Am I Crazy to get an F1? I'd like an honest answer from those who have been there?

[Ninja-n-Bear]

Thank you! He is from Lynda Ryskamp, Salem's Pride. His eyes are actually bright green. I love them... and him.
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What a lovely family! Wow, those eyes! Personally, if I got the perfect cat (and it seems you do for you) from a breeder, I'd go back and get another cat from that same breeder. Echo looks very much like an f1, if you are going for looks... perhaps you could get another kitten from the same pairing?

 

[KKLRx7]

What a lovely family! Wow, those eyes! Personally, if I got the perfect cat (and it seems you do for you) from a breeder, I'd go back and get another cat from that same breeder. Echo looks very much like an f1, if you are going for looks... perhaps you could get another kitten from the same pairing?

Thank you. If I got another F2, it would certainly be from her.

 

[Abby2932]

What happened to Otis?? He must have found a good home. Poor little Echo!

I don't have an F1, nor have I ever seen one in person so I don't have experience to answer your question. BUT when I made the decision to get my F2, I had many of the same thoughts that you're having. I joined the Savannah Cat Enthusiast FB group a few years before I brought home Odrick & I had also made sure to read not just the good stories but all the bad as well so I could expect the best but also be prepared for some undesired things.

- Above all, I wanted a cat that would live peacefully with my 7yo DLH
- Second on my list of desires was I really wanted a leash cat
We're still working on both of these

So before I actually made the decision, I had to make sure that if I got a cat that did not meet these two main desires, would still be happy and make it work? I decided I would. If Odge & Kali aren't happy together, I would find a house that allows me to keep them separated but still have space for both of them to be stimulated, fulfilled & happy. Luckily, they do cohabitate peacefully (for the most part) so I won't have to worry about any special living arrangements, which is a huge relief for me.

I don't, however, think Odge will end up being a leash kitty. He just does not like the outdoors. I don't know if it's because the areas I take him are too "busy" and loud? My condominium area & the coffee shop I've been taking him to are just not serene places. Lots of cars, motorcycles, people, concrete, etc. I wonder if I took him to a quiet park to stick his toes in the grass if he would like that better.

So basically, my thought was that if I did not get what I was expecting, would I be able to still be happy and keep my pets happy. That would be my question for anyone deciding to bring any new pet into their household.

 

[KKLRx7]

What happened to Otis?? He must have found a good home. Poor little Echo!

I don't have an F1, nor have I ever seen one in person so I don't have experience to answer your question. BUT when I made the decision to get my F2, I had many of the same thoughts that you're having. I joined the Savannah Cat Enthusiast FB group a few years before I brought home Odrick & I had also made sure to read not just the good stories but all the bad as well so I could expect the best but also be prepared for some undesired things.

- Above all, I wanted a cat that would live peacefully with my 7yo DLH
- Second on my list of desires was I really wanted a leash cat
We're still working on both of these

So before I actually made the decision, I had to make sure that if I got a cat that did not meet these two main desires, would still be happy and make it work? I decided I would. If Odge & Kali aren't happy together, I would find a house that allows me to keep them separated but still have space for both of them to be stimulated, fulfilled & happy. Luckily, they do cohabitate peacefully (for the most part) so I won't have to worry about any special living arrangements, which is a huge relief for me.

I don't, however, think Odge will end up being a leash kitty. He just does not like the outdoors. I don't know if it's because the areas I take him are too "busy" and loud? My condominium area & the coffee shop I've been taking him to are just not serene places. Lots of cars, motorcycles, people, concrete, etc. I wonder if I took him to a quiet park to stick his toes in the grass if he would like that better.

So basically, my thought was that if I did not get what I was expecting, would I be able to still be happy and keep my pets happy. That would be my question for anyone deciding to bring any new pet into their household.

We had only ever intended to keep him for a short period of time because of his timid personality. We had him to work on socialization and I'd like to believe he made a lot of progress. Though we did get very attached to him in the few weeks e had him, our lifestyle isn't such that we would make a great long-term home for him - a lot of travel and change, which is why I'm concerned about an F1 it maybe adding any other cat. I do realize that all cat personalities are different. In speaking with a number of other SV owners, I also know just how unique and adaptable Echo is. Finding that in another may be very difficult for us, regardless of generation.

I think your point regarding "worst case scenario" options is valid. I am still very undecided. Adding a new family member is always a difficult decision. One or two meetings does not mean you know each individual's tendencies or how their personality will progressed as they get older - the same as people.

What it comes down to in the end is whether you can live with the downside if things don't work out as you had hoped. In other words, is the gamble worth the risk. That's the real decision.

I just wanted to get some valid input from others regarding the ramifications of the decision. I may not make a good one, but at least I will know what I'm getting into.

 

[John Popp]

So sorry for your loss Connie.

I think you will do very well with an F1, they are definitely a lot of cat, but the rewards are exponentially greater as well. The extra work required in cohabitation keeps a heavy heart busy.

Again sorry for your loss, you never forget, just one day the smile comes to your face remembering them before the tears. The heart has great capacity and whatever direction you travel, I'm sure there will be a well loved cat at the other end.

 

[Ninja-n-Bear]

In speaking with a number of other SV owners, I also know just how unique and adaptable Echo is.

It is possible that your lifestyle made Echo unique and adaptable. Cats like routine, but if it is routine to travel when they are kittens, I would think they'd be used to it as such for life.

