WHAT IS A SAVANNAH
The hybrid Savannah cat is an exotic feline which is a cross between the Wild African Serval and a domesticated house cat. It is the largest and tallest domestic cat breed with a very distinctive color and extraordinary personality. This unique breed became popular in the 1990s and in 2001 the Savannah was officially accepted as a registered breed into The International Cat Association (TICA). Breeding the perfect Savannah cat is not easy and takes a lot of patience as well as practice. Here at One Elite Savannah we specialize in breeding F1 and F2 kittens. We put in lots of time, effort and love into our cats and kittens.
SAVANNAH CAT PERSONALITIES
Dogs are said to be a man’s best friend, but whoever owns a Savannah knows that this statement can be argued. Savannah’s have a very unique personality and even though they might not be your average lap cat, they do love attention and the occasional belly rub. These cats are very outgoing and energetic, so they do require a lot of attention. They are also very loving and sweet and if they get attached to their human, they become loyal and devoted. Savannahs are cats that have a dog-like personality. They are highly intelligent cats and can be taught to walk on a leash and do different tricks. A Savannah likes to catch different objects especially balls and can be taught to play fetch. Unlike a house cat, Savannahs love water, and swimming is one of their favorite things to do.
We constantly spend time with our Savannahs and teach them different tricks. For example, We taught our F1 Savannah Arzy the command “Sit” and every time she hears the command, she sits. We also taught her “Jump” so when she hears that command she knows she needs to jump. All of our Savannahs are very familiar with the command “NO”. When they hear this word then they know they should stop what they’re doing because their behavior is unacceptable.
SAVANNAH CAT SIZE
Savannahs are very long, tall cats. Their size depends on their genes and the amount of Serval blood that they contain. Male Savannahs are bigger than female Savannahs, but the height difference is not very drastic. Below are the Serval and Savannah height measurements for comparison:
SAVANNAH CAT DIET
Savannahs require a combination of foods to support their health and provide energy. We feed our Savannahs high quality dry and wet cat food. Our kittens stay with their mom and drink milk for about 7 weeks. After they start eating dry food, we start to give them a little bit of canned meat, which is a combination of certain vegetables and chicken meat. We also provide dry food specifically for kittens and we alternate these foods in order for them to have a well balanced nutritious diet. Our Savannah are also fed dry and wet food as well as raw meat. We try to keep a strict grain free diet and stay away from meats that contain small bones because that could cause choking.
SAVANNAH CAT LITTER TRAINING
All of our kittens are litter box trained before going to a new home. Our wonderful Savannah moms take care of their kittens a minimum of 7 weeks and teach them how to use the litter box. However, sometime a kitten might have an accident. When you see that this is happening then it is best to take a towel, put it under the kitten and take it to the litter box. They will soon understand where you want them to do their business.
SAVANNAH CAT VET CARE
It is important to find a vet clinic that specializes or is educated on how to provide care for exotic animals. Before coming, let your veterinarian know that you have a hybrid savannah kitten or cat so that they can educate themselves and be able to provide the best care for your furry friend. If you have any questions about the health of your kitten or about trips to the vet, feel free to contact us and ask questions. We are always happy to help!
IS THE SAVANNAH THE RIGHT CAT FOR YOU?
The Savannah is a very energetic cat breed. They love to run outside, play with toys and are in need of constant attention. If you want a quiet, calm, lazy cat then the Savannah is not for you. But if you want a lifelong, devoted companion that is as loyal as a canine, then you might consider getting a Savannah.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A SAVANNAH KITTEN?
A Savannah Cat has several distinctive characteristics to look for, and are important to keep in mind when choosing a breeder and kitten. These characteristics include: Lean body, Large ears, Black spots, Short, thick tail, Long neck, Golden coat, Long legs most important Personality.
WHAT DOES THE “F” MEAN IN REGARD TO THE GENERATION?
The “F” stands for “filial generation,” the number refers to the number of generations the Savannah Cat is from its Serval Ancestor.
