f3 owner info

[alyon]

...adorable photo wyldthingz

 

[Wyldthingz]

They have no greater tendency than any other cat. If you have a multi cat house hold, it is harder. They spay as a marking behavior. I had a cat that sprayed as a kid but she only would do so around the yard due to other cats. If cats find other cats threatening, they may mark as disapproval. Having under 4 shouldn't be an issue. Although, having over 4 isn't an issue either if they all get along well. I think marking is a cat thing and not a Savannah thing specific.

 

[Dantes]

I found information stating that they are given up quite often by their owners, that they spray fixed or not, and some won't eat cat food, on top of being aggressive.

There probably are cats that have one or more of these issues, but not all cats have one or more of these issues. Each cat is an individual. True pet parents adopt a pet and are committed to the pet regardless that it does not behave exactly as expected.

A recent heated discussion on the Ragdoll forum involved a poster who about a year or so ago adopted a Ragdoll--a long haired cat, known for its laid back, floppy personality--now wants to give away their Ragdoll. The poster cites "daughter-in-law allergies" as the reason, although according to an earlier post, the daughter in law was fine with the cat--it seems that this person has been complaining for months that their Ragdoll isn't "floppy enough" and not a lapsitter and...and...and...at one point called him a "dud"...but yet proclaims to love the ragdoll to bits. That's some tough love.

Unfortunately there are people like this. If you are not committed to the pet, then don't adopt; there is no way to guarantee that a cat will be this or that. The breeder can tell you what a cat will *likely* be like, but the cat will have his own idea of what he is.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Thank you. And I'm considering one in the future. I found information stating that they are given up quite often by their owners, that they spray fixed or not, and some won't eat cat food, on top of being aggressive. It was not stated whether they were f1s, what type of environment they were in, etc. That is why I am looking for first hand experience. Strong opinions paint vivid one sided pictures

As one of the Directors of Savannah Rescue, I think I am a good source of information (as is Paige as she is a member of our core rescue team)... I have no reason to hide any of the bad traits of the Savannah breed as it would only increase my workload in future!

We have thousands on our waiting list for a rescued Savannah, 6996 people as of today. We have 992 foster homes on standby also... and we find that ~90% of our foster homes adopt the kitty they foster. I don't think they'd do that if they were horrible pets!

The reasons Savannahs are surrendered are the exact same as for any other domestic cat breed: not getting along with other cats (often an owner keeps accumulating pets until there is trouble), owner moving and unable to take pet (either overseas or can't find a rental that will take cats), inappropriate elimination (the number one reason for ALL cats to be surrendered to a shelter), new spouse/girlfriend/baby is "allergic", new baby and fears the kitty will smother it... I can say that in almost all the cases, the cat goes to a new home and does great. Often the issues they are surrendered with disappear in the new home, even without behavior modification techniques.

I will say that F1s are a very different cat, in general they are more intense in reactions and more determined to have their own way...so require a home that is ready for the challenge. I see it as similar to a large dog, not everyone should own one and if you do go into that you need to be prepared to put in the time and effort to make it work!

 

[alyon]

Thank you for this information Brigitte

 

[Todd L]

I purchased an F2 about a month ago and hes a great cat. Just last week he started spraying. Which wasnt pleasent. However he wasnt nuetered yet either. Yesterday we had him nuetered and so far no more spraying. He also has become much more attached to us all. I blame myself for the spraying as i should have done it sooner. I just wanted him to get acclaimated to our home before i took him to the vet. He also is 10 1/2 months old so i kinda expected it may be an issue. Never the less no more spraying "Cheers!!". On another note he and my F5 our great cats with kids. But then again SV's act like kids anyways. =)

The golden one is my F2 and the Silver one is my F5.

 

[Patti]

Thank you. And I'm considering one in the future. I found information stating that they are given up quite often by their owners, that they spray fixed or not, and some won't eat cat food, on top of being aggressive. It was not stated whether they were f1s, what type of environment they were in, etc. That is why I am looking for first hand experience. Strong opinions paint vivid one sided pictures

Sounds like your typical AR/anti-hybrid rubbish...

 

[alyon]

I'm not sure why people are so against hybrids, blue whales cross with fin whales, bobcats cross with lynxes, and people cross horses with donkeys...

 

[MK Anderson]

Hello, I've been researching this breed and would like to know more firsthand info from an owner (not a breeder or someone in opposition to hybridization).

How safe are they around children, anyone have isues with any aggression?

Has anyone had issues with spraying from a cat that was fixed at a young age?

Can they go outside?

And, compared to other cats, what is the best and worst trait of these animals?

Thank you for sharing.

I have a F-3 and I trust him most out of the 3 cats I own(1 savannah 2dsh). I have never had a problem with aggression, just the opposite actually. He is very loving, friendly, always want to sit on our laps, greets anyone who comes over with head butts.
no spray issue with him, but one of my dsh cats I did about 4years ago. he was fixed a 3ms.
I only let them out in the enclosure I have built for them, never loose to roam.
He is far more bonded then the other 2, he comes when I call him, he is really just everything I want and love! he is my bud!

 

[alyon]

They sound like really great cats