Savannahs are developed by crossing an African Serval with a domestic cat, typically a Bengal, Egyptian Mau, or Oriental Shorthair. As with the Bengal, there are difficulties in developing first generation Savannahs because in order to do so, and African Serval, which is a forty pound, fairly unpredictable and undomesticated cat, must be bred to a domestic cat. There are many difficulties with this. First, the gestation period is different for Servals than domestic cats. Second, there is a large size difference between the two cats, and third, the Serval must often be raised from kitten-hood with each of the females that it will be bred to so that it does not become agressive towards them. Another difficulty with breeding Savannahs is that the males are sterile and cannot reproduce until they are 4 or 5 generations removed from the Serval. Thus, it is usually 5 generations before there can be a Savannah to Savannah breeding.
When litters are successful, ther result is a beautiful, long-legged, long-bodied, long-necked, and large eared domestic Savannah that resembles the Serval but that is docile and affectionate. Savannahs differ in size, but generally weigh about 25 pounds, which is currently the larges hybrid cat. They are lanky rather than stalky like the Bengal.
As explained above, a first generation Savannah is 50% Serval, 50% domestic cat. These are referred to as F1s. F2s, or second generation Savannahs are 25% serval, 75% domestic cat. This is the most simple way to understand the generations. The explanation may, however, become slightly more complicated when and F1 is bred to a Serval, resulting in a cat that is 75% Serval and is yet really an F2.
We chose to purchase an F2 for our female, because we wanted to start with something that would give us farther removed, more docile kittens with the wonderful appearance of the Serval. We are breeding an F2 female to an oriental shorthair to maintain the long lets and big ears that are a hallmark of a Savannah.
What are the differences between a Savannah and a regular domestic cat?
Savannahs are more outgoing and active than other domestic cats. Like Bengals, they are very smart, will play fetch, and enjoy playing in water. They are very athletic and don't like to stay still! Another difference is that the Savannah is currently the largest hybrid available.
Do Savannahs have wild personalities like the Serval?
It is our experience that Savannahs have a more active personality. They are instinctive hunters and make themseves very aware of their surroundings. They are not, however,wild, and should never be considered a threat. They are gentle, affectionate cats with great personalities.
Should I get two kittens?
As with Bengals and most other cats, getting two kittens is always a good idea if you are going to be away from home often. This also keeps them busy with one another while they are young and especially active. That, of course, may also "double the trouble" if you have two very active kitties! Savannahs also do well on their own, however, and getting just one will mean that it will simply need more attention from you.