Health

Savannah health

United States

The Savannah is described as a solid and robust cat, with no known genetic disease. As with other cats, vaccination is recommended in order to protect it in particular against rabies, typhus, leukemia and coryza.

Longevity

Life expectancy

Its usual lifespan is between 13 and 20 years, with variations linked to its veterinary care, its diet and its living conditions.

Build

A robust breed?

The breed benefits from overall robust health and does not present any known genetic disease according to the reference source.

Watch points

What to watch for

Even in the absence of any known genetic predisposition, regular veterinary follow-up remains necessary to maintain its vaccination protection and monitor its overall condition.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : Certain feline lines are predisposed to this heart muscle disease, hence the value of monitoring and, depending on origins, screening.

  • Chronic kidney disease : Common in older cats, it warrants monitoring appetite, thirst, and regular blood tests.

  • Periodontal disease : Tartar and gum inflammation are common and require consistent oral hygiene.

Climate

Cold and heat tolerance

Its short coat requires providing it with a sheltered and suitable environment, while its strong need for activity must be able to be met in complete safety.

Weight

Tendency to gain weight

Its strong musculature and high activity level require a diet adapted to its morphology. Weight and body condition must be monitored in order to adjust intake to its actual expenditure.

Daily life

Good habits to keep it healthy

  • Keep recommended vaccinations up to date
  • Have the eyes and ears checked regularly
  • Schedule regular veterinary follow-up
  • Monitor weight and body condition

Vaccination

Savannah vaccines: vaccination schedule

Which vaccines for a Savannah? Like all dogs, the Savannah receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Savannah is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.

VaccinePrimary seriesFirst boosterThenWho for?
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core

Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza

8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearAll pets
LeptospirosisCore

Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water)

8 weeks · 12 weeks1 yearevery yearAll pets
RabiesLifestyle-based

Rabies

12 weeks1 yearevery yearMandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows
Kennel coughLifestyle-based

Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza

8 weeks1 yearevery yearDogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based

Tick-borne babesiosis

5 months · 6 months1 yearevery yearHunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based

Tick-borne borreliosis

12 weeks · 3 months1 yearevery yearHiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based

Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies

6 months1 year and 6 monthsevery yearDogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin

Adult Savannah vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.

Which boosters for your Savannah?

Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.

Calculate boosters

Adopting well

Adopting a healthy Savannah

Regular veterinary check-ups and keeping vaccinations up to date against rabies, panleukopenia, leukemia and coryza are recommended.

This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.

Best prevention starts with a good breeder

Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for hereditary diseases. We help you find one.

Find a breeder