Savannah cats: legal status and securing the outdoors by generation
The Savannah, a hybrid of the African serval and the domestic cat, isn't an ordinary cat on the regulatory front: depending on its generation, keeping one can fall under legislation covering non-domestic animals. That question comes before even choosing security equipment. All our pointers are in the cat travel and safety section, on the cat page.
What does French law say by generation?
In France, Savannahs of generations F1 to F4 are classed as non-domestic animals: keeping one requires a certificate of competence and prefectural authorisation, from the very first cat. Only generations F5 and beyond are treated as domestic cats and may be kept freely. Checking the exact generation listed on the LOOF pedigree or its international equivalent is therefore the first step before any adoption, well before thinking about home setup.
Why does the outdoor space need extra security?
A study by Kitchener, published in 1991 in his reference work on the ecology and behavior of wild cats, documented the markedly superior jumping and leaping ability of larger felids compared with the standard domestic cat, a trait partly inherited by hybrids like the Savannah (reference on Google Scholar). Its two-metre-plus leaps call for a secured habitat such as a meshed enclosure and closed storage, even up high, since a simple low fence or an ordinary balcony isn't enough for this very large, very energetic build.
What kind of outdoor enclosure should you set up?
- A fully meshed enclosure, including the roof, since the Savannah jumps as well as it climbs
- Sturdy materials, as this cat can exert more physical force than a standard domestic cat
- Shaded, elevated resting spots inside the enclosure itself, to satisfy its need for a vantage point
- Double-gated access points to prevent any escape during entries and exits
Can a Savannah go out on a leash like a regular cat?
Some individuals get used to it with an appropriate harness and gradual training, but that doesn't replace a secure outdoor space day to day: this very active cat gets bored quickly indoors alone, regardless of generation.
Is heart monitoring recommended?
Yes: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the breed's known health concerns, warranting regular veterinary checks beyond questions of setup and regulation alone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know which generation a Savannah belongs to?
The generation (F1 through F5 and beyond) is listed on the pedigree issued by the feline registry that recorded the litter; it should be checked before any adoption.
Is a certificate of competence hard to get?
The process involves an application and prefectural authorisation; checking with the relevant local authority before adopting avoids unpleasant surprises.
Is an ordinary enclosed garden enough to secure a Savannah?
No, unless it includes full mesh covering the top: a simple wall or low fence won't hold a cat capable of leaps over two metres.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.