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Owner, Editor, Writer, Designer, Marketing, and Social Media:
Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Art Director:
Featured Writers:
Media Contributors:
Debra Roberts, Savannah owner, R.N., and blogger
Featured DIY:
Featured Breeder:
On the Cover
Jacqueline Luttrelle, Savannah owner and artist
Debra Roberts, Savannah owner, R N , and blogger
Devon Clawson of Claws-on Hybrids
Kelly Ann Bennett, Savannah owner
Zara Carrington, of aluvOFspots Savannahs
Devan Clawson, of Clawson's Savannahs
Corri Davis, Savannah 0wner
Rebecca Diel of Volbarre Savannahs
Peri Hughes, Savannah owner
Amanda Gerard of Simba's Savannahs
Julie Kafka, Savannah owner
Kate Milke of Milke's Savannahs
Brigitte Moyne of Kirembo Savannahs
Ashley Perenich of Sunshine Savannahs
Angela Rimmer, East Tennessee Savannahs
Elizabeth Shelver, Savannah owner
Mandy Storer, Savannah owner
Dennis Thomas, Savannah owner
Laura Dodge Root, Savannah owner
Doreen Boileau of Drinkwater Cats
F3 "Storm" owned and bred by Ken and Emily Ellison of Savannahs of Coachella and Melissa Rodriguez of African Image Savannahs
Devan Clawson
Debra Roberts
What's All the Fluff About Fur?
The Coats, Colors, and Patterns of Savannah Cats
Written by: Debra Roberts and edited by Brigitte Moyne
Savannahs come in several different colors and patterns. Per the Savannah breed standard, permissible colors can be golden/brown, silver, black, smoke, solid, and spotted tabby patterns While not acceptable in a cat show ring, cats of different colors and patterns can still be registered with TICA and are highly desirable by many Savannah owners. In this article, we'll touch on the various Savannah colors and patterns, genetics, and the abbreviations you'll often see in posts, photos, and articles about Savannah cats How colors and markings are passed along from studs and queens to their kittens isn't easy to understand and difficult to predict, even for experienced breeders.
Genetics is a complex study in its own right, and there is always something new to learn. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at how some of the best-known Savannah cat colors have come about
Black Savannahs can be solid or have black spots noticeable only in the light
Brown Spotted Tabby Savannahs can be cool to warm brown, tan, or gold with black or dark brown spots (BST = black/brown spotted tabby)
Silver Spotted Tabby Savannahs have a silver coat with black or dark grey spots
Black Smoke Savannahs have a silver undercoat with black spots.
Savannah Cat Permissible Colors by TICA Guidelines
Silver Base Coat Black-Spotted Tabby (SST "silver-spotted tabby")
Silvers come in many shades ranging from light to dark charcoal silver, and spot colors range from charcoal to inky black Many silver Savannahs also have a black nose The silver color was introduced into the breed when domestic cats of different breeds created Savannahs.
Genetically, The inhibitor gene eliminates the yellow pigment in the agouti hairs (background color) but doesn't affect the non-agouti areas (the markings). The inhibitor gene may suppress all or minimal yellow pigment, resulting in some cats having a more washed-out brown color "Tarnish" is the term for when an SST has brown tinges at the nose and other extremities. The genetics behind it are poorly understood.
Brown Spotted Tabby (BST)
Most people are familiar with the golden/brown Savannahs as they most closely resemble their African Serval ancestor There are various shades of browns in the basecoat referred to as "tone " These tones range from cool to warm The base coat color can range from cool beige to a golden yellow and every shade in between The spotted tabby markings can vary from a red-toned brown to an inky black. Paw pads should be charcoal or dark brown, and the nose leather can be a range of colors, including pink or brick red surrounded by a darker line, solid black, or black with a center stripe in brick or pink like the Serval cat.
Cool-Colored Brown Spotted Tabby (BST)
The cool-coated Savannah has a light/cool beige to a golden yellow basecoat and dark "inky" spots. The "charcoal gene" is also found in Savannahs and results in a very cool-toned tabby with extremely bold black markings
Warm-Colored Black Spotted Tabby (BST)
The warm-colored Savannah has a vibrant, warm-toned coat and spots that range from orange to brown to black
Black Melanistic
Melanistic Savannahs are black but still have spots that are hard to "spot" on the body and the rings on the tail unless in good lighting. This color pattern is acceptable by TICA standards for shows. Black Savannah cats look pure black at first glance and in pictures, but with closer inspection, they do have the classic Savannah spotted pattern across their bodies known as "ghost spotting" and rings of darker color on their tails. A black Savannah cat's paw pads should be dark brown or charcoal, and their nose leather solid black It's important to note that the black nose of the melanistic isn't the same as in BST and SST's, and it's the result of the non-agouti (no pattern gene) The gene for black noses in BST's and SST's hasn't been identified yet but appears to be a recessive trait.
Black Smoke
Smoke-colored Savannahs are black but have silver hair roots, lightening their overall appearance and visible markings. A black smoke Savannah cat initially looks black, but when you part their coat, you can see that the roots of their hair are white/silver It’s easier to see the spotted markings on a black smoke than a black (Melanistic) Savannah Their paw pads should be dark brown or charcoal, and their nose leather is solid black
Savannah Cat Breed Standard Non-Permissible Colors
Besides the four primary colors accepted by TICA’s breed standard for the Savannah cat, you'll also see other colors of the Savannah cat as mentioned above Non-Standard Savannahs can’t enter a show However, many owners prefer them for their eye-catching appearance!
