Choosing Your Savannah

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Savannah cats are striking, intelligent, and full of personality—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all breed. Whether you’re new to Savannahs or exploring which generation or temperament best fits your lifestyle, here’s what to consider when deciding which Savannah cat is right for you and your home.

1. Know What You’re Looking For in a Companion—
Savannahs are not your typical lap cats. They are highly active, bold, and exceptionally smart—traits that make them amazing companions in the right environment. Before choosing a kitten, ask yourself:
• Do you want a playful, energetic companion?
• Are you ready for a cat that might open doors, play fetch, or follow you from room to room?
• 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. Don’t Just Focus on Size or Color—
It’s easy to be drawn to striking color, bold spots, and impressive size—those features certainly stand out. But these traits aren’t 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:
• Confident, curious behavior
• A strong, elegant body structure with upright posture and fluid movement
• Large, expressive ears and eyes
• A personality that suits your home—whether 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, it’s their personality, socialization, and signature behavior that make them extraordinary companions.

3. Understand the Generations—
Savannah cats are classified by filial generation (F1–F7+), which refers to how many generations they are removed from the original outcrossing to the African Serval.
• F1–F3 Savannahs may exhibit stronger instincts and higher energy levels, often needing experienced, hands-on owners with time and space to dedicate.
• F4 and later (especially SBTs) tend to have more consistent temperaments and are generally well-suited for most households.
• 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 breeder’s socialization practices are just as important as pedigree.

4. Talk About Health & Testing—
A healthy start matters. When speaking with breeders, ask about:
• Vaccination records, deworming, and recent vet checks
• 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 cats—though methods may vary.

Every breeder may have a slightly different testing protocol, so it’s 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 transparency—but also a genuine concern for the health of their cats and kittens.

5. Ask About the Kitten’s Upbringing—
How a Savannah kitten is raised has a major impact on its future personality and behavior. Look for kittens that are:
• Raised in the home, not isolated or kept solely in outdoor enclosures
• Socialized daily with people, sounds, and routine household activity
• Comfortable being handled, touched, and exposed to a typical home environment

These early experiences shape confident, well-adjusted companions.

6. Understand Their Daily Needs—
Savannahs are intelligent and energetic cats that require more than just food and a litter box. They thrive in homes that offer:
• Vertical space (cat trees, shelves, and perches to climb)
• Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, interactive play, and training games)
• Daily engagement—they don’t 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 foods—or a combination of all three.

7. Clarify the Contract and Support—
Before you finalize your decision, review the breeder’s contract carefully. Look for:
• Spay/neuter terms (most pet kittens are fixed before going home or placed with a spay/neuter agreement)
• Health guarantees and return/refund policies
• A promise of ongoing support, should questions or concerns arise after placement

A responsible breeder is invested in the lifelong success of their kittens—not just the sale.

8. Check Legal Restrictions—
Savannah cats—especially earlier generations—are not legal in every state, county, or municipality.

Be sure to:
• Check your local and state laws before placing a deposit or bringing a kitten home
• Choose a breeder who understands the legal landscape and can help guide you through the process

9. Think Long-Term—
Savannah cats can live 12–20 years and are a unique mix of athleticism, intelligence, and devotion. They may be unlike any cat you’ve owned before.

If you’re looking for a bold, loyal, and interactive feline companion—and you’re ready to provide the care, engagement, and structure they need—a Savannah cat may be the perfect fit for your home.