SAVANNAHGANS® - THE International Savannah Cat Magazine (WI2021) by Debra Roberts

Custom-created Savannah Cat mugs by Peri Hughes of Barron Photografix. Get yours today on Etsy!

FROM THE OWNER/EDITOR'S DESK by: Debra Roberts

Welcome to this fourth edition of

SAVANNAHGANS® THE International Savannah Cat Magazine We're thrilled to release the first issue of our second year--that last year flew by! With over 6,000 website views by over 2,000 visitors, that's significant progress! Our list of knowledgeable, highly experienced contributors is growing, and we're collecting a wealth of great stories, experiences, and wisdom to share with our readers. We continue to expand our circle of Savannah enthusiasts, breeders, and owners worldwide. My husband Jamison and I own four Savannahs. We've had a variety of experiences, including a breeder scam, a fatal disease (FIP), and the discovery of a cure for it. I'm thankful to have been acquainted with many breeders and experienced owners who've educated me immensely on our wonderful breed over the past four years. I look forward to meeting many more to create great content for our publications and website archives! My primary goal is to write and publish informative and entertaining content from Savannah enthusiasts and experts in a whimsical publication. I strive to combine factual and heart-warming stories with health and safety education. Current and future owners can easily search our site with keywords to find anything they want to know about our wonderful breed. Our collection is growing, and I'm learning how to develop a website a little more each day! Savannahgans® e-magazine welcomes ALL cat lovers, regardless of breed, to check out all we offer! Whether searching for a reputable breeder, safety and health advice, or commissioned art and novelties, you'll find it all in each quarterly issue and on our website at www.savannahgans.com. It's all FREE. However, your support through donations and shopping through our various affiliate links helps with operating expenses to keep this going, and donations are also shared with the Savannah Care and Rescue Funds. Our social media platforms are growing and are excellent tools for sharing our musings- which means we need followers!

Be sure to visit www.savannahgans.com and follow our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter pages too! Page 3

Owner, Editor, Writer, Designer, Marketing, and Social Media:

Debra Roberts, Savannah owner, Registered Nurse, and blogger

Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Art Director:

Jacqueline Luttrelle, Savannah owner and artist

Featured Writers and Contributors:

Debra Roberts, Savannah owner, R.N., and blogger Jenny Biehunko, DVM; Resident ACVB, Veterinarian and Pet Behaviorist Jenn Culler, Savannah owner and blogger David Grieshaber, Savannah owner and CIO Gamerz Golf Emily Albojer of Soul Savannahs and Soul Raw Scott Russell, Savannah owner, artist, and parts delivery Heather Jackson of Nitrokatz Savannahs

Media Contributors:

Suzette Moore-Carter, Savannah owner Richard Halstead, Savannah owner Rebecca Cleveland Diehl, Volbarre Savannahs

Featured Breeder:

Emily Albojer of Soul Savannahs and Soul Raw

On the Cover:

F1 Silver "Kaito," our featured story, owned by David Grieshaber

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What's in the Winter 2021 Edition? Savandalism

7 - 10

Featured Story

11 - 14

Health and Safety

16 - 27

Breeder Spotlight

29 - 35

Featured Artist

37 - 38

What the "F"

39 - 40

Product Review

44 - 45

Ask Auntie Vannah

50 - 51

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Savannah Heightz Savannahs www.Savannahheightz.com Savannahheightz@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebok.com/savannahheightz/ Instagram: savannahheightz Located in Washington and Nevada, we're a small in-home TICA registered breeder specializing in producing unique purebred F1A, F2B, F3C, and F4SBT Savannah kittens with the wild, majestic look of their ancestors. Our cats are bred to develop the Savannah breed standard further, emphasizing large ears, triangular faces, long bodies, and legs with a Majestically bold spotted pattern. Additional generations will come in future breeding. We expect an F3C Litter in early 2021 and F1A and F4SBTs in mid-2021.

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"Savandalism is a Phase They Never Outgrow"! --quote by Dana Frazelle, owner of melanistic rescue Savannah "Shad"

LIFE IS UNCERTAIN. GET A SAVANNAH CAT. Page 7

Richard Halstead's Melantistic two-year old F6 "Mr. Burton" from Clawson's Ranch, NV.

"2020...enough already"!

"OMG, It's FINALLY over!"

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Suzette Moore-Carter's five-year-old F2 brother/sister duo. Bartley Zeus is on the left, and Athena Grace is on the right, enjoying a space heater spa session. They're bred by the late Donna Pinillos, Exotico Savannahs.

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Rebecca Cleveland's Melanistics F3 (Jungletouch) "Ra" (RIP, he died during an asthma attack), with F3 (Jungletouch) "Nyx" questioning what he's doing. The bird is a 30-yearold Greenwing Macaw, Chiquita. She loves cats. Since we used the same pellets in both the litterboxes and the birdcage, Ra quickly got confused and jumped into her cage to poo! They were great friends. Volbarre Savannahs, WA.

Do you have a Savandalism photo or video you'd like to share for a future edition? Contact us here!

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Kaito the 20-Year Old Savannah Cat Written by: David Grieshaber, Kaito's Owner

In 2000, my wife Sayuri and I were looking for a cat that would fit our lifestyle. You can purchase almost anything over the Internet--even 20 years ago! Previously, I'd owned various exotic animals, one being an albino Burmese Python. We wanted an exotic cat as well. That's when we found Joyce Sroufe of ExoticCats.com (now A1Savannahs.com). She'd been instrumental in creating a new cat breed--a mix between an African Serval and a domestic cat.

Intrigued, we reached out to Joyce, and the adventure began. Joyce experimented with breeding a male Serval and an Egyptian Mau, creating a Savannah Cat with a unique color- in this case, silver. With that success, we purchased our Savannah and named him "Sora." However, after six months, Sora passed away due to a bizarre genetic respiratory disorder. Of course, we were devastated, but Joyce did all she could to make us whole in our loss, including a kitten from her next attempt.

Intrigued, we reached out to Joyce, and the adventure began.

We named him "Kaito," a Japanese term meaning "flying over the sea." We chose it because Kaito loved to sit on my stomach in the bathtub and play in the water or the shower. We also acquired an F1 Chausie named Misha, an African Jungle Cat/Main Coon mix Kaito's life companion. As a juvenile, Kaito was a terror cat. His true wild cat nature came out randomly as he hunted his prey through the house and fought to be the Alpha male. He'd jump across the table, causing my wife Sayuri's homework to fly through the air. I'd run to find out what was happening, find papers floating to the ground, and Kaito meowing and looking innocent. I'd return downstairs, and he'd attach himself to my wife's behind with his full claws dug in. Back up the stairs, I'd go, Kiato looking all innocent-like again as if to say, "What? I didn't do anything."

His wild nature was a constant issue in his youth, the worst being random rough play-not understanding boundaries and when to stop! His wild nature was a constant issue in his youth, the worst being random rough play-not understanding boundaries and when to stop! Luckily, we met a vet who worked for the Los Angeles Zoo with big cats. He shared a super-secret: Tabasco Sauce. When Kaito started to get rough, I put the hot sauce on my arms or ankles and let him have a bite. He Hated it! It got to the point when we'd walk toward the refrigerator, we wouldn't see him the rest of the night. The benefit was that he never bit or caused bloodshed for anyone ever again for the rest of his life.

