The Savannah cat is an exotic-looking breed with a unique personality. In this article, you'll learn all about its origins, temperament, and striking appearance.
The Savannah Cat
Looking for a cat with an exotic appearance? Then the Savannah cat is a top choice. They’re not yet common in the Netherlands, which makes it even more special to have this beautiful animal as a pet.
Their unique appearance and sweet nature make them very suitable as a house cat. In this article, we’ll tell you more about the fascinating history of the Savannah cat, along with their personality and looks.
History of the Savannah Cat
The Savannah is a relatively new and little-known cat breed, both in the Netherlands and worldwide. Its history is still quite short. The Savannah originated from a cross between a serval and a domestic cat — a truly unique combination.
Personality of the Savannah Cat
Yes, the Savannah is descended from a wild animal. Still, their temperament is rather mild. It’s important to socialize them early, which helps them get along well with other cats, dogs, or children. However, due to their strong hunting instinct, a home with small animals may not be the best environment.
Savannah cats are energetic, playful, loyal, and adventurous. They need mental stimulation and enjoy training. You can even teach them to walk on a leash or fetch toys. And yes — Savannah cats often love water!
Appearance of the Savannah Cat
This is where the Savannah truly stands out: their exotic look. From their serval ancestors, they’ve inherited athletic builds and stunning markings. They have long legs, with the hind legs taller than the front — clearly visible when standing. The tail is fairly short with black markings and a black tip.
They have long, lean bodies and relatively small heads compared to other cats. Their entire body is covered in beautiful serval-like spots. Kittens are born with blue eyes, which change to green, brown, or gold as they mature.
Savannah Kittens
Interested in a Savannah kitten? Understandable — they’re adorable. But there are some things to consider. The first-generation Savannah is called F1 and is directly descended from a serval. These cats are larger and retain more wild traits.
If you prefer a more domesticated pet, opt for later generations, like F5 or F6. An F6 Savannah kitten typically has 4% to 11% serval DNA, while F1s have around 50% to 56%. Reputable breeders in the Netherlands are registered with SKVN — Savannah Kat Vereniging Nederland.
Coat Colors of the Savannah Cat
The "true" Savannah cat has a Brown Spotted Tabby coat — golden with black spots, just like a serval. However, other variations exist, such as:
- Silver Spotted Tabby: Gray or silver base with black spots — very popular.
- Marbled: The spots blend together in a swirl-like pattern. Some argue this is not desirable for the breed.
- Black and Black Smoke: Fully black or with a white undercoat and contrasting black spots.
The Savannah’s coat is a real eye-catcher. Over generations, different patterns and colors have emerged — some not accepted by breed standards, like Chocolate or Cinnamon. If those don’t matter to you, they can still be great pets.
Buying a Savannah Cat — What’s the Price?
The Savannah is rare and exotic. Due to their serval lineage, careful breeding is essential. This is reflected in the price: expect to pay at least €1000 for a kitten. Interested in an F1 Savannah? Then prepare for a big investment — prices can reach €20,000. Interestingly, this is more than the cost of a serval itself, due to the complexity of breeding.
It’s essential to buy from a registered breeder. They can advise whether a Savannah fits your home and lifestyle. They test for genetic conditions and focus on socialization. Fortunately, the breed has few known hereditary diseases, and their lifespan can reach up to 20 years in some cases.
