Why the Savannah is a Better Choice: Savannah VS Serval Kitten

Why Choose a Savannah Cat? Savannah vs Serval Kitten Comparison

Ever wondered about exotic house cats? Let’s dive into the world of Savannah cats and Serval kittens.

These hybrid cat breeds are turning heads in the pet world.

But which one’s right for you? Let’s break it down.

Exotic Cat Breeds as Pets: A New Frontier

Exotic pet adoption isn’t for the faint of heart.

It’s a whole new ballgame compared to your average tabby.

High-energy pets like Savannahs and Servals need special care.

But man, the payoff can be incredible.

Savannah Cat Overview: The Best of Both Worlds

Origin and Breeding

Savannahs are the result of breeding a domestic cat with an African wild cat called the Serval.

The first Savannah cat was born in the 1980s.

Since then, they’ve become a hot item in the exotic cat breed world.

Savannah cat breeders work hard to maintain the wild look with a more domestic personality.

Physical Characteristics

These cats are stunners, no doubt about it.

Tall, lean, and spotted like their wild ancestors.

An F1 Savannah (first generation) can be huge – we’re talking up to 20 pounds.

They’ve got those distinctive large ears and long legs.

Temperament and Personality

Cat temperament is crucial when you’re looking at domestic cat alternatives.

Savannahs are known for being:

  • Energetic (understatement of the year)
  • Loyal (like a dog, but cooler)
  • Intelligent (sometimes too smart for their own good)

They need tons of attention and playtime.

But if you’re up for it, they’re a blast.

Serval Kitten Overview: Wild at Heart

Wild Origins

Servals are straight-up wild cats from Africa.

No domestic breeding here – these are the real deal.

They’re built for hunting in tall grass.

Physical Traits

Servals are:

  • Tall and slender
  • Spotted like a mini-cheetah
  • Equipped with the largest ears relative to head size of any cat

They’re gorgeous, no doubt.

But remember, they’re wild animals.

Behavior and Needs

Servals are not your typical house cats.

They need:

  • Tons of space
  • A specialized diet
  • Experienced handlers

Serval kitten dealers might make it sound easy, but it’s not.

These cats have strong hunting instincts that can be challenging to manage.

Savannah vs Serval: The Showdown

Savannah vs Serval: The Showdown

Size and Appearance

Feature Savannah Serval
Size Large (10-20 lbs) Larger (20-40 lbs)
Ears Large Very Large
Coat Spotted Spotted
Build Athletic Very Athletic

Both are stunning, but Servals are bigger and more “wild” looking.

Domestication Level

This is where the Savannah vs Serval comparison gets interesting.

Savannahs, especially later generations, are more domesticated.

They’re easier to integrate into a home environment.

Servals remain wild animals, regardless of how they’re raised.

Pet ownership laws vary widely for these exotic cats.

Savannahs are legal in more places than Servals.

Always check local laws before considering either.

Care Requirements

Both need specialized care, but Servals take it to another level.

Care Aspect Savannah Serval
Diet High-quality cat food, some raw Mostly raw meat diet
Space Large indoor area, secure outdoor space Large, specialized enclosure
Exercise Daily play and exercise Extensive daily exercise
Veterinary Care Exotic pet vet Specialized wildlife vet

Is a Savannah Cat Right for Me?

Before you rush to buy Savannah cat, consider:

  • Do you have the time and energy for a high-maintenance pet?
  • Can you afford the Savannah cat price (it’s not cheap)?
  • Are you prepared for a cat that’s more like a dog in many ways?

    Advantages of Choosing a Savannah

Let’s face it, Savannahs are the bomb when it comes to exotic house cats.

Here’s why they often edge out Servals for pet owners:

More Suitable for Home Environments

Savannahs are like the cool cousin of your regular house cat.

They’re wild enough to be exciting, but domesticated enough to chill in your living room.

You don’t need a safari in your backyard to keep them happy.

Easier to Care For

Don’t get me wrong, Savannahs aren’t low-maintenance.

But compared to Servals? It’s night and day.

You can actually find Savannah cat food at pet stores.

No need to source whole prey or create complex raw diets.

Pet ownership laws are a real headache with exotic pets.

But Savannahs have a leg up here.

They’re legal in way more places than Servals.

Always check local laws, but you’ve got better odds with a Savannah.

Savannahs Lifespan as a Pet

Savannahs can live up to 20 years with proper care.

That’s a long time to enjoy your exotic buddy.

Servals in captivity? Often less, and with more health issues.

Considerations Before Getting a Savannah

Considerations Before Getting a Savannah

Before you jump on that “Savannah cat for sale” ad, let’s talk real talk.

