pets

Savannah Heart
Legality Tracker

Savannah Cat
Legality Navigator

Because Savannah cats are hybrids of wild African Servals and domestic felines, legal regulations vary drastically by generation and state. Find verified, up-to-date regional laws and compliance requirements.

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Quick Legality Checker

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Select Generation
Ownership Status
Legal
check_circle No Permit Required

"Legal statewide."

gavel Local City Restriction Alert
  • San Francisco: F1-F3 banned by city ordinance.
Last Verified: 2026-02-01 Official Source open_in_new

State & Province Directory

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CA

California

Restricted expand_more
Summary

Generally legal. F1 may require a permit depending on county. SF restricts F1-F3.

Legality Matrix by Generation
F1 Restricted Permit Req.
F2 Restricted No Permit
F3 Legal No Permit
F4 Legal No Permit
F5+ Legal No Permit
Generation Details
  • F1: Permit required in most counties. San Francisco bans F1-F3.
  • F2: Legal statewide; some city ordinances apply.
  • F3: Legal statewide.
  • F4: Legal statewide.
  • F5+: Treated as domestic cat.
gavel City & Municipal Codes
  • San Francisco: F1-F3 banned by city ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Savannah cats legal in California?

A: Generally yes, with restrictions. F1s often require permits, and cities like San Francisco ban F1-F3.

Q: Do I need a permit for an F1 Savannah in California?

A: Yes in most counties. F1s are restricted species requiring a permit from CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.

Verified Reference Source of Truth
import_contacts CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife — Restricted Species open_in_new
NY

New York

Restricted expand_more
Summary

NYC bans all hybrid cats. NY State allows F5+ only. F1-F4 are prohibited statewide.

Legality Matrix by Generation
F1 Banned No Permit
F2 Banned No Permit
F3 Banned No Permit
F4 Banned No Permit
F5+ Legal No Permit
Generation Details
  • F1: Prohibited statewide under wild animal law.
  • F2: Prohibited statewide.
  • F3: Prohibited statewide.
  • F4: Prohibited statewide.
  • F5+: Classified domestic. NYC health code still restricts hybrids — verify locally.
gavel City & Municipal Codes
  • New York City: NYC Health Code bans all hybrid cats regardless of generation.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I own a Savannah cat in New York City?

A: No. NYC Health Code prohibits all hybrid cats including Savannahs of any generation.

Q: Are F5 Savannah cats legal in New York State?

A: Generally yes — F5+ are treated as domestic cats under NY State law. Always verify with your county.

Verified Reference Source of Truth
import_contacts NY Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0512 open_in_new
TX

Texas

Legal expand_more
Summary

Generally permissive. Some counties restrict F1-F2 under "wild animal" ordinances. F4+ unrestricted.

Legality Matrix by Generation
F1 Restricted No Permit
F2 Restricted No Permit
F3 Legal No Permit
F4 Legal No Permit
F5+ Legal No Permit
Generation Details
  • F1: Some counties classify F1 under exotic animal rules. Check locally.
  • F2: Occasionally restricted at county level.
  • F3: Legal in most counties.
  • F4: Unrestricted statewide.
  • F5+: Treated as domestic cat.
Verified Reference Source of Truth
import_contacts TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822 — Dangerous Wild Animals open_in_new
HI

Hawaii

Banned expand_more
Summary

Banned statewide. All hybrid cats are prohibited to protect native wildlife.

Legality Matrix by Generation
F1 Banned No Permit
F2 Banned No Permit
F3 Banned No Permit
F4 Banned No Permit
F5+ Banned No Permit
Generation Details
  • F1: Strictly prohibited — state biosecurity law.
  • F2: Strictly prohibited.
  • F3: Strictly prohibited.
  • F4: Strictly prohibited.
  • F5+: All hybrid cats banned regardless of generation.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Savannah cats banned in Hawaii?

A: Yes, completely. Hawaii prohibits all hybrid cats of any generation to protect native wildlife.

Verified Reference Source of Truth
import_contacts Hawaii Admin Rules § 4-71 — Injurious Wildlife open_in_new
AB

Alberta

Banned expand_more
Summary

F1-F4 are prohibited restricted animals. F5+ status is ambiguous — consult provincial wildlife authority.

Legality Matrix by Generation
F1 Banned No Permit
F2 Banned No Permit
F3 Banned No Permit
F4 Banned No Permit
F5+ Unknown No Permit
Generation Details
  • F1: Classified as prohibited restricted animal under Wildlife Act.
  • F2: Prohibited.
  • F3: Prohibited.
  • F4: Prohibited.
  • F5+: Ambiguous. Verify with Alberta Fish & Wildlife before acquiring.
Verified Reference Source of Truth
import_contacts Alberta Wildlife Act — Controlled and Prohibited Animals open_in_new
BC

British Columbia

Restricted expand_more
Summary

F1 is a Controlled Alien Species requiring a permit. F2+ are treated as domestic cats.

Legality Matrix by Generation
F1 Restricted Permit Req.
F2 Legal No Permit
F3 Legal No Permit
F4 Legal No Permit
F5+ Legal No Permit
Generation Details
  • F1: Controlled Alien Species — permit required from BC Ministry of Water, Land & Resource Stewardship.
  • F2: Treated as domestic cat.
  • F3: Treated as domestic cat.
  • F4: Treated as domestic cat.
  • F5+: Treated as domestic cat.
Verified Reference Source of Truth
import_contacts BC Controlled Alien Species Regulation open_in_new