Savannah cats are a hybrid breed created by crossing a domestic cat with an African Serval. They are known for their large ears, long legs, and distinctive spotted coat. Tabby cats, on the other hand, have a type of coat pattern found in many different breeds of domestic cats. Tabby cats have a distinctive striped, dotted, or swirling pattern on their fur, and they come in various colors, including brown, orange, and gray.
Get to Know the Savannah Cat
Physical Characteristics
Savannah cats are known for their distinctive appearance and physical characteristics. Some of the most notable features of Savannah cats include:
- Large ears: Savannah cats have large, upright ears similar to those of their African Serval ancestor. These ears are essential to their wild appearance and distinctive look.
- Long legs: Savannah cats have long legs and a sleek, slender build, which gives them a unique and elegant appearance. They are also known for their agility and ability to jump great heights.
- Spotted coat: Savannah cats have a distinctive spotted coat, which can come in various colors and patterns. Their coat can be light or dark, with spots or marbled markings.
- Wild expression: Savannah cats have a wild, intelligent expression in their eyes, which gives them a unique and exotic appearance.
- Social nature: Savannah cats are social animals and enjoy being around people. They are known for their affectionate and friendly temperament, and they are often described as being more like dogs than cats in their behavior.
Personality
- Playful: Savannah cats are highly active and playful, and they enjoy playing with toys and engaging in interactive games with their owners.
- Curious: Savannah cats are naturally curious animals and enjoy exploring their environment. They may investigate new sights, sounds, and smells and are often considered intelligent and wise.
- Social: Savannah cats are social animals and enjoy being around people. They are known for their affectionate and friendly temperament, and they are often described as being more like dogs than cats in their behavior.
- Active: Savannah cats have high energy levels and require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are well-suited to homes where they will receive plenty of attention and playtime.
- Trainable: Savannah cats are often described as highly trainable, and many owners have successfully trained their cats to perform tricks and follow commands.
- Affectionate: Savannah cats are affectionate animals that enjoy being petted and cuddled. They are known for their love of attention and desire to be near their owners.
Get to Know the Tabby Cat
Physical Characteristics
Tabby cats are a type of domesticated cat known for their distinctive appearance and physical characteristics. Some of the most notable features of tabby cats include:
- Coat pattern: Tabby cats have a distinctive coat pattern characterized by their distinctive stripes, dots, or swirling patterns in shades of brown, orange, gray, or black.
- Round face: Tabby cats have round faces and bright, expressive eyes that are typically green, gold, or copper in color.
- Soft fur: Tabby cats have soft, silky fur that is often thick and plush and is known for its affectionate and friendly personalities.
- Medium build: Tabby cats have a medium build, with sturdy, well-proportioned bodies and limbs. They are known for their agility and ability to jump great heights.
- Playful disposition: Tabby cats are known for their playful and curious personalities. They enjoy playing with toys and engaging in interactive games with their owners.
Personality
- Playful: Tabby cats are naturally curious and playful animals that enjoy playing with toys and engaging in interactive games with their owners.
- Affectionate: Tabby cats are affectionate animals that enjoy being petted and cuddled. They are known for their love of attention and desire to be near their owners.
- Curious: Tabby cats are naturally curious animals and enjoy exploring their environment. They may investigate new sights, sounds, and smells and are often considered intelligent and wise.
- Independent: Tabby cats are also known for their independent nature and tendency to spend time alone when not seeking attention or play.
- Adaptable: According to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, tabby cats are adaptable animals well-suited to various living situations. They are known for their ability to adjust to new environments and thrive in homes with various people and other pets.
- Gentle: Tabby cats are known for their gentle and friendly personalities. They are often described as friendly, good-natured, and well-suited to homes with children and other pets.
Things to Expect From a Savannah Tabby Mix
Appearance
The physical appearance of a Savannah tabby mix cat can vary widely, as with all mixed-breed cats, and can be influenced by the specific traits of the individual parents and their breed history. However, some of the common physical characteristics that you can expect from a Savannah tabby mix cat include the following:
- Coat pattern: Savannah tabby mix cats are likely to have a distinctive coat pattern that combines the distinctive stripes, dots, or swirling patterns of the tabby with the large, bold spots of the Savannah cat. The pattern may be bold and striking or more subtle, and it may be in shades of brown, orange, grey, black, or a combination of these colors.
- Medium to large build: Savannah tabby mix cats will likely have a medium to large build with a well-proportioned body and limbs. They may be muscular and athletic, with a playful and energetic demeanor.
- Round face: Savannah tabby mix cats are likely to have a round face and bright, expressive eyes that are typically green, gold, or copper in color.
- Soft fur: Savannah tabby mix cats are likely to have soft, silky fur that is often thick and plush.
- Long legs: Savannah cats are known for their long legs, which give them a unique, elegant appearance. This feature may be present in Savannah tabby mix cats as well.
Behavior
- Playful and energetic: Savannah tabby mix cats are likely to be highly active and playful animals that enjoy playing with toys and engaging in interactive games with their owners. They are likely to be energetic and athletic, with a high level of curiosity and a love for exploring their environment.
- Affectionate and social Savannah tabby mix cats enjoy cuddles and being petted. They are likely to be outgoing and social animals that enjoy being near their owners and interacting with people and other pets.
- Independent: While Savannah tabby mix cats are likely to be social and affectionate, they may also have an independent streak and enjoy spending time alone when not seeking attention or playing.
- Intelligent: Savannah tabby mix cats may be trained to perform tricks or follow commands with patience and persistence.
- Adaptable: Savannah tabby mix cats are likely to be adaptable and easygoing animals well-suited to various living situations. They will likely be friendly, good-natured, and well-suited to homes with children and other pets.
Activity
- Playtime: Provide your Savannah tabby mix cat with plenty of toys, including interactive toys that challenge their intelligence, such as puzzle feeders, feather wands, and cat trees. Encourage playtime by participating in interactive games with your cat, such as chasing a laser pointer or playing hide and seek.
- Exercise: Savannah tabby mix cats are likely athletic and energetic and benefit from regular exercise. Encourage physical activity by providing them with climbing opportunities, such as cat trees and scratching posts, and playing games involving running and jumping.
- Exploration: Savannah tabby mix cats are curious and intelligent animals that enjoy exploring their environment. Provide them with plenty of opportunities by setting up a safe, accessible outdoor play area or by providing them with windows and perches from which they can observe their surroundings.
- Mental stimulation: Savannah tabby mix cats are intelligent animals that benefit from mental stimulation. Please provide them with interactive toys and puzzles, and encourage them to play and explore their environment in new and exciting ways.
Diet
The diet of a Savannah tabby mix cat should be balanced and nutritious, providing them with the necessary nutrients to support their growth, health, and overall well-being. Some general guidelines for feeding a Savannah tabby mix cat include:
- High-quality cat food: Feed your Savannah tabby mix cat a high-quality food formulated for their specific life stage and individual needs. This can include kitten food for growing cats, adult food for mature cats, and senior food for aging cats. Wet or canned food can be an essential source of hydration, especially for cats that don’t drink enough water alone.
- Portion control: It is crucial to control the portion sizes of your Savannah tabby mix cat’s food to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight. Follow the cat food package guidelines and adjust portion sizes based on your cat’s needs and activity level.
- Freshwater: Provide your Savannah tabby mix cat with fresh water at all times, and encourage them to drink by providing multiple water sources, such as water fountains, in different locations throughout your home.
- Treats: Treats can be a fun way to interact with your Savannah tabby mix cat, but they should be given in moderation as they can contribute to obesity if given in large quantities. Choose healthy options, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or fish or commercial cat treats.
