The
History of the Savannah Cat
The African Serval cat is the foundation cat for the Savannah Breed. The first and subsequent generations derived from the breeding of a Serval cat to a domestic cat or a Serval cat to a Savannah cat is recognized as a domestic Savannah cat. The International Progressive Cat Breeders' Alliance 'IPCBA' was the first international all-breed registry to recognize Savannahs for registration. IPCBA was also the first registry to recognize them as an established domestic breed, making the breed eligible for Championship competition. The International Savannah Breeders' Association 'TISBA' was the first Savannah cat association. TISBA has total control of the Savannah breed in IPCBA.
The name 'Savannah' is derived from the African Grasslands from which the African Serval originated. The African Serval has a very mild temperament and has been kept as a 'domestic' pet in Europe for many years. Their popularity as a pet in the Unites States has been on the rise.
Kittens resulting from the mating of a Serval bred to a domestic cat have a very reliable temperament, therefore the Savannah cat combines the beautiful "wild" look of the Serval with the laid-back, playful and affectionate personality of a domestic cat.
The goal of the Savannah breeding program is to create a domestic cat which has physical features distinctive to the Serval cat, with the loving, dependable temperament of the typical domestic cat. It is difficult to breed the early generation Savannah cats. There are several reasons for this difficulty. Among these reasons is the Savannah is the result of the breeding of two different species, either of which may not recognize the other as a potential mate. The length of gestation also varies by a few days, which may result in premature births or miscarriages. As with many hybrid species, the first four generations of males are generally infertile.
The diet for a Savannah should be a high-quality food. The Savannah is easily litter-trained. They do not require a special health or vaccination regimen. Their main requirement is plenty of love, attention, hugs and kisses.
Savannahs are loyal, smart and have an outgoing personality. They make excellent companions for families and other pets. Savannahs have a magnificent, spotted, striped or clouded (marbled) coats in a range of colors from amber to silver, solid black or black smoke. They have a long, sleek neck and large, rounded ears. Dramatic black "tear drop" markings around the eyes give the Savannah a very unique and beautiful appearance. The Savannah's unique appearance and delightful personality make them the new breed for the Millennium.
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©November 2000 - 2005 by
The International Savannah Breeders' Association (TISBA)All text and photographs are the property of TISBA and may not be copied, reproduced or reprinted without written authorization. Disclaimer All Rights Reserved
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