Bengal and Savannah cats are two breeds that have different origins and distinguishing features. They are united in the fact that they were both bred for people who want cats that are striking and truly one a kind. A Bengal and Savannah mix is can create a cat that is going to turn heads.
If you want to know more about what a Bengal Savannah mix cat is like, keep on reading.
Bengal Savannah mix
A Bengal Savannah mix is going to have physical characteristics from both breeds, so they can get the Bengals leopard-like spots or the Savannah’s solid jet black spots. Their size is going to be somewhere between the average height and weight of the two breeds, which will not be that much larger than an average housecat.
Personality-wise, it is going to depend on which of the Bengal and Savannah’s temperaments it is going to inherit. It could be the Bengal’s more cat-like personality, or the Savannah’s more dog-like demeanor.
Either way, the Bengal Savannah mix is going to be a beautifully striking cat that is intelligent and athletic. They will need cat trees and climbing structures to jump onto. The Bengal Savannah mix can be trained much like a dog, and can even be walked on a leash. They are going to need an owner that will devote time to train them and play with them to keep them busy. But if all their needs are met, you are going to be gifted with a loving and loyal cat that is easily trainable and great with children and other pets.
What is a Bengal cat?
A Bengal cat has an average height of 17 to 22 inches and can weigh anywhere between 8 to 17 pounds. They can live between 10 to 16 years.
Bengal cats are a mix between a domestic cat and a wild Asian Leopard cat. These cats have a glamorous and unique coat. They are best known for their distinct coat which makes them stand out from their domestic cousins.
Nowadays, most Bengals no longer have a wild parent, instead they are the offspring of Bengals bred with other Bengals. This produces a cat that is less wild and more domesticated.
Appearance
Bengals have long, athletic bodies, and very high cheekbones. Their eyes are large and round.
Asian leopard cats, which the Bengals are descended from, are smaller. This is why Bengals are smaller than Savannah cats. They are roughly around the size of an average housecat. They can be longer than the average housecat, but they weigh about the same. Some domestic cats, like the Maine Coon, are musch larger than a Bengal. They may be a bit more compact than some cats, but they are very stocky and muscular.
Maintenance
Bengals have short, thick coats. They require a quick, weekly brushing. This helps remove dead hair and distribute healthy skin oils. However, they do not shed very much. They do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean, so you do not need to bathe them often.
They do need their teeth cleaned. Periodontal disease is a huge problem and can be deadly in some cases.
Their nails need to be trimmed every few weeks, and you should check their ears weekly.
Temperament
Bengals are very active which they probably take from their wild parentage. They are confident and very intelligent. They can get into anything and nothing can escape their notice. They also love climbing on furniture to perch.
These cats can be very talkative and noisy. They will not hesitate to let you know that they want something,
Because of how intelligent they are, they like to play games and can be trained to do tricks. This also means that they will need quite a bit of mental stimulation to keep them occupied. When they get bored they can be destructive. They can also develop weird habits, such as flicking a light switch on and off.
Bengals are quite fond of water, unlike most cats. They may join you in the tub or shower if they want to.
What is a Savannah cat?
The Savannah cat can grow from 17 to 22 inches tall, and weigh anywhere between 12 and 25 pounds. They can live to be 12 to 20 years old.
The Savannah cat is a mix between a serval and a domestic cat. They look relatively wild and are quite a bit larger than the usual housecat. They are very exotic, which is part of their appeal.
This breed began to gain popularity in the 90’s, but they only got recognized as a registered breed in 2001, making them a relatively new breed. This might make them a bit rarer and difficult to find.
Appearance
The Savannah’s tail is very long, and it makes them look much larger than they actually are. Their size fully grown can be quite dependent on the generation, gender, and genetics of the cat.
F1 males are typically the largest and have the strongest genetic influence of the Serval cat.
The Savannah is very long and lean. They are tall and long for their weight, which gives them fantastic climbing abilities. Their eyes start as blue when they are kittens, but darken to green or brown as they get older.
Maintenance
The Savannah’s coat is quite easy to care for. They need to be brushed weekly at most to clear out dead hairs and debris. They do a great job of keeping themselves clean, so baths are not necessary unless they roll on something dirty or smelly.
Their nails need to be trimmed regularly as they can grow quickly. Their teeth need to be brushed regularly as well.
These cats like to be high up, like on a countertop or a bookshelf, so investing in a cat tree or other climbing structures may be necessary.
Temperament
Savannah cats are more dog-like compared to the more cat-like nature of the Bengal. They like to follow their owners from room to room. They are very loyal cats who love their people.
You can train these cats to walk on a leash if you want.
The Savannah’s overall temperament can vary widely. Exposure and socialization is likely a critical factor in their friendliness. Some cats will run up and greet newcomers at the door, while others will run and hide. If you expose your cat to many different people as a kitten, they will be more friendly and outgoing.
These cats are very curious, which means that they will get into things like cupboards and cabinets.
Sometimes they like to play with water, especially if they were introduced to water at a young age.
Savannahs are very intelligent cats that can be trained a lot like dogs.
Image: istockphoto.com / Kech