Dream Savannahs....Where your Dreams can come True

Savannah CatsThere are only a few hundred Savannahs in the world at this time, making them very special and highly sought after companion pets. Their exotic looks, larger size and domestic temperament make them a suitable alternative to exotic ownership. On average, Savannahs weigh between 15-20 lbs at maturity. They are lithe, tall, spotted cats with large "ocelli marked" ears and boomerang shaped eyes. Acceptable base coat colors include Brown Spotted Tabbies, "warm colored" (honey/golden) or "cool colored" (grayish), Silver, or Melanistic (black).Savannahs are very active, outgoing and intelligent cats with a keenly developed inquisitive nature. Somewhat "dog-like" in their behavior and devotion to their owners, they typically want to be the center of attention, are easily leash-trained using a "walking jacket" or harness, can be trained to play "fetch," adore heights, and may even enjoy bathing and swimming. At a young age, they can be easily socialized with other household pets, dogs included, and can be trusted with well-behaved children.Some special terminology is used when referring to Savannahs, as a measure of how many generations removed they are from their Serval ancestors.F1= First Generation, has an African Serval ParentF2= Second Generation, has an African Serval GrandparentF3= Third Generation, has an African Serval Great-Grandparent (and so on through subsequent lower generations)While all generations of female Savannahs are fertile, males are sterile until the fifth generation (F5) and should be neutered and placed as pets. Savannah females are typically bred to F5 Savannah males (termed Savannah to Savannah breeding) or to domestic outcrosses. Oriental Shorthairs, Egyptian Maus, and Domestic Shorthairs are recognized as Permissible Outcrosses by TICA, but some beautiful cats have also been bred using Serengetis, Ocicats and Bengals, just to mention a few.F1 Savannahs are rare and expensive. The initial cross between a Serval and domestic cat is very difficult, due to the vast size differences between the two cats and also because of thevariances in gestation periods between exotic and domestic cats (65 days for domestics, 66-77 days for Servals). Consequently, kittens are frequently bornprematureandrequire special around the clock care. Savannah kitten do things you wouldn't want a full grown cat to do. Savannahs respond well to boundaries. Teaching them acceptable behavior at a young age, is much easier than after poor habits are formed. A humane way to reinforce good behavior is to use a squirt bottle while FIRMLY telling the kitten "NO." Repetition and consistency will be your keys to success. Be patient, Savannahs are smart and will catch on rapidly.Another method of teaching good habits and discipline is "scruffing" your kitten. Mother cats carry their kittens by the "scruff" of the neck to remove them from danger and teach them boundaries. Kittens naturally "go limp" when picked up by the scruff, so continuing to perform this natural method will not only help you communicate with the kitten in a language he/she already understands, but also provide you with yet another tool for better control during vet visits and the like.Savannah kittens and cats have strong inquisitive personalities and it is possible at some point you may be challenged. If you find you are at your wit's end, don't lose your cool with your obstinate child! Resort to a short (10 minute) "time out," using a small carrier (without a lot of room to move around in.) Remember that Savannahs are extremely intelligent and if you are consistent in your disciplinary methods, your kitten will quickly determine that his play time is interrupted each time he/she exhibits the offending behavior.Litter TrainingYour kitten has been litter box trained. Here at the Kasbah, we exclusively use and endorse Swheat Scoop Litter. It is safe for young kittens, easy to clean and although it clumps, is not harmful if ingested, like some products that can turn into cement in a young kitten's lungs or intestines.
We recommend placing several small litter pans in various areas of your house until your kitten becomes very familiar with your home. A dear friend once told me that a small kitten trying to find a litter box in a new home is like a two-year-old child looking for the rest room in a museum. You get the picture...If your kitten loses his/her way and eliminates inappropriately (anywhere but IN the box), you should confine him/her to a smaller space with a clean litter box to reinforce good habits, and then over time, gradually allow the kitten more and more freedom, provided no accidents occur.BitingKittens in general DO NOT understand that humans don't respond to them like their littermates, and initially, they may nip at you in affection or play. It is VERY important to have a NO TOLERANCE policy to this behavior from the very start. If your kitten bites you, DO NOT jerk away. Instead, quickly push your finger INTO the kitten's mouth, activating the gag reflex, and thus forcing the kitten to spit your finger OUT.y Hospital for veterinary care.Safe Toys: re-examined (including fecal testing) by your Veterinarian with 72 hours of arrival.

In a further effort to minimize the risk of illness to your new kitten (or other animals in your home), we also require a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks, prior to introducing your new arrival to the other pets in your family. In addition to reducing health risks, this adjustment period also affords your kitten the chance to bond with you before meeting the other animals in your home and helps reinforce positive litter habits.