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

Protecting Your Savannah Cat With Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance is really about being prepared for when your Savannah cat needs to see a vet. Pet owners want to make sure they have the best resources and care available and pet insurance can make that reality.

New research from ConsumersAdvocate.org shows exactly what types of pet insurance is the best and provides helpful information on figuring out what pet insurance company is best for you and your Savannah pet. 

Whether it’s a couple of stitches for an injured paw or potentially life-threatening conditions, pet insurance provides cat owners with the peace of mind knowing that they can provide for their cat in a time of need. It’s true that pet insurance may cost you $38-70 per month, but it covers a significant portion of vet bills that can cost up to $5-$10k! Most of us can agree that we can find ways to cut back on monthly expenditures to ensure that we have the means to provide for our sick cats in times of need.

How to Choose your Pet Insurance Plan? 

It's not fun going through insurance plan options trying picking the right plan for you. Understanding what factors to consider when choosing your insurance coverage is an important piece to making sure your Savannah cat has the right resources to live a healthy life (and that you’re getting what you pay for!).

Coverage Amounts

The amount of coverage is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting pet insurance. Savannah owners require a plan that has extensive coverage with few exclusions. As responsible pet owners themselves, the team at ConsumersAdvocate.org did the research to make sure pet owners are as ready as they can be for the unexpected. 

Typically, there are three types of coverage: comprehensive (covers accident/illness), accidents only (covers only accidents), and wellness coverage (covers preventative care). The most common choice amongst pet owners is the comprehensive package for its affordability and extensiveness in terms of coverage. 

Benefit Limits

Beyond the coverage types, the research team at ConsumersAdvocate.org suggests that the second most important factor to consider would be the benefit limits. Some plans will provide unlimited lifetime benefits, others will be capped on an annual/lifetime amount, and several are on a per-condition basis. Veterinary costs are historically trending higher, so a plan without an annual cap is the way to go these days. 

Deductibles and Reimbursements

The last things to consider are deductibles and reimbursements. This plays a key part in your monthly rate. Higher deductibles would translate into lower payments per month. The types of deductibles pet insurance can offer you are the annual, per-condition lifetime, and per-condition annual deductibles. 

There are also three main types of reimbursements a pet insurance company may offer you. Actual Cost means your insurance will pay you back a percentage of your Savannah’s medical bill after you have paid off your deductible. Plans that offer actual cost will give you several different percentage options to choose from. Benefit Schedules states when your pet insurance coverage will be paid back depending on the illness/procedure. Lastly, there is also the Usual and Customary, which has become less popular over the years. This reimbursement is dependant on the procedure but also considers your geographic location. 

Picking a pet insurance coverage for your Savannah is a very important decision that can save you thousands of dollars and protect your pet. Make sure you do the proper research to find what is best for you.

This site did your job and listed the best cat insurance companies right here

Click on the pictures or the hyperlink to learn more.

Until our next cat convo

-Martin

8 Ways to Stop Your Dog from Eating Cat Poop Once and for All

Have you tried everything already, but still could not keep your dogs away from your cat’s litter box? You are in the right place.

When you own dogs and cats at the same time, for some reason your dogs keep playing with cat poop. It is disgusting and bad for your doggo’s health.

Science says dogs eat cat poop because they are drawn to the protein content in the poop. It also suggests that a lack of proper nutrients in the dog’s body may be the reason behind this irksome behavior. (Join Luxury Casino)

Whatever the reason may be, we must put a stop to this behavior, so that your dogs can stay healthy, and your cats can have some privacy. Keep on reading to know all the tricks and tips to get your dog to stay away from cat poop.

1. Teach Your Dog the ‘Leave It’ Command

If your dog keeps invading your cat’s privacy, it is time to teach them the ‘Leave it’ command. Here’s how you will teach them this command -

Be very diligent in this. Whenever you see your dog wandering around the cat’s potty, you know what they are up to. In a firm tone address your dog, and say “Leave it!”

If they listen to you, give them a treat. If they disobey, say it again, but louder. Dogs don’t need to understand your vocabulary; they can sense your command.

It may not work out for the first few times, because your dog is new to the command. But it will catch up with you soon enough. Just keep repeating it.

2. Keep Your Dog Busy

Your dogs may be drawn to your cat’s private business out of sheer curiosity. When they have nothing to do, they would rather eat and play with cat poop.

