At a glance the quick version
Size depends heavily on generation. Wikipedia gives 4.5-11 kg for F1-F2 cats (a few much heavier), 5.0-8.2 kg for show-eligible F4-F5 cats and 3.5-8.2 kg for later generations. PetMD gives 11-20 lb (about 5-9 kg). TICA notes females are usually smaller than males and can be quite petite. Range shown is for later generations.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short coat with little undercoat
A tall, rangy cat built on long legs with a long neck and lean body, so it often looks bigger than it weighs. The hindquarters usually stand a little higher than the shoulders. Big upright ears sit on top of the head, often with pale eye-like patches on the back, and the hooded, boomerang-shaped eyes are framed by dark tear-streak lines. The short coat is covered in bold dark spots and the fairly short tail carries black rings and a black tip.123
Personality what they are like
Bright, curious and confident, the Savannah likes to be where the action is and will often meet its family at the door. It forms strong bonds with its people and tends to trail them around the house, though it prefers sitting close by to curling up on a lap. Its inquisitive streak can lead to mischief, so it does best with owners who enjoy an interactive, busy cat.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Savannahs need daily play and plenty of mental stimulation. They love high perches such as door tops and fridges, and enjoy cat wheels, climbing trees, puzzle toys, learning tricks and walks on a harness.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little coat care needed: an occasional brush keeps the short coat tidy. Add routine nail trims, ear checks and tooth brushing. Many Savannahs are happy with water, so bathing is rarely a battle.13
Home where they are happiest
An indoor home with lots of vertical space (tall cat trees, shelves) and secure spaces to climb and jump. Local rules vary: some countries, states and cities restrict or ban ownership of early generations, so check the law before bringing one home.312
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A good-quality complete cat food suited to an active cat. Several smaller meals a day and food puzzles suit its hunting instincts and busy mind.31
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and does best with company and regular interaction. Well-socialised Savannahs can get along with other pets and family members.13
The story where it all began
The breed began in April 1986, when breeder Judee Frank paired a male serval owned by Suzi Wood with a Siamese-type domestic cat. The result was a female kitten named Savannah, and her name was later given to the whole breed. In 1989 she produced second-generation kittens. Patrick Kelley and breeder Joyce Sroufe took up the project in the 1990s, wrote the first breed standard and presented it to TICA in 1996. TICA opened registration in 2001 and granted full championship status in 2012. Generations are labelled F1, F2 and so on by their distance from the serval ancestor, and from the fourth generation on the cats are treated as pedigree Savannahs.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed is named after the very first kitten, a female called Savannah born in 1986.2
- 2
A Savannah named Arcturus Aldebaran Powers was recognised as the tallest cat, standing just over 19 inches (48.4 cm) at the shoulder in 2016.1
- 3
Another record-holding Savannah, Fenrir, measured 18.83 inches (about 47.8 cm) tall.3
- 4
Many Savannahs enjoy water and will splash in it or even climb into the bath.2
- 5
They are powerful jumpers, reputed to leap as high as about 8 feet (2.4 m) from a standstill.3
- 6
The pale spots on the backs of the ears are called ocelli, a feature shared with their serval ancestor.2
- 7
Many learn to walk on a leash and play fetch, which is why they are often called dog-like.1
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- Accepted for registration in 2001; championship status granted in 2012 for later (F4 and onward) generations1
- WCF
- Listed as a recognised breed2
- CCA-AFC
- Listed as a recognised breed (Canadian Cat Association)2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Savannah. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayAbout 60 minutes of play a dayevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- TICA breed profile: Savannah tica.orgused for history, recognition, colours, temperament, care, lifespan, record height
- Savannah cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, generations, weight by generation, appearance, legal notes, recognition
- PetMD: Savannah cat petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, activity, diet, jumping, Fenrir record
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.