A Savannah cat is a breed of hybrid cat that was developed in the late 20th century by crossing a serval, a wild African cat, with a domestic cat. This hybridization typically produces large and lean offspring, with the Servals characteristic large ears and markedly brown-spotted coats. F1 and F2 male Savannahs can be very large, and in 2016 an F2 male attained a world record for tallest cat at 48.4 centimeters (19.1 in) . Show-eligible F4–F5 cats range from 5.0 to 8.2 kilograms (11.0 to 18.1 lb), which is comparable in size to other large domestic cat breeds such as the Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest cat.
Savannah cats are known for their playful, adventurous, and loyal personalities. They love to play in water and can even be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch. They have strong hunting instincts, so they may not be suitable for households with pets like fish, hamsters, and birds. However, with proper socialization as a kitten, they can be great companions to other cats and dogs, children, and other humans in their home.
Savannah cats are characterized by their long, slender necks, triangular heads, and large, wide ears that sit on top of their heads. They also have longer-than-average legs, which makes them appear larger due to their height. They typically have black, brown, or silver tabby coats with black or dark brown spots, resembling their African Serval ancestors. Some may have lighter colors or a smoked pattern.
Savannah cats are a lower-shedding breed, and so they require less grooming than long-haired breeds. However, because of their playful nature, they may get into a mess and need a bath. Fortunately, they love water! The Savannah cat breed is a crossbreed of a domestic cat with an African Serval, and they have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years.