Savannah cats are generally larger than most domestic cat breeds and range from 12 to 25 pounds. Some Savannah cats can be as tall as 17 inches at the shoulder but are still smaller than many dog breeds, significantly larger breeds such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards.
Savannah cats are generally larger than most domestic cat breeds because they are a hybrid of a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African cat. The serval is an enormous cat with long legs and a lean body, and breeding with domestic cats results in a cat with a larger size and unique coat pattern. However, not all Savannah cats are enormous, as their size can vary depending on their generation, genetics, and individual characteristics.
Why Savannah Cats Are Comparable to Dogs in Size
Selective Breeding
How Big Do Savannah Cats Get? Selective breeding can affect the size of Savannah cats by allowing breeders to choose cats with desirable traits, such as a larger size, and then mating them together to produce offspring with those same traits. Over time, this selective breeding can lead to a larger average size in the breed.
For example, breeders may choose to mate a male Savannah cat with a female domestic cat with a larger body size or select cats from lines that have historically produced larger offspring.
The offspring that inherit these more prominent traits are then selected for breeding, while those that don’tdon’t are not bred. This process can be repeated over generations, resulting in a giant breed than most domestic cat breeds.
It’sIt’s worth noting that not all Savannah cats are the same size, and selective breeding can also lead to a range of sizes within the breed. Additionally, there are ethical concerns with selective breeding practices, especially if breeders prioritize physical traits over the health and well-being of the animals involved.
Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in determining the size of Savannah cats. This is because Savannah cats are a hybrid of a domestic cat and a wild African cat called a serval, and their size is influenced by the genes they inherit from both parents.
The serval is an enormous cat with long legs and a lean body, and when it is bred with a domestic cat, the offspring can inherit some of these physical traits. Additionally, the genes that control growth and body size are complex and influenced by multiple factors, including the inheritance of specific genes from each parent and environmental factors such as nutrition.
Other Savannah Cat Characteristics That Are Dog-Like
Social Behavior
Savannah cats retain some of the African serval’sserval’s natural behaviors, such as a strong prey drive and a tendency to be more independent than most domestic cats. However, they are often more social and playful than other domestic cats, and many enjoy the company of their human family members. Savannah cats may follow their owners around the house, greet them at the door, and enjoy engaging in interactive play.
On the other hand, dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years to be highly social animals that form strong bonds with their human owners. They are often loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable and may show affection by wagging their tails, licking their owners, and following them around the house.
While Savannah cats and dogs may exhibit similar social behaviors, such as following their owners around the house, they are still fundamentally different animals with different needs and behaviors. Therefore, it’sIt’s vital to understand each species’ specific social needs and behaviors to provide appropriate care and training.
Playfulness
Savannah cats are often described as highly active and playful animals, and they may enjoy playing games and engaging in interactive play with their owners. They also have a high energy level and may require more exercise and stimulation than most domestic cats. Some Savannah cats may even enjoy playing fetch or chasing toys, which are behaviors more commonly associated with dogs.
Dogs are also known for being playful animals and may enjoy playing games like fetch or tug-of-war with their owners. Many breeds of dogs were originally bred for specific types of work, such as herding or hunting, and may have retained their natural play behaviors.
While both Savannah cats and dogs can be playful, there are some differences in their play behavior. Savannah cats are likelier to play solo or with other cats, while dogs are likelier to play with their owners.
Additionally, the type of toys and games that they enjoy may differ due to their different physical abilities and interests. Therefore, it’sIt’s essential to provide appropriate toys and play opportunities for each species based on their individual needs and preferences.
Trainability
Savannah cats are often more trainable than domestic cats and can learn to respond to commands and perform tricks. They may also enjoy walking on a leash, another behavior more commonly associated with dogs.
Savannah cats are known for being more trainable than other domestic cats due to their higher level of intelligence and natural curiosity. They are often described as having a dog-like trainability, and many Savannah cats can learn to perform tricks, respond to commands, and even walk on a leash.
On the other hand, dogs are known for their high level of trainability and have been selectively bred for thousands of years to perform specific tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding. They are often highly responsive to their owner’s commands and can learn complex tasks and behaviors.
While Savannah cats may be more trainable than other domestic cats, they are not typically as trainable as dogs. That being said, many Savannah cats can still learn a variety of basic commands and behaviors, and some may even enjoy training sessions with their owners. It’sIt’s essential to provide positive reinforcement and patience when training a Savannah cat or a dog to help them learn and develop new skills.
