The name Savannah refers to the African Savannah, the habitat of one of the breed's ancestor's the African serval cat. The Serval has been kept as a pet by natives to Africa for thousands of years but is not a suitable pet for the average house hold. The Savannah is however and still has many of the Serval's beautiful qualities but with a more amiable temperament and better house hold habits. The Savannah breed is still very rare and has been improved by crossing with spotted domestic shorthairs. Since the Savannah cat has been accepted by TICA it can be registered in the breed section Savannah (SV). TICA allows third generation Savannahs into cat shows for evaluation by judges.

The Savannah is a tall lean cat with long legs and a long neck. The head is smaller in proportion to the body and longer than wide with large ears. Similar to the serval, the coat shows a spotted pattern with some bars on a golden to tawny ground color with a light colored underside. Savannah cats appear to be smaller replicas of the serval. This exotic impression is accentuated by light ocelli markings on the back of the ears as well as prominent tear duct lines in the face. F1 Savannahs can weigh more than 20 pounds and stand up to 15 inches at the shoulder. Later generations are also showing considerable size. Savannah males usually grow much larger than their female litter mates. Due to the graceful and long-legged appearance combined with the movement of a big cat, these striking cats are unlike any other breed.

Savannahs are friendly and sociable cats, that can get along very well with other household pets. They show their affection by eagerly giving a welcoming "head-butt" where they literally bump heads with you to say hello!. Most Savannah Cats are very outgoing and like to be petted. Due to the long legs the Savannah is an elegant jumper and like the serval often performs high leaps straight in the air. The Savannah loves water and enjoys a bath. If given the choice, a Savannah might enjoy a tub filled with water over the more usual cat games. Just like other cats Savannahs can get along with young children and other household pets.