How Much Does Owning a Savannah Cat Cost in 2024? Price Guide - Catster (2024)

Savannah cats are a majestic, exotic breed that is a cross between the African Serval Cat and a domestic cat. While the Savannah has been around since the mid-1990s, most of them still have a high percentage of wild blood. Depending on the amount of wild blood, Savannah cats can vary in price from breeders, but they are known to be one of the most expensive felines. Generally, a Savannah cat’s price can range from $1,500 to $25,000 if you’re purchasing from a reputable breeder. If you’re adopting a Savannah, expect to pay $150 to $500.

Purchasing a new Savannah cat will also include costs that perhaps you didn’t anticipate, and the price of one of these beauties will be determined by many factors. That’s why we are here to help you. If you want to add a Savannah to your home, we’ll break down the initial costs, the monthly costs, and ways you can save so you can decide if the Savannah is ideal for your home.

Bringing Home a New Savannah Cat: One-Time Costs

The costs of bringing home a Savannah cat can be high due to its popularity and Wild African Serval genes. Savannah cats can range from $1,500 to $25,000, and F1 and F2 Savannah cats cost more than lower-generation ones. Age, gender, color, location, and the breeder are also factors that will influence the price.

Free

Finding a Savannah that won’t cost you anything is rare but not impossible. This may be possible if you are a breeder’s friend or if a current owner is looking to rehome their Savannah at no cost to the new owner. In most cases, you may have to pay re-homing fees, but they won’t be as nearly as high as purchasing a new Savannah from a breeder.

Adoption

• $150–$500

If you are looking to adopt a Savannah cat from a shelter or rescue center, they can cost $150–$500. In some cases, but rarely, it can cost you as low as $70. Shelters and rescue organizations don’t usually price their cats based on breed but will base it on the amount the cat has cost them to stay at the facility. Age is another factor influencing their price from a rescue center or shelter.

Adoption is best when looking for a new pet, but sadly, Savannah cats won’t be the easiest to find in these centers.

Breeder

• $1,500–$25,000

Purchasing your Savannah cat from a breeder will cost a lot more since the cost to breed, raise, and care for them is significant. When these expenses are paired with legal fees, it can cost them thousands before selling one of their cats.

The reputation and location of the breeder will also affect the cost. If the breeder is reputable and has an excellent track record, that usually means the cats are well cared for, fed a high-quality diet, and provided with safe and clean housing, and they may cost more. Unregistered breeders usually have lower standards, and the cats may cost less.

Initial Setup and Supplies

• $400–$1,300

When you buy any pet, the total cost doesn’t end with the purchase price, which is no different with a Savannah cat. The initial setup of bringing home a new Savannah cat will include expenses such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, vet visits, microchipping, medication, and cat care essentials.

List of Savannah Cat Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Savannah Cat Cost Per Month?

• $200–$350 per month

Monthly recurring costs for your Savannah cat include food and treats, grooming, and pet insurance. Unexpected expenses may also pop up, so it is essential to have pet insurance or money saved for these expenses.

Food

• $30–$100 per month

It is best to feed your kitten the same food that the breeder has been feeding them, and you can gradually change it by mixing it with the new brand you intend to buy. As your kitten grows, they will eat more. You can mix dry food with wet food, but it is recommended that the Savannah’s diet consists mainly of dry food since its nutritional and caloric content is much higher than wet food.

Medications and Vet Visits

• $30–$100 per month

The costs of vet visits and medication will depend entirely on your cat’s health and well-being, but it is better to be prepared and have these expenses included in your budget. The effects of ticks and fleas will differ for every cat, depending on where you live, and medication can last from one month to three months.

You may want to bathe your cat using tick and flea shampoo, in which case a bottle will last you longer than a month. You may also need to take your Savanah to the vet if they get injured or sick.

Pet Insurance

• $16–$70 per month

It is best to get pet insurance when your Savannah cat is still young, and it is helpful to shop around to find the best policy to suit you. Pet insurance can help you save money on unforeseen accidents, especially for a pedigree pet like a Savannah cat prone to health conditions. Since they have exotic traits, you may spend more insuring a Savannah than other breeds.

Environment Maintenance

• $25–$50 per month

Maintaining your Savannah’s environment is vital for training and health. Their litter must be scooped and replaced regularly. These costs will remain the same if your Savannah is an indoor cat, but a litter box may not be necessary if you live somewhere where your cat can roam outside.

Entertainment

• $20–$30 per month

Cat toy box subscriptions are a great way to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated. They usually come with various toys, treats, and other goodies. Each month, they will send something different, and the boxes come with different themes. You can easily replace a toy each month to keep things interesting for your Savannah cat.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Savannah Cat

• $200–$350 per month

Your monthly cost for looking after your Savannah cat may vary depending on many factors. The type of food you choose will range in price, and the cost of vet visits depends on the services performed. The cost of pet insurance will also vary depending on the company, the breed, location, and age, so the sooner you enroll your Savannah cat, the cheaper it will be.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Additional costs that may arise in the future could include emergency treatment if your cat gets sick or pregnant and is not covered by insurance, training, pet sitters, and any damage caused to your home, such as scratched-up furniture or an expensive item that has been broken. A pet sitter could cost you $15–$30 per hour.

If you live in an area where Savannah cats are regulated, you may need to obtain an additional permit to own one. Savannah cats are prohibited in some states, including Nebraska, Georgia, and Rhode Island. Permits can cost up to $100.

While Savannah cats are easy to groom at home, occasionally sending them to a groomer is helpful. A groomer can cost $50–$100.

Owning a Savannah Cat on a Budget

You can get creative with DIY skills to make your own cat toys, use natural methods to prevent ticks and fleas, and purchase affordable pet insurance to help with unforeseen medical bills.

All the items we listed above aren’t necessary for every cat, so there are some things you can leave out to help with your budget. You can skip the microchipping, but make sure your cat has a collar with an identity tag, and look around for second-hand toys, bowls, litter boxes, and beds. A friend or neighbor may have a few things lying around that they no longer need.

Saving Money on Savannah Cat Care

A healthy cat will help save you money. If your cat is kept healthy with high-quality food, regular exercise, and routine care, it can help keep them away from the vet. Be mindful of anything that can cause your cat harm, like exposed plugs or toxic plants, and keep your cat safe from them to avoid injuries. Regularly check your cats’ nails and overall appearance to see if they need grooming. Keeping their teeth, coats, and claws healthy can reduce vet expenses in the long run.

Conclusion

The initial cost of your Savannah will be your highest expense and will depend entirely on where you get them from. Savannah prices can range from $1,500 to $25,000. Once you have purchased your cat, you will pay for the initial vaccinations and introductory vet visits. Spaying or neutering, a cat bed, bowl, litter box, and some toys will add more to the cost. Those are just the basic additional costs, ranging from $400 to $1,300.

You must also consider monthly costs, including food, litter, and insurance, to care for your Savannah. Monthly expenses can range from $250 to $350.

Featured Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock