United States
Hybrid
Large
13-17 in
12-25 lbs
12-20 years
Meet the Savannah
Savannah cats are stunning hybrids with a Serval parent and a domestic cat parent. They have long legs, large ears, and a beautiful spotted or marbled coat. Popular for their exotic look and energetic personality, Savannahs are curious, playful, and love to explore their environment.
Where It All Began
The Savannah was first developed in the 1980s by Judee Frank in the United States. The goal was to create a domestic cat with the wild beauty and athletic ability of the Serval, while maintaining a friendly companion. Today, Savannahs are recognized in several generations (F1-F7).
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Low shedding compared to longhair cats, with weekly brushing keeping their short coat looking its best.
- ✓ Brush weekly to remove loose hair
- ✓ Low shedding compared to longhair cats
- ✓ Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- ✓ Clean ears as needed
- ✓ Dental care recommended
- ✓ Provide lots of toys and vertical climbing spaces
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy, but regular vet care can help prevent common issues.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • Dental care is important
- • Watch for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- • Ensure proper nutrition for joint health
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Savannah is a higher investment due to their unique heritage and breeding costs.
Purchase Price: $1,000 - $25,000+
Monthly Cost: $60 - $150
First Year Cost: $1,000 - $2,500
Lifetime Cost: $12,000 - $25,000+
👍 Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Very active and playful
- Loyal and affectionate
- Unique and exotic appearance
- Gets along with children and pets
👎 Cons
- Requires lots of time and attention
- Needs plenty of exercise and space
- Not ideal for small apartments
- Can be expensive to purchase and maintain
- May be too active for some owners
💡 Did You Know?
Savannah cats can jump up to 8 feet in the air from a standing position—one of the highest jumps among domestic cats!
Compare Savannah
See how the Savannah stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
