Savannah Cat Legal States 2024

Savannah cats are a unique hybrid breed, created by crossing a domestic cat with a serval, a wild African cat known for its long ears. This breed began gaining popularity in the late 1990s and was officially recognized by The International Cat Association in 2001.

Each generation of Savannah cats differs slightly due to the nature of crossbreeding. The F1 generation is a direct offspring of a serval and a domestic cat, making it 50% serval. The F2 generation has a serval as a grandparent, resulting in 25% serval genetics. Similarly, F3 generation cats have a serval great-grandparent, making them 12.5% serval. This generational process continues with F4, F5, F6, and F7, with each subsequent generation being one step further removed from the serval.

Do Savannah Cats Make Good Pets?

Savannah cats are known for their loyalty and playful nature, traits that make them appealing pets. While some may be anxious around strangers or other animals, many are sociable and friendly. These cats are also known for their impressive jumping ability, often reaching heights of up to eight feet. Unlike most other cat breeds, Savannah cats are fond of water and enjoy playing in it.

There is some debate about whether Savannah cats have unique dietary needs compared to other breeds. Most breeders agree that they require more taurine, but there is no consensus on whether they need special diets, such as grain-free food. In fact, many veterinarians argue against grain-free diets, citing poor nutritional balance.

Is It Federally Legal To Own A Savannah Cat as A Pet?

The legality of owning a Savannah cat varies by state, and there is no federal law that clearly addresses the issue. In states like Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, there are no specific laws against keeping wild animals as pets. Conversely, states such as Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington have strict bans on owning Savannah cats in most areas.

When considering ownership of a Savannah cat, it’s crucial to know the cat's generation. Some states only permit ownership of fourth-generation (F4) or later Savannah cats, as these generations are considered to have fewer wild instincts, making them safer as pets.

In What States Are Savannah Cats Legal?

Savannah cat ownership is banned in some states, including Georgia, Hawaii.

Other states impose restrictions based on the cat’s generation. For example, Alaska, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont only allow ownership of F4 or later generations. In New York, only F5 and later generations are permitted, with exceptions in Denver, Colorado, and New York City, where any Savannah cat ownership is banned.

In most other states, owning a Savannah cat is legal, though there may be local restrictions. In New Mexico, Oregon, and Indiana, certain cities or counties may have additional rules or require permits. Maryland permits ownership as long as the Savannah cat weighs less than 30 pounds. In Washington state, Savannah cats are allowed, but they are banned in the city of Seattle.