FROM THE OWNER/EDITOR'S DESK by: Debra Roberts
Welcome to this third edition of SAVANNAHGANS® THE International Savannah Cat Magazine I'm so thrilled to release the third issue--it's happening! Savannah enthusiasts, breeders, and owners worldwide are increasing with each issue! With over 4,000 website views by over 2,000 visitors, that's significant progress! The list of knowledgeable, highly experienced contributors is still growing, which means a wealth of great stories, experiences, and wisdom to share with our readers. My husband Jamison and I own four Savannahs. We've run the gamut of experiences, including a breeder scam, a fatal disease (FIP), and the discovery of a cure for it. I'm thankful to be acquainted with many breeders and experienced owners who've educated me immensely on our wonderful breed over the past three-plus years. I look forward to meeting many more as we work to create more 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. Enjoy heart-warming stories melded with health and safety education. Current and future owners can easily search our website with keywords to find anything they want to know about our wonderful breed. Savannahgans® e-magazine welcomes ALL cat lovers, regardless of breed. 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 website at www.savannahgans.com, and it's all FREE! Part of the magazine's proceeds (from your donations and our affiliates) benefit the Savannah Care and Rescue Funds in addition to helping with operating costs. I'm working to grow our social media platforms to share further our musings, which means we need followers! There's something for every cat lover in each issue and on our website, so visit and follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages!
Owner, Editor, Writer, Designer, Marketing, and Social Media:
Debra Roberts, Savannah owner and blogger
Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Art Director:
Jacqueline Luttrelle, Savannah owner and artist
Featured Writers and Contributors:
Debra Roberts, Savannah owner and blogger Laura Dodge Root, Savannah owner Brigitte Moyne, Savannah breeder Steve Dale, Pet Behaviorist and radio talk-show host Keri Libbe, Savannah owner Tammie Ekellboom, Savannah owner and photographer Sarah Johnson, Savannah owner
Media Contributors:
Suzette Moore-Carter, Savannah owner Terra Vinz, Savannah breeder Corri Davis, Savannah owner Richard Halstead, Savannah owner Peri Hughes, Savannah owner and photographer
Featured Artist:
Roman Spektor of Savannah Seattle,
Featured Breeder:
Brigitte Moyne of Kirembo Savannahs and Savannah Cat Rescue
On the Cover:
Melanistic F3c "Baz" is owned by Brigitte Moyne of Kirembo Savannahs. Photo by Diana Starr of Starlight Photography
Page 4
WHAT'S IN THE FALL 2020 EDITION? Featured Artist
8 - 11
Health and Safety
17 - 22
Featured Story
22 - 23
Breeder Spotlight
24 - 30
Rescue & Care Funds
32 - 33
What the “F”
34
Featured DIY's
36 - 41
Page 5
WWW.SAVANNAHSEATTLE.COM Email Address: info@savannahseattle.com
Contact number: 425-306-6666
Featured Artist
Roman Spektor of Savannah Seattle
We started our breeding program, "Savannah Seattle, " four years ago." I told my wife, "I don't want to be just another breeder...I want to be more. I want our cats to enjoy their lives and not just be breeder cats". We bought our first F1 girl, and she instantly became our world. My wife and I trained her for many tricks and then started taking her on a leash. That's where my harness story begins. In most cases, taking an F1 on the leash is more complex than people think. She freaked out immediately and almost got out of her harness. After that, we ordered one from a different company. One month later, and comfortable walking outside, she was spooked by a dog and got off her leash. I was lucky enough to catch her. At that point, it was evident that cat harnesses are one thing, but an escape-proof harness is another. I asked my dad, who's been a tailor for over 30 years and truly has golden hands, to help me design a special harness. I was never happy with low-quality, cheap-looking, poorly stitched harnesses. That's how we got started. I tested each one we created on our F1 and F6 Savannahs. I watch their reactions and ask myself, "What can I do better, and how can I improve it"? I create these pieces while working full-time and breeding incredible Savannahs. After seeing almost every harness from all different makers, I can confidently say our harnesses are the best you'll find. They're the most comfortable, best looking (including authentic and designer patterns), and most importantly, the safest. We don't cut corners and take our time to make each piece a perfect, custom fit for your cat. They have a unique, soft, hair-free inner material for extra comfort. We use only brass or metal hardware (no plastic or cheap stuff) and double safety with genuine Italian leather in most cases. We have dual D-ring options, double zigzag stitching, and a few other options for personalization. After making hundreds of pieces, all harnesses are unique. We create the same patterns but with different leather, hardware, color, stitching, etc., which means people have a piece of art, not just a harness. It'll last longer, and your baby will be comfortable, safe, and look great. We fill our orders fast, knowing it's exciting, awaiting your new harness. We ship up to five business days at the latest—but usually 2-4 days on average.
