Facts About Hybrid Animals: The Savannah Cat

The Savannah is a hybrid animal. They are a cross between the domestic cat and a Serval cat. What is a Serval cat you may be asking. The Serval cat is a wild cat from Africa. The Seval cat is typically about 33-44 inches in body length, then add about 12-18 inches of tail. They are known to have the longest legs in comparison to their body size. This aids them in their hunting as they can run up to fifty miles an hour, and jump to amazing heights. So high in fact, that they have been known to catch birds in mid flight. In the wild, Servals are known to live around sixteen years. In captivity, they are known to live as long as twenty five years. Their main habitat is the Savannah's in Africa.

A Little History of How The Special Hybrid Savannah Came to be-The Serval and the House cat

*April 7, 1986, a breeder named Judee Frank who had been working to cross the Serval with a house cat got to see the end result of this "labor". It was on this day that the first Savannah cat was born. Although this feline was not yet named the Savannah, this was the first in this line of the Savannah hybrid cat. It was not until the 2000 that that this special hybrid cat was recognized by The International Cat Association as a new breed.

In breeding the Serval with the house cat, the size of the cat has been greatly reduced, but it managed to keep its unique markings. This makes it look like a miniature Serval. Most of the personality traits also stayed intact. Some of these traits are more dog like than cat like. These hybrid cats are very loyal and typically bonds very strongly with their owner, making it hard for them to move on to another family if the current family feels they can't care for this hybrid animal. So this is not something to just jump into. Research it and make sure this cat is a good match for your family before just buying one because they look "cool".

The earlier the generation, the bigger the cat. The rating system goes from F-1 on. F-1 being first generation. If you would like to view some of these first generation, larger hybrid cats, please visit A1 Savannahs. Please keep in mind, these are not the typical Savannahs one would own if there were small children in the home, or if you don't have a lot of space. This is not the typical hybrid Savannah, and the ones that had some states up in arms about owning these amazing animals. The later breeds, such as F-4 are actually up to 97% house cat, and house cat size. The further down the line, the smaller the cat is, and although keeping the good traits from both sides of the cat family, the breeders have managed to remove the not so desirable traits. Just the same, NY and the Australian government has banned this hybrid animal stating fears of it getting loose and creating a type of wonder cat if left to breed on their own.

The Savannah Cat-Personality

The Savannah first and foremost is very loyal and gets very attached to its owner. Most domestic cats are known for their independent and "I'll come to you when I want" type behavior. The Savannah would rather follow you around, and can even be taken on walks on a leash-like a dog. Also unlike most domestic cats, this hybrid loves to play in water. This however should not be forced. Just as the other personality traits, this is not a given, there's just a higher percentage that like water. Putting them into water is not suggested, but you may find that they may try to join you while taking a shower or bath. Some websites state that these are anti-social cats, but nothing can be further from the truth. I'm sure that just like any other animal, or even humans for that matter, there are different personalities throughout this breed, but for the most part, these are very social animals. They do need space, and since the natural habitat of the Serval is mountainous, they love to climb. The Savannah cat does get along well with children, but just like any other cat, if the child pulls their fur, or pokes and pulls their tail, they will react. The Savannah will get along with other household pets as well, particularly dogs.

Where To Get A Savannah Cat

Please be sure to go to a reputable breeder is you are considering owning one of these hybrid animals There is a list of these here http://savannahcat.com/public/index.php . Even better than that, you can adopt a rescued Savannah cat. At Savannah Rescue. Even more rewarding is becoming a foster parent to a Savannah. The rescue asks that you have a room that can be dedicated just to the cat until it adjusts to its new home. The other of course is lots of love. You will need to record their little quirks and what they seem to need most so the rescue can put the Savannah with the proper adoptive family. Of course, many times the foster parents end up in love with the cat, and if they decide to adopt, they are first on the list the rescue will consider as the adoptive parents. While in your care as a foster cat, the rescue will pay for all medical care. Many have not been spayed yet, or had the basic blood work and shots. This is where the rescue steps in and takes care of expenses. If you would like an application to become a foster parent to one of these wonderful cats, please email MaryJo@svrescue.com. Any questions you may have will be answered, and if you then decide to become a foster parent, a form will be sent out to you so the rescue can evaluate your situation and see if it would be a proper placement.

If You Are Having Difficulty Raising Your Hybrid Savannah Cat

Savannah Rescue has a highly trained staff that has experience in all aspects of owning these hybrid cats. Sometimes an owner will feel they cannot give proper care to these cats, as they are not the typical house cat. If you are thinking of surrendering your Savannah, please consult the rescue first, as they will work with you and try to help you keep your Savannah. If this is not at all possible, they will then refer the cat to a foster home, then later adoption.

A video of a Savannah playing with the typical house cat-just adorable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serval
*http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com/Article/The-Savannah-Cat---Wild-And-Domestic/1196