Please help me to decide what cat to go for!

[LizzyB]

Hello!
I am looking to get a kitten (or two..) a little later on this year and would like some advice from the experts!

I have fallen in love with the idea of a Savannah and/ or a Bengal. I have done quite a bit of online research, but find that the way the breeds are generally described sounds really similar, and it is difficult to determine more specific information that relates to what I would like.

I went to a cattery at the end of last year that breeds both, and met some beautiful Bengal kittens, but was only able to briefly meet the adult Savannahs. The intention was that I'd be able to chose which breed I preferred... But I still can't decide!

I have grown up with Burmese cats, all pretty lively and with unique personalities. Our Burmese cats were always allowed to roam outside. I have since moved to a house of my own, which is more suburban and too close to a busy road for comfort. So my future cat will have to be a house cat.

No matter how much I research I can't decide which breed of cat is the cat for me. I think I am leaning more toward a Savannah, but am considering one of each to keep each other company?

Does anyone own Bengal and Savannahs? What are the main personality differences? I understand both have 'dog like' personalities, and would say that my Burmese cats all had this personality trait too (they were pretty crazy). Ultimately I would like my kitty to be content being a house cat. I would love to train him to walk on a lead so we can go on adventures and can build an outdoor enclosure. I get the impression that savannahs are more likely to be happy with this lifestyle... But bengals are supposed to be okay with this too?

I am also trying to get my head around the personality differences between early and later generation savannahs (and bengals for that matter), and finding it all very confusing. My understanding is that early generations are more demanding where as later generations are more 'domestic'. What is the benefit of an earlier gen? Again, I am used to the Burmese breed and really loved the intelligence and playful side. I wouldn't say this ever go too much for me, so believe I probably have a high tolerance for kitty quirks. Would someone be able to help recommend the generation of Savannah that would be right for me?

...so many questions! I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer me!
Thank you

 

[WitchyWoman]

I am also trying to get my head around the personality differences between early and later generation savannahs (and bengals for that matter), and finding it all very confusing. My understanding is that early generations are more demanding where as later generations are more 'domestic'. What is the benefit of an earlier gen?

I don't have Bengals so can't speak to their personalities. I have 4 Savannahs -- an F1, 2 F2s and an F6, all males.

There is very little personality difference between my F1 and one of my F2s. Both are super smart, under my feet when they are awake, inquisitive and have to be involved in everything I do ALL.THE.TIME, so stubborn that a new word needs to be invented to describe it. My other F2 is an angel. My F6 is pure devil in the troublemaking department but in different ways than my EGs. He likes to cause trouble to and with the other cats. The EGs consider everything their toy -- furniture, appliances, silverware -- doesn't matter what it is, if they like it, it's theirs.

I like the EGs for the closer physical resemblance to the serval (although some very servally SVs are being produced at lower generations); the size potential; and all of that intelligence and personality that also causes me to pull at my hair several times a day. The major difference between EGs and later gens is that EGS are more of everything. The lower generations generally have all the personality and smarts of the EGS but the EGs edge out the lower gens by being more difficult to dissuade from things you don't want them to do or get into.

I suppose the easiest way for me to describe it is that my EGs are similar to human 3 yr olds; my F6 is similar to an 8 yr old human.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Like Witchy, I don't have a Bengal to really speak to the personality, but I have had at least two SVS with high Bengal content (at least a Bengal parent)... and I did find those Savannahs a little different in their energy, possibly a little more highly strung and reactive? I always kinda attributed this to the difference between an ALC and a Serval. The Asian Leopard cat is not as social a cat as a Serval.. but then Bengal breeders really work on personality and so all the BGs I've met at cat shows have been amazingly easygoing kitties. So I would suggest possibly just being as careful looking for a BG breeder as a SV! The breeder is really important, not only to get a healthy kitten or a good looking kitten but also to get a well-socialized kitten so that you have a great pet.

Having had F1 to F7 in my house, Witchy is correct that it isn't as much a difference in personality between early and later as it is a difference in intensity and determination to have their way. I think the breeder is more essential in later generations to get a Savannah that looks more Serval than any of the outcrosses used to make the later generations (so the Bengal, Mau, Ocicat etc influences are more seen in later gens if the breeder isn't selective enough).

I think both would be great companions for you, but there is also the appearance to consider. Bengals and Savannahs should look different and so it may depend on which appearance more attracts you. Bengals are more muscular while Savannahs more elegant and long-legged. Of course you might find a Savannah that looks a bit Bengally and that may suit you in the combination of looks and personalities

 

[Patti]

I have had both Bengals and Savannahs, and just like with humans (and other species) you will find behavioral differences within the breed. I have had a Bengal that was laid back and easy going (but could turn a knob with his paws if he was so inclined) and another Bengal that I fostered for a time that was more frenetic than any of my Savannahs.

I have Savannahs that are aloof, some that greet me at the door and follow me everywhere, and some that climb into my lap and won't leave unless I get up. They are all active, inquisitive, and prone to getting into mischief - and I don't really see a difference in these behaviors between the F1s and F6s, other than - as others have pointed out - the early generations (F1, F2) are more persistent in getting their way and more determined to get what they want.

Honestly, I think you would be happy with either breed, but having one of each would definitely be the ideal choice in my book!

 

[cmantis]

I don't have either of the breeds you are looking at so can't really comment. Mine are kind of mutts of the cat world but terrific in their own right. I think though as others have alluded to it really comes down a lot to the breeder and the socialization that the cats receive. I have had lots of cats in my time most of them rescue or barn cats and all have turned out pretty amazing but each with their own personalities. It is good that you are starting to think about this now and can take the time to search. With each of my cats it has always sort of been the right set of circumstances that brought us together but that never seemed to involve right now and just because... With a bit more research, reaching out, asking the right questions, meeting your potential furbaby's and/or their mommy's/daddy's (four and two leg alike) I think you will know when you feel comfortable with what suits you best. I also agree with Patti one of each could be cool for you and them if you so decide. I know that probably isn't exactly the answer you are looking for and more of non-answer but hopefully you catch my drift I love my two, Neo & Rys, bunches and this forum/community has adopted us in anyways and I really appreciate what this site offers.

 

[LizzyB]

Thanks for all the responses, they have been a great help! From what you guys have said, and other bits I have read it sounds like an F3 or later would do just fine. I totally get the human age comparison, that's a brilliant way to describe it! I want tons of personality but do work full time, so again, a later gen sounds more sensible. I do love the more 'serval appearance', but that is less important than a happy cat. My original concern with the different generation options was that if I went for a later gen, I wouldn't have enough personality - and you have all certainly put my mind at rest regarding that!

...A Savannah and a Bengal could definitely be the answer!

 

[NikkiA]

We have an F2 baby girl, an F3 Boy, an F4 Boy, and an F5 Boy (Yes, I know, we're nuts).
We do not have bengals, the SV's are the only cats we have ever had. We have never had an F1.

Sharing our lives with an F3, F4, and F5, I can guarantee that they will have more than enough personality for you. While our F2 girly is the most persistent of the bunch, F5 Diablo is undoubtably the smartest of our group, and our F3 boy Jarvis is the most idiosyncratic. F4 Mickey Blue Eyes is the the most cuddly, although little F2 Baby Rey is giving him a run for his money in the cuddle department.

The boys routinely raid the cabinets, can open doors (as long as they are opening them in and not out), and for a while, they were raiding my jewelry box because they liked to play with one of my bracelets. Believe me, they have personality!

 

[Rafiki]

Regardless of generation, you most certainly do not have to worry about the lack of personality with SVs! From what I have seen of Bengals, the same goes for them.