Savannah Cats are known for their wild looks and beautiful coats. They come in many colors, each with unique patterns and features. This guide will help you understand the different colors of Savannah Cats and what makes each one special.
Key Takeaways
- Savannah Cats can have coats in brown, silver, black, and smoke colors.
- The Brown Spotted Tabby is the most popular color, resembling the wild Serval Cat.
- Silver Spotted Tabbies have a shiny coat, but it can tarnish over time.
- Black and Smoke Savannahs have dark coats, with Smoke cats showing subtle spots.
- Non-standard colors include Seal Lynx Spotted, Classic Tabby, and Servaline patterns.
Brown Spotted Tabby: The Classic Catwalk
From Beige to Gold: The Color Spectrum
When it comes to Savannah cats, the Brown Spotted Tabby (BST) is the superstar of the catwalk. These felines can flaunt a range of colors from a cool beige to a dazzling gold. The warmer the base coat, the more vibrant the spots appear. On the other hand, cooler tones often feature dark brown or black spots. It’s like having a mini leopard lounging on your couch!
Spotting the Differences: Big and Small
Not all spots are created equal. Some Brown Spotted Tabbies have large, bold spots, while others sport smaller, more delicate ones. The size and shape of the spots can vary, but one thing is for sure: these cats know how to wear their spots with pride. Whether big or small, each spot adds to the cat’s wild and exotic look.
Aging Gracefully: Color Changes Over Time
Just like fine wine, Brown Spotted Tabbies get better with age. As they grow older, their coat colors may shift. Kittens often start with a brighter, more vibrant coat that gradually mellows into a more subtle beige-brown. It’s like watching a sunset in slow motion, and it’s one of the many reasons we love these cats.
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Silver Spotted Tabby: The Shiny Showstopper
Fifty Shades of Silver: Color Variations
When it comes to the Silver Spotted Tabby, the color spectrum is as dazzling as a disco ball. These cats can range from a dark, almost charcoal silver to a light, nearly white hue. The silver gene isn’t actually a color but a gene that inhibits pigmentation, creating a hair that is white at the base and dark at the tip. This gives our silver beauties their unique, shimmering appearance. The domestic gene responsible for this coloration was chosen to represent the white African Serval, although the spots on a Silver Savannah are preferred to remain dark and well-defined.
Tarnishing Troubles: Keeping the Shine
One of the challenges with Silver Spotted Tabbies is something we like to call "tarnishing." This is when golden or rusty tones appear among the silver, often due to polygenes from breeding Brown and Silver colored Savannah parents. While tarnishing often fades with age, some cats may keep these tones into adulthood. To keep your Silver Spotted Tabby looking like a shiny showstopper, regular grooming and a balanced diet are key. And remember, a tarnished silver is still a stunning silver!
Silver Lining: The Genetics Behind the Glam
The genetics of the Silver Spotted Tabby are as fascinating as they are complex. The silver gene is dominant, meaning if one parent is a Silver Spotted Tabby, approximately half of their kittens will be too. However, a breeder cannot produce silver kittens unless one parent is either a Black Silver Spotted Tabby or a Silver Smoke. This makes the breeding process a bit of a genetic jigsaw puzzle, but the result is always worth it. After all, who wouldn’t want a cat that looks like it just stepped out of a jewelry store?
For more information on the best cat colors in the United States, check out Cats Luv Us.
Black and Smoke: The Dark Knights
Black Beauty: The Melanistic Marvel
When it comes to savannah cat colors, the black (or melanistic) Savannah cat is a true marvel. These cats are like the ninjas of the feline world, blending into the shadows with their sleek, dark coats. The black color is a recessive gene, which means both parents need to carry the gene to produce a black kitten. Even if one parent is black, the other must carry the gene for the kittens to be black. It’s like a secret club, and only the coolest cats get in!
Smoke Signals: The Subtle Spot Show
Smoke Savannah cats are the mysterious cousins of the black Savannahs. Often referred to simply as "Smoke," these cats have a unique coat that shows off their spots more than their black counterparts. The smoke color is a combination of the silver gene and the solid black gene. This means that at least one parent must be silver or smoke, and both parents need to carry the recessive black gene. It’s a genetic dance that results in a stunning, smoky coat with visible spots.
Ghost Spots: The Hauntingly Beautiful
One of the most enchanting features of black and smoke Savannah cats is their "ghost spots." These are faint spots that can be seen in bright sunlight, adding an extra layer of mystery to these already intriguing cats. Ghost spots are more common in smoke Savannahs than in black ones, but both types can have them. It’s like having a hidden treasure map on their fur, waiting to be discovered.
Black and smoke Savannah cats may not be the most common, but they are certainly some of the most captivating. Their unique colors and patterns make them stand out in a crowd, even if that crowd is just your living room.
So, whether you’re a fan of the sleek, shadowy black Savannah or the mysterious, spotted smoke Savannah, these dark knights of the cat world are sure to steal your heart.
Non-Standard Colors: The Rebel Cats
When it comes to Savannah Cats, the non-standard colors are like the rebels of the feline world. These colors might not make it to the catwalk, but they sure know how to turn heads. Let’s dive into the world of these unique and often misunderstood furballs.
Seal Lynx Spotted: The Snowy Surprise
Ever seen a Savannah Cat that looks like it just walked out of a winter wonderland? That’s the Seal Lynx Spotted, also known as the "Snow" Savannah Cat. This non-standard color is caused by a partial albinism gene, which affects an enzyme involved in melanin production. Kittens are born completely white and develop their spots as they grow. It’s like watching a snowflake form right before your eyes!
