Savannah Breed Information
All generations of Savannah's are typically very high energy, inquisitive, loyal and friendly cats. They like to be a part of everything you do (even if you don't need their help!!!). They almost all have a very high play drive. Some like to fetch and/or play in water, but some could care less. Since all generations of Savannah's are domestic cats, they don't have any special diet or health requirements. But like any domestic cat they should have a high protein, grain free diet (ideally a raw diet). They are often equated to a perpetual toddler that can jump onto every surface in your home. So usually there is a fair amount of Savannah proofing required. They need daily stimulation (ideally multiple times a day) that involves physical activity and mental stimulation. There's no such thing as too many toys when you have a Savannah. They can get bored with them quickly so you need to rotate them (just like a child) to keep it new to them.
Usually the earlier the generation, the MORE they are. (Whether it be a good trait like their loyalty or a sometimes not so good trait like their stubbornness.) For example, F1's don't just like or dislike something- they either LOVE it or HATE it. As you get farther removed from the Serval, this typically becomes less and less. However you can get outliers in every generation. My biggest troublemaker by far is my F4 boy and my overall best behaved is my F2 boy. But when my F2 is being bad, he's being really bad. We had to take our dining room chairs away for a while because he decided they were a toy and was dragging them around the house.
And it is important to know that physical size can’t be guaranteed due to the randomness of the Hybrid genes, only a large purrsonality can be guaranteed!! Typically the earlier the generation the larger they are, but not always. You can have a small F1 and large F7. However males are almost always larger than their female siblings. Also with the earlier generation(s) comes a larger price tag.
Usually the earlier the generation, the MORE they are. (Whether it be a good trait like their loyalty or a sometimes not so good trait like their stubbornness.) For example, F1's don't just like or dislike something- they either LOVE it or HATE it. As you get farther removed from the Serval, this typically becomes less and less. However you can get outliers in every generation. My biggest troublemaker by far is my F4 boy and my overall best behaved is my F2 boy. But when my F2 is being bad, he's being really bad. We had to take our dining room chairs away for a while because he decided they were a toy and was dragging them around the house.
And it is important to know that physical size can’t be guaranteed due to the randomness of the Hybrid genes, only a large purrsonality can be guaranteed!! Typically the earlier the generation the larger they are, but not always. You can have a small F1 and large F7. However males are almost always larger than their female siblings. Also with the earlier generation(s) comes a larger price tag.
The following is Courtesy of TICA breed website:
General Description
The Savannah is a tall lean graceful cat with striking dark spots and other bold markings. It is a domestic breed which closely resembles its ancestral source, the African Serval, but is smaller in stature. It is affectionate and outgoing, with exceptionally long neck, legs, and tall ears, as well as a medium length tail, the Savannah is both unusual and beautiful. The Savannah is also an exceptionally graceful and well balanced cat.
History
The first known Savannah was born April 7, 1986 when a female domestic cat gave birth to a kitten sired by an African Serval. This F1 (first generation hybrid cross) was the first on record. This unusual female kitten had both domestic and Serval like traits. Both the kitten and breed were named "Savannah". Patrick Kelly heard about Savannah and decided he wanted to try to develop a new breed. He persuaded a breeder, Joyce Sroufe, to join him in his efforts. Together they wrote the original TICA Breed Standard. TICA accepted the Savannah for registration in 2001. The Savannah was accepted for Championship status by TICA in 2012.
Personality
One of the most amazing traits of the Savannah is its remarkable personality. It is a very curious, assertive cat that seeks out adventure at every opportunity. It is a very active cat, that needs a great deal of interaction on a daily basis, either with its human family or with a companion cat. It is also a very loyal cat who will bond strongly with its human family. It is not a lap cat, but will show affection on its own terms, often by greeting family members at the door, following them around the house and giving frequent headbutts. Many Savannahs love to play in water. They can easily be trained to walk on a leash with a harness, and most love to play games such as fetch.
The Savannah cat is a unique and amazing feline. Most people who own or have met Savannahs will say that they have never met a cat like them and become avid fans. The Savannah is not for everyone, but for those who seek a unique pet and lifelong companion, the Savannah fits the bill.
Traits
The Savannah has many traits that make it stand out. Perhaps the most obvious are the large, tall ears that are set right on top of its head. Another unique trait of the Savannah is it's hooded eyes that are flat across the top. This gives it an exotic look unlike any other breed. The body on the Savannah is very long and the legs are quite long as well, creating a false image of a very large or heavy cat, but in reality, most Savannahs are just the size of a large domestic cat, and weigh less than another cat of similar size. It also has a very long neck and a short, thick tail, adding to its distinctiveness.
Courtesy of TICA breed website