Savannah cat (comprehensive article)

The above photo is by Michael @ Pictures of Cat.org. Savannah cat from A1 Supremes – The ultimate hybrid domestic felines. This kitten is an A1 Supreme Quality Savannah. His name is FOCUS an F1 Savannah cat. He is a wonderful cat and now in his new home. He is cute, alpha male, cuddly and he has a unique voice….See also pictures of a premature Savannah kitten…a bug babe.

“Ever since I first saw this breed on “Cats 101” on Animal Planet, I have wanted one. They are so beautiful and graceful… I even did my biology report on this breed! I only wish the price could be brought down some–cats shouldn’t only be for rich people–and that there were more breeders in the US. Because with the high price of the cats and long distance of reputed breeders, my chances of getting a Savannah are ZERO. :'( Anyway, thanks for putting all the vids on here. I love watching Savannahs, and the serval one was cool. Great pics and info, too!”…..Camden (USA)

Introduction

The Savannah Cat is a striking combination of a domestic cat and a wild African Serval producing a stunning appearance. I am talking here of the USA breed. There may have been a cat breed by the same name in the UK. Apparently, the breed was a cross between the Bengal and Siamese and therefore an entirely different breed. However, Kathrin Stucki a Savannah cat breeder of extensive knowledge, very much doubts the existence of the UK Savannah.

Above Photo of kitten copyright Kathrin Stucki. It is a thumbnail. Please click on it to see a larger version.

The USA breed’s creation is based on the same principles as for the Bengal Cat – crossing, in this case, an African wild cat called the Serval and a domestic cat. As you might know the Bengal cat is a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat. The breed was founded by Ms. Joyce Souffle and Patrick Kelly.

The goal in both instances is to develop a domestic cat with the looks of an exotic wild cat. This meets peoples’ interest in exotic wild cats (and therefore their desire to “own” one) and the more practical aspect of living with one. As a result this cat must be totally unchallenging (well behaved with people and pets). Breed standards demand this. If you go to a cat show you see some amazingly well behaved cats.

The Serval

The main habitat of the African serval is the savanna hence the name of this breed. It is worth looking at the serval to help understand the Savannah.

The serval is highly specialized for catching rodents. The cat lives in the savanna landscape, which is an open landscape with tall grass. The serval has long legs, a long neck, a small head and large pricked forward ears – serval description.

These characteristics have been developed to catch its prey in long grass. For example, when stalking, the serval will pause and might listen for 15 minutes with its eyes closed.

The servals long legs provide speed (think of the cheetah – a similar body conformation. However the serval has longer legs to body size than the cheetah) and the ability to jump very high and pounce down on the prey. It is the longest leg to body ratio of all the wildcats.

The impact on landing on the prey kills or stuns it. The elongated neck and body allow for a high vantage point. Read lots more about the serval.