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Savannah cats were introduced to the world in 1986 after a domestic cat was bred with a wild African Serval. Rumor has it that the first of this cat’s kind was named Savannah, hence how the breed got their name. This is a notably rare breed that is still gaining recognition among prospective pet owners.
There are many generations of the Savannah cat, each of which has a range of different sizes and weights. Here’s what you should know.
Facts About the Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat is known for being adventurous, independent, and loyal. They have a penchant for playing, especially when water is a part of the equation. These cats are agile and smart, so they can be trained to do things like walk on a leash (like a dog!) and come when they are called.
This breed tends to have more energy than most other domestic cat breeds, so they are likely to keep owners on their toes. They require plenty of places to jump and lie down on; otherwise, their athleticism will have them leaping onto bookshelves and trying to scale curtains.
Savannahs can live to be 20 years old. They have slender necks, large ears, and long legs on sleek, athletic bodies with spotted coats that come in four colors:
- Brown Spotted Tabby: Brown to golden fur with black spots.
- Silver Spotted Tabby: Silver (gray) fur with dark gray to black spots.
- Black Smoke Savannah: Fur is white close to the skin but turns black towards the surface. Black spots.
- Black Savannah: Black fur with spots being more visible early in life.
These cats eat the same things that domestic cats eat.
Savannah Cat Size, Growth and Weight Chart
This cat breed started off as a half-domestic and half-wild animal. Today, there are eight established filial generations of the Savannah cat. The F1 generation is the product of a Serval and a domestic cat. The F2 generation is the product of a Serval grandparent and two domestic parents.
The F3 generation is the product of a Serval great-grandparent and domestic grandparents and parents—and so on and so forth. Since Serval cats are much larger than domestic cats, the first and second generations of Savannah cats are typically the largest of all generations. The generation of all Savannah cats plays a major role in determining their general size and weight:
| Generation | Weight Range | Height Range |
| F1 | 19.38–22.9 pounds | 16.3–16.5 inches |
| F2 | 13.29–16.37 pounds | 14–14.83 inches |
| F3 | 12.01–15.5 pounds | 13.14–14.25 inches |
| F4 onwards | 5.3–13 pounds | 10–12 inches |
Source: https://savannahcatassociation.org/savannah-cat-size/
Keep in mind that these statistics are just averages. Savannah cats, no matter their generation, could be smaller or larger and lighter or heavier than described in the chart. Some Savannah cats have been reported to weigh 30 pounds and stand at 16.5 inches tall.
When Does a Savannah Cat Stop Growing?
It takes about three years, give or take, for them to finish developing and be considered a full grown Savannah Cat. This breed tends to grow quickly during their first year of life when changes in their size are easily noticeable.
After the first year, a Savannah cat’s growth usually slows down until they reach their full-size capacity. Growth rates vary slightly from cat to cat for a variety of reasons.
Factors Affecting the Size of Savannah Cats
No height or weight of a Savannah cat is guaranteed, as several factors come into play when determining the adult size of this breed. The generation and parent size are big factors.
- Diet: What a cat eats can be beneficial or detrimental to their growth. A cat that doesn’t get all the nutrients necessary for good health could end up smaller and less healthy than a cat that does get proper nutrition.
- Spaying and Neutering: In general, a cat that has been fixed will grow more quickly than one that hasn’t.
- Sex: Fully grown Female Savannah cats, like most cat breeds, tend to be smaller than their male counterparts.
Health is another factor that could come into play. It’s important to schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian so that any health problems can be addressed and optimal growth ensured.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
A Savannah cat should eat a high-quality commercial diet just like any other domesticated cat breed. Their food should contain real meat or fish as a first ingredient. Fish oil or another source of essential omega-3 fatty acids should also be included. What should not be included are artificial colors, flavors, or additives, as they provide no nutritional value. Cats are obligate carnivores, so there is no need for things like corn in their diet. However, fruits like blueberries do provide antioxidants that can help keep your Savannah kitty happy and healthy throughout their life. Always reach out to a vet to get a guidance on how your cat’s nutrition should look like.
If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.
How to Measure Your Savannah Cat
You can measure your Savannah cat’s length by holding one end of a pliable tape measure under their tail and holding the other end to the chest. The measurement will tell you how long they are.
You can measure their height by getting them to stand up straight (a treat can help with this) and then quickly measure the space between the floor and the base of their neck. Their head should not be factored into the measurement.
Conclusion
So as you can see, the Savannah cat’s size can vary a lot, but regardless, this is a beautiful breed that can have many of the traits of their wild ancestors. However, these are cute, cuddly, and loyal pet cats that can get along well in a family household that gives them enough attention and enrichment.
This cat is not for everyone! It’s important to note that some states and cities have laws against owning Savannah cats or at least certain generations of them. So, check your local laws before deciding whether to obtain a Savannah cat as a pet.
Related Read:
- Are Savannah Cats Legal in Pennsylvania? Guide
- How Long Do Savannah Cats Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
Featured Image Credit: AJR_photo, Shutterstock
