The Savannah cat is arguably the tallest cat breed today.
This is because the Savannah was created by crossing a domestic cat and a serval, which is a feline that lives in the African savannah and resembles a large wild cat.
But how big can the Savannah cat grow? What is the Savannah cat size?
An adult Savannah cat weighs between 12 and 25 pounds and its body length varies between 20 and 22 inches. Its height can range from 13 to 15 inches.
Like its ancestor the Serval, the Savannah is tall, has long legs, a long neck and big ears. Its slender appearance brings grace and elegance, and a gait characteristic of felines.
The Savannah has a slender, powerful and muscular body with strong bones. The Savannah cat is then able to make impressive jumps.
What Is the Maximum Size of a Savannah Cat?
The largest Savannah cat on record is a male weighing 25 pounds and measuring 17 inches.
Savannah Cat Size – Source: dimensions.com
Why Are Savannah Cats So Big?
The Savannah is large because it is the result of a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, which is a large feline that can measure up to 24 in. and weigh up to 40 lbs.
The Savannah cat has inherited several characteristics of the wild feline: its body is slender and well muscled, its legs are long and it has large ears placed high on its head.
Its tail, with its black marked tip, is thick and rather short compared to that of most other domestic cats.
The Savannah cat’s posture and thin abdomen are reminiscent of the greyhound’s silhouette.
Size Differences Between the Different Generations of Savannahs
The size and weight of the Savannah cat will be more important in the hybrids “close” to the Serval, that is to say in the first generations.
Indeed, from the crossing between a domestic cat and a wild cat are born hybrids of different generations.
If we go back to the very first mating between a Serval and a domestic cat, we obtain the hybrids “F1”, that is to say the first generation.
The subjects of the second generation, the “F2” hybrids, are considered as semi-wild cats, and so on.
The F1 and F2 generations can weigh up to 30 pounds. Remember that the Savannah cat is considered very tall.
F1 Savannahs
- Average Height: 16.5 in.
- Average Weight: 23 lbs.
F2 Savannahs
- Average Height: 14.5 in.
- Average Weight: 15 lbs.
F3 Savannahs
- Average Height: 13.5 in.
- Average Weight: 13.5 lbs.
F4 Savannahs and Later Generations
- Average Height: 11 in.
- Average Weight: 10 lbs.
Source: savannahcatassociation.org
Half-Year Old Savannah Cat – Source: wikipedia.org
Size of a Savannah Cat Compared to the Size of a Domestic Cat
An adult domestic cat weighs between 8 and 10 lbs and its body measures between 18 and 20 in. (without the tail). Its size can reach 10 in.
As mentioned above, a Savannah cat measures 20 to 22 in. and weighs 20 to 25 lbs. Its size ranges from 13 to 15 in.
A Savannah is therefore 1.5X larger than a domestic cat and weighs more than 2X its weight!
Size of a Savannah Cat Compared to Other Large Cat Breeds
Savannah Cat Vs. Norwegian Cat
- Male size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 12 to 25 lbs.
- Norwegian Cat: between 14 and 16 in. / 17 to 20 lbs.
- Female size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 9 to 16 lbs.
- Norwegian cat: between 12 and 14 in. / 9 to 11 lbs.
Savannah Cat Vs. Maine Coon
- Male size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 12 to 25 lbs.
- Maine Coon: between 10 and 16 in. / 13 to 18 lbs.
- Female size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 9 to 16 lbs.
- Maine Coon: between 8 and 14 in. / 8 to 12 lbs.
Savannah Cat Vs. Siberian Cat
- Male size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 12 to 25 lbs.
- Siberian cat: between 15 and 18 in. / 17 to 26 lbs.
- Female size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 9 to 16 lbs.
- Siberian Cat: between 12 and 16 in. / 6 to 13 lbs.
Savannah Cat Vs. Ragdoll
- Male size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 12 to 25 lbs.
- Ragdoll: between 17 and 21 in. / 15 to 20 lbs.
- Female size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 9 to 16 lbs.
- Ragdoll: between 13 and 18 in. / 12 to 18 lbs.
Savannah Cat Vs. Ragamuffin
- Male size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 12 to 25 lbs.
- Ragamuffin: between 9 and 12 in. / 13 to 20 lbs.
- Female size:
- Savannah cat: between 20 and 22 in. / 9 to 16 lbs.
- Ragamuffin: between 9 and 12 in. / 10 to 15 lbs.
Important Note about the Savannah Cat Size
The size of Savannah cats is often exaggerated because they are taller, thinner and longer than domestic cats.
This larger body type gives the illusion of more weight.
Feeding a Savannah Cat
Because of their large size, Savannahs have higher needs than other breeds. This is why it is advisable to give them a diet rich in protein.
The Savannah is a cat that spends a lot of energy. Endowed with a strong musculature, he needs a diet adapted to his morphology.
He is not very fond of industrial food such as kibble. He prefers to eat like humans. Chicken or beef meat will do the trick, as long as the protein and fat content is sufficient.
The Savannah’s Living Space
The Savannah can live in the country or in the city, but he needs space and activity.
It is also important to ensure his safety, as he can run away.
The environment in which he evolves must be enriched. In addition to the inevitable cat tree (as big as possible for him), scratching post and toys, his living space must be decorated with games that challenge his abilities: wall or suspended platforms, tunnels, hiding places, etc.
He also appreciates walks on a leash.
Savannah Cat Size: Conclusion
I hope you now know more about the size of a Savannah cat, and that you were as impressed as I was with this giant cat from the African savannah!
Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have the chance to have this fabulous cat in your home!
I would be very curious to read your comments, not having myself the chance to own this cat, which is quite rare (and expensive!).
And take this opportunity to tell me what you think of the site!
Thank you and see you soon!