How to Take Care of Savannah Kittens

Savannah cats are a cross between domestic cats and servals.

The wild and exotic look of the Savannah cat is likely due to its breeding. A combination of domestic cat and a serval (African wildcat), the Savannah cat is the largest domestic hybrid, weighing an average of 27 pounds. Care is a bit different for the Savannah cat compared to an ordinary domestic. Focus is usually on proper nutrition, vet care and behavior training, which must begin while the Savannah is still a kitten.

Things You'll Need

• Veterinarian familiar with exotic cat breeds
• Scratching post, litter box and toys
• Cat litter box
• High-quality wet and dry cat foods
• Raw poultry
• Bottled water
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Choose a veterinarian that is familiar with the Savannah breed. Vaccination of exotic cats differs from that of domestic cats, so your Savannah kitten will require the care of a veterinarian that is aware of the differences. Exotic cats are also prone to various conditions not seen in domestic cats, such as Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome--a condition that affects the tail in servals.

2. Quarantine your Savannah kitten when you bring her home. Quarantine will acclimate her to the sounds of her new home, making her adjustment easier. The confinement room should contain a scratching post, litter box, her food and water, and toys to keep her occupied. It should also be free of dangers, such as exposed electrical wires.

3. Feed your Savannah kitten three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) a combination of high-quality wet and dry cat foods. Look for manufactured cat foods that list protein as the first ingredient on the label. Supplement your Savannah kitten's diet with raw proteins, such as chicken. Once the kitten is four months old, feed him twice daily.

4. Fill your Savannah kitten's water bowl with bottled water instead of tap. The temperamental digestive system of Savannah kittens cannot tolerate the impurities that may exist in your tap water. Offer only bottled water until the kitten is at least four months old.

5. Introduce your Savannah cat to her litter box as soon as you bring her home. She will quickly learn where it is and instinctively use it. Keep the litter box clean at all times, changing the litter regularly. A clean litter box will reduce the desire to find unsuitable areas to eliminate.

6. Gently mist the Savannah kitten with a spray bottle filled with bottled water when she does something that you do not want her to do. Cats do not like the feeling of sprayed water and will usually learn to avoid inappropriate behavior after the first few squirts.

Tips & Warnings

• Discourage your kitten from biting by pressing your finger into his mouth when he starts to bite. This will result in a gag reflex, which is uncomfortable and will deter future bite attempts.

• Do not allow the Savannah kitten to engage in behavior that you would consider unsuitable for a full-grown cat. While some types of bad behavior may seem amusing when the Savannah cat is small, if not corrected the behavior could continue into adulthood.

References

• The Kasbah Cattery: Savannah Cat Care
• Alota Spots Savannahs: Proper Kitten Care/What Do They Eat?

Resources

• Exotic Catz: Exotic Cat Veterinary Care