The African Serval

[WitchyWoman]

I've moved this discussion to the African Serval sticky, http://www.savannahcatchat.com/threads/the-african-serval.934/

 

[Trish Allearz]

Folks, declawing is a hot button topic and I know we are all very passionate about declawing. HOWEVER, exotics are a bit of a different pickle then domestics and believe it or not, many exotic owners/breeders fully support declawing of the smaller exotic cats. Unlike domestics, where oftentimes, there is a clause in a contract stating that the cat should not be declawed- exotic breeders may, in fact, encourage declawing particularly when the cat is to be a pet. Does it make it easy to understand/fathom? No, but I just wanted to put it out there- in this situation, I doubt the OP meant to stir up a wasp's nest with her questions. As far as being defensive- well, we all take a defensive position when a group of Savannah enthusiasts immediately go on the offensive LOL.

Deep breaths here! Remember- first, she's not asking about a domestic, she is asking about an exotic. Second- she (assuming she) probably does want what's best for her cat- even if her opinion differs from ours. Third- you definitely can catch more bees with honey versus vinegar.

 

[Marissa]

Folks, declawing is a hot button topic and I know we are all very passionate about declawing. HOWEVER, exotics are a bit of a different pickle then domestics and believe it or not, many exotic owners/breeders fully support declawing of the smaller exotic cats. Unlike domestics, where oftentimes, there is a clause in a contract stating that the cat should not be declawed- exotic breeders may, in fact, encourage declawing particularly when the cat is to be a pet. Does it make it easy to understand/fathom? No, but I just wanted to put it out there- in this situation, I doubt the OP meant to stir up a wasp's nest with her questions. As far as being defensive- well, we all take a defensive position when a group of Savannah enthusiasts immediately go on the offensive LOL.

Deep breaths here! Remember- first, she's not asking about a domestic, she is asking about an exotic. Second- she (assuming she) probably does want what's best for her cat- even if her opinion differs from ours. Third- you definitely can catch more bees with honey versus vinegar.

May have been the way I interpreted but I think some of her responses were vinegar covered in honey. I meant no harm and I felt like I got a cocky response back that was mixed with an attempt to sound civil... :-/

 

[Per Lausund]

I wonder how a horse without hooves would fare? Mind you, with hooves they can kick you...

 

[admin]

So looks like I missed a hot topic topic while I was gone...but it was handled well by the mods - thank you!

All, I realize that declawing is something most of us are completely against and since this is not an exotic cat forum, seems like the answers got a bit personal and out of hand. I understand the emotion and protection we all feel towards are our cats, but...it is better to educate than turn people away.

Obviously, this person has a Serval kitten and wanted advice on declawing. I know many people, mainly breeders with Servals - none of them are declawed...but that does not mean it is not done all the time. I met a serval this weekend and he is a doll - not declawed - no reason to be...

 

[admin]

I am a new member in search of wisdom. We have had a Bengal for quite some time. We just got an "exotic" kitten and now I am finding it difficult to find a vet willing to declaw front and back. This cat is going to be BIG and I have a small indoor dog that could potentially be hurt badly or killed in simple play as the cat gets older. Do you declaw front and back? If so, how did you convince your vet to do the procedure? With the state and county ordinances being written so vaguely, I'm not even sure it is legal for me to have my new kitten, so I am hesitant to wave red flags around. Thanks for any advice or experience you may be willing to share.

Just to let you know - your serval kitten is illegal in your state. I'm not sure why you bought a serval without checking first, as you now put your serval at risk to be confiscated and euthanized

 

[Kronos]

I keep my cats' nails trimmed very, very short. Yes they play and swat at each other and kick each other with their back legs, quite ferociously sometimes, but they have yet to injure one another. My furniture and carpet are fine despite them prowling around and jumping off everything. They do dig their rear claws in to the surface they are on for good traction when they want to leap or bound off!

I hold and cuddle my cats and they have both learned to be very gentle, human skin is fragile. Kronos will climb from my chest up to my shoulders using the traction from his paw pads, he never uses his claws for traction when he is on me. As a kitten he did, oh ouch yes he did! But luckily they are so intelligent it was easy to teach him that claws and teeth really hurt me, and all they want to do is please you.

 

[MasternMargo]

I don't understand why would anyone get a pet, which potentially might injure another pet you already have. This is just so " I wanna wanna wanna, who cares about the consequences" behavior! And the whole declawing thing, legal issue etc...Really?

 

[Julie]

I don't understand why would anyone get a pet, which potentially might injure another pet you already have. This is just so " I wanna wanna wanna, who cares about the consequences" behavior! And the whole declawing thing, legal issue etc...Really?

To your first commet dog owners do it offten, anytime you get a pet larger then your first pet you risk injuries. Do they want it to happen, I hope not but it could.... we have 2 savannah and have looked into f1s since we can't have a serval legally and there is the risk that way. Any pet is still an animal and has moods and bad days just like humans.

As for legal... the above person who got one illegally is still a moron.

 

[Trish Allearz]

I don't understand why would anyone get a pet, which potentially might injure another pet you already have. This is just so " I wanna wanna wanna, who cares about the consequences" behavior! And the whole declawing thing, legal issue etc...Really?

Yep- as Julie said, if you own a dog with a cat- that is always a possibility. Heck, anyone who owns ANY prey animal around a predator is risking potential injury/death (ie your kid's pet hamster and the family cat, for example!).