Shorthair cat Large size 5-11 kg

Savannah

A tall, exotic-looking cat with huge energy and prey drive - rewarding for experienced owners, demanding for everyone else.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
5-11 kg, 30-43 cm
Very high
Activity
Athletic; needs vertical space and play
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Independent but needs stimulation
Easy
Handling
Very smart, leash-trainable
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal grooming
Moderate
Fit with kids
Best with active older children
Good
Other pets
Fine with confident pets
Light
Health burden
Generally healthy

The Savannah typically weighs 5-11 kg, stands 30-43 cm, and lives 12-17 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a highly active, interactive cat and will play with it daily,
you can provide climbing space, tall cat trees and enrichment,
you like the idea of leash walks and trick training,
you have checked local and state laws on hybrid cat ownership.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a calm lap cat that mostly sleeps,
you have delicate small pets like birds or rodents in the home,
you are out long hours with no way to keep the cat busy,
you have not confirmed early-generation hybrids are legal where you live.

A typical day with a Savannah

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Active wake-up; wants interactive play right away
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Climbing, patrolling and window watching
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    A nap after a busy morning
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Wand play, fetch or a harness walk
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Puzzle feeders and jumping games
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Settles once well exercised

Temperament and training

Energy Very high
Playfulness Very high
Hunting drive High
Sociability High
Trainability High
Vocality Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Treating it like a low-maintenance cat and skipping daily play · Buying an early-generation hybrid without checking local laws · Keeping small prey pets loose within reach of a strong hunter

Family and environment

Kids Conditional
Best with active older kids; rough handling and high energy do not mix.
Other cats Good
Often fine with confident cats that can match its energy.
Dogs Good
Frequently bonds with dog-savvy, sociable dogs.
Apartment Conditional
Workable only with lots of vertical space and daily play.
Seniors Conditional
The energy and jumping can be a lot for a quiet home.
First cat Conditional
Demanding for a first cat; better suited to experienced owners.
Busy household Conditional
Needs interaction; long empty days call for a playmate and enrichment.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Thickening of the heart muscle; genetic screening exists for some lines
Kidney disease Progressive loss of kidney function, more common with age
Dental disease Plaque and gum inflammation; routine dental care helps
Obesity Weight gain from overfeeding and low activity; managed by diet

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another athletic, high-drive spotted hybrid
Bengal
An athletic, high-drive cat that needs climbing, play and stimulation daily - rewarding for active homes, too much for a quiet one.
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Tall, active spotted cat, no wild ancestry
Serengeti
A high-energy, athletic cat that needs space and stimulation - not a fit for a sedentary household.
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Energetic, agile cat that is easier to source
Abyssinian
A busy, athletic and intensely curious cat that never stops exploring - not a lap cat, and it needs stimulation.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Savannah cat cost in the US?
Price swings hugely by generation. Later-generation (F4 and beyond) kittens often run $1,000-$4,000, while early-generation F1-F2 cats can reach $10,000-$20,000 or more. Across a 12-17 year life, food, litter, enrichment and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$20,000, and a chronic problem like heart or kidney disease can add thousands on top.
Are Savannah cats legal to own?
It depends on where you live and the generation. Some US states and cities restrict or ban early-generation hybrids (F1-F3) while allowing later generations; a few restrict them entirely. Always confirm your state and local laws before buying, because rules vary widely.
Do Savannah cats make good pets?
For the right owner, yes. They are smart, playful, dog-like and often enjoy leash walks and fetch. But they are demanding: they need daily interaction, climbing space and enrichment, and a bored Savannah can be destructive. They suit active, experienced owners more than someone wanting a quiet lap cat.
Are Savannah cats hypoallergenic?
No. Despite the claim being common online, no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. Savannahs still produce the allergens found in all cats, so do not choose one expecting an allergy-free pet.