Savannah Bengal Cat: Complete Guide

One day, I came across an exotic-looking cat at the park. With its bold and brown spot markings, I can’t help but compare it to a leopard. Out of curiosity, I asked the owner what the cat breed is, and it turns out it is a hybrid cat called a Savannah Bengal Cat Mix. 

The inquisitive nature in me didn’t stop me from probing the owner. I discovered that ownership of this active and playful hybrid cat could come with some restrictions. Because some states in the USA could give this hybrid a partly-wild status. 

So, is there a difference between Savannah and Bengal? Yes, one of those is their ancestries. Savannah has been descended from a Serval and a domesticated cat while the Bengal is from an Asian leopard and a domesticated cat.

Today, let’s discuss in-depth the right care including diet, exercise needs, where to buy this hybrid cat, and much more about this exotic-looking cat.

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Savannah Bengal Cat: Breed overview

Other names	Bengal Savannah Mix Cat
Size	Medium – Large
Weight	12 – 20 pounds
Height	10 – 18 inches
Coat Colors	Black, Brown, Silver, Orange
Child Friendliness	Medium
Feline Friendliness	Medium
Training Difficulty	Medium
Grooming Upkeep	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Health	High
Lifespan	8 – 15 years
Kitten Cost	$1,000 – $1,500

What is a Savannah Bengal?

The Savannah Bengal is a half Bengal half Savannah Cat cross hybrid. They are a unique cross since both parents were cultivated by crossing a wild breed with a domesticated cat.

Savannah Cat Bengal parent breeds

The Bengal and Savannah Mix would have a mixture of each of its parent’s physical and temperamental characteristics. To get a clue on how they would turn out, it would be useful to look into the Bengal and the Savannah cat’s qualities.

The Bengal Cat has one of the most striking coats among domesticated cat breeds. Their shimmering coats have rosette or marbled markings that has a vivid, dark outline with a lighter-colored center resembling that of a leopard or ocelot.

They are athletic and well-muscled showing great strength and elegance. Despite their wild-like appearance, Bengal Cats are very loving and playful and are known to be quite vocal. 

The Savannah Cat is similarly dark-spotted as the Bengal but doesn’t have the rosette or marbled markings of the latter. They have a tall, lean physique with long necks and legs which makes them exceptional leapers that can jump as high as 8 feet. 

They have an overall well-balanced and graceful look. Savannah Cats are affectionate, inquisitive, and vocal as well. But, because of their wild ancestry, the breed cannot be legally owned in some states without any permit.

Savannah Cat history

The Savannah Mix Cat was first successfully produced in Pennsylvania in 1986 by Judee Frank by crossing a male serval cat, a wild breed from Africa, with a Siamese cat.

The female offspring, which she named Savannah, was then crossed with a Turkish Angora that produced a viable 2^nd generation of F2 kittens. 

Further generations were developed of the Savannah hybrid Cat until a breed standard was achieved and presented to The International Cat Association which recognized it as a new breed in 2001.

SEE ALSO: Savannah Maine Coon Mix (Complete Guide)

Bengal Cat origin

The first hybrid Bengal Cat was produced in 1963 by Jean Mill in California by crossing a female Asian Leopard Cat with a black Domestic Shorthair.

It took several more years before the breeding of the Bengal Cat hybrid became serious when Mill obtained some Bengal cats that are bred in a genetic testing laboratory. 

The breed was eventually recognized by major cat registries in the 1990s and by the Cat Fanciers’ Association only in 2016.

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Bengal Savannah Cat Mix genetics

The spotting or stripes found in the Bengal or Savannah is due to the agouti gene. The agouti protein controls the production of the eumelanin, or black bands, in some areas of the coat by shutting the production off and on resulting in the formation of spots. 

A Bengal and Savannah Mix with the recessive non-agouti gene will appear solid black, with or without ghost spotting.

Is the Savannah Bengal Cat Mix recognized by cat registries?

The Bengal Cat and Savannah Cat Mix is not recognized by major cat registries, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA).

It’s because they are a mixed breed with no standard set of physical and temperamental characteristics. 

Bengal or Savannah Cat Mixes, however, can be recorded as a Household Pets (HHP). They can be entered into competition in the HHP category wherein they are judged based on their good health, grooming, and uniqueness.

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Are Savannah and Bengal Cats the same?

No, the Savannah and Bengal Cats are two distinct cat breeds. Each has its unique characteristics and was developed using different wildcat breeds.

What is the difference between a Bengal and Savannah Cat?

Both the Bengal and the Savannah were produced by crossing a domestic cat with a wild breed. 

The Bengal was produced using the Asian Leopard Cat which is a native of East Asia while the Savannah was bred using a Serval cat that originated from sub-Saharan Africa. 

SEE ALSO: Serval Maine Coon Mix (Complete Guide)

Bengal Cat vs Savannah Cat

The main difference between Bengal and Savannah Cat is that Bengal has a two-toned rosette or marbled markings similar to a leopard or ocelot while Savannah cat has a brown-spotted coat. 

Another Savannah Cat and Bengal Cat difference lies in the shape of their heads. The Savannah Cat compared to Bengal Cat has a more triangular head shape with big, tall ears, while the Bengal has a rounder head with shorter ears.

Savannah Cat Mixed with Bengal physical appearance

Bengal Mixed with Savannah has a sleek, well-developed musculature with a long neck and rear legs slightly longer than the front legs. 

Depending on whether they take after the Savannah Cat or Bengal, the mix would either have an angular facial structure or a rounder face.

Eye shape can be rounded or have a hooded brow and can be of any color. Ears can be large and high on the forehead or shorter with a rounded tip.

How big do Savannah Bengal Cats get?

Bengal Savannah cross are larger than other domesticated cat breeds. They can grow up to 2 feet in length with the tail making up a third of their body. 

Mixes that were crossed with low F-numbered parents, or those whose generation is nearer to the wild ancestor, would be bigger and taller in size.

Savannah Bengal Cat size, height, and weight

Bengal Savannah Mix size is medium to large depending on how far they are generation-wise from their wild ancestry. Below is an estimate of the height and weight of a Bengal Savannah hybrid upon its maturity.

	Height	Weight
Male	14 – 18 inches	15 – 20 pounds
Female	10 – 14 inches	12 – 15 pounds

Savannah Cat full grown Bengal Cat

Bengal x Savannah Cat takes longer to mature compared to smaller domesticated cats. It may take up to 2 to 3 years before they are a full grown Savannah Bengal Mix or reach their adult size. 

Male Bengal Cat full grown Savannah Cats generally tend to be larger than the females, but each cat is different and can be smaller or bigger depending on their genes.

So, are Savannah Cats bigger than Bengals?

The Savannah and the Bengal are almost equal in height with both breeds reaching an average height of 17 to 22 inches upon maturity.

The Savannah, however, can be slightly heavier reaching an adult weight of up to 30 pounds compared to the Bengal’s average weight of 8 to 17 pounds.

Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat size

Bengal Cats typically weigh no more than 17 pounds as adults while a Savannah can reach as much as 30 pounds. Savannah cats are also longer in length with some reaching 20 inches long from nose to tail tip while the Bengal only reaches 15 inches in length.

Savannah Bengal Mix coat colors and types

Savannah and Bengal Mix coats vary for each cat. Some would have the Bengal’s two-toned rosette pattern with dark, sharp outlines forming around a lighter-colored center, or a marbled tabby pattern with horizontal pattern flow.

Others would inherit the Savannah markings of black or brown spots that can be rounded or elongated.

They have a short coat that lies close to the body with some having a shimmering texture when viewed in natural light. Some would have longer fur around the neck and ears if it was crossed with a long haired Savannah Cat.

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Bengal vs Savannah Cat personality

Savannah vs Bengal personality doesn’t differ much in terms of being inquisitive and intelligent. Both breeds are prone to mischievous behavior if left alone for too long or when they are bored. 

Don’t be surprised if you see a Bengal or a Savannah trying to open your drawer or even switching the lights on and off. The two breeds are also known to be fond of water, not being too fearful of dipping their paws into a pond or bathtub.

The difference between Savannah Cat vs Bengal Cat personality is that the Bengals are more high-strung compared to the more relaxed Savannah. It may take more time for a Savannah Cat to warm up to strangers or other pets.

Bengal Savannah Mix personality and temperament

The Savannah Bengal cross can be described as having a dog-like personality. They love the company and attention of their family and tend to follow their favorite person around the house. 

They occasionally enjoy being cuddled but can be quite energetic to sit for too long. They just love being more independent and exploring their surroundings more than being lap cats.

Do Savannah and Bengal Cats get along?

Yes, the Bengal and Savannah get along pretty well. They are both playful breeds that can match each other’s energy.

Do Savannah Bengal Cats make great family pets?

Savannah Bengal cross Cat can be a suitable pet for active families or for more experienced cat owners. They get along with children and other pets as long as they were socialized at an early age. 

This mix can be pretty active running or leaping around the house, so adult supervision is necessary when small children are around to prevent any accidents.

You might need to keep smaller pets, like hamsters or birds, away from this mix because of their high prey drive.

