Why Savannah Cats Are One of the Smartest Breeds

Inviting an animal into your home is a big decision and a serious responsibility — but when that pet is a Savannah cat, it also means some serious benefits! Your Savannah cat may be a cute and cuddly member of the family, but he or she is also an active little creature with a big personality and a pretty big brain.

While we all know that cats are awfully intelligent creatures, some pure-bred breeds are notably smarter than their fellow felines. According to Johanna Reel, Registered Vet Tech at NHV Natural Pet, “Cat breeds that originate in Africa also tend to be quite intelligent. These include the Abyssinian and Savannah cats.” Here are a few specific traits that make the Savannah cat one of the smartest breeds around.

They’re Connected to their Wild Side

Savannah cats have a very distinct and exotic look, thanks to their close relation to the wild serval. But they may have inherited more than their looks from the African cat; Reel says that “[Savannahs] tend to be more directly linked to their wild ancestors, and perhaps are a little bit closer to independent wild cats who need intelligence on their side to survive in the world.”

The wild nature of a Savannah cat also makes them very social creatures — a wonderful quality in a lifetime companion. When you bring a Savannah into the family, you make them a part of your pride, and these little guys are very loyal to their masters. Savannahs have been known to follow their owners around the house, and even engage in some playful pranks (these cats have a great sense of humor)!

They Love to Hunt

Most domestic cats enjoy hunting (just ask every cat lover who’s found a dead bird or mouse on their back porch). However, Savannah cats are especially partial to tracking and hunting down prey. Part of this is instinctual — as we just mentioned, they are more closely related to wild cats than most domesticated breeds — but it’s also a testament to their intelligence. For Savannahs, hunting and chasing is a fun way to exercise their active brains.

Because of this love of the chase, your Savannah cat may easily become restless if they’re left alone. According to Reel, Savannahs need a lot of proper stimulation or they can become bored, which may lead to destructive behavior. Luckily, this potential problem has an easy solution: take your cat on regular walks! Savannah cats usually love walking with their owners and enjoy spending time playing outdoors, but we do not recommend taking them outside without a leash. Due to their adventurous nature, they’re likely to take off on their own.

For their time spent indoors, cat toys and special cat furniture are great ways to keep them stimulated. Consider adding cat-climbable shelving or sisal poles to your home, built here in the USA and sold at A1Savannahs Savannahs. This furniture is a fantastic way to keep cats happy and engaged inside. We also sell hand made by us Marino Wool Cat Beds that are ideal to keep you kitty warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

They’re Very Observant

Have you ever noticed your Savannah cat staring intently around the room? You might have thought he was staring into space, but it’s more likely that he was keeping tabs on everything around him. These cats are incredibly observant — likely another hangover from their wild ancestors, who had to keep an eye out for rivals or predators on the horizon.

Because of their sharp observation skills, Savannah cats can easily learn the layout of an area (which is why it’s important to make sure your house is ready for them), which helps them quickly adjust to their surroundings. In fact, the Savannah cat’s observant nature is part of the reason that they make excellent service animals! Savannah’s are more likely to notice changes in their owner’s moods, which makes them great therapy animals.

Whether you’re looking for a pet to bring you emotional support, a sharp shooter to hunt down pests, or just a beautiful animal who loves to play, Savannah cats are some of the best and brightest cats you’ll find. If you invite one of these beauties into your life, you’re guaranteed to fall in love!

This article was written for us by Aaron Smith who is a writer and copy strategist for several companies and non-profits. He often covers topics important to pet owners, and is a dedicated dog dad to his three pups. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.

Click on the pictures to see what kittens we currently have available and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

5 Ways to Make Your Dogs and Cats Get Along

The conflict between cats and dogs is a known fact. It was even evident in the popular cartoon series Tom and Jerry produced by William Hannah and Joseph Barbera. 

However, plenty of pet owners testify to their cats and dogs getting along quite well, despite popular beliefs. Hence, it’s possible for the two species to get along, and become good buddies. 

According to pet experts at Dog Academy, they demonstrate the ability to get along only if they’ve had a previous experience of living with another species. Since both the animals communicate quite differently when it comes to expressing themselves, confusion may ensue. 

