What You Need To Know About Savannah Cats

By Timothy Reed


If you are like many cat lovers, the idea of a sleek looking wild cat is something you want to add to your home. Savannah cats are big, beautiful, intelligent beasts but they are not the best choice for every household. Here is what you need to know about these cats so that you can decide whether one would be a good addition to your family.

When you look at one of these cats, a wild feline likely comes to mind. They have beautiful markings on their coat as well as dark stripes down their nose that gives them a very exotic look. This comes from the Serval cats that were bred to domestic felines in order to create the breed. Many of the unwanted wild characteristics of a non-domesticated feline have been bred out of Savannahs leaving fun, playful pets that are beautiful to behold.

While some types of cats have been around for thousands of years, the Savannah is a relatively new breed of feline. The first kittens were bred in the 1990's and were the result of crossing a Serval (a small African wildcat) with a Siamese. In the following years, the breeders worked to create healthy kittens and to get this unique breed formally recognized by official breeding organizations.

One thing that makes members of this breed so appealing is their large size. While people tend to think all Savannah felines are large, this isn't necessarily the case. Smaller specimens are generally those that have more domesticated feline blood in them. First or second generation crosses can weigh as much as twenty pounds but because they are so long legged they tend to look much larger than that.

Because these cats are so large it is often necessary to have some special equipment in your home that a smaller feline would not need. For example, owners of these massive pets often use a rubber tote or a child's swimming pool as a litter box. This gives their pets plenty of space to move around and cover their waste. Their large size also means that you may need to cat-proof your home more extensively than you would with a smaller cat.

Some breeds of cat such as the Bengal can be incredibly intense and often need a lot of play or stimulation to keep them happy. A Savannah, on the other hand, will often have more of a laid-back personality that is quite similar to a dog in many respects. Because of their size you will need to make sure that any toys or furniture are as large and as well-made as possible.

These cats can be quite expensive. First or second generation crosses can cost thousands of dollars. As you get to further generations the pets will be smaller but will also cost less than first or second generation crosses will. Keep in mind, however, that even within the same litter there can be quite a difference in the size of the kittens.

While you may jump at the chance to grab up a Savannah, it is important to research the breeder before you do. Make sure they are working with healthy animals and that they are keeping records about the bloodlines of the cats they are breeding. Making sure the parents and babies are well socialized will also help increase your chances of getting a healthy, happy baby to add to your family.




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