http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/11/earlyshow/saturday/main622715.shtml

I am looking into possibly trying to get one, was curious if anyone on here has had ANY experience or knows of anyone who has with this breed of larger house cats. There are 6-8 breeders in NC I have found...

3/21/2009 4:42:57 PM

I have done a great deal of research into large exotic cats, but not specifically the Savannah Cat. I have always wanted to own a Bobcat or Lynx and still may end up doing so once I'm done raising my kid and being a mom.

If you are considering getting an early generation Savannah cat, my recommendation is not to get one. They're expensive and too "wild" for the average pet owner. Exotic cats are a lot of work. They are far more work than a house cat or a dog. Many people who own Bobcats or Lynxes have outdoor enclosures for the cats because of how destructive they have the potential to be. They're very intelligent and have a lot of "wild" in them. Their smarts and instincts can be too much for an indoor house cat like existence. They also have special dietary considerations (raw meat). You also have to consider what will happen to the cat if you cannot care for it -- even going on vacation can be a problem because you cannot board them at many facilities. Exotic cats are for people who are experienced in animal husbandry and have the time and resources to devote to the ownership of one.

If you are considering getting a little farther out from the wild cat, like an F12. . .go for it.

Also, look into some owner communities (NOT breeder). . .I bet that you can find them on LiveJournal or Facebook.

[Edited on March 21, 2009 at 5:03 PM. Reason : LJ]

3/21/2009 5:02:48 PM

those are some great points. I had considered that it would be much more in depth than a normal house cat to care for obviously, but thanks for your input and advice. appreciated.

I have always loved cats and the idea of a 30 lb cat that isnt "wild" is extremely enticing. Many of the breeders note that later generations, like the one you referenced, are completely capable of living in a home as a pet. Ideally, I want a large cat that has the tendencies of a house cat...I could provide extra care for an animal that required it...but only to an extent.

I have no interest in getting a larger cat that would require an outdoor inhabitant (^like the bobcat you spoke of - that is not appealing to me. THAT would require a great deal more attention/care than a Savannah)

[Edited on March 21, 2009 at 5:13 PM. Reason : .]

3/21/2009 5:10:00 PM

A lot of people do not put enough thought into owning an exotic animal, they just think that it would be cool to have something different.

But I seriously recommend seeking out a community for owners to get a better look at what it would be like to have one as a pet (especially if you go with an earlier generation, not so much with a later generation). I also have a passion for parrots and the LiveJournal communities that I participate in are a wealth of information and I imagine that the same is true for the cat hybrids.

Good luck!

3/21/2009 5:17:37 PM

Just get a maine coon.

3/21/2009 7:08:24 PM

That's a big kitty.

3/21/2009 8:10:46 PM

^that's exactly what i want.


apparently the going rate is a couple grand for one of these guys...

3/21/2009 8:42:18 PM

till they eat a baby

3/21/2009 8:44:58 PM

^LOL

Made me think of, "maybe the dingo ate your baby, the dingo ate your baybee."

3/21/2009 9:53:31 PM

thats what i was thinkin of too

3/21/2009 10:38:36 PM

I've been around Savannah Cats and I want one as well. Not that I would ever pay for a cat. However, some things I learned in the brief amount of time I was with them is that they are NOT like other cats, their temperaments were almost dog like. That could just be the cats I was around, but they were absolutely gorgeous, really good tempered cats, and seemed to be well trained. They also had a huge affinity for water, and would spend lots of time in the sink, turning the water on. They're very smart.

3/21/2009 11:14:29 PM

This kind of reminds me of wolf-dogs.

Wolf dogs are a BIT more temperamental to be sure, but I just thought I'd throw that out there.

Can these hybrid cats still use a litter box and such, or is it more like owning a dog?

3/21/2009 11:46:37 PM

Wolfdogs are very random in temperament and anyone who buys one without observing the parents is playing with fire. The wolf instinct and tendencies won't come out until its a young adult.

As said, wild animals require experience and facilities.

3/22/2009 2:55:16 AM

I know that the exotic wild cats like Bobcats and Lynxes will still use a litter box -- just a large one. So I don't see why the Savannah cat couldn't use one. However, some of these wild breeds like to use standing water to potty. On YouTube, there is a video of someone's Savannah cat used the toilet instead of a litter box.

3/22/2009 8:59:12 AM

The ones I was around were potty trained, with a litter box just in case. They were also leash trained to walk outside.

3/22/2009 10:48:00 AM

I've never heard of these, but do so want!

But I wouldn't ever pay for one.

3/22/2009 2:11:11 PM

I am now looking into Maine Coons (as previously suggested). They get 20 lbs plus, and are much more domesticed, also are cheaper. The one fault in comparison to Savannah's, they have much longer cat hair. Their coats are much fuller and I am worried about their shedding tendencies, as I have roomates to consider....

cats are pretty neat though, especially monster cats

3/22/2009 2:34:19 PM

Maine Coons are AMAZING. They are the BEST cats ever. However, you should know that many have heart problems and do not live for as long as other cats. My grandmother's Maine Coon had a stroke and a massive heart attack after five years. He was the an amazing cat, but you should do some research on some of the breed's genetic concerns before considering them.

3/22/2009 2:48:42 PM

Look at rescues for a maine coon mix. They can be almost as big with a shorter easier to care for coat. You can also get the cat to accept being brushed. I have to brush the evil feline 2 or 3 times a week and it cuts down on hair in the house.

Since they are larger, they can have joint problems when they get older so best to keep them skinny.

3/22/2009 3:50:23 PM

Yes, let's all get cats that can take out our toddlers, that sounds like a GREAT idea!

Even the later generations require much more exercise than your average cat and would have a tendency to chase down and beat down your small child (high prey instinct). People I know that have them must take them on leash walks just like a dog. Close friends seriously considered getting one, but then realized that it would not be good with their current cats, dogs, or children. So remember that even if it's cool now, it can be a threat to any future child or pet that you may have (cats have long lives, so no other kids or pets for 15 or so years). Pets require a lifetime of care and should not be given up just because you change your mind. I highly suggest visiting these breeders if you're serious. Spend a day with their cats and see if you can deal with that.

3/22/2009 5:12:19 PM