What You Should Know About 5 Common Savannah Cat Health Issues!

Savannah cats stand out due to their beautiful spotted coats and long, lean bodies. These cats are unique due to their wild ancestors; they are a cross between a Serval and a house cat. Savannah cats are the largest hybrid cats, sometimes weighing 30 pounds or more, and they can be high-energy and difficult pets because servals are much larger than house cats.
However, most Savannah cats on the market have only a trace of wild blood, bringing them even closer to domestic cats. However, their hybrid status continues to affect them, and Savannah cats may have some health differences from standard cats. Despite being a relatively healthy breed, there are five issues to be aware of.

The Five Most Common Savannah Cat Health Issues:

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle thickens. This means that the muscles have the ability to constrict blood flow through the heart, reducing its efficiency. Cats with HCM can live their entire lives without symptoms, but they are more prone to sudden heart failure. Other cats suffering from this condition may exhibit mild symptoms such as labored breathing or elevated heart rates. Savannah cats are at a slightly higher risk of contracting this disease.

2. Male Infertility (Early Generations)

The offspring of servals and domestic cats, like other mammal hybrids, cannot always reproduce. Male Savannah cats have been sterile for at least four generations, dating back to the Serval ancestor. This means that breeders looking to establish new Savannah lines can only use hybrid males. This is less likely to affect the majority of Savannahs available for purchase because early generation Savannahs are much more difficult to care for and rarely sold, but some later generation males can also be sterile.

3. Deficiency of Pyruvate Kinase

Pyruvate Kinase is an enzyme found in red blood cells that helps them produce energy. Pyruvate kinase deficiency is an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to survive in the circulation for a shorter period of time. As a result, anemia develops.

4. Deficiencies in Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that can be found in meat. Although humans can produce taurine from plant matter, cats rely on taurine found in their food, particularly organ meats, to stay healthy. That is one of the reasons why cats cannot survive on a vegetarian diet. Taurine deficiency can result in deteriorating vision, heart problems, and a variety of other problems. Although most cat foods in the United States contain enough taurine to meet the needs of most cats, Savannah cats may have slightly higher taurine requirements.

5. Parent Breed-Inherited Issues

Savannah cats are not pure wildcats, and their domestic ancestors have an effect on their health. Siamese, Egyptian Mau, and Abyssinian are some of the most common breeds in Savannah cats’ pedigree, but other breeds are also common. When adopting a Savannah from a breeder, inquire about your Savannah’s unique pedigree and any health issues that run in that line to get a better idea of what other health issues you should be aware of.

Final Thoughts

Savannah cats are a healthy breed, but that does not mean they are without problems. These cats can add a wild element to our homes without the risks and cruelty that come with owning a fully exotic cat. Owning a Savannah cat is not legal in all states, so check first. They have the potential to be loving, happy companions who form strong bonds with their owners. You can ensure that your Savannah cat lives a long and healthy life by keeping an eye out for the most common Savannah health issues.

source https://babypetdaily.com/what-you-should-know-about-5-common-savannah-cat-health-issues/