Snow Savannah aka Seal Lynx Point (SLP)
The rare Snow Savannah is highly sought after by pet owners The blue or aqua-colored eyes of the snow Savannahs are quite mesmerizing Snow Savannahs can come in variations such as seal, chocolate, lilac, blue, tortie, and red They have a very pale base coat, ranging from ivory to beige. Their spots are pale brown but with enough contrast from the basecoat and will sometimes be more visible on the cat’s legs, tail, and head points Solid colorpoints are also snows and do happen, so seal point, chocolate point, etc.
Lilac (dilute of chocolate)
The lilac/lavender color is scarce and is technically a dilution of brown. It’s only possible when a specific combination of recessive genes is present Lilac Savannahs have a cream base color with gray markings
Chocolate Spotted
A Chocolate Savannah resembles the brown spotted but has no black on the cat, only dark or light brown spots
Chocolate Point (recessive)
Chocolate is a recessive color of dark brown with warm overtones Any markings will be dark brown to a black shade The chocolate point generally has ivory-white fur, which stays pale throughout its lifetime and differs from seal points, whose coats tend to darken as they age, and seal points sometimes end up with darker coats as they mature Their nose leather and especially their paw pads have a pinkish undertone (If in doubt, this pinkish undertone is a good way of telling chocolate from a seal point, which has a dark brown nose and paw pads, with no pink showing at all)
Cinnamon (recessive)
The cinnamon coat color is recessive and is a warm pale brown coloration overlaid with darker markings. Both parents must possess this coat color to pass it onto their kittens, making it very rare
Fawn (dilute of cinnamon)
Fawn is a warm beige with pink overtones It’s a diluted version of the cinnamon coat color and recessive, so both parents must carry it.
Blue or Gray (dilute of black)
The blue coat color results from a diluted black coat, and it can be present in any of the three patterns of spotted, marbled, or rosette Savannahs
Savannah Cat Coat Patterns
Most Savannah cats are spotted (Tabby), like their Serval ancestor, and this is the pattern many breeders aim to produce There are many different spotting patterns varieties, such as large, irregular, or small spots The Tabby gene is highly diverse, involved in a wide variety of coat patterns.
Spotted
The spotted pattern is the only one accepted by TICA’s Savannah breed standard. The cat’s body should be covered in bold spots, which can be round, elongated, or oval These spots will be dark brown to black in color The back of the cat’s head should have a series of parallel lines that extend over the shoulder blades and fan across the back. The spots over the cat’s back should follow this line The Savannah cat’s legs, feet, and face may have smaller spots Lines breaking up into spots along the spine are a Serval trait and can be found in Savannahs, while domestic tabbies tend to have a solid line. Spotted Savannah cats also have distinctive markings on their ears, known as “ocelli ” which resemble eyes Often found in other species in nature, such as the wings of butterflies and the ears of other wild cats, these markings will likely confuse a stalking predator
Marble
Marble Savannahs have the same body shape, personality, and size as spotted Savannahs. The Marble pattern is recessive and comes from the domestic cat breeds used to create the Savannah cat initially Marbles are not accepted in the official breed standard because they don’t resemble the pattern of the African Serval cat The marbled pattern has large spots and stripes across the body and comes in many gray, silver, black, tan, and brown variations
Rosette
The breed standard doesn't accept the rosette pattern, but they are still stunning and coveted by many Savannah cat owners These Savannah cats have large oval "rosettes" surrounded by a combination of stripes and spots This pattern is more similar to a Bengal cat pattern and, most assuredly, results from using Bengal outcrosses with the Serval in the earlier days of breeding. Rosettes are two-toned spots with a lighter colored center with a darker ring surrounding that center
Torbie
The Torbie Savannah cat is rare, and these cats share looks with a Tortoiseshell and a Tabby cat. They are sometimes called "patched tabbies" because they look mainly like Tabby cats with a few patchy areas of red and cream
Torbie cats are the most difficult to differentiate. But once you identify the Tabby pattern (classic, spotted, mackerel, or ticked), look for little patches of a different color If you find both, you likely have a Torbie cat
The Orange "O" gene gives you a tortoiseshell color a patched orange and black pattern in cats. This color is likely because the "O" gene is incompletely dominant over the "non-O" gene, so it allows the underlying color of black (or chocolate, cinnamon, blue) to show in some places. It's an "X-linked" gene, so if a female only gets one "O" gene, she is tortie/torbie If she gets two "O" genes, she's orange (or red in cat terminology, which is odd when the gene is orange) In males, they usually only have one "X," so they will be red (orange) A rare tortie/torbie male is XXY and generally sterile. (source: Brigitte Moyne)
Servaline or Brown-Ticked Tabby (BTT or STT)
This Ticked pattern is rare, and few breeders will breed for this pattern This pattern can be Brown Ticked Tabby (BTT) or Silver Ticked Tabby (STT) This Servaline pattern is from the use of Abyssinians in the earlier breed The Servaline cat has very fine or almost indistinct spots, giving a speckled appearance rather than the large spots from the Serval The tiny spotted pattern occurs because the ticked tabby gene is incompletely dominant over the spotted tabby gene. So, when a cat has one copy of each, the ticked pattern breaks up into tiny spots.
