Savannah Cat Chat - THE Place for Savannah Cat Talk
Welcome to the Savannah Cat Chat Forum! Our forum has been in existence since 2012 and is the only one of its kind. We were here, serving the savannah cat community before Facebook and Instagram! Register for a free account today to become a member! Please use an email program other than Hotmail, since Hotmail accounts are blacklisted by many servers and ISP's. Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site in some of the forums by adding your own topics and posts. But in order to take advantage of the full features, such as a private inbox as well as connect with other members ad access some of the larger topics, a donation of $2.99/mo or $25/yr is requested. This will allow us to continue running this forum!
Newly rescued adult F2
- Thread starter LAJR
- Start date
Rafiki
Site Supporter
Hi Leslie. Welcome to the forum.
Is the food the same as what her previous owner fed her? Did they tell you how much to feed her?
Regarding spaying her.....she is a domestic cat and any vet can perform the operation. Many savannah owners, as well as cat owners overall, avoid using ketamine as the anesthesia as it is an injection (no antidote if things go bad as opposed to a gas that can be quickly reversed with oxygen), is a strong hallucinogenic, and newer more dependable products are now available. Make sure you discuss this with your vet. The next issue is the recovery. Savannahs are ridiculously persistent when it comes to trying to remove the stitches and have small heads that can escape the cone readily. My girl had the medical glue and it worked great. No matter how much she licked and chewed, the incision stayed closed. Others have noted that internal stiches work well while others have used either baby onesies with a modification for the tail area or special post-surgical outfits (look up Surgi Snuggly E Collar Alternative on Amazon).
Is the food the same as what her previous owner fed her? Did they tell you how much to feed her?
Regarding spaying her.....she is a domestic cat and any vet can perform the operation. Many savannah owners, as well as cat owners overall, avoid using ketamine as the anesthesia as it is an injection (no antidote if things go bad as opposed to a gas that can be quickly reversed with oxygen), is a strong hallucinogenic, and newer more dependable products are now available. Make sure you discuss this with your vet. The next issue is the recovery. Savannahs are ridiculously persistent when it comes to trying to remove the stitches and have small heads that can escape the cone readily. My girl had the medical glue and it worked great. No matter how much she licked and chewed, the incision stayed closed. Others have noted that internal stiches work well while others have used either baby onesies with a modification for the tail area or special post-surgical outfits (look up Surgi Snuggly E Collar Alternative on Amazon).
I don't believe Savannahs need a special vet, although sometimes a vet might react as if you are bringing a wild animal and you don't want that kind of vet.
Why are you wanting to only feed dry food? For convenience? It's much much healthier for cats to eat a moist diet (so canned or raw).
Why are you wanting to only feed dry food? For convenience? It's much much healthier for cats to eat a moist diet (so canned or raw).
I am feeding her dry because that is all she's ever eaten. I think it was available to her all day. No special kind of food just cat food from Costco.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed....came home to pee on my computer keyboard.....
Gonna go get scat mat to keep other cat away from door..............ok with getting her spayed, would like to do that soon but how can I do that when she's so skittish? I don't think I could even get into a carrier without getting clawed to death!
Feeling a bit overwhelmed....came home to pee on my computer keyboard.....
Gonna go get scat mat to keep other cat away from door..............ok with getting her spayed, would like to do that soon but how can I do that when she's so skittish? I don't think I could even get into a carrier without getting clawed to death!
could have been, she could easily have broken the skin but didn't. She's also real stressed right now, which I am trying to remedy. The F5 that lives here bites when she plays too. But she seems to have stopped-hasn't bitten for a couple days now..woohoo!
Oh the poor cat, Costco kibble? It is best to start with the food that they are used to in their old home...but when you transition them to a new food slowly then you can make the call on what is most suitable. Well...within reason. Some cats are fussy and won't eat the food you choose. Sometimes we have to compromise...but it seems she likes the canned food she is getting now?
As to getting her spayed, calling the vet and explaining your situation may help. Some vets might prescribe a sedative you can give her so that she can be crated on the morning of the spay. Some might say if you can get her in the crate they will gas her down in the crate.
As to getting her spayed, calling the vet and explaining your situation may help. Some vets might prescribe a sedative you can give her so that she can be crated on the morning of the spay. Some might say if you can get her in the crate they will gas her down in the crate.
I'm very glad you came to the forum, it sounds as though you are a bit overwhelmed. First though let me assure you that you are doing FINE. It is not uncommon for a newly rehomed cat (NOT just a Savannah) to be interactive at a distance - that is to enjoy playing with the wand toy but avoid close contact with humans. The bond will grow, but as you have already surmised, it will take time - possibly months to develop that bond with you. After all, she is more or less a 'grandmother' Savannah and has just had her entire world that she has known all her life ripped away from her - no small wonder that she is a bit aloof.
As for the biting, this is definitely not a behavior to be encouraged, but rather than scold or correct her, try to distract her either with a wand toy or even a loud noise (slap your hand on the floor) to distract her and break her concentration. Eventually if the behavior persists, you may need to consider corrective measures.
As for the inappropriate peeing, I agree completely with the others that this is definitely a result of her being intact, and spaying her will hopefully correct the behavior - although at this age it may be more difficult... which leads me to asking why the previous owner could no longer care for her - was it a behavioral issue?
Some folk may disagree, but calling your local spay and neuter clinic may be the best way to get her spayed. They are used to working with feral cats so should be able to handle an F2 (at least the three different clinics that I have used in the past have never had an issue). Just be sure to check them out ahead of time to make sure they are willing to take a Savannah (some clinics are weird about hybrids - old school)...
As for feeding, I agree completely that she should be kept on the food that she has been on - changing diets suddenly can lead to tummy upset, diarrhea, or worse. However, eventually I would recommend you transition her (slowly over 2-3 weeks) onto a high quality, grain free diet - either canned or dry or both. Raw is also a great option, but takes a commitment to do right so would not recommend unless you are willing to put the work into creating a well balanced raw diet.
As for the biting, this is definitely not a behavior to be encouraged, but rather than scold or correct her, try to distract her either with a wand toy or even a loud noise (slap your hand on the floor) to distract her and break her concentration. Eventually if the behavior persists, you may need to consider corrective measures.
As for the inappropriate peeing, I agree completely with the others that this is definitely a result of her being intact, and spaying her will hopefully correct the behavior - although at this age it may be more difficult... which leads me to asking why the previous owner could no longer care for her - was it a behavioral issue?
Some folk may disagree, but calling your local spay and neuter clinic may be the best way to get her spayed. They are used to working with feral cats so should be able to handle an F2 (at least the three different clinics that I have used in the past have never had an issue). Just be sure to check them out ahead of time to make sure they are willing to take a Savannah (some clinics are weird about hybrids - old school)...
As for feeding, I agree completely that she should be kept on the food that she has been on - changing diets suddenly can lead to tummy upset, diarrhea, or worse. However, eventually I would recommend you transition her (slowly over 2-3 weeks) onto a high quality, grain free diet - either canned or dry or both. Raw is also a great option, but takes a commitment to do right so would not recommend unless you are willing to put the work into creating a well balanced raw diet.
Good morning Patti,
Thanks for your message. Yes, I am getting overwhelmed with this. I'm coming off my third night of no sleep due to a roaming, vocal, unhappy, peeing in all the wrong paces Kimber, I work 5 days a week and I am a grandmother myself. I agree with your assessment of how her life has been ripped away from her. I've experienced that myself and feel that bond with her.
The former owner lives in the country with lots of animals. They have an outdoor kennel that they kept the cats in, with a doggie door than enabled them to be indoor cats also. I don't recall ever seeing the kennel so I don't really know the size. From what I understand - as time passed their household changed and there was so much traffic, grandchildren, etc. going in and out of the house they were afraid she would get out,so the doggie door was permanently closed. Kimber, being the only surviving cat has lived the past few years in the kennel. Since my roommate has an F5 that has been a wonderful animal to have around I was trying to decide if I wanted to get a savanna or a regular cat, a kitten or a rescue cat. Ran into this particular friend that told me about her savanna and this situation. She was trying to decide what to do with Kimber, she didn't want her to continue to live in the kennel, but to find a home for her. Since she knew me, she offered her to me. I knew it wouldn't be easy. (but I also didn't know much about F2s! )I was told that she had no behavioral problems, had been a great, affectionate pet with them. My heart wants to help this other grandmother have a good rest of her life, and having lost my long time pet last Nov. I want another companion. Thought it seemed like a good match. Now I am wondering if I bit off more than I can chew!! Also ,I'm big on love, but low on cash and that adds to the stress a bit. The good news is....... the biting has stopped!!!
