Servals have become an increasingly popular exotic pet based on their nature, size, and majestic looks. However, many fail to fully comprehend or consider that Servals are wild animals, even when bred and raised in captivity. They require a particular environment, diet, vitamins, enrichment, and enclosures. Many states, counties, and cities require special ownership permits and legal documentation of import and export history.

The Savannah cat breed's miraculous story starts with the surprise birth of a single Serval-domestic hybrid kitten. From there, it evolves with several breeders responsible and recognized for the founding and progression of the Savannah breed, gaining The International Cat Association (TICA) Breed Recognition. Without TICA's recognition, the Savannah cat was nothing more than a hybrid cat, not an actual breed. Continue reading about the challenges and the visionaries who meticulously and carefully bred for a specific set of characteristics, shaping the Savannah breed to what it is today. The history is, however, not without discrepancies in some of the earlier details. I’ve shared the information obtained in the most neutral way possible, with respect for the accuracy and details as they were presented.

I feel it’s important for Savannah owners and enthusiasts to know the backstory of the breed’s creation and what it took to be where it is today. Special thanks to Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe for the many enlightening discussions for this deep dive into early breed history and Brigitte Cowell Moyne for the endless amount of resources for achieving breed recognition and more.

Beautiful, wonderful Servals. Servals can be an incredible pet. The bond created between you, and your serval is the strongest bond you’ll ever have with an animal…for the RIGHT person. Unfortunately, most people are NOT the right person to own a Serval for various reasons.

Often, we as breeders must remind ourselves of the responsibilities and pledges we take when we become a breeder—an ethical breeder at that. Some subjects regarding those responsibilities need attention and to be addressed.

I want to explain the raw truth to those who think that a breeder who posts an “available cat” is a sad or even objectionable situation. It’s important to know that a breeder can only improve their breeding program by either introducing new breeding cats or keeping a kitten from a litter they’ve produced. If a breeder were to keep every retired breeding cat, they’d end up a cat hoarder; NOT a breeder.

What does SBT Mean? Once a cat's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are ALL Savannahs, the result of those kittens is what's called "Stud Book Traditional" or SBT. This is the first generation considered a purebred Savannah and is the only classification for the Championship Competition with TICA. The earliest generation SBT's are achieved is F4 (but of course, that doesn't mean ALL F4's are SBT).

Cats are obligate carnivores, and raw is a species-appropriate diet. Kibble has only been around since WW2, and although its purpose was convenience and longevity, that comes with a sacrifice. Kibbles are pressure cooked at high heat, which removes most natural nutrition. Cheap oils are then used to coat them and add back synthetic vitamins to hit a base level requirement.

There are many options for easy scoop-and-serve premade food, but making raw yourself can be easier and less expensive. Cat CRAP on Facebook has an easy calculator to input and balances recipes using different cuts of meat/bone/organ (80/10/10).

Savannah cats have increased in popularity over the years, as have the myths surrounding them. Misinformation also adds to the exotic mythology surrounding Savannahs and has caused our beloved breed, and the desire to own one, to be a prime target for scammers, fraud, and backyard breeder situations.

One of the first things people ask about Savannah cats is, "what's the 'F' number mean? Here we explain what the "F" word means when referring to our beloved Savannah Cats.