Do you have dreams of owning a Savannah Cat? Well, the Savannah cat size when fully grown is definitely something you need to take into consideration.
Savannah cats are a unique and captivating breed that have gained popularity among cat owners and enthusiasts in recent years. With a rambunctious personality and unique markings, it is no wonder so many people wonder if they can fit a Savannah cat into their lifestyle, literally or figuratively.
In this article you will find out not just how big a Savannah cat really is, but you will also read about the benefits and challenges associated with owning a Savannah cat.
Savannah Cat Size: How Big is a Savannah Cat, Really?
What is a Savannah Cat?
Savannah cats are a unique breed that have become more popular as house pets over the last several years. These cats are a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, which is an African wild cat species. While it might seem exciting to have a descendant of a wild animal as a pet, there are important considerations to think about before adopting one of your own. The price of a Savannah cat will also probably surprise you.
Unique Traits of the Savannah Cat
Appearance
The Savannah cat is known for its beautiful appearance, most notably the sandy brown or silver fur coat with black or dark brown markings.
While it may seem similar in appearance to a tabby cat, the most noticeable difference is in its much larger ears and its overall size.These large ears come from the Savannah cat being descended from the African serval, a species that is known for having extremely large ears.
Energy and playfulness
Savannah cats are highly energetic by nature and require much more intellectual stimulation than the average house cat. Because Savannah cats are noticeably bigger than their fully domesticated counterparts, it is crucial to ensure that they have access to ample exercise and toys with interactive playing opportunities.
Loyal to a fault
Savannah cats are known for being extremely loyal to their owners and will often follow you from room to room. They can be very affectionate and will likely want to be involved in whatever activity you end up doing.
They will often talk back to you with a friendly meow if you talk to them!
Less shedding
One of the pleasant surprises of the Savannah cat is how little it sheds in comparison to the average domestic cat. Their low-maintenance coat means less cleaning for your home and less sneezing for those who may be allergic to regular domestic cats.
While no cat will be truly hypoallergenic to those with cat allergies, the Savannah cat’s minimal shedding can be appreciated by all.
Intelligence
While this can be a double edged sword, it is worth noting that the Savannah cat is extremely intelligent in comparison to the domestic cat and will outsmart you at every turn. They can be trained to perform tricks, walk on a leash and even use a human toilet instead of a litter box!
Different Types of Savannah Cats
When trying to figure out which Savannah cat is right for you, it’s important to know how big the Savannah cat can be. The Savannah cat comes in four different breed categories depending on how many generations its parents are removed from having a serval parent.
The grading is as follows:
F1 Savannah Cat- First generation offspring with a serval parent and a domestic cat parent.
F2 Savannah Cat – Second generation offspring with a serval grandparent
F3 Savannah Cat – Third generation offspring with a serval great-grandparent
F4 Savannah Cat – Fourth generation offspring with a serval great-great-grandparent
So, How Big is a Savannah Cat?
This brings us back to the original question of determining how big a Savannah cat really is. Depending on the generational gap between the Savannah cat and its serval ancestor, its size can vary greatly. The Savannah cats who are closest to their serval ancestors will be largest in size.
A list of the sizes and weights of the different types of Savannah Cats fully grown:
F1 Savannah cats are an average of 42cm (16.5”) tall and weigh 8-9.5kg (18-21lbs)
F2 Savannah cats are an average of 35-38cm (14-15”) tall and weigh 6-8kg (13-17lbs)
F3 Savannah cats are an average of 33-35cm (13-14”) tall and weigh 5.5-7kg (12-15lbs)
F4 Savannah cats are an average of 28cm (11”) tall and weigh 2.2-5kg (5-10lbs)
For reference, the domesticated cat is an average of 22-25cm (9-10”) tall and weighs 3.5-4.5kg (8 – 10lbs)
This means that Savannah cats can be twice as large as domesticated cats, and twice the handful!
While they might be twice as tall, it’s important to note that they are not the heaviest cat breed available. Savannah cats generally do not weigh more than 9.5kg (21lbs), which means they are often outweighed by purebred Maine Coons.
Savannah cats tend to have a leaner build, with the emphasis more on their length rather than their bulk. Their muscle distribution is often compared to that of a competitive swimmer!
With their long legs and lean body, they make excellent hunters and are able to jump long distances.
Considerations Before Adopting a Savannah Cat
Owning a Savannah cat is a wonderful adventure for many pet owners, but it takes a lot of thought and planning before determining if this cat breed is right for you. Before looking up the nearest Savannah cat breeder, here are some considerations about the breed that must be thought about before taking the plunge.
High prey drive
These cats are bred from wild animals, and it shows. Savannah cats often hold an extremely high prey drive and are not likely to be able to share a space with smaller animals or other small pets. They can also be highly territorial over their feeding space or resting areas.
Have caution when bringing a Savannah cat into a home where other animals or small children may be present regularly.
High energy
While this was in the unique traits section above, this can be a con of the breed for those who do not have the time to regularly stimulate their pet Savannah cat.
This breed needs frequent intellectual stimulation and regular lengthy play sessions in order to satiate their wild instincts. If not stimulated enough, the Savannah cat may revert back to some wild and destructive instincts, leaving your home at risk of damage or destruction.
Food consumption
While their dietary needs are not vastly different from that of a domestic cat, because the Savannah cat is much bigger than a domestic cat, it has higher caloric needs. The Savannah cat will likely need to eat more food in order to meet their daily caloric needs. Always discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your Savannah cat.
Space requirements
Combined with their need for frequent intellectual stimulation, because Savannah cats are generally much bigger than their domestic counterparts, they need a larger living space than the average cat. As mentioned above, if the living space is not to their liking, whether it is lacking in stimulation or adequate space, the Savannah cat may become unruly and revert to destructive behaviours.
High purchase cost
Purchasing a Savannah cat is a costly endeavour. Depending on how closely related they are to their serval ancestors, it can cost anywhere from £1000 to £20,000 to obtain a Savannah cat of your own! Not everyone has this kind of money lying around, so if you think a Savannah cat is the right pet for you, keep in mind how much it might cost to purchase one.
Legal limitations
In some parts of the world, there may be legal restrictions and regulations associated with owning a Savannah cat due to its status as being mixed with a wild animal.
It is essential to research your region’s regulations regarding Savannah cat ownership to make sure you understand the local laws before bringing a Savannah cat into your home.
In the UK, F2, F3 and F4 Savannah cats are legal and available to buy from reputable breeders. It’s illegal to own an F1 Savannah cat in the UK without a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence, which an average cat owner will not be able to get.
Owning a Savannah cat can be a rewarding experience for those who are prepared for their unique needs and personality traits. Savannah cats offer a wonderful combination of beauty, intelligence and companionship that make for a cherished member of the family.
However, it is important to consider the differences between a Savannah cat and a domestic cat breed, such as their size and their high prey drive. Understanding these differences can help you identify if the Savannah cat is the right pet for you and your family.
If after reading this, you have decided the size of a Savannah cat as well as the commitment maybe too much, this is understandable. You may want to consider a Bengal cat as a smaller, yet still as beautiful, alternative.