Regardless, we are here to show you exactly what you can do to let the two different genera of animals live together harmoniously. So enjoy!

1. It’s Easier When They are Young

A puppy and a kitten can get along easily since they had no previous bad experiences with other species. Also, because of their young age, they will welcome anything and anybody with open arms. 

As they grow up together, they will develop a deep friendship. You should consider the breed of the dog and the cat, and make sure they match size. That is because if the puppy is too big, it may harm the tiny kitten. 

Moreover, playtime can get too rough for the kitten as the pup grows up. In an effort to teach the pup to respect the kitten, instead of chasing it, give it a toy to pursue. 

2. Patience is the Key

Don’t expect your pooch and your kitten to be friends at first sight. They need a few days to a week to sense each other out, and get closer. 

Since pets are territorial, you can’t force them to get along. They have to get to know each other at their own paces. 

If they are living in the same house, they are bound to run into each other. Talk to them softly, and use toys to invite them to play together. 

You can also let them meet each other from across a pet gate. Since a dog is more hyper and aggressive, don’t let it get too close to the cat. 

Some pet owners prefer to leash their dogs when they are meeting cats for the first few times. It is important that you supervise when they are together at least for the first few days. 

3. A Cat Needs Its Own Territory

A cat’s personality and preferences differ greatly to that of a dog. A cat needs to feel safe in her territory without having to worry about a dog wanting to be friends. This is due to its territorial nature. 

Therefore, it will be your job to teach your dog to respect a cat’s boundaries. Use commands whenever you see your dog crossing its boundaries. 

It’s better to let the two animals eat and sleep separately. They will learn more about each other by sniffing the scent left by the other. As they get more used to the other animal, their fears towards each other will also melt away. 

In all honesty, it actually depends on the cat to accept the dog. A dog would normally accept the other animal easily, but the cat takes time to analyze the dog before fully accepting it as its family. 

Some pet owners rub a towel on their dog, then let their cat smell it. Initially, the cat may not react specifically to the unfamiliar scent. When this is done a few times over, the cat relaxes to the scent. 

4. Cradle the Cat When Introducing to the Dog

Once you feel like they have both sniffed each other’s presence, it’s time to let them get a little bit closer. Cradle your cat in your arms, and bring it closer to the dog so they can both see each other. 

However, don’t let go of your cat, as this may frighten her. Your cat may respond in a variety of ways, while you introduce it to the dog. If it shuts away from the dog, take it slow. 

They may stare at each other, and try to understand the other’s scent. But be mindful of your cat’s reactions throughout the procedure. Finally, give them both treats for taking the attempt to get along. 

Furthermore, whatever you do, keep the cat in your arms ensuring it that you won’t let her go. Give the cat a chance to understand its canine family member while being held safely in your arms. 

5. Give Your Cat a Place to Escape to

As you make progress by following the steps discussed below, gradually you should let your cat and dog roam around the house as they please. But you have to give your cat a place to escape to, just in case your dog becomes aggressive or clingy. 

Bring a cat tree where your cat can escape to whenever it feels threatened by the dog. It can also attempt to climb up furniture in the house to stay away from the dog. 

When this happens, just let it. Forcing the cat to hang out with the dog may not be your cat’s cup of tea. 

Additionally, you can spay or neuter both your dog and cat, since sometimes hormones are responsible for making dogs aggressive. You should also not let your dog get close to your cat’s space, food or the litter box. Your cat won’t feel good about the situation if her personal space is invaded by the dog. 

Final Thoughts

As you follow the steps, you will allow a sweet bond to create between the two pets. It may not happen in a few weeks, and may take more time. Hence, it’s better to research about the potential of your dog and cat getting along before deciding to purchase a combo like this. 

Whether you are a cat person or a dog person, you can do a research on what sort of pet can adjust to living with another animal better. However, those cute videos of cats and dogs on YouTube are not lies. 

If your cat and dog can manage to get along eventually, it will be the sweetest thing ever. And you will be the one uploading videos of them doing cute things together!

