|
|
|
|
The world of exotic felines is so exciting, yet so confusing at times.
There are several different breeds and each breed has several levels (generations) within the breed. This page is designed to layout the differences, as we see them, between each generation and each breed in order to help you decide which breed/generation is right for you. The following descriptions are in respect to the cats we have worked with over the last 15+ years. Mature cat size, will differ from breeder to breeder depending on what the focus of their program is.
|
|
The Bengal |
The Bengal breed, which is a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, has been in existence for over 20 years. Most Bengals that you will find will be “SBT,” which means they are the result of Bengal to Bengal breedings for several generations. So, the percentage of wild blood in the average Bengal is now approximately three percent. Generally speaking, the high generation Bengals are less social. Due to the temperament problems with them few breeders continue to produce the higher generations.
|
|
 |
The quality of Bengals will vary dramatically. You can probably find Bengals in your local paper for as little as $200. Most of those cats will have very faint spotting patterns and ticked coats. On the other end you can find Bengals for $1,500 or more that are exquisitely marked. Most Bengals will range in price from $500 to $1,000. They will have very rich, clear coats with vibrant color and contrast. Some Bengals will have solid spots, but the trend seems to be leaning toward the open spot, or rosette.
|
|
In terms of size, most Bengal females will be in a 7 to 10 pound range and most males will fall between 9 and 12 pounds. Average shoulder height for a male is 9-11 inches and length is 12-14 inches. Although they are beautiful, they are going to be about the same size as your typical domestic cat. Occasionally we will hear of a male that reaches 15 – 18 pounds, but it is extremely rare.
The personality of the SBT Bengal is playful, intelligent and affectionate. Some will play fetch and most will play energetically with kitty toys. They are going to be semi-vocal – letting you know when they want something and “talking” to you occasionally. They will sit on your lap occasionally and will tolerate being held to some extent. The higher percentage Bengals are not nearly as social, in general. There are always exceptions to the rule, but most F1-F4 Bengals are going to be much more standoffish. They will want to be around, but not touched.
|
|
|
The Safari | |
The Safari breed, which is a cross between the Geoffroys cat and a domestic cat, was started in the 70’s, but died off for a while because of increased restrictions on the Geoffroy cat and the difficulty of producing Safari kittens. The breed has come back alive in the last five years and owners will agree that they are definitely a positive addition to the world of exotic cats. At this time we are focusing on producing F1 Safaris, as we are quite happy with the disposition. There are a few F2 and F3 Safaris in existence, but most that you will find will be F1’s. Prices for the F1’s will generally vary from $6,000 to $8,500.
The Safaris will either be golden with black markings, silver with black markings or black with black markings. Their body type is similar to that of their wild parent, the Geoffroy. They are a muscular, more compact cat. They have the most exquisite, wild looking head. They have smaller, rounded ears, a broad, blocky head and a wide, blunt nose. Their markings tend to be paw prints or rosettes and usually consist of both.
|
|
|
The size of the F1 females will range from approximately 13 to 18 pounds. There are and have been very few males in existence. There were reports of a couple males in the 70’s reaching 35 pounds. In general, most males will weigh between 20 and 25 pounds.
The personality of the F1 Safari is exceptional. They are the most affectionate, hands on F1 hybrid that we have ever worked with. Not only are they hands on, but they want to be in your face or on top of your head! They also have a tendency to suckle into adulthood – whether it be on an earlobe or a fingertip, etc. They do however have a tendency to use water as a litter box. Most owners have taught them to use the toilet or given them a child’s potty training toilet. Some that have tried to keep them out of the water have found that they will find other places to go to the bathroom. So, if you are thinking about a Safari, keep this in mind.
|
|
The Savannah
The Savannah, which is a cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat, has been around for almost ten years now. Most Savannahs still have a high percentage of wild blood in them. Even with the high percentage of wild blood you will find great variation between the quality and look of the cats with each breeder. As each year goes by and the breed gets older you will find more variation in quality, especially into the lower generations. Prices for the Savannahs will vary greatly because of the variation of wild blood. Most Savannahs will fall between $1,500 and $6,000. The Savannah is a tall, lanky cat with a solid spot over a basecoat color that will range from warm golden orange hues to cool silver. Occasionally there will be black, or melanistic, and white, or snow, Savannahs. Most of our F1 females, which range in size from 14 to 19 pounds, are guessed to weigh 25+ pounds when people visit and see them in person - due to their height and length.
Size and personality/temperament will vary between each generation, so following is a breakdown for each generation.
