Savannah

A tall, spotted cat with huge ears and very long legs, descended from the African serval.

A Savannah cat sitting, full body
Size
Large
Weight
12 to 25 lb (5 to 11 kg), early generations largest
Lifespan
12 to 20 years
Coat
Short, coarse, spotted
Colors
Golden, silver, black and black smoke, with black spots
Origin
United States, from serval and domestic cat crosses in the 1980s
100% of the time, our scanner puts a Savannah in its top three. It names it first 97% of the time. How we tested

What does a Savannah look like?

Savannahs are tall and lean, with very long legs, a long neck and huge, rounded ears set high on the head. The coat is golden or silver with bold, solid black spots, and the eyes have dark tear-stain lines. Early generations (F1 and F2) look most like the wild serval.

Savannah personality

Savannahs are curious, energetic and bold. They jump very high, often like water and can be trained to walk on a leash.

How to care for a Savannah

They need a lot of space and activity. Ownership rules for Savannahs vary by state and country, so check local laws.

How do I know if my cat is a Savannah?

Long legs, a tall body and big upright ears are the clues. A Bengal is lower and more muscular with rosettes. A spotted house cat has a normal build.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

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Frequently asked questions

Are Savannah cats legal?
It depends on where you live. Some US states and countries ban or restrict them, especially early generations. Check local rules first.
How big do Savannah cats get?
Early generations can reach 25 lb or more and stand very tall. Later generations are closer to a large house cat.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat