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How to Keep a Savannah Cat Happy: Enrichment for a High-Energy Hybrid

A spotted Savannah cat leaping from a tall cat tree toward a feather wand toy

Short answer: a Savannah cat needs far more activity than most breeds. WebMD says Savannahs "require more activity and care than some other breeds" and lists interactive toys, daily play sessions, trick training, harness walks, climbing trees and water play as enrichment. Catster's generation guide lists at least an hour of exercise a day for F1 and F2 cats. Without it, expect boredom and destructive behaviour.

Know what you are living with

The Savannah is a hybrid between a domestic cat and a serval, an African wild cat. Wikipedia says the first Savannah was born on 7 April 1986, TICA accepted the breed in 2001 and granted championship status in 2012 for F4 and later generations. Earlier generations (F1 to F3) contain more serval and are generally larger, more energetic and less predictable. If you are still deciding whether to get one, read our earlier piece, The Allure of Savannah Cats, and the behaviour guide.

Vertical space comes first

WebMD says Savannahs need cat trees for climbing, and Wikipedia describes long legs and a lean, muscular build. Choose tall, very stable trees anchored to a wall, add wall shelves and a window perch, and make sure there is a clear landing space. Our how to choose a scratching post explains what makes a post stable enough for a heavy, athletic cat.

Daily play

  • Wand toys: two or three sessions a day. Let your cat catch the toy at the end. See choosing cat toys.
  • Fetch and tricks: many Savannahs learn to fetch and respond to clicker training; WebMD lists trick training among its suggestions.
  • Puzzle feeders: use part of the daily ration for foraging.
  • Rotation: change toys weekly to keep the novelty.

Because strong cats can hurt during rough play, redirect biting onto toys early; see cat play biting.

Water play

WebMD notes that many Savannahs enjoy water play, such as a kiddie pool, and Wikipedia says many do not fear water. Offer a shallow tub with a few inches of water, supervise, and keep towels handy. A running fountain can also be a hit.

Harness walks and a safe outdoors

WebMD recommends harness walks. Introduce a well-fitted harness indoors first, keep sessions short, and avoid places with loud noise or off-leash dogs. A secure catio is another option. Keep vaccinations current; see cat vaccinations.

Respect the rules where you live

Savannah ownership is regulated in some places. WebMD says some US states ban or restrict them by generation, and Wikipedia says several countries restrict or ban imports. Laws change, so check with your local authority before you buy or adopt.

Generation matters for enrichment too

WebMD says F1 Savannahs are 50 percent serval, are the largest and least domesticated generation, and are generally the least affectionate. It reports they can weigh up to 25 pounds and stand 16 to 18 inches tall. F2 cats have 25 percent serval and are similar in size and temperament but somewhat more affectionate. F3 cats, with one serval great-grandparent, are closer to a domestic cat in size and temperament, weigh up to 20 pounds and stand about 17 inches tall, and WebMD says breeders often recommend them for first-time owners. F4 through F8 cats are similar to F3 in personality and size with less serval influence. Catster's guide puts F1 and F2 exercise needs at 1 or more hours a day. Everything below assumes an active cat; the earlier the generation, the more of it you will need to provide.

Set up a “cat zone” before the cat arrives

A Savannah that arrives in a home with nothing to climb will choose its own route, which usually means kitchen counters, bookshelves and curtain rails. Before you bring your cat home:

  • Secure the basics. Fit child-proof latches on cupboards, tuck cables away and put fragile items out of reach.
  • Build a main climbing route. A tall tree, wall shelves or a bookcase with a clear top can give your cat a way to travel around a room at height.
  • Create a hideaway. A covered bed or box gives the cat somewhere to retreat, which matters even for a bold, active cat.
  • Plan the litter box. Wikipedia says litter box problems are a common reason owners give up Savannahs; see below and our litter box guide.