Classic Tabby: The Marble Marvel
The Classic Tabby, often called the "Marble" or "Blotched Tabby," is a sight to behold. These cats are born with nearly black torsos and develop bold, swirling patterns over time. It’s like having a living, breathing piece of abstract art in your home. The Classic Tabby pattern can come in various colors, including brown, silver, and black.
Servaline Pattern: The Wild Card
The Servaline Pattern is the wild card of the non-standard colors. This pattern is a nod to the wild Serval Cat, with its unique and irregular spots. While not as common as the other patterns, the Servaline adds a touch of the wild to your domestic Savannah Cat. It’s like having a mini jungle cat right in your living room!
Non-standard colors and patterns might not be show-worthy, but they bring a unique charm to the Savannah Cat breed. These cats are perfect for those who love to stand out from the crowd.
In summary, non-standard colors like Seal Lynx Spotted, Classic Tabby, and Servaline Pattern add a unique flair to the Savannah Cat breed. They might not be the standard, but they sure are special in their own right. So, if you’re looking for a cat that’s as unique as you are, these rebel cats might just be the perfect fit!
Pattern Perfection: The Art of Spots
When it comes to Savannah Cats, patterns are everything. These majestic felines are known for their striking spots, but did you know there are other patterns too? Let’s dive into the art of spots and explore the different patterns that make these cats so unique.
Spotted: The Only Acceptable Pattern
In the world of Savannah Cats, the spotted pattern reigns supreme. These spots can be round, oval, or even elongated, creating a mesmerizing look. The spots are usually dark brown to black and stand out against a lighter background. This pattern is the only one accepted in competitions, making it the gold standard for Savannah Cats.
Marbled: The Swirling Sensation
While not as common, the marbled pattern is a sight to behold. Instead of spots, these cats have swirling stripes that create a more exotic look. The marbled pattern is not accepted in competitions, but many find it just as beautiful, if not more so, than the spotted pattern.
Ticked: The Subtle Stunner
The ticked pattern is the most subtle of all. These cats have a coat that appears almost solid, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice tiny flecks of color. This pattern is not as flashy as the spotted or marbled patterns, but it has its own unique charm.
The beauty of Savannah Cats lies not just in their colors but in the intricate patterns that adorn their coats. Whether spotted, marbled, or ticked, each pattern tells a story of wild elegance and domestic grace.
In conclusion, while the spotted pattern may be the only one accepted in competitions, the marbled and ticked patterns offer their own unique beauty. No matter the pattern, Savannah Cats are truly a work of art.
The Genetics of Gorgeous: How Colors Come to Be
Ever wondered how Savannah Cats get their dazzling array of colors? Well, it’s all in the genes! Let’s dive into the genetic pool and fish out some fascinating facts about how these fabulous felines get their hues.
Dominant and Recessive: The Gene Game
In the world of cat genetics, some genes are like the bossy older sibling—they’re dominant. Others are more like the quiet, bookish type—they’re recessive. When it comes to coat color, dominant genes will always overshadow recessive ones. For example, the gene for a black coat is dominant, while the gene for a chocolate coat is recessive. So, if a cat inherits a black gene from one parent and a chocolate gene from the other, you’ll see a black coat.
Here’s a quick rundown of some dominant and recessive genes in Savannah Cats:
- Dominant Genes: Black, Spotted Pattern
- Recessive Genes: Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blue, Lilac
Inhibitor Genes: The Silver Secret
Now, let’s talk about the showstoppers—the silver Savannah Cats. Their shiny coats are the result of inhibitor genes. These genes suppress the yellow pigment in the fur, giving the cat a silvery appearance. But beware of tarnish! Sometimes, a bit of yellow pigment sneaks through, making the cat look a bit like it’s been rolling in a dusty attic.
The inhibitor gene doesn’t affect the health of a Savannah Cat, but it sure makes them look like they’ve stepped out of a high-end jewelry store!
Polygenes: The Tarnish Tangle
Polygenes are like the supporting cast in a movie—they might not be the stars, but they play a crucial role. These genes work together to influence the intensity and distribution of colors in a cat’s coat. For instance, multiple polygenes can affect how much tarnish shows up in a silver Savannah Cat. The more polygenes involved, the more complex the coat color becomes.
So, the next time you see a Savannah Cat with a coat that looks like a work of art, you’ll know it’s not just luck—it’s genetics!
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Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! The colorful world of Savannah cats is as diverse as a box of crayons. Whether you fancy a golden brown spotted tabby or a sleek black beauty, these cats are sure to add a splash of wild elegance to your home. Remember, no matter the color, every Savannah cat is a masterpiece in its own right. So, next time you see one, give it a paws up for being purr-fectly unique!
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors do Savannah Cats come in?
Savannah Cats come in various colors including brown, silver, black, and smoke. These colors are meant to resemble their wild ancestor, the African Serval.
What is a Brown Spotted Tabby Savannah Cat?
A Brown Spotted Tabby Savannah Cat has a coat that ranges from beige to golden with dark spots. This is the most common color and closely resembles the look of a wild Serval.
How do the colors of Savannah Cats change as they age?
As Savannah Cats get older, their coat colors can become more subtle. For example, Brown Spotted Tabbies may shift from bright gold to a more muted beige-brown.
Why does my Silver Savannah Cat have a tarnished look?
Tarnishing in Silver Savannah Cats, which appears as golden or rusty tones, is common in kittens and often fades with age. It is caused by the mixing of genes from brown and silver-colored parents.
What is a melanistic Savannah Cat?
A melanistic Savannah Cat is completely black, but you can still see their spots in certain lighting. This color variation is also known as the ‘Black Beauty’ of Savannah Cats.
Are there any non-standard colors for Savannah Cats?
Yes, there are non-standard colors like Seal Lynx, Classic Tabby, and Servaline patterns. These colors are unique but not accepted in official cat shows.