Have you ever seen a leopard or cheetah and wished you could have a smaller version at home? The Savannah cat could make your dream of legally owning an exotic feline possible. Developed in the late 20th century, these cats are part-domestic cat, part-serval. Weighing upward of 30 pounds and measuring 16 inches tall, these lean cats make welcome additions to households that have time for an active, high-energy pet. They’re known for their love of water, dazzling fur patterns, and can even be trained to walk on a leash.
1. Domestic Savannah Cats Have Wild Ancestry
There’s something undeniably intriguing about a domesticated animal that has close ties to its wild ancestors. It’s a big reason why wolfdog hybrids (generally created by breeding wolves with Siberian Huskies) are both alluring and controversial. The Savannah cat is no exception. These felines were created in 1986, arising when a Pennsylvanian breeder bred a Siamese cat with an African serval. But why servals?
Servals are medium-sized, relatively mellow animals compared to other African cats. Physically, they’re lean and long-legged, usually not exceeding 26 pounds. Their bat-like ears, combined with their honey-colored coats and black spots, add another layer of intrigue for lovers of wild cats. A great thing about servals is that they’re fairly adaptable; they adjust easily to changes in their environment, and they have an astounding kill rate: at least 50 percent. That’s amazing compared to other wild cats, like tigers that are only successful 10 percent of the time.
How much “wild blood” a Savannah cat has depends on its filial generation. For example, an F1 Savannah cat is 50 percent serval, 50 percent domestic cat. An F2 Savannah cat is 25 percent serval, 75 percent domestic cat.
2. Their Temperaments Vary from Cat to Cat
Each cat breed has its own personality and temperament. For instance, Maine coons, while one of the largest domestic cat breeds, are known for their easygoing, gentle nature. Siamese cats, on the other hand, are known for being very demanding and vocal. The temperament of a Savannah cat is a little less predictable. However, owners generally agree that a Savannah cat’s ancestry plays a pivotal role in its temperament.
An F1 Savannah cat will share many characteristics of its serval parent. It’ll need regular stimulation and plenty of space to roam to truly thrive. These cats may also be a bit more standoffish and aloof, as servals generally don’t interact with humans in their native habitats. This is sharply contrasted with, say, F3 Savannah cats. Here, the cat is 12.5 percent serval—three generations removed from its serval parentage. Because these cats are mostly domestic, they’ll have many of the same characteristics as your standard household feline.
Make no mistake: getting a Savannah cat is a big commitment, no matter its filial generation. Doing your research before purchase or adoption can help you decide whether these cats suit your expectations and lifestyle.
3. Savannah Cats Aren’t Cheap, Costing Thousands
Many shelters and rescues in both the United States and Canada are overflowing with domestic cats. You could walk into a reputable organization and walk out with a feline friend for less than $120. The same cannot be said for Savannah cats. You’ll likely pay at least $20,000 for an F1 Savannah cat. The price generally goes down the further a cat is removed from its serval parentage. Still, even an F4 could cost thousands of dollars, and that’s not accounting for the cost of food, veterinary visits, and outfitting your home to account for a semi-wild animal.
If you’re interested in getting a Savannah cat, you should consider purchasing pet insurance. This coverage accounts for emergency vet appointments and even routine procedures, such as spaying/neutering. Keep in mind, however, that many corporate insurance companies refuse to cover exotic pets because of liability reasons. You’ll likely have to shop around to find a quote that meets your budget––but it could be worth it if you’re new to exotic pet ownership.
4. Some States Heavily Regulate Savannah Cat Ownership
There are many ethical concerns surrounding Savannah cats that have prompted many states to either regulate ownership or ban them altogether. According to Catster:
- Alaska, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont only allow for the ownership of F4 and later filial generations of Savannah cats.
- New York only allows for the ownership of F5 Savannah cats and beyond.
- Delaware requires that Savannah cat owners have a permit to legally own them.
- Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and many counties in Texas completely outlaw the ownership of any Savannah cat, regardless of its filial generation.
There are many reasons why some states have chosen to regulate or ban Savannah cats. For example, Hawaii is a small island chain. If even one Savannah cat got loose, it could decimate native bird populations. It could even breed with other native species to create animals that disrupt local ecosystems.
There are also concerns about the demand for Savannah cats fueling the illegal wildlife trade. While servals are not endangered, conservation efforts do everything possible to keep their numbers stable.
5. Savannahs Make Good Pets for Prepared Owners
If you’ve done your research and have the space and finances for a Savannah cat, you could find years of joy in ownership. These cats are extremely intelligent, and they’re easily trainable in the same way you would condition a dog. With time and patience, you could train your Savannah cat to walk on a leash, swim in your pool, and even respond to advanced commands. First-time cat owners may find it easier to train a later-generation Savannah than one with direct serval parentage.
Remember: there’s no such thing as a low-maintenance pet, and that certainly applies to this cat breed! Post on message boards, check out books on Savannah cats, and carefully consider your lifestyle before bringing these exotic felines home.
