06/09/2025
Which Savannah Cat Is Right for You?
Savannah cats are striking, intelligent, and full of personalityābut theyāre not a one-size-fits-all breed. Whether youāre new to Savannahs or exploring which generation or temperament best fits your lifestyle, hereās what to consider when deciding which Savannah cat is right for you and your home.
1. Know What Youāre Looking For in a Companionā
Savannahs are not your typical lap cats. They are highly active, bold, and exceptionally smartātraits that make them amazing companions in the right environment. Before choosing a kitten, ask yourself:
ā¢ Do you want a playful, energetic companion?
ā¢ Are you ready for a cat that might open doors, play fetch, or follow you from room to room?
ā¢ Are you prepared to provide daily interaction, enrichment, and stimulation?
The best match will be a Savannah whose energy level and temperament align with your lifestyle and expectations.
2. Donāt Just Focus on Size or Colorā
Itās easy to be drawn to striking color, bold spots, and impressive sizeāthose features certainly stand out. But these traits arenāt the main things that make a Savannah cat.
Size and color can vary significantly within the breed, even among kittens from the same litter. Some Savannahs are tall and lanky, while others have a more moderate build. Coat patterns and colors may include golden, silver, melanistic, smoke, and even non-standard colors like snow or charcoal.
Rather than focusing on appearance alone, look for:
ā¢ Confident, curious behavior
ā¢ A strong, elegant body structure with upright posture and fluid movement
ā¢ Large, expressive ears and eyes
ā¢ A personality that suits your homeāwhether bold and outgoing or a bit more calm and gentle
What truly defines a Savannah is their engaging, intelligent, and interactive nature. While their looks turn heads, itās their personality, socialization, and signature behavior that make them extraordinary companions.
3. Understand the Generationsā
Savannah cats are classified by filial generation (F1āF7+), which refers to how many generations they are removed from the original outcrossing to the African Serval.
ā¢ F1āF3 Savannahs may exhibit stronger instincts and higher energy levels, often needing experienced, hands-on owners with time and space to dedicate.
ā¢ F4 and later (especially SBTs) tend to have more consistent temperaments and are generally well-suited for most households.
ā¢ SBT (Stud Book Traditional) Savannahs are considered fully domestic by TICA and are often the best choice for families, first-time Savannah owners, or those interested in showing.
Rather than making a decision based on generation alone, evaluate each cat as an individual. Personality, upbringing, and the breederās socialization practices are just as important as pedigree.
4. Talk About Health & Testingā
A healthy start matters. When speaking with breeders, ask about:
ā¢ Vaccination records, deworming, and recent vet checks
ā¢ Their health screening practices, including:
-PK-deficiency (a blood disorder)
-PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which can lead to vision loss
-HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), a heart condition
-FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) status
Many breeders use genetic panels like Optimal Selection or Wisdom Panel to screen for a range of hereditary conditions. For HCM, some perform routine echocardiograms (cardiac ultrasounds) on breeding catsāthough methods may vary.
Every breeder may have a slightly different testing protocol, so itās important to have an open, respectful conversation about their practices. A breeder who can clearly explain what they test for and why shows not only transparencyābut also a genuine concern for the health of their cats and kittens.
5. Ask About the Kittenās Upbringingā
How a Savannah kitten is raised has a major impact on its future personality and behavior. Look for kittens that are:
ā¢ Raised in the home, not isolated or kept solely in outdoor enclosures
ā¢ Socialized daily with people, sounds, and routine household activity
ā¢ Comfortable being handled, touched, and exposed to a typical home environment
These early experiences shape confident, well-adjusted companions.
6. Understand Their Daily Needsā
Savannahs are intelligent and energetic cats that require more than just food and a litter box. They thrive in homes that offer:
ā¢ Vertical space (cat trees, shelves, and perches to climb)
ā¢ Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, interactive play, and training games)
ā¢ Daily engagementāthey donāt just tolerate attention, they crave it
Ask your breeder what they feed their cats and what they recommend for your kitten. Many Savannahs thrive on high-protein diets, and some breeders may prefer raw, canned, or high-quality dry foodsāor a combination of all three.
7. Clarify the Contract and Supportā
Before you finalize your decision, review the breederās contract carefully. Look for:
ā¢ Spay/neuter terms (most pet kittens are fixed before going home or placed with a spay/neuter agreement)
ā¢ Health guarantees and return/refund policies
ā¢ A promise of ongoing support, should questions or concerns arise after placement
A responsible breeder is invested in the lifelong success of their kittensānot just the sale.
8. Check Legal Restrictionsā
Savannah catsāespecially earlier generationsāare not legal in every state, county, or municipality.
Be sure to:
ā¢ Check your local and state laws before placing a deposit or bringing a kitten home
ā¢ Choose a breeder who understands the legal landscape and can help guide you through the process
9. Think Long-Termā
Savannah cats can live 12ā20 years and are a unique mix of athleticism, intelligence, and devotion. They may be unlike any cat youāve owned before.
If youāre looking for a bold, loyal, and interactive feline companionāand youāre ready to provide the care, engagement, and structure they needāa Savannah cat may be the perfect fit for your home.
SavannahCatInfo.com
