Savannahs

The Savannah is a recent introduction to the world of pedigree cats and we are very proud and excited to become involved in the early development and promotion of this breed in the UK. Savannahs originate from crossing a wild African Serval with a domestic. It is the attraction of having a domestic cat with the remarkable wild coat patterns & exotic looks associated with Servals which is the key to the attraction of this very new and exclusive breed.  Low generation F1 Savannahs (close to the original outcross) are generally larger cats than most domestics and we would recommend that  they would be unsuitable as domestic pets however, as the generations progress they become roughly the same size as domestics making them easy to accommodate in the home environment.  In our Savannah breeding programme the aim is to develop small spots with good acreage (distance between the spots) and a light background for maximum contrast similar to the wild African Serval from which they originate. They also have different conformation to domestic cats, with large ears, long legs and a lovely lithe bodyshape.  

The most common question asked of us is, "what special care is required for a  Savannah" The answer is simple, none! Despite some negative publicity in the media - The truth is these are fully domestic cats which can be treated and loved as any normal pet cat or kitten.  

The next question often relates to cost. As Savannahs are still exceptionally rare cats they still command high prices when bought for breeding. However Savannahs sold as pets range from around £500 (no more than a Good bengal. Breeding stock are more expensive with good quality queens around £1250 + and males £1750 +

Bengals vs Savannahs - What's the difference? 

Because we have been at the forefront of Bengal breeding for many years, we can see the marked difference (and similarities) between the two breeds (we were the first breeders to introduce and breed Silver Bengals in the UK, Peter is the current elected president of the Bengal Cat Club of Great Britain, Christine is the joint Show Manager)

Savannahs are generally taller and longer than Bengals with longer limbs. Wheras the goal of Bengals is to have small wide set ears in Savannahs the ears should be very large and carried high on the head. 

Savannahs also have a different head shape to Bengals - ideally a V  

The most striking difference is in the coat. Wheras we strive for a lush pelt with large rosetted spots in Bengals, our Savannahs should have coarser coats with small spots on a light background.  

As Bengal breeders (under our prefixes Bramblewood & Silversafari) we have a great allegiance to the Bengal breed . As Savannah breeders we are excited at the prospect of working with a new and very rare breed which is still in the very early days of its' development.