Savannah cats are a wonderful breed, but be forewarned; they can often take more care and attention than a typical domestic cat. Kaito acted more like a dog, and Misha was the epitome of the perfect scaredy-cat. He loved going for walks on a harness and leash in the park. Big dogs would run up thinking, "Cat, Cat, Cat," but as they drew closer, Kaito stood in his position super alert. As they approached, it changed to "big cat," then "why isn't this cat running away"? When they reached Kaito, the big scary dogs were crawling up and whimpering about this big cat that refused to run away! Kaito's always curious about everyone who approaches, sniffing their shoes after leaving them at the door. Savannahs are high-energy and very intelligent. When Kaito was a young adult, he showed his Serval side and jumped over me to get food out of my hand. We also taught him to "high five," jump on command, and shake while determining the left vs. correct shake command. I could never get him to roll over tough. These cats wore out every toy we gave them, but Kaito's favorite is playing fetch. Sometimes, he plays for hours with verbal and physical demands to "throw the toy"--or else! I advise you not to bother buying standard cat toys; they last a few days at most. Weirdly enough, his favorite is golf balls tied up into a ball plastic bags and the plastic housing of Party Poppers.

wake up, and he touches my finger to get me out of bed. It's become our wake-up tradition since my wife didn't like the idea of me hitting the snooze button! Over the years, we've made every effort to take exceptional care of our cats. They have sizeable dog tunnels integrated into modular cat towers. We feed them the healthiest whole foods we can buy with the least byproducts and filtered water. We add vitamins from the Life Extension Foundation called "Cat Mix" into their morning food. We rarely feed the cats human food, but they enjoy cooked salmon and chicken. And with cheese, they sit at the table and wait for scraps, with a paw in shake position, until we give them a small piece. Kaito will sometimes become more aggressive and take it and run.

In July 2020, Kaito turned 20 years old and got his favorite cooked chicken breast dish. I am pleasantly surprised that both our cats have made it to this age. Kaito still acts like a seven-year-old, chases toys, gets excited with a poofy tail, and plays and meows a lot. We're happy Kaito and Misha have been part of our lives for so long and hope for more years of pleasure with our kidi-cats.

Throughout his life, Kaito wanted to be a pack animal and the Alpha male of the household, but that's my position. During the day, he ignores or acts disgruntled toward me. But the boys come up and sleep with us as a family at night. Kaito mainly imprints on my wife. I wonder if it's because she's the food source- or his human toy. Kaito's the perfect alarm clock, too. At about 5:00 am, he'll walk around the bed meowing, demanding we feed them. If we don't get up, he howls, followed by walking across our bodies. A few times, he became so frustrated that we were sleeping in. He went and got the kitchen towel, soaked it in his water bowl, then dragged it to the bed, dropping it on our faces! This antic changed as he aged. Now, I put out my finger when I'm ready to

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VIDEOS OF KAITO PLAYING FETCH AT 20!

CLICK IMAGES TO WATCH

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Whiskers & Wicks Feline-Safe Candles As these candles are inspired by my passion for my feline companions and foster, a portion of all proceeds is donated to felines in need in Ohio at Columbus Cares For Cats. You'll even receive a note regarding the feline the funding went to! Our Wax: Made with high quality, all-natural 100% soy wax that is bio-degradable, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Free of paraffin, petroleum, beeswax products, and dyes.Our Scents: Created by blending therapeutic, non-diluted essential oils (diluted oils typically contain toxic chemicals). We do NOT mix any fragrances as these can be harmful to both humans and companion animals. Our wax melts come in biodegradable, compostable, and unbleached sachets. *Please note: Any animal may react differently to certain essential oils, so always burn candles in a space where your companions can leave (or enter!) the room, depending on how it may affect them at the time.

ORDER YOUR CANDLES HERE: https://tidd.ly/3ojf4Jf

Cedarwood: Offers a soothing effect to reduce stress and has sedative qualities that can help promote sleep. Lemongrass: Anti-inflammatory properties and can promote awareness. Rosemary: Opens up cognitive function (great for training your cat). It can assist with depression, mental fatigue, and forgetfulness as it can stimulate memory. Frankincense: Eases mental and emotional distress, minimizes distractions, and improves concentration; encourages tranquility and confidence.

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Comm on H ouse hold to C ats w Item Bieh s Tox ith D unko ic r. Je DVM, nny R e siden PAG t AC E1 VB 7-1 8

Nile's Dange Story: Th e r of R odent Toxic icide ity by S Russe cott ll Pag es 1 9-20

Cat-Safe Houseplant Review: The Lovely African Violet by: Debra Roberts PAGES 21-22

An Introduction to Raw Feeding – A Carnivore’s Natural Diet by Emily Albojer PAGE 23-27

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Common Household Items Toxic to Cats by: Dr. Jenny Biehunko, DVM; Resident ACVB Dr. Jenny Biehunko has practiced general medicine with a particular interest in behavior for 17 years. Jenny has completed over 1200 hours of continuing education in veterinary behavior, learning theory, and training. In 2015, she was accepted as a resident in the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and was on track to receiving her specialty as a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. She is a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the Pet Professional Guild. Dr. Jenny is owned by three dogs, five Arabian horses, and five cats, including two Savannah Cats, Niffler (F2) and Kneazle (F3).

Cats have a reputation as finicky eaters; however, those who live with feline friends know these creatures can be curious about their environment and be persistent explorers. In addition to their predisposition toward fastidious grooming, this can result in contact with everyday household items that are toxic to their kind. Cats are very small in size compared to humans and most dogs. They also lack certain liver enzymes, making them much more sensitive to certain drugs and chemicals that don't pose an issue for other species. Cats can be exposed by ingesting these items, as well as by grooming chemicals from their coats. Some toxins can cause damage by inhalation, while others are absorbed directly through the skin. A 2020 report by the Pet Poison Hotline indicated that the most common toxin exposures in cats include topical spot-on insecticides, household cleaners, human drugs such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), acetaminophen (Tylenol), prescription medications, poisonous plants, human food items, and essential oils/potpourri. This list also reflects the most common toxin exposures I see in cats in my practice. Topical, prescription flea preventions labeled for use in cats (at the correct dosage for the individual cat's weight) pose minimal risk for most cats. The most common side effect of these medications is excessive drooling if the cat licks the product off of the skin due to the bitter taste. By far, the most common causes of toxicity reported with topical insecticides are either over-the-counter permethrin-containing products or the accidental application of a product labeled for dogs to the cat. Clinical signs of toxicity include muscle twitching, drooling, vomiting, excitability, ataxia, and difficulty breathing. If this occurs, immediately bathe the product off of your cat. If possible, get your kitty to the vet ASAP. Using only flea products specifically prescribed by your veterinarian for your cat is the safest way to avoid issues. Household cleaners should be stored out of reach as they present toxicity levels should your kitty come in direct contact with them. Keep cats away from any freshly cleaned area until that area has thoroughly dried. Many household products, such as laundry and dish cleaners, contain cationic detergents and can cause mouth and gastrointestinal ulceration irritation and trouble breathing that can be life-threatening. These toxic chemicals can also be found in scented candles and liquid potpourri, often implicated in cats' toxin exposure. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a product found in many shampoos, toothpaste, and other "foamy." toiletry products, can cause acute respiratory issues and death if it gets onto a cat's coat and is then groomed off and ingested in high concentrations. Many drugs that are safe for humans can be toxic to our kitty friends. For instance, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) cannot be processed by cats due to their specialized liver metabolism, and these medications can cause death in our kitties at very low doses. Medications prescribed for humans often have coatings that may attract pets to eat them, resulting in toxicity issues. All medicines must be kept safe from cats.

