The Savannah cat is a unique and exotic breed that is known for its wild-looking appearance and high energy. They are a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African cat. The first Savannah cat was born in 1986 and the breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001. This breed is known for its exotic look and its wild nature, with a combination of domestic and wild characteristics.
The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of owning a Savannah cat, presented in a numbered format for easy reference. This guide is intended to help potential owners make an informed decision about whether a Savannah cat is the right pet for them.
1. Pros of owning a Savannah cat
- Unique and exotic appearance - Savannah cats are known for their striking looks, with tall and slender bodies, long legs, and large ears. Their coat patterns are also quite distinctive, with spots, and marbled or blotched patterns. They come in various colors such as black, brown, silver, and even golden color. They also have long and elegant tail that gives them a wild look.
- High energy and playful nature - Savannah cats are known for their playful and active nature. They love to run, jump and play, making them great companions for active families. They are also known for their agility and love to climb and explore, making them great pets for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Intelligent and trainable - Savannah cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of tricks and behaviors. They are also known for their problem-solving abilities and can be taught to walk on a leash and even do agility courses. They are also known to be very curious and love to learn new things, making them great pets for families who enjoy teaching and training their pets.
- Good with children and other pets - Savannah cats are known to be good with children and other pets, as long as they are raised with them from a young age. They can be socialized to be friendly and loving with both children and other pets, making them great pets for families with multiple pets.
- Low-maintenance grooming needs - Savannah cats have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet option. They do not require regular baths or haircuts, and their coats do not mat or tangle easily. They are also known to be low-shedding cats, which can be a great option for families with allergies.
2. Cons of owning a Savannah cat
- High cost of initial purchase and ongoing expenses - Savannah cats can be quite expensive, with initial purchase prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Additionally, they require a high-quality diet and veterinary care, which can also add to the cost. Savannah cats are rare and hard to find, so the prices for them can be high, especially for purebred cats that are closer to the wild serval ancestor.
- Potential for destructive behavior if not provided enough stimulation - Savannah cats have high energy levels and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If they do not get enough, they may become destructive or develop behavioral issues such as excessive vocalization or scratching of furniture. It's important to provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
- Risk of health issues - Savannah cats are a relatively new breed, and as a result, there is still a lot that is unknown about their health. Some Savannah cats may be at risk for certain health issues such as hip dysplasia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's important to research and understand the potential health issues that Savannah cats may be prone to, and to choose a reputable breeder who screens their cats for these issues.
- Potential for aggressive behavior if not socialized properly - Savannah cats can be aggressive if they are not properly socialized from a young age. It is important to expose them to a variety of people, animals, and environments to prevent this behavior. Savannah cats are known to be very intelligent and curious, so if they don't get enough attention and socialization, they may become bored and resort to destructive behavior.
- Need for a lot of space - Savannah cats are known to be very active and require a lot of space to run and play. They may not be suitable for apartment living or small homes. They need a lot of room to run around and explore, and also require a lot of vertical space, such as climbing trees, scratching posts, and cat trees.
3. Information and Characteristic:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Breed | Savannah cat |
| Size | Large; typically weighing between 10 and 20 pounds |
| Coat | Short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns |
| Grooming needs | Low maintenance, only requiring occasional brushing |
| Energy level | High energy and active |
| Intelligence | Intelligent and trainable |
| Socialization | Good with children and other pets if properly socialized |
| Health issues | Some Savannah cats may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |
| Lifespan | 12-20 years |
| Price | Initial purchase prices can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more |
| Space requirement | Requires a lot of space to run and play, as well as vertical space for climbing and exploring |
Conclusion
The Savannah cat is a unique and exotic breed that can make a great pet for the right family. However, it's important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision to own one. They are energetic, playful, intelligent, and trainable, good with children and other pets, but also costly, require a lot of space, and may develop behavioral issues if not well taken care of.Before making a final decision, it is important to do your own research and talk to Savannah cat breeders and owners to get a better understanding of what it's like to live with one of these cats. Additionally, it's important to consider whether your lifestyle, living space and budget are suitable for a Savannah cat.
Additional resources such as books, websites, and forums dedicated to Savannah cats can also provide valuable information and support. Owning a Savannah cat is a big commitment and it's important to be well informed before making a decision.