I'm feeling like I need to reevaluate things and decide if it is in the best interest of this beautiful creature, and myself, to continue this challenge. When I accepted her, the owner agreed that if things don't work out I can bring her back. On the other hand -she's been here less than four whole days (OMG is that all!! now I'm laughing at myself
...seems like its been away longer than that!) soooo, putting things in perspective I'm thinking that I will try to get her spayed asap and see how things go after that. It sounds to me like getting the peep problem under control (hopefully) and her hormones settled down, things COULD potentially go a little bit smoother. I don't want to give up just yet after all!Patti, I apologize for this lengthy, rambling note, but I feel much better for it and have gotten myself a bit LESS overwhelmed. I realize this is a forum for information on savannas, not therapy, but perhaps there are others out there that are challenged with the same doubts and hope of helping a cat, and just need a little support to continue. Im very grateful to all of you on this site. Thank you again!
Leslie
Rafiki
Site Supporter
Leslie, this forum is for all things Savannah. They were a lifeline for me, let them be a lifeline for you as you begin this journey. We have seen some very troubled situations be resolved thru the understanding that can be achieved thru the wisdom available here.
My goodness you jumped into the deep end of the pool and found not enough water to break the fall! All is not lost. As others have said, spaying will settle her down considerably. It may take a few months post-spay for all the hormones to leave her system so don't be disappointed if some negative behaviors persist for awhile. In the meantime, maybe Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter can help. No need to fill the entire litter box with it, just a 1/2 inch on top may do the trick.
Kimber will pick up on any anxiety, uncertainty, or fear you have. It's important, hard as it may be, to find a way to keep your mind and emotions on an even keel while you both go through this adjustment period.
To try to improve your sleep at night, play with her hard for a 30 minutes to an hour before bed -- using a feather want or laser toy or fetch if she fetches and then feed her a snack, perhaps 1/2 the amount of what she eats for a regular meal. Or, you can try breaking her meals into 3x per day with the last feeding being after the nightly bedtime playtime. Tiring her out as best you can and filling her belly may at least get you a few more hours sleep than you're getting now. If all else fails, you may have to confine her to the bathroom at bedtime and use ear plugs as defense against her scratching the bathroom door or meowing.
I have a large F2 male that I can't pick up. To get him to associate the crate with fun stuff so I could get him to the vets I fed him snacks in it, teased him to go in there by playing with his toys around it -- throwing his favorite fetch toy in there, using feather wand around the crate -- he'd go in the crate and try to catch the wand from the inside (he isn't too bright). He soon became less suspicious of the crate and even slept in it. Whenever I need to take him to the vet, I put the crate in my office about a week prior so he can used to it all over again. If I can get him into the office using bribery I can shut the office door and step 1 is complete -- getting the brat confined to 1 room. When I tell him to get in the crate, he'll do it but he puts up a bit of a stink -- hisses, growls and runs round the room -- but I simply keep moving toward him with the crate telling him to get in and he eventually realizes I'm not going to back down and he gets in. It actually a hard-sided "crate" but rather a large soft carrier that the vet can gas him down in because no one can handle this cat when he's awake.
It might be difficult for you believe this now, but in a few months, especially after she's spayed and if you continue to do what you're doing to win her trust, things will be much better for both of you.
Kimber will pick up on any anxiety, uncertainty, or fear you have. It's important, hard as it may be, to find a way to keep your mind and emotions on an even keel while you both go through this adjustment period.
To try to improve your sleep at night, play with her hard for a 30 minutes to an hour before bed -- using a feather want or laser toy or fetch if she fetches and then feed her a snack, perhaps 1/2 the amount of what she eats for a regular meal. Or, you can try breaking her meals into 3x per day with the last feeding being after the nightly bedtime playtime. Tiring her out as best you can and filling her belly may at least get you a few more hours sleep than you're getting now. If all else fails, you may have to confine her to the bathroom at bedtime and use ear plugs as defense against her scratching the bathroom door or meowing.
I have a large F2 male that I can't pick up. To get him to associate the crate with fun stuff so I could get him to the vets I fed him snacks in it, teased him to go in there by playing with his toys around it -- throwing his favorite fetch toy in there, using feather wand around the crate -- he'd go in the crate and try to catch the wand from the inside (he isn't too bright). He soon became less suspicious of the crate and even slept in it. Whenever I need to take him to the vet, I put the crate in my office about a week prior so he can used to it all over again. If I can get him into the office using bribery I can shut the office door and step 1 is complete -- getting the brat confined to 1 room. When I tell him to get in the crate, he'll do it but he puts up a bit of a stink -- hisses, growls and runs round the room -- but I simply keep moving toward him with the crate telling him to get in and he eventually realizes I'm not going to back down and he gets in. It actually a hard-sided "crate" but rather a large soft carrier that the vet can gas him down in because no one can handle this cat when he's awake.
It might be difficult for you believe this now, but in a few months, especially after she's spayed and if you continue to do what you're doing to win her trust, things will be much better for both of you.