The Savannah cat is a relatively new cat breed that resulted from crossing the African Serval cat with the domesticated Siamese cat. These cats are tall, muscular, lean, and gorgeous, with beautiful markings that come from their wild lineage. While savannah cats may have high energy, their nutritional needs are very similar to those of a domestic cat. That said, their larger size would probably warrant larger portions per meal. Ultimately, their diet should be comprised of high-protein foods derived from an animal source, good quality fats, and low carbohydrates.
Let’s hunt for more answers about what to feed your Savannah cat.
What Does the Filial Number of a Savannah Cat Mean?Â
The filial generation number will give a clue as to how much of the African Serval side or the Siamese side a particular kitten has, which will determine what to feed for smooth digestion. For example, a kitten may have an F1 number, which means one parent is African Serval. F2 means a grandparent is African Serval, F3 means a great-grandparent is African Serval, and so on. However, the filial generation number isn’t a major concern when feeding your cat, ultimately, even purebred Servals are able to adapt to good quality diets that are meant for domestic cats1.
Do Savannah Cats Have to Eat Raw Meat?
Savannahs will do well on a raw meat diet if you choose such an option when it comes to their nutrition. However, it isn’t absolutely necessary to put them on such a diet. High-quality commercial diets or cooked diets are also appropriate2. You should ensure you have good animal protein sources as the main ingredient in your Savannah’s diet. Examples of such proteins include chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, mutton, chevon, veal, and beef.
All Savannah cats can do well on a raw meat-based diet that is prepared correctly and is verified as nutritionally complete by either AAFCO (in the case of commercial raw meat-based diets) or your veterinarian/feline nutritionist (for home made fresh raw meat based diets). Likewise, they can also do well on high-quality commercial diets that are prepared specifically for cats.
A general rule of thumb for Savannah cats is to feed high-protein and low or no-carb diets. Avoid by-products, corn, and other fillers that have no business in cat food. All cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need mostly meat in their diets, and this is also true for the Savannah cat. You don’t have to feed raw meat for your Savannah cat to reap the nutritional benefits. Cooked chicken breast, liver, turkey, and salmon are all excellent options. Prawns are particularly an excellent choice because they’re loaded with taurine, an amino acid responsible for the proper function of the body.
Can I Feed My Savannah Cat Commercial Cat Food?
A helpful tip when looking for commercial cat food for your Savannah cat is to look for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Â seal of nutritional approval3. This international association is comprised of more than 200 veterinary experts who select cat food brands that meet their rigorous standards for optimal nutrition. Commercial cat food with the AAFCO stamp of approval is also ideal.
Tips for Keeping Your Savannah Cat Happy, Healthy, and Safe
 Savannah cats are high-energy and are larger than the average cat—some get up to 25 pounds! These cats demand attention and require daily exercise. Ensure you have plenty of toys for your Savannah cat to play with, and having a cat tree for your Savannah cat to climb helps keep their climbing abilities in shape and satisfies mental and physical stimulation.
Cat wheels large enough for your Savannah, cat play rooms, extra large scratching posts, cat-safe bowls, a large, well-maintained litter box with high-quality litter, and of course lots of love and attention are all key for keeping your Savannah happy and healthy. In addition, as with all cats, keep up to date with your routine check-ups, vaccination regimens, and other preventive care plans as advised by your cat’s vet.
As long as they have a high-quality diet that is either verified as complete by the relevant authorities in your country (in the US this is AAFCO) or your veterinarian/feline nutritionist, you can rest assured that they are being fed appropriately.
Conclusion
Like all cats, Savannahs need a nutritionally complete, high quality animal protein based diet. Your veterinarian or feline nutritionist are excellent sources of information for feeding your Savannah a diet that is appropriate for them, incorporating in their size, age, activity level, and other necessary factors.
Featured Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock
