New Savannah introductions

[Brigitte Cowell]

Like Deborah, I've not had success with herbal stress remedies with my cats. I think it might depend on the cats involved and possibly the type of stress they are under...

I agree that maybe at some point you need to let some fur fly and see if it settles a bit. Your other option might be leaving the harness on with a short leash dragging but letting her wander without your hand on the leash. If there is an altercation you can easily yank her back?

Site swapping is a good idea, as is a screen door if you can make that happen...

 

[MaddyG]

Hi All,
I had the little lady at the vet today for blood found in the urine, and the vet thinks it's due to stress (running tests). When i asked the vet if an aggressive cat can really be integrated, what i received was a doubtful...um... maybe... but highly unlikely.

I feel like the situation is doomed. I love this little lady but i love my F5 too, and he has turned from a vocal, social teddy bear into a reclusive under-bed dweller (even when she is in her quarters, away from the rest of the house).

How long does this process generally take, and are there truly cats who can NEVER be integrated to live with others? The vet blamed the breeder, saying she was not socialized properly.

If this is the case, and I need to take the rehoming route, do any of you have suggestions?

Thanks. I'm desperate. And terribly sad.

Maddy

 

[admin]

Maddy, you need to contact the breeder before any rehoming can be done.

I think that some cats do better with others and some cats need to be alone, but...when was this retired queen spayed? I think she may need more time - just wondering if you have talked to a cat behaviorist such as Marilyn Krieger, before giving up totally...

 

[MaddyG]

Great idea, Paige. I will talk to a cat behaviorist. I do very much love her. She's a little doll - so petite and friendly, chripy, and sweet. Yet, when she sees the others, she becomes a DIFFERENT ANIMAL. It's truly scary.

I am actually her 2nd home since she left her breeder/was retired. I believe she was spayed roughly 10 months ago, which is the length of time her first owner had her.
I came upon her on (i know... ) craigstlist. But i've got a soft spot a mile long for Savannahs, and I couldn't resist a SV in need. The owner assured me she'd assimilate seamlessly (truthfully, i suspect she just didn't know).

Anyway, thanks for your help, Paige. I will reach out to both the breeder and a behavioralist before i give up.

Thanks for your support, and this community. It means a lot to have somewhere to go to voice my concerns and upsets.

 

[admin]

Maddy, I bet your girl will be ok, once proper introductions are done...you may have to start all over again.

I feel so sorry for her, having already been rehomed once She may be stressed and angry as well...I mean she left her first home, had another and then came to you. I wonder if the breeder knows she was advertised on craig's list...

You can email Marilyn here: http://thecatcoach.com/contact/ - she can help you, I'm sure. Please let us know what happens and I am glad we are here for you.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Marilyn is a very good choice to consult as she has Bengals and a Savannah so understands the energy of these breeds and doesn't assume a "wild" factor which I have heard some feline behaviorists can. Good luck!