I have specialized in the F1 Savannah Cat since the 1990’s when the breed was still in experimental phases. I have bred and birthed many F1 Savannahs over the years and my first-hand experience is what these TRUE facts are based on:
- F1 Savannahs are the rarest and largest hybrid cat in the world. The F1 is very difficult to breed, and only a few Savannah breeders have been successful. African Servals want to breed other Servals NOT the small domestic female offered to him. Nature and deep instinct take over.
- F1 Savannahs have dog-like personalities and get along with other cats, dogs, or any other pet in the house. Birds, hamsters, mice and not safe around the F1, or any other cat.
- F1 Savannahs LOVE children! Children are busy and active and the F1 thrives on this following them around and joining in for play. I do not suggest any breed of cat around an infant. The F1 fits in well with large families.
- F1 Savannahs do not need special vets, they get regular cat vaccines, microchip, and are spayed/neutered like any other cat. F1 Savannahs require a balanced, high-nutritional kibble and high-quality canned diet every day. We leave kibble and water out at all times and offer canned early morning and before bed. An adult F1 needs canned everyday also, but only once a day from 1 year and older. I have many suggestions on brands to offer your F1. Grocery store dry cat food is NOT enough in protein, calcium, and phosphorus. This diet leads to bone breaks when your F1 is growing at a fast rate.
- F1 Savannahs are not full grown until 3 years old. They will range from 20 lbs all the way up to 30 lbs. This is a tall cat, medium dog size. They do not get fat and will stay muscular and lean.
- F1 Savannahs are good with using the litter-box. Make sure you buy an extra large litter-box and keep it cleaned daily. Covered or non covered they do well using either. I recommend Worlds Best Cat litter Green label.
- F1 Savannahs look just like a Serval. It is the only generation that looks like the Serval. F2, F3, F4 and F5 generations resemble a spotted tabby. Do NOT expect any generation besides the F1 to look just like the African Serval Cat. The F1 has the “wildcat golden” color, white spots behind the ears, a short 3/4 ringed thick tail, a white underside and kettle black spots all over and even all the way down to the toes. F2 generation and on down will take on domestic colors of tan, browns and greys, and be more medium in size (10 to 14 lbs.). This is due to the percentages of Serval. F2 through F6 are active and make good house companions.
- F1 Savannahs like to go on walks on a leash and harness. Do NOT allow your F1 to roam. People steal them and chances are they will never come home.
- F1 Savannahs make wild sounds such as the “chirp” of the Serval Cat. They do not meow. They love to purr and will “head butt” as an endearment. They are extremely bright and learn quickly.
- F1 Savannahs have little to none as far as health issues. From the African Serval sire they get true “wildcat Vigor”!!! They live long lives if they are well cared for. Twenty years or more is their lifespan.
- F1 Savannahs have short “pelt-like” fur with very little shedding. They are clean and playful, curious and clever. An F1 Savannah will be your best friend.
- F1 Savannahs do NOT bond with just one person. They love everyone and will fully accept other pets in the house. They greet people like a dog would sniffing and fully interested. They will play with and fully accept dogs in the house as long as the dog is nice to them and does not act threatening or chase them in a threatening way.
- The food I recommend is a high-quality kibble and fresh water left out at all times, and a high-quality canned food offered morning and night. An F1 MUST have canned every day. Do not take away their canned food once they are fully grown. I do not suggest any raw. Do not feed your F1 Savannah from the dinner table or any food you are eating.
- F1 Savannahs are good with their litter box habits. They are clean and enjoy using the litter box. Kept clean you will not have any litter box issues.
- F1 Savannah males are sterile/in-fertile. They still must be neutered as any other male cat. They do not have any spraying issues. Make sure your F1 male is neutered no later than 20 weeks. The younger he, the faster he will heal, and it will not stunt his growth.
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