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Savannah cats are a large, athletic breed that’s especially affectionate with their owners, but can be a bit standoffish with strangers. Learn more about this highly intelligent cat.
HISTORY OF THE SAVANNAH CAT
Tall and elegant, the Savannah cat was first introduced in the late 20th century. Savannahs are actually a hybrid breed, the result of breeding a Siamese cat with a wild serval. And that wildness is on full display: The breed retains the large perked ears, long legs, and spotted coat of its African cat heritage, while keeping the friendly demeanor of a domestic pet.
The first Savannah cat, aptly named Savannah herself, was introduced to the world in 1986. The first member of the tribe was conceived by crossing a male wild African serval cat with a domestic Siamese cat. The resulting offspring mirrored the gorgeous spotted coat and build of the wild cat, but retained the friendly, domestic demeanor of her mom.
It didn't take long for breeders to see the potential of this spectacular animal, and over the decades the numbers climbed and more generations of Savannahs were bred. In 2001, Savannah cats were recognized by the International Cat Association as an official breed.
One thing to know about Savannahs: These kitties are big. Adult Savannah cats can grow up to 17 inches tall and weigh 25 pounds, depending on generation. First generation crosses (called F1 and F2) are generally larger than later crosses and have beautiful spotted coats in shades of brown, tan, and black. Later generations are further removed from their wild ancestor, yet retain the colors and patterns of earlier generations-they're just smaller and a bit more docile. Savannah cats are loyal, intelligent, and inquisitive kitties, but might not be the best choice for first-time cat owners.
Though they were introduced a couple decades ago, Savannah cats are still a relatively rare breed. A few states even have restrictions on them, often depending on generation. Checking state ordinances is a good idea before bringing home a Savannah cat.
Appearance
Talk about elegance! The Savannah cat's tall, lean body and striking spotted coat make these gorgeous animals look a bit like miniature cheetahs. Savannahs can stand 17 inches tall and have been crowned the world's tallest domestic cat by the Guinness Book of World Records. Male Savannahs can weigh as much as 25 pounds, while females can be as light as 12 pounds. Their height and weight are totally dependent on how many generations removed an individual cat is to her wild serval ancestor.
Recognized coat colors of the Savannah are black, brown spotted tabby, silver spotted tabby, and black smoke. Their coat is short, dense, and super easy to maintain with a quick brushing every week or so. Another trait that separates Savannah cats from other breeds: Their eyes. Slightly hooded and almond-shaped with a dark tear duct line, the Savannah's eyes give her a striking, friendly-yet-piercing gaze. Eye color generally reflects the coat color, but not always.