New Member From SoCal

[ScottKelly911]

Hi everyone, my name is Scott and I live in Los Angeles. I just discovered this site while doing research on Savannah's and really happy that I did as it's a wealth of knowledge! Paige has already helped me immensely, thank you Paige, I am very appreciative!

I'm currently in search of a SV and have found a few that were in my price range. One of which is this male F3B from Wildhybrids.com I realize that most F3's are C's whereas this one is a B meaning one of it's grandparents were not a SV, that grandparent was a Bengal and that seems evident in the F2A mother Neima who has detailed Rosettes and you can see some Rosettes forming in the kittens as well. I read the scammers section and it put me on heightened awareness. Paige helped me with this, and this particular breeder seems to be legit, but is not TICA certified (perhaps they're new?). Because of this, should I stay clear of them? Or can I use this as a bargaining chip on price? The price is indicative of other F3's in the market, however the females are a little less expensive than most F3's on the market, maybe because of their non-sv grandparent or maybe because of them being a Non-TICA recognized breeder? I'm not posting the prices here because I don't know if it's acceptable or if it's considered bad bedside manners to talk prices of kittens here or not. If it is fine in these types of situations and I can say their asking prices, I'm happy to do so. No matter what happens, he's a handsome little kitten though!

I've been consumed with Savannah's for about 3 years but didn't want to get one until I felt I was truly ready to dedicate the time and energy into providing a good home for one. Before I do send in my deposit, the reason I was looking for a male is because I currently have a female Snowshoe Siamese mix named Chloe. She is spayed, but I would think she would probably get along better with a male than a female so she wont feel as her dominance to be threatened. Am I right in this line of thinking, or am I thinking too much into it and she'd probably be the same with a female as she is a male? I just want to make sure I provide the best home for my new Savannah that I possibly can while still making sure that Chloe isn't upset too much beyond general acclimation to having a new family member.

Thanks, I look forward to being a contributor to this forum and a good ambassador to the Savannah breed once I have one in home. (sorry for the extra long intro lol)

Best,
Scott

 

[Trish Allearz]

If you mean they are not a TICA registered cattery- then, no, that doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't go through them, but also- it's not going to matter one whit to them in regard to price. Those of us who are registered catteries do so because we are proud of our 'kids' (for lack of a better word) and because we want to protect our cattery name as well as enable those looking at pedigrees to know THIS cat came from THIS cattery. A lot of start-up breeders don't register their catteries and yes, even some older breeders don't do it. To me- it's a bit silly. It's $50 and protects your namesakes- your kittens and your cattery.

Prices vary from breeder to breeder. I can say that typically, I ask a little less for my F2s then some other breeders, but that is not due to lack of quality or anything. It's because I love the homes I place my kittens in and I feel I have the right and ability to use my discretion as a breeder to place my kittens into the right homes. Others are more adamant on the price point they want and some ask less then me for their F2s. Like I said- there is a lot of variance in prices. I usually will ask a higher price for a more typey kitten and a lesser price for those who do not meet the breed standard as well (ie- a nonstandard F2 kitten will be priced a bit less then a standard F2 kitten).

Welcome to SVCatChat.com and hope you learn a lot here!

 

[admin]

Hi Scott,

Welcome!!! And thank you for the lengthy, in depth introduction - it is much appreciated!

I don't think you necessarily need to steer clear of this breeder because they are not TICA registered, but it always raises a question in my mind.

I think the male may be a good choice for Chloe! Sounds like you have done a ton of research and your homework - kudos to you!

As for pricing, we usually do not mention prices in Intros, but the some of the breeders here do list their pricing under the breeders directory...

We look forward to having you as a contributor to the forum and a Savannah ambassador!!!

 

[DChap]

Welcome Scott! This website IS a wealth of knowledge. There are varying opinions but all have been very helpful to me. I currently have a 6 month old F4 and he is my first male pet ever. He is hands down the most affectionate pet I've ever owned. We also have a 4yr old female golden mix dog and they get along great. Hopefully someday we will have another Savannah and I too will have a tough decision on which sex. Good luck with your search!

 

[WitchyWoman]

Welcome Scott. I get the feeling your breeders are relatively new to the business which isn't a bad thing at all. Halestone has F3C male kittens available. http://www.halestone.org/available.html They are established breeders with a solid reputation and it might help you feel more settled about your decision if you chat them up a bit and get a chance to compare and contrast breeders and kittens. I believe your decision to go with a male is very smart.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Welcome, Scott!

I think it great that you are doing your research first, rather than jumping in and then learning later what you should have known.

I don't think the lack of TICA registration is necessarily something to avoid, when you only want a pet I guess papers aren't important (although for me if I am paying thousands I still would want papers, and did nag the breeder when I bought my first Savannah, a neutered male, for a year to get his!).

