Are Savannah Cats Legal?
Savannah Cat Laws by State
Your guide to Savannah cat ownership laws across the United States.
“Savannah cat ownership laws can change over time and may vary by state, county, and city. Always verify the current laws where you live before acquiring a Savannah cat. If you think you may relocate in the future, it’s also wise to research the laws in your potential destination before making the commitment to own a Savannah.”
Savannah Cat Legality at a Glance
All generations generally legal statewide
Limited by generation or rule
NOT legal to own
Local restrictions or prohibitions
Savannah Cat Legality Map
Use this map as a quick visual reference, then confirm details in the state and city lists below.
Green All generations generally legal statewide
Yellow Limited by generation or rule
Red Not legal to own
Blue City restrictions
All generations of Savannah cats are generally legal statewide in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Savannah cat ownership is limited by generation in the following states:
- Alaska – F4 and later only
- Delaware – F4 and later only with a permit
- Iowa – F4 and later only
- Maine – F4 and later only
- Maryland – Limited to 30 lbs and under
- Massachusetts – F4 and later only
- New Hampshire – F4 and later only
- New York – F5 and later only
- Texas – Ownership is governed by local and county laws rather than a single statewide regulation. In some areas of Texas, Savannah cats are legal; in others, early generations are restricted, and in certain jurisdictions they are prohibited altogether. Prospective owners are strongly advised to verify current legality directly with their local municipality before acquiring a Savannah cat.
- Vermont – F4 and later only
Savannah cats are NOT legal to own in the following states and cities:
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
The following cities have their own restrictions or prohibitions on Savannah cat ownership:
- Denver, Colorado
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- New York City, New York (including all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island)
- Seattle, Washington
Current as of July 2026.
Laws can change and may vary by state, county, or city. Always verify current regulations with your local authorities before acquiring a Savannah cat.
Know of a recent legality change or see an error?
Please email me at:
jenny@spotitudesavannahs.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an F1 Savannah cat?
It depends on where you live. Some states allow all generations, while others restrict or prohibit earlier-generation Savannah cats.
Why are Savannah cats illegal in some states?
Laws vary due to concerns about exotic animal ownership, public safety, wildlife regulations, and local interpretation of hybrid cat rules.
What does F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 mean?
These terms describe how many generations removed a Savannah cat is from the African serval. F1 is closest to the serval, while F5 and later generations are farther removed.
Can I move to another state with my Savannah cat?
Yes, but only if Savannah cats are legal in your destination state, county, and city. Always check laws before relocating.
Are Savannah cats legal in apartments?
State law is only one part of the issue. Apartment leases, HOA rules, insurance policies, and local ordinances may also restrict exotic or hybrid cats.
Are African Servals legal if Savannah cats are legal?
No. Savannah cats and African servals are treated differently under the law. For example, all generations of Savannah cats are legal in California, but wild African serval cats are not legal.
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