Savannah Cat Breed Overview
Savannah cats are a striking and intelligent hybrid breed developed from the African Serval and domestic cats. Known for their tall stature, bold spots, and engaging personalities, Savannahs are both exotic in appearance and deeply bonded companions.
This breed is not for everyone — Savannahs thrive in homes that appreciate their energy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence.
Temperament & Personality
Savannah cats are:
Highly intelligent and problem-solving oriented
Strongly bonded to their people
Confident, curious, and socially interactive
Often compared to dogs in behavior
Many Savannahs enjoy:
They do best in homes where they receive regular interaction, enrichment, and mental stimulation.
Activity Level & Enrichment Needs
Savannah cats are extremely active and athletic.
They require:
Without adequate stimulation, Savannahs can become bored and mischievous. A well-enriched environment is essential to their well-being.
Socialization & Family Life
When properly socialized from kittenhood, Savannah cats can:
Do well with respectful children
Coexist with other cats and dogs
Form deep, loyal bonds with their families
Early handling, positive exposure, and gentle boundaries are key to raising a confident, well-adjusted Savannah.
Savannah cats are relatively low-maintenance in grooming.
Care needs include:
Their short coat sheds minimally and does not require specialized grooming.
A high-quality, protein-rich diet is essential for Savannah cats.
Recommended:
Some owners choose to incorporate raw or lightly cooked diets under veterinary guidance.
Savannah cats are generally healthy when responsibly bred.
Important considerations:
Average lifespan: 12–20 years
Breed Generations Explained
Savannah cats are categorized by generations (F1–F6), which indicate how far removed they are from the Serval ancestor.
F1–F2: Larger, more exotic, and require experienced owners
F3–F4: Balanced blend of wild appearance and domestic temperament
F5–F6: Fully domestic in behavior while retaining Savannah traits
Each generation has unique traits, and matching the right cat to the right home is essential.
Is a Savannah Cat Right for You?
Savannah cats thrive with owners who:
Enjoy interactive, intelligent pets
Have time for engagement and play
Provide structure and enrichment
Understand the responsibility of a hybrid breed
They are not a “set-and-forget” cat, but for the right home, they are extraordinary companions.
Legal Disclaimer: Savannah Cat Ownership Restrictions
Savannah cat ownership is regulated in certain areas due to their hybrid status. Laws vary widely by state, city, and county. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify all local and state regulations before purchasing or placing a deposit on a Savannah cat.
Bast’s Savannahs does not assume liability for:
Changes in laws after purchase
Incorrect or outdated information provided by outside sources
A buyer’s failure to confirm their local legal requirements
Many regions classify ownership by generation (F1–F6). Some areas allow later generations (such as F4–F6) but restrict early-generation Savannahs (F1–F3). Other locations may require special permits or prohibit hybrid breeds entirely.
By purchasing a kitten, the buyer acknowledges that:
They have researched and confirmed legality in their area
They understand all local requirements, restrictions, and permits
They accept full responsibility for meeting and maintaining compliance
Bast’s Savannahs reserves the right to request proof of legality before finalizing any sale or transport.