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One other human medication class that we see more frequent toxicity cases is hormone replacement creams and gels (estrogen and testosterone). These topical medications can cause bone marrow suppression, anemia, cancer, and behavioral issues in pets that lick the owner’s skin after application or in pets that groom themselves after being petted by their owners after application. Houseplants are another common toxin issue for cats. One of the most common and dangerous problems we see in veterinary medicine is lily ingestion. Toxicosis can result from ingesting any part of the plant, even the pollen, when groomed from the coat. Besides being a common class of houseplants, lilies are also often found in decorative flower arrangements. Cats can exhibit initial lethargy and gastrointestinal signs after ingesting these plants, followed by acute kidney failure. Cats can also get into trouble after ingesting many common human foods. Onions and garlic are processed differently by kitty livers, and the resulting metabolic by-product can “attack” cat blood cells, causing life-threatening anemia. Like dogs, chocolate is toxic if ingested by cats, causing gastrointestinal issues at lower doses and neurological issues at higher doses. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are typically more potent toxins than milk chocolate. Lastly, toxic exposure to essential oils is becoming more frequent in cats as these oils are becoming more popular with people and are touted as safe and valuable. Again, cats do not process chemicals in the same way as other species, and they are susceptible to the chemicals found in many of these oils. Essential oil diffusers can be particularly troublesome, as aerosolized particles can be inhaled or deposited on the kitty’s coat. Although few studies on essential oil toxicity exist, a recent ten-year retrospective study shows 110 toxicity reports in cats exposed to various essential oils, usually in concentrated form. Concentrated tea tree oil, in particular, has been implicated in many cases. If you suspect your cat has experienced exposure to a toxin, call a poison control hotline and immediately get her to a veterinarian. It is crucial not to try to induce vomiting. Many toxins are caustic and will cause increased issues if vomited. Hydrogen peroxide, which can safely induce vomiting in some cases of toxicosis in dogs, causes severe esophageal damage in cats and should NEVER be administered.

Resources: ASPCA Poison Control https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control 1-888-426-4435 (Fees apply) Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-764-7661 (Fees apply) https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-healthtopics/common-cat-hazards

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Nile's Story: The Danger of Rodenticide Toxicity By: Scott Russell, Nile's owner

I want to take this opportunity to share with you our 13-monthold F4 Savannah boy Nile. I also want to warn all cat owners about the dangers and warning signs of ingesting poison. On September 13th, 2020, we brought Nile with us to our trailer, as we do with our four-year-old cat, Phoenix. Nile was our extraordinary boy from Shannon at Mighty Fine Savannahs in Leduc Alberta, Canada, a small town outside Edmonton. (We reside in Hamilton, Ontario). It was such an exciting flight for me because I'd wanted a Savannah cat for many years. We own a trailer at a beach camp resort three hours away in a place called Sauble Camp Resort in Ontario, Canada, a pet-friendly trailer park. When we were staying at the trailer, I found Nile to be behaving out of sorts. He was stumbling, and his eyes were slightly closed, but there were no other immediate signs of distress. Coincidentally, the propane had run out in our trailer, releasing an odor (expected result when the tank is low). My girlfriend, Kelly, thought Nile might have inhaled the propane, so she put him outside in a cage to get some fresh air. We watched him for a few hours, but his condition slowly worsened.

We watched him for a few hours, but his condition slowly worsened. He deteriorated so slowly; it was barely noticeable. He made no fuss and seemed content-until he started to foam at the mouth. We realized his condition was worsening, so we began researching nearby vets, and the emergency vet was three hours away. At this point, it was 11:00 p.m. and "after hours."

It was clear something was seriously wrong with Nile. So we embarked on that three-hour drive. His condition got so bad that I didn't think we'd make it in time. It was heart-wrenching being so helpless as we watched him pant for air and breathe heavily. As we drove, we contacted poison control, and they helped us rule out propane being a causative factor. Because he was conscious when we'd taken him outside for fresh air, they said he'd have gotten better had this been the case. We were confused and panicked as we struggled to figure out what could be wrong with our beautiful boy.

We arrived at the vet at around 2:30 a.m. They were waiting for Nile and immediately started an IV. We'd been talking to them on the way there and updating them on his condition. By the time I pulled Nile out of the carrier, he was almost lifeless. He was floppy in the vet's arms with very little to no mobility, completely limp. The vet drew blood and gave him oxygen. His blood results returned, pointing to the main chemical used in rodenticides. The vet told us Nile was likely brain-dead and wouldn't make it. There was nothing we could do except stop his suffering. It was 4:30 a.m. when we made the gut-wrenching decision to end his suffering. We had to euthanize him and let him go. With my heart breaking and guilt kicking in, I asked myself why I hadn't brought him sooner--as soon as I'd noticed something was wrong. We guess it'd been around 24 to 48 hours since he'd ingested the poisoned mouse. But that wouldn't have made a difference for Nile's survival.

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We did a top-to-the-bottom search of the trailer, searching every crack and corner. The vet said people commonly put mouse poison where they don't think their animals can get to it, but that doesn't mean it's safe. I've found dead mice under the logs outside the trailer, so it's no surprise that one entered. A mouse is an easy prey for a cat. Even if the cat only plays with it and doesn't eat it, it can be enough to poison the cat. We firmly believe Nile caught a poisoned mouse inside our trailer since he's not an outdoor roaming cat. We also learned that nearby neighbors put poison in their trailers, sheds, and around their property to keep the mice away. The nights had been cold. We think the mouse made its way into our trailer, and Nile ate it, leaving no trace as it was in his blood samples. The other possibility is that the poison got on his paws when taking Nile for a walk, and when he cleaned himself, he ingested just enough.

It's a mystery how the poisoning got into his bloodstream. At least we know what happened to our boy, and hopefully, my story will save other cats. Be very cautious when allowing your cat to walk around other people's properties or visiting others' homes. You never know if the people residing near you have used rodent poison. To help ease our pain and help our other cat, Phoenix, recover from missing Nile, we added "River" from a breeder in Ontario to our Family. Phoenix would look for Nile every night, howling and crying. The night we brought River home, that stopped. Going back there is tough as we don't feel comfortable taking the cats anymore. We are soon adding Niles' little brother from another litter as soon as we can get him here.

Nile and Phoenix

"River" In the case of Rodenticide toxicity: “High doses of vitamin K1 must be administered for several weeks after exposure to replace the damaged vitamin K1 in the body. In addition to vitamin K1 supplementation, supportive care may be necessary, depending on the clinical signs. This includes intravenous fluid therapy and blood transfusions to treat lifethreatening hemorrhage, and the removal of blood from around the heart or lungs to improve breathing and circulation if necessary.” --Dr. Jenny Biehunko DVM

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Suzette MooreCarter's F2 Bartley Zeus

Cat-Safe Houseplant Review: Poisonous Holiday Favorites to Avoid and How You Can Substitute by: Debra Roberts Do you love plants but are disappointed by the endless list of feline-toxic plants, especially some of the most common ones we're accustomed to? According to the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) website, the list is long and includes many familiar and favored greenhouse treasures. I've been researching and reviewing houseplants for the last few years and have found many hardy and easy-to-grow options that are non-toxic to your cat and aesthetically pleasing to you. You needn't give up your green thumb to own cats! Potted plants are popular gifts or decorations during the holiday season, and cats often can't avoid the temptation to investigate something new. Some of the most popular holiday plants can be quite toxic if ingested, causing abnormal behavior, vomiting and diarrhea, skin irritation, and, of course, death. Common poisonous plants to avoid include Holly, Azalea, Yew, Boxwood Amaryllis, Peace lily, Mistletoe, Chrysanthemum, Gardenia, and Poinsettia, the most popular holiday plant. Fortunately, several festive substitutions aren’t poisonous. Good choices include Christmas and other cacti varieties, African violet, Phalaenopsis orchid, Bromeliad, Roses, Boston fern, Peperomia, Prayer plant, Spider plant, Swedish ivy, and the Polka dot plant.

