Savannah
Domestic-serval hybrids with extreme energy and exotic looks.
Savannahs are hybrids of domestic cats and African servals, retaining tall, lean builds, large ears, and bold personalities. Higher-generation Savannahs (F4+) are more domestic in temperament; early generations require expert ownership and are restricted in many regions.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 12–25 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–20 years |
| Energy | High |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●○○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●○○ |
| For beginners | ●○○○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●○○○ |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Extraordinary appearance
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Often enjoy water
- Athletic
✗ Things to know
- Banned or restricted in many regions
- Demanding care needs
- Not for first-time owners
- Expensive
Ideal owner
A Savannah may suit you well if you:
- Have previous cat experience and understand more demanding breeds
- Enjoy interactive play and can dedicate daily activity time
A Savannah may not suit you if you:
- Are new to cat ownership — this breed has specific needs
- Live in a small apartment with limited space to roam
- Have a busy schedule with little time for interactive play
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Savannahs are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Savannah right for you?
The best way to find out if a Savannah suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Savannah a good cat for first-time owners?
Savannahs are generally better suited to experienced cat owners. They have demanding needs and their temperament — bold, athletic, and intensely active. — requires an owner who understands the breed well.
Are Savannahs good for apartments?
Savannahs tend to do better in larger homes. They can become frustrated or develop stress behaviours in very small spaces without significant enrichment.
Are Savannahs good with children?
Savannahs can coexist well with older children who know how to interact respectfully with cats, but may be less tolerant of very young children's unpredictable handling.
Are Savannahs hypoallergenic?
Savannahs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Savannah suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Savannah on Wikipedia