HYBRID - Are Savannahs, Bengals and Chausies Hybrids?

[admin]

THE answer is NO!!!! And the more we call them hybrids, as if they were a car or flower or some other scientific experiment, the more AR extremists are going to use the definition to ban or restrict them.

The only hybrid, using the true definition of the word, is an F1 Savannah, Chausie or Bengal...and we consider F1's to be domestic. AR extremists call all of our cats hybrids and by using that term, play on the emotions of very misinformed legislators and public, by insinuating and just plain stating that our cats are "wild".

We need to call our cats what they are...savannahs, bengals and chausies - a domestic breed of cat - period. No they need not be called Hybrid Derived Domestic - they need not be called HD cats - they need not be called Hybrids...

They are: Savannah Cats, Bengal Cats and Chausies!!!

 

[SV Dad]

I wonder if there is any data about the number of challenging cats and dogs of all breeds, and "mongrels". I would not be surprised to find out that the Savannah, Chausies, and Bengal breeds, as a percentage, are far less than the overall average of problem pets. These cats have been bred for personality. It is difficult to produce them. There is a significant cost to obtain them.
I would also venture to say that these breeds are given significant veterinary care when compared to the overall average.
Any while we are at this, I find it appalling that there are groups out there rescuing "big cats", which should not be in private hands (including them!) to begin with, and think they are talking for the whole world. Hypocrisy at it's finest. The zoological organizations should be handling these "big cats."

 

[WitchyWoman]

Paige…I've seen the newly created "hybrid derived" in some FB posts. What is the motivation behind the insistence on using the word hybrid in association with these cats? I get the feeling it's because certain breeders are reluctant to give up what they feel is a marketing advantage.

 

[admin]

Yes, Deborah...I would guess that is the reason...maybe they think it makes their cats more appealing or special or "wild"

 

[Pam Flachs]

I agree, WW. There are certain owners, too, who throw that H word out just as much. I liken it to bragging, much like saying "I have a new Coach purse, a Rolex, a Prius"...etc. "My cat is better than yours because it is a HYBRID, or HP (High Percentage)".....ugh.

 

[Stormi]

As someone who has not owned a Savannah- the "hybrid" caught my attention. It made me want to learn more. But! Now that I've learned a lot more about these cats, I dislike the term. Completely. It makes them sound so much more dangerous than they are. I do feel that an F1 is the only true 'Hybrid' generation.
They're not lab experiments- they're well loved and loving Domestic Pets. I know people would never let their children play with a lab experiment, but they let them play with Savannahs- because they're not experiments like the term 'hybrid' suggests. They're pets.

 

[admin]

Here is the definition I came up with, with Trish's help as per the USDA - "savannahs are considered domestic as per the USDA - an immediate cross between a serval and a domestic cat is domestic as are all future progeny of such a cross, due to domestic heritage."

 

[Carykd7kau]

They are cats! Savannahs, Bengals, or Chausies. Hybrid is something that is neither. Neither domestic nor wild. Sorry, I have Savannah cats.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Sooooo, how long do you think HSUS or its ilk will take to petition the USDA to change the ruling? Tick tock goes the clock.

 

[Carykd7kau]

It is so unfortunate that the only thing that speaks any more is money. If you do not have money you cannot change ( or keep ) anything. All, and I do mean ALL, polititions are bought and paid for. The ONLY way to get their attention is with big bucks. Votes do NOT count anymore, because the election process is bought and paid for too. I am sorry to say that, but I have watched America become Amerika. Freedom of, and voices for, the people are a thing of the past. We can blame ourselves for allowing it and not rising up and stopping it using whatever means are necessary. I have given up trying to effect any change in government or law because I am not blessed with enough money to do anything.