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An Introduction to Raw Feeding – A Carnivore’s Natural Diet Written by: Emily Albojer, Savannah breeder at "Soul Savannahs" and owner of "Soul Raw"

Cats are obligate carnivores, and raw is a species-appropriate diet. Kibble has only been around since WW2, and although its purpose was convenience and longevity, that comes with a sacrifice. Kibbles are pressure-cooked pressure-cooked at high heat, which removes most natural nutrition. Cheap oils are then used to coat them and add synthetic vitamins to hit a base-level requirement. Although the cheapest wet foods are better than kibble due to moisture, they are also processed and cooked out. Preservatives, fillers, by-products- or even worse- grain and veggies, which cats are not biologically meant to digest- are all part of that commercial standard. This standard is the bare minimum to allow our cats to survive, but we don't want our family to survive; we want them to thrive. Cats, by nature, are meant to consume 90% of their moisture from their diet. Even if they drink much water, it usually shows how dehydrated they are. A common early realization of raw feeders is how their cats seldom touch their water, yet their litter box is filled with urine--more so than when they are fed a mix of kibble and wet, but less concentrated and so a less pungent smell. A raw-fed cat's stool smells less, and they produce smaller and fewer stools because raw is a lowresidue diet.

Introducing Raw to a Young Kitten Introducing raw to a kitten is usually very easy. For the breeder, they transition quickly, with less stress on the system and fewer loose stools. The kitten's jaws take little time to develop muscles and adapt to larger chunks. Kittens do eat much more than adults, as they grow very quickly. It's ideal for introducing a variety at a young age to see different proteins and textures as foods. This makes it much easier for the pet to go home. Kittens on the proper diet from a young age have more robust immune systems and recover quickly from vaccinations and neutering.

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For the pet home, if the breeder's already fed raw, it's easy nowadays to source premade locally or shipped right to your door. It's also easy to follow a basic recipe (a simple recipe is included at the end of this article). If the breeder has never introduced raw, the pet home can switch the kitten "cold turkey" as raw is natural and not hard on their systems like different commercial foods. However, if the kitten doesn't seem interested, stick to the breeder's food for a couple of weeks to not stress the kitten and slowly transition to only wet and raw.

Transitioning an Adult Cat to Raw Transitioning to an adult can take more patience and time as kibbles can be addictive, and the cat may not see it as food. The benefits are worth the effort. Like with kittens, if they don't go for it right away, first, transition to wet food, and then mix a small amount of raw in, slowly increasing amounts until completely switching over. If the cat is stubborn and determined to have their kibble, it's often because they can smell it and know it's available. Take all kibble from the home and remove it dramatically in a way the cat can see. Please keep it in the garage or your trunk or donate it to the humane society. Deep clean the cupboard where it was stored with a vinegar-soap-water solution to remove the scent properly. Cats can skip 1-2 meals to get hungry enough to switch over, but many have found more success slowly transitioning. Play with textures (blend them), and try different proteins to find something that appeals to your cat. I always suggest homes offer a little cut of raw chicken from their meal prep as a treat to see how their cat will take to it. Most times, cats know what the good stuff is. Less shedding, shinier coats and eyes, more quality energy, balanced moods, and less smelling litter boxes are the first signs owners notice and appreciate when they transition their cats onto raw.

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Common Objections/Concerns about Raw Feeding My vet gave me a huge lecture when I mentioned raw. Nowadays, many vets are pro-raw. Major food brands like Royal Canin or Hills Science Diet fund the nutrition education most vets get during their schooling. Many vets fear meat quality (meat should be human grade or carefully sourced) or are concerned if the owners are feeding a nutritionally balanced recipe. Cats need 80% muscle meat, 10% secreting organ (minimum 5% liver), and 10% bone.

I'm scared my cat or my family will get sick. Salmonella is an early-mentioned concern by pet homes. Cats have acidic bodies; their saliva and stomach acid are meant to consume raw meats. They have shorter digestive tracks than carnivores and, therefore, won't get sick. Humans need to maintain regular hygiene with raw meats. Thousands of raw feeders get licked and have children without any adverse issues from feeding their cats a raw diet. Many kibbles are recalled, and even humans produce bacteria, much more than feeding a quality diet.

Won't my cat choke from the bones? Cooked bones should never be fed as they are sharp and brittle. Raw bones, conversely, are pretty soft and won't pierce their stomachs. Feed either bite-sized pieces (ground or cut up small) or pieces large enough to force them to chew. A cat will mush up a large piece of meat, spit it up, and chew it again until it's safe to swallow. Cats get much stimulation from chunks, which also works their stomachs and digestive enzymes, so they should be used naturally. They work their jaws and clean their teeth.

I heard raw diets are expensive. Some premade can be pricey, but many are the same or less expensive than feeding a quality kibble and wet mixed diet. You can purchase in bulk for further savings, but if you choose to make it yourself, it can be a fraction of the price, and you can purchase meats when they go on sale to save more. Most new raw feeders are surprised about how little their cats eat once their bodies adapt and settle nutritionally. Raw also saves much money in the long term, as with proper nutrition from the inside out, you're preventing issues down the line. As a raw feeder, I've never experienced problems like UTIs, diabetes, etc. Treating a sick cat can be very pricey.

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Whole Prey Whole prey's perfect for the lazy raw feeder! All jokes aside, whole prey is optimal, as the feathers and fur are great fiber, and the complete prey has everything a cat needs naturally. Brain and thyroid are a couple of the organs cats don’t usually consume with an 80:10:10 diet. Many people feed their cats in the bathtub or mat/crate train their cats for homes concerned with the mess. Cats will sit in their crate eagerly waiting for their meal. Feeding whole prey slightly frozen can also avoid the mess, and cats will usually consume every last morsel. To view options for whole prey, click here to view. Warning: Some may find the image sensitive due to its graphic nature.

About Soul Raw Soul Raw was established as a business in 2019 after making raw pet food for our own dogs and cats for five years. Our goal's to provide a balanced, palatable, and affordable option without fillers specialized for felines specifically. Our batches are made small and frequently to ensure quality and freshness. We offer whole prey and various options (quail, rabbit, mice, etc.) for any cat. We also offer natural and durable rod toys to trigger their primitive instincts. We love to hear updates from our happy customers and to see their kitties thrive the way nature intended. Soul Raw – The Feline Choice

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Raw Food Recipe for Dummies – 80/10/10 There are many options for an easy scoop and serving premade food, but making raw can be easier and less expensive. Cat CRAP has an easy calculator to input and balance recipes using different cuts of meat/bone/organ (80/10/10), and here's a small basic recipe with the bone for you to try at home: PLEASE NOTE – the wings cannot be subbed with any other bone as the bone content is different; therefore, the ratios will not be correct. 0.25 lb of chicken wings (cats can chew on the wings whole, or you can cut them into smaller bite-sized morsels) 0.78 lb of any boneless meat, except chicken breast or rabbit (these have lower taurine and fat levels and should not be the main protein for a cat – I prefer to use chicken thighs or drums deboned but with skin/fat on as it is very beneficial to cats) 0.11 lb of any liver (in this case, I prefer chicken versus beef as beef tends to be too rich for many cats) Water to taste – 2 or 3 oz is a good starting point for this recipe. You can add before portioning or just before serving.

