Cat breed · Hybrid
Savannah
A tall hybrid of domestic cat and serval. Later generations can live successfully as pets, but early generations have specialist needs and are legally restricted in many places.
Large12–20 yearsUnited StatesNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hybrid
- Origin
- United States
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 5–11 kg (12–25 lb)
- Height
- 35–43 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–20 years
- Coat
- Short, spotted, coarse
- Temperament
- BoldAthleticDemandingLoyal
History
First bred in 1986; generations are labelled F1 to F5+ by distance from the serval ancestor.
Appearance
Very tall and long-legged with bold dark spots and upright ears.
Exercise and activity
Extensive daily exercise, tall climbing structures, harness walks and secure outdoor space.
Care and grooming
Check your national and local law before acquiring one; some jurisdictions ban or licence early generations.
Health considerations
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Anaesthetic sensitivity in early generations
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Digestive sensitivity
- Injury from high-energy behaviour