About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 51-56 cm

Height range  : 33-38cm

Weight range : 3.5-11.3kg

Coat : Short coat|short without a heavy undercoat|spotted or boldly marked

Life expectancy years : 17-20

Colors: brown spotted tabby|silver spotted tabby|black|black smoke|snow|blue|dilute colors|marbled or classic pattern.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Bengal|Abyssinian|Chausie|Oriental Shorthair|Maine Coon

 

History

The first known Savannah was born on April 7 , 1986 from a domestic cat and an African serval. The breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s , registered by TICA in 2001 and accepted for championship status by TICA in 2012. Early foundation breeds mentioned include Siamese , Egyptian Mau , Oriental Shorthair , domestic shorthair and some lines also used Bengal and Maine Coon.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

intelligent|persistent|curious|active|playful|friendly|loyal|dog-like|attention-demanding|independent but friendly

Needs

Needs high-level enrichment , large secure space , climbing structures , puzzle feeders , simulated hunting games , interactive play , routine entertainment and often secure outdoor access or a cat-proofed run.

Social Needs

Needs extensive daily interaction with people and may benefit from a companion animal if suitable. It bonds strongly with family but can be intense , demanding and may not suit homes with small pets or constant unsupervised mixing with other animals.

Grooming 

The Savannah has a short coat and generally needs little grooming. Occasional brushing is suggested with more frequent brushing during shedding and regular nail , ear and dental care plus handling practice is helpful.

Nutrition

This active breed should receive high-quality food matched to life stage and activity. Sources note all cats need animal protein and taurine and the supplied health text suggests some Savannahs do better on high-protein , low-carbohydrate diets with careful monitoring of body condition and fresh water daily.

 

Breed Standard

The breed standard describes a tall , lean , graceful and well-balanced cat with striking dark spots or bold markings on brown , silver , black or black smoke backgrounds. It should resemble the African serval in look while being domestic in stature and have an exceptionally long neck , legs , tall ears and a medium-length tail.

Did you know?

Savannahs are known for dog-like behavior such as fetch and leash walking and many enjoy water. Guinness records have included exceptionally tall Savannah cats and first-generation cats may require special legal permissions in some places.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Anesthesia sensitivity, Pyruvate kinase deficiency, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Gastrointestinal sensitivities or IBD, Lower urinary tract disease

 

Symptoms

1. Adverse reaction during procedures may include respiratory depression , respiratory arrest , cardiac arrest or prolonged difficult recovery

1. Lethargy , weakness , exercise intolerance , pale gums , jaundice and enlarged spleen may occur

1. Many cats may show no early signs
2. Labored or rapid breathing , open-mouthed breathing , lethargy and sudden hind limb pain or paralysis from thromboembolism may occur

1. Chronic loose stools , diarrhea , vomiting , gas , bloating , poor coat condition , weight loss and appetite changes may occur

1. Difficult or painful urination , increased frequency , crying out , blood in urine , inappropriate urination , frequent genital licking and little or no urine with obstruction may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Anesthesia sensitivity

1. Symptoms occur immediately upon or during anesthesia administration according to the supplied text

Probability Of Onset:

1. High risk especially in earlier generations F1-F3 according to the supplied text

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

1. Signs can appear at any age from kittenhood to senior years and crises may happen with little warning

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low in cats from responsible breeders because DNA testing is available

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Clinical signs are typically detected in adults around 3-8 years according to the supplied text though progression may be silent for years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate according to the supplied text and Cornell notes HCM is the most common heart disease of cats though Savannah is not specifically listed in Cornell’s breed examples

Gastrointestinal sensitivities or IBD

1. Signs may begin in kittenhood during food transition or develop in adulthood and often present around 1-5 years
2. Merck notes IBD average onset around 7 years in cats overall

Probability Of Onset:

1. High according to the supplied text because GI sensitivity is described as a common complaint among owners

Lower urinary tract disease

1. LUTD can occur at any age but is most often seen in middle-aged cats

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate because Cornell notes overweight , low-exercise , low-water and stressed cats may be at increased risk

Reasons

Anesthesia sensitivity       

1. This is not a nutritional deficiency and reflects intolerance to certain anesthetic drugs

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

1. This is not described as a dietary deficiency but taurine is noted in the supplied text as essential for feline cardiac health

 

Anesthesia sensitivity       

1. This is not a nutritional deficiency and reflects intolerance to certain anesthetic drugs

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

1. This is not described as a dietary deficiency but taurine is noted in the supplied text as essential for feline cardiac health

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

 1. The lacking factor is the functional pyruvate kinase enzyme in red blood cells according to the text

Gastrointestinal sensitivities or IBD

1. The text suggests the problem is often intolerance to ingredients and a diet rich in digestible animal protein and fat may be lacking

Lower urinary tract disease

  1. 1. Water may be lacking and concentrated urine may increase stone risk

Normally Treament Methods

Anesthesia sensitivity:

  1. 1. Prevention is the main strategy
    2. Ketamine-based protocols are not recommended according to the supplied text
    3. Experienced veterinary planning , pre-anesthetic bloodwork , IV catheter , fluids and reversible or inhalant anesthesia may be preferred

 

Pyruvate kinase deficiency:

  1. 1. DNA screening of breeding cats may reduce risk
    2. Supportive care may be used and severe crises may require transfusion or sometimes splenectomy according to the text

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  1. 1. Echocardiography may be used for diagnosis
    2. A specialized care plan and medications may help manage heart rate , congestion and clot risk

 

Gastrointestinal sensitivities or IBD:

  1. 1. Dietary management may help through elimination , novel protein , hydrolyzed or high-quality animal-based diets
    2. For diagnosed IBD anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment may be used

 

Lower urinary tract disease:

  1. 1. Urinalysis , imaging and other tests may be used
    2. Provide clean water , manage weight , keep routine consistent and obstruction may require catheterization , fluids , hospitalization or surgery. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Anesthesia sensitivity :

  • 1. No supplement is supported because prevention and drug selection are the focus
recommend product

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

  • 1. B vitamins can, might be helpful for red blood cell support during crises according to the text
recommend product

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for cardiovascular support
    2. Taurine and L-carnitine can, might be helpful for heart muscle function
    3. CoQ10 can, might be helpful for cellular energy support
recommend product

Gastrointestinal sensitivities or IBD

  • 1. Probiotics can, might be helpful for gut microbiome support
    2. Digestive enzymes can, might be helpful for food breakdown
    3. Slippery elm bark can, might be helpful for soothing irritation
recommend product

Lower urinary tract disease

  • 1. No specific supplement is supported in the Cornell LUTD text and additional urinary acidifiers are not recommended without veterinary guidance
recommend product