What to Look For
EYES
ALMOND OR ROUND SHAPED
The top of the eye resembles a boomerang set at the exact angle so that the corner of the eye slopes down the line of the nose. The bottom half of the eye has an almond shape. The eyes are set directly underneath a slightly hooded brow.
The eyes are moderately deep set and low on the forehead with at least one eye width apart. Tear stain markings are present along and between the eye and the nose. Eye color is considered independent of coat color; the deeper, more vivid colors are preferred.
EARS
LARGE AND ROUND SHAPED
Ears are large and high on the head; wide with a deep base and rounded tips. The inner base of the ears are quite close at the top of the head. There are ear furnishings present that rarely extend beyond the edge of the ear. Light colored, horizontal bars (i.e., occelli) on the back of the ear are desirable.
OCCELI
The back of the ears should have a central light band of fur bordered by, brown, black or dark gray. This gives the effect of eyes on the back of the ear. This serves as a defense against larger predators in the wild.
MARKINGS
COLORS
Don't be fooled, Spots are important! Look for Very crisp and bold spots. The markings should be well defined and look very similar if not identical to a Serval. The legs will have smaller spots or ticking on them. Look for it. Black, brown spotted tabby, silver spotted tabby, black smoke ONLY. The only color variations allowed are the gold to orange ground color with bold dark markings, the silver ground color with bold dark markings, solid black and black smoke. In any variation the lips are black, as are the prominent black tear duct lines on the inner sides of each eye.
PATTERN
The spotted Savannah pattern is bold, dark-brown to black with round, oval and elongated spots. A series of parallel stripes, from the back of the head to just over the shoulder blades, fan out slightly over the back and the spotting pattern follows the line of the stripes from the shoulders continuing the length of the body. Smaller spots will be found on the legs and feet as well as on the face. The black Savannah should be solid black. Black spotting on a black background is the ideal. The smoke pattern will conform to the spotted Savannah’s standard.
BODY TYPE
TALL
Savannah cats have a tall lean muscular build, with thick rounded haunches that taper into a narrow chest. The shape of the head or skull will be almost identical to the common house cat. This characteristic makes it seem a little small for the size of the body. The tail is short and has black rings, with a solid black tip.
LEAN
The shape of the head or skull will be almost identical to the common house cat. This characteristic makes it seem a little small for the size of the body. The tail is short and has black rings, with a solid black tip.
