Saturday, July 21, 2007

What is a Savannah?


The Savannah cat is one of the most recent breeds to be recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA). The Savannah Breed Standard calls for a graceful cat that is a replica of the tall, lean and muscular Serval cat found on the African plains or savannas, for which the breed is named.

The Savannah is a tall, elegant spotted cat with large ears, and was developed by initially crossing the African Serval with spotted (usually) domestic cats, using breeds such as the Egyptian mau, oriental shorthair, ocicat and domestic shorthair. Further interbreeding of these “first generation” Savannahs to domestic cats produces a breed with the exotic spotted appearance and unique personality derived from the Serval, but retains all relevant domestic cat personality traits.

Tall, long and lean with bold black spots and large ears set on top of its head, the Savannah has the appeal of the wild cat with the personality of a domestic cat. High energy and playfulness added to a sociable nature makes the Savannah almost dog-like as a pet. Not normally to be found lounging in your lap, they will follow you around the house, come when called and fetch toys for hours. They are delighted to go for walks on a leash and often recall their Serval heritage by leaping joyfully into water.

Savannahs eat domestic cat food, faithfully use litterboxes and basically will live in a house exactly as any other domestic cat would. Savannahs were developed here in the U.S. and are now found through the world. Check your local ordinances and state laws for any limitations on owning an animal with “wild” heritage.

Savannahs are a very high energy cat, and combined with high intelligence this can spell trouble for an average unsuspecting household. Left to their own devices, Savannahs can think up activities you would never imagine a cat might enjoy. Therefore we usually recommend that people consider a companion animal of similar energy, and to seriously reconsider getting a Savannah if they have crotchety elderly cats that are not going to enjoy being pounced on 24/7 for a wrestle match. Brigitte Cowell (http://www.kirembosavannahs.com/)
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About the photo:
Kirembo Amonke Amadi, nickname Monkey, Owner Brigitte Cowell, (Kirembo Savannahs). Monkey is a B F4 Savannah (24.5% Serval). Monkey looks very elegant whether she is sitting up in a show cage or on the photographer's table, she has a lovely long neck and legs to go with tall ears, and of course those dramatic spots. Monkey likes to wrap her front legs around her human's neck and give "kisses", she was raised on laps but also enjoys running about the floor after snake-like wand toys. Photographer: Helmi Flick (http://www.helmiflick.com/)

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