FAQ PAGE | Sunday's Best Cattery

WHAT IS A SAVANNAH CAT?

The Savannah is one of the world's rarest hybrid cat. It is a cross between a Serval and a domestic house cat. Savannahs are recognized for their tall legs, long slender bodies, large ears, long necks, short tails and of course their exotic spots.

The first Savannah produced by crossing a male serval with a Siamese in 1986. The original version of the Savannah breed standard was presented to the board of The International Cat Association (TICA) by Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe. In 2001, the board accepted the breed for registration.

Today many own Savannahs and they come in all different sizes and colors. Their size ranges from 10 lbs and 30 lbs. The coat colors also very. The traditional brown spotted tabby comes in two shades (a warm golden and a cool toned with black spots. There are silvers, melanistic, classic marbles and snows!

WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT F LEVELS MEAN?

The Savannah is referred to by it's "F" generation. The F stands for Filal and refers to how many generations removed from the serval the savannah is. So an F1 generation is one generation from the Serval (one parent is a serval) and a F2 is two generations removed so it has a Serval as a grandparent, and so on.....

WHAT DOES A, B, C, AND SBT EVEN MEAN?

this has to do when outcrosses (non-savannah, domestic cats) have been used in a pedigree line. The reason this is imporatnat is because when you are crossing two different species there are usaully fertility issues. In the feline world, crossing two different specises such as the Serval and a domestic cat renders only the males sterile until the 5th generation out. In very rare cases you might find a F4 male to be fertile but it is very very few and far between and is a huge chance at them being sterile.

A means that one parent is a non-Savannah domestic outcross

B means that both parents are savannahs

C means that both parents and grandparents are all Savannahs

SBT means that parents, grandparents and great- grandparents are all Savannahs

An SBT is bred down from the Serval but it is at least 4 generations removed. The SBT Savannah is a "pure" Savannah that has guaranteed only Savannahs as parents for at least 3 generations.

WHY ARE SAVANNAHS SO EXPENSIVE $$$$$$$

With establishing a quality breeding program there is a large financial investment required up front. Providing proper care for all the cats on a daily basis takes a lot of time, patience and a lot of money! In addition to the upfront costs, the Higher precentage Savannahs are very rare and difficult to breed. It can take many years and a lot of luck to mate a Serval with a domesticated cat. Only a few breeders worldwide have had success.

If mating occurs there is still lots of risk. Because of the gestation difference between the Serval and the domestic cat ( a 10 to 15 day difference) all F1's are born premature. Some are too weak to even survive and need 24 hour care (human intervention) by the breeder to ensure a proper survival. Also their litters are generally small with an average of 1 to 3 kittens per litter.

When it comes to producing F2, there are similar challenges. You take a large F1 female and breed her with an F5, F6 or F7 male which are much smaller than she is. Another factor is an F1 females heat can cause her to be very moody and aggressive towards the males and will not always allow him to mate her. There are some males that are too scared of an F1 to even try. Once breeding occurs an F2 litter is small as well averaging 1-3 kittens per litter. There are many countless hours the breeder spends to ensure health, safety and socializing of these kittens.

WHAT DO THEY EAT?

Savannahs are considered domestic cats and can be fed food like any other domestics. But don't go cheap. They should be on a high protein non grain food, both for wet and dry food. You can also feed your Savannah a raw diet if you wish. It is extremely important that when you first get your kitten that you keep them on the same food that the breeder had them on and then gradually change their diet if you choose to. Never abruptly change their food or it can make them very sick, just like any other cat.

EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTERISTICS

Savannah's stand out for many reasons

They are highly intelligent. They can open doors, cabinets, and drawers, turn on water faucets and zip zippers.... They can learn basic commands like "come, sit and lay down" They are all very curious. They are always exploring and testing limits.

They talk a lot! Not all Savannahs are vocal but most are. They will talk back. In some cases they will scream and sound like a a velociraptor.

Savannahs LOVE water! Yes you read that right!! Most are obsessed with it. Give them a shower, let them play in a tub of water or if you can allow for it get them their own little kiddie pool to play in. Not only is it entertaining for them but it is very entertaining for us as humans to see them interact with the water. Little kid bath toys are also a great addition. But like little kid bath toys please make sure there is no holes for water to get inside the toys and create mold.

