What you should know about the
SAVANNAH F1
The Savannah cat is a unique breed. This cat, which results from a cross between un Serval and un Savannah of base generation , fascinated by both size and incomparable elegance. Although he has kept the majestic appearance of a wild feline, he has the gentle and affectionate character of a domestic cat. What the perfect combination!
The behaviour
Although descended from a wild cat, the Savannah cat is gentle, sociable and friendly. It has a great capacity for adaptation; even first-generation hybrids are able to cope with domestic life, such as litter. However, he inherited from his ancestors great energy and a marked penchant for hunting. So don't be surprised to see him jumping and climbing all over the place.
He is a very active and playful cat, who basically needs to exert himself physically. Like a dog, he appreciates walks on a leash and retrieves toys thrown at him.
The Savannah cat is also very intelligent, skilful and inquisitive. He quickly understands how to open doors or taps, and he is ready to do all kinds of feats to achieve his ends.
reference: Novoo
The Savannah Company
The Savannah cat gets along wonderfully with children and dogs, because the latter represent play partners for him. Despite all this energy, this animal also has a tender and affectionate side. He will appreciate the hugs of his masters, to whom he is very attached.
reference: Novoo
The difference between the savannah F1 and other generations
The main difference between an F1 Savannah cat and the other generations of Savannahs lies in their genetic proximity to the serval, a large African wildcat, as well as certain aspects of their appearance and behavior.
Genetic Origin
- F1 (First generation): An F1 Savannah cat is a direct descendant of a serval (the father is a pure serval). This means that the F1 Savannah cat is genetically the closest to a serval and carries about 50% serval genes.
- Other generations (F2, F3, etc.)**: Subsequent generations (F2, F3, F4, etc.) result from crossings between F1, F2 Savannahs or more advanced generations and domestic cats. With each generation, the proportion of serval genes decreases. For example, an F2 will have about 25% serval genes, an F3 about 12.5%, and so on.
Appearance
- F1: The F1 Savannah cat has a more wild appearance and resembles a serval more closely, with large ears, a sleek body, a spotted coat, and impressive leg length. It may also be larger and more robust compared to the other generations of Savannah cats.
- Other generations: The subsequent generations (F2, F3, F4) resemble the serval less, although their appearance still stands out from typical domestic cats. They have **less defined spots, smaller ears, and a more domestic-like body structure, though they still retain a wild look.
Behavior
- F1: The behavior of an F1 can be more territorial due to its serval genes, a wild animal. They require more enrichment activities. F1s may exhibit more intense behaviors, such as needing more space. They can also be more active and curious than the other generations. They often bond with one primary human.
- Other generations: Subsequent generations are generally easier to raise and socialize. For instance, an F2 or F3 will have a behavior closer to that of a classic domestic cat, although they still retain a certain level of liveliness and curiosity. They are more adaptable to family life and may be more affectionate.
Legislation and Restrictions
- F1: Due to their genetic proximity to the serval, F1 kittens may be subject to legal restrictions in certain countries or regions. For example, in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, F1, F2, and F3 Savannahs are legal. In all other provinces of Canada, only F4 and later generations are accepted.
Price
- F1: Due to their rarity, genetic proximity to the serval, and high breeding costs, F1 Savannah cats are often much more expensive than later generations.
- Other generations: Later generations (F2, F3, etc.) are generally less expensive than F1s because they are easier to breed and more common.
Summary of differences
- F1: More genetically close to the serval (50% serval genes), marked wild appearance, more independent and territorial behavior, higher cost, sometimes legal restrictions.
- Other subsequent generations: Fewer serval genes (25% for F2, 12.5% for F3, etc.), easier to manage behavior, more domestic appearance, lower cost, fewer legal restrictions.
In summary, an F1 Savannah cat is wilder and more difficult to breed than later generations, but also has a more spectacular appearance and a more direct connection to the serval. **Later generations** are generally better suited to life as pets, while retaining some of the beauty and distinctive traits inherited from the serval.