Cat Breed Comparison
Ocicat vs Savannah: Key Differences
Ocicat and Savannah are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
Visual Differences
Telling a Ocicat from a Savannah
Ocicats have thumbprint-shaped spots along the spine, a broader square muzzle, and no serval ancestry. Savannahs are longer-necked, longer-legged, and taller-eared, with a wilder expression from the hooded eyes.
Ocicat Key Markers
- Spotted coat with thumbprint-shaped spots along the spine — the CFA standard requires spots arranged in a distinct "thumbprint" pattern along the spine, with scattered spots of varying sizes on the body, shoulders, and legs; 12 recognized colors including tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, and silver variants of each
- Large, modified wedge-shaped head with a visible stop and defined whisker break — the head is longer than it is wide, with a gentle curve from forehead to nose and a definite break at the eyes; the muzzle is broad and square with a strong chin
- Large, almond-shaped eyes slanted slightly upward — eye colors include gold, copper, green, and hazel (blue in whites); the expression is open, large, and friendly, not wild or aggressive
Savannah Key Markers
- Tall, lean body on long legs. The legs and neck are exceptionally long and the cat stands high off the ground. Despite the big silhouette, most Savannahs weigh less than a similarly sized domestic cat.
- Huge, tall ears set right on top of the head, wide at the base with rounded tips. The ears are the breed’s most obvious marker.
- Hooded eyes that are flat across the top instead of rounded, giving an exotic, hawk-like gaze. Eye color ranges from gold to green.
Temperament & Personality
Ocicat
- Highly intelligent and trainable — learns tricks, walks on a leash, plays fetch, and solves puzzle feeders; one of the most trainable cat breeds
- Active and athletic — climbs, jumps, and explores; needs cat trees, interactive toys, and daily play sessions to stay physically and mentally stimulated
- People-oriented and social — follows owners from room to room, greets visitors at the door, and gets along well with children and other pets
- Vocal with a distinctive voice — communicates clearly with meows and chirps but is significantly less loud than the Siamese
- Confident and outgoing — rarely shy or skittish; wants to be the center of household activity and thrives in busy households
- Does not tolerate being left alone for long hours — does best in households where someone is home during the day or with another cat for company
Savannah
- High energy and athletic: jumps to the tops of doors and refrigerators, so cat trees, window perches, and daily play are non-negotiable
- Curious to the point of mischief: opens doors, turns on faucets, and flushes toilets
- Loyal and social with family, greets people at the door and gives frequent head bumps
- Affectionate on its own terms, prefers to be near you rather than on you; not a lap cat
- Many Savannahs love water and play fetch like a dog
- Check local laws before buying: the serval ancestry makes Savannahs illegal in some states and countries
Health Notes
Ocicat
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — some lines carry the rdAc mutation inherited from Abyssinian ancestry; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
- Obesity — the breed's large appetite and love of food make portion control important throughout life
- Dental disease — the long muzzle can cause tooth crowding and gingivitis; regular dental care and annual cleanings recommended
- Hepatic amyloidosis — liver amyloid deposits reported in some Ocicat lines at higher incidence than the general cat population
- Sensitivity to anesthesia — all athletic, low-body-fat breeds have a narrower anesthesia safety margin; discuss with a veterinarian before any surgical procedure
Savannah
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency. TICA lists it among recommended health screenings for Savannahs; a DNA test identifies carriers before breeding.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). A genetic eye disease that progresses to blindness. TICA recommends PRA screening for breeding Savannahs.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). TICA notes a history of HCM in the breed, with no specific test available yet, so regular veterinary cardiac checks are the practical route.
- Weight gain after spaying. TICA warns that spayed females tend to gain weight, so portions need monitoring after surgery.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a Ocicat apart from a Savannah?
Are Ocicat cats hypoallergenic?
Are Savannah cats hypoallergenic?
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
Ocicat
A spotted cat that looks wild but has no wild blood — the Ocicat was developed from Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair crosses to create a domestic cat with the appearance of a wild ocelot. Athletic, confident, and social, they follow their owners around the house and greet strangers like old friends. The thumbprint-style spots along the spine are the breed's signature.
Savannah
A tall, lanky cat with a serval cross in its family tree: bold dark spots, huge high-set ears, and a long neck over a lean body. Curious, athletic, and loyal, it will walk on a leash, play fetch, and follow you room to room, but it wants its personal space.