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The Savannah is a new domestic breed developed from an original
cross between the African Serval and the domestic cat. It is
registrable in The International Cat Association (TICA) where the
permissible outcrosses are the Egyptian Mau, the
 Oriental
Shorthair and the Domestic Shorthair.
Development of the breed is generally hampered by infertility of
the male progeny until they have reached five generations from the
Serval. Recently more of the precious F5 generation males have
been produced and the Breed is going to benefit from the SV to SV
matings that are now possible.
Savannahs are a long, lean and Serval looking cat. They have large
upright ears and bold dark spots along with a distinctive face
with boomerang-shaped eyelids over jeweled-toned eyes. They are a
very high-energy cat, and along with the long legs come an ability
to leap to practically any level or shelf in your house! Although
not destructive, they are extremely active and may knock things
over with their legs on their way through at great speed.
Savannahs may look amazing, but their true appeal is their
personality. They are a very sociable, interactive cat but not in
general a "lap cat". They are often termed "dog-like" as they love
to follow you around the house, they come when called, fetch toys
for hours and will happily go for walks with you on the leash.
They make a wonderful companion that bond deeply with their
family.
As a short-haired cat they do not require much grooming. Servals
hunt in water and often you will find your Savannah loves water
too. Many owners report their SVs joining them in the bath or
shower.
Highly intelligent and curious, some require child-proof locks to
keep them out of cupboards, especially where the kitty treats are
kept. In general, they are not very vocal but do communicate with
soft cries and chirps. Although very sociable and interactive,
they are not "needy" cats and do not overwhelm their owners. But
be warned, if you ignore them for too long you may find that they
have created their own entertainment with a "toy" you may not have
realized was for them!
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Ratings out of 10 |
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Compatibility:-Children - 8
(small children should be supervised with ANY kitten, and
cats should always be played with a wand toy and not the
hands!)
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Compatibility: - Other Pets - 8
(SVs do well with other high-energy cats or patient
personality cats, they do well with dogs but are not
recommended to live with birds)
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Grooming - SVs are very low
maintenance.
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Affection - 7
They are loving and demonstrative but not the type to want
to cuddle on your lap all the time
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Playfulness - 10
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Attention Need - 8
They are not needy per se, but love to play and will want
you to pick up toys to play
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Healthiness - 9
There are no diseases currently associated with the breed,
other than those that may be carried by the outcross
breeds used.
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Independence - 8
Independent but not solitary cats.
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Activity Level - 10
SVs are always ready to play
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Vocality - 4
Expressive when they need to be, but not very loud or
persistent
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Intelligence - 9
They are good at problem solving. Many SV owners have had
to change doorknobs in their houses!
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Savannah profile and photos
by Brigitte Cowell from
Kirembo
Savannahs
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