Which Savannah Cat is the Largest?

The Savannah cat is one of the largest and most distinctive domestic cats, a breed created through the crossbreeding of African serval (Felis Lyptailurus) with domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus or Felis domesticus).

Origins and Recognized Standards

Savannah cats, officially recognized by TICA (The International Cat Association), were named for their elegant appearance, reminiscent of their wild serval ancestors found in the African savannah. However, it's important to note that Savannah cats are not found in the wild; they are purely a domestic breed.

Size Variations

Despite the many claims about the size of Savannah cats, the breed's size can vary widely. Many Savannahs, in fact, weigh no more than average domestic felines. However, they tend to be taller, longer, and leaner, giving them a distinctly athletic build.

There is no definitive largest Savannah because size can vary greatly from one individual to another. Factors such as genetics and diet play significant roles in determining an individual's adult size. In general, male Savannahs are larger than females, and the more African serval genes a cat has in its background, the larger it can be.

Current Size Standards

The most reliably large Savannah cats, often weighing 20 lbs. (9 kg) or more, usually come from the F1 and F2 generations. These are the first and second-generation offspring of the initial cross between a serval and a domestic cat.

It's important to remember that, even within these generations, the size of individual Savannahs can vary. Some snakes can be quite petite, while others can reach considerable size. Therefore, while the F1 and F2 generations are more likely to be larger, it is not guaranteed that all members of these generations will be large.

Genetic Diversity and Genetics

The interspecies breeding that leads to Savannah cats can sometimes randomly result in smaller individuals. This is due to the unpredictable nature of hybrid genetics. Therefore, it's difficult to accurately predict any Savannah kitten's final adult size during its kittenhood.

Further Reading and Information

For those interested in learning more about Savannah cats, including their history, breeding, and size standards, two excellent resources are:

Savannah Generation FAQs: Providing answers to frequently asked questions about the different generations of Savannah cats. TICA's Savannah Introduction: A comprehensive guide to understanding the official recognition and characteristics of the Savannah breed as recognized by TICA.

By exploring these resources, cat enthusiasts and potential owners of Savannah cats can gain a deeper understanding of this unique and fascinating breed.