To learn more about Savannahs from those living with them as a part
of the family go to the Testimonials and Watch Me Grow pages.
1. What is a Savannah?
A Savannah is the name for a new breed that has been created by the breeding of a Serval to a domestic cat. Savannahs may also be referred to as Serval hybrids.
The purpose of the breed is to provide people with a large cat that looks like a Serval in body composition and coat pattern, but acts like a domestic.
2. How long has the breed been around?
Savannahs are the newest breed available. The first successful mating of the Serval with a domestic cat was first accomplished in the mid 90's. This mating has yet to be perfected and is taking a great deal of time and patience for both breeders and prospective owners.
3. Are there many available?
There are extremely limited numbers of Savannahs available throughout the world. Only a few breeders, worldwide, have been successful.
BUYER BEWARE: Be cautious when considering the purchase of a Savannah.
There have been instances in which full-blood Servals have been sold as
Savannahs. In other instances, kittens with NO Serval parentage have been
sold as Savannahs. Select Exotics is happy to do a DNA parentage test upon request. For more information please
feel free to contact Select Exotics.
4. What makes a Savannah the most desired feline?
Servals have long been admired for their magnificent beauty. They possess an elegant golden coat marked with strikingly clear black spots. Not only is their coat beautiful, but also their body type and personality. Many states do not allow private ownership of exotic cats (Servals), but do allow hybrids (Savannahs). Savannahs are smaller (approximately 25 pounds) and more manageable than a Serval (do not require special diets or facilities). Savannahs simply possess the beauty of the Serval, but are considered domestic.
Savannahs are the largest hybrid feline available. They are excellent with other pets and children. Savannahs are extremely intelligent and "talk" quite often. They create strong bonds with their owners. Savannahs are the exotic feline of the 21st century!
5. When are Savannah kittens ready to leave Select Exotics?
Select Exotics Savannah kittens are typically ready to be shipped at approximately 8-12 weeks of age. This is so they can be fully vaccinated prior to leaving. They then only need an annual booster. This may sound like a long time to wait, but one must remember the Savannahs are often born 7-10 days premature.
6. Do Savannahs use a litterbox?
Yes. Select Exotics Savannahs are completely litter trained prior to leaving. The kittens will use a litterbox as faithfully as any domestics. Male kittens do need to be neutered to prevent spraying even though they are sterile.
7. Do Savannahs really have a domestic personality?
Select Exotics Savannahs have a domestic "dog-like" personality. Current owners have reported back to Select Exotics to explain that they are amazed with how their Savannah follows them around the house and comes when his name is called.
8. Why do Savannahs cost more than Servals?
Servals themselves breed quite readily, whereas the crossing of species between the Serval and domestics is extremely difficult. There are many people attempting this cross; however, only a few breeders
worldwide have had any success. Years of time and money have been invested in what seems to be the impossible. There are few first generation Savannahs in the world and the demand for these exotic beauties is tremendous.
One must also remember that Servals almost always require a raw meat diet that can be quite costly, whereas Savannahs eat a regular domestic cat diet.
9. Do Savannahs get along with children and other pets?
Introducing a Savannah to the household is like introducing any domestic cat. The breed itself is extremely energetic, being very active and playful.
10. Is the Savannah breed recognized by any breed registries?
Just recently TICA has been accepting Savannahs as an experimental breed. Select Exotics has registered all of our breeding animals
with them and provide the proper paperwork to our customers so that they can register their new pet.
11. Do Savannahs have to be kept indoors?
No, they do not have to be kept indoors. However, Select Exotics strongly urges
new owners to keep their Savannahs on a leash due to the fact that there are
often stray animals that carry various diseases.
12. What kind of care is needed for a Savannah?
A Savannah can be treated just like any domestic cat. NO SPECIAL CARE IS REQUIRED. A regular veterinarian is qualified to treat a Savannah. Savannahs are vaccinated the same as domestic cats.
Note: Select Exotics no longer produces Servals, but we do want to be able to answer your questions about the breed.
1. Where are Servals from?
Servals have traveled all the way from Africa. They naturally inhabit the grasslands, thorn scrub, and savanna woodlands.
