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Home > Cats > Cat Breeds > F5 Savannah Cat: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

F5 Savannah Cat: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

Savannah F5 cat on a black background

F5 Savannah cats are considered to be fifth-generation descendants of Servals. They possess long legs and a very slim but muscular physique. They’re known for their large, expressive almond-shaped eyes and triangular head. Their ears are also distinctive—large and rounded with black tips, resembling those of their Serval ancestor.

Due to their unique appearance and personality traits, F5 Savannah Cats can be expensive, with prices often ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.

Breed Overview

Height:

Around 11 inches

Weight:

11-13 pounds

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Colors:

Brown, black, black smoke, silver spotted tabby, brown spotted tabby

Suitable for:

Active families, those looking for a low-shedding cat

Temperament:

Easy to train, friendly, gets along with people fairly quickly, highly adaptable

F5 savannah cats are known for their high energy levels and their affectionate personalities. They are highly trainable and can be taught several activities like walking on a leash and playing fetch.

F5 Savannah Cat Breed Characteristics

Energy:
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High-energy cat will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy cats require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a cat to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability:
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Easy-to-train cats are more willing and skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Cats that are harder to train are usually more stubborn and will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health:
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Some cat breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan:
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds' potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Sociability:
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other animals. More social cats have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches, while less social cats shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to lots of different situations.

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The Earliest Records of the F5 Savannah Cat in History

The F5 Savannah cat is a hybrid breed of domestic cat created by crossing the African Serval with various domestic cat breeds, such as the Bengal, Egyptian Mau, and Siamese.

The breed’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where wild African Servals were revered and even worshiped as sacred animals.

The breed was first developed in 1986 by Judee Frank, who aimed to create a domestic cat with the striking appearance of the wild Serval but with a more docile and manageable temperament. Unfortunately, there is no official record for the first-ever F5 produced. F5 Savannahs are five generations removed from the Serval, and they are typically around 12% Serval.

Today, the F5 Savannah is widely bred and available from reputable breeders, although it is still relatively rare compared to more established domestic cat breeds.

Savannah F5 kitten
Image Credit: Yana Vydrenkova, Shutterstock

How the F5 Savannah Cat Gained Popularity

The F5 Savannah cat gained popularity due to its striking appearance and unique characteristics. As a hybrid breed, the F5 Savannah has a wild and exotic look. This makes the F5 Savannah an attractive option for cat lovers drawn to the beauty of wild cats who want a domesticated pet that is easier to care for.

In addition, social media platforms like Instagram have played a significant role in popularizing the Savannah cat. Many breeders and owners share pictures and videos of their cats on social media, showcasing the breed’s unique appearance and friendly personality to a wider audience.

Formal Recognition of the F5 Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat is formally recognized as a breed by The International Cat Association (TICA), the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. TICA recognized the breed in 2001 and it has since gained popularity as a desirable pet for cat lovers. TICA requires all Savannah cats to be bred from a domestic cat and an African Serval at least four generations removed.

These specifications result in a cat that is 12.5% Serval and 87.5% domestic cat. This ensures the breed maintains its unique characteristics while having a manageable temperament suitable for life as a household pet.

Savannah F5 cat
Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

Top Nine Unique Facts About the F5 Savannah Cat

F5 Savannah cats have several unique qualities that make them popular among cat owners. Here are the top nine unique facts about the F5 Savannah cat you should know before deciding to adopt or purchase one.

1. They are highly intelligent

The F5 Savannah is known for its high intelligence and curious nature. They enjoy playing games, solving puzzles, and learning new tricks.


2. Love of water

Unlike most cats, many Savannah cats love and enjoy playing in the water. They are known to play with running water, take baths, and even swim in pools.


3. Dog-like personality

The F5 Savannah is known for its friendly and social personality, often compared to a dog. They are highly trainable, affectionate, and love to be around their owners, often following them around the house or even going on walks on a leash. They also get along well with other pets, including dogs, making them a good choice for families with multiple pets.

Savannah F5 kitten on the wooden table
Image By: Yana Vydrenkova, Shutterstock

4. They are fast!

As with any animal, the maximum speed of an F5 savannah cat depends on a variety of factors—size, weight, health, and age. However, these cats are considered one of the fastest domesticated cats and can run up to 35 miles per hour.


5. Wild ancestry

The F5 Savannah cat may look like a miniature cheetah but has wild ancestry closer to the African Serval. The breed is a hybrid between a domestic cat and the Serval, resulting in a cat that looks exotic but has a more manageable temperament.


6. Vocalization

F5 Savannah cats are known for their unique vocalizations, including chirps, trills, and meows. They are highly communicative and often talk to their owners in various tones and pitches. While vocalizing, they may also move their tails or flick their ears. As an F5 Savannah cat owner, you will know when your cat is upset or excited based on the sound it makes.

Savannah F5 cat black background
Image By: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

7. Jumping ability

F5 Savannah cats are known for their incredible jumping ability, similar to their wild ancestor, the Serval. They can jump up to 8 feet in the air from standing, making them excellent climbers and acrobats.


8. Require a unique diet

F5 Savannah cats require a unique diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Due to their wild ancestry, they have a digestive system designed to process high-protein foods such as meat. If your cat fails to meet this diet, it may not be able to grow healthy and may develop various health issues in the long run.


9. Legal restrictions

Some states and countries have legal restrictions on owning F5 Savannah cats, as they are considered a hybrid breed with wild ancestry. Before adopting an F5 Savannah, it’s important to check local laws to ensure that ownership is legal in your area.

Savannah F5 kitten playing
Image By: Yana Vydrenkova, Shutterstock

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Does the F5 Savannah cat Make a Good Pet?

The F5 Savannah cat can be an excellent pet. These cats are both loyal and intelligent and make wonderful companions. They are also relatively easy to care for and provide fun and entertainment to those who own them. Their intelligence and wild looks make them aesthetically pleasing, and they can make excellent additions to the family.

Due to their high energy levels, they need plenty of stimulation, so you shouldn’t keep them in a confined space or allow them to become bored. They are also best suited for living in a multi-pet household.

If you are considering an F5 Savannah cat as a pet, it’s important to do your research. Also, find a reputable breeder, and ensure you can provide the proper care, attention, and environment the cat requires. With the right owner and care, the F5 Savannah can make a loving and loyal companion that will bring joy and entertainment to your life.

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Final Thoughts

The F5 Savannah is a fascinating and captivating breed that will turn heads and win hearts. It is a remarkable animal that many people love. They are known for their energy, intelligence, and beauty. While they make wonderful pets, they are not for everyone.

Before considering an F5 Savannah cat be prepared to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for your new pet. Also, ensure that your state allows the domestication of the F5 savannah cat.


Featured Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

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