To avoid this situation, you must keep your dogs busy with other healthier options. Keep them busy with toys and games. Give them things to do, so that they won’t get bored and start looking for weird stuff to do.

3. Use Fences to Keep Them Away

Indoor fences outside the room cats poop can prevent the dogs from having access to that space. There are a number of indoor fences available online. Find the one right for your dog’s size, height, and temperament.

When you purchase them though, make sure the space between the bars are wide enough for cats to get through, but narrow enough to prevent dogs from getting through.

Contrarily, you can install a small door in the bathroom door, so that your kitties can access the bathroom, but not your dogs.

4. Clean the Litter Box ASAP

One fine way of preventing dogs from eating cat poop is by cleaning the litter box as soon as possible after the cat’s done with its deed.

If the litter box is clean, dogs won’t have a reason to go near it and eat the excrements. By doing so, you also prevent the nasty poopy smell from spreading all over the house.

If cleaning every time is impossible, you can invest in self-cleaning cat litter boxes that will clean and refresh the potty by itself.

5. Get Dog Proof Litter Boxes

These days you will be able to find cat litter boxes that come with lids. The enclosing property of the litter boxes blocks the poopy smell from taking over the house.

More importantly, these dog-proof litter boxes prevent dogs from accessing the litter box and gives your cat the privacy it needs. They may have self-cleaning properties and odor-preventing features built in. Some of them have see-through layers so that your cat doesn’t feel claustrophobic or trapped inside the box.

6. Buy Stool Deterrents

Another way to prevent your dogs from eating cat poop is by getting them stool deterrents by the Dog Doctors. They are specially manufactured for dogs that cannot stop eating cat poop or other dog’s poop or their own.

You don’t want to kiss your dog once it has had its mouth in poop. Hence, investing in stool deterrents will be beneficial for you and for your dog, as some of the products have ‘fresh breath’ features to freshen up their mouths.

On the other hand, stool deterrents designed for cats can make their stools unattractive for dogs, so that they would stay away.

7. Add Black Pepper or Hot Sauce in the Litter Box

In order to keep your dogs away from cat litter, you can add some black pepper or hot sauce in the litter mix. Dogs would hate it!

Whenever your dogs get near the cat poop, the smell of hot sauce and pepper will repel them. This is a surefire way to make cat poop unattractive for dogs.

8. Give Your Dogs Proper Nutrition

Your dogs are most likely expressing interest in cat poop because of the nutritional value it provides. This is happening because your dogs are not getting enough nutrition from their current diet.

If this is so, it’s time to change the dog food. Check the ingredients labeled at the back of packages, and determine which ingredients your dogs mostly need. Remember that dogs have completely different nutrient standards, so you’d better get veterinary financing with no credit check to cover the cost of a vet consultation rather than trying to adjust the dog’s diet on your own.

Upon switching their dog food, make sure you portion their meals properly every day. You can give them human food as well, but with your veterinarian’s permission.

Final Thoughts

Having dogs are so much fun. They have their own personalities and temperament, and they keep your life exciting all the time.

Come to think of it, have you ever thought you will be researching about preventing your dogs from eating cat poop? No, right! But here you are, learning as much as you can about your lovely canine family.  In fact, an important aspect to consider in pet care is their safety. A good solution to ensure this is the Best GPS Tracker. With this device, you can prevent them from straying into unwanted areas.

Furthermore, the tips up here are not even as challenging. In fact, they are quite fun! So, all the best wishes.

If you have a lot of pet items in your house, you can use Custom Woven Labels to keep your pet items organized and easily identifiable. Whether you have multiple pets or just want to personalize your pet items, this is the perfect solution. They can be personalized with your pet's name, breed, and cute designs to create labels that are as unique as your pet's.

Click on the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

10 Health Benefits of Owning a Savannah Cat

A Savannah cat is more than just a fun-loving fluff ball who makes coming home from a hard day at work a little easier. Owning a Savannah cat can make your life better and your body healthier. Cat ownership could even protect against a variety of diseases. Here are 10 reasons your Savannah cat might be the best thing you do for your health.

Savannah Cats Help You Make Friends

Having a cat gives you an instant connection to other cat lovers. You have an easy source of small talk and amusing stories, which can be a great ice breaker at parties or even in job interviews. Lovers of Savannah cats are especially devoted. You can join message boards and play groups, using your cat as a way to connect with others.

