Savannah USA - our journey to the historic garden city of Savannah in Georgia

Savannah is a breed created by crossing a large African Serval cat with a domestic cat. It is named after the habitat of its wild relative, the golden plains of Africa. Also known as the Savannah, this hybrid breed has become one of the world's most prized cat species due to its exotic appearance and high intelligence.

Origin story

The Savannah cat breed was developed in the USA in the 1980s. using hybrid crossing. The first known individual was obtained by Bengal breeder Judy Frank from Pennsylvania, who crossed a wild Serval with a Siamese cat. As a result of this connection, on April 7, 1986, a kitten (girl) was born, who was named “Savannah”.

In 1996, Savannahcat nursery founder Patrick Kelly and breeder Joyce Sroufe created a new breed standard and passed it on to the International Cat Association (TICA). In 2001, 5 years later, the Savannah cat breed was officially registered by the organization, and already in 2012 it received champion status.

To breed savannahs, the serval was initially crossed with the Siamese, Oriental, domestic shorthair, Bengal, Serengeti, Egyptian Mau, and Ocicat. But since 2012, breeders have been performing pure matings between two savannahs or a serval and a savannah. External crosses are not permitted by TICA. Unacceptable breeds for mating are Bengal and Maine Coon, as they may have unwanted genetic influences.

Awards

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Genetics

When studying the genetics of a savannah, special terminology is used to determine how many generations it is removed from its serval ancestor.

Each generation is marked with the letter F with a serial number:

• F1 = 1st generation from an African Serval parent (has 50% Serval blood);
• F2 = 2nd generation with Serval grandparent (25% Serval);
• F3 = 3rd generation with Serval great-great-grandparents (12.5% ​​Serval).

The following generations are designated using a similar principle, ending with F7. Then if the female is crossed again with a Serval, the Savannah kitten will have 75% of the father's blood and will inherit his appearance. Females are fertile from the 1st generation, male descendants are infertile until the 5th generation (F5), they are kept as pets. Individuals allowed to breed are very selective, mating only with those with whom they are raised from infancy.

Price

The cost of a pet depends on the percentage of Serval in the blood. Savannah F1 is the most expensive because it is very rare. They are very difficult to produce due to the 10-day difference in gestation periods (the average gestation period for domestic breeds is about 63 days, for a Serval it is 74 days). Savannah kittens are born prematurely or the pregnancy is terminated.

Additionally, the closer a female is to the ancestry of her African relative, the larger the kittens she produces but the smaller the litter. The F1 and F2 generations have very small litters (1-3 kittens) once a year, sometimes going through long periods without a birth. That's why they cost more.

Average prices for kittens are shown in the table.

How to choose a kitten

Before purchasing a Savannah kitten, you should look at the parents. The main thing you should pay attention to is the living conditions, pedigree and order of the kitten’s generation.

Important! A kitten should be taken as a pet no earlier than the 3rd or 4th generation.

The pet's parents must be purebred, the owner of the kennel must have pedigrees for each manufacturer and veterinary passports confirming the presence of scheduled vaccinations. Animals should not live in cramped conditions.

The optimal age for purchasing a kitten is 3-4 months; by the time of sale, it must be socialized and trained to use a scratching post and litter box. The pet should rumble, purr, make contact easily and be playful. If the kitten is too aggressive, then you should refrain from buying.

A kitten should be picked up only in the presence of the breeder and with a fully drawn up contract, which provides for testing the animal for infectious diseases and the possibility of returning it if the veterinarian’s conclusion is unsatisfactory.

Description and standard

The Savannah is a flexible, slender, tall cat, closely resembling a serval in appearance, but smaller in size. But it is the largest of the domestic cat species.

Savannah is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest domestic cat in the world.

Sizes vary greatly by generation and gender. F1 savannahs are usually the largest due to genetics. Males are usually larger (females weigh 7-10 kg in adulthood, males 12-15 kg). A long body gives the impression of an animal being heavier than its actual weight. It takes a cat about 3 years to grow to its maximum size.

Features of wool, colors

Savannahs have a thick, short coat that is brown, golden, silver, black or smoky in color with rich dark spots. The most common coat color of the African Serval is an oily gold with black spots. He is registered as a "brown spotted tabby".

The spotted pattern of Savannah cats is the only one accepted by TICA, as dark spots are common to all servals. The spots, round or oval, should follow the entire body and not connect to each other. The rosettes are a non-standard pattern, as the serval does not have them. They can appear after crossing with a Bengal.

Eyes

A striking feature of the savannah is its large, expressive eyes, often with brown, gold or green irises and slightly drooping eyelids, which provide protection from harsh sunlight. The upper half of the eye is shaped like a boomerang, while the lower half is almond-shaped. Different eye colors are allowed, which do not depend on the color of the coat. From the corners of the eyes on the sides of the nose to the antennae there are dark tear spots, like a cheetah.

Ears

Savannah received from the serval large, high, cup-shaped ears, pubescent along the inner edge, with rounded tips. On the back of the ears there is a light stripe bordered by a black, dark gray or brown marking that imitates eyes. Most members of the cat family have such markings to ward off predators.

