Let's once again lose ourselves in the fascinating world of felines and get to know the Savannah cat — a wonderful example of animal perfection. Let's explore the origins and characteristics of the world's longest cat.
Origins and History of the Savannah Cat
The Savannah breed was registered in very recent times, but its origins can be traced a little further back in time and place, since its father is the magnificent African wild cat, the Serval. In 1980, Judee Frank began to show a keen interest in this breed — still in its infancy at the time — and in 1986, after many attempts and a great deal of careful study, she found the perfect combination: a Serval crossed with a Siamese. The result was the first ever Savannah cat. In the 1990s, Jodie Sroufe successfully registered the breed with TICA, attracting the attention of many breeders who, from that point on, continued to experiment with crossbreeding in search of the winning combination to meet the Savannah cat breed standards.
This extremely rare breed holds a world record: the longest, rarest and most expensive cat in the world is named Scarlett's Magic, and it is indeed a Savannah. In Italy there is only one breeding facility, and since the breed was officially and definitively recognised only in 2001, it is also developing slowly in countries such as France and Switzerland. It is also worth noting the cost of a Savannah cat — it is decidedly high! A single specimen can reach up to €20,000, depending on how many generations removed it is from its ancestor, the Serval cat.
Breed Standards
The Savannah cat is classified according to its direct lineage with the Serval, and is identified by the letter F followed by a number from 1 to 5 based on its lineage. A Savannah F1 is first generation, and is closest in size and characteristics to the Serval cat. A specimen of this type weighs around 15 kg and can reach a length of 120 cm. This continues through to the Savannah F5, the fifth generation and therefore the furthest removed from the Serval — only slightly larger than a common domestic cat, but a breathtaking sight nonetheless.
The Savannah cat breed standard is very precise. Starting with the head, which must be triangular and small in proportion to the body, similar to that of a cheetah. The almond-shaped eyes can range from brown to amber and are framed by black stripes that run down to the whiskers. The body is lean and powerful — a bundle of nerves and muscles held in tension, just like the Serval — rectangular in shape with a sturdy bone structure. The legs are agile and entirely free of fat, with small, oval paws. The tail is not very long, but is thick and slightly flattened. The coat is short, dense and glossy. The accepted colours are brown, silver, snow and blue, always with a spotted pattern of black or dark grey markings.
Caring for the Savannah Cat: Diet and Nutrition
Caring for a Savannah cat requires no particular effort — it is not prone to any specific illnesses and has a very robust constitution. Its coat requires periodic brushing and it can even tolerate the occasional bath. It is important to feed it properly, avoiding table scraps or low-quality products.
The Savannah Cat's Personality
Meeting a Savannah cat must be an unforgettable experience — you find yourself lost in its magnetic gaze. Imagine the sensation of being watched up close by a cheetah or a panther. Yet despite its impressive size, the Savannah cat's temperament is gentle and affectionate. It is also a great lover of play and thrives in a family environment. It socialises wonderfully with everyone, including strangers, and fortunately never displays aggressive behaviour — which is just as well, since a swipe from a Savannah would not be a pleasant experience.
It is perfectly suited to life with children, with whom it identifies so closely that it seems to become one of them, joining in the most unexpected games. It bonds with one primary owner in a deep and devoted way, while remaining affectionate with the whole family. It shows its affection through gentle head-butts and unusual vocalisations — sometimes hissing like a snake. It adapts well to indoor life, provided it has enough space to play without turning the house upside down. From a standing position, the Savannah cat can leap up to two and a half metres high — don't be surprised to find it surveying the room from the highest piece of furniture in the house.
Breeding
Savannah cats are a true wonder, but there is more to them than their beauty. Their remarkable intelligence makes them extremely easy to train — if taught from a young age, they can learn to open doors and cupboards on their own. They can be walked on a lead and enjoy playing with water. When raised in a family environment, the Savannah cat, despite its size, can live in the home like any ordinary domestic cat. From an early age, however, it is important to stimulate its intelligence with appropriate cat toys — suited to its size as well — and it is a good idea to get a scratching post made to measure for it.
If you are looking to buy a Savannah cat, as mentioned earlier, there is currently only one official Savannah breeding facility in Italy — that of Renata Mestichelli. Given the very high cost of each specimen, we strongly advise against purchasing online or from private sellers who are unable to provide documentation of the cat's pedigree or a certified F-category classification.
