If you have ever come across Savannah cats, you might be very interested in whether they make good pets or not. They are beautiful, unusual, exotic animals that are a hybrid of African Servals and domestic cats. These amazing creatures have stunning markings from their wild cat heritage and share some characteristics with house cats.
Are Savannah Cats Good Pets?
So, are they good pets? Yes, with certain caveats: they are more like owning a dog than owning a cat, as they are fiercely loyal and like to follow their owners around frequently. They can be wary of other humans, and they require a lot of exercise and play to be happy.
If you’re considering getting a Savannah, cat you should understand the care and maintenance required. Unlike other cats, these cats do require quite a bit.
What Do They Look Like?
Savannah cats are extremely striking, with cheetah-like markings all over their bodies and faces. Savannahs are usually a gorgeous golden color, with large ears.
They are also bigger than domestic house cats and can stand up to eighteen inches high. So if you want a tiny, cuddly kitten, they aren’t the one for you. They can weigh up to 30 pounds!
With long, slender legs and bodies, they are very graceful creatures and look rather taller than house cats. If you want a beautiful pet, there is no question that Savannah cats fit the bill!
What Are Their Temperaments Like?
Savannah cats were bred in an attempt to get the best qualities as a domestic cat with the striking looks of a Serval, so in general, the temperament is good, but you should not expect a normal cuddly kitten. You can get several generations of Savannah cats, getting closer to domestic cats as the generations go down.
They are very friendly with their owners and require lots of attention and play. Some people describe them as having a dog in a cat’s body, as they love to play, and they love to be with you at all times.
You need to be aware that Savannah cats are less accepting of new people than your average house cat. They tend to be a little wary and suspicious of strangers, so it’s important to socialize the kittens and make sure they are used to being handled or approached by others.
Savannah cats also have a reputation for being quite feisty and having a somewhat stubborn approach to life. They are strong-willed but a lot of fun.
This can be both good and bad; they require plenty of attention, but they are also good companions and highly entertaining. If you have the time to spend with them, they are an excellent pet, but they may not be very suitable if you have lots of other commitments.
Are Savannah Cats Dangerous?
One of the criteria for being a good pet is whether it is safe to own – and Savannah cats might struggle slightly more to tick this box, depending on your point of view.
Savannah cats have a lot of wild cat genes in them, and they are extremely effective hunters, even more so than domestic cats. If you are going to let your Savannah cat roam freely, you will need to seriously consider the impact upon birds and other wildlife that it may have.
You can’t discourage a cat from hunting. While a bell on the collar may help, you should avoid getting a Savannah cat or letting it go outside if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, particularly birds or rarer mammals such as hedgehogs.
Many owners get around this by building enclosed cat areas for their cats to play in, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors without endangering themselves or other animals.
Savannah cats are not really dangerous to humans; they aren’t aggressive and are unlikely to attack as domestic cats. However, if one were to attack, it might do more damage due to being larger and heavier.
How Long Do They Live And What Do They Eat?
Longevity is also something you need to consider when thinking about a pet’s suitability. Savannah cats usually live between 12 and 20 years. This is considered a little longer than the average domestic cat, although domestic cats can, of course, live up to 30 or so.
Savannah cats can be tricky to feed; you will need to provide them with raw meat, especially if you have a first-generation Savannah cat. Later generations may accept packaged cat food.
How Do They Behave?
Savannah cats are very active, a significant departure from the domestic cat. They like to play, walk, and they love toys. We’ve put together some of the best toys for Savannah cats to help you find the right ones.
You can teach a Savannah cat to play fetch, and they will also enjoy jumping from platform to platform, so you should set up play areas for them indoors with different levels.
According to Rover, they can jump up to eight feet high, which is important to remember if you are setting up an enclosure for them or storing things you do not want them to access.
Savannah cats are also unlike normal domestic cats (or at least most of them) in that they love water and will happily play in it. You can even teach a Savannah cat to walk on a leash.
Are They Smart?
It may not surprise you to hear that Savannah cats are known for being very intelligent creatures. They can solve puzzles and play games and work out how to open doors and cupboards with surprising ease. You may need to Savannah-proof your house!
The Happy Cat Site likens it to introducing a small child to your home. If you keep other animals (such as hamsters, fish, or birds) that may seem easy prey to your cat, you should think about extra security on their enclosures, as they may learn to open latches and flip lids.
Conclusion
Savannah cats are beautiful, but you must make sure you can commit to them. They take a lot of energy and investment, and they also require plenty of socialization as kittens.
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