Click on the pictures to see what kittens we currently have available.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

4 Signs Your Savannah Cats May Be Sick

A Savannah cat is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world, and is a mix between the African Serval and domestic cat. This extraordinary breed became increasingly popular in the year 2000, and has been well-loved by cat enthusiasts all around. Savannah cats are lovely to look at, resembling the wild appearance of a cheetah , except it is smaller in size. With its dramatic spots and patterns, Savannah cat are one of the most beautiful cat breeds.

These cats are incredibly loyal, social, and friendly animals. Their temperament is, in fact, one of the reasons why it’s a highly sought after pet breed. If they get sick, it’s normal for their owners to be distraught. This is precisely the reason why you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a sick Savannah cat. Below are some of the major symptoms when sickness occurs:

1. Your Cat Looks Physically Heavy

When you send your cat to the vet regularly, you’re going to be made aware of the weight that your cat has to maintain for it to be healthy. If your cat looks physically heavy, and if it already has a hard time walking or carrying its body, that is a tall tale sign that your Savannah cat is overweight and obese.

Obesity is a serious problem not just for human beings, but also for felines. It can shorten their lifespan by as much as two years. More importantly, obesity is the starting point for many other diseases like the following:

● Arthritis

● Diabetes

● Cancer

Your cat can maintain a healthy weight by staying physically active. Just as with human beings, they need physical activity for them to have better mobility through various forms of daily exercise and play.

Learn more about the correlation between weight and other diseases in both cats and dogs through Fuzzy Rescue.

2. Your Cat’s Eating Habits Have Changed

Changes in your cat’s eating habits are easy to spot, especially when you’re a hands-on owner. If there is anything out of the ordinary with the eating habits of your cat, this can be a great indication that they are sick. For instance, your cat may already feel too lethargic and ill that they’ll no longer have the desire or energy to eat. On the other hand, low insulin levels in their body may also cause your cat to eat more often than usual. Be alert with any changes that seem unusual to you, and have your vet take a look at your feline friend right away.

3. Your Cat Is Limping

Physical illnesses or disabilities in your cat are easier to detect because of the signs that start to manifest. One of these symptoms is having difficulty in walking or your cat is limping, which can be a common sign of arthritis. Arthritis is also prevalent in cats, especially since they move around a lot. You can observe this best when your cat stands up after laying down for a long time.

Along with limping, you should also make yourself aware of changes in your cat’s movements, such as a sudden difficulty in jumping or reaching high areas. Jumping is a common movement for cats, and when they seem more indolent and less active, this can be a warning sign that your cat may be sick.

4. Your Cat Starts To Show Rapid Breathing

Rapid breathing in cats isn’t normal. Typically, this symptom can progress quite quickly. You may not have paid attention to your cat’s difficulty in breathing because it wasn’t too consistent at first. But if it starts to progress more frequently through out the day, then you should visit your vet for a checkup. According to veterinarian Keong Kim, rapid breathing can be a symptom of lung or heart disease in your cat, so it is very important to have your cat examined by your veterinarian.Rapid breathing can be a symptom of lung or heart disease in your cat, so it is very important to have your cat examined by your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Savannah cats have quite a long lifespan. They can live from up to 20+ years. Hence, if you own one, you are sure to live with your cat for almost two decades. During this time you and your cat create an extreme bond that is unbreakable.

When your cat is ill, it’s inevitable that you’re going to be especially concerned. Same as is the case with human beings, awareness is the key to preventing serious health issues in your cats. Always be observant when it comes to your feline friends as changes in their behavior, energy levels, and appetite can tell you whether or not it’s time to send them to the vet.

There are so many things as a Savannah Cat owner you can do to prevent illness. Below you can find some of the things we recommend.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

How To Keep Your Cat Healthy While You’re Away

A cat can be good company. When you have one, you’ll be able to relieve yourself from stress,and your home won’t feel so empty. However, there will be instances when you have to leave your cat alone. You might do this because of work, vacation, or other personal emergencies. And when this happens, do you know how to keep your cat healthy even when you’re away? This article can provide helpful tips.

