Savannah Cat Size: Height, Weight & Growth Explained

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a Savannah cat in person. I expected a big cat, but I wasn’t ready for how tall and wild they looked. 

If you’re considering bringing one home, understanding their size is crucial.

These cats aren’t like regular house cats. Their Serval genes make them taller, leaner, and way more athletic. 

But here’s the tricky part: they often look heavier than they actually are.

The generation you pick changes everything. Some grow huge, others stay moderate. Your home setup and lifestyle need to match their size and energy.

Let me walk you through what to expect.

Understanding Savannah Cat Size

Savannah cats are bigger than most domestic breeds because of their wild African Serval ancestry. These cats inherit long legs, tall ears, and lean bodies from their wild relatives. 

A regular house cat typically weighs 8-10 pounds, while Savannahs can reach 20-25 pounds. Despite their weight, Savannahs often look much larger due to their height and long limbs. 

Their slender, muscular build and exceptionally tall stance create an impression of greater size. 

This combination of Serval genetics and domestic cat traits produces their notably large appearance.

How Big Do Savannah Cats Get?

Savannah cats stand 10-17 inches tall at the shoulder, depending on their generation. F1 and F2 generations are the tallest, often reaching the upper end of this range.

Weight varies significantly by generation. 

F1 Savannahs typically weigh 15-25 pounds, while later generations like F5 or F6 average 10-15 pounds. Males are generally heavier than females.

These cats measure 20-22 inches in length from nose to base of tail. Their bodies are long and lean with powerful hindquarters. The tail adds another 10-13 inches. 

Their athletic build features a deep chest, narrow waist, and exceptionally long legs that give them a sleek, wild appearance.

Savannah Cat Size by Generation

Savannah cat size changes with each generation. The closer to the wild Serval parent, the larger the cat. F1 cats are the biggest, while F5 and beyond are closer to regular domestic cat sizes.

F1 Savannah Cat Size (Height & Weight)

F1 Savannahs are the largest generation. They stand 15-17 inches tall and weigh 15-25 pounds. Males often reach the higher end of this weight range.

These cats are 50% Serval, giving them the most pronounced wild features and size.

F2 Savannah Cat Size

F2 Savannahs measure 14-16 inches in height. Their weight ranges from 12-20 pounds. 

They’re slightly smaller than F1s but still considerably larger than standard domestic cats. Males typically weigh more than females by 3-5 pounds.

F3 Savannah Cat Size

F3 generation cats stand 13-15 inches tall. Weight averages 10-18 pounds. 

They maintain a tall, athletic build but less extreme proportions than earlier generations. The Serval influence remains visible in their long legs and large ears.

F4 and Later Generation Size Comparison

F4 cats typically reach 12-14 inches in height and weigh 10-15 pounds. 

F5 and F6 generations are similar in size to large domestic cats, standing 11-13 inches tall and weighing 8-14 pounds. 

Do Later Generations Get Smaller?

Yes, later generations are progressively smaller. Each generation has less Serval DNA, resulting in reduced size. 

F5 and beyond often match regular large cat breeds in weight and height. However, they keep their lean build and longer legs compared to typical house cats.

Male vs Female Savannah Cat Size

Here’s how male and female Savannah cats compare across generations:

Average Male Savannah Cat Size

Let’s have a look at it:

Average Female Savannah Cat Size

Let’s have a look at it:

Gender Differences in Growth Patterns

Males grow larger and take longer to reach full size. They typically need 3 years to fully mature, while females reach adult size in 2-2.5 years. 

Males gain weight more steadily throughout their growth period. Females grow quickly in their first year, then slow down considerably. 

The size difference between genders is most noticeable in F1 and F2 generations.

Savannah Cat Growth Stages

Savannah kittens weigh 3-6 ounces at birth and grow rapidly. By 8 weeks, they reach 2-4 pounds. 

During their first year, these cats experience explosive growth, gaining 1-2 pounds monthly. F1 and F2 kittens grow faster than later generations. 

Males reach full size around 3 years old, while females mature by 2-2.5 years. Early generations take longer to finish growing due to their larger adult size. 

Most Savannahs complete 75% of their growth by 12 months, then fill out gradually.

Savannah Cat Height vs Weight Explained

Savannah cats appear much larger than their actual weight suggests. Their exceptional height comes from extremely long legs inherited from African Servals.

A 15-pound Savannah can look as big as a 25-pound Maine Coon due to its tall stance and length. 

These cats have lean, muscular bodies with minimal body fat, unlike heavier breeds with dense fur and thick bones. 

Many people expect Savannahs to weigh 30-40 pounds based on their appearance, but most top out at 25 pounds. 

Their athletic build prioritizes height and agility over bulk. The combination of long limbs and slender frames creates their distinctively wild, imposing look.

Savannah Cat Size Comparison

Savannah cats are taller and leaner than most breeds. Their wild ancestry gives them a different body structure compared to domestic, Bengal, and Maine Coon cats.

Savannah cats stand taller than most breeds due to their long legs. While Maine Coons may weigh similarly, their bulk comes from dense fur and heavy bone structure. 

Savannahs have a leaner, more athletic frame. Bengals share some wild cat ancestry but are shorter and more muscular. 

Regular domestic cats are significantly smaller in all measurements. The Savannah’s height and length give them their distinctive wild appearance that sets them apart from other breeds.

Is Savannah Cat Size Right for Your Home?

Large Savannah cats need ample vertical and horizontal space. They require tall cat trees, climbing shelves, and room to run. 

A cramped apartment may not suit F1 or F2 generations well. These cats adapt to indoor living but benefit from secure outdoor enclosures or leash walks. 

Their high energy demands daily play and mental stimulation. 

Savannahs bond closely with owners and need interactive time. Consider their strength and jumping ability when childproofing. 

Later generations fit standard homes better than early generations due to smaller size.

Final Thoughts

After years of working with cat owners, I’ve seen how important size considerations are. 

Savannah cats vary greatly between generations, so think about your living space and lifestyle first. 

F1 and F2 cats need more room and commitment, while F3 to F6 generations fit most homes comfortably.

Choose based on what you can realistically provide. These cats bring incredible personality regardless of size. 

Research breeders carefully and ask about parent sizes. Visit the kittens in person if possible.

Have questions about Savannah cat care? Drop a comment below. 

Share this guide with fellow cat lovers planning their next adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Savannah cat get?

Savannah cats range from 8-25 pounds depending on generation. F1 and F2 generations are the largest, while F5 and F6 are closer to regular domestic cat sizes.

At what age is a Savannah cat fully grown?

Male Savannahs reach full size around 3 years old. Females typically finish growing by 2 to 2.5 years of age.

Are male or female Savannah cats bigger?

Males are noticeably larger than females across all generations. The size difference is most obvious in F1 and F2 cats, with males weighing 3-5 pounds more.

Do Savannah cats need more space than regular cats?

Yes, especially F1 and F2 generations need vertical climbing space and room to run. Later generations can adapt to standard apartment living with proper enrichment.

Why do Savannah cats look so much bigger than they weigh?

Their height, long legs, and lean build create an impression of greater size. Savannahs stand much taller than other cats, making them appear larger than their actual weight suggests.