The Savannah is a cat created in the United States in the 1980s. It comes from the crossing of the serval (a wild cat native to Africa) with various domestic cats with spotted fur. The savannah is perfectly adapted to social life. Very sociable, he, therefore, has a fiery and active temperament. If he expresses himself more often with a more hoarse meow, it is because he is also very attached to his master and breadwinner. Very soft and suitable for families with children, especially for distant generations of servals. He just needs space to spend each day. Note that it is hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for people who may be allergic to allergies.
Origin of the breed:
The Savannah is a newly created breed that is a cross between a serval (a wildcat from the African savannah) and a variety of spotted domestic cats. It was developed in the USA and it all started with a cat named Miracle. The latter was born in 1986 from a Siamese mother bred by Judee Frank and a Serval father with another breeder. Judee Frank renamed her Savannah Savannah and the cat gave birth to a litter of kittens 3 years later with a male Turkish Angora cat.
One of their descendants was purchased by Patrick Kelly, who later developed the breed. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that it was accepted by TICA (The International Cat Association), thanks to the hard work of enthusiasts like Lorre Smith and Gary Fulgham.
These formed a group of 18 founding breeders who contributed to the popularity of the breed.
The LOOF authorizes the exhibition of the breed in "New Breeds and Colors" since January 2007, and wild cats and first-generation hybrids (F1 to F4) are prohibited from the exhibition.
The 12 million Australian feral cats on Australian territory already pose a "significant threat to wildlife", with Environment Minister Peter Garrett banning the import of Savannah due to the risks of introducing the gifted breed. hunt.
In the UK, the waiting time to own a savanna kitten in 2009 was six months and the price was over 6,000 £.
Description of the breed:
A serval weighs fifteen to twenty kilograms, while a domestic cat weighs only three to eight kilograms. Savannahs from this cross weigh between seven and fourteen kilograms. It can measure up to 14 centimeters (at the shoulder). Females are smaller than males.
This cat has a small head compared to the rest of its body. The shape of its head is triangular and longer than it is wide. Their neck is long, thick, and muscular.
The Savannah Cat's ears are very large and set high on the head. They have a wide base and rounded ends. The legs are slender and long, and the hind legs appear taller than the hind legs. The feet are small, but the toes are long.
Their tails are thick, about three-quarters the size of a normal cat. It has a ring with a rounded black tip at the end.
He has a "spotted tabby" coat with a few small black spots on his legs and head. These spots are round, oval, or elongated. Savannah's entire abdomen is spotted and almost white.
Character and behavior:
Savannah is described as a very intelligent, curious, sociable, and active cat. Despite its partly wild origins, the Savannah is a gentle and affectionate cat. In addition, the Serval from which he came lived in close proximity to humans. A very intelligent and curious cat, Savannah is also a great athlete who loves to play and dance. Note that the Savannah loves water, unlike other breeds of cats.
Indeed, his temperament is conditioned by the quality of his society and the generation to which he belongs, particularly with regard to his behavior with children. F1 and F2 cats are closer to the Serval, they are usually attached to a single individual (owner), or even 2, no more. Therefore, they are more reserved towards children and strangers. On the other hand, Savannahs of older generations have an easier time trusting everyone, including the younger ones they enjoy spending time with.
Savannah also needs to be active and stimulated. If he gets bored, he can become destructive and attack various everyday objects: clothes, shoes, furniture, etc.
Because its behavior deemed unsuitable for captivity, the breeding, keeping, and marketing of the breed are prohibited in the Brussels region in Belgium.
Housing:
Savannah can live in the water or in the city, but she needs space and activity. It is also necessary to take care of its safety because it can run away. The environment in which he grows up must be enriched. In addition to the necessary cat tree (the largest possible for him), scratching posts, and toys, his place of life is decorated with games that call on his abilities: walls or suspended platforms, tunnels, refuge, etc. He also likes to walk on a leash.
Food:
Savannah is a self-help cat without worrying about the cost. With massive muscles, he needed a diet suited to his form. He doesn't like industrial foods like kibble. He likes to eat like humans. So, chicken or beef is fine, provided they have enough protein and fat.
