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Savannah Cat Care
Savannah cat care is important for the safety and health of your cat’s entire life. Now that you have picked out your kitten she or he is ready to come home and you must think about a few things to make ready for your new kitten. Your breeder should have given you a Savannah cat care sheet or at least gone over all of the following points.
Quarantine
If you have other cats, not only is your Savannah cat’s care important. It is a very important step that you keep your cats and the new kitten apart for at least two weeks to three weeks for the safety of all cats or kittens. We all have soft spots for our kittens and feel as though we want to include them in our family and lives. However, this is very important because a kitten can have something that is just getting ready to become evident. Your kitten may have a virus or intestinal malady or even ringworm that can be easily treated. If the kitten is near other cats the treatment will then be multiplied and not as easy to contain and treat.
Even if you have no other pets, keeping the kitten in a small space, while unattended until he learns the house is a good idea. This allows him to find his food, water, and a litter box while he also learns to navigate the house. It prevents accidents and hunger if he happens to get lost in his new kingdom.
Food
Your breeder should have talked to you about what foods your kitten is eating when you receive her. In the event this has not happened, or if the food is not the best this short section may be of help to supply the best care for your Savannah kitten right from the start.
Dry food is a staple for any cat or kitten. The food should be grain-free and gluten-free because cats are obligate carnivores and cannot digest those items. They simply pass through the body and dump it into a litter box causing more work for the pet owner scooping it up. A good, high protein, clean food will leave you with very small -solid fecal matter, and your cat will enjoy easy digestion that will not make her fat.
Wet food is not essential however many kittens love a canned food snack once or twice a day, especially when young. Look for food that has a minimal amount of ingredients. Be sure not to overdo the canned stuff.
Many breeders feel that a raw food diet is best. On the other hand, many vets, have no nutrition training and warn against it. This type of diet takes devotion. One needs a good grinder and must be sure to add all the correct ingredients.
Litter
Most breeders use the pine pellet horse bedding and scoop at least once a day to keep the litter boxes smelling pleasant and clean for our cats to use.Not all breeders use that. There are clay litters, plain and with scent. Clay is very dusty and the scent is not always good for our Savannahs. Clumping litter is not safe for our cats or especially anyone who has a dog who has access to the area where the litter box resides. Many breeders choose to use a 10-12-inch-deep Rubbermaid-type container for a litter box because like so much of their life, Savannah cats are enthusiastic diggers.
Kitten Safety
Kitten and cat safety is a must. Savannah cats and kittens are smart and aware. They will watch you and try to imitate your motions when you go into a cabinet, turn on a faucet or open a door. They are just like a two-year-old who is learning the world and investigating. If no supervision is available, it is best to keep your kitten in a safe area. This might mean a childproof lock on a cabinet with chemicals. Or out of a bathroom where they might be able to turn on a faucet. Of course, if you are there to watch them turn on that faucet or take a bath it is lots of fun.
Play
Savannahs love attention and playtime. They will learn to play fetch with some effort. A wheel is lots of fun because they love the exercise of running. Examined toys before giving them to the Savannah. Make sure there are no small eyes, ears, buttons, and the like that the cat or kitten cannot bite or chew off and swallow. A scratching post of some sort is a must so early training to use that instead of any furniture may take place. A walking jacket and leash are fun to take your new Savannah out to a safe place without dogs. All very important things to consider to provide the best care for your Savannah kitten.
Other Savannah Cat Care information to think about:
Children
Young children should be considered when purchasing an early generation Savannah. It is the position of the Savannah Cat Association that no breed should place an F1 in a family with a child younger than the age of reasoning. We know children love animals and want to hold and hug them and an F1 is not always the size a young child is able to hold in that way. A child in general needs to know to respect a kitten and usually, when a cat or kitten of any kind has had enough, they will get up and move away.
Other pets
Many Savannah cats come into a new household and say, “Yes, it took me a while to get here but, I’m here now so let the party begin.” Many get along with other cats and dogs. Like most cats, you should not expect a Savannah cat to leave small rodent-type pets or flying pets alone. If you own a fish tank be sure it has a strong top that is secure. If you may find your new Savannah kitten swimming with the fishes one morning. Most Savannahs love water.
Access to outdoors
Savannah cats and kittens should NEVER roam outside free. The chance of your Savannah never returning is very high. Many people know what a Savannah cat is and would be very willing to steal your pet. Other dangers such as traffic, cat fights, and dog attacks should help to understand why an indoor cat can live to be 18+ years old* and the life expectancy of an outdoor cat is 18 months.
If you believe your Savannah cat should get outside air there are two options. One option is a catio or closed-in porch. The other, mentioned above, is the use of a walking jacket. So you can be there and supervise your cat/kitten at all times.
You brought this wonderful, beautiful creature into your life. Please use the information in this Savannah care article to give it the best and longest life possible.