Being a cat owner doesn’t mean that you can no longer do anything without your pet. Here are some ways on how you can keep your furry friend healthy even when you’re not around:

1. Get An Automated Feeder

Just like human beings, cats need to be fed regularly. Depending on the breed and age of your cat, you might need to feed them twice or thrice a day. To ensure that your cat will get the nutrition they need when you’re away, buy the best automated cat feeder for your feline friend. This device dispenses the right amount of food for your cat at certain times of the day. An automated cat feeder is a smart investment that ensures your cat is well-fed even if they are left home alone.

2. Leave Plenty Of Water

Aside from food, water is a necessity for cats. All cats will need a clean and fresh supply of water, regardless of whether they’re young or old. When leaving your cat alone, always leave plenty of water for them by ensuring that their bowl is filled before you head out. An extra supply of fresh water placed in different bowls around your home will also make sure that they’ll never run out of their drinking supply.

If you have the budget, consider buying a pet water fountain. This device provides continuous water flow, allowing your cats to stay hydrated during your absence.

3. Think About The Weather In Your Area

Different weather conditions will have different effects on your cat. If your cat is exposed to too much cold, they can easily get sick. Too much humidity can also cause your cat to experience a heatwave. Before leaving your cat, think about the weather in your area first. Is there a storm coming? Will the temperature rise in the middle of the day? Make sure that your cat is comfortable indoors based on the expected weather for the day.

If the news or weather report informed you that the heat would be scorching during noon, consider leaving the air conditioning or fan on before leaving. This tip can be appropriate if you’re only planning to leave your cat alone for a couple of hours.

4. Add A Second Litter Box

A litter box can make your life as a cat owner easier and more convenient. When you have one, you don’t have to waste time cleaning different areas of your home from cat urine and feces. A litter box encourages your cat to do their business in one place, making your home cleaner. If you’re going to leave them alone, it’s best if you invest in a second litter box. Since no one is around to scoop out the first litter box, this area can fill up fast and can prompt your cat to find other areas in which to answer the call of nature. Once they see that their litter box is full, they will likely pee or poop in other areas of your home, and this can be very stressful once you arrive.

When you place a second litter box indoors, you’ll reduce the chances of your cat leaving a mess in places where they shouldn’t. Buying a second litter box might require money from your pocket, but because of the benefits you can enjoy from it, this purchase will be worth it in the end.

5. Provide Home Entertainment

Being left at home can be lonesome. This is especially true if you don’t have anything else to do. The same notion applies to your cats. When you leave them alone at home, they have nothing else to do but to wait for your return. To keep anxiety and boredom at bay, provide home entertainment for your cat. You can do this by leaving the radio or TV on so your cat won’t feel so lonely. You can also consider buying your cat a new cozy bed or scratching post to keep them entertained.

Consider Diversity

There are actually a lot of ways on how you can keep your cat healthy while you’re away. Aside from using the tips in this article, you can do your own research, ask for help from people who also have cats or feel free to give us a call. Different cats will have different reactions to a specific practice so it’s best if you scout for options and test the waters with your own cat.

Take a look on at some of the other products we recommend.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Vitamins, Supplements, and Nutrition for Savannah Cats

Walk through any grocery store and you’ll find a large assortment of cat foods, most of which promise to be “complete and balanced,” or which purport to be better than the competition's offerings. The truth is you should probably walk on past most of these foods. Savannah cats need high quality food—not marketing gimmicks.

Health comes from within, and begins and ends with an excellent diet. You can ward off many health problems, and even prolong your cat’s life, with the right combination of nutrition and supplements.

Savannah Cat Nutrition Basics

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they have to eat meat to remain healthy. Savannah cats are less fully domesticated than many other American house cats. They bring with them the needs of their parents or recent ancestors. So a Savannah cat who doesn’t receive a healthy diet can potentially suffer from that diet more than a traditional domesticated cat.

The healthiest diet is meat-based, and ideally raw. But balancing a raw meat diet can prove difficult, and many cat owners have neither the time nor the knowledge necessary to provide raw meat. If you want to offer a raw meat diet, we recommend reading extensively from knowledgeable veterinarians and breeders. You may also be able to purchase prepackaged raw meat.

