To start, I believe filial generation is important to explain and that it should be the base of your purchase decision when and if you are considering making the commitment of owning a hybrid cat. Filial, is where the f comes from in F1 onward. The filial is referring to how many generations removed from the wild the hybrid cat is. When a serval is paired to or mated with a domestic cat, the offspring “F1 savannah” would be 50% serval and 50% domestic cat. If that same F1 savannah is paired with a domestic cat, the offspring “F2 savannah” would be 25% serval and 75% domestic cat. This continues down the line f3, f4, f5, and so on. This is not an exact science , but more of an approximation. The only way to be 100% sure is to have the hybrid genetically tested some place like UC Davis. I say that this method is an approximation because out of a litter each kitten may have varying percentages of wild and domestic blood. This method will get you close.
As would be expected, earlier filail cats F1-3 require a little more care, time, and financial responsibility than higher filial hybrids.
Careful attention is needed and much research recommended before making a purchase of any hybrid cat. This research and attention will aid in selecting the perfect pet and will help to eliminate any future issues that may arise down the road if you realize you are not a suitable owner or that your lifestyle does not match that of your hybrid. These cats will imprint on an owner and form bonds that make rehoming later in life very difficult for both the cat and the owner. Selecting the right filial will aid in seeing that your hybrid will live out a long and healthy life and will not need rehoming in the future. Many people get in over their heads and I believe that it can be as simple as selecting the right filial for your lifestyle that can make all the difference. F1-2 generation hybrids are recommended for experienced owners. If you have never owned a hybrid I would strongly suggest going with a later generation. Later down the road after you have experienced what owning a hybrid entails, and you still want an early generation, go for it.
When contemplating what generation hybrid suits you and your situation here are a few things to consider. How much time do you have ? How many hours a day do you work away from home a day ? Is there anyone at home during the day ? What does your financial situation look like ? The list goes on. I will try to give a little insight into why these questions should be asked before making a purchase and how these questions play a role in what filial generation you choose.
There are many factors that play a role, such as time, space, finances, family size and ages of children and so on. Selecting the right filial for your particular situation is of the upmost importance. I am in no way saying that lower/earlier filial hybrids do not or cannot make a great pet and companion. What I am saying is that when you know the difference of the filial generations and the impact it plays on behavior, and the care they require, and you choose wisely based on your personal circumstances you will have a much better chance at finding the perfect pet. When considering the impact of the filial on things like behavior, care and daily requirements it is important to be honest with yourself. Not only will this decision make an impact on the family unit or household, but it is important to consider the future of the cat. Many of these hybrid cats end up in places like big cat rescue to live out their days in an 8 x 10 outdoor enclosure. I personally find that horrifying, thinking of them pacing back and forth talking and meowing day in and day out. These animals are exquisite beasts. They are extremely intelligent, affectionate, playful, and make great pets and companions when placed with the right owner. Owning a hybrid cat is a long term commitment. With the proper care and diet your hybrid cat can live up to 20yrs.
Earlier generation hybrids F1-3 but most especially F1-2 require a lot of time spent with them to make and keep them social. Do not expect to own a F1-2 and work a 40+ hour work week and have the perfect companion for you when you are home. It is likely that when you return home from work your curtains are torn down, your trash can is dumped, and trash dragged through the house. Don’t be surprised if your beloved F1-2 is gone altogether and has escaped. As stated earlier they are very intelligent and are skilled at opening doors, windows, and clawing screens out of open windows to escape. If you cannot provide the proper environment for your hybrid it is likely they will escape in an attempt to find someone who will. This whole situation is likely avoidable by choosing a higher filial that suits your lifestyle. If you make the commitment of choosing an earlier generation F1-2 make sure you have the time for them that they require. For early generation hybrids I would recommend having someone home with them during the day, possibly working from home or a stay at home mom or other adult that can give them the attention they need during the day. It is also recommended and helps if they have some kind of playmate. Whether that playmate be another hybrid or domestic cat or even a dog for them to play with and build a bond with. This will not eliminate the need for the increased human interaction they require, but it does help to keep them occupied. Hybrid cats are very social creatures. They easily become restless and can become destructive in an attempt to occupy their time, kind of like a human teenager without direction. With early generation hybrids I would recommend having an outdoor enclosure in addition to whatever accommodations they have in the home. Hybrid cats have a lot of energy. Coming up with creative ways for them to expend that energy is a good idea. I would recommend leash training them, and starting early so that they have a chance to get out in nature and expend some energy, especially if there is no outdoor enclosure available to them. They are very skilled at tree climbing and seem to really enjoy it. They tend to like to spend their days on a high perch, the top of a fridge or countertop. Coming up with a creative shelving system in combination with a cat tree for them is a very good idea to keep them content. If the proper toys, exercise, and attention are given Savannah’s and other hybrid cats really do make great pets. Keep in mind that the earlier filial generation that you choose, the more exercise, time, attention, and care they require. Another thing to consider when choosing your hybrid is family dynamic. If you are still young and not married with children but plan to be someday, I would strongly recommend going with a later generation filial. Starting a family down the road after owning your early generation hybrid may not be a good idea. I’m not saying that they don’t make great family pets but it’s best to raise your hybrid with the family and not raise the hybrid than the family. If you are newly married and don’t have any children yet, but plan to in the future, again I would recommend a later filial generation. Later generation hybrids are more likely to adapt to a change in family dynamic than an early generation F1-2. Keeping these things in mind when selecting your hybrid cat is essential to making sure your new companion is the right fit for you and your family , and that your home will be their fur-ever home.
Savannah Hybrid Cubs 