Savannah Cat Codes, Generation Designations & TICA Terminology Explained
The Savannah cat breed uses a system of generation codes, filial designations, and TICA registration classes that can be confusing to prospective buyers. This guide explains every code and classification used in Savannah and hybrid cat breeding, so you can read pedigrees, compare breeders, and understand exactly what you are purchasing.
Filial Generation Codes (F1–F5+)
The "F" designation stands for Filial — from the Latin filius/filia (son/daughter) — indicating the numbered generation of descent from the wild ancestor. In Savannah breeding:
| Code | Meaning | Wild Ancestor Distance | Approximate Serval % | TICA Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | First generation — direct Serval parent | 1 generation from Serval | 50% | A (foundation) |
| F2 | Second generation — Serval grandparent | 2 generations from Serval | 25–37.5% | B (foundation) |
| F3 | Third generation — Serval great-grandparent | 3 generations from Serval | ~12.5% | C (foundation) |
| F4 | Fourth generation | 4 generations from Serval | ~6.25% | C or SBT |
| F5 | Fifth generation | 5 generations from Serval | ~3.1% | SBT |
| F6+ | Sixth generation and beyond | 6+ generations from Serval | <2% | SBT |
TICA Registration Classes — A, B, C, SBT
TICA uses a letter system to classify Savannah registration based on the composition of the three-generation pedigree:
| Class | Description | Typical Generation | Show Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | One parent is a Serval; other parent is a domestic cat or Savannah | F1 (direct Serval offspring) | Foundation class only |
| B | One parent is A-class; other parent is A-class or domestic | F2 | Foundation class only |
| C | One parent is B-class or above; other parent is eligible | F3–F4 | Foundation class only |
| SBT | Studbook Traditional — all 3 generations in pedigree are Savannahs registered with TICA | F4, F5+ typically | Full Championship eligible |
HP — High Percentage
"HP" before any generation code (HP F1, HP F2) indicates a High Percentage individual carrying more wild ancestry than the standard minimum for that generation:
- HP F1: 75–87.5% Serval (produced by Serval × high-percentage F2 or F3 female rather than standard domestic cat)
- HP F2: May also carry 75%+ Serval depending on exact pairing
- HP designation requires documentation — parent generation records must verify the elevated wild percentage
- HP individuals are larger, more exotic-appearing, and substantially more expensive
Male Fertility Codes & Sterility in Savannahs
Male Savannahs in early generations are typically infertile due to Haldane's Rule (the biological principle that in wide hybrid crosses, the heterogametic sex — males in mammals — is more likely to be sterile). Approximate fertility rates:
| Generation | Male Fertility | Female Fertility |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | ~5% fertile (usually sterile) | Fully fertile |
| F2 | ~25% fertile | Fully fertile |
| F3 | ~75% fertile | Fully fertile |
| F4+ | ~95%+ fertile | Fully fertile |
Colour Codes & Abbreviations
Savannahs are often described using shorthand colour and pattern abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Meaning | TICA Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| BST | Brown Spotted Tabby | Yes — Championship |
| SST | Silver Spotted Tabby | Yes — Championship |
| BLK | Black | Yes — Championship |
| BLS | Black Smoke | Yes — Championship |
| WHT | White (dominant white) | No — Non-standard |
| MEL or BLK | Melanistic | Yes (as "black") |
| DIL | Dilute (blue/fawn) | Non-standard |
Gender & Altered Status Codes
- M = Male (intact/unneutered)
- F = Female (intact/unspayed)
- N (neuter) = Neutered male
- S (spay) = Spayed female
- Pet/Alter quality: Kittens sold as pets rather than breeding stock are typically placed with a spay/neuter requirement noted in the contract
- Breeding quality: Kittens approved for use in a TICA-registered breeding programme
Frequently Asked Questions — Savannah Codes & Designations
What does "SBT Savannah" mean?
SBT stands for Studbook Traditional — it means all three generations of the cat's pedigree consist of Savannah cats registered with TICA (no non-Savannah breeds appear in the three-generation pedigree). SBT Savannahs are the only generation eligible for full TICA Championship competition. They carry the least wild ancestry of any generation but are 100% recognised as a domestic breed by TICA.
What is the difference between an F4 and an SBT Savannah?
An F4 Savannah is the fourth generation from Serval ancestry. An F4 may or may not be SBT — it depends on whether all three generations in its pedigree consist of TICA-registered Savannahs. An F4 that has domestic cat (non-Savannah breed) in its three-generation pedigree is a "C" class foundation cat, not SBT. An F4 or F5 can achieve SBT status if all three generations visible in the pedigree are TICA-registered Savannahs.
If a kitten is "A class," does that mean it is the best?
Not necessarily. "A class" means the kitten has a Serval as a direct parent — it is an F1. A-class cats are the most wild-appearing and typically the most expensive, but "best" is subjective and depends on the buyer's goals. For show competition, an SBT is required. For maximum size and wild appearance, F1/HP F1 is ideal. For a legal, manageable exotic companion, F2 or F3 is often "best." The letter class describes lineage, not quality.
How do I read a Savannah pedigree?
A TICA Savannah pedigree lists the cat's name and registration number, then three generations of ancestors. Each ancestor shows their registration class (A, B, C, or SBT), registered name, colour, and TICA number. The presence of "SER" or "Serval" in the parents column confirms an F1 individual. A three-generation pedigree showing only registered Savannahs in all positions indicates SBT eligibility. We explain every pedigree in detail with our kittens.
Questions about your potential kitten's pedigree? Contact us — we are happy to explain any documentation. Return to the Savannah breed guide.