If you’re not prepared to give raw meat a try, choose foods with meat—not meat byproduct—listed as the first ingredient. Needless carbs, especially corn, act as filler, and can be harmful if fed in large doses. Cat food must list their ingredients in order from most to least prevalent, so if corn is one of the first listed ingredients, steer clear. Some other ingredients to avoid, especially in large proportions, include:

• potato

• wheat

• rice

Does My Cat Need Vitamins and Supplements?

Opinions on supplementation differ from breeder to breeder and veterinarian to veterinarian. It’s very difficult to ensure a cat gets everything they need with each meal, so we recommend erring on the side of caution—particularly with higher filial generations, who may have more complex nutritional needs.

Here’s what we recommend:

High-quality multivitamin

A high-quality multivitamin is pre-formulated to meet common cat nutritional needs. It covers most bases for cats who skip meals, and for those whose raw diet is not perfectly balanced. A multivitamin is not a substitute for healthy eating, but it will help your cat avoid major nutritional deficits.

Cranberry supplement

Some research suggests that cranberry can help sweep bacteria from the urinary tract. A daily cranberry or urinary health blend can help protect urinary health, particularly in male cats. If your cat has a history of urinary problems, cranberry may be the solution.

Probiotic

Cats, like all animals, rely on a complex colony of bacteria to keep their bodies healthy—and especially to preserve the health of the digestive tract. Good bacteria can prevent a host of gut health problems, including parasites, diarrhea, and constipation. Consider adding a probiotic to your cat, or feeding a cat food that contains probiotics. Look for ingredients like yeast, which is sometimes referred to as dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract.

Calcium

Calcium is especially important for preserving bone health in growing kittens. So consider either a multivitamin that is rich in calcium or a separate calcium supplement.

Omega 3-6-9 oil

Omega fatty acids have been clinically proven to fill a variety of roles. They support healthy neurons and brain development, protect organs such as the heart and liver, and can help ensure a healthy skin and coat. Omega 3, 6, and 9 supplements are especially important for cats with a history of skin or coat issues, or with allergies. We recommend using an oil, not a capsule.

Joint supplements

Savannah cats are active pets who love to run, and jump, and play. As they get older, this can become a liability, especially if they develop joint health issues. Consider giving middle aged and senior cats a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. This can protect the health of their joints, reducing pain and lowering the risk of injury.

Talk to your breeder or veterinarian for more specific information. It’s always best to continue feeding the supplements your breeder used when your cat was a kitten, since this reduces the risk of negative reactions. If you’re not sure how to start a supplement regimen and your breeder can’t help, it’s time to talk to your vet. Have more questions? Give us a call and let us help you devise the perfect combination of supplements for your feline friend.

Click on the pictures or the hyperlink to see some of the products we recommend.

Until our next cat convo

-Martin

Health Considerations for Savannah Cats: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Feline Friend Healthy

Your Savannah cat may live with you longer than your children. With excellent care, your feline friend can easily live two decades—and maybe even longer. Like most cats, your Savannah cat will have a happier, longer life with excellent veterinary care. The right veterinarian can save you money, since preventative care can prevent costly illnesses from hurting your pet and dinging your wallet. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cat for a lifetime.

Choosing a Vet

Your vet is your partner, friend, and consultant. You need a veterinarian you trust, who listens to you, and who cares about your cat.

Some hallmarks of an excellent veterinarian include:

• Experience with, or at least knowledge about, Savannah cats. Consider asking your breeder for a referral.

• Affection for your cat. Your veterinarian should like your cat, and be genuinely interested in his or her well-being. A veterinarian who limits their practice size and who take lots of time with each patient is more likely to remember and care about your cat.

• Respect for your cat care philosophy. Do you prefer to take a “wait and see” approach, or do you want to quickly intervene when anything is wrong? Pick a veterinarian who can respect your cat parenting style.

• Knowledge of cat nutrition. Good Savannah cat health hinges on sound nutrition. Be wary of a veterinarian who pushes a certain food brand rather than talking about key ingredients. The best veterinarians are open to several different dietary options, and can provide advice on optimizing your pet’s diet.

• Excellent communication. Veterinarians that spend a lot of time with their patients sometimes take a little longer to get back to you. But if there’s an emergency, can you get in touch? Can you trust your veterinarian to answer questions? To be honest and direct?

