Savannah

The Savannah is a tall domestic hybrid cat breed developed in the United States, created by crossing a serval with a domestic cat in 1986. Breeder Judee Frank produced the first hybrid kitten on April 7, 1986, inspiring Patrick Kelly and Joyce Sroufe to write a uniform breed standard. TICA accepted the Savannah for registration in 2001 and granted full championship status in 2012, whereas CFA and FIFe do not recognize hybrid breeds.

Physical dimensions vary substantially across filial generations, with first and second generation cats weighing 4.5-11.0 kg (10-25 lb) and standing 35-43 cm (14-17 in) tall at the shoulder. Later generations reach 3.5-8.2 kg (8-18 lb) while preserving an elongated silhouette and long neck. Hind legs sit noticeably higher than the shoulders when standing, giving the impression of elevated stature. The triangular head carries exceptionally large, erect ears with rounded tips set high on the skull. Hooded eyes rest beneath flat brow ridges, flanked by dark facial tear stripes running beside the nose.

Short to medium coats feature slightly coarse guard hairs over a softer undercoat, displaying bold dark spots across brown, silver, solid black, or black smoke backgrounds. The back of each ear exhibits distinct central ocelli bands resembling eyespots. Standard documentation specifies an alert, curious, and outgoing temperament with high energy. Many individuals follow household companions between rooms, play readily in water basins, learn to fetch tossed objects, and greet visitors at entryways, bonding strongly with family members without demanding lap confinement.

Weekly brushing with a short-toothed comb removes loose hairs and maintains a glossy coat, while vigorous daily activity with wand toys and tall climbing trees satisfies powerful jumping reflexes. Secure harness walking provides mental stimulation and controlled outdoor activity for energetic individuals. Feeding formulas rich in meat proteins supply essential dietary taurine necessary for long-term cardiovascular health. Documented veterinary conditions recorded in clinical publications comprise hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causing cardiac muscle thickening, pyruvate kinase deficiency resulting in hemolytic anemia, early-generation male hybrid sterility, and systemic taurine deficiency.