ADVANTAGES OF THE SAVANNAH CAT BREED OVER THE EXOTIC SERVAL

SERVALS DO NOT HANDLE CHANGE WELL AT ALL.

This means changes in home, changes in occupants, changes in routine. They would only be happy if everything stayed exactly the same for the next 20 years. Anything that changes is reflected in your Serval’s behavior.

SAVANNAHS ARE MORE ADAPTABLE.

 Although domestic cats like routine also, they can and do adapt to new homes and new people.

SERVALS NEED A LOT OF ATTENTION.

Not just food, they need you all the time. Not your child, not your friend, not a boarding facility…they need YOU every day of their lives. Forget about vacations or even overnight trips.

SAVANNAHS LIKE ATTENTION.

Although Savannahs are very interactive they are not as dependent on their human to the same extent as a Serval.

YOU DON’T WANT TO TRAVEL WITH A SERVAL.

You may decide that if you cannot leave your Serval then you should just take them along with you. Well, even taking your Serval with you places can be disastrous, after all that is “change” too! Additionally, you might find a pet-friendly hotel but they may not consider an exotic a “pet”, not to mention that many cities, counties and states do not allow Exotics, even passing through!

SAVANNAHS OFTEN LIKE ROAD TRIPS.

As long as it is on their terms, just like a domestic cat, but given a car where they can look out the windows and hang out in comfort…then traveling is no big deal for a Savannah.

THEIR DIET IS SPECIALIZED.

 Forget a simple can of cat food, Servals need a very balanced diet with special attention to the needs of an exotic cat. Raw diets in general are required, with variety and supplements.

SAVANNAHS EAT DOMESTIC CAT FOOD.

Although we recommend a high quality cat food, Savannahs do not require any different diet than would be recommended by any responsible cat breeder of any domestic cat breed.

LITTER BOX ISSUES.

Servals may sometimes use the litterbox, or sometimes they might save you the trouble of cleaning it by not using it! Sometimes they need a number of different options. Some need to pee standing up so a box is not going to contain it.

SAVANNAHS USE THEIR LITTERBOX FAITHFULLY.

Like any domestic cat, if the litterbox is cleaned regularly they are very happy to use their litterbox.

SERVALS SPRAY.

Servals are very territorial, whether male or female, intact or spay/neutered. They like to mark their territory, and will regard you as their territory too. Servals can be very accurate and they can spray a LOT.

SAVANNAHS DON’T SPRAY.

Of course intact Savannahs may spray just like intact domestic cats may spray to mark territory, but a spayed/neutered Savannah does not spray

SERVAL-PROOFING YOUR HOME.

 Servals are very intelligent animals. You aren’t just toddler-proofing from floor to ceiling, you are constantly challenged to stay one step ahead of your Serval. Not just for the mess they can make but for their own safety.

SAVANNAH-PROOFING YOUR HOME.

Savannah-proofing your home is very like toddler-proofing from floor to ceiling. They are a high energy mischievous cat, but no more than any other high energy domestic breed.

NOT ALL VETERINARIANS WILL TREAT AN EXOTIC CAT.

So even if you find a willing vet, you will need a backup vet for if your vet is not working that day, is sick or on vacation, and you also need an emergency clinic that can deal with your special kitty. Nothing more terrifying than your beloved cat being desperately ill and not being able to get them lifesaving help.

SAVANNAHS HAVE REGULAR VETERINARIANS.

Although it is nice if your veterinarian does understand what a Savannah is, there is no specific care of a Savannah that would be different from any other

SERVALS DO NOT REHOME WELL.

Not only will they be unlikely to ever trust another human, but they could very well grieve themselves to death if you leave them. In most cases the only option for an adult Serval needing a new home is a sanctuary. While sanctuaries are wonderful places as they save the lives of many Exotics, what a change in circumstance for a cat very used to being spoiled and loved upon to be out in a cage with limited attention.

REHOMING A SAVANNAH.

It is never a happy thought to have to rehome a cat, but Savannahs have been successfully rehomed similarly to any other domestic cat. Obviously the earlier generation Savannahs may find it more difficult to adjust, similarly to a Serval.

SERVALS CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR OTHER PETS IN THE HOUSEHOLD.

While the Serval is a kitten they seem to do great with other cats and other dogs. As the Serval gets bigger and more definite in their behavior the balance can change and a Serval can be a challenge for the other pets in the household to live with. Servals mature late and their behavior as a complete adult can be markedly different from their outgoing lovable kitten personality.

SAVANNAHS GET ALONG WITH CATS AND DOGS EASILY.

We do recommend that other pets in the household are of similar energy and personality, Savannahs are a high energy feline that might annoy a crotchety grumpy older sedate cat, much as a kitten of any other high energy domestic breed might.

IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A HOUSESITTER FOR A SERVAL PET.

Care of a Serval is specialized and most general housesitters are happy to feed a dog or cat but not an exotic animal. And once you are familiar with the care your Serval requires, most likely you won’t feel comfortable leaving him in the care of someone else unless a trained person familiar with the care of an exotic animal.

SAVANNAHS CAN BE LEFT WITH A HOUSESITTER. Savannahs can be left in another person’s care just like a domestic. They will miss you for sure, and be ready to welcome you home.

SERVALS NEED AN ENCLOSURE.

This is not an optional extra, an exotic cat needs an outdoor enclosure that is safe and secure. Most areas that allow exotic animals will also have requirements for an enclosure for the animal, even if he also lives in your house with you.

SAVANNAHS DO NOT NEED AN ENCLOSURE.

Sure they’d like an outdoor enclosure as long as that meant they didn’t have to give up their comfortable home. Just like most domestic cats, Savannahs would love to sit out in the fresh air and watch birds and insects in the sun in a safe enclosure, but it is not necessary as for a Serval.

SERVALS ARE OFTEN NOT PERMITTED WHERE YOU LIVE.

Exotic ownership is increasingly limited in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. Laws are added restricting exotic ownership every year. Additionally, even if you ARE allowed to own an exotic animal, the permits are difficult to obtain, the conditions that need to be met are stringent, and often the permit fee &/or the insurance policy you need to obtain are prohibitive as a yearly cost

SAVANNAHS ARE OFTEN PERMITTED WHEN SERVALS ARE NOT.

 In some states and counties, anti-exotic legislation will also cover any hybrid progeny of a wild cat. Federal law regards hybrid domestic cats such as Savannahs as domestic cats, but not all states agree. You should check your local legislation before getting a Savannah as pet.