Are Savannah Cats Legal in Pennsylvania? 2026 Guide
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Despite their exotic looks and African wild cat lineage, Savannah cats are a domesticated cat breed that can make a great pet for the right owner.
If you want to bring home a Savannah cat, you’re in luck! Savannah Cats are legal in many states, including Pennsylvania1.
Savannah Cat Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has some strict laws regarding exotic animals, but when it comes to the domesticated Savannah cat, they’re legal, and the state allows all generations. You don’t need a special permit, license, or breeder to buy or own a Savannah cat in the state.
In fact, most states allow Savannah cats. Some states restrict the generations that are allowed or require a permit, but the only states that outright ban the Savannah cat are Nebraska, Georgia, and Rhode Island. Some states have restrictions on city limits or counties, however.
Are Savannah Cats Domesticated?
Savannah cats were once “part wild,” as they are a hybrid of the wild African Serval and domestic cat breeds.
This crossbreeding occurred in the 1980s, however, so many generations of Savannah cats have made them domesticated. Once the initial crosses are bred again, the second generation can be considered a domestic cat.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes the Savannah cat if it comes from breeding a Serval with the Ocicat, the Egyptian Mau, the Oriental Shorthair, or the Domestic Shorthair2. Despite this, some breeders include different domestic breeds, such as the Bengal or the Maine Coon.
Regardless of the specific breeds involved, the Savannah is a domesticated cat breed, which is why it’s a legal breed to keep in most of the country.
Savannah Cats vs Serval Cats
One of the issues with the Savannah cat is that it’s often confused with the African Serval, a wild cat that is sometimes kept as an exotic pet. Because the Savannah comes from crossbreeding with the Serval, it can look similar in appearance.
The legality surrounding these cats is quite different, however.
Eight states allow residents to own Serval cats without a permit, which include:
- Alabama
- Michigan
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Many states outright ban Servals as pets. Other states have strict requirements for owning a Serval, such as applying for a permit. Pennsylvania is one of them and obtaining a permit for exotic pets is notoriously difficult. With that, you must consent to inspections to ensure that you’re providing the proper environment for the cat.
So, if you’re tempted to have a cool pet cat like a cheetah or Serval, you’re better off going with the similar but completely domesticated Savannah cat.
Conclusion
If you want a large, exotic-looking cat that seems like it stepped off the African plains, the Savannah is a great choice. These cats have laid-back, almost “dog-like” personalities, beautifully spotted coats, and plenty of appeal for cat owners. And though they may look like wild cats, they’re domesticated and perfectly legal in many states, including Pennsylvania.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: AY Amazefoto, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
