Is water play a real Savannah hobby, or mostly an individual quirk?

It's definitely a real trait in the breed, not just a one-off quirk. I've seen it with my own Savannahs, and other owners I've talked to confirm it's common. They'll splash their paws in water bowls, bat at dripping faucets, or even jump in a bathtub if there's a little water left. That said, not every Savannah loves it, so it can be individual too, but the instinct to play with water is strong in the breed overall.

I’ve found it’s a genuine breed tendency, but the intensity really varies from cat to cat. My female Savannah, Zara, will actually sit by the sink and paw at the faucet until I turn it on to a tiny trickle, then she’ll try to “catch” the stream. But my male, Leo, couldn’t care less about water unless he’s accidentally splashed, then he shakes his paw indignantly. So it’s not universal, but enough Savannahs seem wired to be fascinated by moving water that it’s more than just a quirky individual thing.

Most owners I've talked to confirm it's a common breed-wide behavior, not just a random oddity. My own Savannah, Cleo, learned to unscrew the shower drain cover just to chase the dribble, and she'll splash her water fountain until the floor is soaked. It seems tied to their high intelligence and curiosity, though the degree definitely varies between individuals.

Let me clarify what you're really asking, because the term "hobby" could be misleading. Water play is a known breed predisposition, but it's not a guaranteed passion for every cat. My Savannah, Mochi, will deliberately flip her water bowl over just to watch the puddle spread and then slide her toys through it. It's clearly a form of problem-solving play, not random. However, I've also met Savannahs who merely tolerate baths and avoid puddles, so it's a strong tendency but not a universal rule. The key difference from ordinary cats is that most Savannahs show some curiosity or manipulation of water, even if they don't fully immerse themselves.