The overall look of a Savannah cat depends greatly on its generation, wild and domestic parentage. All Savannahs should share the following desirable traits:
Body/Limbs
The body, neck and legs of the Savannah are very long which can create a false image of a very large or heavy cat.
In reality most Savannahs are just the size and weight of a large domestic cat. The body should be lean but not delicate and athletic but not bulky.
Feet should be long and slender with elongated toes and charcoal to brownish black paw pads.
The tail should be short, thick and ringed with a solid black tip. It should not reach the floor while standing.
Head/Face
The Savannah should have a small head in relation to the body that is taller than wide. The head should be angular and pointy and almost triangular in shape.
Ears should be tall, large, close set and deep at the base with rounded tips.
The backs of the ears may have 'ocelli' or 'night eyes'; a central light band bordered by black, dark grey or brown.
Savannah kittens have blue eyes but as adults they should either be green, brown, gold or a blended shade. The eyes should be medium sized and have a boomerang shape to them; being flat across the top with a slightly hooded brow, protecting them from harsh sunlight.
Similarly, black 'tear stain' markings (see right) run from the corner of the eyes down the sides of the nose to the whiskers, reducing glare from the sun and aiding hunting.
The lips of the Savannah cat should always be black.
Nose leather is slightly convex and colour can vary from brick red to solid black or black with a light red or pink line running down the centre.
Coat/Colours/Markings
The coat of a Savannah should be short to medium in length of good substance and with coarser guard hairs covering a softer undercoat.
The permitted colours of the Savannah cat are: brown spotted tabby (above left)- cool to warm brown, tan or gold with black or dark brown spots, silver spotted tabby (above middle) - silver coat with black or dark grey spots, black - black with black spots, and black smoke (above right)- black tipped silver with black spots.
The spotted pattern is made up of bold, solid dark brown to black spots, which can be round, oval, or elongated. Parallel stripes run from the back of the head to just over the shoulder blades and fan out slightly over the back. The spotting pattern follows the line of the stripes from the shoulders, continuing the length of the body where smaller spots may also be found on the legs, feet and face.
Purrsonality
Though not lap cats, Savannahs will show affection on their own terms. They will often greet you at the door, follow you around the house and give you frequent head butts! They are widely compared to dogs in their loyalty and behavior and can even be trained to walk on a lead and fetch!
They are curious and assertive cats that seek out adventure at every opportunity. They are very inquisitive and able to get into all sorts of things!
They quickly learn how to open doors and cupboards and particularly love to jump up onto the highest piece of furniture in the room. Many even love to play in water.
If trained, some Savannahs will also happily be taken for a walk on a lead!
The Savannah is a unique and amazing cat. Most people who own or have met Savannahs will say that they have never met a cat like them and become great fans!
Much of the information above has been sourced from Wikipedia and TICA.