New Savannah Owner

[Andrew Wit]

I really appreciate all of the ideas. I am a huge cat lover and after having my first experience with a savannah I fell in love. I am allergic to most cats however some do not bother me at all and luckily the sv is one of those. I live alone so it is really nice to have a friend around when I dont have anyone over.

 

[Pam Flachs]

Welcome, Andrew! I'm so glad you and your new Savannah found each other. You got a lot of great advice here on how to bring him around, at his own pace...I have faith it will happen in time

Keep us posted on his progress and be sure to share pics when you can!

 

[Pam and Will]

While I'm new to SV's, still waiting for him to be old enough to pick up. All animals will take a while (maybe weeks) to adjust. Just let him set the pace.. his last owners only taught him distrust. Just sit in the same room, read a book, watch TV and let him make the first move. Once he knows you are not a threat and there to be his buddy he'll most likely approach you.

 

[Andrew Wit]

Well last night when I was sleeping I heard him running around playing with one of the toys I got him. As soon as he saw me observing him he acted like he wasn't playing. A least he is starting to play.

 

[Pam and Will]

It's a good start, he wants to play. His last home may have fussed at him for playing at night so now he thinks being seen means being in trouble. Keep reassuring him he's in a good place now and he'll catch on... and eventually appreciate it.

 

[Andrew Wit]

I woke up to him in my bed last night, he saw me notice him and darted off. On a good note, I got him a kitty condo and dangled some toys from it, he seems to love playing with it. As soon as he lets me take some pictures I will post them.

 

[Tort518]

I woke up to him in my bed last night, he saw me notice him and darted off. On a good note, I got him a kitty condo and dangled some toys from it, he seems to love playing with it. As soon as he lets me take some pictures I will post them.

I'm glad he had the confidence to join you on the bed. That is a step in the right direction and it shouldn't be long he will relax a lot more around you.

 

[Wyldthingz]

It isn't really true that Savannahs only bond with their first owner. Like Paige said, it pertains more to F1s and F2s however, that can still be overcome. The more outgoing the cat is the more readily it will bond with someone new with time. Sometimes they "chose" their person however.

In the case of your F5, I think you will see result over time. I have two rescue dogs, one of which was likely a street dog that had to fight to survive. It has taken a few months for one to really settle in and change. Accepting the situation as it is, is the best approach. Don't expect him to change at all and be happy when he does. I am sure he will, but when we expect something to happen in our time frame, it can cause a tension in the situation which the cat feels.

He may not know what a toy is, but likely there is something that will tempt him so keep trying different things. Looking forward to updates on him.

 

[Jacq]

Sounds like he is warming up to you a bit. I'm sure you will be buddies in no time.