The Savannah Cat: Feline Hybrid Breed

Many people don't realize that cat breeds continue to be created and a number of exotics have recently been accepted into The International Cat Association. One such newer breed is the beautiful Savannah Cat.

The Savannah Cat is created by breeding a African Wild Cat, called a Serval and a domestic cat, usually an exotic looking domestic cat such as a Bengal, Oriental Shorthair, Egyptian Mau, or a Serengeti's. The offspring created by this combination are large domestic cats ranging 10-25 pounds, with cases going larger then that and some rumors to Savannahs getting as large as 40 pounds. According to the International Cat Association (TICA) the breed standard calls for black or brown spotted tabby cats, silver spotted tabbies, or black smoke types only. Sometime colors among a littler will vary and not all kittens fit into the standard. An F1 (first generation, produced from breeding a Serval and a domestic cat) will often have most or all of the following characteristics:

*Wild look with marbling or spots.

*Tall erect ears with light colored banding bordered in black.

*Long slender, leggy frames.

*Long slender neck and a long tall head.

*Short tail with black rings and a black tip.

*Blue eyes as a kitten and green ones as an adult.

*Black "tear streaks" running from the corner of yes down the sides of the nose to the whiskers, much like that of a Cheetah.

Savannahs are classified as such for up to five generations of breeding. An F1 results from breeding a Serval to a domestic cat. An F2 results in breeding an F1 female to a domestic male. An F3 results in breeding an F2 female and a domestic male. The F4 results from breeding a F3 female and a domestic male. Finally an F5 is the result from breeding a F4 female and a domestic male. You will notice that none of the females were bred with males. This isn't completely true, however because of the genetic issues caused from hybrid breeding the males are usually sterile till the F4 or F5 generations. At that point they are used to produce Savannah to Savannah breeding. Usually these are denoted with an S and their generation number x and S and their generation number. So, it would be S2 x S5 kittens that were produced from breeding a second generation female to a fifth generation male.

Savannah History is a Recent History

The Savannah cat has had a short history thus far. The first successful breeding between a male Serval and a female domestic cat happened in 1986 by Judee Frank. Judee Frank sought to make this breed excepted amount TICA. It was hard work till she met Patrick Kelly. He had purchased one of Judee Frank's kittens and agreed that they should become a new breed. He worked hard to make them accepted, even writing and submitting breed standards. He met with breeder Joyce Sroufe and together they championed the Savannah's case, until in 1996 The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Savannah as a breed. Joyce Sroufe continues working with the breed and within TICA for the breed standards. She is often credited with creating the breed.

In the 20 years since the first Savannah cat was created through breeding there are now breeders all over the world producing Savannah Cats. More then 60 such breeders are registered with TICA and many of them advertise on savannahcat.com a website maintained by Patrick Kelly. Savannah kittens can cost between $600-7,000 depending on their generation, their history, and their coloring.

Though this is an accepted breed of The International Cat Association doesn't mean that it is legal everywhere. Many states have laws against these animals, they are classified as wild animals due to their wild ancestry. This is especially true to F1 animals. Before one can decide to have such a pet they need to find out the laws for their country, state, and local area.

Wild Look, How does it behave?

Most report that the Savannah Cat makes a great pet and companion. It is usually described as friendly, assertive, playful, and intelligent. Many report their Savannah's displaying many dog-like characteristics including following owners from room to room, meeting their owners at the door, walking on a leash, and playing fetch. They love other cats and even dogs. Additionally they are said to be good with children and will play for hours with them, almost tirelessly.

They have a few issues that owners say one must learn to deal with. They jump and sometimes break things. They get to high places like cupboards, doors, and refrigerators. They are known for jumping at people from such heights and for breaking things while getting there. Additionally, being the smart animals they are, they often figure out how to open cupboards and doors making it a challenge to keep them out of things they shouldn't have.

Most breeders and owners suggest a premium cat food diet. Some suggest that it be supplemented with a little raw meat, up to 30%. Other then that there are no other special requirements to owning this cat. Maybe a little extra patience!

Controversy

Of course, that isn't the whole story. According to Big Cat Rescue this is far from the truth. He says that these cats often cause problems and many owners don't want them once they reach adulthood. They cause issues with jumping and breaking things. Big Cat Rescue also claims that they bite. They also claim that they spray everywhere, whether they are fixed and gender doesn't change that issue. They also say that they can not be raised with other cats, dogs, or animals. They are said to hunt large animals, dogs (even German Shepherds), children, and it was said that there were even reports of little old ladies being stalked as prey. It is true that this Big Cat Rescue specifically identifies the Bengal as an issue cat, they also mention other wild cat, domestic breeds such as the Savannah. Many people claim that the Bengal is often aggressive and difficult to live with, showing wilder sides. Those in favor of keeping Savannah's say that these aren't accurate depictions of their precious cats. The Serval is supposed to be a laid back, easy going wild cat, therefore the offspring he produces with the domestic cat aren't as wild and crazy. While they are energetic, they are not supposed to be avid hunters, and The Big Cat Rescue is the only resource that mentioned spraying.

Other issues come down to the issues and implications of creating hybrids in general. Though there are some that are widely accepted, such as the mule, others are causing a great stir among animal rights activists including some of the cat hybrids. There are issues when man decides to play God and have its hand at evolutionary changes. However, thus far there have been few consequences of breeding Savannahs. Most are healthy happy creatures who love to play.
If you think the Savannah Cat is for you and your family, consider all aspects of ownership. This is an exotic pet and finding out it's needs and whether or not you can meet them is very important. This is a beautiful creature, but it must be taken care of and ownership should be considered carefully so that not very many of these beautiful creatures end up on the streets or in rescues.