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Introducing
the Savannah Cat:: 
Savannahs
are considered one of the larger breeds of domesticated cats.
Their
tall and slim build gives Savannahs the appearance of greater
size than their actual weight. F1 hybrid and F2 hybrids are
usually the largest, due to the stronger genetic influence of
the African Serval ancestor. Male Savannahs tend to be larger
than females. On average, early generation Savannahs may weigh
10 to 25 lbs. Average size is also very dependent on generation
and sex, with F1 male cats usually being the largest. Later
generation Savannahs are usually between 8-17 lbs. Because of
the random factors in Savannah hybrid genetics, there can be
significant variation in size, even in one litter.
The
coat of a Savannah depends a lot on the breed of cat used for
the domestic cross. Early generations have some form of dark
spotting on a lighter coat, and many breeders employ
"wild" looking spotted breeds such as the Bengal and
Egyptian Mau for the cross to help preserve these markings in
later generations. The International Cat Association (TICA)
breed standard calls for brown spotted tabby (cool to warm
brown, tan or gold with black or dark brown spots), silver
spotted tabby (silver coat with black or dark grey spots), black
(black with black spots), and black smoke (black tipped silver
with black spots)
 The
overall look of an individual Savannah depends greatly on
generation, with higher-percentage Savannah cats often having a
more "wild" look. The domestic breed that is used will
influence appearance as well. The domestic out-crosses for the
Savannah breed that are permissible in The International Cat
Association (TICA) are the Egypt
ian
Mau, the Ocicat, the Oriental Shorthair, and the Domestic
Shorthair. In addition, some Savannah breeders use
"non-permissible" breeds or mixes such as Bengal (for
size and vivid spotting) and Maine Coon cats (for size) for the
domestic parentage. A Savannah's wild look is often due to the
presence of many distinguishing Serval characteristics. Most
prominent of these include the various colour markings and tall,
erect ears. The bodies of Savannahs are long and leggy—when a
Savannah is standing, their hind-end is often higher than their
shoulders. The head is taller than wide, and they have a long
slender neck. The backs of the ears have ocelli, a central light
band bordered by black, dark grey or brown, giving an eye-like
effect. The short tail has black rings, with a solid black tip.
The eyes are blue as a kitten (as in other cats), and may be
green, brown, gold or a blended shade as an adult. The eyes have
a "boomerang" shape, with a slightly hooded brow to
protect them from harsh sunlight. Black or dark
"tear-streak" or "cheetah tear" markings run
from the corner of the eyes down the sides of the nose to the
whiskers, much like a cheetah's. These tear marks also help
reduce glare from sunlight, which aids the Savannah's vision
during hunting
Most
F1 generation Savannahs will possess many or all of these
traits, while their presence often diminishes in later
generations. Being a hybridized-breed of cats, appearance can
vary far more than cat owners may be used to. To find out more
about the Savannah Click here
Chris
Winchester
Savannahs
Australia.
Phone:
(61)3 5978 6962
Photos
throughout this site courtesy of
A1 Savannahs. |