Savannah cat: Why is it so rare

This breed was completely unknown and extremely rare, but quickly became popular due to its size and color. Not everyone will decide to have a tame cheetah, but a cat with the appearance of a wild animal and the character of a domestic one will easily fit into the family and become its favorite.

The Savannah cat is a very expensive breed, primarily because it is relatively new, given that recognition only took place in 2001, and even if it has now spread to France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy, it is not easy to obtain Savannah specimens. The problem lies precisely in the crossing of domestic cats with servals, which now inhabit Africa: the pregnancy of a female serval is, in fact, longer than that of normal cats; in reality the pregnancy reaches eighty-three days. In addition, this is also a matter of high-risk pregnancies: a maximum of three kittens are born, and not all of them will survive.

• Another factor that determines the high cost of each specimen is the classification of the cat itself, which is identified by the name and affix of the cattery, as well as by the abbreviation from F1 to F5, which serves to denote interbreeding and continuity of generations.
• Another element, even more picky than the others, which causes prices to soar is the very fertility of the Savannah male, which unfortunately only appears in the fifth generation, remaining sterile for the previous four generations: this greatly limits the spread of the Savannah.

Depending on the generation to which it belongs from F1 to F5, the price of a Savannah specimen can vary from 6 thousand to 12 thousand euros.

Features of character and behavior

Savannah is a cat that is famous for its highly developed intelligence. Her behavior depends on the generation and level of socialization. Early lines tend to require extensive socialization due to the higher percentage of wild blood. They may form a dominance hierarchy and be afraid of strangers. Representatives of later generations have a more predictable character, but retain some wild instincts.

The main behavioral traits of pets are:

• Friendliness. Savannahs are sociable, get along well with people and get along with other animals. They are excellent companions who seek social interaction and love to be the center of attention. They rarely hiss, hide or run away when they see a stranger. The base of their tails fluffs out in greeting. This behavior should not be confused with fur fluffing up the back and the entire length of the tail in fear. Animals also often wag their tails when excited or pleased. When communicating, they make different sounds: they chirp like servals, meow like their domesticated relatives, and hiss like snakes.
• Devotion. Savannah cats are known for their affectionate nature. They have a close bond with their owners and often greet family members at the door, follow them around the house, and touch their heads, but only when they want to. For their affection and devotion to their owner, they are called the “cat version of a dog.”
• Curiosity. The Savannah cat is curious, assertive, and seeks adventure at every opportunity. He often learns to open doors and cabinets, so you need to take precautions to protect him from unforeseen situations. He learns commands easily and can walk on a leash.
• Energy. Savannah cats are very active and intelligent. The animal needs constant movement, many daily interactions with people and animals, loves to play, and enjoys immersing itself in water. If the savannah is not occupied with anything, it develops bad habits. It is useful for a pet to learn new commands and spend time with the owner. If a kitten doesn't get enough attention, exercise, or intellectual stimulation, it can become anxious, destructive, or even aggressive. Thanks to their long paws, Savannahs are outstanding jumpers; they can overcome a height of 2.5 m. They jump on doors, high cabinets, and refrigerators.
• Predatory behavior. A Savannah cat can hunt and bring prey to its owners, such as birds. Therefore, it is advisable to keep an eye on her outside.

Head and muzzle

The eyes are elongated oval in shape, the color can vary from green to brown, gold to amber, and starting from the sides of the eyes to the whiskers, there are darker markings on the face that are used by Savannahs to prevent them from being blinded. light. solar.

The head should be triangular in shape,

• Slightly smaller than the body, and the ears should be large and wider at the base and rounded at the tip; To
• In addition, they must have the typical ocelli on the back, which is characterized by a central stripe along the spine,
• Bordered with black, brown or gray streaks that almost form the shape of an eye.

Care and maintenance

The Savannah cat needs proper conditions to maintain it and develop its natural skills. It is necessary to create a safe area in the house where she can climb and jump. Tall cat houses and scratching posts will make your pet's life more interesting. It is recommended to hide hanging wires and curtains, attach furniture to the wall so that your pet cannot knock it over, and remove toxic plants, open bottles and other dangerous objects. A safe, quiet hiding place where the animal can get some privacy will also be useful.

It is advisable to create a playground for your pet with a house and a climbing pole, which will help him develop his physical abilities. Small animals - fish, birds, rodents - should be kept in cages.

What to feed

Savannah cats grow at a rapid rate, so proper nutrition is vital. As carnivorous animals, they need food high in protein, moderate in fat, and minimal in carbohydrates. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are also required. Therefore, they need to be provided with a balanced diet and be sure to have constant access to fresh, clean water.

Fresh, raw meat is the healthiest option for your pet. Beef, veal and pork can cause allergic reactions, so it is recommended to feed them less frequently than poultry and rabbit. Grains should be excluded and fish should be kept to a minimum due to the heavy metal content and the fact that it is addictive due to its strong taste. It has been proven that cats that eat a properly balanced mixture of raw meat have a better chance of living a long life.

