Savannah
![](https://catlives.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Savannah-cat-compressed-1-540x360-1.jpg)
Origin
United States
Height
10"- 13"
Adult Weight
9-15 pounds
Life Span
12-15 years
TEMPERAMENT
Confident, friendly, intelligent, active
OTHER NAMES
Group
Large-sized short-haired
Price
$1,500 - $25,000 (depending on generation)
Personality and Temperament
Care
- NUTRITION
- GROOMING
- EXERCISE
- HEALTH
Characteristics
History
The Breed Standard
Body
Savannah cats have a long, lean appearance, with males typically larger than females. In general, Savannahs bear some resemblance to servals, with later generations expressing more domestic traits.
Head
The head is small in proportion to the body, with the face forming an equilateral triangle. The nose protrudes slightly and the muzzle is tapered with no break. Viewed in profile, the forehead appears straight to slightly convex, and also forms a triangle that extends from the top of the eye to the tip of the nose, then to the jawline and back up to the eye. The neck is long and lean.
Eyes
The eyes are of medium size and rest beneath slightly hooded brows. The bottom portion of the eye has an almond shape, and the upper corner of the eye creates the beginning of a visual line that slopes toward the nose. Eyes are positioned at least one eye’s width apart. All eye colors are permitted.
Ears
A Savannah cat’s ears are wide with deep bases and rounded tops. The ears are positioned high on the head. Ear furnishings may be present and ocelli markings are highly desirable.
Legs & Paws
The legs are longer than average, with an athletic appearance—neither heavy musculature nor excessive delicacy is displayed. The back legs are slightly longer than the forelegs and the paws are medium-sized ovals.
Tail
The Savannah cat’s tail is of medium to thick thickness and medium length, stopping between the bottom of the hock and ground level. The tail has a slight taper and a blunt end.
Coat
The coat is short to medium in length with a slightly coarse feel to the guard hairs and a softer feel to the undercoat. The Savannah cat’s spots feel softer than guard hairs.
Color
Several colors are accepted, including black, brown spotted tabby, black silver spotted tabby, and black smoke. Markings are distinct and tear duct lines are visible. Black Savannahs have black nose leather, while spotted Savannah cats may have black noses, pink to brick noses with black liner, or black nose leather with pink to brick center stripes. Paw pads are deep charcoal or brownish-black in all color combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do Savannah cats cost?
How much do Savannah cats cost?The price of Savannah kittens is generally lower for generations that are farther removed from the African serval. The most expensive is an F1 Savannah (first generation), which might cost $10,000 to $18,000. A pet-quality Savannah kitten in the F4 to F7 generations usually costs anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500. Show-quality kittens in these later generations often cost $2,000 to $4,000. -
Why are Savannah cats so expensive?
Why are Savannah cats so expensive?Pedigreed cats like the Savannah are more expensive than non-pedigreed cats because reputable breeders spend a lot of time and money on their breeding programs to ensure their adult breeding cats are healthy, temperamentally sound, and good representations of the breed. They also spend a lot of time and money raising the kittens to get them ready to go to their new homes. Savannah cats in particular are among the most expensive of all purebred cats. This is because Savannah breeding programs involve small a wildcat species called the African serval, which are expensive to purchase, feed, and house. -
Are Savannah cats good pets?
Are Savannah cats good pets?Savannah cats are curious, intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They bond closely with their human family and like respectful kids, though the Savannah Cat Association recommends that Savannahs that will live with young children should be later generation (F3 and higher). This breed is one of the most active and curious breeds, so you must be prepared to provide enough exercise, play, and mental stimulation. Without it, a Savannah will make their own entertainment and can become destructive in the house. -
Are Savannah cats cuddly?
Are Savannah cats cuddly?All Savannah cats are individuals, and some might enjoy cuddling more than others. In general, Savannahs are known to friendly and affectionate, and they bond closely with family, so cuddles are not unexpected. However, the Savannah’s high activity levels mean that any cuddles might be short-lived.