2. Can anyone own a Serval?
As with any wild cat, the laws and regulations vary greatly from state to state as to licenses, permits and facilities needed for ownership. If interested in purchasing a serval you need to check with your State Department of Agriculture, phone numbers should be listed under State Government. Also check to see if any town/city or county ordinances exist. Local ordinances are more common in cities and states that are highly urbanized. Get all the necessary permits BEFORE you purchase an exotic cat. Failure to do so may result in confiscation of your pet.
3. What type of facilities are needed to own a Serval?
The first step is to contact your state and local authorities (fish and
wildlife) to find out if it is possible to obtain a permit to own a Serval
in your area. Approval may require building an indoor/outdoor facility,
including a perimeter fence around the enclosure. Even if not required by
law, an indoor/outdoor facility seems to best suit the owner and the pet.
4. Are they wild or bad tempered?
Raised properly, Servals are the most affectionate, loyal and loving of
all completely wild felines. Servals will definately make you laugh and
enjoy the priveledge of owning an exotic pet. However, one must always
remember that they can be tame, but they are not domestic and must be
respected. Prospective owners should consider that upon the onset of
puberty Servals usually become more aggressive and less affectionate. They
can be difficult to work with (i.e. shots, medication, etc.) and are not
reccomended in homes with children under the age of twelve.
5. Is there a difference in personality, between males and females?
As a pet, neutured or spayed, there is no noticeable difference in personalities between male and female Servals. Servals develop their own individual personalities just as children do.
6. Do they require a special diet?
Servals, unlike Savannahs, often require raw meat for their diet. Occassionally, Serval kittens will accept wet or dry cat food; however, this is not guaranteed. Also, because of the long, slender bones in their legs, Servals require supplemental calcuim and vitamins. Their diet can be quite costly and this fact should be taken into consideration.
7. How do I know if I am prepared to own an exotic feline? (Questionaire): -
Have you visited a home where exotic cats are privately owned?
- Have you spoken at length with owners of exotic cats concerning the realities of ownership?
- Are you prepared to give your cat their portion of your home or property, respecting their ocassional need for privacy?
- Do you understand the basic psyche of exotic cats so you can safeguard against potential accidents to humans, the cat and other animals?
- Do you have, or are you prepared to obtain, the knowledge needed to adequately care for the cat's physical and psychological needs?
- Are you financially able and willing to provide the necessary facilities, diet, and veterinary care for up to 18 years?
- Are all other members of your household supportive of your desire to own an exotic cat?
- Are you aware of and willing to accept total responsibility for any property damage or injury caused by your cat?
- Are you willing to devote the time needed to adequately care for your cat?
- If you answered YES to ALL of the questions, then you may be ready to own an exotic feline.
8. Can they live with children or other pets?
Servals do have wonderful personalities; however, Select Exotics does not recomend them for homes with young children. Prospective owners must remember that Servals are a wild cat and often young children do not understand the respect that they require. We always suggest starting with a kitten as they will bond and adapt to all people and surroundings the best.
9. What size do they mature to be?
Servals mature in size to between 30 and 40 pounds. This is approximately 8 times the size of the average house cat.
1. Is a Bengal cat a tiger?
No, a Bengal cat is not a tiger. A Bengal is a domestic breed resulting from the cross breeding of an Asian leopard and domestic cat (typically an Ocicat or Egyptian Mau). The name Bengal was derived from the leopard cat's scientific name, Prionailurus Bengalensis.
2. How did the breed come about?
For hundreds of years man has tried to domesticate wild cats. Therefore, in order to preserve the wild cat population, the Bengal breed was created.
The first mating between the Asian leopard and the domestic occurred in the late 1960's. However, it wasn't until the mid 1980's that a concentrated effort was made to produce a domestic breed of cat mimicking the appearance of its wild ancestor, yet with a gentle temperment. The Asian leopard was bred to selected domestic cats. Then their offspring have been bred to produce the wild coat color, pattern, confirmation and domestic personality.