Savannahs love to go on walks and can be harnessed trained. Do not put them in a regular cat or dog collar, always a well fitted harness that they can not slip out of. You can also use a walking jacket. with a leash. These cats are not outdoor animals but if they have access to an outdoor enclosure that has a top to keep them safe and secure they do love to go play! They should never be allowed to free roam the outdoors unattended under any circumstance. These cats will get out and not come back on some instances, so their safety outdoors is required.

HOW HIGH CAN THEY JUMP?

Savannahs are very agile. On average, they can jump 8+ feet from a fully seated position. They can also run 35+ miles an hour. So they can scale any fence if given the chance to do so

ARE THEY GOOD WITH THE LITTER BOX?

Savannahs have great hygiene and learn the litter box habbits of their mother. All kittens should be 100% litter box trained prior to their new home. Keep in mind kittens are still babies and if given to large of a space with to much freedom they could still have accidents. They can get caught up in playing or exploring until it's to late and accidents happen.

DO THEY REQUIRE VACCINES LIKE OTHER CATS?

Kittens should receive their first vet visit and the first set of vaccines by the 8 to 10 week range. It is completely the responsibility of the new owner to get the remining vaccines needed. (1-2 vaccines). It is important to note that Savannah cats should receive only the KILLED VIRUS vaccines. Do not ever give live virus vaccines. DO NOT vaccinate for FELB or FIP as it has been reported that these vaccines either have very bad side affects or may even predispose cats to contract the very disease that it is intended to prevent.

ARE THERE WAITING LISTS?

Savannah kittens are in high demand so it is very likely that you may have to wait until a new litter is born to get exactly what you are looking for. This is true especially for HPF1's, F1's and F2's as there are fewer breeders who specialize in producing the high precentage generations and therefore the number of kittens available for purchase on a annual basis is very limited. You may also have to wait if you are only interested in litters from a specific pairing or you are looking for a specific color pattern of a kitten.

Many breeders require a deposit to add your name to their waiting list and it is not unusual to wait up to 12 months or more before the kitten of your choice becomes available. You may also decide that you can not wait and purchase a cat from another breeder. While you will not receive a deposit back for a waiting list deposit should you decide to back out please give the common curtoeousy to the breeder should you back out so that the next person on their list can be given ample opportunities to purchase a kitten.

HOW OLD ARE THEY WHEN THEY CAN GO TO THEIR NEW HOME?

Breeders typically release their kittens to new homes anywhere between 12 and 14 weeks of age. TICA does require that no kitten be sold before 12 weeks. Your specific kitten could be "held back" longer if it is not showing proper litter box habbits or had difficulty weaning from mom.

CAN I REGISTER MY SAVANNAH CAT?

Yes, The International Cat Association (TICA) does accept Savannahs for registration and for showing abilities. All of the cats (Savannahs, and Maine Coon) purchased from us are TICA registered and you will be provided with a breeder slip to transfer the cat into your name.

DO THEY GET ALONG WITH OTHER PETS?

We can not say that all Savannah's do, however most do. Please note that bringing home any animal where other animals reside it can be scary and make any cat act standoffish. With proper introductions they can learn to get along and become friends in no time. Savannahs NEED play mates and do not do well as a single pet. Having another Savannah or a dog is ideal! Domestic cats work as well but they normally can't keep up with the energy of a Savannah and often get annoyed. In our home we have doemstic cats, bunnies, Savannahs, Maine Coon, Servals, Caracals, a Great Dane and a Cane Corso.

HOW BIG DO THEY GET?

There is absolutely no guarantee on size with any F generation of Savannah. There is a general expectation with generations. Most F2 males are as big as a female F1. Most later generation Savannahs are about the size of a domestic house cat.

F1 average 18-30 lbs

F2 average 15-30 lbs

F3 average 12-20 lbs

fF4 average 12-18 lbs

F5 average 11-16 lbs

F6 average 10-15 lbs

F7 average 10-15 lbs

ARE SAVANNAHS LEGAL WHERE YOU LIVE??

