Savannah cats: description of the breed, photos and reviews

In the hot climate of Africa live the amazing beauty of cats - servals. The locals long ago learned to tame these wild animals and are often kept them either in their homes or in specially equipped aviaries. However, you will agree that living near cats – not the best idea. Moreover, in most countries the contents of prey animals in the home is strictly prohibited. Therefore, it was found an alternative solution: in the mid 80-ies of the last century had their first kitten is Savannah. His parents became wild Serval and a house cat.

New breed

The First generation of Savannah cats is marked with index F1. Related animals are considered to be the most expensive, as they are half Serval. All subsequent generations formed by crossing cats Savannah cats similar breeds. For example, these include the Bengal, Egyptian Mau, and the like. Thus, the higher the index of generations, the more animals resemble ordinary house cats, not servals. Because of this, their value is much reduced.

As mentioned above, cat breed Savannah belonging to the first generation is very expensive. This is not surprising, since these animals are almost the most rare in the world. Although Savannah and valued extremely highly at the outset of their appearance, however, the official registration took place only in 2001. As for breeding this relatively young breed, it is quite a difficult job, so it is not yet too widespread.

Cats Savannah: the breed description

These beautiful animals are inherited from their wild relatives very much their peculiar traits: long body, sturdy legs, a long neck, and short bushy tail with a black tip. But perhaps the most characteristic features of this breed are extremely large and erect ears, beautiful eyes and also very attractive ‘leopard" color.

Cat breeds Savannah, a photo of which is posted in the article has a short, dense and very soft coat. The size and location of dark spots on it is arbitrary. They can range from brown tones and deep black. The colour can be quite varied: silver, chocolate, gold, brown and even tabby cinnamon (light brown with dark stripes). What will be the coat of the kitten depends on appearance, domestic cat, paired with a purebred Savannah.

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The Size of each animal due to his class. The most difficult large cats and Savannah can only belong to the first or second generations (F1 and F2), while their height reaches 50-60 cm, and weight – 14-15 kg. Females are slightly lighter and smaller in size. All other generations of animals even more different from the above norms. I must say that Savannah reach its maximum size to three-year age, and this parameter along with the weight depends on the breed of the male.

Cats Savannah: General description of breed standards

• Animals of large size, having a somewhat elongated slender body.
• Small head is wedge-shaped, and planted on the long neck.
• Wide at the base, large and pointed ears.
• Long, strong and slender limbs.
• Almond-shaped eyes with copper, yellow, or green colors, as well as any of their notes.
• Short, soft and fairly thick coat of the so-called ‘leopard" color.
• Spot of black or brown colors, and the rest wool, chocolate, silver, brown, Golden or tabby cinnamon color (photo Savannah cat).

Adults and their nature

The Behavior of these animals quite unlike their wild relatives - the servals. Savannah pretty quickly attached to the man, seeing him as his companion, and that they are very similar to dogs. In addition, they can demonstrate the same loyalty to their master, like dogs. However, despite affection for the man, they easily stand alone. Savannah cats are very curious and bold. They prefer active games, but if the master is once bother with them, they will take themselves – for example, little mischief, making their own rules around the house.

The Most beloved of them are games that mimic hunting. For cats importantly the process of chasing a prey, so they could have plenty to run and jump. Most likely, the kind of stuff they got from their wild ancestors – servals. Sometimes, some Savannah cats can be quite aggressive, but this happens very rarely. It happens that during the game, animals can somehow hurt or scratch person, so they are not recommended to leave alone with young children.

Animal Care

Despite the fact that cat breed the Savannah is an exotic, any special care it will require. Since these animals are short-haired, all attention to their hair comes down to brushing and bathing. The first of these procedures made once a week, and the second – no more than 4 times a year. Savannah cats love fresh air and this is best to use the leash.

For purebredsexperts always recommend to use only a balanced diet, which is easily provided with a special feed related to the premium class. They are slightly different from each other depending on the age of the cat. While breeders are strongly recommended to avoid feeds with a high content of grain. Besides, from time to time, the food is desirable to add special cat treats, which include taurine, as well as the means that promotes the removal of wool from the stomach.

