Savannah

Overall description of the breed

The Savannah is a breed of cat that embodies the majestic and wild appearance of large felines while retaining the affectionate and social nature of domestic cats. Its history is the result of a bold crossbreeding between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African big cat.

The history of the Savannah dates back to the 1980s when Judee Frank, a cat breeder based in California, set out to introduce the wild serval gene into the genetic lineage of domestic cats. By crossing a serval with a Siamese breed domestic cat, she succeeded in creating the first specimens of the Savannah breed. However, the development of the breed did not stop there. Patrick Kelley, also involved in creating the Safari, played a key role in crossing the serval with Abyssinians, Egyptian Maus, and other domestic breeds to refine the appearance and personality of the Savannah.

The morphology of the Savannah is impressive and reflects its hybrid heritage. These cats have an athletic and graceful appearance, with a elongated body, long muscular legs, and a slightly larger head than traditional domestic cats. Their ears are medium to large and are distinguished by their characteristic black markings on the back. Their short and dense fur features spotted, marbled, or speckled patterns reminiscent of the appearance of wild African big cats.

The coat colors of the Savannah vary, but they are often in shades of fawn, red, and black, with striking contrasts between the spots and the fur background. This variety of colors and patterns adds to the breed's unique and captivating appearance.

As for character, the Savannah is known for its intelligence, curiosity, and high energy. Due to its wild heritage, the Savannah may exhibit behaviors similar to those of the serval, such as jumping high and catching objects in the air. However, they are also known as affectionate and social companions that form close bonds with their owners. They love interacting with humans and can be very active and playful.

In terms of measurements, the average weight of a Savannah usually ranges between 4.5 and 9 kg (10 to 20 lbs). As for size, Savannahs typically measure between 25 and 35 cm (10 to 14 inches) at the shoulder.

The Savannah quickly caught the attention of exotic cat enthusiasts and has gained popularity over the years. In 2001, the International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognized the Savannah breed and established breed standards to guide its breeding and exhibition. Since then, the Savannah has gained recognition and respect within the cat community.

In conclusion, the Savannah is a breed that combines the majestic wildness of large African big cats with the loving and interactive personality of domestic cats. Its history is the result of the courage and passion of breeders who sought to create a unique and fascinating breed. With its impressive appearance, endearing character, and fascinating heritage, the Savannah has the potential to continue captivating cat lovers around the world and become a long-lasting cherished breed.