Having an exotic pet can be a rewarding and heart-warming experience, but it can also be like the challenge of sailing into uncharted waters in terms of care and maintenance. Taking the time to research will make your journey more enjoyable.
Savannah Ancestry
Savannah cats are a relatively new breed of exotic cat. They are a hybrid of a domestic short-hair and an African Serval. These attractive felines can be seen at animal shows which are an effective venue for sharing care and maintenance tips between Savannah owners. Understanding the wild serval will improve your care and maintenance of your pet. The serval is a plains-reared animal that weighs anywhere between 25 and 45 pounds, is about 21 to 25 inches in height at the shoulder and almost 40 inches long from head to tip of tail. It has long graceful legs and neck, is extremely agile and can run at a speed of almost 45 miles per hour. They can clear 12 feet in a single jump.
Contemporary Savannah
Your Savannah will maintain some of the Serval characteristics such as the larger ears and exotic fur spotted with tiny, black, eye-shaped markings amid a desert-coloured background. Their graceful, Serval-like legs and agility will make backyard fences seem small and inappropriate. The Savannah lineage is depicted by an 'F1, F2,' etc. modifier which will tell you how recently your pet was related to its Serval parent. An F1 kitten is a direct descendant, an F2 kitten is a second generation and so on. F1 Savannahs weigh a little less than Servals with each generation decreasing in size until the F4 or F5 line.
Savannah Behaviour
The behavior of Savannah cats is similar to a dog; they are more playful and outgoing than cats and enjoy splashing in water. Although they can easily be litter trained, they take well to a leash. The procedure you would use to introduce a new pet into any existing household should be used with a Savannah. Keep the kitten separate and protected from the other animals for at least two weeks. Allow it to become secure in its new environment and attached to its new owners. Introductions to children and fellow pets should be made gradually and with the new owner present. Savannahs have a higher level of energy than their sleep-loving domestic cousins which requires more attention.
Savannah Grooming
Grooming helps you become familiar with your pet. Regular grooming helps the cat to become accustomed to and accepting of the brush. Savannahs do enjoy the water so an occasional bath would be welcomed. Ears should be washed with a baby wipe or damp, soft cloth. Nails should be kept trimmed to prevent any accidental scratches while playing. Trim cautiously by clipping off the tips without getting close the base of the nail.
Savannah Diet
Savannahs can eat dry cat kibble, but many breeders recommend a diet that includes more raw food and consists of 1/3 protein, no by-products and calcium supplements. Always ask your breeder, exotic cat specialist or veterinarian what they recommend. Make sure that the food you give it in its new home is the same as what it received from the breeder. A disruption in the recommended diet can upset its stomach and make the transition an unhappy one.
Savannah Health
Your Savannah will need regular veterinary check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations. Some breeders believe that Ketamine should not be used as an anaesthesia during surgery and only killed viruses should be used in the Savannah's vaccine. Some vets content that Savannahs have small livers compared to their body size; therefore, medications should be adjusted accordingly.
Savannah Regulation
Some areas have special regulations regarding the captivity of non-indigenous animals. Check to determine what your ownership, vaccination and enclosure laws are. If Savannahs are prohibited in your area, keeping one may result in its harm, capture or removal. Laws are based on the belief that removing wild species from their native habitat puts the survival of it at risk.