F1A Savannah
The F1 should have approximately 50% - 82% or higher Serval blood. The F1 does not typically like being held but does love to be scratched, petted, and to be in contact with humans. They will show a friendly, playful, active nature. They generally bond to one person and get along with other pets. The weight of a F1 could range from 15-30 lbs as each vary based on breeding. Size and Fertility is not a guarantee. Some F1's when socialized and handled appropriately from birth do enjoy being held or cuddled. As a high generation Savannah he or she will require a more specific diet and have a higher energy level.
F2B Savannah
The F2 should have approximately 25% - 50% Serval blood. The F2 will typically bond with one or two people and will also get along with other pets. The F2 may be held for short periods of time, may sleep with you and even want to cuddle in your lap. The F2 will generally make a better pet than the F1. They love and demand human interaction as they are friendly, curious and very active. The weight of a F2 could range from 12 -22 lbs as each vary based on breeding. Size and Fertility is not a guarantee. Some F2's when socialized and handled appropriately from birth do enjoy being held or cuddled. As a high generation Savannah he or she will require a more specific diet and have a higher energy.
F3C Savannah
The F3 Savannah should have approximately 19% Serval blood but this varies by generations bred. F3 is typically a better choice for a family, especially a family with children. Though they do not like being held for long periods, they too love attention and get along well with other pets. They have less tendency to spray and are a more domesticated personality. The weight of a F3 could range from 12 -22 lbs as each vary based on breeding. Size and Fertility is not a guarantee. Some F3's when socialized and handled appropriately from birth do enjoy being held or cuddled. As a high generation Savannah he or she will require a more specific diet and have a higher energy.
Savannah SBT (F4- F8)
The SBT Savannah F4-F8 S should have about approximately 11% Serval blood or less but this varies by generations bred. They are still very intelligent and energetic, social and outgoing compared to other typical domestic breeds. SBT (F4-F8) is great choice for a family, especially a family with young children. Though they tend to like being held for longer periods than earlier generations and they too love attention and co exist well with other pets are they are much more domesticated. The lower the generations the less tendency they have to spray. The weight of a SBT F4-F8 should range from 12 - 22lbs as each Savannah will vary based on breeding. Size is not a guarantee any breeder can promise. These lower generations diet requirements and costs are not as expensive or time consuming as higher generations but should still have a quality diet. Many SBT Savannah owners can expect to feed a dry or dry/wet combo diet. Raw diet is not required for the SBT Savannah but can have great advantages depending on the individual cats needs. Average food costs a month per cat can average around $35 -$100.
IS A SAVANNAH GOING TO BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR MY FAMILY IF I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN?
Yes! I have firsthand experience as all of my Savannah Cats are around my children, 4, 5, and 13. Savannahs must be socialized around adults and children to ensure the kitten will become used to human affection and attention. Not all cats seek out human affection as much as others. However, I promise to raise each kitten around my family and children so the kitten’s transition to their new home is seamless with no surprises.
WHAT FOOD CAN I EXPECT TO FEED MY SAVANNAH?
When you take your Savannah Cat home, continue the same food regime that the Savannah Cat had before leaving my cattery. All my cats eat Royal Canin kibble and canned food. These kittens must continue to receive the same diet as their nutrition and calorie needs are of utmost importance for their continued growth and health. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to change your Savannah Cat’s diet, please do so slowly and mix in the new food with the current food to avoid any stomach upset or GI issues.
DOES MY SAVANNAH REQUIRE THE SAME VETERINARY CARE AS A REGULAR DOMESTICATED HOUSE CAT?
Savannah Cats also need prompt and regular veterinary care like the average pet. Receiving routine care as recommended by your veterinarian will ensure your Savannah Cat has a long, healthy life. The Savannah Cat Association recommends your Savannah Cat NOT BE vaccinated against FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) unless it is non-adjuvanted. In addition, it is also their recommendation that your Savannah Cat NEVER is vaccinated against FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).
IS A SAVANNAH CAT LEGAL TO OWN IN MY STATE OF RESIDENCE?
Please refer to this map of each state’s legality of the Savannah Cat breed. Before placing a deposit or payment for a savannah kitten, it is the buyer’s responsibility to verify the lawfulness of both the Savannah Cat breed and generation in their state of residence. If a permit is required for ownership, it is the buyer’s responsibility to complete all requirements to obtain a permit before placing a deposit. Information about laws governing hybrid animal ownership in your state using information from Paige Dana and www.hybridlaw.com.