Have you ever looked at your cat and thought it looked like a little panther when it walked all upright and proud as the big cats? Has it ever occurred to you how amazing it would be to have a wild cat as a pet? Unfortunately, this isn’t possible because it would be dangerous for you and very awful for the animal’s healthy development, so discard that idea immediately. But hey! You can still consider getting a half-domestic and half-wild cat, a hybrid feline like no other. Here’s the ultimate comparison between the Savannah cat vs. the Bengal cat!
Are you interested in the idea? Fantastic! I’ll tell you everything you need to know about two hybrid cats sweeping the popularity charts, not only for being super exotic and astonishingly beautiful but also for their outstanding personalities. Let’s meet the Bengal cat and the Savannah cat. I’m sure one of them will steal your heart!
Savannah cat vs. Bengal cat: Everything you need to know
Before we compare these unique cat breeds, let’s make sure you have a good understanding of what they are. Here’s a quick overview:
Bengal cat overview
Bengal cats are a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat, which is why their fur has beautiful spots like those of the majestic leopards.
The origins of these cats date back to the 1960s when Californian breeder Jean Mill began reproducing them. During the 1970s, the Bengals started to become famous but didn’t gain official breed recognition until 1983, when the International Cat Association (TICA) accepted them.
Their popularity increased rapidly, and in 1991 they obtained championship status. As you can imagine, after seeing these beautiful and exotic cats in competitions, many families began to look for them as pets. As a side note, did you know “Simba” and “Nala” are some of the most popular Bengal cat names people use for their furry friends?
Appearance and Physical traits
Despite having the height and weight of a typical domestic cat, these cats are physically distinguished by their striking coat covered with rosettes, very similar to those of a leopard. Their fur is usually brown, although gray or black Bengals can also be found, all equally beautiful.
Bengals have long, lean, athletic bodies, perfect for their energetic lifestyle. Their face is similar to that of their domestic ancestors but is characterized by high cheekbones, large, round eyes, and round-tipped ears slightly further apart than your usual cat.
Personality
If there is one thing we can assure you, they are super active cats, they never seem to run out of energy, and this is due to their wild heritage. They are incredibly playful, they love to run and jump, and you can always expect to find them on top of your furniture or in the high spaces of your house.
They are brilliant cats, so they are perfect for games that test their mental agility, and if you don’t provide them with this type of entertainment, they are sure to find a way to amuse themselves, for example, by opening doors or turning lights on and off.
These naughty cats love water, you won’t have problems bathing them, and they may even get into the tub with you when you are showering. Bengals are chatty cats. They will always give you their opinion and complain if they don’t like something, especially if it’s about demanding you to play with them or take them for a walk. I almost forgot that these little guys enjoy walking, so prepare a good harness and a leash.
Cost
If you are starting to love owning a Bengal, you’d better start saving, as these cats are expensive because they are exotic. Depending on their closeness to their wild ancestor, the price varies. The closer the bond, the more expensive the kitten, so you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $10,000 for your new pet.
Savannah cat overview
The extraordinary Savannah cats are a mix of a domestic cat and a serval, these kittens are large and rougher looking, but they are a much safer option than having a wildcat at home.
These beauties are a new breed that only gained recognition by TICA as an official breed in 2001, although they were already quite popular for years due to their distinguished appearance. They have a life expectancy of between 12 and 20 years and are known to be one of the most loyal cats you will ever meet.
Appearance and Physical traits
They are incredibly similar to the Serval. The closer the bond, the more so. They are large cats with long torsos and lean, athletic bodies. Most tend to have medium-length tails and long, slender legs that make them appear even more prominent, as well as pointed ears with untidy tufts of hair. They have short, silky hair, usually in shades of brown, adorned with black spots, giving them the appearance of mighty cheetahs.
Personality
As their wild appearance indicates, these cats are energetic, perhaps slightly more so than Bengals. They like to run, jump, and pirouette, anything to help them burn off all the energy they have.
Most of them tend to be friendly with people and pets, especially when it comes to playing. These felines are very intelligent, so don’t hesitate to teach them tricks and train them; just like a dog, they can learn to fetch and walk on a leash. If you plan to have a Savannah, you should know that they require quality time because a bored savannah represents a danger to your furniture since it may scratch and bite your most precious objects in a fit of frustration.
If you’re looking for a super loyal cat, look no further. Just make sure you use cat-friendly adhesive to keep them from knocking over your favorite vases and figurines, oh and of course, you may have to use a trick or two to cat-proof your home. Sometimes unconditional love comes with a cost.
Cost
Speaking of cost, these cuties can be expensive. Because they are highly sought after and rare cats, these guys can cost from $2,000 to $20,000 depending on their closeness to their Serval ancestor. Always ensure the breeder is reputable and takes good care of their animals.
Savannah cat vs. Bengal cat: Which one is better for you?
Do you already have your favorite? Whichever one it is, you should know that they share many similarities, both breeds are great with families with children and pets, but preferably they should go to homes where their owners are sure they have time to play with them and allow them to exercise daily.
You should know that adopting a cat is a big commitment, and adopting a Bengal or Savannah even more so, as they require twice as much time and effort because their wild nature gives them much more energy than a domestic cat.