Cat's Name & Age:
Nimba, 2 yrs. 10 mths.
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Very intelligent, super high-energy, very curious, loyal
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Does not have usual cat "street smarts", had to learn certain behaviors
When, Where and How I Got My Cat
Bought my F3, or 3rd generation, Savannah from a breeder. She came to us at just under 12 weeks. We separated her from our other young cat at first. She was a bit skittish, but loved human attention. When left alone she would run wildly around the room or climb the curtains (which we then took down). She would play tirelessly and forget to eat until she had worked up an appetite from all the exercise. After some days we introduced her to our other female. They got along fine and in fact bonded well. She also bonded with me and to a lesser extent, to my husband.
I'd Describe My Cat As…
very playful, sweet, with an amazing willingless to learn and to please. She catches on to new concepts very fast (and so does our other black domestic cat, whom we adopted). She taught herself to play "fetch." Besides the usual "No!" she also understands "Where is (your ball, your sister)?" and many other commands. She comes every time she's called, except when she knows we're going to the vet. She even comes over when she knows I'm looking for her, without my calling her name. She loves to investigate new things -- and sometimes gets herself into trouble.
She had a tendency to chew on various things at first, including toys, so she was quite rough on them; we had to train her not to do that. I eventually bought her a chew toy -- yes, there are a few chew toys for cats.
She also seems to have limitless energy for play, so much so that our other cat will swat her away when she's had enough. Our Savannah will also be so intent on play that she will bump into furniture or walls.
She has curious vocalizations: musical meows that are different from other cats'; a long, drawn-out hiss or a growl when she's fearful or anxious; an "akh!" sound, almost like a dog's bark, that seems to signify displeasure, and many others.
She's extremely alert to everything that goes on around her, and it's rare that she will stare off into space like other cats do.
She is astonishingly agile and FAST.
She's curious about water and doesn't mind getting her feet wet.
She would probably have figured out how to open doors if we didn't have knobs on them.
She has never been hostile toward me, although she has been toward others. She likes to observe strangers from a distance and will warm up to them at her own pace; she does not like it when they come up to her.
She greets us with her tail up and little head-butts; normally she will walk with her tail level with her spine. When she sees an animal outside the window, she will freeze and almost stay "on point" or stretch her long neck.
She can be territorial and will jump on our other cat and nip her to get her own way.
She eats a mix of high-quality dry and canned food; she doesn't drink as much water as other cats, though.
She had a few stomach upsets the first weeks, and some upper-respiratory infections the first year, but has been fine since.
She is a somewhat picky eater and had no concept of what to do with treats (she would bat them around but not eat them) for a long time.
Advice
- Savannahs require some supervision in their first year, due to their high energy level and curiosity.
- Get the proper information from the breeder or previous owner about care, diet, and if vets should use isoflurane gas instead of regular anesthesia during surgery.
- When getting their distemper vaccinations, make sure to use a killed virus; a live virus will make them sick.
- If they are 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation, they may bond with only one or two people in the household.
- Spend time with your Savannah; train him or her if you like. This cat is an eager learner. Another cat or dog helps keep them occupied
