Savannah cats are a wilder species that come from a cross between a domestic cat and a wild African serval cat.
You might discover that, in many ways, their behavioral patterns are somewhat different from other domesticated cats. For a new Savannah cat parent, it might seem daunting. Not to fear, simple guidelines will help make owning a Savannah cat or kitten easier.
Feeding Savannah Cats
From birth to eight weeks, Savannah kittens should eat raw ground chicken. Vitamins and minerals are also an essential part of their diet, added in moderate quantities.
You can transition to wet cat food, usually a chicken-based mix, once your furry companion can easily consume raw chicken. Until the adjustment period ends, combining wet cat food with chicken is safer.
Between the ages of nine to twelve months, you can wean your Savannah kitten off raw chicken and onto a wet cat diet. Add a few dry cat food kibbles, although most kittens will only eat dry food during this period.
Once fully grown, you can slowly switch your Savannah cat to a complete dry cat food diet, incorporating other food items like potatoes for a balanced diet.
Savannah Cats’ Health
Ensure a licensed veterinarian provides frequent and necessary checkups for your Savannah cat.
Your veterinarian will inform you about the necessary shots, medications, and when and how often your cat needs to visit the doctor.
Toys
Savannah cats are active, bright, and quick-witted when it comes to having fun and playing.
Due to their true nature, they do not like being left alone for extended periods and often get caught up with figuring out certain things in the house—like opening the door of their crate or pushing objects down from tables, which might result in a lot of broken household equipment if they are not kept entertained.
They enjoy hunting and chasing after objects, but for a breed so commonly kept indoors, this might not be possible. Most Savannah cat owners compensate by finding the best toys, and interactive and challenging toys keep them occupied.
Toys that encourage them to act on their hunting instincts are great for these wild cat hybrids. The best Savannah cat toys are long-lasting, engaging, and fascinating, keeping your cat occupied even while you’re away. An example is the remote-controlled mouse toy that your furry companion can chase all day long.
Resting
Despite their playful and agile nature, Savannah cats spend up to 15 hours a day sleeping. As they grow older, some sleep for up to 20 hours a day—ranging from short naps to REM slumbers.
Your furry friend will be ready to play between dusk and dawn, but frequently, Savannah cats adjust their sleeping habits to sync with their owners. This is why, at first, your bedtime might be their playtime, but you will soon discover that your pet is willing to go to sleep cuddled next to you at night.
The average sleep period is less than two hours, with a short time of about thirty minutes where they are awake. Even if the Savannah cat is asleep, it remains aware and alert to surrounding stimuli.
