Explore the Breed
Breed Overview
Playful, adventurous, loyal, energetic, intelligent, and curious
Up to 11 kg or 25 lbs (especially for first-generation Savannahs)
Golden (brown), silver, black, and smoke
Short hair
Spotted tabby
Gold, green, or brown
12 to 20 years
No
History of the Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat’s origins began in 1986 with a woman named Judee Frank. She crossed a male serval and a domestic Siamese to create the very first Savannah cat. When the kitten was born, she was named Miracle, which was then changed to Savannah after she was sold over to Suzi Mutascio.
From here, more and more people, such as Lori Buchko and Patrick Kelly, became involved in the history of this cat breed. These people saw the opportunity to breed the Savannah cat and make it a popular choice for cat lovers everywhere. It was also Patrick Kelly, with the help of Karen Sausman and Joyce Sroufe, who created the first Savannah Standard.
While there were a few bumps in the road, the Savannah cat was eventually allowed to show in TICA. With contributions from The Eighteen, the breed was recognized for its beauty and personality.
Physical Characteristics of Savannah Cat
Head
Savannah cats have a small, triangular-shaped head with a long and narrow muzzle.
Eyes
They have slightly large eyes with a “boomerang” shape. The colors vary from blue, green, gold, and brown.
Ears
The ears are large, upright, and slightly rounded at the tips.
Body
Savannahs have long and lean bodies built for athleticism. Their necks are elongated, and their backs are slightly arched.
Limbs
The legs are slender, and the muscle tone is good. Their paws are oval-shaped and compact.
Tail
They have a thick tail that curves upward a bit. It is of medium length and has a blunt end.
Coat
Their coat is short and sleek with a smooth texture. The colors come in gold, brown, silver, black, and smoke. Common patterns include spotted, marble, rosette, and torbie.
Size
Both male and female cats have heights that can range from 27.9-41.4 cm (11-16.3 inches), depending on generation.
Weight
Both genders can have weights that range from 5-8.8 kg (11-19.38 lbs), depending on the generation.
Just welcomed a Savannah Cat
What to Expect With a Savannah Cat
Health Concerns of Savannah Cat
How to Groom a Savannah Cat
Coat Maintenance
Savannah cats have a short coat that needs minimal grooming. Brushing them once a week is enough to prevent matting and remove loose hairs. We advise using a soft brush or fine-toothed comb for a smooth and shiny coat. They’re low-shedding cats, so regular shedding is still needed.
Skin Health
Savannahs usually don’t experience any skin issues, but they can still have dry or oily skin occasionally when the weather conditions aren’t ideal for them. You should contact your vet when you see any signs of dryness or redness on their skin.
Bathing Routine
Savannah cats are some of the cat breeds that enjoy playing in water. This makes bathing an easy task for many pet owners. However, they don’t require frequent baths, only when they become sticky or messy due to their activities. Make sure to only use cat-safe products that are gentle on their skin to avoid irritation.
Nail Trimming
Their nails must be cut every two to four weeks as they can become too sharp and long. Use cat nail clippers to trim the nails, but do not cut too close to the quick. This is the pink part of cat nails that has blood vessels and nerves. Cutting this will result in pain and bleeding. If you’re unsure about trimming a Savannah's claws, it’s best to seek professional grooming services.
Ear Cleaning
Savannah cats don’t need ear cleaning unless it’s necessary. When you see any wax buildup or redness, use a damp cloth to wipe the outer ear. You can also use a cat-safe ear cleaner recommended by your vet.
Eye Care
Savannahs also don’t require regular eye cleaning. When they develop discharge or tear curtains, use a soft and damp cloth to wipe around the eye area. If you see any signs of squinting or redness, consult your vet immediately because it could already be an infection.
Dental Hygiene
Savannahs are prone to dental issues, such as gum disease and plaque buildup. We recommend regular brushing two to three times a week using toothpaste and a toothbrush specifically made for cats. You can also offer dental treats to during days when you don’t brush their teeth.