Bengal Savannah Cat training

The Savannah and the Bengal are both smart and inquisitive breeds making the Savannah Bengal hybrid fairly easy to train. Savannah Bengal kittens can be litter-trained as early as 3 weeks old and can be taught to walk on a leash.

It is preferable to introduce them with a harness rather than a collar because it is simpler to control and lowers the possibility of slipping out of the collar or choking.

Bengal Cat Savannah Cat exercise requirement

Savannah Cat and Bengal Cat are both active and agile breeds that require around 15 minutes of exercise at least twice a day. They could easily get destructive if not given proper physical and mental stimulation. 

Installing a cat tree or tower is one I would recommend since this breed is a natural leaper and climber.

Savannah Cat Bengal Cat grooming and cleaning

Short-haired Savannah cross Bengal Cat also requires regular grooming to remove tangles and to distribute natural oil for skin and coat maintenance. 

Nothing is more ideal than training Bengal x Savannah kittens to get used to being groomed and cleaned at a young age. 

Brushing

You don’t have to rely on a professional groomer to keep your cat looking dapper. Just make it a regular habit to comb his coat with a dematting comb to prevent tangles. Then, use a deshedding tool like FURminator to get rid of dead hair and dander. 

Bathing

Cats are good at keeping themselves clean through the power of their coarse tongue. But, of course, you can take the cleanliness to a higher level by giving your Savannah Cat Bengal mix a nice and warm bath once in a while. Use a shampoo for felines for its gentle formula. 

Teeth Brushing

Clean your cat’s gums and teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste. This is proven to remove and prevent plaque and tartar to prevent tooth loss. Plus, it’s no-fluoride formula is safe for your fur baby to swallow. 

Nail Trimming

The long nails of your cat can scratch your skin and can cause your carpet and upholstery to look distressed. Making manicures a routine also prevents the claws from curling onto his paw pads which might lead to infections. 

Eye/Ear Cleaning

Do not underestimate the ‘power’ of earwax and eye boogers. These may seem harmless but the truth is these can cause infections. To prevent that from happening, wipe your cat’s eyes and ears with a moist cotton ball or gauze. 

Grooming Needs	Grooming Frequency
Brushing	2x/week
Bathing	Once a month or fewer
Teeth Brushing	3x/week
Nail Trimming	2x/month
Eye/Ear Care	Check weekly

Does the Savannah Bengal shed a lot?

No, a Savannah x Bengal Cat is a low-shedding hybrid cat. Still, you can see loose hair and dander on your clothes and furniture. 

To solve that problem, a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is the best choice. It’s because this tool can trap fine particles, thereby, making your home very clean. 

Are Bengal and Savannah Cats hypoallergenic?

No, Bengal cross Savannah Cat is not hypoallergenic. While it’s true that they are low-shedders, the allergens are mainly caused by the Fel D1 protein present in their saliva and skin. 

Good thing you can rely on an air purifier with a HEPA filter to suck up all the allergens circulating your home.

Bengal and Savannah Cat Mix food and diet

What is the best diet for Bengal Savannah Mix kittens? These little and active ones need a diet high in animal protein like fish and poultry. Kittens that have been weaned from their moms do not need milk because their tummies do not have enzymes to process cow’s milk. 

Both Bengal Savannah kittens and adults can benefit from canned food because of its higher water levels. 

Bengal Cat Mixed with Savannah common health issues

Bengal x Savannah is a hardy cat but can still get plagued with health issues. The great news is that you can learn early about the health issues that the Savannah Bengals carry in their systems through a cat DNA home test kit.

Here are some 5 health issues to watch out for:

1. Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK)

This is a disease in the enzyme of the red blood cells. The effect of PK is a life-threatening type of anemia. 

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

A common sign of this disease that causes the enlargement of the heart muscle is breathing difficulties. 

3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disease that begins with the loss of vision at night. As the photoreceptors continue to get damaged, the affected cat will eventually go blind. 

4. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

A disease affecting the bladder and the urethra. The common signs are difficult urination and urinating outside of his litter box. 

5. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Kittens are born with small cysts in the kidneys. In time, these grow and multiply eventually leading to renal failure. 

Bengal Cat Savannah Cat Mix lifespan

Savannah and Bengal Cats have an average life expectancy of 8 to 15 years. 

Savannah Bengal breeder

A good Savannah Cat Mix should be able to answer the following questions:

• Is the Mixed Bengal Cat breeder a member of TICA or CFA? To be members, they must respect the safety guidelines in cat breeding. 

• Will the Bengal Cat or Savannah breeder provide you with a contract that also includes a health warranty for the kitten? 

• Do Savannah Bengal Mix Cat breeders genetically test against inheritable diseases that are common to the breed? 