Optional Ingredients 0.10 lb of tinned sardines in water or tomato sauce (do not feed raw fish!) Sardines have the highest omega-3 content, and fish is fed for omega-3 to help balance omega-6 in the meat. One raw egg without the shell

Directions Mix all ingredients – use your hands, your feet, a spoon, a couple of spoons, a drill with a mixer attachment, or whatever takes your fancy to mix it.

*Cat CRAP (Cats Completely Raw and Proud) is a large online community on Facebook with many resources and information in their files to support a cat's human on their raw journey.

About Soul Raw Soul Raw was established as a business in 2019 after making raw pet food for our dogs and cats for five years. We aim to provide a balanced, palatable, and affordable option without fillers specifically for felines. Our batches are made small and frequently to ensure quality and freshness. We offer whole prey and various options (quail, rabbit, mice, etc.) for any cat. We also offer natural and durable rod toys to trigger their primitive instincts. We love to hear updates from our happy customers and see their kitties thrive like nature intended. --Soul Raw – The Feline Choice

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Salem's Pride is expecting litters in December! Drinkwater F6 "Bristol" of Salem's Pride expects F7 SBT kittens, and Salem's Pride F3 "Smokin' Hot Chic" expects F4 SBT kittens. They will be ready for their new homes at 12-14 weeks of age. All pet kittens are spayed or neutered, microchipped, harness-trained, vetted, and vaccinated. FeLV and FIV tested negative, genetically tested, TICA registered, and one-year health guaranteed per contract. Salem's Pride is a small in-home cattery outside Ann Arbor, MI. We're proud to focus on breeding kittens raised underfoot. We pay strict attention to TICA show standards and healthy, well-socialized, Serval-looking Savannah kittens. You may call or email Lynda Ryskamp at 248.675.7398. lyndaryp@gmail.com. https://www.salemspridesavannahs.com

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Breeder Spotlight An interview with SOUL SAVANNAH'S Emily Albojer Zuko F2B 5.5 years old of AllEarz Savannahs, Nevada

Savannahs, Breeding, Ownership Tips, and the Future with Emily Albojer of Soul Savannahs How'd you come up with your cattery name of Soul Savannahs?

What I've always loved most about our breed is the intensity through their energy, loyalty, and love. The connection a Savannah has when looking at their person is like staring into their soul. The iris in my logo is a natural iris cut out of a quality photo of my first Savannah. The name came to me quickly, and I instantly knew it was the one. I always try to capture their personality, and that loving stare, and some of my favorite photos now are the ones that have my silhouette in their eyes.

One of my legs has tiger stripes, the other is white. You see, I'm unique.

F3C Soul Savannahs Olette - Eyes are the Windows to the Soul

Please tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, family, occupation In high school, we had a few tabbies, my mother never spayed, who'd escape (they were also declawed as I didn't know better then). I'd end up raising, vetting, and homing many litters, experiencing cutting umbilical cords, failing kittens, etc. I enjoyed the entire process, especially birthing. When I discovered the Savannah, I became obsessed, researching and learning everything I could for months. I struggled to find an F2 breeder willing to ship. Finally, I found Trish from Allearz Savannahs, who worked with me to complete Fish and Wildlife and CITES to fly from Ontario, Canada, to Nevada, US, to meet her and her wonderful family. Seeing these breeders' love and commitment, I knew I'd breed one day.

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Bringing F2B Zuko home from Las Vegas

Headed to the Spring 2017 Canadian Pet Expo

After meeting my other mentor and now great friend (Christine from Savvy Paws) at a pet expo, I became involved with cat shows, educating and introducing the breed to the public. She inspired me to learn about our breed standard and develop a huge respect for quality SBTs, carefully bred down to improve the breed. When I started breeding, I also worked full-time selling phones at Costco. But now, I work from home with my raw pet food business (Soul Raw) and a third interconnected business with my boyfriend. We live on a beautiful rural property, allowing me to focus on doing what I love. We're building it together, hands-on, and taking our time to do things right, looking with pride at what we've accomplished.

How’s your family involved in your cattery?

I'm fortunate to have so much support from my friends and family. Many of my best friends are people I've met in this community. My friends have always visited me in my home to hang out while spending time with my babies (rotating room by room usually). My father is very invested in understanding every part of what I do, meeting all my cats, and envisioning my future goals. My mother's not as invested in the breeding intricacies but loves cats and has rushed to my side with any emergency. She's helped me hand-feed young kittens around the clock, helps me around the cattery so I can have more time with the cats, and pet-sits them when I'm away. I'd been invested in Savannahs a few years before I met my boyfriend, Marcus of Supreme Savannahs. He's pushed me to grow and improve and supported me in ways that make me a better person and breeder. He understands genetics and which cats complement each other to find the right traits. We love to send each other photos of Savannahs we see online, talk about their features, and constructively criticize each other's cats. We both pay close attention to detail when socializing our cats, and it's incredible to have someone who understands and loves what we do.

A classic Supreme Savannahs kitten pile

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What’s a typical day at your cattery like? I wake up to toys around my neck and in my bed, as Olette has brought a few to play fetch the night before. Now, she's in snuggle mode and excited I'm awake. I go to the kitchen, where Zuko is ready to maul me with love because he's hungry and extra sucky. I feed all my cats and scoop their litter boxes one by one - chatting with them, as they're involved with everything I do as I tidy their rooms. When all the quick tidies are done, and dishes are put in the sink to soak, I finally get ready and take care of myself. I try to give each cat some one-on-one time, but if it isn't possible that day, I make sure to spend extra time with one each day to enjoy them and have special moments. It also allows me to get some good photos once they settle down. I do my rounds several times a day and again before I leave to go anywhere. I'm often a few minutes late to any destination, as the cats get every last minute of my time. A huge percentage of running a cattery is cleaning, but I won't bore you with that shpiel. You clean, and then you clean again.

What's the best part about breeding? The best part of breeding is placing healthy, social cats with matching, loving homes. Many of my pet homes are still in contact and have a great relationship with me. I love watching every unique personality develop and working with them to be confident and adaptable to change. It's incredible to see physical and personality quirks passed down from each parent (even if they've never met before).

Myra’s father "Knucklebones" in his retirement home, whom she'd never met before, and shares similar cuddles and silly meows.

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What's the worst/hardest part about breeding?

Beyond the obvious--fighting for little lives and dealing with new challenges that come with living creatures--dealing with people is the hardest. People don't realize what an expensive hobby breeding is. They don't realize the time, sweat, and tears put in behind the scenes--the hours talking to tire kickers or people who ask for advice but don't want it. Many people think breeding is simply putting two cats together. But many elements come with being a breeder: housing, health, diet, socialization, marketing, etc.

Do you recommend people try breeding Savannahs? Why/Why not? I recommend breeders to breed Savannahs for the right reasons, and then it'll always be worth it. Don't breed to make money, as many lose tens of thousands of never break even—breed to improve the breed and not just put two cats together for cute kittens. I recommend that newbies own a Savannah, attend a cat show, learn the breed standard, find mentors, and learn all they can. Accept advice and listen to the bad from experienced breeders. Let the hardest parts motivate you to do it correctly. We need more quality breeders to continue improving our breed. Breeding is very rewarding if you do it for the right reasons.

