The History of Bengal Cat

The savannah cat's history starts during the early 1980's when Judy Frank bred an African Serval to a domestic shorthair cat. The mating by Judy Frank produced one female savannah cat, this female savannah cat was afterwards named Savannah, she continued to produce other female savannah cat kittens to ascertain the Savannah cat breed.

Other breeders, soon to be savannah cat, were impressed with the unique exotic looks, friendly tempermant and outgoing temperament of the Savannah cat breed and went on to begin their own breeding programs. These breeding programs are what set the foundation for every generation of savannah cat you see alive today. It was a very diffuclut begining and many did not expect the breed to become what it is today.

Further on in history, in 1996, savannah cat breeders submitted an application to have the Savannah registered with The International Cat Association ( TICA) but the TICA board had placed a moratorium on accepting any new breeds. It was not until the year 2000 that the Savannah was accepted for registration.

Now Bengal cat can be registered with The International Cat Association (TICA). In 2002, the Savannah was unanimously accepted into show status and was shown in May of that year. Forward to 2010 and votes are being collected to submit the savannah cat for champion status in TICA. When this happens only "SBT" savannah cat can be show at TICA cat shows.

These "SBT" savannah cats are considered purbred cats of the savannah cat breed because they have three generations of savannah to savananh breedings. The popularity of the Savannah breed continues to develop and grow in monumental proportions.