Savannah Bengal kitten

To protect Savannah and Bengal kittens from transmittable diseases, they should be vaccinated against core and non-core vaccines. 

Savannah x Bengal kittens are very active and curious, so it’s also a great idea to invest in a cat invisible fence. In this way, your Savannah Bengal kitten would have the luxury of space without you having to worry about his safety and whereabouts. 

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How much does a Savannah Bengal Cat cost?

A Savannah cross Bengal comes with a huge price. The cost varies and it is affected by markings, gender, and even the breeder’s reputation. 

Savannah Bengal Cat price 

What is the average Bengal Savannah Mix price? On average, the Bengal Savannah Cat prices are between $1,000 and $1,500.

In some cases though, the Savannah Cat Bengal Cat price could go higher or even more than $2,000. 

Bengal Cat vs Savannah Cat price

The average price of a Bengal cat starts at $1,500 and could go high as $3,000. A Savannah cat is more expensive. The price ranges from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the generation, with the F1 Savannah generation commanding a higher price. 

Next to the price of the kittens comes the one-time and monthly expenses as itemized in the table below:

Type of One-Time and Recurring Expenses	Average Cost
Food	$30 – $100/month
Food and Water Bowls	$5 – $10
Kitty Bed	$20 – $30
Carrier	$20 – $40
Collar and ID tag	$10 – $25
Grooming Tools	$25 – $45
Litter Box	$18 – $45
Litter	$15 – $25/month
Scratch Post and other toys	$20 – $50
Microchipping	$50 – $100
Spaying	$250 -$550
Veterinary Expenses	$200 – $500
Total	$663 – $1,520

Places to find Savannah Bengal Mix kittens sale

Before looking for Bengal and Savannah kittens for sale, it’s best to confirm with your state and local government if you’re allowed to bring home a Savannah Bengal Mix as a house pet. 

If yes, then, here are three (3) places where you can look for Bengal Savannah kittens for sale. 

Savannah Bengal kittens for sale CA

Savannah cross Bengal kittens for sale may be available at Jakswild Bengals (jakswildbengals.com), a TICA-registered in northern California. 

Bengal kittens for sale in Savannah GA

Visit the website of Select Exotics (savannahcatbreed.com) for available Bengal Savannah Mix kittens for sale. The breeder has F1 up to F5 Savannah kittens for sale. 

Bengal Cat rescue Midwest

If you have a limited budget, one option is to look for Savannah and Bengal kittens for sale in rescue or adoption centers. One such place is the Great Lakes Bengal Rescue (greatlakesbengalrescue.com). They are located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Finding a healthy Savannah Bengal Cat for sale

Adult cats are said to have lower energy levels. So, if you’d rather look for adult Bengal and Savannah Cats for sale, here are two (2) places to consider:

Savannah Bengal Cat Mix for Sale CA

Bay Area Savannah Cats (bayareasavannahcats.com) could have the Bengal Savannah Mix for sale you’re searching for. Feel free to contact the breeder for the next available Savannah and Bengal Cats for sale. 

Bengal Cat Savannah GA

For adult Savannah Bengal Cat Mix for sale in Georgia, check out a TICA and CFA-registered cattery, Ruby Claw (rubyclaw.com/index.html) for Bengal Savannah Cat for sale. 

Savannah Cat vs Serval vs Bengal

A Bengal cat is a product of an Asian leopard and a domesticated cat while a Savannah is a product of an African Serval and a domestic cat. Unlike a Savannah and a Bengal which are hybrid cats, a Serval is a wild cat native to Africa. 

Bengal vs Savannah vs Toyger

All these 3 are hybrid cats but with slight differences in appearance. The Bengal has pronounced spots that can come in 2 colors or rosette while a Savannah sports solid spots. The Toyger, on the one hand, does not have spots but only pronounced stripes on its coat. 

Ocicat vs Bengal vs Savannah

Both Bengal and Savannah are derived by crossing wild cats ( Asian leopard and African Serval) with domesticated cats. An Ocicat, on the one hand, has no known wild DNA in its genes even if the coat resembles a wild cat. 

Savannah and Bengal Cat Mix: Pros and Cons 

Pros	Cons
Great looking coat	Hyperactive
Smart	Prone to separation anxiety
Easy to groom	Vocal
Playful	Territorial
Affectionate	Expensive
Independent	Banned in some US states

Is the Savannah Cat Bengal Mix right for me?

The Savannah Cat Bengal Mix is an exotic-looking pet with an otherwise wild nature. Owning one can be challenging for first-time owners since they require attention and are prone to mischief if left to their own devices.

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