How to Spot Savannah Cat Breeds?

It’s easy to see why so many pet owners are attracted to the Savannah cat breed. This wild-looking hybrid cat is a cross between a domestic feline and a serval – an African wildcat that is similar in size to a leopard. While Savannah cats aren’t as common as other cat breeds, they’re gaining more popularity due to their unique looks and friendly personalities.If you’re considering getting a Savannah cat, you should understand the various ways these cats are bred, and the basic traits of these animals to help you identify when you’re looking at an authentic Savannah cat. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Savannah cats, including how to spot them, what makes them unique, and breeding information for prospective owners.

What is a Savannah Cat?

A Savannah cat is a breed of domestic cat that is created from a cross between a wild African serval and a domestic cat. While they are bred to look similar to their serval ancestors, they have all the same characteristics of your typical housecat, meaning they tend to be friendly, social animals. Generally, this breed has longer legs than other cats and is tall and lean with an exotic spotted coat.Savannah cats are beautiful cats that are also highly intelligent — they’re one of the most intelligent domestic cat breeds in the world, making them easy to train. They love being outdoors and often enjoy playing in the water, but they are also very independent animals. As active cats, they need plenty of playtime and stimulation.

Types of Savannah Cat Breeds and Traits

When discussing Savannah cats, there are four main breeds: F1, F2, F3, and F4. F1 cats are considered the “purest” and most expensive type as they are the ones closest to the African Serval ancestors — 50 percent serval and 50 percent domestic. F2 cats are 25 percent serval and 75 percent domestic and F3 cats are 12.5 percent serval and 87.5 percent domestic, with F4 cats being successive generations further removed from the African Serval ancestor. Generally speaking, F1 cats are usually smaller than the other breeds and have more “wild” characteristics, with their coats being very similar to those of their serval ancestors. F2 cats look more like typical house cats and can come in a variety of coat patterns. F3 cats tend to look more like domestic cats with thicker fur than F2s or F1s. Finally, F4 cats look even more like regular house cats than earlier breeds; they tend to have thicker coats that can come in either spotted or blotched patterns.

Savannah Cat Personality

Savannah Cat personalities differ from one breed to another, but generally speaking, all Savannah cats tend to be social and interactive animals — even more so than the average housecat. They can be strong-willed but gentle, making them excellent companion animals. F1 cats can be quite vocal when compared to other breeds and much more active as well — they tend to have an incredible amount of energy that needs to be directed somewhere. F2s are typically quite friendly and tend to act more like “typical” housecats, while F3s can be quite protective of their owners and will often try to get attention when they want it. Since they are descendants of wildcats, Savannah cats may show more prey drive than other breeds — meaning they often try to capture whatever catches their eye, be it a toy or bug — but this varies across breeds based on how close or distant they are from the serval ancestor.

How to Identify a Savannah Cat

Identifying a Savannah cat isn’t always an easy task; however, there are some key traits you should look out for that can help you spot one:

• Large ears.
• Somewhat exotic appearance.
• Fur patterns that are vertical striping or spotted.
• Long legs compared to ordinary cats.
• Rounded head.
• Marbled eyes.

However, remember that later generations of Savannahs can look much like ordinary house cats — so if you still have doubts about whether you’ve got your eyes on a true Savannah, you might have to ask for papers from the breeder confirming its authenticity.

Buying a Savannah Cat

When it comes down to actually buying your Savannah cat, it’s best to purchase it from an experienced breeder with pedigree papers so that you get an authentic animal in good health. Before buying a Savannah cat always do your research first. The ASPCA’s advice on choosing the right cat for you offers comprehensive advice on what to consider before deciding on a pet, whether it is a purebred or not. You should also consult with a veterinarian before making any decisions since all animals have different needs based on individual health factors that should be considered before purchase. Overall, while they may not be as common as other pet breeds, Savannah cats can make excellent companions due to their striking looks, sociable personalities, and loyalty — and when they’re taken in from an experienced breeder and given plenty of stimulus, these beautiful animals can bring joy into any home!