With regard to natural products, the food you need to add small pieces of raw meat, as it is believed that this product extends the life of the Savannah by approximately 5-10 years. Not worth it to give them dairy products, which is recommended for cats of other breeds, because it can lead to indigestion. The mode of feeding and the size of portions need to be clarified either from a breeder, or to read the instructions on the packaging with the food. Most often you feed your kitten not less than 3-6 times a day, and adults – no more than 3 times a day.

Content

Before the house there will be a Savannah cat (photo shows its exterior features), you need to gather all the family members and to discuss rules for the treatment of animals in order to develop a common principle of education. If the house has many spaces that should contain the kitten in the first one or two, and eventually introduce him to other rooms. In this case it would be appropriate to place several trays in different parts of the house.

If Savannah cats are in the apartment above the second floor, it should be possible to strengthen all of the mosquito nets. The fact that both the warp and their attachment is made of plastic, so if the animals will show excessive interest in flying outside the window, birds, insects, etc., that they may fall and planning on it to various kinds of injuries.

Don't forget about poisonous houseplants. They will need to be removed as far as possible from overly curious kitten. In addition, until at least seven months will have to fix or conceal the wires of electrical appliances, as at this time the Savannah can use them as teethers. Do not underestimate the usual safety precautions: be sure to close water containers, packs of washing powder and other household chemicals, remove valuable and fragile objects.

Additional equipment

Savannah Cats love to jump and climb, so you need to provide at least about a special tiered shelves on the walls. In private homes, can be equipped safe and spacious enclosure. It is possible to put not only shelves, but also the whole tree. It should be noted that a constant holding of the animal in the cage is simply unacceptable. These cats require daily one - or two-hour walks. It must be remembered that their free range is extremely undesirable.

Usually near the power supply and place a scratching post. Not so important, what it is configuration, but most often is a tall pillar with a little platform at the top. It is useful to ask what kind of kittens are already used to the kitten. As a rule, the Savannah cat (photo) very smart, so to retrain it easily enough: it is necessary to use the spray with a content of Valerian or Catnip.

Breeding animals

As mentioned above, cat Savannah, binding of which involves certain features were obtained by mating of a Serval and a regular household pet. As you know, the representatives of this breed, belonging to the early generations, there is a certain level of so-called hybrid non-viability. It manifests itself in sterility of the male hybrids Serval up to the fifth generation. Give their new owners already spayed.

Most Often, cats of the Savannah knit with males F5, i.e., fifth generation. In addition, it allowed the mating of females of this breed with the normal short-haired purebred cats and the Egyptian Mau, etiketli, Bengal and Oriental Shorthair, which have a spotted coat.

Development Features

It is Known that the period of pregnancy in normal domestic cats is around 65 days, and the Serval – to 77. As a result of this difference hybrids of earlier generations often born premature, therefore, dire need for more nursing. A litter of hybrids of the first two generations usually consists of 1-2, and further – with 3-5 kittens. Savannah cats can get pregnant within 4 weeks after childbirth, however, the breeders limit the number of litters to two or three a year.

These animals feed their kittens milk up to 8-12 weeks. At first, the kids will almost always sleep. In this state their body is focused on maximum production of growth hormone. That is why it is not recommended to Wake up or somehow disturb the kittens during this period. When they reach the age of 10-12 weeks they are sterilized or castrated to soon pass it on to new owners.

Medical problems

Deciding to have a cat, we must remember thatwalk in a cage or on a leash require additional financial and time costs: schooling to the street, the contents of the enclosure, a routine inspection at the vet, de-worming, additional vaccinations, etc. a Trip to the vet with Savannah the first two generations is often challenging event for both the animal and its owner.

Any special health problems in this breed have not been identified, except those which are inherent and other domestic cats. Usually, all the difficulties are solved by regular veterinary examinations, timely vaccination, quality balanced nutrition and good care.

Owners

The Happy owners of a Savannah are sure that is almost the most intelligent and inquisitive cat of all currently existing species. They easily open not just doors, but cabinets, pulling out all the boxes. They are absolutely not afraid of water and enjoy taking a bath. These animals are very good at jumping to a height of over 2.5 meters.

Cat Savannah (photo), in particular belonging to the first generations of hybrids can sometimes show your wild nature, which is expressed to growl and hiss in the presence of strangers. In addition, he may make special tweeting sounds inherent in the servals. A pet will not sit on your hands, even the master loves when his Pat on the head. But Savannah is the fourth generation of their behavior is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of domestic cats.