Why Savannah Kittens Should Not Leave before 12-16 Weeks

[Wyldthingz]

Each kitten is different. Some are more needy. Since I don't raise them in a "kennel" setting, I get to observe their behaviors that they let me know they are ready or not. The kitten that is clinging to mommy, is not ready to go at 10 weeks. If the kitten sleeps without his siblings or hangs out with me more than his kitty family, that is a good sign that they are ready for independence. To air transport them, cargo or cabin, I think they should be at least 12 weeks.
I have a runt kitten here now. Not sure why she is so small but I am going to keep her for a while to make sure she is okay. She is smaller than my F6s of the same age. Not in any hurry on that one!

 

[finnaganagain]

I just brought home this beautiful girl you see to the left at 12 weeks. She is everything you dream of in a savannah kitten. It makes so much sense why you would want to wait until they are of a confident and more sturdy age to bring them home. My question is this. How does that confidence change their ability to adapt well with the other animals I have in my home? Its all hissing through the door at the other animals and she goes wild when she catches her reflection in anything. I understand there is a two week period for everyone to mesh well together but in my past experience with domestic short haired cats when i brought them home at a young age they were very keen on being everyones best friend as opposed to this constant hissing and growling.

 

[DocMac]

The first two weeks in isolation from other animals is not only for disease control, but also to insure that the baby bonds with you; there will be time or the others later. That baby needs to realize that you are the "mommy" now, supplying the yummy nutrition and, even more important, comfort and reassurance when baby gets scared. You spend as much time as possible with that baby, sleeping together, hand feeding treats or little tiny bits of cooked chicken, carrying him around and howing him things, talking softly. That baby will soon delight in seeing you and trust the others through your trust in them. Check riverridgesavannahs on YouTube to see our dog and cat.

 

[Wyldthingz]

Each are different. I had some kittens, older or younger, get pissy hissy while others just don't care. That has more to do with how they deal with stress than age of introduction or breed.

 

[MoonHeart]

Very good points!

Michi

MoonHeart

 

[Anatole Cannon]

I have a tendency to hold kittens longer than 12 weeks before offering them for sale, let alone leaving my home. i like to see how they develop more before I decide on who to keep! lol

 

[DocMac]

Me, too, Anatole. I'm just not that proficient at predicting anything about a kitten. When I talk to a new family, I just describe that kitten RIGHT NOW. LOL. I'm sure more experience is a good thing, but, I'm also selfish. I love kittens.




Riverridgefarm-com.webs.com

 

[DocMac]

My F3 female, who I kept back for a breeder, is now 6 months old. Her nose has widened drastically in the last month, making her n even better girl, IMHO! Last night, when we were cuddling, I noticed just how broad it's become. What else will change as time goes by?

 

[Patti]

Anything is possible over the next six months, I most commonly see ear size (not keeping up with the rest of the body), leg length, body shape, and tail length continue to change until a year of age.

 

[DocMac]

Yeah, she's catching up to her ears, though.