Savannahs Cats

The Savannah cat is often refered to as being "dog-like" because of their friendly and fun loving nature and how easily they are to be trained. Savannah cats can be trained to use a leash, play fetch, be housebroken and respond to other simple commands also. This cat is well amazingly suited for domestic life. However they do demand alot of attention, but is this a bad thing? No, not at all, but a hand full at times YES!

After you get them used to walking on a leash they begin to enjoy it, being outside pounching claws first into what ever moves, but then again they just love to have companionship! Absolutely anything in motion is fair game for them to play with wether it be a fly, a leaf, water, or even a string tied to a ceiling fan. The best part is they play well with others! Just make sure that you introduce them to your other pets gradually and early.

They adore human interaction and especially children!

Water, unlike domestic cats, they tend to enjoy as their Servil ancester has been known to hunt frogs and fish inside creeks and streems. So this definately makes bathing an easier task, but they don't care to be held still so keep that in mind to kind and maybe you would want to just let them do what they want while sudzin em up :)

Just like all cats They enjoy high places. Definately a good idea to give them a room that is their "bedroom"along with as many "playground equipment " as possible , carpeting the walls in this room and ceiling would also be very fun for them and you as you can watch them run around the room horizonally! And believe be it's not a problem, actually second nature!

Litter Box Training

Savannah cats can easily be trained to use a litter box. Most breeders teach the kittens how to use the litter box, but in case yours didn't,a very simple trick leave the Savannah cat in a room with its litter box for a period of a few days this will help the cat to become aquanted with the box and the house. Make sure in keeping the litter box clean as this will encourage any cat use it, no cat likes a dirty box.

Leash Training

When training a Savannah cat to use a leash, it becomes more like training a dog. The first thing you want to do is to get the cat comfortable wearing a collar. Very important that a Savannah cat is not to be allowed outside unsupervised, simply a bad idea. Once the Savannah cat has worn the collar for several days and became comfotable with it, it's now time to attach a leash to it, begin by only walking small distances inside the house. Practice makes purrrfect so put the cat on a leash for several days to get it ready for the "great outdoors"

Fetch

Savannah cats can also be easily trained to play fetch, again similar to dogs. Choosing a favorite toy and casting it while encouraging your cat to return is one simple, and straight forward way to train the Savannah cat to play fetch with you. When playing with its favorite toy or a toy enhanced by catnip it is more likely to remain interested. Training a Savannah cat takes time and patience as this can take several weeks or even months, but so worth it!

Bath Time

As Savannahs typically enjoy water, playing in it, spilling it, or batting at it, they dont like to be flooded by it. You should begin by trickling the water slowly to gain your Savannahs interest. Make sure though that the water is obviously not fridged or practically boiling or this will kill the experience. Now as you begin to get your friend all wet begin to shampoo, but I recomend NOT trying to hold it down as this will also kill the experience. Kind of just let your Savannah do what it wants to as long as it stays content with being in the tub. Make it fun while you bathe it, focus on showing a fun time just as much as your focused on getting it clean and smellin' good.

PS must warn you though you may have to share you bath/shower experience after your Savannah takes a liking to it. If you are not interested in doing this you can bathe it or simply let it play in the tub for an half an hour os so before you want to bathe or shower and then close the door behind it.

Other Behaviors

Dont let their "larger" than the normal size house catness fool you because just like domestic cats, Savannah cats are able to fit through extreamly small spaces if their head can fit.... Well you know the rest. They also are very clever, so definately "child proof" your house if you don't it will often lead to them excaping the house to go exploring. Again, without supervision, this can be a dangerous habit/experience for them and other animals around. Keeping your Savannah cat on a leash is best way to keep it in a yard, recommended not to be outside with out one. For owners who want the cat to be able to roam freely, it is wise to supervise the cat closely to ensure that it does not go too far. However I don't personally suggest it!

What They Are Like to Live With

Savannahs are known to have an abundance of energy and most often they will get along well with other cats or even dogs. They have been known to bond with dogs but tend to assume the alpha role in the relationship.

Savannahs are considered to be an exotic hybrid cross. so while they don't have many of the legal restraints as there full-blooded Serval ancesters, some states do unfortunately have laws governing ownership of the hybrid pets, and others.

Savannah breeders typically recommend raw meat diets that are high in lean protien, such as chicken and fish. While others(not including myself, though I'm not a breeder) recommend only a premium domestic cat food. Unlike purebred Servals, Savannah cats can be treated by any small animal veterinarians just like any other house cat. Although there seems to be evidence that suggests that Savannahs tend to inherit the smaller sized liver of the Serval, this has not been wholely agreed upon. They may, however, be slightly more sensitive to certain anesthetics. Also, some breeders believe that only killed virus vaccines should be used in Savannahs. Personally I would only give the necissary shots and avoid any that might be considered "un-necissary".