Hi Everyone,

[Iluvanimals]

My name is Maryann and I live in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca and just found this site. I found out about the Savannah cat after rescuing a kitten on the 57 Fwy in Sept. 2011. Ironically, I was listening to Animal Intuition on Sirius XM during rush hour traffic (so that means I was at a stop) when all of sudden a kitten ran towards my car.

I jumped out of my car and caught the kitten. He almost got away and would have run onto the shoulder and probably would have died. I know this sounds stupid, but really the traffic was stopped and I was in the lane closest to the shoulder of the fwy.

The kitten stopped traffic. He may have fallen out of a car because his mouth and head were swollen. Once back in my car, I thought what am I going to do with another animal. I had 2 Poms and a kitten that I just rescued and no money to spend on vet bills. I pulled over and called the shelter and then hung up because I thought they would put him to sleep. I took him home and gave him til morning. If he got worse I'ld take him to shelter. He made it, but I did check him throughout the night.

I noticed he was unique looking. I thought at first he was just a tiger cat, but his eyes were hooded and then the spots. After checking the web for descriptions of cats that matched I really think he is part Savannah. he has the marks on the back of his ears to. He also makes funny purring like sounds.

If someone could tell me I would appreciate it. is there a test I can have done that's not expensive.

Thanks,
Maryann

 

[Trish Allearz]

Realistically, I don't think any test would be able to tell you that you have a Savannah. Looking at your baby, I'm doubtful, but then again- if it is an outcrossed lower generation- there is always that possibility What matters is he's yours, he's healthy and he seems to be very handsome!

Welcome to SVcatchat.com! Regardless of what any of us think about your boy's possible heritage, I hope you stick around and share more stories about him!

 

[Patti]

Welcome Maryann, what an adventure! I'm glad you didn't get hurt, and the kitten didn't sustain further injuries on the freeway. Do you have any pics of his face? He looks well cared for, is there somewhere you can post a 'Kitten Found' ad to try to find his home?

 

[Aaron M]

Hello, and welcome!! That sounds like a courageous story! Great job — you're so considerate =)! From the back, I would say no it is not a Savannah. However, I am no expert =)... That said, I say this because 1 - his ears are not very large 2 - his neck appears rather short in length 3 - limbs seem pretty normal (length) 4 - tail is long and slender. If you could share a picture of his face, I'm sure we could give you a more accurate opinion. A lot of tabbies have the same spotting as F3-F5 Savannahs... So, I don't know... Again, I am no expert, but I'd guess if he DID have Savannah in him it would be less than 3%.

 

[Eolsurion]

The cat, a big boy for sure, he is very lucky to have you. I hope regardless if he is savannah or not, that you continue to love him as you do now.

I would have to agree for the most part with the others though the following things make me question if it might not be a little bit higher a percentage than 3%

Ocelli on his ears ... Look just like that on my F2, that combined with the rest of his markings makes me wonder. When judging the markings I'm taking in the color of his tummy, and the insides of his front legs and chest (he has that peachy orangish color that a lot of savannahs share.

His ears are larger than most domestics, though a bit short, the placement of the ears seems about right for a savannah.

And my final thoughts, he is a big cat. His weight I think throws a lot of his proportions off .. He has longish legs, that look much shorter than they are because he's carrying a good 7-8 lbs of extra kitty around. Is hard to tell about his tail because it is cut off in this picture. His body length from neck to tail also seem longer than your normal domestic as well.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Welcome, Maryann!

No, there's not a DNA test or anything, but really we do have a number of lower generation Savannahs that seem to show more of their domestic heritage than the Serval so it is not impossible. And the fun part of having a cat with no papers or pedigree is that you can decide he is anything you want him to be

 

[admin]

Welcome to savannahcatchat.com, Maryann...this kitten sounds like he found you for a reason, so thank you for saving him...some pics of his facce may help us identify him as a savannah or domestic.

he is a handsome guy and lucky to have you!

 

[Laura W]

Maryann, You are my neighbor of sorts. I live in Yucca Valley. There don't seem to be very many SV's in our area. You're lucky you found the forums here with so many great people who know the breed. I have found very few people, even ones who are suppose to know about cats who even know what a SV is around Riverside or S.B. County.