When people hear about unusual cat breeds, one of the names that often comes up is the Maine Coon–Savannah cat hybrid. This is not a common pet you will find in most homes or shelters. Instead, it is a rare combination of two large and intelligent cat breeds: the Maine Coon, known for its size and long fur, and the Savannah cat, known for its athletic build and wild ancestry linked to the African Serval.
This blog post will cover everything you need to know about this hybrid, including:
- What makes a Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid different.
- Facts about the parent breeds.
- How much Savannah cats and hybrids cost.
- Case studies of owners who share their experiences.
- Considerations before bringing such a cat into your life.
Let’s get started.
Understanding the Maine Coon–Savannah Hybrid
A Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid is the result of breeding a Maine Coon cat with a Savannah cat. Both of these breeds are already large, athletic, and intelligent, so the hybrid naturally carries over many of these traits.
- Maine Coon basics: This breed is one of the largest domestic cats. Adult males often weigh between 15–25 pounds and have long, water-resistant fur. They are known as gentle cats that adapt well to families.
- Savannah basics: The Savannah cat is a hybrid itself. It was first bred in the 1980s by crossing an African Serval with a domestic cat (usually a Siamese). Savannah cats are known for their tall, slender bodies, spotted coats, and high energy levels.
When combined, the Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid becomes a cat that can:
- Grow larger than many regular house cats.
- Display wild-like energy and playfulness.
- Show both long hair (from the Maine Coon) or shorter spotted coats (from the Savannah).
It’s important to note that because Savannah cats already come in generations (F1, F2, F3, etc.), the hybrid’s size, looks, and temperament can vary widely.
Case Study: An Owner’s Experience
To understand what it’s like to live with a Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid, we can look at real-world accounts from pet owners who have shared their experiences online.
One owner described their hybrid as:
- Reaching nearly 20 pounds by the time it was fully grown.
- Extremely playful, requiring interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and daily exercise.
- Friendly with family but cautious around strangers.
- Highly intelligent, often learning to open doors and cabinets.
Another case showed that these cats can demand more attention than regular domestic cats. Owners often compare them to having a small dog in terms of time, energy, and training.
This real-life feedback is important because it shows that the hybrid is not just a pretty face—it comes with unique needs.
Why Are They Considered Rare?
The Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid is rare for several reasons:
- Genetic difficulty: Breeding Savannah cats can already be complex because of their Serval ancestry. Adding Maine Coon genetics makes the process even less predictable.
- Limited breeders: Most cat breeders focus on either Maine Coons or Savannahs, not hybrids. Finding a reputable breeder who works with both breeds is uncommon.
- High demand, low supply: People who want a unique pet often seek these hybrids, but the number of kittens available each year is very small.
Because of this rarity, the price of such a hybrid can be high.
The Cost of Savannah Cats
Before we look at the cost of a Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid, let’s first understand the cost structure of Savannah cats, since this is the foundation.
Savannah cats are priced based on their generation:
- F1 (first generation): $12,000–$20,000
- F2 (second generation): $6,000–$12,000
- F3 (third generation): $3,000–$6,000
- F4 and later: $1,500–$3,000
(Source: Savannah Cat Association)
The higher the percentage of Serval genes, the more expensive and rare the cat becomes. F1 Savannahs are the largest and closest to wild ancestry, but they also require special care and sometimes face restrictions in certain states or countries.
Estimated Cost of a Maine Coon–Savannah Hybrid
Since these hybrids are not widely bred, there isn’t an official price chart. However, based on reports and breeder information:
- Lower generation Savannah + Maine Coon: $2,000–$5,000
- Higher generation Savannah (F1/F2) + Maine Coon: $8,000–$15,000
Factors that affect the price include:
- Coat pattern (spotted, striped, or a mix).
- Size (larger cats are often priced higher).
- Breeder reputation and location.
- Health guarantees and vaccinations.
If you are planning to purchase one, always check breeder credibility and ask for documentation.
Behavior and Personality
Energy Levels
- Savannah cats are known for jumping up to 8 feet high and staying active for hours.
- Maine Coons, while playful, are often calmer.
A hybrid often lands somewhere in between. Owners report cats that enjoy climbing tall cat trees, playing fetch, and demanding regular activity.
Intelligence
Both breeds are intelligent, so hybrids can:
- Learn tricks quickly.
- Respond to training similar to a dog.
- Figure out puzzles or even open doors.
Social Behavior
Maine Coons are friendly, while Savannahs can be more cautious. A hybrid may take time to warm up to strangers but usually bonds strongly with family members.
Care and Maintenance
Owning a Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid is not the same as having a regular cat. You need to be prepared for:
- Diet: High-protein diets work best. Many owners use a mix of raw food and high-quality cat food.
- Exercise: Daily play sessions are needed to prevent destructive behavior.
- Space: Apartments may not be ideal. A larger living space with tall cat trees or safe outdoor enclosures (catios) is recommended.
- Grooming: If the hybrid has long fur like a Maine Coon, weekly brushing is necessary. Shorter coats require less grooming.
Health Considerations
Like all hybrids, there are potential health risks.
- Maine Coons are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition.
- Savannah cats may face digestive issues due to their Serval ancestry.
When these breeds mix, kittens may inherit risks from either side. That’s why choosing a breeder who provides health testing is critical.
Legal Restrictions
Some regions have laws restricting ownership of hybrids, especially if the cat is closer to its wild ancestry (like F1 Savannahs).
For example:
- Some U.S. states (such as Hawaii and Georgia) ban ownership of Savannah cats.
- Other states may require permits.
Always check your local laws before purchasing a hybrid.
Alternatives to a Hybrid
Because Maine Coon–Savannah hybrids are rare and expensive, some cat lovers consider alternatives:
- Purebred Maine Coon: Prices range from $800–$2,000 and they are easier to find.
- Later generation Savannah (F5 and beyond): They still carry the spotted look but are more affordable.
- Adopting large domestic cats: Shelters sometimes have mixed breeds that grow quite large without the high cost.
These options may suit people who want the look or personality without the challenges of owning a rare hybrid.
Case Study: Comparing Costs Over Time
One family shared that their Savannah cat cost $8,000 upfront, but the long-term costs included:
- Food: $1,200 per year (due to high-protein needs).
- Vet care: $500–$1,000 annually.
- Toys and enrichment: $200–$300 yearly.
This means owning such a cat can easily exceed $15,000 in lifetime costs, not counting emergencies. A Maine Coon–Savannah hybrid would likely follow a similar financial path.
Should You Get a Maine Coon–Savannah Hybrid?
This hybrid is best for people who:
- Have time to dedicate to daily play and training.
- Can handle the financial commitment.
- Live in areas where ownership is legal.
- Want a unique and active cat.
It may not be a good choice for:
- First-time cat owners.
- People who travel frequently.
- Families without space for a large and energetic pet.
Final Thoughts
The Maine Coon–Savannah cat hybrid is one of the rarest mixes in the cat world. With the size and gentle side of the Maine Coon combined with the athletic and exotic look of the Savannah, this hybrid fascinates many cat lovers.
However, rarity comes with challenges: high cost, demanding care, and potential legal issues. For most people, a purebred Maine Coon or later-generation Savannah may be a more practical choice.
If you are truly interested, research breeders carefully, prepare for long-term expenses, and make sure you have the space and time to give your cat the life it deserves.
Useful Resources & Backlinks
- Savannah Cat Association – Detailed information about Savannah generations.
- International Cat Association (TICA) – Official registry for breeds including Savannahs and Maine Coons.
- Maine Coon Cat Club – Breed-specific information about Maine Coons.