Non-Standard Traits of the Savannah Cat
White toes
White locket of hair
Long hair
Marble pattern
Servaline pattern
Ticked pattern
DNA/Genes, Chromosomes, and Alleles
Now, I get to dust off my biology books from nursing school many moons ago! Despite the numerous genetic variations, an interesting fact I’ve found is that there are only two primary coat colors: Black and Red Other coat colors are some variations of either black or red. The only exception to this rule is White. When a cat has white fur, this means there is an inhibitor gene present that masks all underlying colors The Savannah cat breed does not display a solid coat pattern at all. There is always an underlying pattern or “ghost spotting,” even in those who appear solid at first glance The spots and stripes are variants of the Tabby (Agouti) coat pattern, which I describe further below The saying in the cat world is, “all cats are tabbies ”
Some genes that code the fur color and pattern are dominant, so the kitten only needs to receive that gene from one parent to express it. Other genes are recessive, and the kitten must receive that same gene from both parents to show it. Some genes can dilute the effect of other genes. A cat with genes for black fur and a“modifying gene” can become grey, smoke, silver, or blue Likewise, diluted red fur becomes cinnamon or cream Black is a dominant color gene.
Cats each have 38 chromosomes (19 chromosome pairs) Chromosomes come in pairs, and cats inherit 19 from each parent. Inside each chromosome are genes or DNA which control the different aspects of the kitten’s appearance The makeup of a cat’s fur may contain as many as 20 different genetic instructions that control the fur color, pattern, length, and thickness. Some genes are present; some are not present. The gene for white fur is an example Some genes can have two slightly different versions, called “alleles ” Depending on their combinations, Alleles give different outcomes, which is why Savannah cats come in so many variations--due to other breeds of domestic cats used in the earlier days of their creation.
How Can I Learn the True Color of My Savannah Cat?
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/panel/cat-coat-color
This basic cat coat color panel bundles together several genetic tests for coat color applicable to all breeds. The panel requires a simple cotton swab, and see below for the list of specific tests included in the panel The cost is $55 per cat and offers a 15-day turnaround time
Tests in This Panel
Agouti
The agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene, or Agouti, interacts with the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) to regulate the switch from eumelanin (present as black, brown, cinnamon, or their respective dilutions) to phaeomelanin (present as red or yellow or their respective dilutions) pigment deposition in the hair shaft at specific points in the growth cycle of the hair resulting in individual banded hairs with the visual effect of an intermediate color between the two pigments The length of the respective bands modulates the visual effect as well
A 2 bp deletion (c 123delCA) in the agouti signaling protein disrupts protein function in domestic cats
This mutation has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Thus, pigment switching can't occur when two copies are present, which results in a hair of uniform color (often called solid or "self-colored") A separate gene causes dark stripes or blotches (tabby patterns) interspersed with lighter hairs. Hairs in the darker stripes do not shift between black and red-yellow pigment production during their growth and thus remain uniformly dark. The areas outside of the dark tabby stripes are composed of agouti-banded hairs The tabby pattern is still present in a non-agouti cat (a/a), but it is not visible since all the hairs in the pattern and outside the pattern are a uniform color.
There are instances where the tabby pattern is present despite a homozygous recessive (a/a) genotype at the agouti locus. A sex-linked red/orange cat will exhibit the tabby pattern regardless of whether it is agouti (A/A or A/a) or nonagouti (a/a) Under certain lighting conditions, faint tabby patterns are occasionally observed on the body in a/a cats, especially in kittens with the dilution variant. Lastly, Melanistic (a/a) Savannah cats will often exhibit a faint tabby pattern as well
Brown (Chocolate and Cinnamon)
Cats with brown gene variants have reduced amounts of black pigment and appear brownish in color
Colorpoint Restriction
Cats with colored 'points' have genetic mutations associated with temperature-sensitive pigment production. Pigment production is reduced in warmer body areas, leading to darker pigmentation in the cat's cooler extremities (paws, ears, etc )
Dilute
Dilute is an autosomal recessive trait that causes clumping and uneven distribution of pigment granules in the hair shaft, diluting all coat colors
Follow the saliva collection instructions listed here: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/sample-collection/cat and complete the submission form and swabs per the detailed instructions
Breed Standard
F1 @5wks
by Doreen Boileau of Drinkwater Cats
F7 Drinkwater "Basil"
Cool BST
F6 Fergus "Fergie" owned by Julie Kafka and bred by Randi Ingrim of Alberta Savannahs
Cool BST
F7 SBT "Figel" owned by Peri Hughes and bred by Crystal Lowe of Savannah Cats of Nightfall
Warm BST
F2B female "Coco" Akoko Yewande (top) and her mother "Lady Katie" F1 (bottom). Akoko is bred by Brigitte Moyne of Kirembo Savannahs and "Katie" is owned by Brigitte as well.