3. At what age are kittens ready to go home with their owners?
At Select Exotics, kittens are weaned at approximately 6 weeks of age. They are then given their first shots at 9 weeks of age. Kittens are available to go home with their owners at approximately 8-12 weeks of age. They are litter box trained and typically eating a mix of wet and dry kitten food.
4. Are they wild or bad tempered?
Bengals are active, intelligent and definately curious. However, because pet Bengals are bred at least four generations from the Asian leopard they are sweet and affectionate. Select Exotic Bengals are raised in the home which also inspires the most loving and playful pets you've ever owned.
5. Is there a difference in personalities between males and females?
Each kitten develops its own personality, whether it is a male or female. Kittens kept as pets should also be spayed if female or neutered if male. Otherwise, in choosing a kitten, the gender in relation to personality should not be a factor.
6. Do they require a special diet or care?
Bengal cats/kittens require no special care. One can care for Bengal kittens as they would any kitten. At Select Exotics, kittens are started on a wet kitten food and gradually converted to dry food. There are no supplements that need to be added to their diet.
7. What does a Bengal cost?
As with any registered breed, Bengals are divided as to whether they are pet, breeder or show quality.
Pet kittens are good natured, well-bred kittens of either sex. These kittens have the same good health as our top quality kittens and are sold with alter agreements. Prices for pet quality kittens is $500. This range is determined by the clarity of their markings and their pedigree. The top end of the pet priced kittens are of show quality but sold with alter agreements.
Breeder quality kittens have rich, soft, well-marked coats, possesing an outstanding pedigree. Kittens that will be used for breeding have a base price of $1,000.
Show quality kittens are absolutely stunning in their color contrast and extremely clear in their pattern. These are top quality Bengals bred for the discriminating pet owner. Show quality kittens are priced at $2,000.
8. What color patterns are accepted and available within the breed?
Leopard spotted Bengals have brown/black spots or rosettes with background colors ranging from orange to buff. Marble kittens have a brown/black background with orange/gold swirls and rosettes. All Bengals must have spotted tummies and a black tail tip. Kittens are born brightly marked but fade at 8-12 weeks, then return to the splendid color from 6-12 months.
9. Can they live with children or other pets?
Bengals are an extremely playful, active, intelligent, and affectionate breed. Bengals to be kept as pets should be at least four generations from the Asian leopard. They get along extremely well with children and other pets as they can be independent, yet they appreciate company.
10. What size do they mature to be?
Bengals take on the average 1.5-2 years to reach a mature size. Females are typically smaller than the males and weigh 8-12 pounds. Males usually mature at 10-15 pounds.
11. How much Asian leopard blood is in a Bengal?
All Bengal kittens carry the blood of the Asian leopard in varying degrees. The first generation from the Asian leopard would be considered F1, which would be 50% leopard. Males are sterile for three generations, so F1 females are bred to other domestics or Bengal males to produce the second generation, an F2. The F2 female is then bred to another Bengal male which creates the third generation, an F3. It is only in the fourth generation, called SBT, that males become fertile and kittens are accepted in the show ring. Select Exotics has created a Bengal breeding program beginning with an F1 female. All F2 and F3 females are retained for our breeding stock. F2 and F3 males are available as pets and are priced at $1,000. However, it is in the fourth generation that Bengals become truly domestic in their temperment. This is a question to ask when purchasing a kitten.
12. Is the breed recognized?
The Bengal breed is recognized by T.I.C.A. (The International Cat Association). Select Exotics is a T.I.C.A. registered cattery and all kittens bred and raised by Select Exotics are also registered with T.I.C.A.
13. Must they be kept indoors?
Bengals, like any breed, adapt to the environment they are raised in. If they are taken outdoors as a kitten they will enjoy that environment. However, when outdoors, you must be cautious to keep your kitten up to date on all necessary vaccines and be cautious of stray animals, as you would with any breed.
14. Are they intelligent...do they like games, water or walking on a leash?
Bengals are extremely intelligent, curious, and perhaps even a little mischeivious. Bengal kittens enjoy as much attention as possible. They love to be challenged with toys and games. In fact, don't be surprised if one joins you in the shower; Bengals love to play in water (a trait inherited from the Asian leopard). As far as walking on a leash or riding in a car, simply introduce these activities as a kitten and they will adapt and even enjoy both as much or more than you.
