| Savannahs The Savannah cat is a beautiful feline produced by breeding an African Serval to a domestic cat. This mating creates a cat with many of the striking markings of a Serval, but with a domestic temperament. The Savannah, unlike the Serval, requires no special permits, diet or care to own. The Savannah is easily trained to use the litter box and bonds well with its new family. Savannahs are reported to have a lot of dog like qualities. They can play fetch, tug-o-war, and learn tricks. Many Savannahs will actually run to the door and wait for you when they hear your car pull in the driveway. They are very smart and learn things quickly, such as what the doorknob is for. They can’t always figure out how to make it work, but they enjoy trying. Because the Savannah breed is still relatively new kittens are referred to by their generation away from the Serval. F1’s are typically 50% wild, F2’s have 25% wild blood, F3’s have 12.5% wild blood, etc. Males are sterile until the fifth generation and therefore are sold as pets only. Females are fertile and can be placed as breeders or pets. Many people are drawn to the Savannah breed because of their size. Size varies, depending on generation and sex. In general, the further away from the wild cat, the smaller they will be. However, there isn’t a large size difference between each generation. F1 males tend to fall between 20 and 27 pounds, F2 males between 17 and 25 pounds and F3 males between 15 and 23 pounds. The name Savannah refers to the African Savannah, the habitat of one of the breed's ancestors the African serval cat. The Savannah still has many of the Serval's beautiful qualities but with a more amiable temperament and better house hold habits. The Savannah is a tall lean cat with long legs and a long neck. The head is smaller in proportion to the body and longer than wide with large ears. Similar to the serval, the coat shows a spotted pattern with some bars on a golden to tawny ground color with a light colored underside. Savannah cats appear to be smaller replicas of the serval. This exotic impression is accentuated by light ocelli markings on the back of the ears as well as prominent tear duct lines in the face. Savannah males usually grow much larger than their female litter mates. Due to the graceful and long- legged appearance combined with the movement of a big cat, these striking cats are unlike any other breed. Savannah cats are friendly and sociable cats, that can get along very well with other household pets. They show their affection by eagerly giving a welcoming "head-butt" where they literally bump heads with you to say hello!. Most Savannah Cats are very outgoing and like to be petted. Because of their long legs the Savannah is an elegant jumper and like the serval often performs high leaps straight in the air. The Savannah loves water and enjoys a bath. If given the choice, a Savannah might enjoy a tub filled with water over the more usual cat games. Just like other cats Savannah cats can get along with young children and other household pets. Despite their exotic appearance, Savannah cats do not differ much from other other domestic cats in regards to care and behavior. Generally, Savannah cats can be kept like any other domestic cat but would also enjoy getting a little fresh air from a safe enclosure or a walk on a lead once in a while |