Litter box success

Wikipedia cites a wildcat sanctuary that attributes about 90 percent of surrender calls to litter box problems. Catster says F1 Savannahs can learn to use a litter box quickly, often on their own, and warns owners to keep plastic or cloth bags out of reach since the cat may use them as litter boxes. To reduce risk:

  1. Provide a large, uncovered box, because a big cat needs room to turn.
  2. Use one box per cat plus one extra, in different quiet places.
  3. Keep the litter type consistent and the boxes very clean.
  4. If the cat starts to go elsewhere, see a vet first to rule out a medical cause; read why a cat stops using the litter box.

Training a hybrid

WebMD lists trick training among the recommended enrichment, and Catster says F2 cats are very smart and can be trained to walk on a leash, fetch a ball, use the litter box and respond to specific commands. A clicker and small treats are an efficient way to start. Practise one skill at a time: first a “sit,” then “touch” (nose to your hand), then fetch. Keep sessions to a few minutes and end on success. Catster says F1 cats can be leash-trained, ideally with a harness to protect the neck, although progress may be slow because F1s can be anxious. Never use punishment; it can damage trust and raise stress.

Social needs: do not leave an active cat alone all day

WebMD says many Savannahs get along with dogs and other cats but may hunt flying pets and small rodents, and suggests a cat-friendly dog or second cat if you are away often. Catster says an F2 is content if someone is home most of the time and may benefit from a second pet when the family is away often. A bored Savannah left alone for long hours is more likely to chew, climb and pull things down. Think carefully before you take one on if everyone in the household works long days.

Safety around the house

  • Windows and balconies: fit secure screens. A cat that can leap high can also leap out.
  • Doors: teach everyone to check before opening an outside door. An escaped Savannah may be hard to catch.
  • Identification: microchip your cat and keep your contact details up to date.
  • Small items: hair ties, string and rubber bands are tempting and dangerous if swallowed.
  • Plants: check that your houseplants are non-toxic to cats.

Know your rules, and plan for the costs

WebMD says Savannahs are banned or regulated in many US states, and at the time of its article, Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska and Rhode Island banned all Savannahs, while Iowa and Vermont allowed only F4 and later. Wikipedia describes bans or limits in Australia and New Zealand, and generation limits in the Netherlands and Belgium, with Canada legal in every province though some restrict F1 and F2. WebMD reports that F1 cats can cost up to $20,000 and F2 cats up to $11,000. These figures and the laws change, so check them with the relevant authorities. Costs do not end with the purchase price: you will also pay for large trees, a harness, quality food, vaccines and parasite control.

A sample week of enrichment

To make this practical, here is a simple weekly pattern. On weekdays, schedule two wand-toy sessions of 10 to 15 minutes, one in the morning and one in the evening, and let your cat catch the toy at the end. Offer a puzzle feeder with part of the daily ration while you are out. Two or three times a week, add a training session of a few minutes with a clicker, practising a trick or fetch. At the weekend, add a harness walk, a shallow water-play session or a new cardboard box to explore. Rotate toys weekly and rearrange perches every month to give your cat a new view. Watch your cat's body: a lean, athletic cat that sleeps soundly after play is getting about the right amount, while one that paces, yowls or wrecks furniture needs more. Ask your vet about weight and diet at each visit.

Common questions

Can a Savannah live in an apartment?

It is possible only with a lot of vertical space, daily play and outdoor time on a harness or in a catio. A large, active F1 or F2 cat in a small apartment is rarely a good match.

Can it live with other pets?

Sometimes, with careful introductions. Follow the steps in introducing a new cat, supervise at first, and keep resources separate.

Is a Savannah like a Bengal?

Both are active, spotted, athletic cats, but the Savannah is typically taller and may be more demanding. Our Bengal cat guide and Bengal enrichment tips give a useful comparison.

This article gives general information about cats and is not veterinary advice. If your cat seems unwell or you have a health question, talk to your veterinarian.

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Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.