Because Savannah cats are rare, your cat also gives you an interesting anecdote to share at parties. People who have never heard of Savannah cats may be curious. This presents the chance to talk about cat breeds, wild animal preservation, and the unique joys of owning such a special cat.

Cats Can Relieve Pain

Stroking a cat for a few minutes can loosen tense muscles, offering some relief for both short-term and chronic pain. Chronic pain has a strong mental health component. Depression and anxiety can make the pain worse. Stress can make it hard to make good health decisions such as exercising and stretching. But cats can make it easier to lead a healthy lifestyle. Living with a cat is a powerful motivator that can relieve psychological pain and get you moving, thereby offering relief from physical pain, too.

Your Mental Health May Improve

Though mental health and physical health are often talked about in separate arenas, the two are inextricably linked. Depression increases the risk of a host of illnesses, including heart disease and premature death. Poor mental health can also make it more difficult to make good health choices, such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet.

Enter your cat. Like a savior for all aspects of your health, your Savannah cat improves your physical health by boosting mental wellness. Cats can help with anxiety and depression, improving mental health and helping you lead a happier life.

Your Heart Disease Risk May Be Lower

Heart disease is the leading killer, and a major contributed to disability worldwide. Simply owning or petting a cat can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. And if you already have a cat, your pet could save your life by reducing your risk of dying of a cardiovascular episode.

The heart-healthy benefits of Savannah cat ownership include:

• Lower blood pressure

• Lower cholesterol

• Decreased triglycerides

• A lower risk of diabetes

• More opportunities for exercise

• Lower stress

• Better circulation

Kids May Be Less Likely to Develop Allergies

Cats bring in dust, dirt, and dander. Even indoor cats get dusty and dirty. That might seem like a bad thing, but it’s actually great for your health. Low-level exposure to allergens can help boost the immune system, reducing the risk of developing allergies, asthma, and similar health problems. The benefits are especially strong in kids. So if you want your child to grow up allergy-free, let them get down on the floor and play with your cat (with adult supervision, of course).

Your Children May Learn Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s feelings. It’s a hard thing to learn. It’s also a skill that will benefit your child for their entire life. In fact, research shows that kids with empathy and social intelligence are more likely to succeed. Social skills, not intelligence, are ultimately what make or break a career.

So what does this have to do with cats? Cats help gets learn empathy. If your child wants a good relationship with your cat, they have to learn to be gentle and read the cat’s cues. This is a lesson that will extend into your child’s relationship with others, propelling your child into a happy, healthy, successful life.

A Reason to Get Moving

Exercise may be the best thing you can do for your health. It lowers the risk of virtually every disease, from cancer to dementia, improves heart health, helps you be happier, and improves your body image. Yet many people struggle to get moving, especially after a long day at a demanding job.

Savannah cats don’t get their owners any slack when it comes to the need to exercise. These intelligent, high-energy felines need lots of high-energy play. So rather than hitting the treadmill, spend some time chasing your Savannah cat. You’ll burn calories, improve your health, and have lots of fun.

Better Sleep

Everyone loves laying down and settling into blissful repose at the end of the day. Sleep is more than just a luxury. It’s vital to your health. It helps your brain process the events of the day, promoting good mental health. It can also boost your immune system and strengthen your overall well-being. Yet many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep. Stress, busy schedules, and the constant distraction of phones keep many people tossing and turning all night.

People who own cats sleep better, even if they don’t sleep with their cats. For people with insomnia or anxiety, though, a Savannah cat offers an additional benefit: stroking your cat as you fall asleep can help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.

A Stronger Immune System

Just as exposure to dust and dander can prevent allergies, it can also strengthen your immune system. It works like this: exposure to tiny quantities of dander and dirt activate the immune system. This helps the immune system learn to fight off infections and other invaders. Particularly in children, the tiny microbes in cat fur activate the immune system for a lifetime of good health. No antibacterial soap required.

Help in an Emergency

If you have a chronic medical condition such as epilepsy or COPD, your cat can be trained to get you emergency help. Savannah cats are highly intelligent and mobile. They also bond strongly to their families. This makes them the perfect choice to train as an assistance animal. Cats have saved lives by calling 911, waking someone from a seizure, and intervening as a person chokes. Your cat is more than just a friend. He or she could save your life.

