Savannah cat

Background

The savannah cat is a hybrid species bred from a serval and a domestic cat, for the pet trade. As a new hybridisation, it is yet to have established invasive populations across the world and the true impacts are unknown.

It is illegal to keep, transport, sell or release savannah cats in South Australia under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.

Impacts

Savannah cats are a serious pest that could predate on native species.

They are able to breed with feral cats, producing offspring that is large and strong. These hybrids would be capable of preying on larger native species, that previously have eluded feral cats.

If the savannah cat were to establish a population in Australia, its impacts are believed be worse than the devastating impacts seen by feral cats.

Identification

The savannah cat is a tall, lean cat with large dark spots and markings. They have a short coat, and can be black, brown, spotted tabby, silver spotted tabby, orange, gold, and black smoke.

Savannah cats have a long neck, legs and ears, and a medium-length tail. The savannah cat is larger than the average domestic cat and can weigh over 13.5 kilograms.

There are no native cat species in Australia.

Report savannah cats

The savannah cat has not yet become established in South Australia. To make sure this doesn’t happen, report all suspected sightings.