Savannah Cat Shoppe Has a Wild Streak, Sells $10K Cats

Your opportunity to buy a wild cat may be coming to an end. The Savannah Cat Shoppe, located in the heart of the Flower Hill Promenade, may close at the end of this month. The shop is home to a rather pricy and unique breed of cat—the Savannah cat., a cross between an African Serval and a domestic house cat. Cats currently for sale are $2,000 to $10,000 and have been priced as high as $30,000.

The cats may have a wild streak in their genetics, but they have fully domesticated personalities. Savannah cats are often compared to dogs because of their loyal and loving nature. Savannahs love to play in water, go for car rides and walk on a leash. They also play fetch and can perform tricks (for freeze-dried chicken treats, of course).

Savannah cats generally have a tall, slim build and sport a leopard print coat.

According to the Savannah Cat Shoppe website, a cat's size largely depends on its generation and sex. A cat can sell for anywhere between $2,000 to $30,000 plus, depending on the purity of its lineage.

Savannah Cat Shoppe Manager Catherine Biller said Savannah cats are difficult to breed successfully, which accounts for the hefty price tag. The store has sold a total of 25 kittens since it opened in September 2011.

The Del Mar location said it is the first store of its kind that allows the public to interact with the exotic cats. The store currently hosts two cats, 19-month-old Beverly and 5-month-old Sue. Visitors can watch the cats play in a glass enclosure inside the store full of kitty toys and scratching towers.

The shop hopes to bring in more cats in the next few days. If it is unable to secure additional kittens from a breeder, it will close its doors at the end of the month.

For more information, visit savannahcatshop.com or call 858-605-1098.