New Luck Owner

[SV Dad]

IMO that distant and shy from the start, is a product of the serval ancestry. The blood line is strong in the savannahs. High intelligence, caution, and hunting behaviors are very evident. Mine seem to startle and run for cover much more then my previous DSH's. Distant and shy might be misunderstood, as it may be instinctual behavior they will have to learn to overcome.

 

[Sam]

IMO that distant and shy from the start, is a product of the serval ancestry. The blood line is strong in the savannahs. High intelligence, caution, and hunting behaviors are very evident. Mine seem to startle and run for cover much more then my previous DSH's. Distant and shy might be misunderstood, as it may be instinctual behavior they will have to learn to overcome.

I agree with everything you said, I think I am the weak link here lol, it will be interesting to read my posts a month from now to compare.

 

[WitchyWoman]

IMO that distant and shy from the start, is a product of the serval ancestry.

Could also be due to type of socialization done by the breeder. Sam, did kitten have exposure to men of various ages at the breeder's?

 

[Sam]

Could also be due to type of socialization done by the breeder. Sam, did kitten have exposure to men of various ages at the breeder's?

She has a boyfriend and a son... But the kitty is also distant from my better half and won't let her pet for more than 20 seconds.. She won't eat food on her own unless we first shove it in her face and then put it in front of her to finally eat out of the plate... All of these signs are very alarming to me after I was told she was socialized and literary slept on top of the breeder. I know it's going to take a few weeks or maybe more but so far there is hardly any improvents. She hides under the couch, tv stand in the sitting room and now under the bed.

 

[SV Dad]

If she was sleeping on the breeder, she was bonding. So that might be part of what you are experiencing. Once she knows who is feeding her and is always there, she will be more comfortable. Sounds like she is getting to know the house. That's good.

 

[WitchyWoman]

I'm keeping all my digits crossed that when I return from Thanksgiving holiday, you'll have happier news to share. I hope you follow Patti's advice to keep her isolated from guests and to try to keep to a consistent schedule of play time & meal time for the next couple of weeks. I really believe it will help. Remember that patience is required and when that fails, I've personally found that vodka on the rocks with a twist of lime helps immensely.

 

[Sam]

I'm keeping all my digits crossed that when I return from Thanksgiving holiday, you'll have happier news to share. I hope you follow Patti's advice to keep her isolated from guests and to try to keep to a consistent schedule of play time & meal time for the next couple of weeks. I really believe it will help. Remember that patience is required and when that fails, I've personally found that vodka on the rocks with a twist of lime helps immensely.

I am following everyones advice which seems to be almost the same and trust me she will not be coming down during Thanksgiving and the bedroom door will be locked I have already started my holiday drinking... she makes it an easy excuse for sure. Have a safe and wonderful trip/Thanksgiving.

 

[F/3]

The first week or two simba cried non stop. I took a week off work when I first got him and lived in his bedroom. I slept on the floor at night and played with my iPad during the day. I've had cats all my life and have never quarenteened a cat before. He was so scared. I kept telling myself that I made a huge mistake getting a savannah. After two weeks he started coming around and now I wouldn't trade him for anything. Actually thinking about getting him an F1 as a playmate.
Hang tough.

 

[Sam]

Thanks Mark... We finally named her Layla. She came full force alive late last night, she was pouncing and running all over the bedroom, grabbed a hand towel from master bath and decide to make it her own and just had a good old time. She finally ate on her own and all of this happened while I was sleep but was observed by my better half. She supposedly sat by my side of the bed and moewed for a while.. This morning she was back in her hiding place but I guess once she is comfortable with her surroundings, we ll be next to explore.

 

[SV Dad]

Love that name. It's my ringtone! Nice to hear the kitten had her first "Savannah Moment!"
The hiding place may become her favorite "security" haven. That's ok, because she feels safe there.
Now that she is feeling better about her surroundings, you will see the real cat evolve!.