Savannah cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A tall, spotted, long-legged hybrid breed descended from the serval, a wild African cat, and bred in the United States since 1986.
Also known as Savannah cat, Serval hybrid, Serval cross
Quick facts
| Origin | United States (serval and domestic cat cross) |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Typical weight | Later generations about 8-18 lb (3.5-8.2 kg); F1 and F2 cats are often heavier |
| Lifespan | About 12-15 years is often quoted |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense coat with bold black spots |
| Colours and patterns | Spotted patterns in black spotted tabby, black silver spotted tabby, black and black smoke |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Uncommon |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 3 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 5 |
| Playfulness | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 2 |
Best suited to
| Suits | An experienced, active owner with plenty of space, time and a secure home, in a place where the chosen generation is legal. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A small flat, a household with small pets or a first-time owner, and anywhere early generations are restricted. |
Registries that recognise it
- TICA
Health conditions to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Progressive retinal atrophy
About the Savannah
The Savannah is a hybrid breed that descends from a cross between a serval and a domestic cat. The serval is a tall, long-legged wild cat of African grasslands. The first Savannah was born in 1986 to a breeder named Judee Frank, from a serval and a Siamese. Other breeders added breeds such as the Bengal and the Oriental Shorthair, and the registry TICA accepted the breed in 2001 and gave it championship status in 2012.
The look is the point: long legs, a long neck, very large upright ears and a lean spotted body. Registries accept only spotted patterns.
The generation matters. An F1 cat has a serval parent and is about half serval, F2 is one generation further on, and so on. Cats from F4 onward are counted as the breed itself and are the usual pet. The earliest generations are larger, rarer, harder to keep and often more expensive.
Temperament and living with one
Savannahs are active, curious and intelligent. They tend to be bold, bond closely with their people, climb to high places and open doors and cupboards. Many enjoy water. Some learn to fetch or walk on a harness. Early generations can show wilder, more territorial behaviour, and males may spray. Litter box problems are a common reason owners give a Savannah up, so a secure routine and early training help.
They need company and plenty to do. A bored Savannah can be destructive. Introductions to other pets should be careful and gradual.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat is short and easy, and a weekly brush is enough. The work is in play and space. Offer tall cat trees, shelves, puzzle feeders and structured daily play with a wand toy. Keep windows and balconies secure, since the breed jumps very high. Feed a complete diet in measured meals, and ask your vet before changing it.
Health
Savannahs are generally robust, but the breed is more likely than most to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle. Breeders are advised to screen for it, and for progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency. Ask for the results before you buy, and ask your vet about heart checks. Early-generation males are sterile.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Savannah only if you can give it exercise, climbing space and attention every day, and you have confirmed the generation is legal where you live. Rules on owning early generations differ by country, state and city, and some places ban the breed. Check local law before you buy. For a spotted cat with a far longer record as a pet, compare the Bengal. For a calmer wild look, see the Ocicat.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026