Savannahs make great pets, but they can be pretty wild at times. Not to mention, they have a lot of energy and require quite a bit of attention. Due to their energetic personality, it’s easy to think that they can go outside and play like a dog. In this article, we’re going to answer the question can Savannahs go outside and the best way to keep them safe outdoors.
Can Savannah Cats Go Outside?
Yes, but they should really be allowed to. However, as long as you keep them on a leash or within the boundaries of an enclosed enclosure that keeps them protected.
It’s extremely important to take all the necessary precautions to keep your feline friend protected while exposing them to the great outdoors.
Savannah cats can jump very high. Unless your backyard fence has an enclosure, you won’t be able to keep them safe. You might be better off just getting some toys for Savannahs that they can play with inside.
I’ll be sharing some tips on how to let your indoor Savannah cat or any other cat outside safely below. But first, every pet owner should understand how much maintenance Savannah cats require.
Are Savannah Cats An Indoor Our Outdoor Cat?
Personally, I believe that all domesticated cats should be kept inside. However, there are many people who think that cats can be both inside and outdoor cats.
Savannah cats should be kept inside at all times, especially, if you can’t ensure their safety.
The Risks Of Outdoor For Savannah Cats
Every cat regardless of the breed will face the dangers of cars, dogs, other predators, freezing, heatstroke, running away, and other dangers other cats may not face.
Exotic Look
These strikingly beautiful Serval cats can easily be mistaken for a wild animal. Many people are not familiar with these cats and may want to maliciously harm them. Or someone may try to steal your exotic cat because they know how expensive they are.
Toxic Poisoning
It’s hard to believe that people would actually put out food laced with antifreeze to harm cats that roam their yard. According to Healthy Pet, 90,000 animals are poisoned each year by the deadly toxin ethylene glycol.
I know it’s easy to think your cat won’t eat poison. However, cats are attracted to antifreeze because it has a “sweet taste.”
As a pet owner, it’s important to be able to spot the symptoms of poisoning in cats. If your cat is poisoned with antifreeze, you’ll generally start seeing symptoms occur within 30 – 60 minutes after ingestion.
Some of the symptoms to watch for are:
- Increased urination
- Decreased Thirst
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Tremors
- Stumbling lack of coordination
- Twitching of the muscles and eyes
Pets that are exposed to antifreeze poisoning will only survive if medical treatment is administered immediately.
Parasites
This is NOT usually life-threatening for cats, but your cat will be exposed to common outdoor parasites such as:
- Fleas
- Ear Mites
- Ringwork (a fungal infection)
- Ticks
- Intestinal Worms
These parasites can cause your kittie to suffer from uncomfortable symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive scratching, and other skin irritations.
Not only that, but your cat will be exposing your home and other animals to these parasites.
Jumping Over A Fence
Savannah cats are very agile and it’s not unusual for some of them to be able to jump as high as 8 feet high.
Most backyard fences in the United States are 6 – 8 feet high. Some full grown Savannah cats can jump as high as 8 feet high from a sitting position.
Not only that, but all cats can easily scale a fence without any issues. These cats can climb wooden, chain link, or any other type of fence.
You’ll never be able to keep your Serval cat enclosed in your backyard just because you have a fence.
Running Away
If your Savannah cat has been an inside cat since they were a kitten, there’s a good chance they will run away at the first opportunity they get.
Indoor cats are NOT used to all the different noises they will be exposed to while being outdoors. A loud noise like a car backfiring can frighten them and cause them to run away.
The Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and a medium-sized wild African cat (Serval). This breed is classified as one of the fastest domestic cat breeds in the world and can run up to 35 miles per hour.
If your cat runs away, good luck trying to catch them. Your only hope is that they will make their way back to your home.
It’s a proven fact that outdoor cats have a shorter lifespan due to the risks that they face.
How to Take Your Savannah Outside Safely
Now that you understand why you should never let your Savannah cat outdoors without any type of boundaries. There are several Savannah cat owners around the world that have safely let their indoor cat enjoy the great outdoors.
Here are some ways to expose your cat to the outdoors while keeping them safe.
Outdoor Enclosure
You can buy or make an outdoor cat enclosure also know as a “cat patio” to help keep your cat safe while enjoying the great outdoors.
There are several designs you can choose from. Many of them designed with a wood frame and an escape-proof galvanized wire to keep the best escape artists inside.
If you’re a handy person, you can find a lot of plans for outdoor enclosures online. Not a handy person, like me? Well, you can easily find cat enclosures on Amazon or your local pet stores.
Use A Leash
Just like dogs, cats can be leash trained. While this breed has many dog-like characteristics, they are not quite as trainable or versatile as dogs.
Whenever leash training a cat, make sure that you use a cat harness, not a collar.
It’s important to remember that it can take a lot longer to leash train a feline. Every cat is unique and some won’t be interested in learning how to walk on a leash.
If you’ve been trying to train them and they do not have any interest in being leash trained, then you should respect their wish.
Adult Supervision
Never let your cat outside alone or with your children. You should always have an adult nearby to ensure other stray cats don’t come into contact with her.
Vaccines
Before taking your cat outdoors, talk to your veterinarian to ensure that your kittie is up to date on all her vaccines. You may also want to consider starting some type of parasite prevention treatment.
After all, it’s better to use these preventative measures before it is too late!
Final Take Away
I know some people think that domesticated cats can be an indoor or outdoor cat. Outdoor cats face many dangers and it’s best to keep your feline friend protected.
If you really want to take your Savannah for a walk or out on adventures with you, try to see if your cat can be leash trained.
References And Further Reading
Peta – The Great Outdoors Not For Cats
Vet Record – Alice Potter, James Yeates, and Samantha Gaines – Diagnosis and reporting of antifreeze poisoning
Related Articles