• Fair and transparent pricing. Your cat is a member of your family, and we know you’re willing to pay to keep them healthy. That doesn’t mean you should be charged unfairly. Good veterinarians are honest about pricing, and can work with you on more affordable treatments when price is a concern.

• Access to a pharmacy. If you need a refill, can your veterinarian call in a prescription to the pet pharmacy? Or do you have to go into the office?

Choosing your vet is half the battle. A good vet will work with you to ensure your cat is up to date on vaccines and that they get regular check-ups. Of course, monitoring these important health goals on your own is also important, so here’s what you need to know:

Vaccinations

A cat’s natural antibodies, passed through its mother, disappear around 16 weeks in cats kittens who nurse. Vaccines can begin between 8-16 weeks, so talk to your veterinarian. Your kitten needs the following vaccines:

• Rabies

• Feline distemper

• Feline herpes virus

• Calcivirus

• Feline leukemia virus

• Bordetella

Your kitten will need boosters a year later. It’s important to note that some feline diseases can be transmitted to humans. So vaccinating your kitten protects you and your family, as well as your cat.

Regular Check-Ups and Health Testing

All cats need annual wellness visits. This gives your veterinarian a chance to evaluate your cat, answer health and behavior questions, and make recommendations about diet, exercise, and other key components of good cat health. Most vets order blood work at each annual exam. This test assesses for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. The veterinarian may also check your cat’s thyroid, perform a complete blood count, and test your cat’s blood serum chemistry. Each of these tests can provide early flags for serious health problems.

Depending on your cat’s health and lifestyle, the doctor may recommend other tests. For instance, a cat that may have been exposed to heartworms may need to be tested for the disease.

Parasite Prevention

Cats can host a number of parasites, such as fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. Not only can these parasites hurt your cat; many are also transmissible to humans. Deworming your kitten is the best way to prevent many common parasites. Your breeder may already have dewormed your kitten, so ask about this before worming your Savannah cat.

Fleas can damage your cat’s skin, cause hair loss, and even spread diseases. Even indoor cats can get fleas. So consider a flea preventative treatment. The safest and most effective flea treatments are oral medications you get from your vet. Over the Counter collars and sprays can irritate your cat’s skin, trigger allergies in humans, and may not be as effective.

Cats are less likely to get heartworms than dogs, especially if they remain indoors. But any cat who lives where mosquitoes reside can get heartworms—even if they are exclusively indoors. So ask your vet about an oral heartworm preventative treatment.

Common Health Concerns

Savannah cat are extraordinarily healthy cats, and the breed has no known genetic anomalies or health problems. That doesn’t mean they're immune to disease. Savannah cats are prone to many of the same health issues as other domesticated cats. Some of the most common issues these cats face include:

• lower urinary tract infections and diseases

• skin and coat problems

• ear infections

• diarrhea and vomiting

• eye health issues

• obesity, especially as they age

• lifestyle-related issues, such as metabolic issues due to an unhealthy diet

When to Call the Vet

Many cat owners struggle with knowing when to call the vet, and when to wait and see if symptoms get better. Fleas, mild stomach issues, and subtle changes in behavior are fine to treat at home. Observe for a few days, and if symptoms don’t improve, see the vet.

Call your vet within 24 hours for:

• vomiting that doesn’t improve

• bloody stool

• unexplained wounds or patches on the skin

• aggressive or unusual behavior

• new spraying

• lost teeth

• a severe flea infestation

Go to an emergency vet for:

• a recent bite by a dog, another cat, or a wild animal

• any suspected bone or head injuries, especially if your cat has fallen or been hit by a car

• vomiting blood

• wheezing or difficulty breathing

• suspected poisoning

• signs that your cat is intense pain, such as hyperventilating or being unable to calm down

• seizures, especially if your cat has never had a seizure before

As your cat’s breeder, we’re always happy to answer questions about their health, behavior, or diet. Give us a call if you need us. We care about your cat and your family!

Click on the pictures or the hyperlink to see some of the products we recommend.

Until our next cat convo

-Martin