Other names: Cheetah
Life expectancy: 12–20 years
Size: 12–25 lbs and 14–17 inches in length
Coat: golden/brown or black, including solid colors or spotted tabby
Eye colour: amber or green
Temperament: active and outgoing
Origin/native country: Pennsylvania, USA
If you’ve come across a Savannah cat, you’ve probably noticed a few things. For starters, they have a wildcat appearance (which is both mesmerizing and striking in equal measure). Standing at up to 18-inches tall, these big beauties are also known as the tallest cat breed of all time.
Some of these characteristics might put you off considering this cat as a pet. But don’t let looks deceive you. This hybrid cat breed is playful, friendly, energetic, and is said to radiate dog-like energy. While the Savannah cat is perhaps better suited to a more experienced cat owner, this relatively new breed, which wasn’t officially recognized until 2001, is full of love and is an excellent companion if socialized early.
To help you learn more about this breed and discover whether your home could be this feline friend’s cat kingdom, we spoke to vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to get the low down on the legality of Savannah cats, whether they make good pets and tips on looking after them.
Are Savannah cats legal?
In certain states, yes. For example, there are no rules or restrictions around owning a Savannah cat in Alabama, Arizona or Maine. The same can be said for Montana, New Jersey, Ohio and Wyoming.
However, in some states, some restrictions apply. For instance, in Alaska, only 'F4' generations of Savannah cats and later are allowed. The same goes for Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. In Delaware, you are only allowed to have a Savannah cat if you have a permit.
While other states like Georgia, Nebraska and Rhode Island don’t allow residents to keep Savannah cats at all.
Hawaii classifies ownership of a Savannah cat as illegal.
“It is therefore crucial you check your local laws before purchasing one of these cats,” Dr MacMillan advises. “In the UK, the only restriction on Savannah cat ownership is with F1 types. An F1 is a first-generation Savannah cat, which is a 50:50 cross between a serval and a domestic cat. However, second-generation crossings down are fine to own in the UK.”
Are Savannah cats dangerous?
With their wild ancestry and larger-than-average stature, some may mistake Savannah cats for being dangerous and/or aggressive. But according to Dr MacMillan that’s not the case.
“Savannah cats are not aggressive per se, but their wild roots make them more active and independent than normal domestic cats,” the vet explains. “This means if they don’t have enough stimulation, or were not given the right socialisation from an early age, they could be more prone to aggressive tendencies.”
Therefore, if you are considering adopting this exotic pet, it’s well worth weighing up whether you can meet their unique needs, which will differ from the needs of more traditional and domesticated cat breeds, like your average American Shorthair or Siamese cat.
Are Savannah cats good pets?
This depends on a few things. Although these tall and lean cats are a joy to look at and be around, they are not a good cat breed for beginners.
“These felines are active and inquisitive, so they need plenty of stimulation – otherwise, they could end up getting into mischief, such as knocking over ornaments or climbing the curtains,” Dr MacMillan says.
Therefore, an owner who can spend plenty of time playing with them with the best indoor cat toys, or investing in the best automated cat toys would be best suited.
Just note, this breed has a high prey drive, so it's wise not to keep them in a household that has other small pets, like hamsters, mice or fish.
That said: “Many owners report that their Savannah is loyal and loving, so they can make good pets in the right home,” highlights Dr MacMillian. “Just don’t expect a quiet lap cat!”.
How much exercise does a Savannah cat need?
As with all cat breeds, Savannah cats require around 30 minutes of physical activity every day, though some may need a bit more than this.
“Savannah cats are an active breed, so keeping them busy will reduce the risk of behavioural issues and weight gain,” notes Dr MacMillan. This time can be broken down into a few shorter periods of play throughout the day.
“You should also provide them with interactive toys and maybe even a cat wheel, if you can find one the right size, to let them burn off energy.”
Savannah cat health issues
Nowadays, many Savannah cats will be much closer to domestic cats and will only have a small amount of wild serval blood in them.
Therefore, according to Dr MacMillan, most of the health conditions that Savannah cats suffer from, could also affect any domestic cat.
“Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the conditions that can affect any cat, but Savannah cats are at a slightly increased risk,” the vet explains. “HCM causes thickening of the heart muscle, affecting how well it pumps blood around the body.”
However, in the unlikely event you purchase an early-generation hybrid, then male sterility could be an issue.
“These fertility issues seem to resolve in cats that are more than four generations removed from their serval ancestor,” highlights Dr MacMillan. “This is not a particular problem unless you are planning on breeding from your cat.”
One way to keep your Savannah cat healthy is through a good quality diet using the best cat food. However, Dr MacMilllan explains that a Savannah cat’s diet should be rich in animal protein, especially organ meats.
“This breed has a slightly higher taurine requirement than other cats, which they can’t synthesise themselves and must be taken from animal protein,” the expert says. “Most commercial diets should still meet this requirement, but it is something to be aware of.”
You must also follow your vet’s advice on preventative treatments such as vaccinations, anti-parasite treatments and neutering.
How much does a Savannah cat cost?
Hold on to your seat! A Savannah cat is up there are being one of the most expensive cat breeds to grace this earth. While there are endless reasons to love Savannah cats, their high price point is unlikely to be one of them. That’s because, generally speaking, a Savannah cat can cost anywhere in the region of $1,000 to $20,000 (or more!).
The first generation cats are the most expensive, whereas later generations of the more domesticated wildcat are towards the lower end of the scale.
While they might still not be as expensive as an Ashera, they’re still more than you’d pay for a Russian Blue, Sphynx or Kao Manee.
Should I get a Savannah Cat?
Savannah cats really are a thing of beauty. Their iconic looks, dog-like mannerisms and love for staying active are what sets them apart. But remember, this breed is best for experienced cat parents who can dedicate a lot of time and energy to exercising a Savannah and keeping them mentally stimulated to prevent them from any destructive tendencies.
Plus, coming with a high prey drive, a Savannah cat is best for households that don’t have other small pets like fish, mice or hamsters.
Cinching second place for being one of the most expensive cat breeds, the price point should also be another factor to consider.
Read next: Reasons to love the Savannah cat
Having graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London as a veterinary surgeon, Rebecca is highly experienced in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Rebecca writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