Ready to learn more about Savannah cats?Want to bring home a new member of your family? Contact us today for more information and a list of available cats!

Click on the pictures or the hyperlink to read more about each topic or kitty.

Until our next cat convo

-Amanda

How to Prepare Your House for Your New Savannah Cat

Bringing home a new Savannah cat is a little like bringing home a baby. You can’t be fully prepared until it happens, and the early days will be a flurry of activity—getting to know one another, snuggling, and adapting your lives to your new family member. A little preparation can make for a smooth transition, helping everyone bond more quickly. Here’s how to get your house ready for your new Savannah cat.

Know How Savannah Cats Are Different

Savannah cats are more similar to wild cats than a cat you might adopt at a local shelter is. So it’s important to have realistic expectations about how your cat will behave in the first weeks. This is a highly intelligent, very athletic animal who needs time to warm up to its new family.

Knowing the filial generation of the cat you’re bringing home can help you plan. The lower the filial generation number, the more similar your new family member will be to its wild ancestors. That means these cats will require more exercise, more cat-proofing, and more time to warm up. Plan accordingly.

Set Aside Some Extra Time

If you’re planning a vacation or a work project, time them so that they don’t coincide with your new family member's arrival. Spending some extra time with your cat can help you bond. And spending long hours away can give rise to a destructive, anxious cat. It’s often helpful to bring your kitten home over a long weekend, then gradually transition back to work. A cat sitter or family member can help you ensure your kitten feels safe and loved when you’re not there. Lots of attention and exercise in these first weeks is critical, and this small investment will pay off for  ears to come.

Create a Small, Cozy Space

Cats feel safest in small, confined spaces that give them the freedom to choose where to sleep. Your home, however loving, is a new and unfamiliar place. So don’t be surprised if your cat wants some time alone in the first few days. Create a small, safe, cat-proof space where your cat can easily hide and find some darkness. A small bathroom works well. Even a closet can work. To be an effective hiding cave, the space must:

• Be completely safe—no dangerous plants or running water.

• Allow your cat some privacy. If small children or dogs can get to your cat, this space won’t work.

• Be accessible at all times. Your cat must be able to escape to this space whenever it wants.

• Give your cat freedom of movement. Don’t lock your cat in a crate and assume this is an adequate space. Your cat must have the choice to go to the safe space, and must be able to move around when it wants.

Quarantine Your Cat

If you have other pets, quarantine your cat for at least five days. This gives everyone time to adjust to one another’s smells without fighting or territorial issues. It can also prevent the transmission of potentially dangerous infections. Once the quarantine period is up, gradually introduce your cat to your other animals. Ensure everyone can easily escape, and reward good behavior. Don’t leave your cat alone with other pets until you have observed them spending many, many hours together.

Plan for Plenty of Exercise

A well-exercised cat is a well-behaved cat. All cats become anxious and potentially poorly behaved when they don’t get enough exercise. Because Savannah cats are descended from wild cats, this is doubly true for them.

In the early days, your cat might be a little suspicious of you. So don’t count on being its sole source of exercise. Find a safe area for your cat to climb and jump as you get to know one another. Then work together to bond through play. Even shy cats can’t resist chasing a feather and jumping. So encourage your cat to play with you. Wear your cat out with play and you’ll quickly be best friends.

Hang On to the Familiar

Cats feel most comfortable around familiar smells. So help your cat feel safe by bringing something from its old home to your house. Rather than using new litter or a litter box, try using the litter and litter box your cat had before it came to live with you. A blanket, favorite toy, or other item from its previous home can also help ease the transition.

Cat-Proof Your House

Even if you plan to keep your cat in just one area of your home, cats are escape artists. Sooner or later, your cat will get into the rest of the house. And if you’re like most cat owners, you hope to eventually give your kitten the run of the house. A few simple cat-proofing tips

Protect Other Family Members (and Your Cat)

No matter how well you bond with your cat, it’s still an animal. Particularly in the early months, you should be cautious when your cat is around anyone it can hurt—especially small children. Do not allow a Savannah cat to sleep in a baby’s room, or to have unfettered access to rodents or other pets. Everyone in your family should have an area where they are safe from the cat. Perhaps most importantly of all, never allow small children to be alone with your cat.

Until our next cat convo

-Amanda