F2
w/ Rosettes
female "Mango" owned by Mandy Storer and bred by Lisa Suave of Simply Savannah
Servaline (Ticked) BST
Cool and Warm BST bred by Gulnaz Sharifzyanova of AkilahCat Savannahs.
The ticked BST patterns shown were achieved by the following:
1. Serengeti + Abyssinian = Serengeti Servaline
2. Serengeti Servaline + Savannah = Savannah Servaline
3 Savannah Servaline + Serval continues this pattern.
Silver (SST)
F7 SBT "Rocket" owned by Melissa Rodriguez of African Image Savannahs and bred by Zara Carrington at aluvOFspots Savannahs
Silver (SST)
F4 "Spotzy" owned by Jaqueline Luttrelle and bred by Rebecca Diel of Volbarre Savannahs
Warm vs. Cool BST
Two extremes of the "brown spotted tabby." The very cool and the very warm. (Left) F4C female "Nadiya Zahra, owned and bred by Brigitte Moyne of Kirembo Savannahs. (Right) F2B female "Coco" Akoko Yewande" also bred by Brigitte of Kirembo.
Melanistic (Black)
F2 "Phantom" owned by Elizabeth Shelver and bred by Savannah Seattle
Black Smoke
F5 "Hades" (aka "I'm Smoking" owned by Rebecca Diel of Volbarre Savannahs and bred by Trish Wilson of AllEarz Savannahs
Black Smokes
F2's Rook & Reyk,
by
owned
Rebecca Diel of Volbarre Savannahs and bred by African Image (Rook) and Amanukatz ("Up In Smoke" Reyk).
Silver & Black Marble
F7SBT male bred by Angela Rimmer of East TN Savannahs
Brown Marble
F5 SBT "Groot" owned by Gerri Scheider and bred by Devan Clawson of Clawson Savannahs
Black & Brown Marble
F6 "George" owned by Dennis Thomas and bred by Connie Slagle of Amanukatz
Black & Brown Marble
F2 female "Zuri" owned by Shay Tullar and bred by Zafarii Savannah Cats
Black & Brown Marble
F3 female "Fiona" owned by Peri Hughes
F5 "Milo" and newborn "Wynter", both bred by
Amanda Gerard of Simba's Savannahs
F7 male "Milo" bred
Snow
and
Amanda Gerard of Simba's Savannahs
Melissa Rodriguez of African Image
Seal Point
F7 Female "Ellie" bred by Amanda Gerard of Simba's Savannahs
The top photo is Ellie at three months and the bottom left is Ellie at one year old. Sitting next to her is her adopted Siamese sister. As seen, the color points tend to darken with age.
Spotted Blue
F6 male "Sky" owned and bred by Angela Rimmer of East TN Savannahs
Spotted Blue
F5 stud "Rhaeger" owned by Kate Milke of Milke's Savannahs and bred by Connie Hager Land of Red Rock Savannahs F6 "Smokey", son of Rhaeger bred by Kate Milke.
Spotted Blue
and
F6 male "Jasper" owned
bred by Angela Rimmer of East TN Savannahs
F5
Cinnamon (Amber)
female "Ginger" owned and bred by Amanda Gerard of Simba's Savannahs
F7C male"Mo" owned by Olga Marsillo and bred by Heather Jackson of Nitrokatz Savannahs
Different Variations From the Same Litter
Cool and Warm BST, Snow, and Cinnamon bred by Simba's Savannahs.
and
F3 Tafari bred by Lequioa Savannahs
F2 Makeda (top) bred by Skeen's Savannah's, owned by Corri Davis
OR "SAVANTICS"
Photo of F5 male Simba owned by Ashley Perenich of Sunshine Savannahs and bred by Archibald's Pride.
F1 "Fubuki" owned by Peri Hughes and bred by Brittney Gobble of Sweetwater Savannahs
Meet Young Artist Lola Moyne
At nearly seven years old, Lola loves to paint portraits of her beloved Savannahs "Themba" and "Kammie" Lola is the daughter of breeder Brigitte and Jean-Noël Moyne of Kirembo Savannahs in San Francisco, CA.
An Interview with Foundation Savannah Breeder Doreen Boileau of
Drinkwater Cats
How'd
you come up with your cattery name of "Drinkwater Cats"?
My Last name BOILEAU is French for "drink the water," so DRINKWATER became my cattery name!
Where's
your cattery located?
Spring Hill, Florida (Tampa area), right near the Gulf of Mexico. You can read and see photos of my cattery on my website https://drinkwatercats com/f1-savannah-cattery/
Please tell us a bit of yourself, your background, family, occupation(s), and how you got started with Savannah breeding.
I've owned horses, dogs, and cats since I was a kid I never was a breeder, just a pet owner. I showed horses and dogs, and then cats I'm a Psychiatric nurse, play the piano, and speak several languages. I have one son who passed away in 2020. My deep grief and misery have taught me how important the devotion of my loving animals is to me.
I became a Savannah breeder in 1995, being intrigued by African Serval Cats. Joyce Sroufe was my mentor and a small group of us worked on trying to produce a hybrid of the African Serval cat. These were the experimental days of the breed! I've specialized in the F1 Generation for 24 years and mentored many Savannah breeders who still breed today. My F1 Savannahs have brought the breed to another level, producing many of the first F2, F3, F4, etc.
