Savannah

The Savannah is a tall, lean spotted cat bred from the domestic cat and the African serval — a striking, high-energy breed measured by how many generations removed it is from its wild ancestor.

History

It was created from the 1980s by crossing domestic cats with the serval, and cats are graded F1 to F5 and beyond by their distance from that first cross. Ownership of the earlier, more wild-influenced generations is restricted or banned in a number of places, which is worth checking before considering one.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bold, active and dog-like — often walking on a lead, playing fetch and taking to water — with a strong bond to its people. The earlier generations are especially demanding and suit experienced owners.

Care

It needs a great deal of activity, space and enrichment to match its energy; the short coat is easy to keep. This is not a cat for a quiet, hands-off household.

Health

Hybrid breeds are often robust, though a heart condition is noted in some lines; the more pressing considerations are the legal status of the earlier generations and the commitment their energy demands. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one cat; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.