Considering buying an F1 kitten - does anyone know this breeder?

[Brigitte Cowell]

I agree with Sue, it sounds like Coco is having a very different experience with her F1. And unfortunately sounding a little hostile and angry in that post for this thread.

Logan, the price is not "that" low, it is merely what was asked for before there seemed to be a huge hike in prices for an F1. For many years, F1s were priced at ~$5,000 for a pet. When I was pricing them in 2003 they were $5,000 as pet and $10,000 as breeder. This didn't change too much for a few years. But most definitely in the last three years the price jumped considerably and many breeders charge closer to $20,000. I am sure it is not harder to produce them, so figure it is more market demand and the price that breeders can get so why not. F1s ARE special and I cannot imagine they will ever be super-cheap.

The other concerns you posted to me are more relevant, the Better Business Bureau rating and the removal from savannahcat.com . If I were you and interested in that kitten, I'd be asking questions about these and wanting to be satisfied with the answers. I'd want to talk to recent buyers of kittens and listen to their experience maybe.

 

[Patti]

I agree with Brigitte - you are clearly doing your homework, pay attention to what you find, and go with your gut feeling.

 

[John Popp]

Welcome Logan and I say if you're up for the challenges then go for it. Just remember it's likely a 20 year commitment with a cat who will provide you with great challenges, heartbreak and happiness.

I too did a great deal of research before owning our first Savannah, going back 10 years before one ever graced our household. It wasn't economics that ever held us back, but lifestyle, time and the willingness of my wife to take things on as well. We already had 3 cats, one with some behavioral issues and another one who was the king of mischief and mayhem, appropriately named Jester.

Although somewhere along the trek, I am sure I wanted an F1, our reality was that the challenges could very much outweigh the benefits. In the end, we opted for an F2/3 knowing it provided somewhat of a safety net and also knowing that in a years time we would purchase a second. If things went well we probably would bump things up to purchasing an F1/2. We just needed a barometer, and our kitten would need a rough and tumble playmate.

One thing I knew from the start is that I would need to have a face to face meeting with our kitten to be. Seeing how they interacted with their litter mates and how receptive they were to humans. For both my wife and I that was far more important than any wrapper that could be put around a kitten and who we were going to share our home with the next 20 years.

Anyway, tales of caution are certainly appropriate despite the delivery of some just totally sucking. I'm sure you'll make the right choice and one that will make you a happy father to a kitten that will reward and challenge you. Keep in mind that unlike a dog which you can actually train, a Savannah with it's keen mind and strong will is really just training you and once you have that under your belt it's game on and a great deal of fun.

 

[shelby]

I have to jump in here and say that the way the F1Ss were just described is totally not what I have experienced with my two F1 girls. They have been raised in our home and are perfect pets in my HO. They do come to strangers, they get along with the other cats and dogs. Mine are lap cats and they can be held just as any other cat can. They are a little more cautious when someone new comes in, but so are some of the lower generation cats...Savannahs or not.I have found them to be temperamental at times(I am too) ;>)As with any cat or kitten...when taken away from everything they have ever known...it can take a bit for them to settle in sometimes,I have no idea where the massive bill idea is coming from. Maybe someone that has encountered this can explain? A good diet, lots of love, enrichment...the same for any cat in my HO.I will say that when you decide to bring any cat home...make sure you are commited to the care and responsibility for the life of these precious souls. Always be open to making a few changes that both you and the cat can live with. I will say that they are creatures of habit and like the Serval...DO NOT TAKE CHANGE LIGHTLY;>) I will end this by saying...don't believe everything you read or hear. A well socialized baby will have you in the palm of their paws. Bless those lovely souls that deserve to be loved unconditionally. You get out of something what you put into it.

 

[Trish Allearz]

Just so you know... Sue is a reputable breeder and has gorgeous F1s. She is not a cat-producing machine, so you might need to wait for a baby. Betsy Whitlock is a reputable breeder and has gorgeous F1s. She is not a cat-producing machine, so you might need to wait for a baby.

I have had four F1s in my homes as pets and breeders. NONE of them caused any significant damage- well, except for the cracked computer (oopsie- but no, that was Hubby's fault for not bolting it down- it's one of those fancy newfangled machines that doesn't have a tower and is just the screen- JB ran past it and knocked it over- crack! It was under warranty though so all was forgiven).

Worse damage I have had done is toilet paper shredded like there is no tomorrow... And this is Simon who is obsessed with toilet paper...

My intact girls aren't destructive at all. They are silly, they are funny, they can be moody, they are far too intelligent for me most days- but meh... I love them all the same.

(BTW- my human children have done much more damage in this house then a cat- and not the little ones, the ones who are old enough to KNOW better!)

Logan- ask ANY QUESTION YOU HAVE. Ask the DUMBEST question you can think of! Why the heck not? Just because you've owned cats before doesn't mean you've owned a Savannah and until you've owned a Savannah, you will have questions to ask (and once they go home, the questions don't stop!). I encourage all of my owners to ask as many questions as they can think of. To ME- it shows you are seriously considering this kitten versus simply fly-by-night, want-want-want, need-need-need, OH MY GOODNESS- this kitten is too much for me!!!

 

[Sam]

I have had cats for years and my old dog lived for 17 years. Layla is an F2 and she has been challenging at times but we wouldn't have it any other way! F1s I am sure are a bit more handful but that doesn't mean you can't handle them with the right preparation, patience and love. They do tend to get lonely, we are thinking of getting another f2 or f3 so Layla has company. We work from home most of the time, they sleep quite a bit during the day, roam at night so you better be around to play with the little beast good luck!

 

[BlackLabelKim]

Just putting in my 2 cents as an owner of two F1s (4yo and 12 weeks). Yes, my first F1 chewed my husband's leather Clark shoes and yes he has peed in our bathtub. BUT, nothing more strange than my pound kitties or even F6 has done. Heck...our labradoodle has done FAR worse damage.

Our newest F1 is completely different than our first F1. She's a total lap kitty and a complete love, not aloof at all. I had no idea that two of the same generation could be so different. We are a crazy busy household (5 human kids and expecting 1 more this summer!) and I can honestly say our F1s have been fantastic family pets even with our babies.

Do your research, find a breeder who is takes your calls and emails answers (even to answer the stupidest of questions) your perfect F1 will find you!

 

[Coolcat]

Mrs. CC here...I always said that no question is stupid if you don't know the answer. Congratulations, Kim, on your upcoming baby!

 

[shelby]

The shame is not in ,,,not knowing...it is in ....not trying to find out;>)

 

[jungle boy]

Welcome Logan! I'm sure that you will find that the members here will be very supportive and ready to help you in every way possible!

That said, Here's my two cents! Have you EVER considered an F2? There are breeders here and also on SavannahCat.com who are producing some incredibly Servaly looking cats with the F2 males as large or larger than many F1s.