Hello!

[ashlefle]

Hi Everyone!
I don't currently have a Savannah, but I really want one, and have been pining over pictures and videos of them for over two years. I am saving up to buy one, and I hope I will be able to find my kitten in about a year. (I am currently a grad student, and will have graduated by then, hopefully with a job.) I am currently trying to find a breeder. (In my perfect world, I would rather put down a deposit and wait an extra year or two to have first pick of a litter where I could meet the kittens and see which one I connected to most... and hopefully not fall in love with the entire litter .)

I am in northern CA, and I think I would like an F2 (based on some of the research I have done, although people seem to have varying options on the F-ratings). In northern Cali (where I live) I have only found breeders who sell F3 (and F4-F7), but no F2s, and I was wondering whether there was really that much of a difference.

I have been perusing this forum a bit, and it seems like a really awesome community. I have (at least) a year to plan, so I hope to soak up lots of information and advice. It's very nice to meet you all!

 

[Pam Flachs]

Welcome, Ash!

I think you are wise to research Savannahs, the generational differences and breeders...as well as waiting until you are ready, financially and otherwise.

You will get varying opinions on the differences in generations. For me personally, my lower gen cats (F7 and F8's) are much more active and get into "trouble" more than my F2, F3 and F4 girls, who tend to be laid back, but all are loving and sweet, unique and special in their own ways. Each cat is an individual, and if you can find a breeder willing to let you come for a visit, or go to a cat show...you will see only F4SBT Savannahs and later there....you will get a good feel for the different generations and talk to the breeders and exhibitors.

http://www.tica.org/public/calendar.php


Glad to hear you have been reading the forum posts. There is tons of good information here, and if you can't find an answer to a question by reading through them, someone will always give an answer.

Yes, this is a great group o' folks here Good to have you aboard!

 

[Becki]

Welcome! I have learned so much from this site, so definitely read all you can. I have 2 f2bs, but would not hesitate to get a later generation if that was better for the budget. I don't think I would have felt that way when I first started my SV journey! I have seen how cool looking and behaving they all are!

 

[Patti]

Welcome Ash, I hope you find the perfect Savannah when the time comes, regardless of generation!

 

[NikkiA]

Welcome Ash!
We share our lives with F3 Jarvis, F4 Mickey, and F5 Diablo.
I don't have any personal experience with F2 SV's, but in my personal opinion the F3, F4 and F5 generations are pretty great.

 

[ashlefle]

or go to a cat show...you will see only F4SBT Savannahs and later there....you will get a good feel for the different generations and talk to the breeders and exhibitors.

Thanks for the wonderful idea Pam!

Thanks for the advice Becki. I definitely felt like getting an F2 was more important when I first started looking, but the more I read, the more I think I just want to find a breeder I love.

All of you have such lovely cats (and I really want to rub Patti's kitten's tummy)! I am so jealous...all I have are my robots, and they really don't quite cut it

 

[WitchyWoman]

I definitely felt like getting an F2 was more important when I first started looking, but the more I read, the more I think I just want to find a breeder I love.

You can do both -- find a breeder of F2s that you love. If you really want a later generation SV, I'll sell you my F6 for $1. He is sweet as sugar and a world class troublemaker. This morning I saw him jumping on the back of one of my F2s (16" at the shoulder & 22 lbs) and take him down like a big game hunter felling an elephant. My F6 is barely 10 lbs. He is currently meticulously emptying the toy box, one toy at a time making a gargling mrrrrowing noise whilst carrying them to the other end of the house. Then he brings them back, still making that noise, and puts them back in the box. My F2s are veritable angels compared to Taji.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

My opinion is that in the early days of the breed, the F2s were definitely the "sweet spot" of the breed...where you had much of the look of our breed. But as our breed has developed, there are more and more really fabulous F3s, F4s and F5s that really rival the earlier generations of yesteryear... so I would not limit your search necessarily. As you seem to have already worked out, finding the right breeder is very important too

 

[Melody Waara]

Welcome to the forum, Ash. Congratulations on beginning the planning process for your Savannah – I fondly remember doing it myself. When it’s meant to be, your perfect baby will appear and they’ll bring you so much joy.. and mischief.