Silver Bengal Cat vs Savannah: Discover The Perfect Cat Breed For Home
People frequently seek to adopt cheerful pets with a rugged appearance. Domestic cat breeds like Silver Bengal cats and Savannah cats are renowned for their exotic looks and upbeat personality.
Savannah cats are defined by their distinctive coat patterns, tall, slim bodies, and long legs, whilst Bengal cats are well-known for their endearing appearance. The differences between the two breeds have been extensively covered in this blog.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
| Silver Bengal Cat | Savannah | |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10-15 years | 12-20 years |
| Average weight | 8-12 pounds | 12-25 pounds |
| Average length | 14-18 inches | 20-22 inches |
| Traits | Loving, intelligent, energetic & vocal | Playful, adventurous and loyal. |
| Grooming | Weekly | Weekly |
Savannah Cat
This section will cover all of Savannah cat’s characteristics and delve into what makes it so special. We will go over everything you need to know about Savannah.
Breed Introduction
These cats are quick-moving cats that are particularly affectionate with their owners but can be a little wary of strangers. Their larger-than-medium frame distinguishes them. Although the ownership experience of the savannah cat breed may be similar to that of a wildcat, not all Savannah cats have the same wild ancestry.
Historical Overview
This cat is the offspring of a domestic cat and a serval, an African wild cat with huge ears and a medium stature. At the close of the 1990s, they rose to popularity. Judee Frank created the first Savannah cat on April 7, 1986, by mating a male Suzi Woods several with a Siamese house cat.
Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe first drafted the Savannah breed standard in 1996 and later presented it to the TICA board in 2001. At that point, the board approved the breed for registration. It was recognized as a championship breed by TICA in May 2012.
This breed attained TICA championship status in 2012, which means domestic outcrosses are no longer permitted. Breeders use F5 males to produce the F2 generation with an F1 female because Savannah males in the F1 through F4 generation are sterile.
Since there were many fertile F5 Savannah males available for stud by 2012, most breeders were completing Savannah-to-Savannah pairings, and outcrosses were viewed as unnecessary and undesirable.
Domestic outcrosses from the early 1990s had a significant impact on the development of both desired and undesirable traits in the breed. Prior to 2012, the Egyptian Mau, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, and Domestic Shorthair were acceptable outcrosses for the TICA Savannah breed standard. The Bengal and Maine Coon were two outcrosses that were prohibited but brought about a lot of undesirable genetic influences.
Appearance
They are beautiful creatures that resemble small cheetahs due to their tall, slim stature and eye-catching spotted coat. Due to their physical attributes and hybrid breed ancestry, they are frequently characterized as looking wild or exotic. Additionally, they could have a recognizable “mascara” ring around their eyes.
Savannah Cat Price
They can cost you a fortune. They usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000 or more. F1 Savannah cats are the costliest ones. Savannah breeders may want $5,000 or more for a superior Savannah cat with desirable characteristics.
Personality
They are athletic, lively, and inclined to leap onto the top of furniture; they are not lap cats. These cats are incredibly devoted to their favorite humans and follow them around the house just for the company, like other cats. In fact, Savannah cats for adoption are a popular choice for individuals looking for a unique and exotic pet.
Health
This breed is believed to be healthy, with no hereditary disorders or other health issues. Compared to other crossbreeds, they are not more susceptible to cardiac problems.
Still, they risk developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart muscle to swell. Regular health checks by reliable breeders are recommended. Experienced Savannah cat breeders suggest that their owners have them examined once a month.
Savannah Cat Size & Weight
These cats are known for their impressive size, with some individuals weighing 15 to 30 pounds or more. Compared to most domestic cat breeds, they are typically larger in size. In fact, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, Savannah cats hold the title for the tallest domestic cat in the world, standing up to 17 inches tall.
Care & Maintenance
These cats are simple to maintain despite their high cost. They shed less than other breeds, hence they need less grooming. They require frequent nail trimming and proper dental hygiene. A balanced diet also plays an instrumental role in their health.
Color Variations
They are all about elegance. They have black, brown, or silver tabbies with black or dark brown markings, resembling their African Serval forebears. Some might have smoked patterns or softer colors.
Life Span
With a lifespan ranging from 15 to 20 years, these cats are recognized as a breed with a rather long life span.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Silver Bengal Cat
Let’s take a closer look at the Silver Bengal Cat, including its characteristics, needs and temperament so that you can make an informed decision about whether this breed is right for you to adopt.
Breed Introduction
A silver Bengal cat is a specific color variation of the Bengal cat breed. They have a coat color that is predominantly silver or grey, often with black or charcoal markings, and may also have a glittery sheen to their fur due to a genetic trait called “glitter.”
Silver Bengals are known for their striking appearance, which can include a highly contrasted coat pattern and a sleek, muscular body.
Historical Overview
This cat was created by crossing Egyptian Mau with Asian leopard cats in the 1960s. It’s a relatively recent breed. This breeding effort aimed to produce a domestic cat with a pleasant disposition and the coat pattern of the Asian Leopard Cat.
It is safe to say that the silver Bengal breed is much newer than British Shorthair. The International Cat Association (TICA) designated Bengal cats as a distinct breed in the 1980s. Since then, they have gained popularity as a pet cat breed worldwide.
Appearance
They have what looks to be a silver or gray coat. They are distinguished by their striking coat patterns, which can vary in size and intensity, and vivid green or blue eyes. While some Silver Bengal cats’ coats may contain rosettes or spots, others could have a more uniform hue. They often have lean, muscular bodies and short, soft-to-the-touch coats.
Price
Bengal cats are more expensive than the average cat. A reputable breeder usually charges between $2000 and $5000 for a Silver Bengal kitten. Blue and silver colors cost extra due to their rarity.
Character
They are renowned for being animated and playful. They may enjoy playing with toys and climbing on things and are frequently characterized as clever and curious.
Additionally, they could be louder than other cat breeds and more likely to “speak” to their owners. Remember that these cats are constantly vying for their owner’s attention. When left on their own, they may also cause quite a bit of mischief.
Health
Bengal cats are usually healthy, but they can have some health issues. These may include genetic diseases like heart and kidney problems, dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, allergies to substances like pollen and dust, and the risk of obesity.
Despite these potential health concerns, Bengal cats are generally robust, but it’s important to provide them with regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle.
Size & Weight
From head to tail, Bengal cats can reach lengths of up to 50 cm, and typically stand at heights of 20 to 30 cm at the shoulder. Bengal cats exhibit a wide range of sizes, with weights typically ranging from 8 to 15 pounds, and often surpassing the average size of domestic cats.
However, their individual growth can be influenced by their unique genetic makeup and dietary habits.. Each Bengal cat has its own distinct size, adding to the unique characteristics of this fascinating breed.
Care & Maintenance
Luckily, Silver Bengal cats are low-maintenance and enjoy water play. Regular grooming, nail trimming, and interactive toys are recommended. Play with them for at least 30 minutes in the morning and evening, and engage them with water for added fun.
Color Variations
Bengal cats come in various hues including silver, black, and brown. Numerous tones and patterns might exist within these colors. Brown, silver, black, charcoal, and snow are prevalent hues and patterns for Bengal cats.
Life Span
A Bengal cat typically lives for 12 to 15 years. It is a healthy breed and can enjoy long, fulfilling lives with the right care and attention.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Finally, Bengal cats and Savannah cats are both stunning species well-known for their exuberant temperament and love of play. They possess the skills to make wonderful pets. The only drawback is their high cost, as both of these breeds may be very expensive. Ultimately, the choice to choose one of these cats over the other should be based on the above-mentioned details.
