The origin and appearance of the Savannah cat and its appearance
A cat that looks like a small leopard that can greet you at the door, walk on a leash and jump on the fridge from the ground is not a fictional cat, but a real breed. The Savannah cat breed is the impressive result of a cross between an African serval and a domestic cat, created in the United States in the 1980s. Its ancestor was the wild, graceful serval with long legs, huge ears and spotted fur. People sought to preserve this exotic appearance, but make the animal domestic. Thus came the Savannah cat, a hybrid breed with the wild charisma and devotion of a Favorite.
Her appearance does not leave indifferent: high paws, flexible body, short shiny fur with a golden hue and contrasting spots. The ears are large, with a characteristic black “eye” at the back. Eyes – deep, almond-shaped, always with an expression of wild concentration. Depending on the generation (designated F1, F2… F5), the size can differ significantly: F1 cat can weigh 10-15 kg and have a height of up to 45 cm at the withers, and F5 – more like a normal domestic cat, weighing 6-8 kg. But even the most “domestic” Savannah cat will still have the same graceful wildness in its gaze.
Character and behavior of the savannah
Outwardly – a wild beauty, and inside – a loyal friend, which can not be compared with any other cat. Savannah is a cat with the character of a dog. She can learn commands, bring toys, walk on a harness and sincerely rejoice with the owner after a long absence. But do not expect an obedient cat that will sleep on the couch all day – this breed requires dynamics, attention, interaction.
Savannah cats are incredibly active, playful and extremely intelligent. Her curiosity has no bounds: she will definitely explore everything you left on the table, open the cabinet, find where you hid the bag of food, and be sure to check what’s behind the door. Its intelligence is amazing – it understands intonations, moods, sometimes it even seems to read your mind.
Savannah gets used to people very selectively. This is not the case when the cat smiles at everyone. She has her “only one” – a person she trusts and with whom she establishes a strong contact. With children can be affectionate, if their contact is built correctly – without rudeness and unexpected movements. She is sometimes better friends with dogs than with other cats.
This is a cat for those who dream of an animal with personality. About an elegant predator, who every day surprises, plays, tests the boundaries of what is allowed, but at the same time – loves like few other felines.
Savannah cat grooming: how to care for the wild beauty
Savannah is a breed of cat that needs a delicate, systematic and very sensible approach to grooming. It does not have a long coat that tangles, but its fur is dense, short, shiny, with a thick undercoat that requires special care.
The first key point is regular combing. Even if the coat looks well-groomed, the undercoat can trap dead hairs, sebum and dust, especially if the cat loves floors, cupboards, windowsills and endless exploring. Soft brushes, rubber gloves and a furminator are ideal for this – but very carefully. Our advice: don’t overload the home routine, because Savannah will feel like she’s being forced and may refuse to interact.
Bathing is a separate topic. Unlike most cats, Savannahs are often not afraid of water and may even play with it. But that doesn’t mean you can wash them with anything. Professional shampoos without parabens, safe for sensitive skin, and adapted to the cats’ pH are a must. Our salons use hypoallergenic products specially selected for hybrid and exotic breeds. After bathing, proper drying is important: not with a hair dryer to the forehead, but carefully, gradually, while maintaining the shine and texture of the coat.
Another peculiarity is the care of ears and eyes. Large ears are “antennae” that easily accumulate dust. In the grooming salon they are cleaned with safe means, without traumatizing the ear canal. Savannah’s eyes often “cry” a little, especially when the temperature changes – regular wiping with special wipes or lotions reduces discomfort and prevents inflammation.
Do not forget about the claws. In nature they are sharpened by themselves, but at home they need trimming. For active cats with strong paws, this is not an easy job, so it is better to entrust it to professional groomers. Especially in case your Savannah cat is not too fond of long hugs.
A separate aspect – emotional comfort during the procedure. The groomer working with this breed, must know what he is doing – he must feel the animal. Calm speech, soft touch, respect for personal boundaries – all of these are critical to trust. This is why V.O.G DOG SALON employs groomers who specialize in cats with “character”, of which Savannah is one of the most characterful cats.
And finally: sometimes owners ask if they can do creative grooming for Savannah? The answer is that it is better to refrain, her natural beauty is already an artistic work. It is not necessary to change the spotted magic for something artificial. Instead, we can offer delicate spa treatments, relaxing massages, aromatherapy and customized approaches that will make your wild beauty even happier.
We invite you to our salons V.O.G DOG SALON in Kiev, where your cat Savannah will get premium grooming level. With care, love and understanding of her special nature.
What you should know before getting a Savannah cat
Savannah is a real challenge and inspiration. She needs space, exercise, and most importantly – contact with you. It needs large play areas, shelves to jump on, windows with a view, toys, thinking and stimulation. If it doesn’t have that – it will find its own entertainment, and not the fact that you will enjoy it.
The average cost of a purebred Savannah can range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the generation. By the way, the closer the generation is to the wild Serval (F1, F2), the more specific conditions it requires. In some countries there are even restrictions on keeping such animals – they can be considered semi-wild. In Ukraine there are no such restrictions, but it is important to provide it with all conditions for a healthy and active life.
This cat is not for those who want to “pet and forget”. It changes the rhythm of life, it fits into your routine, but it dictates its own rules. And if you are ready for it – you will get a fantastic companion who will be on the same wave with you.
