The Best of Both Worlds

This is Sarge, a Savannah cat, who resides at the WildCat Haven Sanctuary. When they posted this picture on my News Feed, I was sure it was a wild cat, and not legal to own, even though it looks like a domestic cat. I looked it up online and these are some of the most interesting things I learned.

Sarge

A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat. The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 1990s, and in 2001 the International Cat Association accepted it as a new registered breed. Savannahs are much more social than typical domestic cats, and they are often compared to dogs in their loyalty. They can be trained to walk on a leash and taught to play fetch.

Savannah cats are the largest breed of domesticated cat. The Savannahs' tall and slim build gives them the appearance of greater size than their actual weight. A Savannah's wild look is due to the presence of many distinguishing serval characteristics, including the various color markings; tall, deeply cupped, erect ears; puffy noses; and jade-colored eyes. The bodies of Savannahs are long and leggy. The small head is taller than wide, and it has a long, slender neck. 

Savannahs will follow their owners around the house. They are very social and friendly with new people and other cats and dogs. An oft-noted trait of the Savannah is its jumping ability. They are known to jump on top of doors, refrigerators and high cabinets. Savannahs can leap about 8 feet high from a standing position. Savannahs are very inquisitive, and have been known to get into all sorts of things. They learn how to open doors and cupboards, and anyone buying a Savannah will likely need to take special precautions to prevent the cat from getting into trouble.

Many Savannah cats do not fear water, and will play or immerse themselves in water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah cats. Presenting a water bowl to a Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to "bat" all the water out of the bowl until it is empty, using their front paws.

Vocally, Savannahs may either chirp like their serval fathers, meow like their domestic mothers, both chirp and meow, or sometimes produce sounds which are a mixture of the two.

Savannah cats have no known special care or food requirements, although a very high quality diet with no grains or byproducts is recommended.

Laws governing ownership of Savannah cats in the United States vary according to state. The majority of states follow the code set by the United States Department of Agriculture, which defines wild and domesticated hybrid crosses as domesticated.

A government report on the cats has warned that the hybrid breed may introduce enhanced hunting skills and increased body size into feral cat populations, putting native species at risk.

As with any animal, and especially exotics, much consideration should be given before taking on the commitment that these amazing creatures deserve.