Opinion?

[Aaron]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and am finalizing a decision on whether to adopt an F2 or F3 Savannah (both male). Taking cost out of the equation, which would I be better off getting.? I have had cats and dogs all my life but my current situation is as follows; 3 story house, two young kids, a senior DSH male cat (has been around other cats his whole life)... I love the look and size of the F2 and the fact that its less removed from its serval lineage, but would it be too much to take on with a family and another Cat etc...? Just wanting to know if I should expect a significant difference between the F2 and F3 vs more of a tweak in makeup... I know it depends on the individual Cat but if you were in my position and money wasn't an issue, which would you choose based on my situation.

Thanks!

 

[WitchyWoman]

Aaron I don't think there is too much of a difference between F2s & F3s to matter. If you have taught or will teach your children to be respectful of animals, handle the cats properly, and leave them alone when the cats need their space, all should be fine.

A consideration is whether the energy level of the Savannah will be compatible with a senior cat. When I got my first SV, I had a 14 yr old DSH and she was greatly annoyed at the needs of the kitten for a companion of equal energy to play with. I acquired an F6 kitten within 6 months. Depending on the health of your DSH, things may be fine. But it may also turn out to be necessary to keep the Savannah or the DSH in a separate space when no one is home and ensure that the DSH has a room/space of his own when he needs respite from the Savannah should it become necessary.

Your children may be the perfect playmates for the SV and burn enough energy in play that it wouldn't be a problem for the DSH. Another option to consider is adopting another SV or another high energy breed to be the primary playmate for the SV.

Size is not guaranteed. We have many members here with F3s and lower generations that are as large as or larger than some F2s. We have folks here with F1s who are in the size range of F2s. Mother Nature is fickle.

 

[John Campbell]

First of all welcome aboard Aaron, Not too long ago I was in your exact position.... Where I am very new, and have only have my Savannah for about 4 months now, I am certainly not an expert.

The Real difference between all the "F" generations is the percent of wild to be in very generic form.

An F2 as a general rule will get along with the immediate family with no problems and come out to see visitors after they have been there a while and are also larger than the F3's.

An F3 has a very tight bond with the immediate family and they are friendly to visitors.

I decided early on an F3 because of their temperament... Keep in mind they are VERY high energy, and they want to be close to you all the time... Whey they want your attention, they get it... One way or the other...

First thing you need to do and NO ONE can make that decision for you, but others can tell you the differences better than I can, but you need to figure out what generation that you want, and what will fit your family the best.. After that there are a lot of great breeders here on this forum and other places as well, but beware, if you find a breeder whose price seems very low, there are a lot of scammers out there, so beware.

If you want to see what to expect from an F3, there are a lot of videos here and on youtube. You can see my F3 (Elsa) on her website (linked below).

Good luck on your venture into the world of Savannah, but they require A LOT of attention, and they DEMAND it... But please do your research and this forum I have found to be the best support anywhere.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I'm not sure that your household would suit either generation better...I think either would work. My concern would be as WitchyWoman says, that your older DSH may find the early generation kitten too exuberant and too interactive. But that would be similar F2 or F3...

 

[SV Dad]

Hi Aaron, and welcome. This is a great place for learning about Savannahs.
One thing to point out, and I think every human owned by a savannah will tell you, these are the best cats of your life! They are in a league by themselves. They really become part of your life. There has been amazing breeding going on for years now. In my opinion, the personality trumps the spots every time.

 

[Rylie]

Hi Aaron! And welcome. We have two F2s and an F5, and as with all cats, it's so neat to see each of their unique personalities develop overtime. But one thing is for sure, as rascal dad said, it's these same personalities that trump all else, at least for us. It is truly amazing how smart and energetic these cats are and how closely they bond with their families. One of our F2s does tricks like a dog, both go for walks with us regularly, and greet us at the door for headbutts when we get home. They will even headbutt us to communicate with us and we will then go through a series of questions asking what they want. Food? Walk? Water? Under (the blanket)? Wand? They understand basic words and can tell you what they are thinking some of the time. Early generation bonds are very unique, and deeply satisfying.. they give affection back and want to be close to their people when they are not playing.

These bonds are so very unique and make them very loyal! The earlier generations tend to bond very closely with their families. One of our F2s prefers to only be around us, and will sit on top of the cabinets over the kitchen when we have guests over. The other very curious and interactive with everyone. Our F5 is just a total lover and lapcap. I think you really couldn't go wrong with either generation! I would recommend talking to your DSHs vet to see if they are familiar with the breed or find a good exotic vet. This will be one of the most exciting chapters to include in your life. Can't wait to hear what you decide and see pictures of your new family member!

 

[Carykd7kau]

Arron. I have an F5 and an F3. Both are females and both are great cats. I am still trying to get them together as the F3 is new to the household. They are not kittens...the F5 is 14 months and the F3 is 3 yrs. so it is taking a little more time than it would if they were kittens. But they are love bugs and play babies and Ithey make me very happy. I am alone in life and they are my companions. AND I could not ask for better ones.
OH and welcome to the world of Savannah cats.

 

[Lequoia]

Hi Aaron, great you found this forum!! Is it maybe possible that you can visit a cattery to see what gen will match the best? and i agree with several about your older cat, Savannah's what ever gen, they are very active and love to teas other pets when they don't interact with them.. And some Savannah's are more easier then others, so real important to ask a lot the breeder you want them from about personalities parents and kittens.

 

[Patti]

Aaron, I really don't think you will find too much of a difference from a generational standpoint. I think what you most need to consider is the personality of the kitten you are looking at, and your breeder is the best person to fill you in on this. With your family you should be looking for a kitten that is friendly and outgoing, able to tolerate young children's antics, and friendly toward other cats.

Of course, it is equally important to ensure that your children know how to respect and treat animals, which I'm sure your children have learned since there is already a cat in the family