Last updated on January 27th, 2023 at 04:29 am
The Savannah cat is an exotic hybrid of the domestic cat and a medium-sized African Serval. This cat breed is named after their first kitten “Savannah” that was born in 1986. This cat breed comes in different generations but they are all very similar. The first generation is the rarest, the biggest, and also the most expensive.
Savannah features a graceful neck, large ears, and long legs which makes them bigger than most domestic cats. Although large and athletic, they are very affectionate with their owners but aloof with strangers if not socialized early. They are also very intelligent and good at following commands and instructions. So, are you interested in owning this cat breed and you want to know if Savannah cats make good pets? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will answer this question as well as tell you 10 interesting facts about Savannah cats.
[toc]Do Savannah Cats Make Good Pets?
A simple answer is YES, savannah cats make good pets. Savannah cats are affectionate, loyal, and friendly with a mild temperament and make good pets. However, if you are looking for a lazy lap feline, then savannah may not be the best choice for you. They are high-energy and athletic and demand a lot of attention from their owners.
Savannas are also known for being pranksters. The cat can hide and then surprise you when you least expect it. The fact that they are highly energetic means that they will at times climb high and knock things in your kitchen cabinet and generally just be a nuisance. However, they mean no harm and with time, you will learn how to get along with the cat.
Savannahs are also highly intelligent and active and require a lot of stimulation to keep them in check. So, if you are planning to own this cat breed, you should be ready to stock your house with a lot of puzzles, toys, and areas where the cat can climb to keep their mischievous behaviors in check.
Savannah cats have kept their ancestor hunting instincts and thus not a great choice for people who have small pets like Guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, or fish. If you are planning to own this cat breed, then you must be ready to shower her with an abundance of love and ready to play and interact with her. If given proper socialization as a kitten, a savannah cat will get along well with kids, the elderly, strangers as well as other cats and dogs.
10 Interesting Facts About Savannah Cat
1. They are a result of a crossbreed
The Savannah cat is a crossbreed of a Serval male cat and a domestic female cat. The first savannah crossbreed was bred in 1986 by a renowned breeder known as Judy frank. The first kitten was known as savannah and that is where this cat breed got its name. The Savannah cat breed was officially recognized and registered as a breed by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001. Less than a year later, this cat breed was accepted by TICA as a championship breed.
2. Their personalities resemble that of dogs
Another interesting fact about savannahs is that their personality is similar to that of dogs. They are active, high energy, curious, and very adventitious. They are also highly intelligent just like most dog breeds and very easy to train and follow commands. Savannahs are friendly and loyal and quickly develop strong bonds with their owners. A savannah will follow you around just like a dog would. This cat breed is thus an excellent choice for people who are looking for a charming pet. It makes a great pet for both dog and cat lovers.
3. They love water
If there is one thing that most cat breeds dislike is water. However, that is not the case with savannah cats. It is the only cat breed that enjoys playing in the water. This cat will gladly join you in the pool and even perform some moves that will impress you. So, if you have a fishpond or tank in your home, you need to cat-proof it to prevent this feline from messing with it.
4. They are very intelligent cats
One of the top reasons why most people love this cat breed is because of their intelligence. Savannas can do things that other cat breeds cannot. They are very easy to train and follow commands. For instance, with the right training, this feline cat can pick commands like retrieving toys. They also love playing games.
Savannah cats can learn more advanced tricks like opening doors and cabinets. However, the felines can be mischievous and challenge you at times. That is why they need to be trained at an early age to keep their behavior in check.
5. They can be leashed trained
If you have ever wished to own a cat that you can take on a walk around the neighborhood in the evening then savannah cat is the perfect choice for you. Savannah cat is one of the few cat breeds that can be leashed-trained. Although it takes some practice and patience, the cat will eventually learn. However, it is very important to note that this feline does not have a strong neck like dogs. So, you need to use a leash that is gentle on the cat. Instead of using a conventional collar, buy one that is specially built for savannahs.
6. Their ownership is restricted
If you are planning to own a savannah cat, it is important to first check with your local and state laws to know if owning a crossbreed of a domestic and wild cat is allowed or not. A vast majority of states consider the savannah cat breed a domesticated cat. However, a few states have enacted tough ownership regulations. So, it is important to first inquire to avoid getting in trouble with the authorities.
7. They are big
Savannah cats are one of the biggest cat breeds in the world. Savannas are long, tall, and very strong. An adult savanna can weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, which is way above the average cat weight which is about 10 pounds. Savannahs are also tall with a height of between 10 and 17 inches at shoulder level. Savannahs are without a doubt one of the biggest cat breeds.
8. They are social, curious, and playful
You will really enjoy having this cat around you because they are social, curious, and playful. If they are well-trained as kittens, they will freely interact with other people and pets. They can even play fetch.
They are very energetic and will always do amazing things that will impress everyone in the family. They like interacting with their owners. They also get along with children and visitors. If you give your savannah cat love and attention, then you will definitely get the best of her.
9. Each savanna cat has a special generation number
Another interesting fact about Savannah cats is that each has a special generation number. Savannah is a relatively new cat breed and as a result, each cat has a special number to identify their generation. Their special generation number is denoted by the letter “F” which means Filial – The generation that the cat belongs to.
F1 -means that the Filial belongs to the first generation, meaning they are the original offspring of a domestic cat and Serval.
F2- It means the cat belongs to the second generation which is the grand kittens.
F3 means that the cat belongs to the first generation which is the great grand kittens and so on.
The first generation of savannah cats is the rarest and also the most sought-after. Because of that, they are very expensive.
10. Savannah cats are expensive
If you are planning to buy a savannah from a reputable breeder, then you should be ready to spend a good amount of money. Savannah is not a cheap cat breed. In fact, they are among the most expensive cat breeds on the market today. One of the top reasons why this cat breed is very expensive is because they are rare. The cost of this cat breed depends on the generation that they fall. As mentioned earlier savannahs come in a wide range of generations, from F1 to F6. Savannah cats that are F4 and below are considered pure breeds. First-generation savannahs are the most expensive.
How Much Does A Savannah Cat Cost?
The price of a first-generation savannah cat (F1) ranges somewhere between $17,000 and $22,000 in the US. Lower generations (from F4 to F6) price ranges between $1500 and $5000. They are much cheaper because their pairing is much easier.
Conclusion
If you are planning to own a savannah cat and wondering if they make good pets, we hope that we have answered your question. Savannah cats make good pets, especially if they are trained at an early age. However, this cat breed may not be the best choice for a first-time cat owner because they require a lot of attention which can be challenging for someone who has never owned a cat before. They make great family pets but only if they are with the right family that knows how to handle them.