Nurseries

With the increasing popularity of the Savannah breed, the number of breeders is growing. However, it is recommended to buy a kitten from certified nurseries that are responsible for its pedigree.

32 catteries around the world are officially registered with the International Cat Association (TICA):

• 22 of which are in the USA;
• 4 – in Canada
• 6 are located in European countries: Czech Republic (SAVANNAHCZ), Germany (DANUWA), Great Britain (TOPCATSUK), Scotland (STYLISTICAT), Poland (THECATSAMONGUS), Russia (SAVANNAHGRIFFIN).

There are currently relatively few recorded Savannahs in the world, making them very special pets.

In some places, a ban on owning a Savannah cat has been introduced due to its hybrid origin. This restriction applies in Australia, as well as in some American states, including Nebraska, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Texas, Hawaii, New York.

Savannah – our review and impressions

I must say that I will remember my day in Savannah for a long time. I haven’t received so many impressions at once for a long time, I really liked the city. And it’s a pity that during our trip from Miami to New York we allocated only one day to explore the city of Savannah. But as they say: there is a reason to come back!

And now I’ll tell you what we saw in Savannah and what we did there.

First of all, right after breakfast, we arrived at the visitor center on Martin Luther King Street, and it turned out to be still closed. But we parked the car there anyway. As I said, the first hour of parking is free, and then $1 per hour. When entering, you need to take a ticket, and you need to pay for parking at the exit.

The City of Savannah Visitor Center is located in a historic building. From the outside it doesn't make the right impression, but inside you realize how spacious it really is.

We then headed towards Forsyth Park on foot. Along the way, we visited several public gardens with spreading trees, under which squirrels were having breakfast in the morning sun (reminiscent of the national parks of California).

What struck me most here were the cozy houses. It is not customary to build tall buildings in Savannah, so you feel comfortable on the streets of the city. Compared to the oppressive atmosphere of New York or Chicago with their skyscrapers, Savannah is much freer. It’s not customary here to run, having a snack on the go, but to sit at breakfast until almost 11 o’clock in local cafes. Just like in Northern Thailand.

Along the quiet and peaceful streets of Savannah, old oak trees are planted, the branches of which are overgrown with Spanish moss. Therefore, despite the heat, we successfully hid in the shade.

Squirrels in Savannah live right on the city streets

Savannah's cozy cabins are known for their beautiful staircases. This one leads to the Irish center

The most ordinary public garden on a quiet street in the city - and the one with a fountain!

This is Spanish moss, it grows on all the trees in the city

I especially liked Forsyth Park in Savannah. It is quite large, and all its paths lead to the central fountain, the symbol of Savannah. This is a very elegant, airy structure, near which every self-respecting traveler touring the southern United States should take a photo. And we are no exception. In addition, it is cooler next to the fountain.

Fun fact: On St. Patrick's Day, the water in Forsyth Park's fountain turns green!

The main symbol of Savannah is the fountain in Forsyth Park, built in 1858. This is the most photographed place in the city. There are similar fountains in New York, Peru and France

I was so impressed by the main fountain in the city of Savannah that I did a whole photo shoot with it!

The wide alleys of Forsyth Park provide pleasant shade and protect visitors from the daytime heat

Dima also liked Forsyth Park

Leaving the park, we immediately saw the Dot shuttle arriving, which transports tourists around the city for free. We boarded it and headed towards the river part, to the famous Savannah River embankment.

To get to the Riverfront, you need to go down the stairs or elevator located next to City Hall to the pier. By the way, there is also another information center with a toilet.

To get to the Riverfront, you can use the elevator, as we did

Former factory buildings have become restaurants and cafes. And along the street everything is the same as 100 years ago, a small passenger train rides

It turned out that this street is not so quiet! In addition to the fact that on the embankment itself preparations were underway for the fish festival, the opening of which was scheduled in the evening, the street parallel to it was loaded with trucks that were delivering something and servicing local shops and restaurants. Once upon a time, all these buildings were factories, and it was just as noisy and dirty. And now it is a tourist center, the most attractive place in the city for evening walks and dinner with a beautiful view of the river.

We walked along the embankment, looked at the Savannah River, admired the Queen Georgia pleasure boat and decided to definitely swim along the river. So we had to go back to City Hall. Boarding for the Savannah Belles Ferry began directly across from him.

Everything in Savannah is historical, even the paddle boat!

Strictly on schedule, we went to the other side, where the business center is located. And then, after waiting a little, we got back to Riverfront. We got off at another pier, located next to the Marriott Hotel and the statue of the Waving Girl.

Recommendation: By the way, if you want to live in Savannah on the river in a quiet and peaceful environment, it is better to stay in this part of the city, at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront , located in the Emmet Park area, since on the embankment itself we found it very it's too noisy and fussy.

The cabin of the Savannah River ferry is trimmed with wood.

Moored to the other shore

View of the Savannah Historic District from across the river

On the way we also met a huge container ship!

He even honked our horn