Cat breed comparison
Savannah vs Serengeti
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Savannah tends to live about 6 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Savannah | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Weight | 8 to 25 lbs | 8 to 15 lbs |
| Life span | 17 to 20 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Lap cat | No | – |
| Hypoallergenic | No | – |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Savannah
A hybrid of the domestic cat and the African serval, first bred in 1986. Early generations (F1 and F2) are large and wild-natured.
Laws in some states and countries restrict or ban early generations, so check before buying.
Health to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Taurine sensitivity
- Fertility problems in males
The Serengeti
Developed in California in 1994 by Karen Sausman, by crossing Bengals and Oriental Shorthairs to look like a serval without wild blood.
It is active, vocal and confident.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Vocal
The Serengeti is more vocal than the Savannah.
Affection
The Savannah is more affectionate than the Serengeti.
Good with dogs
The Savannah gets on better with dogs than the Serengeti.
Shedding
The Savannah sheds more than the Serengeti.
Needs company
The Savannah needs more company than the Serengeti.
Intelligence
The Savannah is quicker to learn than the Serengeti.
Which to choose
Savannah or Serengeti?
Choose the Savannah if…
- You prefer a quiet cat (it is quieter)
- You want a cuddly cat (it is more affectionate)
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
- Someone is home most of the day (it needs more company)
Choose the Serengeti if…
- You enjoy a chatty cat (it is more vocal)
- You’d like a more independent cat (it is more independent)
- You want a cat that sheds less
- You’re out for part of the day (it is happier alone)
Questions.
Is the Savannah or the Serengeti bigger, and which lives longer?
The Savannah tends to live about 6 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Savannah or the Serengeti?
The Savannah is generally easier to train than the Serengeti. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Savannah or the Serengeti?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Serengeti sheds less than the Savannah. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Savannah and Serengeti have?
The Savannah is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, taurine sensitivity, fertility problems in males. The Serengeti has no well-documented breed-specific problems. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
