Tuesday, September 25, 2018

What You Need To Know About Savannah Cats

By Timothy Reed


There are many beautiful, exotic looking cats and any of them would be a good fit for the right home. If you have fallen in love with the wild appearance of Savannah cats but are not sure if one would suit your home, here is some basic information that may help you make up your mind. As with any pet, adding a Savannah to your home is a big decision to make and one that you should think about carefully. Here are some facts that may help you do so.

Many people love these felines because they remind them of a wild cat. This isn't a coincidence. A Savannah is not just a domestic cat. It is actually a cross between a domestic feline and a Serval, which is a type of small wild cat that is native to Africa. While keeping a wild animal isn't a good idea, breeding of Savannahs has created wonderful pets that are legal to have in your home.

The first members of this breed appeared in the 1990's when a Serval (a smaller African wildcat) was bred to a Siamese. It took some time and hard work but finally the breed was recognized internationally. The first breeders worked hard to come up with a standard set of qualities that these cats need to have in order to be quality breeding animals.

The size of these felines can vary quite a bit. The cats that are closest to the Serval side of the breed can be massive although they may not weigh as much as you would think. They are often the size of a small to medium dog and can weigh as much as twenty pounds. Cats that are several generations away from their Serval ancestors will be closer in size to a standard domestic feline.

Because these cats are so large it is often necessary to have some special equipment in your home that a smaller feline would not need. For example, owners of these massive pets often use a rubber tote or a child's swimming pool as a litter box. This gives their pets plenty of space to move around and cover their waste. Their large size also means that you may need to cat-proof your home more extensively than you would with a smaller cat.

In addition to their size and beautiful coat, the personality that these felines have is also appealing to many owners. They tend to be less intense than some breeds and are often likened to dogs when it comes to describing their personalities.

You may be shocked at the price tag that is attached to these pets. Some first or second generation crosses can cost tens of thousands of dollars although pets that are further from their wild roots will often cost much less. They will often be smaller but it is not uncommon for them to have the same beautiful markings that their wilder counterparts tend to have.

While you may jump at the chance to grab up a Savannah, it is important to research the breeder before you do. Make sure they are working with healthy animals and that they are keeping records about the bloodlines of the cats they are breeding. Making sure the parents and babies are well socialized will also help increase your chances of getting a healthy, happy baby to add to your family.




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