Cost

Let’s not sugarcoat it – Savannahs are expensive.

Generation Price Range
F1 $15,000 – $20,000
F2 $8,000 – $12,000
F3 $5,000 – $8,000
F4+ $1,000 – $5,000

And that’s just the initial Savannah cat price.

Factor in ongoing costs for food, care, and vet bills.

Space Requirements

Savannahs aren’t your average couch potato cats.

They need room to roam, climb, and play.

Think big cat trees, tall scratching posts, and plenty of floor space.

A small apartment? Probably not gonna cut it.

Time Commitment

If you’re looking for a low-key pet, keep looking.

Savannahs need loads of attention and playtime.

We’re talking hours of interactive play every day.

They’re not the kind of cat you can leave alone with a bowl of kibble.

Veterinary Care

Regular vet visits are a must.

But not just any vet will do.

You need someone experienced with hybrid cat breeds.

Exotic pet vets aren’t cheap, and they might be hard to find in your area.

Serval Diet

Diet is another concern with the Servals. Feeding a diet with the correct calcium-phosphorus ratio is crucial to bone strength. Being the longest-legged cat (in proportion to body size) and extreme jumpers, it is important that they are fed a balanced diet to prevent brittle bone development. It is not abnormal to hear of a pet Serval that broke its leg jumping off something. This is usually due to an incomplete diet and weakened bone strength. There are diets available that are balanced, yet the issue with them is palatability. Many Servals will not eat these balanced diets, so owners will end up feeding a raw diet and attempt to supplement with the necessary vitamins and minerals. The ideal diet would be to feed a whole food diet, such as they would eat in the wild-whole mice, chicks, pheasants, etc. This can be a cost-prohibitive option, however.

Legal Considerations

One last consideration is the legality of owning a Serval. Many places will have ordinances against the ownership of wild animals or at least have permit requirements for doing so. I am a strong believer in our constitutional rights and quickly get my back up when I feel our rights are being infringed upon. It is not my place to say who can and cannot possess such things or who is or is not able to care for them. Again, I think Morgan and Zeus the serval have a beautiful relationship and I have enjoyed being a spectator of that relationship via their YouTube videos.

The Savannah is a Safe Alternative to the Serval

The point of this topic is to bring to light that the Serval is not a suitable companion animal in most cases, while the Savannah is a manageable option for bringing a piece of the wild into your home. I used to receive calls on a regular basis from people that had bought a Serval and at 6-10 months of age, come to the realization that this wild cat was too much for them to handle. As the popularity of the Savannah rises, I find that I get fewer and fewer of these calls. I attribute this to more people choosing to purchase a Savannah rather than a Serval. With the Savannah, you will enjoy the wild look, size, extreme intelligence, and awe-inspiring athleticism of the Serval, but in a cat that can be treated mostly like a typical house cat. We recommend a high quality dry food diet, litter box habits are much more predictable and their ability to adapt to varying social conditions make them the forever pet you are seeking. I hope this article proves beneficial to those reading and I welcome any questions.

Why Savannah is Often the Better Choice for Exotic Cat Enthusiasts

When it comes to the Savannah vs Serval comparison, Savannahs often come out on top for pet owners.

They offer that wild look and playful spirit without the extreme challenges of owning a true wild animal.

Savannahs are:

  • More adaptable to home life
  • Easier to care for (relatively speaking)
  • Legal in more places
  • Potentially healthier as pets

But let’s be real – they’re still a major commitment.

If you’re considering exotic pet adoption, do your homework.

Make sure you’re ready for the cost, time, and effort these amazing cats require.

FAQs

Q: Are Savannah cats good with kids? A: It depends on the individual cat and how they’re raised. Early socialization is key.

Q: How much exercise do Savannah cats need? A: A lot. Plan for at least an hour of active play daily, plus plenty of opportunities for climbing and exploring.

Q: Can Savannah cats be left alone during the day? A: They’re not ideal for people who are away all day. They need interaction and can get destructive if bored.

Q: Do Savannah cats get along with other pets? A: It varies. They can often get along with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, but supervision is important, especially with smaller pets.

Q: How much does a Savannah cat cost? A: Savannah cat price varies, but expect to pay $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the generation.

Q: Are Serval kittens legal to own? A: It depends on your location. Many places prohibit ownership of Servals as pets.

Q: What do Savannah cats eat? A: High-quality Savannah cat food is crucial. Many owners mix commercial cat food with raw meat.

Q: How big do Savannah cats get? A: They can range from 8 to 20 pounds, with males typically larger than females.

Remember, whether you’re looking at a Savannah or Serval, these aren’t your average house cats.

They’re a major commitment.

But for the right person, they can be an incredible addition to your life.