F1 Savannahs
|
F1 males will range in size from 17 to 25 pounds. They will stand approximately 16-18 inches at the shoulder and are 22-24 inches long from chest to rump. F1 females will range in size from 13 to 19 pounds. When compared to the pure Serval or the high percentage Bengals the F1 Savannahs are quite manageable. They are good with the litter box and will not destroy your house. They are going to bond to one or two people and be pretty standoffish with everyone else. They will not be aggressive, but for the most part they will not socialize with children or strangers. When people come over that they do not know they will go in a back room or up high somewhere to watch what is going on, but be out of arms reach.
| 
|
 |
Even with the people they are bonded with they are rarely going to be hands on. They will want to play with you and have an amazing amount of energy, but are not lap cats and will not let you hold them. Trips to the vet are usually a handful with them due to their high intelligence level. After one negative vet trip they will remember it and fight the vet visits. This can be combated by making at least one trip to the vet so that they can get used to the smells and be “oohed and aawed” over without any negative experience. Occasionally they will opt not to use the litter box if something has upset them or they are trying to tell you something. They are also attracted to plastic grocery sacks if left on the ground. They can be taught to walk on a harness and most are highly attracted to water – whether it be an outside pond or your bathtub.
|
|
F2 Savannahs
F2 males will range in size from 16 to 23 pounds and will stand 15-18 inches at the shoulder and 20-22 inches long. The females range from 12 to 16 pounds. There will be a small percentage of F2’s, probably 20%, whose personalities will lean towards that of an F1. The rest will be very social with their immediate family, including children. They mostly do not like to be held and will not be a lap cat, but will want to be pet and will want to play nonstop.
|
|
 |
When strangers come into the home that they do not know they may hide initially, but will usually warm up to them over the course of their stay. Some will let them pet them and others will just be in close - vicinity checking out what is going on. Litter box habits are 100% for the most part. Like the F1’s, some will be attracted to dry cleaning bags and grocery sacks. Vet visits are going to be more manageable than that of the F1’s, but still may be a handful from time to time if they have had a negative experience.
|
|
F3 Savannahs |
 |
F3 males will range in size from 14 to 20 tall, lanky pounds and will stand approximately 14-17 inches at the shoulder and 18-21 inches long and the females will range from 12 to 14 pounds. Almost all F3’s will be extremely bonded with their families and will be social with strangers that come into the home. Some will allow you to hold them and will want to sit on your lap. They are still extremely intelligent and highly athletic cats. If selective, you can get F3’s that maintain the extremely vivid, wild markings of the F1’s and F2’s, but with a guaranteed great personality. We prefer the F3’s and highly recommend the best of these kittens to many pet homes, as they are the best combination of a wild look with a sweet personality and are therefore going to make a great family pet.
|
|
|
F4 and F5 Savannahs
These males will range in size from 14 to 18 pounds and will stand 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and 16-18 inches long. The females will range from 10 to 13 pounds. Again, that is a tall, lanky weight. These generations are very similar to the F3’s in temperament. They are going to be even more hands on– wanting to be petted and played with often. They are intelligent and energetic, as well as social and outgoing. Compared to a domestic cat they are still considered much more intelligent and high energy.
|
|
The Habari
The Habari is a new breed that we have been working with for several years now. It is still in it’s infancy at this point, but we are able to give some estimates. At this point there are only a few males that have reached maturity. They are reaching 25+ pounds. They stand 16-18 inches at the shoulder and 20-22 inches long. The coat pattern we are striving towards is a clear, vibrantly colored coat with large rosettes. At this point we are not focusing on body type. The personality is very promising thus far. They are turning out to be very social – great with kids and strangers. Most don’t want to be picked up, but will crawl into your lap if you are sitting and will curl up with you in bed. Habari males are being placed in homes at $12,000 to $15,000.
|
|
|
|
Egyptian Maus
The Egyptian Mau is actually a domestic breed of cat. They are going to be similar to the Bengal or domestic cat in terms of size and will have a coat that will vary from bronze to silver with brown to black solid spots. The size of the spot is usually smaller than that of the Bengal or Savannah. Mau kittens range in price from $500 to $1,000. They are very sweet, affectionate cats that prefer hands on and being in your lap. They bond extremely closely with their families, but do not relocate well after kittenhood. They are considered to be more intelligent than the average domestic cat, but are not seen as intelligent or athletic as many of the hybrid breeds.
|
|
SELECT EXOTICS ACCEPTS:
Select Exotics
Holly Hummel
3980 N 1500 E Rd
Cabery, IL 60919
E-mail: holly@savannahcatbreed.com
Phone: 815-949-1730
Cell: 815-405-4111
Holly's Cell: 815-405-4116
©1997-2008 Select Exotics
All content and photos on this site are the property of Select Exotics
and may not be used without the written permission of Select Exotics.
Site Designed By: Designed to a T
|
|