Is your family involved with your cattery work? If so, how?
My husband helps me a lot, especially with the heavy work moving food and litter I also use my Gator every day as we have six acres Mostly, I keep my cattery small to pet and spend time with each cat several times a day
What's your typical daily routine at your cattery from morning till evening?
I feed and clean both morning and evening Twice a day is essential to refill spilled water or scoop a messy box Servals need two meals a day. Running a cattery is 24/7--no vacations ever over here!
What's
the best part about breeding?
The rewards of the amazing babies produced are the best part Each F1 baby is extraordinary and an individual, and every Savannah, no matter the generation, is so special.
What's the worst/most challenging part about breeding?
F1 is the MOST DIFFICULT There are 50 hoops of burning fire to go through before you get this fantastic hybrid kitten Dealing with premature babies is heart-wrenching, and they are very fragile. (photo: newly born F1 kitten)
Do you recommend people try breeding Savannahs? Why/Why not?
To be a breeder is a huge commitment, and it requires full-time care and devotion. You must be able to be there for your cats.
What's
the best tip or advice you ' ve received from another breeder?
Don't overcrowd your breeding program. Keep the number of cats down.
What's the
biggest
weakness of the Savannah breed?
The biggest weakness in the breed is "appearance " A lot of Savannahs look like Bengals in the face and pattern, and Rosetting is often noticeable. The ears and body style need work on many bloodlines.
What's
the biggest
strength of the Savannah breed?
Most Savannahs have good health. Possibly "hybrid vigor."
What's the most important thing a breeder does?
Be aware, clean, and cautious. There's so much to know, and it takes years of experience.
1What should new breeders know they may not have considered?
Starting a breeding program is time-consuming and expensive You must make the right decisions, or you'll be starting over again two or 3three years later. Know that this isn't a part-time hobby. Don't breed if you don't have the time or money to take proper care of your cattery. Be a pet owner and enjoy your Savannah(s). the Future of our breed is in the breeder's hands. Breeders must unite, be nice to each other, and work towards the same goals of bringing the breed to another level Keep the bloodlines healthy and pure, and your hard work, love, and devotion will shine through!
Do you feed your Savannahs a raw diet, and do you recommend raw feeding to your families? Why/Why not?
I feed raw only to my Serval cats, and I feed canned and kibble to the Savannahs. I don't recommend raw feeding to pet owners
If not raw feeding or if supplementing, what food brands/types do you recommend and why?
Servals should always get supplements Kibble should have chicken as the first main ingredient, and canned should be high quality, with chicken as the main ingredient
Do you have a favorite Savannah Cat website or cattery?
I like Savannahcat.com. I was one of the first breeders on there! I remember when there were only a few of us on there for a long time! Patrick Kelley, the founder of www.Savannahcat.com, is my friend of 20 + years!
Do you or have you bred any other type of cat or animal besides Savannahs?
I started with Savannahs and, for a while, also bred Bengals. I stopped breeding Bengals years ago because the breed has many health issues.
What do you think about the phasing out of F1 Savannahs?
It's unfair after all so many years of working to create and move forward with the breed. F1, F2, and F3 will have to be registered elsewhere, and we Savannah breeders will find a way! Too bad the breeders can't work together on this, but there is too much fighting, attacking one another, and getting nowhere. It was not like this years ago. We were a smaller group, and everyone cared so much about each other.
What about the phasing out of F2s and F3s?
It isn't going to stop breeders from breeding them!
I understand your specialty is the F1 Savannah. What can you tell us about owning and breeding with Servals?
The F1 is the most complex generation to breed Most Servals won't mate with a smaller Savannah; he wants a Serval to breed! Many Servals aren't fertile with a domestic cat, and many things can go wrong!
How long will a Serval continue to breed, and do they tend to only mate with one specific queen?
Servals will slow down after ten years and get a lot of "misses." Servals usually only love one girl, and perhaps, she can't pull it off My Serval "Timbuck" kept breeding until he was 16 years old, then just slowed way down. Breeding takes place in "proven" boys, but many matings don't take after ten years. (Photos: Serval sires "Timbuck" - top and "Painted River" - bottom
What are some special/un t t d h t t that are only specific to
TheLOOK,forthemostpart. F1sare
What should a potent about owning one?
An F1 will be devoted and dog-like. They are big cats in the house and fit in well with smaller cats or dogs, and they are NOT couch potatoes!
What else would you like the Savannah world to know about you and your cattery and your best advice for the future of Savannah breeding? What do you want perspective owners should know when considering adding an F1 or F2 to their family?
Drinkwater is a Foundation cattery of the breed I've worked hard over the years, putting out many different pedigrees of foundation F1's who've gone on to F2, F3, F4, etc. I stay to myself and work hard in my cattery every day.
Find a reputable breeder and research the pedigree. What's behind your new F1 or F2 is extremely important as far as looks, good health, and type. Ask to speak to other buyers, recent and 6+ months before. If you want to breed your F1 female, search for an F1 whose Mother was an F3-F7 If the Mothers are HP (F1 x Serval or F2 x Serval), the fertility of that F1 baby will be little to nothing. If you're simply a pet owner, be aware that "HP" can have litterbox issues and an uncertain personality as they grow up and require an outdoor habitat. An F1 from F3-F7 Savannah Moms are welltempered and very good with the litterbox Savannah ownership is a long-term commitment, and you must choose the right kitten and breeder.
