General Description
The Savannah is a tall lean graceful cat with striking dark spots and other bold markings. It is a domestic breed which closely resembles its ancestral source, the African Serval, but is smaller in stature. It is affectionate and outgoing, with an exceptionally long neck, legs, and tall ears, as well as a medium-length tail, the Savannah is both unusual and beautiful. The Savannah is also an exceptionally graceful and well-balanced cat.
History
The first known Savannah was born on April 7, 1986, when a female domestic cat gave birth to a kitten sired by an African Serval. This F1 (first-generation hybrid cross) was the first on record. This unusual female kitten had both domestic and Serval-like traits. Both the kitten and breed were named "Savannah". Patrick Kelly heard about Savannah and decided he wanted to try to develop a new breed. He persuaded a breeder, Joyce Sroufe, to join him in his efforts. Together they wrote the original TICA Breed Standard. TICA accepted the Savannah for registration in 2001. The Savannah was accepted for Championship status by TICA in 2012.
Personality
One of the most amazing traits of the Savannah is its remarkable personality. It is a very curious, assertive cat that seeks out adventure at every opportunity. It is a very active cat, that needs a great deal of interaction on a daily basis, either with its human family or with a companion cat. It is also a very loyal cat who will bond strongly with its human family. It is not a lap cat but will show affection on its own terms, often by greeting family members at the door, following them around the house, and giving frequent headbutts. Many Savannahs love to play in the water. They can easily be trained to walk on a leash with a harness, and most love to play games such as fetch. The Savannah cat is a unique and amazing feline. Most people who own or have met Savannahs will say that they have never met a cat like them and become avid fans. The Savannah is not for everyone, but for those who seek a unique pet and lifelong companion, the Savannah fits the bill.
Traits
The Savannah has many traits that make it stand out. Perhaps the most obvious are the large, tall ears that are set right on top of its head. Another unique trait of the Savannah is its hooded eyes that are flat across the top. This gives it an exotic look, unlike any other breed. The body of the Savannah is very long and the legs are quite long as well, creating a false image of a very large or heavy cat, but in reality, most Savannahs are just the size of a large domestic cat, and weigh less than another cat of similar size. It also has a very long neck and a short, thick tail, adding to its distinctiveness.
https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=870:savannah-breed&catid=79
What is SBT?
it stands for Stud Book Traditional. An SBT Savannah is bred down from the Serval just like an F3 Savannah, but it must be more than 4 generations removed from the Serval and only bred with other Savannahs (no other domestic cats). The SBT Savannah is a “pure” Savannah that only has Savannah parents (more than 3 generations).
When it comes to size and appearance, they are comparable to F4 or F5 Savannahs. The advantage of SBT Savannahs is in the fact that they are more predictable in how they will turn out. You will have a better idea of how their size and personality will end up. They are preferred for families with traditional pets or small children
Hybrid Laws and Legalities of Ownership
Before embarking on the journey of welcoming one of these extraordinary felines into your life, it is imperative to be well-informed about the legalities surrounding their ownership. While Savannah cats are undoubtedly captivating companions, it's essential to ensure that your location permits their ownership.
It is crucial to note that Savannah cats may not be legal in every city or state across the United States. Therefore, your place of residence will be one of the initial inquiries I will make when discussing the possibility of acquiring one of these magnificent creatures. To facilitate your research and decision-making process, I have provided a comprehensive map of the USA delineating areas where ownership is legal, illegal, or restricted by generation.
Furthermore, I encourage you to visit the Hybrid Law website, where you can access detailed information regarding the legal status of Savannah cats in various jurisdictions. This resource will assist you in conducting thorough due diligence to ascertain whether your locality permits the ownership of Savannahs. www.hybridlaw.com
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the regulations governing Savannah cat ownership in your area to avoid any potential legal complications and ensure a harmonious relationship with your new companion.
For further assistance or clarification on any matters pertaining to Savannah cat ownership, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Your understanding and adherence to legal requirements are paramount to ensuring the well-being and legality of owning one of my Savannahs.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to assisting you in your journey to potentially welcoming a Savannah cat into your home.