Number & Letter Designation:
The classification number & lettering can seem complicated, but here is an easy explanation:
The F's refer to how many generations away the cat is from an African Serval
(The Serval {Leptailurus Serval} is a medium-sized African wild cat.)
"F1" means its 1 away from the Serval (one parent is Serval, one is domestic cat or Savannah)
"F2" is 2 away (one grandparent was Serval, the other grandparents & parents could be domestic or Savannah)
"F3" is 3 generations away (one great-grandparent Serval, others above were domestic or Savannah)
"F4" is 4 away (one great, great-grandparent Serval, other ancestors domestic or Savannah)
and so on... but once they reach the SBT status (see below) they are considered to be a "purebred" Savannah, so the generation removed from the Serval (or "F" number), becomes less important.
The A, B, C, or SBT refers to how many generations it is from a domestic cat (anything other than Savannah):
"A" means that one parent was not a Savannah (All F1's are "A's"). This is also given when a domestic cat is introduced later down the line.
"B" is used when one grandparent was not a Savannah
"C" means a great-grandparent was not a Savannah
"SBT" (Stud Book Traditional) is a term used that states the ancestors back at least 3 generations have all been Savannahs. Now is when we say it is a "purebred". This level cannot be reach until F4 or after.
All of these classifications are to illustrate how much wild blood runs through the cat's veins. Typically the closer the generation to Serval (and higher percentage Serval genetics), the higher the price tag!
Physical Characteristics:
The Savannah Cat is the world's tallest breed. It has an exceptionally long and lean body, legs, and neck. Because of their thin profile, Savannahs tend to be much lighter than they appear. Other common traits include: tall rounded ears, small face with puffier shaped nose, hooded eyes, as well as a medium length tail.
These are exotic-looking cats, with striking dark spots and other bold markings on their coat. Possible colors patterns include: "traditional" buttery to light brown with black spots, "silver" white or light gray with black spots, "melanistic" black on black, "marble" any colors but with unusual swirl-type markings, and "snow" white with barely visible pale gray spots. Savannah Cats are domestic hybrids which closely resemble their ancestral source, the African Serval (close cousin to the Cheetah), but are smaller in stature. They are also extremely well balanced, and some are able to jump vertically up to 8 feet.
Origin:
The first Savannah Cat was born April 7, 1986 when a female domestic cat (owned by Judee Frank) gave birth to a kitten sired by an African Serval. This F1 (first generation hybrid cross) was an unusual female kitten, that had domestic and Serval-like traits. Both the kitten and breed were named "Savannah" (after the Serval's homeland, the Savannahs of Africa). Patrick Kelly heard about the kitten, and decided to try and develop a new breed. He persuaded a fellow cat breeder, Joyce Sroufe, to join him in his efforts. Together they wrote the original TICA Breed Standard. The International Cat Association accepted the Savannah Cat for registration in 2001, and wasn't accepted for Championship status until 2012. The only domestics recognized by TICA to be allowed for use in this breeding program are the Egyptian Mau, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, and the Domestic Shorthair.
Personality:
One of the most amazing things about the Savannah is it's remarkable character. It is often said they have dog-like personalities, and have intense loyalty toward those closest in their lives. Also known for being very curious and highly intelligent, they seek out adventure at every opportunity. They are extremely active cats that need a great deal of interaction on a daily basis with their human family or a companion cat, but get along great with dogs as well. Savannahs are usually not lap cats. They show affection on their own terms, often greeting family members at the door, following you around the house, and even sleeping next to you in bed if allowed. Many Savannahs love to play in water, which is far from typical in most breeds. They can easily be trained to walk on a leash with a harness, play fetch, and do other fun tricks.
They generally have sweet, mild temperaments, being gentle with even small children. Please do not allow children to abuse them, as with ANY animal, they could instinctively defend themselves. The Savannah Cat is a unique and amazing feline. Most people who have interacted with Savannahs will say they have never met a cat like them, and become avid fans. The Savannah Cat is not for everyone, but perfect for those who seek an uncommon pet and lifelong companion!
Health Info:
There are no known issues specific to this breed. I'm not calling them "super cats" or anything, but they tend to be overall healthy creatures. Of course they are still subject to any feline illness, but there are no inherit problems as with many pedigreed animals (especially dogs) such as bad joints, sinuses, digestion, etc.