A Savannah cat lying on a bed

Savannah Cat Insurance, Care and Health Advice

The Savannah cat breed has exotic roots. A cross between a domesticated cat and a species of wild African Serval Cat, the breed has only existed since 1986. Savannah cats draw attention with their lively temperament and striking looks.

They may have wild origins, but they also have a loving side. If you want an active cat who’s always on the lookout for their next adventure – and can give you a lot of laughs along the way – the Savannah could be the perfect new family member.

Savannah Cat Facts

Cat breed type icon
Type
Exotic hybrid
Cat breed lifespan icon
Lifespan
15 - 20 years
Cat breed size icon
Size
Medium
Cat breed weight icon
Weight
3.2 - 6.8 kg
Cat breed height icon
Height
35 - 43 cm
Cat breed temperament icon
Temperament
Confident, lively and playful
Cat breed exercise icon
Exercise
30+ mins per day
Cat breed grooming icon
Grooming
Low maintenance

Is a Savannah Cat Right for Me?

Savannahs are active, curious cats, and love to climb. This isn’t a feline you’ll ever find snoozing the day away. Instead, while you’re gone, they’ll likely be organising their next grand prank.

Yes, you read that right, pranks, so watch out for incoming objects raining down from their high throne. It’s not uncommon for them to play their own version of hide and seek – the likelihood is you’ll find them in high, hard-to-reach places.

You'll find that Savannahs are described with a filial (or F) number – this identifies how close they are to the first cross with their wildcat ancestor and how much wild DNA the cat has. It takes at least three generations for Savannahs to no longer be considered wildcat hybrids and be purebred Savannahs, i.e. F4. It is illegal in some countries to own a Savannah cat from the early generations as a pet.

A Savannah kitten on a climbing frame

What Are Savannah Kittens Like?

Savannah kittens are curious and will investigate anything and everything. Owning a Savannah requires a lot of kitten proofing to your home and put any valuable and cherished items away! Remember that early experiences such as interactions with people and other animals in the first eight weeks are important for your kitten to grow into a confident, well-balanced cat.

A Savannah cat yawning

Life with a Savannah

Savannahs are attention seekers and will use whatever means necessary to get you to notice them. Expect to find them following you around the house or lightly nudging you for some cuddles, but these are not lap cat.

You’ll definitely need your wits about you with a Savannah around. But rest assured, they are very loyal and highly intelligent pets. They’re great around older children who know when to give them their space. Savannahs can also live harmoniously with other cats and dogs, provided they’re socialised from an early age.

Caring for Your Savannah

A Savannah cat’s wild, hunter origins mean it will benefit from a high-protein diet. Ask your vet for advice on how to ensure they get the nutrients they need to optimise their energy levels.

As a natural hunter thanks to the Serval ancestors, you know what’s coming next. Don’t be surprised if they bring you home some unwanted presents. And it might be wise not to have other small pets in the house such as gerbils, hamsters, and goldfish.

A Savannah’s exotic fur doesn’t require much grooming. Their coat is short and naturally soft, so it only needs a quick brush once or twice a week to keep it looking its best.

Unless your cat has been running through the mud or jumping through the trees, they should only need a bath a handful of times a year. But it’s rarely a battle to get them in the tub – Savannahs are one of the few cat breeds that love water.

Savannahs are naturally inquisitive and need plenty of activities and toys to keep them amused. As they can have a lot of pent-up energy, make sure they get lots of exercise – indoors and out (if safe to do so).

Savannahs are always on the prowl, whether it’s hunting for their latest toy or climbing to the highest point of the house. This is where a cat tree could be a good investment. These keen explorers will happily be taken out for walks on a leash if it gives them the opportunity to explore new surroundings.

Savannahs’ high intelligence makes them easy to train.

Savannah Cat Insurance

A Savannah cat’s wild lineage gives it a sense of adventure. Before you bring your Savannah home and let them climb to the highest shelf they can find, make sure you have the right Savannah Cat pet insurance in place. At Everypaw, we have a range of Lifetime Cat Insurance cover levels to choose from, and all come with a host of additional benefits as standard.

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Common Savannah Cat Health Problems by Vetstream

Still fairly new to the domestic scene, Savannahs have few recognised health problems and are one of the healthiest cat breeds. However, if anything is amiss with your Savannah, seek advice from your vet. Here’s some common health issues your Savannah cat might suffer from.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart condition in cats. In HCM, the heart muscle becomes thick, preventing the heart from working properly. This can lead to heart failure but if diagnosed at an early stage, long-term medication and other measures can slow the disease down. Savannahs can be prone to this condition and breeders should make sure that their cats have been tested and are clear of the condition. 

Hybrid Male Sterility (HMS) can impact the early generations of Savannah cats where male cats are born with improperly developed testes. It isn't until the fourth generation (F4) that reliably fertile male cats are produced. This condition does not affect the health of the cat, but sterile cats may have a lower price due to their inability to reproduce.

Pyruvate Kinase (PK) deficiency in Savannahs is where the Pyruvate Kinase (PK) enzyme found in red blood cells is lacking. As a result, the lifespan of the red blood cells is reduced and leads to anaemia.

There is no cure as it is an inherited condition, but it can be successfully managed.

While Savannahs are naturally very active, they can become overweight if their exercise needs aren’t met. There are various health issues associated with obesity – arthritis, diabetes, liver and kidney problems. To maintain a healthy weight, only feed them the recommended amount of food, and don’t give in to giving them too many treats.

Quick Savannah Q&A

The first Savannah cat was created when a wild African Serval and a domestic cat, a Siamese to be exact, were cross-bred in 1986. Initially considered an unusual pairing, the breed has grown in popularity.

Savannahs are known for being tall, lean cats with long legs, large eared and spotted patterns.

Savannah cats usually stop growing after two to three years. However, every Savannah cat is unique depending on its genes – so this varies greatly.

The Savannah is one of the healthiest cat breeds, so it’s not uncommon for them to live into their late teens and early twenties.

Savannahs shed fur, but their short coat means a weekly brush should keep it under control.

No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but many consider the Savannah’s dander to be less allergy-prone than other breeds due to their wild heritage.

Savannah cats have an energetic, curious, and social temperament. They are intelligent, playful, and bond closely with their owners, making them unique and active companions.

That’s All You Need to Know About Savannahs

Savannahs are a relatively new breed of cat. With their striking dark spots and markings, they look unique and exciting. Because they are quite rare, they can be very expensive. The cost will depend on which generation of Serval they are, and if they are male or female kittens.

Athletic, lively, intelligent and curious, these cats will keep you on your toes. They're more suited to families with older children and more experienced cat owners.

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis.

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

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