What's the best tip(s) or advice you've received from another breeder? "Be Humble." There's more than one way to do things. Instead of judging, be open to learning and focus on improving your program. "Always have big emergency savings ready." Something will come up costing thousands of dollars, from c-sections to accidents, etc. Be ready. "Do comprehensive health testing and quarantine before bringing a new cat into your program." It only takes one time to compromise all your cats, cost you thousands, or compromise your reputation. "Do housing right the first time." Maintaining a cattery is much work. Breeding cats spray and destroy things due to their hormones. Investing and considering all the factors the first time is better than spending a lot of money and time to repair and improve your setup. "Start small." Be very picky and start with 2-3 cats. Have a couple of litters and see how they develop. Get to know your cat's strengths and weaknesses. Decide how to improve and add cats to your program to complement your cats' needs. "Have more housing than the number of cats you have." You need spaces for quarantining new cats and sick cats, separating bad moms from their kittens, and separating kittens from their moms or siblings to socialize one-on-one. Separate breeding cats so they don't breed unintentionally, and keep cats in small groups for less stress and fewer illness chances. "Always watch their body language and have a broom, towel, or blanket ready." Studs and even queens can snap and act differently to other cats, strangers, or even you because of their hormones. You should always be ready to separate a fight so no one gets hurt. It's your responsibility to know better and be aware.

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What's the biggest weakness of the Savannah breed?

The biggest weakness is breeding out unwanted locked-in traits from outcrosses (like Bengals) used in the past. It is disheartening that pet homes and even breeders think mixing the two is still good. The two breeds are individually amazing but opposite in every way, and it's tough to correct them down the line.

What's the biggest strength of the Savannah breed?

We have a young and very healthy breed with a genetically diversified pool. Savannahs are the perfect mix of an exotic look in a domestic package, with outgoing, doglike personalities.

What's the most important thing a breeder does?

The most important thing a breeder can do is produce healthy and social kittens, maintain happy breeding cats, and continuously learn and improve from any source and in any way you can. A breeder that provides lifetime support and stands behind their cats will always try to do right by their cats first and foremost and, of course, be fair to their homes.

What should new breeders know about breeding they probably haven't considered? Females can pee more than males. It's a yellow massacre when the girls are in heat. Cats yowl and some have hormonal aggression. Vets don’t always have the answer.

I understand you’re well-versed with raw feeding. What’s your best advice?

Raw isRaw's not as difficult or expensive as many think, but it's also not as simple as giving them a piece of chicken. Cats need 80% muscle meat, 10% secreting organ (minimum 5% liver), and 10% bone. Cats have acidic stomachs and shorter digestive tracks than carnivores and won't get sick or pierce their stomachs with the raw bone (it's pretty soft). It's not ideal for feeding kibble, wet and raw, at the same time, as they digest at different rates. Cats get 90% of their moisture by nature from their diet, are obligate carnivores, and can't process grain or veggies. Every meat protein and cut has its unique nutritional profile, so variety is best. The whole prey is wholly balanced and incredible for the lazy human. Lastly, if you've never given raw meat or whole prey before, they likely won't see it as food. I suggest tuning into my "Soul Raw" series to learn more tips and tricks to transition if they don't naturally go for it. It can be challenging, but the benefits are ultimately worth it!

If not raw feeding or supplementing, what food brands/types do you recommend? If not raw, I first suggest freeze-dried or air-dried (Primal or Ziwi Peak) and then recommend a minimum 50% wet diet with limited ingredients and grain-free like Weruva or Almo, and kibbles like Farmina or Boreal. With any diet, I suggest an excellent 3-6-9 oil for their eyes, skin, and coat. Preferably, a squeeze bottle like Thrive as pump bottles degrade the oil.

Do you have a favorite Savannah Cat website?

Facebook has a huge community and a plethora of information. My favorite groups include "Hooked On Savannahs" (the focus is not on advertising but on educating and admiring the breed). "Savannah Cat TICA Breeders," "Canadian Savannah Cats," and "SBT Savannah Kittens and Cats."

Do you or have you bred any other type of cat or animal?

I only breed cats, but I own snakes and parrots. I love all animals and caring for them as close to how they'd be found in nature.

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What do you think about the phasing out of F1 Savannahs? It'll be a beit'lltriment to our breed as we're developing and too young. We're stWe'reg to develop proper late generations that should now be used back to the serval and bred down again to SBT to lock in desirable traits. I also don’t thdon'tICA is the be-all and end-all. People will still breed for F1’s, whF1'sr it is backyard breeding or using another registry/pedigree system. This impacts the people who are able to do things correctly more than anyone else.

What about F2s and F3s being phased out?

It's heartbreaking, as early generations have their own charm and can make incredible pets. Adding more outcrosses to our breed or limiting the breed pool at this point will only compromise the look and health of our cats.

What else would you like the Savannah world to know about you and your cattery?

This breed is my life and passion; my cats are the legacy I'll leave behind someday. I must select the right match for my pet homes, be selective before breeding cats (they are very few and far between), and always breed to improve and develop the breed.

Emily Albojer Soul Savannahs - Soul Raw Kawartha Lakes, Ontario 519-222-2123

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Email Address: spotisse2@yahoo.com

Contact number: 619-392-7021

Featured Artist Jacqueline Luttrelle

I was born with a desire to create what I saw around me, and I started drawing as soon as I could hold a crayon. I've been a professional artist for many years, having graduated from the Art Center, College of Design, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Illustration. I've done both illustration and graphic design part-time since 1985. I started my career as an Art Director for an ad agency in La Jolla, CA. I moved on to other companies, including printers, where I ran their art departments. I've recently hung my Contract Illustrator" sign-up full-time. In 1990, I bought my first Mac and learned to draw in Illustrator, finding it an excellent medium for expanding my skills. I'm also proficient in watercolor, acrylics, and all dry mediums. I do commission work for many Savannah owners, including website graphics, logos, and painted pictures of their cats. I love to share my creative style and ideas here in "Savannahgans Magazine®."

Do you have a talent you'd like to feature for a future edition? Pitch us your idea here! Page 37

By: Jenn Culler, Savannah owner

What the "F" is a Savannah Cat Scam? How to Identify Savannah Frauds and Fakes Savannah cats have increased in popularity over the years, as have the myths surrounding them. Misinformation also adds to the exotic mythology surrounding Savannahs. However, it’s also caused our beloved breed and the general desire to own one to be prime targets for scammers. Indeed, everyone’s seen the popular meme showing the svelte-looking Savannah with the caption that these cats weigh 40lbs, can jump 8ft, and cost $25,000. Most Savannahs don’t hit 20 lbs., let alone 30 (40 is scarce). Breeders may charge $25,000 for an exceptional first-generation cat. Still, most Savannahs fall well below that price tag, with later generations being more in line with other purebred felines’ pricing. In 2018, I started a section on my blog devoted to helping others pinpoint Savannah scammers. Since then, I’ve received dozens of emails from people asking about a website’s legitimacy or if they’d fallen prey to a scam after a deal starts to fall apart. Some stories are heartbreaking, including one from a family trying to purchase a kitten as a Christmas gift and another from an individual whose spouse had passed away. They were looking to bring a new furry companion into their life. No one should find themselves in this position, and I’m glad to work with potential owners to help them avoid these unfortunate situations. Understanding the different types of scams can help prospective buyers spot them easily. The most prevalent form of fraud is the fake breeder website. Essentially, a scammer builds a website like a breeder and uses it to lure in customers. They steal photos of random Savannahs from the internet to populate the site, hoping someone will jump on their fantastic deal (scammer sites almost always have prices too reasonable to be confirmed). Once you make your deposit, the scammer disappears (often renaming their site and relaunching it to catch another victim). Fake Facebook pages and groups follow a similar pattern and are the second type of scammer. Scammers may also use their personal Facebook page to solicit buyers directly. They send messages offering kittens for sale to those interested in Savannah groups or on other breeder’s pages. Legitimate breeders would never “cold call” someone to foist off a kitten. Ignore and block these people entirely.