Alabama: Allows all generations
Alaska: F4 and later allowed
Arizona: Allows all generations
Arkansas: Allows all generations
California: Allows all generations
Colorado: F4 and later allowed, ownership illegal in the city limits of Denver
Connecticut: Allows all generations
Delaware: Not allowed without a permit, fine for ownership
DC: Allows all generations
Florida: Allows all generations
Georgia: Not allowed at all
Hawaii: Ownership illegal
Idaho: Allows all generations
Illinois: Allows all generations
Indiana: Allows all generations; some counties require permits
Iowa: F4 and later allowed
Kansas: Allows all generations
Kentucky: Allows all generations
Louisiana::Allows all generations
Maine: Allows all generations
Maryland: Allows all generations if the Savannah is under 30 pounds in weight
Massachusetts: F4 and later allowed
Michigan: Allows all generations
Minnesota: Allows all generations
Mississippi: Allows all generations
Missouri: Allows all generations
Montana: Allows all generations

Nebraska: Not allowed at all.
Nevada: Allows all generations
New Hampshire: F4 and later allowed
New Jersey: Allows all generations
New Mexico: Allows all generations, some cities require permits
New York: F5 and later allowed; No generations allowed in NY City proper
North Carolina: Allows all generations
North Dakota: Allows all generations
Ohio: Allows all generations
Oklahoma: Allows all generations
Oregon: Allows all generations; Some cities or counties may have restrictions
Pennsylvania: Allows all generations
Rhode Island: Not Permitted
South Carolina: Allows all generations
South Dakota: Allows all generations
Tennessee: Allows all generations
Texas: Not allowed in most counties. Allowed in the following counties with strict permitting: Aransas, Bell, Coryell, Ector, Guadalupe, Harris, Kaufman, Lubbock, Mason, Ward. Montgomery must permit 1st through 3rd generation Savannahs; 4th and subsequent are allowed.
Utah: Allows all generations
Vermont: F4 and later allowed
Virginia: Allows all generations
Washington: Allows all generations; Seattle ownership is not permitted
West Virginia: Allows all generations
Wisconsin: Allows all generations
Wyoming: Allows all generations

ALL ABOUT THE SERVAL

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SERVAL CAT CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOR

The Serval remains elusive in its native habitat. This medium-sized African wildcat exhibits a blend of grace and lethal agility, navigating the savannah with silent precision. With its distinctive coat patterned with black spots and stripes, the Serval possesses physical adaptations — long legs and large ears —that enhance its hunting prowess, enabling it to detect prey across the sprawling grasslands.

A solitary and secretive feline.

DEFINING THE SERVAL

The Serval, or Leptailurus serval, claims a distinct niche within the Felidae family, defined by unique morphological traits and an innate predatory acumen. Evolving within the diverse ecosystems of Africa, this robust species showcases exceptional adaptability, thriving from the coastal reed beds to the high-altitude moorlands, thus demonstrating a broad ecological amplitude.

Behaviorally, Servals epitomize the archetypal solitary hunter, exhibiting both crepuscular and nocturnal rhythms in their quest for sustenance.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Servals are distinguished by their long limbs and substantial ears, features that are crucial for their survival in the wild.

Despite its slender frame, the Serval boasts remarkable strength, particularly in its hindquarters, which facilitates powerful leaps during the hunt. A Serval's coat is a marvel of camouflage, its intricate pattern of spots and stripes blending seamlessly with the tall grasses of its environment, effectively obscuring the predator from both prey and threats alike.

The Serval's skull is elongated with a pronounced muzzle, embodying a balance of strength and agility that is optimized for their carnivorous diet, reflecting an evolutionary refinement for hunting.

UNIQUE ADAPTATIONS

Servals are highly specialized felids, each trait fine-tuned for their ecological niche.

Large Ears: Pivotally mounted and capable of rotating, these satellite-like appendages detect even the faintest rustlings of prey.
Long Legs: Relative to body size, their limbs are the longest of any cat, granting them exceptional agility and height for scanning tall grasses.
Spotted and Striped Coat: Provides superb camouflage within the sun-dappled undergrowth, mimicking the play of light through dense vegetation.
Pounce Technique: Highly developed hind leg muscles allow them to pounce up to 10 feet vertically to catch airborne prey, like birds.
Sensitive Whiskers: Their vibrissae are tuned to pick up subtle vibrations, aiding in nocturnal hunts.

These features coalesce to make the Serval an apex predator within its domain.

Their proficiency as hunters is evident in their diet, a varied spectrum of prey that attests to their adaptability and predatory precision.

SERVAL SOCIAL DYNAMICS

Servals, by nature, are solitary animals, save for the instances of mothers nurturing their young or during the fleeting breeding seasons. These interactions hint at a complex communication system underpinning serval society, often overlooked given their reclusive dispositions. Indicative of their independence, servals maintain territories that they defend vehemently, leaving conspicuous scent markings as declarations of ownership. Intrusions by other servals are usually deterred through olfactory signals, but can escalate into aggressive physical confrontations if necessary.These territories are not only crucial for hunting but also serve as bastions for solitude, suggesting that serval "socializing" is predominantly a means of delineating personal space rather than seeking regular companionship.

SOLITARY NATURE

Servals display a pronounced preference for an isolated existence, shunning frequent interaction with other Servals. This penchant for solitude is deeply ingrained in their natural behavior, shaping their daily activities and territorial instincts.

While many felines exhibit some degree of social flexibility, servals are markedly less inclined to form bonds outside of the breeding season. This solitary trait necessitates a broader understanding of their nuanced communication, which is primarily deployed for territorial demarcation and mating rituals. Within the scope of their expansive territories, servals engage in minimal social contact, often communicating through indirect methods such as scent marking and vocalizations. These signals serve to establish boundaries and express individual presence without the need for physical interaction. Exceptionally, when encounters do occur, they are often brief and purpose-driven, dictated by reproductive imperatives or disputes over territorial claims. Such interactions are characterized by a ritualized etiquette designed to minimize conflict and uphold the sanctity of their solitary lifestyle.

The serval's commitment to solitude is testament to its evolutionary adaptation, ensuring survival through stealth and individual mastery of its environment. This solitary predilection underscores their status as elusive and enigmatic felids within the Savanna's complex ecosystem.

TERRITORIAL BEHAVIORS

Servals assert dominion over marked territories with utmost vigilance, utilizing scents, visual markers, and auditory cues to delineate their space. Predominantly solitary, these felines patrol their boundaries, ready to confront intrusions with fierce determination.

Their scent markings indicate clear boundaries to other servals and potential trespassers. Spats of urine and olfactory marks on vegetation are commonplace demarcations. Moreover, visual signals such as scratch marks on trees (strategic clawing leaving visible scars) are prominent territorial declarations. Clawing not only leaves a visual marker but also deposits scent from glands in the paws.

Vocalizations serve as an auditory method of communicating territorial presence, with calls ranging from high-pitched cries to menacing growls. These sounds convey warnings to conspecifics and deter others from encroaching on their turf.

Servals are not adverse to employing aggressive posturing in face of territorial threats, arching their backs and displaying piloerection to appear larger and more intimidating to intruders. A highly territorial serval will fiercely defend its domain against both conspecifics and other unwelcome visitors. Indeed, a serval's home range is its kingdom, zealously guarded against infringement. Such defensive conduct ensures these felines maintain control over their hunting grounds and reproductive opportunities within their established territory.

HUNTING TECHNIQUES

The Serval is a proficient hunter, employing remarkable techniques honed for efficiency in its native grasslands. With their elongated legs and large ears, Servals employ a distinctive method of pouncing, using powerful leaps to propel themselves towards unsuspecting prey. They primarily hunt rodents, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, combining stealth with acute hearing to detect and localize sounds of prey movements. Once detected, a Serval might use its forepaws to expertly pin down the quarry before delivering a fatal bite. It's not uncommon for a Serval to leap high into the air to catch birds in flight, showcasing its agile and calculated predatory prowess.

PREY AND PREDATION

The Serval cat is an adept predator, capitalizing on its physical attributes to secure a variety of prey.

Rodents: Including mice, rats, and voles, which comprise the bulk of their diet.
Birds: Servals skillfully catch both ground-dwelling and airborne species.
Reptiles: Such as lizards and snakes, are opportunistically hunted.
Amphibians: Frogs and other amphibians are consumed, especially during wet seasons.
Insects: They also snack on larger insects, contributing to their dietary variety.

Predation serves as the central pillar of the Serval's interaction with its ecosystem.

Servals face predation mainly from larger carnivores like lions and hyenas, and must remain vigilant at all times.

NIGHTTIME STRATEGIES

As nocturnal hunters, Servals exhibit remarkable adaptations for the dark.

Enhanced Vision: Their large, dish-shaped eyes gather more light.
Whisker Sensitivity: To detect the slightest movements of prey.
Silent Stalking: Servals move with stealth to surprise their target.
Auditory Acuity: Exceptional hearing pinpoints prey with precision.
Elevated Jump: They utilize powerful leaps to ambush from above.

Their hunting success hinges on exceptional night-time abilities.

By capitalizing on these strategies, Servals maintain their role as apex nocturnal predators.