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Understanding The Differences Between Savannah Cats And Bengal Cats

2016/5/3 14:46:05
The Savannah Cats and Bengal Cats may be late arrivals on the domestic cat scene, but they both bring distinct personalities and unique genetic traits to the table. The popularity of the breeds is growing testimony to their compelling personalities and domestic adaptability.

When distinguishing between the two cats, think of their ancestral lineage. The Savannah Cat is a descendent of the African Serval Cat (ASC) and on occasion approaches the size of a Golden Retriever, almost 56 inches from nose to tail. The African Serval Cat's natural habitat is the East African Savannahs. The name has Portuguese derivatives and means Wolf-Deer, which aptly portrays the ferocity and size of the Savannah's ancestors. Some Savannahs weigh as much as 30 pounds, an unthinkable size for a Bengal Cat.

Bengal Cats are descendents of the small Asian Leopard Cat (ALC). Bengal Cats are medium sized, muscular with females typically in the 7 - 10 pound range and males in the 12-16 pound range. An unusually large male may tip in at 20 pounds. Bengal Cats are muscular with large bones and continue to grow until reaching two years.

Bengal Cats have a their own distinct appearance. The head is broad, with small, round ears and distinct whisker pads. The eyes are rimmed and feature mascara markings around the rim. The Bengal's tail is thick with a black tip, which fits well with the gorgeous thick, soft coat. Bengal coats have either a marble pattern or a spotted pattern. One of the distinctive attributes of the Bengal Cat is the striking glittered appearance that looks like a handful of gold dust sprinkled over the coat. Bengals are brown, snow or silver.

Comparatively, the Savannah Cat is tall, lean and graceful with bold black spots accented by either a golden, silver, smoke or black background. The coat's texture is a reflection of the Savannah's domestic outcross. The International Cat Association (TICA) has approved the Egyptian Mau, the Ocicat, the Oriental Shorthair and the Domestic Shorthair as acceptable domestic breeds. Savannah Cats have upright, pointed ears and long, sleek, athletic legs. Savannah's eyes are green, gold or brown and are shaped like a boomerang. Typically Savannah Cats have a tear stain that runs from the corner of the eye down the sides of the nose.

Savannah Cats have unique personalities. Some owners say their conduct has canine similarities. Savannahs are outgoing, active, loyal and play well with other pets. The Savannah responds well to leash training and shows affection with its unusual head-tap. Both Savannahs and Bengals love water. Savannahs enjoy affection and are quick to show their contentment. They are nimble, like their ancestors who could run 45 mph and jump almost 12 feet, and capable of incredibly athletic accomplishments. Savannah's are curious and want to solve the riddle.

Bengals are lovers and snugglers. They will purr their contentment while on the lap or against a leg. Bengals love children and pour affection out as easily as they accept it. Bengals are involved and engaging. They are interested in all activities around them. They entertain themselves well and accordingly provide hours of entertainment for their families. Bengals are intelligent and respond well to routine. These fascinating pets will go through periods of extreme activity and playfulness and just as suddenly call it quits settling in for long periods of affection giving and taking. Bengals always pursue affection.

Bengals like high places where they can observe their territory. And, they do not miss much. Owners may want to establish a perch rather than let the Bengal choose its own. Both Bengals and Savannahs want scratching posts and a dangling cord is always a temptation. These two great pets have their similarities but are as different as their ancestors. Let them be themselves and they'll shower you with love.