Looking for a Kitten in South Africa.

[IAN REID]

Hi everyone I am in Johannesburg and am desperate for an F1. I recently got caught up in a scam with some Frenchmen claiming to be breeders so was very happy to find this sight. Is anyone aware of a legitimate breeder in my neck of the woods? Would be most greatfull for a local contact. Many thanks IAN>

 

[admin]

Ian, as far as I know, there are not any savannah breeders in SA...I hope you did not lose any money...

The European companies would probably be closest to you, yes?

 

[admin]

Or...there are breeders in South America, which looks closer than Europe.

 

[Trish Allearz]

Or...there are breeders in South America, which looks closer than Europe.

As of about two years ago, I don't think there were any Savannahs IN S Africa. My F1 was introduced to a few S African TICA judges because they'd never met any Savannahs before.

 

[Patti]

I have heard conflicting information about the legality of Savannahs in South Africa, and don't know what the full story is. I only know that there were a couple of people who wanted very much to import Savannahs to SA several years ago but were unable to because of legal or other unclear reasons. Brigitte would know, but not sure she is popping in here while off in Paris...

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I didn't have too much internet access in Paris (which surprised me as it was such a ritzy hotel JN's work put us up at)...but back now!

As far as I can tell, you can import anything F2 or further without issue...an F1 might be difficult as it seems they might decide it was not allowed because of the Serval parentage. It seemed from what the cat folk in SA were telling me it could easily depend on which customs official you met on the day...but an SBT Savannah should be easy. The breed was banned by the South African Cat Council but there are other cat registries there that accept them because they accept all TICA breeds...and there is no actual reason they should be illegal to import.

The problem with establishing it as a breed in SA seems to be that you can't have a Serval easily in a program. I did know of a breeder there that put some adult domestics in with a Serval (against my advice) but it didn't result in any kittens. The cost of purchasing and importing to SA seems to be what stops many from importing an EG Savannah into SA for a program... I have a couple interested folk but they were holding out for an SBT kitten from Maddie who is now 3 years old and no kittens...

I've participated on a couple SA cat fancy lists for some years, and hosted visits of some judges and exhibitors from there over those years too. There's a lot of interest but from those involved in the show scene having to introduce a breed is a lot of work and I think most keep hoping someone else takes it on!

There are definitely a number of scam artists out there claiming to have Savannahs for sale there or be importing soon...so do be careful!

 

[IAN REID]

Thanks so much for all your input it certainly clarifys the situation here. What domestic breed was or is used to generate an F1? I presume most breeders would use a Savannah now?
Thanks a ton IAN.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Yes, I think many are using Savannah females with their Servals...but often it is a matter of giving him a lot of choice and hoping he likes some of them.

Many breeds have been used with the Serval: Bengal, Egyptian Mau, Maine Coons and of course plain Domestic Shorthairs.

 

[Patti]

Thanks so much for all your input it certainly clarifys the situation here. What domestic breed was or is used to generate an F1? I presume most breeders would use a Savannah now?
Thanks a ton IAN.

Whatever domestic the Serval takes a fancy to