The Savannah cat is an exotic breed known for its striking appearance, which closely resembles its wild ancestor, the African Serval, while maintaining a domestic and social nature. Here’s a detailed description of the Savannah cat:
Breed Standard: Savannah Cat
Head: The Savannah has a medium-sized, slightly longer than wide head, creating a triangle shape. The head is small in proportion to the body, contributing to the breed’s wild appearance.
Ears: Large, tall ears that are wide at the base, with rounded tips. The ears are set high on the head and have a deep base, enhancing the alert and wild look.
Eyes: Medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes that are set beneath a slightly hooded brow, giving an exotic appearance. Eye color can range from green, gold, and copper to brown and is not dependent on coat color.
Muzzle and Profile: The muzzle is moderately long with a distinct whisker pad break. The nose is broad with a slight convex curve. The profile shows a gentle contour with a slight concave curve from the forehead to the nose.
Body: Savannahs have a long, lean, and muscular body with pronounced shoulders, giving a sleek and elegant appearance. The body is tall and slim, contributing to their impressive height and wild look.
Legs and Paws: Long, muscular legs with the hind legs slightly longer than the front legs. The paws are medium-sized and oval-shaped.
Tail: The tail is medium to long, thick, and tapers to a blunt tip. The tail is typically carried low and has distinct black rings.
Coat: The Savannah’s coat is short to medium in length, dense, and slightly coarse to the touch. The coat has a luxurious texture that lies close to the body.
Color and Pattern: The most common and desirable coat color is a golden to orange background with bold black or dark brown spots, mimicking the Serval's coat. The spots can be round, oval, or elongated. Other accepted colors include silver, black, and smoke, with a similar spotted pattern.
Temperament: Savannah cats are known for their active, adventurous, and curious nature. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Savannahs are social and can form strong bonds with their human families, often showing affection and loyalty. They enjoy interactive play and can be quite vocal.
Grooming: Grooming needs are minimal due to their short coat:
Health: Savannahs are generally healthy cats, but they may have specific health concerns due to their hybrid nature, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for their overall well-being.
The Savannah cat, with its exotic appearance and engaging personality, is a captivating and unique companion, perfect for households seeking an active, intelligent, and striking feline friend.