1. What is a Safari?
A Safari is a hybrid that has been created by breeding a wild Geoffroy cat that is native to South America to a domestic cat. The first cross is referred to as an F1 (50% Geoffroy, 50% domestic).
2. Does it matter which species was the male in the hybrid cross?
It does appear that when a male Geoffroy is bred to a domestic female there offspring get much larger than when a male domestic is bred to a female Geoffroy.
3. How big do F1 (50%) Safaris get?
The largest documented F1 Safaris were males that were produced in the 70’s with weights reaching 36 pounds. The largest male in existence today is 25 pounds. We do expect the male Safaris to be larger than female siblings.
4. How do F1 Safaris get so much larger than both of their parents?
The F1 offspring out of the male Geoffroy and the female domestic do display incredible size relative to their parents. This can be explained by the F1 offspring possessing an odd number of chromosomes. The domestic feline has 38 chromosomes and the Geoffroy have only 36 chromosomes. The F1 offspring display 37 chromosomes.
5. What do Safaris eat?
We recommend a high quality dry kitten food such as Eukanuba or Science Diet. You may supplement with raw or cooked meat.
6. Do Safaris use a litter box?
As long as they are left with their mother until six weeks of age there have not been any problems with them using the litter box.
7. What are the typical color patterns?
When a melanistic or spotted Geoffroy male is bred to a domestic Bengal female you can expect both melanistic, as well as spotted, kittens. The melanistic Safaris will often show a darker black spot on a black basecoat. The traditional spotted kittens have a cream to gold basecoat with a dark spotting pattern. Occasionally you will find a silver based Safari.
8. How many Safaris exist in the world?
There are less than 15 F1 females and even fewer F1 males. There are a few lower generation cats too.
9. What is the temperament of the Safari?
High energy is a mild description of the activity level of the Safari. They are extreme in everything they do, from demanding your undivided attention to running and jumping around the house. The most affectionate cat that we have is an F1 Safari girl.
10. How intelligent are Safaris?
Many hybrids set new levels of apparent intelligence. The Safari certainly contributes to the pattern. Safaris will use their front paws like little hands – opening and picking up almost anything.
11. What is the life expectancy of the Safari?
Little documentation is available from the Safaris produced in the 70’s. Our best estimate is approximately 15 years.
1. What is a Habari?
The Habari breed was created here at Select Exotics utilizing what we consider to be the best genetics available. Selection pressure has been placed on temperament, size and a wild look with strong contrast between the basecoat and spots/rosettes. The goal of this breed is to ensure all future Habari owners the most elite genetics available, which in turn becomes the perfect family member. Simply put, the Habari breed speaks for itself. Please check the Habari page frequently for Testimonials from the first Habari owners.
2. Are Habaris registered?
The Habari registration is based on DNA profiling. Each Habari kitten will trace back to the original foundation cats within the breed. The genetics alone will not be enough for a kitten to become a registered Habari. Physical attributes will be taken into account as well. Only the best kittens will be registered as Habaris. Strict selection within each litter will be addressed.
3. Will I be able to show my Habari in cat shows?
The Habari is not on track to be TICA registered, nor shown. The goal is to provide an elite feline for those desiring the best as a pet.
4. How big will the Habari get?
The goal is to produce 20 plus pound cats, with continued selection pressure to produce mature males well into the 25 pound range.
5. Why was the breed created?
There has been an increasing demand for a clear coated, large cat that has a wild look with strong color contrast and a social temperament by the pet world. Many of the best of other breeds are reserved for people that plan to show or experienced breeders. Not having to breed for specific type for the show ring, but rather focusing on what is in demand by the pet owner has proven advantageous in the progress of the breed.
6. Why are Habaris more expensive than most other breeds?
Rather than registering any and all kittens with a similar genetic base, the Habaris also have to meet physical selection criteria once they are born. This limits the number that will ever represent the Habari breed. We are confident that you will get what you pay for with a Habari kitten.
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