General information
- Breed name: Savannah.
- Country of origin: USA.
- Weight: .
- Height at withers: 35–43 cm.
- Average life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Average price: from 100,000 rubles.
What do savannas look like?
The Savannah is a hybrid of a wild serval and a domestic Siamese cat. The first kitten named after the savannah natural area was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. In 2001, the International Cat Association officially registered the unique breed.
Savannahs are spotted cats with long flexible bodies. In appearance, they really do resemble wild representatives of the cat family. Savannahs have an elongated muzzle and large ears – a legacy of wild ancestors. : brown, black and silver tabby, black smoky. There are also more exotic options, such as marble, cinnamon or chocolate colors.
The eyes of these pets are almond-shaped, mostly yellow-green, and set wide apart. From the eyes to the nose there are wide dark lines. The neck and paws are long and slender. The body of the Savannah is flexible and graceful. These cats often have a mesmerizing effect on people – they look so impressive.
What is the character of savannas?
Despite their external regality, Savannahs , they love to be among people and in the center of attention. They are very curious and playful. Such pets have an excess of , so it is important to direct it to creation – play and fool around with the animal, otherwise the cat will find an interesting activity itself. For example, it will turn off the tap in the bathroom or find a way to get into a room where it should not be (it will simply jump on the door handle and open it).
How Savannahs Get Along With Adults
Savannahs are suitable for energetic owners who have time to exercise their pets. These cats love : splashing in the water, running, jumping, playing fetch. It is no coincidence that they are said to be more like dogs . Such animals will be excellent companions for jogging enthusiasts: they will be happy to train next to you on a leash. Savannahs also learn well with the help of balls and various interactive toys.
How Savannahs Get Along With Children
The character of this breed largely depends on the generation (F). The most similar to the wild ancestor are F1 animals – kittens, one parent of which is a serval, and the other is a domestic cat. The following generations are more and more similar to the pets we are used to. For families with children, experts taking cats of the third generation (F3). They are softer in character, more obedient and not so large. Such savannas easily find a common language with teenagers who understand how they can and cannot handle the animal. For very young children, it is better to consider other breeds: savannas with their pressure and energy.
How do Savannahs get along with other pets?
When socialized at an early age, pets get along well with cats of other breeds and dogs. If the owners are away from home for part of the day, the Savannah will not be bored in the company of tailed friends. If the breeder has not created the right environment for the kitten , grown pets other animals and have difficulty communicating with them.
What kind of conditions do savannas need?
Savannahs are active and inquisitive, they definitely need . Their favorite places are elevated places like refrigerators and cabinets, which are convenient to jump on. Therefore, high cat houses and special trees where you can spend time looking at your possessions will definitely appeal to such pets.
Toys are bought for these animals, just like for children. A Savannah cat will definitely appreciate an interactive feeder and will happily ride a cat wheel. If you have a children’s pool, be sure to offer your pet to explore it. Savannahs , so they don’t mind splashing around in the bath or shower.
Must-have purchases for owners of exotic breeds include a scratching post and a harness. The first will save furniture from the restless paws of the animal, and the second will come in handy for walks.
How to feed savannas
should be done at least twice a day in small portions. Both wet and dry food are suitable. When calculating food, it is important to proceed from the individual characteristics of the pet. To maintain shape and have a sufficient supply of energy, the Savannah cat must receive a certain amount of calories per day. that the breed requires more taurine, so special supplements are needed. To find out what type of food and how many times to feed your pet , you should contact your veterinarian for an appointment.
Remember that in the wild, these cats hunt. To satisfy their instinct, you can use food puzzles and offer the animal to look for hidden food.
Like other breeds, Savannahs need access to clean drinking water. Place it away from the food bowl so that the pet’s sensitive nose does not pick up odors. And change the water daily – it must be fresh.
How to Care for Savannahs
Savannahs have short, smooth fur. They don’t shed much, so you can brush them . You should bathe them when necessary – if you see that their fur is very shiny or your pet is dirty. Use special shampoos for cats when washing: they don’t contain fragrances or skin-drying components.
Savannahs any special care for their eyes. The most you can do is wipe them when there’s mucus accumulation in the corners. However, if you notice your cat bumping into things and complaining loudly, or if you suspect your Savannah has poor eyesight, take your pet to the vet.
Clean your Savannah’s ears as they get dirty. They should be clean and dry. Pay special attention to this care if your pet has splashed around in the water. If you notice discharge or smell an unpleasant odor, contact a specialist as soon as possible: it is important to exclude the risk of infection.
What diseases do savannas have?
Cats of this breed are susceptible to some genetic diseases, such as . With this pathology, red blood cells are destroyed faster than usual. This leads to and other blood problems. However, genetic testing can prevent the disease in kittens.
Savannahs are at risk for in two forms: early (detected in kittens 2-3 months old) and late (detected in cats 2-5 years old). Symptoms increase: from night blindness to complete loss of vision. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be eliminated, but if it occurs, there is every chance that the cat will live a long time if you provide it with the necessary care and comfortable conditions.
Savannahs also have . Fortunately, these can be detected early. Cats are recommended to have regular ultrasounds of the heart and undergo routine checkups at least once a year.
Savannahs often suffer from : gingivitis, periodontosis. However, they are easy to prevent if you brush your cat’s teeth regularly .
What to look for when buying a savannah
To choose a healthy and harmoniously developing pet, contact reputable breeders. Check for documents confirming the origin – pedigree, veterinary certificates. Find out whether the parent animals have undergone genetic testing.
Be sure to examine the kitten. It should have clean fur, eyes and ears without discharge. Make sure it has vaccinations and has been examined by a veterinarian. Also evaluate the level of socialization: how active, curious and friendly is the pet? Pay attention to how it reacts to the environment and people.
Once you have made your choice, sign a sales contract with the nursery, which will specify the conditions of maintenance and the breeder’s liability. This will help protect you in case of problems in the future.
Finally, find out the recommendations for adapting the kitten to a new home. Remember that the Savannah cat is a very smart, active and demanding breed. Before buying, make sure you can provide it with the necessary care and love.