The Savanna Cat

The Savannah cat is somewhat of a misunderstood pet. It's not that they are rare, but that they are not well understood by most people. They are classified as both a wildcat and a feral feline, which means they can no longer be legally sold as a purebred. Still, many people want a Savannah cat, because they are beautiful felines that are often passed from one family member to another as they are born.

The Savanna Cat


The Savannah cat is actually a cross between a domestic cat and a wildcat. When crossing a domestic male with a wild female, the cat will produce a fertile female cat called a Serval. Because of the Serval's robust frame and powerful, short hair, breeders often select this breed for their pets. Originally the Servals were utilized in England for hunting purposes as they had excellent noses for the water and thick fur that was ideal for tracking prey. They also had a strong, athletic body and a short tail.

In their native United States, the Savannah cats were first used for hunting, tracking, and herding. They were also used for similar purposes in the Caribbean where they were valued for their endurance and strength, as well as their lustrous coat that could also track prey. When the Spanish explorer brought the Savannah back to Spain, they made the cats the national symbol of Spain. They became even more popular when they were introduced to the United States, and later on into the popular pets category in the states.

The original meaning of the word 'Savannah' was 'wild cat', so it's not surprising that the name is still given to this beautiful cat even though it is now a domestic cat and not wild. Savannah cats have a long history in the United States. In fact, many early Americans owned Savannahs because they were common, helpful animals. This is due to their adaptability to different habitats, their intelligence, their gentle nature, and their love of family and humans. From being part of the British war effort, to being adopted by officers of the American army, to being handpicked by President Ulysses S. Grant to go to the Plains of Missouri following the Civil War, the Savannah was an invaluable asset to the Union cause.

The name'Savannah' is from the Tahitian word'savaii' which meant 'the beautiful island'. In Tahiti, the savannahs lived in thick forests, out in the open sea, in large rivers and lakes, and in caves. There were no cities at the time and so these cats had to forage on the wilder side of the island, finding food, water, and a place to sleep by hunting through the trees and bushes. This was their only way to survive. While hunting was their only source of food, they also relied on humans for help with shelter, food, and with hunting. They relied heavily on the people of the islands to hunt and trade with them, for they were very poor themselves.

Caring for these beautiful cats proved to be a Herculean task because they do not thrive in an environment where they are neither dependent nor active. This is due to a lack of knowledge in how to best care for them. For one, they require a great deal of human attention and spend most of their time sleeping. They also require a large amount of space, as they don't like living in confined spaces. These traits make them good candidates for being adopted into any number of different programs. In fact, many organizations now have a special program that focuses on finding homes for these unique cats.

These cats fall into two major categories: feral and oriental. The former are generally in the same genetic pool as the domestic cat and the latter are different breeds, such as the Bengal outcrosses. Regardless of their physical appearance however, all three felines are wonderful additions to any household. In fact, the Savannah cat has even become somewhat of a celebrity in the United States. Local television stations, such as Animal Television Network and A&E, have featured them extensively, giving prospective pet owners a great look at this beautiful cat and her special needs.