Savannah
suh-VAN-uh
Athletic, Loyal, Adventurous, Intelligent. A domestic-wild hybrid with serval ancestry, tall and striking.
An adult Savannah weighs 12-25 lbs (male) or 8-15 lbs (female), needs 250-600 calories daily, and lives 12-20 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Savannah needs 250 to 600 calories per day, varying widely by generation (F1 through F5+) and size. An average later-generation male (15 lbs / 6.8 kg) needs around 380 kcal; early-generation Savannahs can be significantly larger and require more. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Savannah. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Savannahs are generally healthy cats with hybrid vigor, especially in later generations (F4+). Earlier generations closer to their serval ancestry may have different health considerations. Life expectancy is 12 to 20 years.
Exercise and activity
Savannahs are among the most active domestic cat breeds and need substantial daily exercise and stimulation. They can jump 8 feet vertically from a standing position. Provide tall cat trees, interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and ideally a secure outdoor enclosure (catio). Many Savannahs can be leash trained for outdoor walks. Without adequate stimulation, they will find their own entertainment, often destructively. Plan for at least 30 minutes of active, interactive play daily.
Care and traits
Savannahs have a short to medium spotted coat. Origin: United States (first bred in 1986 by crossing a domestic cat with an African serval).
Legal restrictions apply in some states and countries. Check local laws before acquiring a Savannah, particularly F1-F3 generations. Their coat is low-maintenance, needing only weekly brushing. They are exceptionally intelligent and can learn to open doors, turn on faucets, and fetch. Provide water sources, as many Savannahs are fascinated by running water.
Tools for Savannah owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily needs range from 250 to 600+ calories depending on generation and size. Later-generation Savannahs (F5+) at 12-15 lbs typically need 300-400 kcal. Early-generation cats (F1-F2) can weigh 20-25 lbs and require 500+ kcal daily. Their high activity level means they burn more calories than comparably sized domestic cats, so adjust upward if your Savannah is visibly lean despite adequate feeding.
Weight varies dramatically by generation. F1 Savannahs (50% serval) can reach 20-25 lbs. F5+ Savannahs typically range 8-15 lbs, closer to a large domestic cat. The generation designation matters more than any single weight range. Your breeder or vet can advise what's appropriate for your cat's specific generation and lineage.
Savannahs are generally robust, but hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs in the breed. Critically, they can react adversely to ketamine-based anesthesia. Alert your vet to the breed before any surgical procedure. Male F1-F3 Savannahs are typically infertile. Later generations have fewer health distinctions from standard domestic cats.
No. Several states restrict or ban Savannah cat ownership, particularly early generations (F1-F3). New York City, Hawaii, Georgia, and some other jurisdictions prohibit them entirely or require special permits. Later generations (F5+) face fewer restrictions. Always check your state and local laws before acquiring a Savannah.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026