The Ultimate Guide

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SAVANNAH CAT

Discover what makes the Savannah Cat one of the world's most intelligent, athletic, and distinctive companion breeds.

An African Serval on a leash, standing on green grass in natural daylight
Our Wild Heritage

From Wild Heritage to Domestic Companion

The Savannah Cat was originally developed from the African Serval, a wild feline native to the grasslands of Africa. Through careful, ethical breeding over multiple generations, today's Savannah Cats preserve many of the Serval's distinctive physical characteristics while being raised as affectionate, social companions for life in the home.

African Serval standing in the African grasslands
AFRICAN SERVAL
Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
Native to Africa
Savannah Cat standing inside a bright luxury home
SAVANNAH CAT
Domestic Hybrid Breed
Raised for life as a companion

Notice the Similarities

Even after generations of selective breeding, Savannah Cats retain many of the distinctive features that make the African Serval one of the world's most recognizable wild felines.

TALL EARS

Large upright ears provide excellent hearing while creating the Savannah's distinctive silhouette.

LONG LEGS

One of the tallest domestic cat breeds, giving Savannah Cats their athletic appearance.

BOLD SPOTTING

Beautiful spotted coats inspired by the Serval's natural camouflage.

ATHLETIC BUILD

Powerful muscles, long bodies, and incredible jumping ability make Savannah Cats very agile.

DISTINCTIVE EXPRESSION

Their alert eyes, defined facial markings, and confident posture reflect their wild heritage.

LOVING COMPANION

Although inspired by the African Serval, Savannah Cats are selectively bred over generations to become affectionate, intelligent, and highly social companions.

WILD HERITAGE. DOMESTIC HEART.

The Savannah Cat blends the beauty of one of Africa's most iconic wild cats with the companionship of a carefully bred domestic feline. Their distinctive appearance is a tribute to their heritage, while their loving personalities are shaped through responsible breeding, early socialization, and life alongside their families.

The Origin

What Is a Savannah Cat?

African Serval

Wild ancestor

+

Domestic Cat

Loving companion

Savannah Cat

The result

The Savannah Cat is a distinctive hybrid breed originally developed by crossing the African Serval with a domestic cat.

The result is admired for intelligence, athleticism, striking appearance, and an affectionate personality.

Today's Savannahs are carefully bred over generations to preserve the exotic beauty of the Serval while maintaining the temperament of a loving domestic companion.

Anatomy

What Makes a Savannah Cat Unique?

Explore the defining features that distinguish the Savannah Cat. Tap any point to learn more.

An adult Luxury Savannahs cat in profile with anatomical hotspots

Tall Ears

Tall, upright, and set high, often with the signature ocelli 'eye' marking on the back.

Appearance

Coat Colors

Brown Spotted Tabby most closely resembles the African Serval, while Silver Savannahs remain among the rarest and most sought-after colors.

Discover each coat color. Tap a card to reveal more. (On desktop, hover over a card.)

Size & Growth

Taller. Longer. Distinct.

Savannah Cats are notably taller and longer than most domestic breeds. Body structure matters more than weight when evaluating a Savannah.

F1

First-generation Serval offspring: the tallest, longest, and most exotic in appearance.

16–19 in
17–25 lb
F2

Grandchildren of the Serval with striking type and a temperament well-suited to family life.

15–18 in
16–22 lb
F3

Balanced size and increasingly social, a popular choice for active households.

14–17 in
13–20 lb
F4

Well-bred type with excellent temperament and greater ease of ownership.

13–16 in
12–18 lb
F5+

Fully domestic in behavior with the Savannah silhouette preserved.

12–15 in
10–17 lb
Character

Personality

Highly Intelligent

Problem-solvers who thrive on puzzles, training, and daily engagement.

Loyal

Deeply bonded to their people, often forming a favorite person in the household.

Affectionate

Warm and demonstrative companions who enjoy closeness on their own terms.

Athletic

Powerful jumpers built for climbing, sprinting, and vertical exploration.

Curious

Endlessly investigative. Every drawer, cabinet, and shelf is fair game.

Confident

Poised, self-assured, and rarely rattled by new experiences.

Social

Enjoy company, whether human, feline, or canine, when properly introduced.

Dog-Like

Fetch, follow, and greet at the door with the personality of a devoted dog.

Leash Trainable

Many Savannahs learn to walk on harness and leash with patience and treats.

Water Loving

Unusual among cats, many Savannahs are captivated by faucets, showers, and baths.

Interactive

Prefer play with their humans rather than solitary entertainment.

Family Oriented

Thrive at the center of household life rather than at its edges.

Daily Life

Living With a Savannah

Nutrition

Feeding a Savannah

While many Savannah owners choose raw diets, high-quality commercial foods can also provide complete nutrition.

High-Protein Diet

Savannahs thrive on animal-based protein as the foundation of every meal.

Fresh Water

Provide clean, filtered water daily. Many Savannahs prefer a running fountain.

Commercial Diets

High-quality wet and dry foods can deliver complete, balanced nutrition.

Raw Feeding

Properly balanced raw diets suit many Savannahs and are chosen by many owners.

Healthy Treats

Freeze-dried meat treats are ideal for training and enrichment in moderation.

Wellness

Health & Wellness

Responsible breeding and health testing remain essential for preserving the beauty and vitality of the breed.

Genetic Health Testing

Responsible breeders test parents for the conditions relevant to the breed.

Veterinary Care

Establish a relationship with a vet experienced with Savannahs or exotic breeds.

Vaccinations

Follow a modified core-vaccine schedule appropriate for the individual cat.

Longevity

With proper care, Savannahs typically live 12–20 healthy, active years.

Preventative Care

Annual exams, dental care, and parasite prevention protect long-term wellbeing.

Consider

Is a Savannah Cat Right For You?

Great For

  • Active families
  • Interactive households
  • Owners looking for a loyal companion
  • Families wanting an intelligent cat
  • Owners interested in leash training

May Not Be Ideal For

  • Those seeking an independent cat
  • Owners unable to provide daily enrichment
  • Families wanting a very low-energy pet
Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in a Savannah Kitten?

Explore our available Savannah kittens, learn more about upcoming litters, or contact us with questions about our breeding program and reservation process.