 

[KKLRx7]

So sorry for your loss Connie.

I think you will do very well with an F1, they are definitely a lot of cat, but the rewards are exponentially greater as well. The extra work required in cohabitation keeps a heavy heart busy.

Again sorry for your loss, you never forget, just one day the smile comes to your face remembering them before the tears. The heart has great capacity and whatever direction you travel, I'm sure there will be a well loved cat at the other end.

Beautifully said John.

 

[Renee]

So, here are my questions:
1. Am I crazy? (Am I just anthropomorphizing, interpreting Echo's behavior of needing a buddy now to get something I want?)

Yes, you are crazy. We all are crazy for this amazing breed

2. Am I taking a bigger risk getting an F1 than another F2 or Maine Coone? I have seen and handled an F1 we are interested in that by all appearances, could fit the bill.

I love my Loki, it took two years for the hubby to love him and lots of fights.. They are crazy and a bit destructive if not played with enough, and even if they are He loves like no other cat I've ever had, I adore him

3. What can I really expect and what type of obstacles might there be? I can think of health issues (same with any cat but a bigger financial risk, if you will, with an F1; interaction / dominance / bully issues; stress / litter issues (but didn't have it with visitor); any others?

Obstacles: playing nice with others, really stinky poos, eating things resulting in 8k of surgeries, peeing all over after a move and ruining beds and couches. Lots of patience necessary. They do not like change. He used to not be scared of visitors, but he was highly socialized in an office setting from a kitten. After a year I have changed jobs and can't bring him to work. He is getting more and more skittish of strangers.

Assuming I'm not crazy...
4. What is the market price for a good F1? I know it's $10-15K but are there more specifics - e.g., this is what you should expect in a $11K cat vs a $15K cat?

Loki was $15k. I think he's a good one Just make sure the breeder socialized the kitten. This will be the biggest difference in temperament.

5. What health guarantees should I expect and what tests / proofs should I be concerned with?

Make sure it is a respectable breeder that you can rely on. When I had the obstruction scare with Loki, my breeder was very supportive. I was terrified and they helped. You need someone who is there for the cats and not just the money. It makes a huge difference in relying on just the vets opinion. They've probably seen it all and can assist . My breeder was able to give good advice to need when I felt panicked.

6. Any other consideration

Gods speed! Be patient and post photos!!

 

[Connie P.]

So sorry for your loss Connie.

I think you will do very well with an F1, they are definitely a lot of cat, but the rewards are exponentially greater as well. The extra work required in cohabitation keeps a heavy heart busy.

Again sorry for your loss, you never forget, just one day the smile comes to your face remembering them before the tears. The heart has great capacity and whatever direction you travel, I'm sure there will be a well loved cat at the other end.

Thank you. It has been harder I think ; because I hauled him around with me so much. If you heard my Mom and I talking about him, you would have thought I had a baby! She would call everyday, if she hadn’t picked him up to visit with her for a few days, and say, “What’s my boy doing.” If he had been bad, she would say, “I think I should come get him tomorrow.” LOL I am currently waiting on the breeder to have more kittens. I want my toilet paper all rolled off in the floor and the water splashed out of my toilet! LOL

 

[KKLRx7]

So, here are my questions:
1. Am I crazy? (Am I just anthropomorphizing, interpreting Echo's behavior of needing a buddy now to get something I want?)

Yes, you are crazy. We all are crazy for this amazing breed

2. Am I taking a bigger risk getting an F1 than another F2 or Maine Coone? I have seen and handled an F1 we are interested in that by all appearances, could fit the bill.

I love my Loki, it took two years for the hubby to love him and lots of fights.. They are crazy and a bit destructive if not played with enough, and even if they are He loves like no other cat I've ever had, I adore him

3. What can I really expect and what type of obstacles might there be? I can think of health issues (same with any cat but a bigger financial risk, if you will, with an F1; interaction / dominance / bully issues; stress / litter issues (but didn't have it with visitor); any others?

Obstacles: playing nice with others, really stinky poos, eating things resulting in 8k of surgeries, peeing all over after a move and ruining beds and couches. Lots of patience necessary. They do not like change. He used to not be scared of visitors, but he was highly socialized in an office setting from a kitten. After a year I have changed jobs and can't bring him to work. He is getting more and more skittish of strangers.

Assuming I'm not crazy...
4. What is the market price for a good F1? I know it's $10-15K but are there more specifics - e.g., this is what you should expect in a $11K cat vs a $15K cat?

Loki was $15k. I think he's a good one Just make sure the breeder socialized the kitten. This will be the biggest difference in temperament.

5. What health guarantees should I expect and what tests / proofs should I be concerned with?

Make sure it is a respectable breeder that you can rely on. When I had the obstruction scare with Loki, my breeder was very supportive. I was terrified and they helped. You need someone who is there for the cats and not just the money. It makes a huge difference in relying on just the vets opinion. They've probably seen it all and can assist . My breeder was able to give good advice to need when I felt panicked.

6. Any other consideration

Gods speed! Be patient and post photos!!

Thank you Renee! It's the inability to adapt over time that I am most concerned with. I'm also a little concerned with the peeing. I've never had an issue with that. If we didn't travel so much with the animals, I wouldn't be so cautious about getting one. I do think that's a huge consideration. I appreciate all you of your candid comments. It's a hard decision!