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Below are my best tips to avoid the many other types of Savannah Cat scams. 1. Website quality is no indication of breeder quality or legitimacy. Most scam sites have a recently registered domain. To see the creation date, you can type the domain name into a look-up service such as https://lookup.icann.org/. If the website's less than a year old and something else in the list below reads "off," avoid purchasing from this breeder. You can also look at Facebook pages to see when they opened the account and their country of origin. 2. Look closely at the photos on the website or Facebook page. Is there cohesiveness in terms of quality in the various images? Are kittens of the same age all on different backgrounds? Do they share anything about the parents, or are they solely pictures of cute kittens they're offering for sale? If you feel something is "off," ask to see more photos of the kitten you're interested in, or perhaps ask for a Zoom or Skype call so you can verify there's a kitten. Most breeders will do this for a serious buyer. 3. Is the cattery registered with TICA (The International Cat Association)? Just because they use the "TICA" logo on their website doesn't mean they're legitimate breeders. Note that most breeders will NOT post photos of their actual TICA certificate on their website. You, the prospective buyer, will need to verify the breeder's TICA's legitimacy. Double-check the exact cattery name and spelling with TICA. Another known scam uses a cattery name that's very close to a wellknown breeder, hoping someone won't look carefully enough. You can always try to verify any TICA papers or claimed membership with the organization. 4. Prices are a dead giveaway. There's no such thing as a healthy $950 F1 Savannah kitten. They don't exist. Ever. No, you didn't find the best bargain on the web. What you've seen is nothing more than an elaborate scam. If you've got a tight budget, I recommend looking for later-generation kittens. Breeding has come so far in the last decade, and you can find wonderfully marked later-generation kittens who have all the Savannah personalities we love. If a price is too reasonable to be accurate, it is (and typically, an F1 Savannah will run upwards of $10,000). 5. Look at the reviews on the website, as scammers often include those hoping that it makes them look more authentic. You can grab a couple of sentences from one (or from the copy in the About section) and do a web search to see if those exact phrases turn up elsewhere. The scammers often lift the text from a legitimate breeder or repeatedly regurgitate their scam literature. I once found the same "review" for a Savannah, a Maine Coon, and a DOG. The scammer had multiple sites going simultaneously and just changed the photos with the review on each. 6. Never place a deposit via PayPal "Friends and Family," although some legitimate breeders will request this. You want buyer protection using the paid version of the service offers. When using PayPal, watch for warnings of a payment conversion to a foreign currency. You assumed your kitten is in your country, run from that sale (and don't believe anything about the breeder's aunt in whatever country being the one to handle the sales). Of course, there could be an exception to this somewhere, but do more to verify whether that breeder is legitimate. The most important thing is to double-check with someone who knows the breed, has seen the most commonly used photos in scams, and is familiar with other breeders. Taking mere minutes to go onto Facebook Savannah groups (quite a few with high membership numbers) and asking whether a breeder's legitimate can save you money and spare you heartache. There's also a "Savannah Cat Scams and Warnings" group on Facebook that's quite popular. If you prefer to avoid Facebook, head to the Savannah Cat Chat website with your question. Breeders and owners have a supportive community when weeding out scammers and helping owners find the perfect Savannah kitten to fill their lives. Don't hesitate to talk to others about your concerns!

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SAVANNAH CAT RESCUE Founded in 2003, Savannah Cat Rescue (SVR) is a volunteer service (not brick and mortar) by Savannah breeders Kristine Alessio and Brigitte Cowell Moyne, with a core group of volunteers across the United States and Canada. The mission of SVR is to rescue Savannah Cats and educate the public about the Savannah Cat Breed. SVR cats come from various places, the primary being breeders who’ve sold kittens to owners who are unprepared or unable to care for a Savannah. Second, the breeder didn't assume responsibility when new owners needed help or decided to return the cat. A good breeder will always take back a cat they have bred, regardless of age or circumstances. Luckily, most Savannah breeders fall into this “good” category! When owners first contact the SCR, they prefer to help them work through any problem(s) they may have. Suppose a resolution is unsuccessful or the owner has lost the patience or ability to deal with the situation. In that case, SCR can take possession of the cat with the owner’s agreement (a legal surrender form). SVR identifies qualified foster homes and places rescued cats for evaluation until they are placed into permanent homes. SCR will work with foster homes

Adoption fees for each Rescue Savannah are usually $200, and donations also fund SCR.

If necessary, rehabilitate cats, vet them (vaccinated and spayed/neutered), and evaluate any special needs or requirements. SCR gives first preference to foster homes if their home is a good fit. Although the Savannah breed is young, it's growing fast, and the number of Savannah cats and catteries producing Savannahs is increasing. SCR expects to see more Savannah cats in rescue in the future, but this is NOT a reflection of a breed problem; it is merely a fact of feline life. Available rescued Savannah cats are showcased on the SCR Facebook page or https://groups.io/g/SavannahCatRescue. SCR never knows when a cat will become available in any location. Rescue Savannahs are typically adult cats of varying generations, ages, and genders and are rarely kittens. All Savannahs available for adoption through SCR will be spayed or neutered and come from a foster or the current owner's home. Please check the Hybrid Law site to ensure Savannahs are legal where you live before asking about an available Savannah. SCR will NOT adopt to anyone living in an illegal area! Contact your local Animal Control officer if you need more clarification about your community's legality, homeowners association, city, county, state, or province. Always ensure you're legally compliant with the number of pets you may own. We require landlord permission and proof to own a cat if you rent or lease your home.

Shared with permission from SCR. Please consider donating to the SCR here.

Savannah Cat Care Fund Savannah Cat Care Fund (SVCCF) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to provide financial assistance throughout the United States to Savannah pet cat owners who cannot afford emergency care for their Savannah cats. SVCCF financial assistance applies to all illnesses and injuries requiring immediate emergency or urgent care. The fund started because we were disheartened by the Savannah cats euthanized or surrendered when the owner(s) couldn't pay veterinary bills. This fund has been years in the making, and as our breed grows, so do its needs.

The Savannah Cat Rescue team needed an organization that could help pet Savannahs BEFORE being surrendered or euthanized. A group evolved, and the idea came to fruition with the help of many people. The SVCCF works with Savannah Cat Rescue to save our precious Savannahs. The SCCF works with the community and anyone needing emergency funds to save or help their Savannah cat. The goals of the Savannah Cat Care Fund are: To generate financial support for the organization's initiatives through outreach and fundraising, primarily focusing on providing financial assistance to Savannah pet cat owners experiencing financial hardship due to unanticipated emergency/urgent cat care expenses. To work with Savannah Rescue and help/save Savannah cats BEFORE they are surrendered or euthanized due to an owner's inability to provide emergency veterinary care. To work with veterinarians on accepting pet insurance and allowing owners to pay only deductibles and copays; To provide education and resources to Savannah owners as needed. We define a Savannah cat as (a) a Savannah with TICA registration, (b) a Savannah rescued from SV Rescue with proof of such, or (c) a cat with no registration papers but deemed a Savannah by the SVCCF Board of Directors or their appointees; or, (d) a Savannah recognized and confirmed as such by the cat's breeder.

