If you’re a cat lover but have always wanted a domestic cat that is a bit on the exotic side, the Savannah cat might be the perfect cat for you. This cat breed is bred with a domestic cat and a wild African Serval. The cat is wilder and larger than your traditional housecat and is more inclined to hunt as well. However, they are also affectionate, playful, loving, and very family-friendly. Unfortunately, if you live in Georgia, you cannot own a Savannah or any other exotic feline.
Are There Any Savannah Cat Generations Legal in Georgia?
There are no generations of Savannah cats that are legal in Georgia. In fact, if it’s an exotic cat, it’s not legal to own in the state of Georgia. Savannah cats come in five generations, F1 to F5. The F4 Savannah is legal in many states in America but not in Georgia.
In Which States Can You and Can’t You Own Savannah Cats?
While it’s illegal to own a Savannah cat in the state of Georgia, it is legal to own one in a few states, though not every state lets you own all five generations.
Alabama: Yes: All Generations
Alaska: Yes: F4 and later
Arizona: Yes: All Generations
Arkansas: Yes: All Generations
California: Yes: All Generations
Colorado: Yes: F4 and later: Illegal in the Denver city limits
Connecticut: Yes: All Generations
Delaware: You need a permit
District of Columbia: Yes: All Generations
Florida: Yes: All Generations
Georgia: All are illegal
Hawaii: All are illegal
Idaho: Yes: All Generations
Illinois: Yes: All Generations
Indiana: Yes: All Generations
Iowa: Only F4 and later
Kansas: Yes: All Generations
Kentucky: Yes: All Generations
Louisiana: Yes: All Generations
Maine: Yes: All Generations
Maryland: Yes: All Generations
Massachusetts: Only F4 and later
Michigan: Yes: All Generations
Minnesota: Yes: All Generations
Mississippi: Yes: All Generations
Missouri: Yes: All Generations
Montana: Yes: All Generations
Nebraska: All are illegal
Nevada: Yes: All Generations
New Hampshire: Only F4 or later
New Jersey: Yes: All Generations
New Mexico: Yes: All Generations
New York: Only F5s allowed, illegal in New York City limits
North Carolina: Yes: All Generations
North Dakota: Yes: All Generations
Ohio: Yes: All Generations
Oklahoma: Yes: All Generations
Oregon: Yes: All Generations
Pennsylvania: Yes: All Generations
Rhode Island: All are illegal
South Carolina: Yes: All Generations
South Dakota: Yes: All Generations
Tennessee: Yes: All Generations
Texas: According to the county you live in
Utah: Yes: All Generations
Vermont: Only F4 and later
Virginia: Yes: All Generations
Washington: Yes: All Generations
West Virginia: Yes: All Generations
Wisconsin: Yes: All Generations
Wyoming: Yes: All Generations
Things to Do Before Deciding Whether to Buy a Savannah Cat
If you live in any of the states that allow Savannah cats, there are a few things you need to do before deciding whether to buy one as a pet or not. The first thing you need to do is get in touch with the proper authorities in the state and county you live in. They will be able to provide the regulations concerning owning this designer breed so you don’t get into trouble.
Some states require you to have a permit, and you need to be careful about which county you live in as well. While some states let you have every generation of Savannah cat, the counties can make their own rules regarding exotic cat ownership. Make sure you check both before proceeding.
Remember, this is a big cat, and though it is domesticated, it is still considered partially wild. If, after careful research and deliberation, you decide to go ahead and adopt a Savannah cat as a pet, make sure to choose a reputable breeder who is always transparent, has every required permit, and is willing to show you the breeding facility.
Savannah cats are expensive felines, and since there are fewer of them for sale, it’s even more important to ensure your chosen breeder is reputable. Maintaining a Savannah breeding operation is a complex task that requires extensive testing, sanitary facilities, and significant veterinary assistance to ensure the litters are healthy.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not legal to own any type of exotic pet in Georgia, including the Savannah cat, it is legal in many states in America. It’s also important to know the rules of ownership in the state and county you live in before deciding to adopt this designer breed and bring it into your home.
As with any other cat breed, if you train and socialize the Savannah cat as a kitten, it will usually get along fine with children and other pets.
Featured Image Credit: AJR_photo, Shutterstock