Enjoy the Savannah breed! They're amazing cats, and we're fortunate they're available for us to own!
DIY: Hexagon Wall Cubbies for Cats
by: Laura Root, Savannah Owner
While scrolling through the Facebook cat pages not long ago, I saw some charming wall décor in the form of hexagons that had openings for cats to crawl through or look out of. After investigating the poster’s link to where they had purchased them, I was impressed by their appearance of sturdiness and creativity, but not by the price! So, of course, I immediately began drawing out plans for constructing a couple of these, based on the size of the scraps of wood I had from previous projects! Most plywood is usable, and you can stain or paint if you prefer.
First, though, I had to harken back to some geometry from (many) years ago so that I could get sides for the hexagon precisely right Based on my scrap sizes, I had a 16” square to use as the basis for the wall-mounted backing It happened to be ¾” thick Depending on your cat’s size and weight, you can make it any size you want with the following instructions If on the large side, definitely pick ¾” thick back material.
The math lesson: With my 16” square scrap, I used a compass set at 8” to draw a complete circle. Using the same 8” radius on the compass, make a mark anywhere on the circle; then, put the pin on that mark, and draw a tick mark where the compass extends, repeating the process five more times Draw straight lines connecting each of these tick marks, and voila! You’ve got a perfect hexagon for which to start your project.
Once you’ve determined the preferred size of your hexagon back, select the lengths for your component pieces I’ll be talking about the one I built with the 16” square as the back, and you can extrapolate the differences with your choices.
After you’ve gone through the geometry exercise and drawn your hexagon on the wood, cut along the straight lines to begin forming the hex, be as precise as possible because working with angles to make everything fit together, in the end, requires precision
Next, take your strips of plywood – these will form the sides of the hex with openings for your kitties to explore Glue the strips together to create a rectangle with the outside dimensions of 8”w x 10”l, clamping for a solid joint Once completely dry, set your saw at a 30-degree angle and cut the LONG sides of 3 solid pieces of plywood and the LONG sides of the panels you just glued together These will allow all six panels to fit together around the back of the hex with a perfect joint
Following that, using your router and the appropriate bit (dependent on the thickness of your back piece, i e , if you used a ¾” thick back, use a ¾” bit set at ¼” deep), rout a rabit at the BOTTOM of each of the six panels to help fit the panels onto the back solidly Give more glue to hold it all together (supplemented with a few pin nails!)
With the router still available, rout a rabit on one edge of the LONG side of each of the six strips of solid wood. These will be “trim” pieces that will obscure the cut edges of the plywood panels. If you used ½” thick plywood for the panels, use a ½” router bit set at 3/8” deep for these rabits
If you want to stain or paint your piece, now is a good time for that, taking care not to get any paint on any angle-cut or rabited areas, which will prevent the glue from adhering properly.
Once your stain/topcoat or paint has dried, you are ready for assembly!
Arrange the pieces onto your work table. I found that gluing the solid trim pieces to the tops of the panels at this point worked best Determine the outer part of each panel and glue the trim flush with the panel on the inside.
Determine how you want your panels to be arranged – solid vs. open. I built two and mounted them in a "honeycomb" style I positioned the panels to make sure the openings made sense for both the mounting and if the cats wanted to climb on top or escape through a lower side (see photo, for example)
I began with one solid and one open panel, placed them opposite each other, and glued/clamped until they were dry Then, I repeated the process with two panels adjacent to them, and yet a third time It's time-consuming, but make sure the glue dries completely before attempting to add panels (your use of clamps will also factor into this!) Lastly, I used a 23-gauge pinner to secure the panels to the mounting back fully.
Once assembled and secured, determine how high you want your hex(s) mounted. I'd recommend at least one mounting
Equipment List:
Measuring Tape
Compass and pencil
Circular Saw or Band Saw
Router, ¾”, ½” straight rabit bits
Stain or Paint
Glue
Clamps
Pinner
Stud finder
Drywall mollys and screws for mounting
Cut List:
16” square for mounting to the wall (1/2 - 3/4” thick plywood, depending on cat size)
Three solid pieces of ½” plywood 8”w x 10”l
Six strips of ½” plywood 1-1/2”w x 8”l
Six strips of ½” plywood 1-1/2”w x 7”l
Six strips of ¾” solid wood, 1-1/2”w x 8”l
Next up: Floating shelves to achieve heights unknown!
ADVENTURE YOU, A SAVANNAH, AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS
By: Devan Clawson of Clawson Savannahs
IIf you're like me and those I follow on Instagram, you love the outdoors and want your Savannah to experience it too While other breeds of cats are capable to walk and hike in the great outdoors, Savannahs are known for their high energy level and agility. They have a canine-type personality that makes them great outdoors companions
Whether you're in the market for a Savannah or already have one or ten, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking your Savannah outside The outdoors can be an incredible experience for them, but your Savannah's safety-and your own are the number one priority. I've made a short (shhh) article on some things to remember while getting ready to take your furry friend on a great outdoor adventure
First and foremost, respect your cat, and don't force them into an outdoor adventure Taking the cat or kitten for short walks around the house is a start I call "mastering the harness." Getting them to stay still for the harness for some can be tricky, and it can also be pretty straightforward if your cat is used to being handled You can use suckering ideas such as wet food or a favorite treat to help the kitten stay still. You can also have someone help you the first few times.
I grew up raising exotic animals and have over 20 years experience with exotics, education and conservation programs
Next, allow your kitten or cat to get used to the harness. Keep your cat in a smaller room to not cause injury, and hold and love on your cat while on the ground When your cat is calm, slowly decrease the attention but maintain the harness. If your cat doesn't mind, allow him to wander while wearing the harness. If your cat hates the harness and freaks out, don't push it Keep all experiences positive, and don't allow your cat to "have at it," turning loose bucking bronco. If to spooked, take the harness off and give some love to let them know they're safe.
Always end an experience on a positive note with love and treats. Some cats take repeat tries, but they'll get the gist. Once they understand that "this thing me isn't going to eat or hurt me,"; attach the leash and practice leading them slowly again At first, you DO need to lead them by pulling carefully in the direction you want them to go. Once they've got it down, you're no longer the leader; but the follower
If you've already mastered the harness experience, let's jump to the next step; going outdoors! My best advice is to attach the harness and leash first if you don't have an enclosed patio or outdoor catio Then, please pick up the kitty, and carry her outside. Step at least four feet from your front door, and then put her down This safety measure removes any ideas they may get to bolt out the door when the harness is applied or when they are near an exit door.
Start going for short walks in quiet, desolate areas where your cat won't be easily spooked It's always best to start with your backyard and gradually build from there. If your cat seems to embrace the experiences, enjoying them more and more, you're ready for the next step
The big day. You found a quiet route on a hiking trail, and you're ready to give it a try The first thing to consider is your kitty's gear There are three crucial cat hiking gear essentials:
--Good-fitting harnesses that don't slip off are vital It should fit snuggly around the chest and back, and the vestlooking harnesses have been my favorite.
--Next is the leash Make sure you have a leash six feet or longer to allow your cat room to free roam but still under a watchful eye. The kitty will want to wander, so give them a little space.
--Lastly, I recommend a backpack You'll want one even for a pro-hiking kitty because sometimes your prowler is done for the day and needs a rest. Find a backpack wide enough to allow your pet to lie down comfortably You can find both inside carrier-type packs or ones where the top of the pack is like an alter for carrying your royalty around, and they can head-butt or smack you with their tail.
Keep your cat on the leash, even while in the backpack carrier. Ensure the other end is securely tethered to the backpack or in your hand. Find one with extra pockets to hold other hiking gear, water, and a travel pet bowl
We're almost ready for that adventure, so what's next? The weather. Always be conscious of the weather, mainly if it's a hot day Plan a trip to an area with more shade and allow stops, water, and rest breaks (It's ok, you can blame the cat
for these) Remember, your cat is more fragile to heat than a human, so don't overdo it
You don't want to get stuck in a rainstorm Always bring rain protection for your cat, even if there's no chance of rain. I advise people to be safe and not take unnecessary risks or be unprepared. A good friend of mine was caught in a rainstorm two years ago while hiking in southern Utah with their dog and Savannah The rainstorm turned into a flash flood, and water was over him and his pets within minutes. Luckily this story has a somewhat good ending. They survived, but his dog had broken its leg from hitting rocks when swooped down, and it took some time Luckily he packed his Savannah in the backpack and was able to keep him and his pets from drowning. So PLEASE always know your weather and surroundings and tell someone where you'll be
Ok, you're now ready for the hike. You may know what to expect if you've taken your dog hiking But cats are natural roamers and love to explore everything Be patient with your furry friend, and don't yank them back onto the trail. Oh, and no rabbit or rodent hunting--you have no idea what disease it could carry
The outdoors can be a beautiful and exciting place to explore, but it can also pose risks to your cat. Wild animals and other hikers' pets are just a few potential threats you need to be prepared to encounter I've learned that some people don't follow the rules. For instance, you can meet free-roaming pet dogs on trails with explicit leash requirements And often, your cat will hear a threat approaching before you do If you notice them displaying stress signals, pick them up and tuck them safely into your backpack. That'll keep them out of
harm's way if a dog or other potentially dangerous entity appears on the trail.
Another important is to make sure your cat is up-to-date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Revolution has always been my go-to. Make sure they're also current on de-wormer because no matter what, your Savannah is going to eat something you don't approve of or even know he ate After a trip, always check their ears for mites or anything else inside. If you ever notice your cat tilting its head to one side, take him to a vet immediately as something could be in the inner ear canal
Now for all you awesome Savannah owners, whether "adventure" is your middle name or "home life" is your game, be safe, happy, and love and enjoy your Savannahs Don't let the toilet paper fall too far away from the holder Who am I kidding; hide that stuff!
