoky background.
Head: Medium-sized, wedge-shaped (triangular), with a slightly convex nose and a strong chin.
Eyes: Large, oval, expressive, gold, green, or amber in color.
Ears: Very large, broad at the base, set high and erect, rounded at the tips.
Tail: Medium-long, thick at the base and tapering slightly, with black rings.
Dimensions and Key Information (Savannah)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
30 – 45 cm
25 – 40 cm
25 – 45 cm
Weight
6 – 12 kg
4 – 8 kg
4 – 12 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 20 years
12 – 20 years
12 – 20 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality food, often raw or protein-rich
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Savannah is a large-sized cat with a potentially long life expectancy, and its growth is completed around 3 years of age.
Behavior: Wild, Energetic, and Highly Intelligent
The Savannah is a hybrid cat breed, resulting from a cross between a domestic cat and an African Serval, which gives it a wild and majestic appearance, with a spotted coat and a lean stature. It is a cat of boundless energy, keen intelligence, and insatiable curiosity. Savannahs are born explorers, eager for adventure and new experiences, and they retain many instincts from their wild ancestors.
Extremely active and playful, Savannahs have a constant need for physical and mental stimulation. They love to climb, jump to impressive heights, and hunt toys. Deeply attached to their owners, they form strong bonds and are often described as "dog-like cats" for their loyalty and ability to learn to walk on a leash or play fetch. They are also fascinated by water, enjoying playing with it or even swimming. Their exotic look and energy are reminiscent of the Bengal, another popular hybrid breed.
Savannahs are very vocal cats, using a variety of meows, chirps, and hisses to communicate. They generally get along well with respectful children and other animals, provided they have been socialized from a young age. If you are drawn to a cat with a wild look that is highly intelligent and extremely active, the Savannah is a unique choice. For active and exploratory personalities, the Ocicat, the Egyptian Mau, and the Abyssinian are excellent alternatives. The Oriental, although visually different, shares remarkable intelligence and vocality, offering an equally interactive temperament.
Origin and History
The history of the Savannah began in 1986 in the United States, when a cat breeder, Judee Frank, successfully performed the first cross between a male Serval and a female Siamese cat. The first hybrid kitten was named Savannah. The goal was to create a domestic cat with the elegant and wild appearance of the Serval.
The breed was subsequently developed by other breeders, notably Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe. The Savannah was officially recognized as a breed by TICA in 2001. Its popularity quickly grew due to its spectacular appearance and unique temperament, although regulations regarding ownership of earlier generations may vary by region due to their proximity to their wild ancestor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Savannah
What is the origin of the Savannah?
The Savannah is a hybrid cat resulting from the cross between an African Serval (a wild feline) and a domestic cat. The first Savannah was born in 1986 in the United States.
Is the Savannah a good pet for everyone?
No, the Savannah has specific needs due to its energy, intelligence, and wild ancestry. It is best suited for experienced owners who can provide a stimulating environment, plenty of attention, and adequate socialization.
Does the Savannah like water?
Yes, unlike many cats, the Savannah is often fascinated by water and may enjoy playing in water, splashing, or even swimming.
How big is a Savannah?
The size of a Savannah varies considerably depending on the generation. Early generations (F1, F2) are the largest, potentially reaching impressive sizes, while generations further removed from the Serval (F3 and beyond) are closer to the size of a large domestic cat.
Is the Savannah vocal?
Yes, Savannahs are known to be quite vocal. They can meow, chirp, hiss, and even make sounds similar to those of the Serval.