I think you understand the B thing for the kitten in question, there's less Savannah crossing behind him and that might mean that because the Bengal is closer in heritage the kittens may exhibit more Bengal traits. It does sound like the kitten has rosettes...these things do develop more, when a Bengal kitten is born the rosettes usually look like big spots and they develop into those cool rosettes as they grow. So seeing them in this young kitten likely means he will end up like his rosetted mommy. What I think you should also look at is how much of the other Bengal traits does the mom have as that will influence how your kitten develops too. If the mom has the bigger rounder eyes of the Bengal, the shorter wider face, the smaller ears...then your kitten may get those too. Bengal kittens for example, do have larger ears that the breeders then hope they "grow into"...

Now you are looking for a pet so what is MOST important is whether this kitten appeals to you, more important than his looks. And that the breeder is producing healthy well-socialized kittens. I think you are correct that a male is a good choice for your existing spayed female kitty. It also gives you more chance of a taller SV than a female will...not sure if you are focusing on F3 because you are hoping to get a larger cat.

I do think being unregistered and B rather C means that the price should be lower than an equivalent registered F3C.

 

[MK Anderson]

Welcome Scott! I own a f-3 and he is so wonderful! hope you find yours soon

 

[lrmichelle]

Welcome, Scott!

I agree with Deborah - definitely check out Halestone Savannahs. I am also from SoCal, and I just bought my first Savannah from Mike and Sandy of Halestone. She's an F2, and she's only 12 weeks, but she is an amazing and affectionate kitten. Mike and Sandy are great breeders. If you do talk to them, Mike will 50-question you, but that's just because he wants to make sure the kittens go to the right home.

Best of luck!!

 

[Kristine]

Hi everyone, my name is Scott and I live in Los Angeles. I just discovered this site while doing research on Savannah's and really happy that I did as it's a wealth of knowledge! Paige has already helped me immensely, thank you Paige, I am very appreciative!

I'm currently in search of a SV and have found a few that were in my price range. One of which is this male F3B from Wildhybrids.com I realize that most F3's are C's whereas this one is a B meaning one of it's grandparents were not a SV, that grandparent was a Bengal and that seems evident in the F2A mother Neima who has detailed Rosettes and you can see some Rosettes forming in the kittens as well. I read the scammers section and it put me on heightened awareness. Paige helped me with this, and this particular breeder seems to be legit, but is not TICA certified (perhaps they're new?). Because of this, should I stay clear of them? Or can I use this as a bargaining chip on price? The price is indicative of other F3's in the market, however the females are a little less expensive than most F3's on the market, maybe because of their non-sv grandparent or maybe because of them being a Non-TICA recognized breeder? I'm not posting the prices here because I don't know if it's acceptable or if it's considered bad bedside manners to talk prices of kittens here or not. If it is fine in these types of situations and I can say their asking prices, I'm happy to do so. No matter what happens, he's a handsome little kitten though!

I've been consumed with Savannah's for about 3 years but didn't want to get one until I felt I was truly ready to dedicate the time and energy into providing a good home for one. Before I do send in my deposit, the reason I was looking for a male is because I currently have a female Snowshoe Siamese mix named Chloe. She is spayed, but I would think she would probably get along better with a male than a female so she wont feel as her dominance to be threatened. Am I right in this line of thinking, or am I thinking too much into it and she'd probably be the same with a female as she is a male? I just want to make sure I provide the best home for my new Savannah that I possibly can while still making sure that Chloe isn't upset too much beyond general acclimation to having a new family member.

Thanks, I look forward to being a contributor to this forum and a good ambassador to the Savannah breed once I have one in home. (sorry for the extra long intro lol)

Best,
Scott

I think it is easier to integrate an altered male to a household with an existing adult female.

As to being TICA registered as a cattery, it is preferred but not necessary. As to having the breeder be able to provide TICA papers, I would say that was a necessity so that you know you are getting a Savannah kitten and not something else. Papers will at least show you it is a registered Savannah.

If you have any questions as to buying a purebred kitten, please feel free to email me at gattobello@cox.net. I am the TICA Regional Director (Interim) for the Southwest Region, of which Los Angeles is a part of, and would be glad to answer any and all questions you may have.

 

[Kristine]

Welcome, Scott!

I agree with Deborah - definitely check out Halestone Savannahs. I am also from SoCal, and I just bought my first Savannah from Mike and Sandy of Halestone. She's an F2, and she's only 12 weeks, but she is an amazing and affectionate kitten. Mike and Sandy are great breeders. If you do talk to them, Mike will 50-question you, but that's just because he wants to make sure the kittens go to the right home.

Best of luck!!

Sandy and Mike are wonderful people (-: Yes, beware of Mike's 50 questions -lol. There are a lot of great breeders here in California. We are very fortunate to have some of the best Savannah breeders around here (-: