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Owning a Savannah in the UK, what are the laws? Savannah cats are a fascinating and unique breed of cat. They have many different qualities that make them both desirable and intriguing to prospective pet owners. However, before you consider owning one of these beautiful felines, it is crucial to know the laws in your country that govern their ownership. This article will discuss owning a Savannah cat in the UK and what the laws around owning this beautiful cat are.
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Can I Own A Savannah Cat In The UK?
It is legal to own a Savannah cat in the UK as long as it is not an F1 (First Generation) as these are classified as exotic/wild cats. All subsequent generations of Savannah cats are legal (F2 onwards) without the need for a licence.
What Do The F-Numbers Mean Before Savannah Cats?
Savannah cats are described mainly by the F-number for their generation. F stands for the percentage of African Serval genes in their DNA, and each number designates a level of genetic hybridization with an outcrossed cat breed or wildcat subspecies.
F0 indicates cats that are 100% serval (or very close), while subsequent filial numbers indicate more diluted bloodlines. For example, F0 Savannahs are typically very expensive and rare.
An F1 Savannah cat is the first generation offspring between a domestic cat and an African Serval Cat. Unfortunately, due to being half-wild cats, F1 Savannahs are classified as an “Exotic” breed in the UK, making them illegal for ownership unless you can obtain the necessary permit before owning one.
An F2 Savannah is a cat that is the second generation offspring of a domestic and African Serval Cat. An F2 Savannah cat is 25% serval and 75% domestic cat.
An F3 Savannah Cat is the third generation offspring from a Serval and domestic cat. They are 37.50% serval and 62.50% domestic cat.
What Is A Savannah Cat?
A Savannah cat is a hybrid cat that is the result of crossbreeding a serval with another domestic cat. The Savannah cats are known for their large size, long legs and spotted coats that make them stand out from other breeds of pet cats. They have many unique qualities, but one trait in particular often draws people’s attention- they can be trained to walk on a leash and enjoy playing in the water! (source)
How Much Do Savannah Cats Cost?
Savannah cats are very expensive to own, and the costs add up quickly. Unfortunately, the cost of purchasing a Savannah cat is not even close to being their only expense, and many people become overwhelmed by all the unexpected costs of owning one.
The average cost of a Savannah cat is around £5000 (~$6500 USD). However, the price of a Savannah cat can vary depending on the breeder and where you buy them from.
The most expensive type of Savannah cat is the F0 or F1 Savannah cat which cost £15000-£25000 ($19000- $32,500 USD).
The cost of owning a Savannah Cat includes veterinarian care and special food. The average yearly expense for owning a Savannah cat is around £2000 ($2500) but can vary depending on the price of vet bills in your area.
What Are The General Requirements Of Owning A Savannah Cat In The UK?
When it comes to owning a Savannah cat in the UK, there are no specific laws that outline the requirements of owning a Savannah cat unless it’s an F1 Savannah Cat. However, it is vital to understand their particular care needs and ensure you have adequate information before bringing one into your home. Many owners find them very rewarding as pets!
Are Savannah Cats Easy To Care For?
Although owning a Savannah cat in the UK is possible are they easy to care for? Savannah cats are generally very healthy and easy to care for. However, it is worth noting that they require a lot of exercise and expensive food. They should be vaccinated, dewormed and neutered or spayed as early as possible (ideally between four and six months) before puberty sets in.
Their coats are relatively short compared to other long-haired cat breeds, such as Persian cats. In addition, savannahs typically do not require regular grooming, which is good for owners who aren’t keen on the idea.
Savannahs are best kept indoors in a spacious home or apartment, away from the danger of outdoor predators. Owners should provide them with scratch posts and cat trees for them to climb on when they’re not playing around your house.
Grooming:
Owning a Savannah cat in the UK requires particular grooming requirements. Their fur is usually quite dense and thick, making them susceptible to matting without proper care. In addition, it’s essential that you brush their coats at least once a day or more if they tend to moult heavily!
Food:
Savannah cats also need a high protein diet since they are usually very active and playful pets. It’s recommended that their meat is raw or cooked lightly (not fried) so it can still maintain its moisture content. They should never be fed dry food, as it will cause them to develop urinary tract problems in the future!
It is also essential to provide them with clean water at all times, especially during summer months when they tend to drink more often due to heatstroke concerns.
Exercise:
Savannah cats are very active and curious animals, which means they require a lot of mental stimulation! It’s recommended that you get them toys such as cat trees or scratching posts to keep their minds occupied. They also enjoy playing with other pets in your home, like dogs or even ferrets!
As Savannah cats are very expensive, most owners opt for walking their cats instead of leaving them outdoors. However, it’s essential always to keep an eye on your pet while they are outside so you can ensure their safety!
Human Interaction:
Savannah cats are very loving and affectionate pets, especially towards their owners. However, it would be best if you socialized your cat from a young age to be comfortable around other people in the home.
Savannah cats are not recommended for families with young children because their high energy and curiosity can cause them to lash out at the children. It’s best to teach your kids how to properly play with cats, and to never leave your young children along with your Savannah cat, so accidents like this don’t happen!
Importing Rules For Savannah Cats In The UK
One of the most important laws with regards to owning a Savannah cat in the UK is that it cannot be imported into the country.
This means if you wanted to import one from another country, it would not be allowed, and you risk having your pet confiscated at customs.
If you plan on owning a Savannah cat in the UK they must come from registered breeders within the UK.
Do Savannah Cats Make Good Pets?
Savannah cats have many unique qualities that make them desirable pets to a variety of people. They are very intelligent and loyal, which allows for easy training. Many owners find their intelligence fascinating as they can be trained to use a human toilet rather than a litter box!
Breeding Regulations For Savannah Cats:
When breeding Savannah Cats in the UK, specific laws must be followed. For example, you cannot breed a female before she is 14 weeks old or with a male who has not been neutered. In addition to this rule, it’s also illegal to sell kittens younger than eight weeks of age, and you can only purchase them from registered cat breeders.
Are There Any Other Laws And Regulations That I Need To Be Aware Of?
The final thing you should know about owning a Savannah cat in the UK is how many pets can be kept on one property or home.
In most cases, it will depend on where exactly your home falls, along with what kind of property it is attached to, as well as any additional structures included on the lot itself. You may also need permission from local officials before being allowed to keep more than one.
Conclusion: Owning A Savannah Cat In The UK
Whilst Savannah cats are beautiful, intelligent, loyal, and pets to have around the house, you must be aware of all local laws surrounding them. This post has outlined a few key points about owning savannah cats in the UK and what is required for importing or exporting one from another country.
It is also worth noting that Savannah cats are very expensive to buy and maintain. Therefore, make sure you are financially prepared for all of the costs that owning a Savannah cat will incur before making your final decision to bring one into your home!
We hope you enjoyed our blog post about Savannah cats and learned something new. If you’re interested in getting a Savannah cat, we recommend doing your research before buying one to know what they need (namely expensive food) and if it is legal for them where you live.
A lot of people love the playful nature of these breeds! Let us know in the comments below if this article helped or not. What do YOU think? Do you plan on owning a Savannah cat in the UK?
