Patrick joined forces with an exotic cat breeder named Joyce Scroufe, who wasn’t at first enthusiastic about the concept of the Savannah cat. Two of her kittens from later breedings were sold to Patrick Kelley, who had seen pictures of Savannah in a 1986 copy of the Long Island Ocelot Club newsletter. Savannah subsequently changed hands, finding herself with a breeder named Lori Buchko. She had three F2 kittens two lived, and one was stillborn. In 1989, Savannah bred with a Turkish Angora cat. The kitten, born in 1986, was named Miracle, but soon after, was re-named “Savannah.” The first Savannah cat was the result of an accidental breeding between a Siamese queen owned by Judee Frank and a male Serval that Frank was watching for another breeder. Chat with the breeder or rescue you’re considering to make sure that you’re ready to be a Savannah’s cat parent. We’d love to say that Savannah cats are fantastic for all families, but the truth is, this big, active cat comes with unique needs. Savannah kittens are quite a handful, and adults retain their need for ample activity throughout their lifetimes. If you’re lucky enough to bring a Savannah cat into your family, prepare for daily adventures, and be ready to offer lots of love and patience as your kitty learns. Their vocabulary ranges from insistent meows to adorable chirps - and the odds are good that if you speak to them, they’ll carry on a conversation with you. Savannahs can be quite vocal at times, demanding food or attention as the need arises. These cats quickly learn how plumbing works, and when given the chance, will hop up onto countertops to activate a stream of water for splashing. An aquarium soon becomes a coveted fishing spot, a koi pond presents an opportunity for swimming (and fishing) and your faucets quickly become favorite playthings. While most cats will go to great lengths to avoid water, Savannahs are the opposite. Teach your cat to walk on a leash if you can regular walks provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation - plus they give these friendly cats even more opportunities to socialize. Savannah cats can develop destructive behaviors if they’re allowed to become bored, so companionship, safe toys, and plenty of space are absolute essentials. This means lots of cat proofing is required without it, your Savannah cat will happily explore every cupboard and drawer in your house, probably while removing various items for a thorough inspection. They do love to settle in for snuggles but their play drive is incredible, and they are also wonderfully intelligent.
If there’s one thing you should know about the Savannah cat, it’s this: These kitties are typically very high-energy, even when they’re several generations along. Their domestic parent (usually a Savannah cat that’s a few generations away from an F1 Serval / domestic hybrid) contributes all the wonderful personality traits that make domestic cats such desirable companions. These incredible felines get their exotic appearance from the Serval, a small African wildcat with stunning spots, long legs, and massive ears. Gorgeous markings and fantastic personalities make Savannah cats pretty and popular.