Hello everyone!

[Bekki]

You make some very good points patti

 

[Patti]

There are some breeders who believe the more diversity of wild genes added to a cat/kitten the more exotic it will be. They are probably not interested in promoting the Savannah, or any of the other breeds they use, but I'm sure they find people who buy into their rationale/hype.

 

[Bekki]

exactly I'm in no hurry but I am every bit thirsty for knowledge and I want to know I found "the one" it's like finding your soulmate you just know when it happens and I will wait for however long I need to for that. Everything sort of falls into place, there's no forcing. When you have to make something happen in a time frame things get rushed you make rash decisions and regret the outcome. And are you familiar with animal reiki? It really helps calm pets helps relieve stress and pain. When my hedgehog caught a nasty virus that after 4 weeks took its toll. I used reiki to help him to eat, drink and be able to sleep. it's defiantly something worth looking into if your cat seems distressed or in pain. Works wonders on humans too lol

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

A local breeder had an f2 savannah that was mixed with chausie and bengal. And then she bred with Maine coon she said they were at least f5 kittens.

. why would she breed with all those different cats? and she does 1 litter a year of these.

Why would a breeder do that? Obviously not because they are wishing to replicate the Serval in a domestic form. When you use all those breeds then most often I have heard those "breeders" use justifications like they want a "wild look" and so "exotic"... I don't understand it as the amount of crossing really dilutes the effect of any of those breeds and you end up with a mixed breed cat that really is not conforming to ANY breed standard. And there's plenty of those cats in a shelter...

I agree with Patti, I'd think any breeder selling Savannah kittens that is using anything but Savannahs (and Serval) in their program is a red flag. I'd want to know WHY they are not using a Savannah male and want to think it a reason beyond convenience (they already have a Bengal stud) or wanting an undefined "wild" look. At this stage of our breed, when you produce an F5 generation Savannah that is outcrossed it is more correctly termed a "Savannah mix".

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

How can you find out what quality program?

There's many signs of when a breeder is good or bad. I always advise asking lots of questions and being happy with the answers you are given. Remember if they don't have time to answer your questions before they have your money, what is the chance they will find time for you AFTER they have the money?

Ask for a contract before sending a deposit and read it carefully. I've recently read that a breeder only offers six months of genetic health guarantee while the average contract offers one year. Why would that be would be a question I'd ask. I also prefer health guarantees that only require diagnosis of the fatal defect/disease in that first year rather than the cat having to die in that first year to get a replacement kitten. After all, I'd want to be the owner that extends the life of that kitten as far as possible and that kind of care should not prevent having the kitten replaced. Realize that contracts only work if the other party is honest hence you have to have ensured the person you are dealing with is ethical for the contract to even be useful!

It's easy when looking at kittens to get overexcited and jump in... try to hold back and feel a tad cynical even if you can. I might even advise having a bit of a look at some other breed kittens that are similar to make sure you are getting something distinct. So looking at available Bengals and Ocicats and Oriental Shorthairs in the same brown spotted tabby coloring might help you then distinguish the Savannah kitten that really says Savannah. Personally, I found going to cat shows and sitting through some kitten rings good for me.

As to putting a kitten through an airplane ride, I think it less traumatic for a kitten when carried in cabin than put in cargo... so I've flown with kittens all over the place rather than ship to new homes. Others say they don't think cargo shipping impacts kittens much at all. It's a personal call I think

 

[Patti]

As for shipping/flying a kitten, you also have to look at it from the kitten's point of view - do you think it would be easier to be contained in a crate for a 14 hour road trip, or for a one hour plane ride? Remember, you are a stranger to the kitten so will not necessarily be a comfort during a long road trip...

 

[Bekki]

Maybe I'm just concerned because I don't know what they do with the pet once they get the carrier. Or what other pets are nearby. Big scary dog and itty bitty kitten always concerns me. My parents purchased an old English sheepdog puppy from a breeder in mi. Turns out they were a puppy mill we had no idea until we had health issues with the pup. Did some research and came across reviews. had to be put on antibiotic and dewormed twice. but anyways when we picked him up at the airport he was terrified and there was vomit in the carrier sort of scarred me. But a long car ride could be bad as well. I would prefer finding a breeder within a neighboring state. Ohio pa are only a 2-4 hour drive to center of state. and then there is Canada I right near Niagara Falls so right near the border although I am not sure what customs would have to say about that. if I didn't find a breeder I clicked with that was close enough I would fly and hope for the best. maybe it wasn't the flight that was the issue maybe it was just a weak sick puppy

 

[Patti]

As Brigitte mentioned, you can always carry a kitten on board with you, which has its advantages of avoiding the scenarios you pointed out, but on the downside is in a smaller carrier than you can use shipping so a bit (to humans at least) claustrophobic. To import from Canada you or the breeder needs an Import-Export license and you will it to be inspected by US Fish and Wildlife, probably at the Buffalo port of entry, given your location. I know a couple of breeders in OH as well as Ontario if you want references.

As with Brigitte, I have flown cross country with Savannahs and have rarely encountered a problem, but when carrying on with you, you need to take out the kitten to go through security so need to be prepared and patient, and not worry about holding up the line... most of us who do this routinely have the system down pat, but for a first - time traveler this can be a bit daunting...

 

[Bekki]

I thought she had meant had the kitten with other animals while flying with them. I misinterpreted. I had no idea you could take a kitten on board. Mind blown. do you just keep the carrier on your lap?

 

[piplove2829]

My breeder is great. Amanukatz. She has some beautiful f6 kittens. Check out her website Amanukatz. Com she is great, she will answer any questions u have! You will love the breed. It's a soul changing experience

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