Written with permission by the SVCCF. Please consider donating to the SVCCF here. Page 42

Clawson Ranch is Expecting Kittens in January! https://clawsonsranch.com/ We're expecting F3, F5, and F6 litters in January. All kittens come with up-to-date vaccinations, vetted, health tested, microchipped, and a one-year health guarantee. Clawson's Ranch is a small, family-run program located in northeastern Nevada. We're dedicated to producing highquality, healthy, and strong Savannah kittens. All our cats are registered and PRA and PK N/N. Our cattery's registered with TICA as ClawsonSavannah. Our dedication is to the well-being and happiness of the kittens we produce. We take pride in our socialization program to improve outgoing type kittens. We support those who enjoy outdoor exploration with their cats, including hiking and camping. We only place kittens in homes that will provide the utmost care and love for their entire lives. We require approval with our pre-adoption questionnaire before a reservation can be placed.

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Cat Wheels are a GREAT way to keep your Savannah occupied and to burn up extra energy. However, not all cat wheels are created equal. A good, stable wheel is more likely to entice your cat to use it. We've tried several different types of cat wheels at our cattery. This includes the "Go Cat Wheel", "One Fast Cat Wheel", "Go Pet Wheel", and now a couple of "Ziggy Doo Ferris Cat Wheels". The "Go Cat" wheel has the best base design; however, it’s made out of pressboard wood that absorbs cat pee and cat sprays. The wheel itself is rather flimsy, being made of corrugated plastic. It arrived damaged, and we had to get new parts several times when we first got it. It still has never rolled quite right. We figured it was the best you could get for a wheel that came out of a box and we tried to stabilize it as much as we could with packing tape. It does not roll smoothly at ALL because of the misshaped wheel. The biggest thing I don’t like about the "One Fast Cat" is it tips over very easily and there are many opportunities for pinched paws the way the base is designed with exposed skate wheels. (They come with covers, but on our wheel, those get knocked off in no time and become kitty toys! I won’t use it in my kitten rooms. The wheel itself wobbles, squeaks and groans when in use, making it quite loud. The joints where the sections come together had to be sanded down because it had a terrible vibration. If they get going really fast, the wheel itself can come off the base or bounces so much it tips over. We had to replace the wheels as the bearings failed and collapsed; so the wheel tipped.

Cat Wheel Review

Written by: Heather Jackson, Savannah breeder, Nitrokatz Cattery

The "Go Pet Wheel" version is a very small wheel both in diameter as is the width of the track. It has a back to it with little spokes coming out that hit the side of the kitten when they’re trying to use it because it’s so narrow. When the wheel spins on its own, it’s very quiet--probably the quietest out of all four wheel we own. But, it’s a plastic tub the wheel is made out of, and if you have a cat running on it, you hear a thump thump thump of their paws, which makes it the loudest of any of the four wheels we have. Not to mention the fact the bearings fell apart and little metal ball bearings went everywhere. We were lucky it happened while we were in the room with them, so the metal ball bearings didn’t get ingested! Our "Ziggy Doo Ferris Cat Wheels" have by far, the best overall design and manufacturing of any of the wheels we’ve had. It's the only wheel we will buy now, and the only one we recommend. The pieces are perfectly symmetrical and fit together evenly. They're bolted together instead of taped or snapped together. The only downfall is it’s quite heavy; but I think that’s part of the reason why it rolls so smoothly and doesn’t wobble as the others do. It's overall a quieter wheel than the others as long as you put it on a carpeted floor or put a pad underneath it on hard floors as it's a heavy. It's the widest wheel and the largest diameter, making it more universal for larger Savannahs or multiple kittens/cats using it. You can see the size and construction difference in this photo. Two white "Ferris Wheels" on the outsides, and a black "One Fast Cat Wheel" in the middle (not our picture, but one's that been shared with us).

Here’s the link if you are looking to purchase a Ferris Cat Wheel (click on currency in the upper left corner to change between CAD and USD): Buy Your Ziggy-doo Wheel HERE!

Order Your Ferris Cat Wheel G5 Here!

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s k c i P s ' r o t i Ed

Mr. Peanut's Expandable Airline-Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

I've tried many carriers and pet taxis for our four, and this is the best! As much as they all love one another at home, they hate each other when traveling. We finally bit the bullet and bought them each their own carrier. This one fits the bill for safety, expansion, and overall comfort for your cat and you.

ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter This plant-based litter is cleaner and healthier for your cat, family, and home. The wood fiber naturally prevents enzymes from bonding with liquid and waste to stop the creation of ammonia and odor. It clumps solid for easy scooping and is 99% dust-free. Okocat litter is biodegradable and flushable. It's made from sustainably sourced, responsibly rescued natural wood fiber that can be safely returned to the earth. Just scoop and flush one clump at a time. Okocat litter absorbs fast and never sticks to your box. With regular scooping, litter can last up to 7 weeks.

Feliscratch by Feliway Feliscratch is my go-to scratching aid! I learned this from Steve Dale when we got our first Savannah a few years ago. I wasn't sure I wanted to put the purple liquid on our scratching posts, but it works! The color doesn't stay and fades away. Feliscratch redirects scratching onto the scratching post and is clinically proven to help reduce or stop unwanted scratching in the home. When applied on the scratching surface, Feliscratch sends a message to the cat visually (blue lines) and invisibly (territory messages) to direct the cat to scratch there. You can get it now at Chewy.com for $5.99 and Amazon. Prime for $14.61.

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Ask Auntie Vannah Questions and Answers Go to our website and use the " contact " form to ask us anything Sa"Vannah" you want to know. We'll help you get answers to your most common questions and even feature them in a future issue! Check out the list of commonly asked questions about our e-magazine on the next page.

Is there a subscription fee to read Savannahgans® Magazine? This is a labor of love from one Savannah lover to all others. However, we have many expenses to make this a legitimate and legal publication (insurance, trademark, web hosting, illustrator, to name a few). If you'd like to support us, you can do so on our website in one of several ways listed below, and it's very helpful! We are donating part of our proceeds to the Savannah Rescue and Savannah Care Funds, which we're very excited about! We'll always share all donations made to these causes so you can see how your support is making a difference. Shopping through any of our affiliate links (Litter-Robot, Ferris Cat Wheel, Etsy, and Amazon Products) You can shop at Amazon through our Amazon banner on our website, which pays us a tiny commission. Supporting us through a monthly Patreon donation Direct donations via Paypal (the most common thus far)

There's so much great information here! How long did it take to put this issue together? This venture started in February 2020 and, minus the 6-8 week initial COVID hiatus (awaiting information from my many contributors as they adjusted to the changing life climate), finished the first issue on June 14, 2020, the second one on September 3, the third issue October 30 and now with the new year and an accurate publishing schedule, January 1. (Future issues will be April 1, July 1, and October 1). I spend roughly 4-6 hours each day writing, editing, working on the website, and building up social media following and interactions.

How often will Savannahgans® Magazine be published? Starting in 2021, 2020, new issues will be released in January, April, July, and October. 2020's reputation has been one of uncertainty, trial and error, learning curves, and now success.

How will Savannahgans® Magazine be available for me to read? First, sign up on our home page to have future issues sent straight to your inbox (free). Then, go to our website, click on the tab "Magazine" at the top, or one cover photo of the current issue" on the home page. You'll also see a beautiful, full-color digital magazine with clickable links and videos! From there, you'll see a pop-up box and a banner on the home page, where you can subscribe (free) and be the first to know about the next issue release! The e-magazine is best viewed on a desktop or laptop, and there's also a link optimized to view it on a mobile phone or tablet.

I want to share a great Savannah story, DIY project, or product review. How can I get it published here? You can submit your story idea by visiting our website and clicking the "contact" tab on the top menu.

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