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Kona - The Kitten that Wakes you Up!

Hi I am Kona's mom. We are in Minnesota.
I'm here to do some research and ask some questions. I've been lurking about but there's some questions that I haven't seen addressed.

I suspect that my kitten is part Savannah Cat. My intent was to get his DNA tested by UC Davis so that I would know one way or another but they need samples donated by Savannah owners so they can build a profile (as I understand).

Does anyone know of any legitimate reputable facilities that can test DNA for Savannah genetics?

My intent is to provide proper care and take into account any special requirements he may have due to genetic needs.

He was born the week of April 11, 2016

He's nearing 6 months old and weighs 8.2 lbs.

He just got his upper canines in about 2 weeks ago (about 5.5 months).

I am currently feeding dry kitten food. I switched from NutriSource chicken and rice to Blue Buffalo Wilderness (no grain).

This is the strangest cat (I have to remind myself he's just a kitten - because he's HUGE! ) I've ever been owned by. He's very loving, athletic, communicative, and smart.

These pictures are of Kona when he was about 6 weeks old. I got him at about 7 weeks.

I'm having trouble resizing images so I can't upload any of my pics that I've taken previously.

The adult cat in the picture is NOT his mother. She is an older sister. His mother looks nothing like him.

When I posted her picture on my fb page everyone who has/had Maine Coons commented how much she looked like she had Maine Coon in her. The vet commented the same thing. And then about 20 minutes later he said - Kona's markings reminded him of a Savannah Cat.

Just to try to give a sense of proportion - that's a quarter on the floor next to his paw. (This is a current photo as is the other one with grey carpet. )

Please know I'm under no delusion that "I have a Savannah Cat".

I do have a kitten that is huge, exhibits much of the personality traits I've read about and has some similar (diluted) markings.

But I would like to get him tested.

Thank you - it's a joy to see your beautiful and amazing cats.
 

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Patti

Admin
Staff member
I'm not really seeing anything that makes me think Savannah from these pics of Kona. The adult pictured with him actually reminds me more of a Norwegian Forest Cat than a Maine Coon (although I am no expert in either breed!)

As far as I know, there is no DNA test to differentiate between the different breeds of domestic cat. What sort of special requirements and genetic needs does Kona have? He sounds like a really fun and adorable little guy!
 
This is a link to the University that is providing ancestry testing (for a fee).

They are actively seeking people with Savannah Cats to submit DNA samples (a cheek swab) so they can develop a panel of genetic markers (no fee).

https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat/ancestry/index.php

They have a number of breeds that they can show a lineage of. Savannahs are not one of them.

Lol! There is nothing little about this kitten! He has a 13" girth and can almost reach the counter tops from a standing position on the floor. And if I'm seated in a kitchen chair he can almost leap from the floor to my shoulders (this is being discouraged).

With all of this at less than 6 months 'ol Thunder Paws should be something by a year old!

And yes! Whatever his genetic makeup we are enjoying him!

Thanks for your input!
 
As far as I know, there is no DNA test to differentiate between the different breeds of domestic cat. What sort of special requirements and genetic needs does Kona have? He sounds like a really fun and adorable little guy!

Hi - sorry I replied to your comment but I didn't do it properly - posted reply independently. Newbies! Lol!
 

DougRD

Site Supporter
Great name! I had a DSH brown tabby that was named Kona. His brother was a red tabby and his name was Maui.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Great name! I had a DSH brown tabby that was named Kona. His brother was a red tabby and his name was Maui.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! I named him Kona because he looked like had coffee beans all over hisome saddle.

His full name is Kona Loca Mean Bean (my favorite flavors of Monster Java cold coffee drinks). He's also the same colors as the cans!
 

NatalieF

Savannah Super Cat
So cute! And wow I didn't know that they could do cat lineage....that's pretty cool it's like family tree stuff but for cats....
 
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