SAVANNAH BASIC CARE
We are not a large breeder. We breed small amounts of kittens each year to give you the best Savannah kitten possible.
Savannah Proofing Your Home...
Savannahs can get themselves into trouble by opening doors and getting into cupboards and closets that were not meant for them. It is vitally important to "Savannah Proof" your house and keep dangerous items securlty locked up. Try using baby locks on doors and cupboards. You may want to remove your breakable trinkets and ornaments. Cords should be wrapped and off the ground, ribbon and wires inaccessible. You should also familiarize yourself with poisonous plants before getting your cat. Savannahs are drawn to greenery and ingesting something poison could make him very sick if not be fatal. Some things many of us don't even think of, such as toilet bowl cleanes, can be detrimental to a cat seeing it as a water source. Harmful products kept in the basement may cause great harm to a curious cat.
Grooming Your Savannah...
You won't need to spend much time grooming your Savannah. Savannahs require occasional brushing to remove loose hairs, and you can expect to bathe them no more than once a month. Their claws should be clipped regularly with sharp, high-quality cat nail scissors to cut off the white tip of each individual nail, just before the point where it begins to curl. If you accidentally cut into the "quick", use a styptic powder to stop any bleeding. Your vet can also clip his claws for a nominal fee.
Do not declaw your Savannah...
Savannahs are very intelligent and can be trained to scratch and stretch in the proper places if given a little guidance. Providing scratching posts will eliminate the need to have your Savannah declawed. If he needs more encouragement to use the scratching post apply some catnip to it. Declawing can make the pads of their feet VERY sensitive and painful. Let them keep their fingers!
Letting your Savannah outside...
If you allow your Savannah outdoors, it should be allowed to do so only in a completely enclosed area set aside for them. The area needs to be enclosed by proper, secure wire fencing not only vertically like a standard fence, but also the ceiling fence to ensure they cannot escape. It is very easy for a Savannah to stray from home, never to be seen again, or stolen, or even mistaken as a wild animal and trapped or killed. Letting your cat roam also presents the danger of disease or injury from other animals and wildlife, or getting hit by a car. All reputable breeders' contracts specific details outline that the kittens they sell you can only be permitted outside in these types of enclosures or walked on a leash with securely fitted harness, and only while supervised.
Leash training your Savannah...
Start early. As soon as possible get your kitten used to the feel of the harness and lead. Allow your kitten to romp and play in their harness, while supervised. Cats are experts at the art of escape. Walking jackets and harnesses made specifically for cats are the safe and proper choice. Take indoor walks before outdoor walks. Use a feather toy to lead your kitten and get them distracted from the harness and lead. Make the process fun and don't rush it. Take breaks and use bribes. Use favorite treats to reward positive responses to training (try using a treat that is only given during walks). Never drag the kitten or allow them to struggle. Savannahs are intelligent cats...they generally catch on relatively quick. And they will love their outings and time spent with you!