Savannah
The Savannah is a tall, exotic-looking hybrid cat created by crossing a domestic cat with the wild African Serval.
🗓️ Last reviewed: June 2026
Overview
The Savannah is a tall, exotic-looking hybrid cat created by crossing a domestic cat with the wild African Serval. The result is one of the most dramatic-looking cats in existence - long-legged, spotted, with huge ears - and one of the most controversial pet cats due to wild ancestry and resulting regulations.
History & Origins
The first Savannah was bred in 1986 by Judee Frank in Pennsylvania, who crossed a Serval with a domestic cat. Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe developed the breed further in the 1990s. TICA recognition came in 2012.
Savannahs are classified by generation:
- F1 - 50% Serval. Largest, most wild, often legally restricted.
- F2 - 25% Serval. Still large and challenging.
- F3 - 12.5% Serval.
- F4 and beyond - considered fully domestic.
Many jurisdictions restrict F1-F3 Savannahs. F4+ are typically legal but check local laws.
Appearance
Large to very large, long-legged. F1 males can reach 9-11 kg (20-25 lb) and shoulder height of 50 cm - the tallest domestic cats. Later generations are smaller.
- Coat: short, dense, spotted.
- Colour: brown spotted tabby, silver spotted, black, black smoke.
- Body: long, lean, with very long legs and a hooded forehead.
- Ears: enormous, set high.
Temperament & Character
Active, curious, intensely bonded. The breed is intelligent, energetic, and demanding. Many enjoy water, harness walks, and dog-like activities.
F1-F2 Savannahs retain noticeable wild behaviour - territorial, demanding, sometimes destructive. F4+ are more domestic but still active and challenging.
Care
Coat & Grooming
Very low-maintenance.
Exercise & Enrichment
Enormous. Climbing structures, daily play, harness walks, ideally a catio.
Health & Lifespan
12-20 years.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency - DNA test.
Living With
- Strictly indoor or supervised outdoor.
- Single-cat homes often best.
- Not legal in all jurisdictions.
Pros & Cons
Pros: stunning appearance, dog-like personality, athletic, intelligent. Cons: legal restrictions, very expensive, demanding, not for typical homes.
Savannah - frequently asked questions
Is owning a Savannah legal?
Varies. F1-F3 are restricted or banned in many places. F4+ are typically legal but verify local laws.
How big do they get?
F1 males can be 10+ kg and 50 cm tall at the shoulder - the tallest domestic cats. Later generations are smaller.
Are they aggressive?
F4+ generally domestic. F1-F2 retain noticeable wild traits and are not appropriate pets for most homes.
Cost?
F1 Savannahs sell for $20,000+. F4+ for $1,500-$5,000.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Nicknamed the cat in sheep's clothing, this breed sports a thick coat of loose, plush curls.
It's the Selkirk Rex - read the full profile →
Clue 2.This sleek, fine-boned cat is essentially a same-shaped relative of the Siamese but in hundreds of colors.
It's the Oriental Shorthair - read the full profile →
Clue 3.A gentle, silky-coated cat with sapphire eyes and snowy gloved paws, it is affectionate and quieter than many pointed breeds.
It's the Birman - read the full profile →
💛 Adoptable Savannahs near you
Real cats of this breed (and close mixes) waiting in shelters and rescues right now, live from Petfinder. We have no affiliation and earn nothing - if someone catches your eye, the link goes straight to their shelter. New to adopting? Start with our adoption guide.
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