Savannah Cat - Creature Companion

 Savannah cats are a large, athletic breed that is particularly affectionate towards their owners but can be a little aloof around strangers. Learn more about this highly intelligent cat.

Tall and graceful, the Savannah cat was first introduced in the late 20th century. The Savannah is actually a cross, the result of breeding a Siamese cat with a wild serval. And that craziness is on full display: The breed retains the large, pointy ears, long legs, and speckled fur of its African cat heritage, all while maintaining the friendly demeanor of a domestic pet.

One thing you need to know about the Savannah: These kittens are big. Adult Savannah cats can grow up to 17 inches long and weigh up to 25 pounds, depending on the generation. First-generation crosses (called F1 and F2) are generally larger than later crosses and have beautiful brown, tan, and black spotted coats. Later generations deviate even more from their wild ancestor, but retain the colors and patterns of the previous generations – they are simply smaller and a bit more docile. Savannah cats are loyal, intelligent, and inquisitive kittens, but they may not be the best choice for first-time cat owners.

Although they were introduced a few decades ago, Savannah cats are still a relatively rare breed. Some states even have restrictions on them, often depending on the generation. It's a good idea to check state ordinances before bringing a Savannah cat home.

Appearance

The recognized coat colors of the Savannah are black, brown-spotted brindle, silver-spotted brindle, and black smoke. Its coat is short, dense, and very easy to maintain with a quick brushing every week. Another feature that sets Savannah cats apart from other breeds: their eyes. The Savannah's eyes, slightly hooded and almond-shaped with a dark tear duct, give her a charming, friendly but penetrating look. Eye color usually reflects coat color, but not always.

Heather Tarticio, a Savannah cat breeder behind St. Louis Savannahs registered with TICA, says it's important to do your research before bringing a kitten home.

Temperament

If you are looking for a lazy lap cat, the Savannah is probably not the best choice. This athletic and active kitten is more likely to leap to the top of kitchen cabinets (the Savannah can jump a staggering 8 feet high) as she sits idle next to her food bowl.

Always looking to explore new challenges, the Savannah cat is often said to prefer a dog with a cat. These agile and agile cats love the water too, and they certainly won't hesitate to jump in the tub or walk around the kiddie pool with you. Savannahs are also easily trained, and some owners choose to train their cats and take them on outdoor adventures.

It is important to socialize your Savannah kitten, as these large house cats can be suspicious of strangers. But like canines, Savannahs are extremely loyal and tend to follow their favorite humans around the home just for the company, earning the nickname "Velcro Kitty." They have a reputation for being very conversational with a variety of distinctive intonations, although this is not always the case.

"Sheets make great family pets for the perfect family," says Patricio. "They are high-energy and demand a lot of attention, so they do not adapt well to a home where the owners are never home. They will bond with any animal," he said, the responsive animal is their constant love. This is why children and dogs are excellent companions. "

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