Questions before adopting / purchasing a Savannah Kitten.

[Jacob Steel]

I am not opposed to it, sorry for my lack of research on the topic, would they use the same litter box or would I get two? I would definitely adopt from the local shelter, we have way too many stray kittens in the area! What would be the best time to adopt, right away so they get used to each other from the start or later on? I was worried I would end up playing favorites with the Savannah, taking her for walks while the other one sat at home.

 

[TripleZ]

Rule of thumb is same number of litter boxes as cats, plus one.
If you have a automatic litter box.....I think that's much less of an issue. But you'd probably want a second one.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

The rule of thumb is one per cat plus one as mentioned... some cats actually want one box to pee in and one to poop! So that allows for that issue. Some people do get away with one box...it is just that everything you do that is not "ideal" can lead to issues. Like automated boxes, they can be great for the humans but they are known to cause issues so if you use one and have kitties avoiding the litterbox that is one of the first things to suspect. And while we are on the litterbox subject, please don't think to declaw your kitten(s) as that is a major cause of litterbox avoidance.

That may be a complication wanting to walk one and not the other, as indeed it might cause issues IF the other one wanted to be walked. You might well find the shelter kitty was the one that enjoyed outdoor time though, you can't really predict which will enjoy it more.

In terms of "when", I would adopt one and give it a couple months to bond with the one kitten before adding another... even waiting a year and just seeing if your kitty DOES seem to need a companion. Not all cats do want one...and if you intend to add a kitten adding it later on is not that much of an issue.

 

[Patti]

I don't want to raise any Pet that would feel neglected

It's not so much that the kitty would feel neglected, but it might get bored easily, and that's when it will go seeking its own entertainment in any form it can find...

 

[Patti]

I was hoping the kitty would be able to go on walks with me

Walking a kitty is not the same as walking a dog. You may be able to train it to a certain extent (lead it with a wand toy to go in the direction you want), but for the most part the kitty will want to wander and explore, and will more likely be leading you, rather than the other way around. Other options are purchasing a backpack or front carrier for the kitty to ride in, or a kitty stroller that you can take it for walks in.

 

[SavannahLuv]

Patti is correct. Shango definitely takes me for walks, not the other way around. He listens as far as me not letting him go too close to the highway, but for the most part he is the one leading me around wherever it is he wants to explore. Sometimes I take him into town when I go walking with my friend and that is when he rides in his cat stroller. He does great in the stroller and loves looking around. I think he actually prefers to be in his stroller when he's in a more public place.

 

[Jacob Steel]

A cat backpack sounds really cool! Almost be like exercising with my weighted backpack but more fun. Does it secure them in there but let them look out? (Sorry ill google it!). Has anyone experimented say taking their cat to the beach and letting her explore on the leash by your towel while you tan?

Edit: wow the backpacks are reallly ugly and not what I pictured. Whats with all the bubbles -.-

 

[Rafiki]

The bubble ones are horrifying! All the cats in them look completely freaked out.

This ones makes a bit more sense to me:

I would recommend that the cat be in a harness and attached to a leash at all times.
And depending on the size of the SV, this could be quite the workout!

I had a Himy that used to go everywhere with me. She really walked on a leash (as compared to my SV who does much more standing, sitting and laying down while "walking"). I used to take her to walk on the Venice Beach boardwalk every morning and as long as the temperature was good, she loved to hang out at the beach or pool. It can be done but a lot depends on how much you are willing to work on it and whether or not your cat enjoys it from the very beginning.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I have one like Rafiki posted... It has the backpack but also is a wheeled carrier... so useful. When I am showing it can be so useful to be able to put one kitty on my back while carrying and wheeling other stuff! I've not used it for hiking or walks though!