F1 vs F2 Savannah Cat: Similarities and Differences

Savannah cats are hybrid felines made by breeding African Serval and domestic cats. They’re quite rare, which brings them to the expensive side of house cats.

These cats are divided into two main types – F1 and F2 Savannah. The more Serval genes a Savannah cat has, which is the F1, the more expensive it becomes.

If you’re getting a Savannah feline, it’s important to know whether it’s an F1 or F2 so you won’t be overcharged. Let’s compare an F1 vs. F2 Savannah cat.

What is an F1 Savannah?

An F1 Savannah cat is the first generation of the Savannah feline breed – a direct result of crossbreeding a purebred Serval cat with a domestic feline. Simply put, F1 Savannahs are 50% Serval.

These felines are difficult to produce due to the different gestation periods of Servals and domestic cats, which are 75 and 65 days, respectively. The potential incompatibilities between the two species’ chromosomes make F1 Savannah cats expensive.

The first F1 Savannah cat was developed by accident. Judee Frank, a Bengal breeder, was temporarily caring for an African Serval when it accidentally bred with her female Siamese cat.

What is an F2 Savannah?

An F2 Savannah is a second-generation hybrid resulting from crossbreeding an F1 Savannah with a domestic cat.

Three years after Frank accidentally created the first F1 Savannah cat, she bred it with a Turkish Angora. The resulting kittens had fewer African Serval genes, so they were considered F2 Savannahs.

Since the Serval bloodline of the F2 Savannahs was more diluted than the F1s, they showcase more domestic feline traits.

Similarities Between F1 and F2 Savannah Cats

Since F1 and F2 Savannah cats share the same bloodline, they also share similar characteristics.

1. Wild-like appearance

F1 and F2 Savannahs inherited the appearance of their Serval ancestors. They have spotted coat patterns, long legs, and large ears.

But it is worth noting that the F2 Savannah cat’s appearance is slightly less wild-looking than the F1 hybrid.

2. Level of activeness

Savannah cats, no matter what generation they are, are popular for their energetic personality. They love exploring and playing, which they got from their domestic ancestors.

They tend to bond closely with their caretakers once they feel like they can trust them. So, although they love running around, they may also prefer to be lap cats sometimes.

If you plan to care for any generation of Savannah cats, you must be able to provide them with high-energy activities.

3. Intelligence

All Savannah cat generations are intelligent. Therefore, they require activities that can feed their curiosity.

For instance, you can teach this breed to play fetch, use food-foraging toys, or walk with them on a leash.

4. Legality

The legality of owning various generations of Savannah cats varies from one state to another. However, both F1 and F2 are legal in most states, except for the following:

1. Alaska
2. Colorado
3. Georgia
4. Hawaii
5. IOwa
6. Massachusetts
7. Nebraska
8. New Hampshire
9. New York
10. Rhode Island
11. Vermont
12. Most counties in Texas

Savannah Cat F1 vs. F2 Differences

1. Size

Although F1 and F2 share similar length size – 16 to 18 inches, their height and weight noticeably differs.

On average, the F1 generation is around 16.5 inches tall, although they can reach a height of 19 inches, while their average weight is 13 to 25 pounds.

On the other hand, the F2 Savannah cat size barely reaches 15 inches tall and their average weight ranges from 12 to 24 pounds.

2. Temperament

While both F1 and F2 Savannah kittens carry the wild Serval genes, it’s worth noting that the former has more of its wild ancestor’s blood. This makes them potentially more challenging to handle and train.

In addition, F1 Savannah cats are only friendly towards their caretakers and aloof with strangers.

Meanwhile, F2 Savannahs are friendlier, even to strangers, if you train them to be around people while they’re still young.

3. Price

In terms of cat price, the first generation of wild cats is much more expensive.

• Male F1 Savannah cats cost anywhere from around $12,000 to $16,000. As for the females of this generation, their price ranges anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000.
• F2 Savannah cats are more affordable since they have fewer Serval genes. Males cost $4,000 to $8,000, while females cost $4,000 to $9,000.

Which Savannah Cat Should You Get?

F1 Savannah cats are more energetic than the F2. For this reason, they make good pets for families or anyone who can match their energy.

If you want to own an F1 Savannah feline, you need to be patient enough to attend to their needs, considering their active nature.

On the other hand, F2 Savannah cats are good with people, so they’ll do well in homes with children and other pets.

You don’t even have to worry about your new F2 kitten if you have other pets at home. The reason is that they are not territorial in places that are new to them.

Discussion here:

Researching my first Savannah Cat pet, some specific questions
byu/kanucks25 insavannah_cats

Conclusion

If you are choosing between an F1 vs. F2 Savannah cat, it is important to know the difference between them. The reason is that while both are the same breed, they have subtle differences in their temperament.

F1 Savannahs are more difficult to train and care for, as they are half-domestic and half-wild. On the other hand, F2 Savannahs tend to be a bit more docile, making them ideal for homes with kids and other pets.