Is It Legal to Have a Savannah Cat in Georgia? Everything You Need to Know!
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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