If you want to follow other Savannah cat hikers, here's a few worth following https://www.instagram.com/makeda.and.tafari.in.the.wild/ https://www.instagram.com/vermontsavannah/ @indicatthesavannah
F7 "Arusha" owned by Nicole Ferron and bred by ClawsonSavannah ClawsonSavannahs "Groot" with his little human Abbie
F2 "Shooter" is owned by Julie Schupak and Greg Block. Shooter was bred by Lynda Ryskamp of Salem's Pride Savanahs
SAVANNAH CAT RESCUE
Founded in 2003, Savannah Cat Rescue (SVR) is a volunteer service (not brick and mortar) by Savannah breeders: Kristine Alessio and Brigitte Cowell Moyne with a core group of volunteers across the United States and Canada The mission of SVR is to rescue Savannah Cats and provide education to the public about the Savannah Cat Breed
SVR cats come from various places, primarily breeders who've sold kittens to owners who are unprepared or unable to care for a Savannah The second, the breeder didn't assume responsibility when new owners needed help or decided to return the cat A good breeder will always take back a cat they've bred, regardless of age or circumstances Luckily, most Savannah breeders fall into this "good" category!
When owners first contact the SVR, they prefer to help them work through any problem(s) they may be having. Suppose a resolution is unsuccessful or the owner's lost the patience or ability to deal with the situation In that case, SVR can take possession of the cat with the owner's agreement (a legal surrender form)
SVR identifies qualified foster homes and places rescued cats for evaluation until placed into a permanent home SVR will work with foster homes.
If necessary, to rehabilitate cats, have them vetted (vaccinated and spayed/neutered), and evaluate any special needs or requirements. SVR gives first preference to foster homes if their home is a good fit
Although the Savannah breed is young, it's growing fast, and the numbers of Savannah cats and catteries producing Savannahs are increasing. SVR expects to see more Savannah cats in Rescue in the future, but this is NOT a reflection of a breed problem, merely a fact of feline life.
We showcase available rescued Savannah cats on the SVR Facebook page or https://groups io/g/SavannahCatRescue SVR never knows when a cat will become available in any location. Rescue Savannahs are typically adult cats of varying generations, ages, and genders and are rarely kittens All Savannahs available for adoption through SVR will be spayed or neutered and come from a foster or the current owner's home
Check the Hybrid Law site to ensure Savannahs are legal where you live before inquiring about an available Savannah SVR will NOT adopt to anyone living in an illegal area! If in doubt about your community's legality, homeowners association, city, county, state, or province, contact your local Animal Control officer Always make sure you're in legal compliance with the number of pets you may own. We do require landlord permission and proof to own a cat if you rent or lease your home
Adoption fees for each Rescue Savannah are usually $200, and donations also fund SCR.
Shared with permission from SVR. Please consider donating to the SVR here.
Savannah Cat Care Fund
Savannah Cat Care Fund (SVCCF) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to provide financial assistance throughout the United States to Savannah pet cat owners who cannot afford emergency care for their Savannah cat SVCCF financial assistance applies to all illnesses and injuries requiring immediate emergency or urgent care
The fund started because we were disheartened by the Savannah cats euthanized or surrendered when the owner(s) couldn't pay veterinary bills. This fund has been years in the making, and as our breed grows, so do its needs
The Savannah Cat Rescue team felt a need to have an organization to help pet Savannahs BEFORE being surrendered or euthanized A group evolved, and the idea came to fruition with many people's help. The SVCCF works with Savannah Cat Rescue to save our precious Savannahs. The SVCCF works with the community and anyone in need of emergency funds to save or help their Savannah cat
The goals of the Savannah Cat Care Fund are:
To generate financial support for the organization's initiatives, through outreach and fundraising, with a primary focus on providing financial assistance to Savannah pet cat owners experiencing financial hardship due to unanticipated emergency/urgent cat care expenses
To work with Savannah Rescue and help/save Savannah cats BEFORE they're surrendered or euthanized due to an owner's inability to provide emergency veterinary care
To work with veterinarians on accepting pet insurance and allowing owners to pay only deductibles and copays;
To provide education and resources to Savannah owners as needed
We define a Savannah cat as (a) a Savannah with TICA registration; or, (b) a Savannah rescued from SV Rescue with proof of such; or (c) a cat with no registration papers but deemed a Savannah by the SVCCF Board of Directors or their appointees; or, (d) a Savannah recognized and confirmed as such by the cat's breeder
CUSTOM 16 OZ.
STEMLESS SAVANNAH CAT
WINE GLASSES
These Vaso Silicia stemless wine glasses feature a crisp and chic design. Made with strong and durable glass, these hold up to 16 oz. of your favorite blends. They feature a fluted bowl with a protruding brim and thick bottom to ensure the glass stays balanced on flat surfaces.
It is curved to fit in your hand perfectly
The bowl shape enhances wine flavors and is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and more.
The larger size holds up to 16 ounces of red or white wine or your favorite cocktail. Perfect for casual entertainment and durable enough for everyday use
The low center of gravity and broad base reduces the risk of tipping over and eliminates stem breakage, which is common among traditional wine glasses. O R D E R H E R E !
**Free U.S. shipping on FOUR glasses or more** (contact me for international shipping options)
F2 "Pearl" of African Image Savannahs says " see ya next year for the winter issue on January 1st!
