hi all! I think I adopted a savannah!

[Brigitte Cowell]

Yeah, I was worried about stressing him too much. Too slow is better than too fast isnt it? Maybe ill just let him decide. I just figured a controlled meeting would be safer, but if hes not feeling ready it could still go badly... I just want him to be comfortable.

I think you are right, slow is not going to be a bad thing... he will let you know if it is too slow but I think better to err on that side than rush things.

Disregard the hissing at you when you go to pick him up in those situations, it is simply because he feels anxious and stressed about the new environment and other animals...and sometimes that redirects onto whatever is closest (you)... but when he is in his room work on establishing that bond, find treats he likes or certain play he likes and use that to enhance your relationship with him

 

[Patti]

It sounds like you are doing all the right things by taking your time, and taking cues from his as to how much and when he is ready to handle anything new. He's in good hands

 

[rubberduc142]

Yay. Thanks guys, that makes me feel better. Ive tried kitty treats and meat baby foods, but hes not very food motivated. Any other ideas? Ive been playing hide n seek with him, he loves that. He isnt much into the laser pointer, either. Weve had some luck with the feather toys, depending on his mood. Anything your savannahs love to play with?

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

As to treats, most of mine reject the majority of cat treats...the only one they consistently like is freeze-dried chicken, brands like Whole Life or Power Paws Products.

Toys, mine like Lori Greer's ones.. www.hyendry.com
Mine also like Da Bird (which is the feather on a string on a wand you find in Petco) and they also like the Mouse Catcher made by the same company Go Cat and found also in Petco.
www.metpet.com has a lot of toys mine like and most of the wand toys are pretty sturdy which is good!

What also differs between cats is HOW they play, some want you to sail a feather through the air for them to bring it down, some want it dragged slowly on the ground like an injured bird and some want it swished fast back and forth to whip them into a frenzy. Some want you to drag it over obstacles for them to chase...you just have to experiment and see what appeals... good luck!

 

[ScottKelly911]

Welcome to the forum. He looks quite large and leggy which definitely makes him appear to be a Savannah, at least from your avatar pic Sounds like you're doing a good job acclimating him to his new home. It just takes time. Being a shelter cat, he may have had traumatic experiences that you're not aware of, so his acclimation to the other animals may come more slowly. Just be patient and continue what you're doing. Sounds like you've got a pretty good handle on what to do, just need to be patient at this point. Keep it up and good luck!

 

[adamcrssmn]

The first night we had King and Karma, I thought for sure she (Karma) was going to rip my arm and face off just based on the hissing and growling... She still hates our Bengals, but she love, love, LOVES her people now! Give it time...

 

[rubberduc142]

Crap! We messed up!
Okay, so during the new Kitties exploring time yesterday, everything was going well. So I went upstairs for a few minutes, only to come running downstairs to fur flying and the new kitty beating up on our black cat. I know it's completely my fault for leaving them... But now what? I'm going to keep them from meeting again for awhile. New cat out, our cats in the bedroom. And vice versa. But how do I fix this? Is our black cat going to hate the new one now?? I would hate it if the new kitty gets in the habit of picking on him. how do I do some damage control??

 

[Nitro]

Try a screen door/series of baby gates. That should keep the smells coming through but limit their personal affection for each other.

 

[admin]

Crap! We messed up!
Okay, so during the new Kitties exploring time yesterday, everything was going well. So I went upstairs for a few minutes, only to come running downstairs to fur flying and the new kitty beating up on our black cat. I know it's completely my fault for leaving them... But now what? I'm going to keep them from meeting again for awhile. New cat out, our cats in the bedroom. And vice versa. But how do I fix this? Is our black cat going to hate the new one now?? I would hate it if the new kitty gets in the habit of picking on him. how do I do some damage control??

Your black cat is not necessarily going to hate the new kitty...it only happened once and hopefully, your black cat will not be traumatized...give it time - sounds like you are doing a great job!

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Yes, as Paige says, it has only happened once so can just be a tussle to establish the household pecking order. You were of course right to break it up but do expect some growling and spitting etc as these are adult cats working out how they are going to live together...

A screen door is a wonderful thing if you can make that work for one room...