Hey it's Me and Simba!

[AmyAndSimba]

Well, Simba is not home with me yet.. he will be arriving in just a couple of weeks. He is an F3 savannah! He is so cute, beautiful gold color with lovely spots, and is the most energetic of the litter!

I have some questions and wondering if I can get some advice for my kitten...

Food
The breeder I bought him from has her cats on kitten chow and friskies wet food. I was skeptical about keeping him on this cheap food, but I have noticed other breeders recommending kitten chow over premium brand foods. I do want to give my kitten the best care possible, but also don't want to break the bank. I am thinking about Taste of the Wild (for cats and kittens), which seems like an affordable choice, and may be best for me since I already have a 1-year old cat living at home. I guess I am wondering if getting a food formulated for adult cats and kittens would provide as much needed nutrients as regular kitten food. Any suggestions?

Flea/heartworm prevention
Do you guys administer a monthly flea/heartworm prevention to your cats? I plan on keeping both my cats strictly indoors... I understand it's possible for bugs to sneak in and cause problems, but the risk level seems to below especially since I rarely have bugs in my second floor apartment. Revolution seems to be the best since it prevents fleas and worms, are there any other products out there that will do the same thing and not cost as much?

Thanks guys!

 

[admin]

Welcome Amy and Simba! Simba is adorable!

Taste of the Wild is a good food that many here use...wet food is usually better than dry for numerous reasons...see this forum: http://www.savannahcatchat.com/forums/savannah-cat-diet/

I use Revolution...however my cats walk on leashes outside in the spring and summer.

 

[Trish Allearz]

Welcome, Amy! Honestly speaking- for one to two kittens/cats, you can't break the bank with any food you choose. It's when you get a couple that you start wondering if they are going to eat you out of house and home

Definitely upgrade the food though. Right now- that kitten is eating mostly fillers and honestly- junk. Of course, he probably loves it, but my kids love McDonald's chicken nuggets and would eat them on a daily basis if I let them Nothing wrong with junk as a snack here and there (treats), but you don't want him on it long term. TpTW is a pretty decent food. I do agree with Paige that wet is healthier for the long run. If you can't do wet (I don't)- I would recommend a good water fountain for your kitty. Water fountains draw cats to them and they'll drink so much more from a fountain versus a bowl. It is really really good for your kitty in the long run.

I am going to let others with more experience speak of parasites... We live in a very hot dry climate so thankfully, don't see fleas/ticks/mites/heartworm.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Welcome, Amy! I completely agree with the others... when my cats were getting kibble I was feeding Taste of the Wild...but recently my eldest cat developed signs of kidney failure (due to the heart medication he takes). I removed the kibble and found a canned he would eat that was better quality than the Fancy Feast he wanted (Earthborn Holistics is what they eat now) and six months on his kidney values are stable and no deterioration. That was a huge indicator to me on how bad kibble and cheaper canned food can be for them. I also feed raw to those that want is, ground raw rabbit and rabbit pieces with Mazuri supplements.

Do feed what the breeder is feeding your kitten at first though! Only transition gradually, mixing in the new food a little at a time until they are fully changed over. If you change too suddenly you may cause digestive upsets which are best avoided!

 

[Ashley]

Hi! I love your kitten's name. Our Savannah's name is Kovu (from Lion King II). I originally wanted to name him Mufasa but Glenn & Elijah liked Kovu better. lol

Kovu eats Blue Buffalo Wilderness. He gets wet food at breakfast and dinner when we are home, and has unlimited access to dry food 24/7. We also have a water fountain that he loves. I think I find him wetting his nose and paws more than I find him drinking out of it. We tried the raw diet, which he showed NO interest (sad face). I recently found (online) a holistic pet store close to me that has several other good foods for cheaper than what I get Blue Buffalo for so I am considering switching and I know Taste of the Wild is one of the brands they carry. I'm going to go in tomorrow & see what they suggest.

 

[AmyAndSimba]

Kovu is a cute name too! I never saw Lion King II, so I never heard of him. He is so cute, is he wearing a shirt in that pic? lol

 

[Ashley]

Yes.. (hides face in shame)
lol He actually didn't act like he minded it much.

 

[Pam Flachs]

Welcome Amy and Simba! I feed TOTW and am happy with how my cats do on it. They really like the taste, too

 

[admin]

Yes.. (hides face in shame)
lol He actually didn't act like he minded it much.

GREAT pic, Ashley!

 

[Anne]

Welcome Amy, I also feed taste of the wild to both my cats and they love it ... I give them mix of both the dry and wet food ..... You'll truly enjoy your new arrival!