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Safari vs Savannah
Two spotted wild-cross hybrids; the Safari descends from Geoffroy's cat and is very rare, the Savannah descends from the serval and is larger.
Verdict
Both are spotted hybrid breeds that descend from a wild cat cross, and both suit experienced, active owners with space. The thing that decides it is the wild parent and the documentation. The Safari descends from the small South American Geoffroy's cat, is medium-sized and very rare, and little about it is documented. The Savannah descends from the serval, is large and tall, and has a longer record and a listed health watch-list. Rules on owning early generations differ by place, so check local law for either.
Choose the Safari if
- You want a medium-sized hybrid rather than a tall, large one.
- You have checked local law for the generation you plan to buy.
- You accept that little is documented and a documented breeder is essential.
- You are an experienced owner who can handle a less predictable temperament.
Choose the Savannah if
- You want a tall, large, long-legged cat of about 8-18 lb in later generations.
- You want the more playful, cleverer cat, scoring 5 for both.
- You want a breed that is uncommon, not very rare, and has bred in the United States since 1986.
- You are willing to ask your vet about heart disease, pyruvate kinase deficiency and retinal atrophy.
Where they are alike
Both are short-coated spotted cats that score 2 for apartments, so each needs space and daily activity. Both score 3 for children and other pets, so neither suits a first-time owner or a home with small pets.
Side by side
| Safari | Savannah | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Wild-look and hybrid | Wild-look and hybrid |
| Origin | Hybrid of the South American Geoffroy's cat and domestic cats, bred in the United States | United States (serval and domestic cat cross) |
| Size | Medium | 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 | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense coat with a spotted pattern | Short, dense coat with bold black spots |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Very rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 3 |
| Energy | 4 | 5 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 3 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 2 | 2 |
| Suits | An experienced owner who has checked local law and wants a rare spotted cat from a documented breeder. | 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 first-time owner, a small home, or anyone who needs a cat with a predictable temperament. | A small flat, a household with small pets or a first-time owner, and anywhere early generations are restricted. |
| Registries that recognise it | — |
|
| Health conditions to watch | — |
|
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026