How Much Does a Savannah Cat Cost?

Last Updated on January 18, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Are you considering bringing home one of these exotic felines? Savannah cats are one of the most expensive kitten breeds, but their unique look and temperament make them a dream pet for many. Read on to learn what to expect when it comes to Savannah cat pricing today.

Savannah cats are a relatively new breed that was first created in the 1980s. These cats were developed by crossing domestic cats with wild African Servals. This crossbreeding allows Savannah cats to retain some of the stunning features of their Serval ancestors, like their tall, slim build and large, pointed ears.

The unique look and wild personality of Savannahs come at a price – these kittens do not come cheap! Costs vary greatly depending on the cat’s generation, with F1 Savannah cats typically being the most expensive. Let’s take a look at how much you can expect to pay for a Savannah cat in 2024.

How Much Does a Savannah Cat Cost?

A Savannah cat costs anywhere between $1,000 and $25,000, depending on its generation, the breeder you’re buying it from, your location, and so on. Here’s an overview of the average expected prices for Savannah cat kittens from reputable breeders:

• F1 Savannah kittens – $15,000 – $25,000
• F2 Savannah kittens – $8,000 – $15,000
• F3 Savannah kittens – $4,000 – $8,000
• F4 Savannah kittens – $2,000 – $5,000
• F5 Savannah kittens – $1,000 – $3,000

As you can see, an F1 Savannah kitten from quality lineage can cost as much as a luxury car! But even F5 cats, which are several generations removed from their wild Serval roots, command a much higher price tag than your average domestic kitten.

Savannah Cat Prices on Different Websites

Now let’s see how different websites price Savannah Cats:

What Generation Is Your Savannah Cat?

One of the biggest factors in determining a Savannah cat’s price is their generation, which refers to how far removed they are from their Serval ancestor. There are five main generations of Savannah cats:

• F1 Savannahs – Have a Serval parent and a domestic parent. F1s are 50% Serval.
• F2 Savannahs – Have an F1 Savannah parent that is bred with another Savannah or domestic cat. F2s are 25% Serval.
• F3 Savannahs – Have an F2 Savannah parent. They are 12.5% Serval.
• F4 Savannahs – Have an F3 Savannah parent. F4s are 6.25% Serval.
• F5 Savannahs – Have an F4 Savannah parent. They are 3.125% Serval.

As you might expect, F1 and F2 Savannahs tend to be the most expensive options since they are the least removed from their wild Serval lineage. The more generations bred away from the Serval ancestor, the lower the price tends to be.

Why Are Savannah Cats So Expensive?

With price tags in the thousands, it’s fair to ask why Savannah kittens cost so much compared to other cat breeds. Here are some of the main reasons these exotic cats come with higher price points:

• Difficult and rare breeding – To produce F1-F3 cats, breeders must acquire and successfully breed rare and expensive Servals imported from Africa. Breeding success rates are low.
• High demand – Savannahs are a relatively new and rare designer breed. Their exotic appeal leads to high demand that allows breeders to charge premium prices.
• Wild temperament – Early generations like F1s and F2s retain more of their African Serval lineage’s wild instincts. More care and oversight is required.
• Importing Servals is costly – Importing wild Servals for breeding is expensive due to permits, paperwork, vaccinations and transport. These costs get passed to the kitten.
• Health and neonatal care – Breeders often need specialized staff and equipment to care for Savannah litters. Health issues are also common.

In short, creating Savannah cats is an intensive, costly endeavor. The rare appeal of their wild looks and temperament allows breeders to charge high prices to recoup expenses.

Other Costs of Owning a Savannah Cat

The purchase price of a Savannah kitten is just the beginning! Here are some other costs to factor in for owning a Savannah cat in 2024:

• Food costs – Expect to pay $100-$150 per month to feed your Savannah high-quality, high-protein cat foods.
• Litter costs – These big cats produce a lot of waste! Litter costs average $50-$100 per month.
• Vet bills – Vet care averages $400-$600 per year, but may be higher if health issues arise.
• Pet insurance – Insuring your Savannah can cost $300-$500 per year for accident/illness coverage.
• Other supplies – Litter boxes, toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and other supplies average $500-$1000 for initial setup.
• Training – Early training is highly recommended for Savannahs. Professional training runs $150-$300 for a package.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Siamese cat, Toyger cat, or Cheetoh cat.

This brings estimated annual costs for a Savannah cat between $2200-$4000, in addition to the original purchase price. Exotic cats come with bigger care expenses!

Should You Get a Savannah Cat?

With the steep price tag, are Savannah cats worth it? Here are some things to consider:

• Savannahs require lots of space and enrichment to thrive – preferably a large multilevel home. They are not well-suited for small apartments.
• Early generation Savannahs may sometimes spray urine and require special care to prevent this.
• Their activity level is high compared to other cats. Daily exercise and playtime is a must.
• Savannahs bond very closely with their owners and do not do well left alone for long periods.
• Some regions have laws restricting ownership of Savannah cats. Make sure they are legal in your area first.

While costly, Savannah cats can make amazing pets for the right owner willing to provide a proper home and care. Their devoted, outgoing and playful nature rewards the extra effort.

The Takeaway

In the end, expect to spend between $10,000 to $30,000 in order to buy and properly care for a Savannah cat in 2024. Early generation kittens are the most expensive at $15,000-$25,000, while F5 cats are more affordable at $3,000 and under.

Beyond the purchase price, lifetime care for food, vet bills, insurance and other costs average $2200-$4000 per year. Exotic cat ownership is not cheap! But for many cat lovers, sharing their home with a stunning Savannah is worth the investment.