Savannah appearance
It is not surprising then that the most noticeable feature, to me, of the Savannah cat is both the striking coat pattern and the leg length and size of the cat. This breed is currently the largest domestic hybrid cat. The Savannah cat has long legs and a slender body that normally makes her substantially larger than the average sized domestic cat. Their long flexible body results in the particularly noticeable bend in the spine when they sit (see Helmi’s photograph opposite).
Their weight depends to a certain extent on how far the generation is from the wild serval, the breeding program and whether male or female. Select Exotics, an established Savannah cat breeder say that their F1 (one removed from the wild cat) males weigh between 20-27 lbs. Remember that the average cat weighs 8-10 lbs; this gives a clue as to the size. Remember too that these figures come from this cattery.
Their cats may be heavier than the average; F2s weigh 17-30 lbs, F3s between 15 and 22 lbs. They are, then, a big, leggy and therefore athletic cat. Long legs will give a lot of leverage for jumping and running. The Bengal is also athletic and a fast runner. As to the coat pattern and appearance, breeders will have as an objective a “wild” appearance and impressive markings and patterns. In order to achieve this breeders develop the breed by crossing with cats of a suitable type, which has impressive coat patterns and texture.
Under TICA breed standard, ocelli are a desirable characteristic. Ocelli are the white markings that look like eyes on the back of the ears. These are designed to protect the cat when threatened. A cat’s ears flatten and the backs of the ears face forward presenting two white, eye-like, spots. This would confuse and intimidate the other animal.
Or they serve to communicate the cat’s emotional state to other cats (src: Wikipedia). The legs are long and slender providing great leverage for those high (up to 8 feet) vertical jumps. In some cats you’ll see the black tear markings running from the corner of the eye and down along the nose (see the A1 Supremes boy above for example). Perhaps this form of marking is best known in the cheetah. (see cheetah habitat).
Above: Savannah Cat photo copyright Kathrin Stucki – A1 Savannahs.
Update 2-6-09: See some of Kathrin Stucki’s wonderful photographs of an F2 Savannah cat: Kathrin Stucki A1 Savannahs Photos.
je parle FRANçais je voudrais vous demandez si c’est un savannah même malade je suis prête a le soigner au vétérinaire en france et l’adopté sa serai avec un plaisir si vous pourvez l’envoyais en france avec un carnet de vaccin et la prise en charge du transport envoyé moi un message sur mon mail