Page 6
I don't sell my products to everyone and evaluate them case by case. I'll advise people to wait or give advice about better training if it's warranted, as it's never about making sales but doing things the right way. If I were to add the time to create the materials, communication, and shipping, I'd make minimum wage. I'm creating these for people who understand the investment and want the best for their babies. Open-minded people understand true quality, and some designer freaks in the mix love our classy designs! Our harness prices range from $175 - $400. We also make the absolute best leather collars, ranging from $125 to $175. The matching leashes range from $175 to $225 and are the best-looking ones, particularly great for taking photos. However, I always advise people to consider a retractable leash a safer option while walking. Being a breeder and knowing many sad stories, I created collars and harnesses compatible with the Fi Tracker for an extra protection measure. Prices for harnesses and collars that hold the tracker are the same; we make them differently. Today, I'm a rare owner who takes his F1 Savannah out off the leash. How many people would train their F1 off the leash after being freaked out losing their baby earlier? Who'd take a breeding F1 off the leash? My wife wants to kill me and yells, "We spent $18K on this cat". But passion is passion. Trust is trust. I have a unique bond with my F1 Savannah, Khaleesi, who's already had four litters of gorgeous black-nosed F2 kittens. She jumps eight feet in the air, plays fetch, loves playing in her water pool, and tolerates me no matter how hard I try. The sky's the limit. Breeding's hard and successful breeding is even more challenging. We constantly push for the best and want to be the best at what we do. We often disagree with one another, but we're bulletproof when two people run a cattery. As a Savannah Cat breeder in the USA, we have the largest amount of followers (excluding one who bought fake followers). Families enjoy our daily stories and posts, where we share many amazing pictures and videos that help others learn more about this amazing breed. We're producing amazing cats in all aspects. We hustle and are always triple-tasking; otherwise, we're behind. There's no other way to succeed. You have to give 120%. We're exhausted, but seeing our 34 families loving their kitties to death and having 100% positive feedback from all of them makes us feel very fortunate and proud of what we've accomplished.
Do you have a talent you'd like to feature for a future edition? Pitch us your idea here! Page 7
"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 10
Richard Halstead's Melantistic two-year old F6 "Mr. Burton" from Clawson's Ranch, NV. Can you caption this?
Page 11
Suzette Moore-Carter's four-year old F2 "Athena Grace", of the late Donna Pinillos, Exotico Savannahs, trying her hand at learning Braille, like her mama!
Page 12
Corri Bunnell's two-year old F2 Makeda of Skeen's Savannahs, OH, isn't a fan of her newly designed harness. (click to watch video)
Do you have a Savandalism photo or video you'd like to share for a future edition? Contact us here!
Page 13
F3 "Atlas" bred by Terran Vinz @ KitterCup Cattery, port st. lucie, FL
SAVANNAHGANS® is Thankful For... 1.
2.
The knowledge, tools, and ability to create pages and pages of fantastic content every Savannah and cat owner will enjoy Awesome content contributors each quarter, who agree we're onto something awesome for the Savannah Cat community, and pitch in to share what they know
3.
Successful networking that's making Savannahgans™ Magazine the go-to place for great stories and education
4.
Growing social media follows and website traffic from our readers and the Savannah community that's helping us grow our brand
5.
The ability to learn more and more everyday about our amazing breed and those who made it what it is today
Page 15
Discu ssion on C Dise h ase in Ca ronic Ki d ts w ith S ney Dale teve PAG E1 7
Non-t Plant oxic House Recom menda tion Pag es 2 1
Chronic Kidney Disease Zuri's Next Story PAGES 18-19
How Kaia Survived a Brutal Animal Attack PAGE 22-23
Page 16
Dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats (used and edited with permission) by: Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behaviorist Steve Dale is a certified animal behavior specialist who has been a trusted voice in pet health for over 20 years. You've likely heard him on the radio, read him in print and online, and seen him speaking at events worldwide. His contributions to advancing pet wellness have earned him many awards and recognition around the globe. You can contact Steve for help with your cat by calling 866-554-PETS (7387). You can also email your questions to Steve. Please include your name and a number where he can reach you. Q: My vet said my 8-year-old cat should soon be tested for kidney disease. Still, Lucky appears to be just fine, eats well, and as you know, cats today live ’till they’re even 20. So, why do the testing? A: You do the testing for two reasons. First, because you can, many veterinarians now offer a new test for Chronic Kidney Disease called Symmetric dimethylarginine or SDMA with a routine blood panel. Also, early intervention is huge. Dr. Kate Pietsch of Dartmouth, Mass., says that by the time most cat owners observe symptoms, about 75 percent of kidney function is lost, which is why there are symptoms. Those cats aren’t feeling well. “The new test is far more sensitive,” Pietsch says. “So we can intervene while there’s 40 percent loss of kidney function. A cat can live an everyday life with about 50 percent kidney function. ”However, there are hardly ever symptoms at this juncture — so the only way to know is to test. Pietsch adds, “We’re discovering the loss of kidney function (determined by SDMA) in lots of middle-aged cats before the cat becomes sick. This is extremely important to potentially slow the disease's progression and help us monitor kidney loss.” Q: How do you slow kidney disease progression in cats? My cat gets fluids in her back/neck three times a week. She feels great now, but the treatment is not pleasant. It seems she has borderline kidney problems, but she can’t eat or function without fluids. Do you have additional ideas for treatment? A: “Most cats (with diagnosed Chronic Kidney Disease) need fluids with or without dietary or other changes to reduce their serum phosphorus level,” says feline veterinarian Dr. Margie Scherk of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. “Fluids are beneficial and, in most cases, are most helpful if given daily. The goal is not to reverse dehydration but rather to prevent it from ever occurring by keeping a cat well-hydrated at all times. You can tell that a cat is well hydrated by looking at its stool. A moist, formed log is a sign of healthy hydration. Scherk, the editor of Feline Medicine and Surgery and advisory board member of the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation, suggests this tip: Fluid should be given at the cat’s body temperature. The experience won’t be as uncomfortable. Scherk adds that the bad news is that there is no cure for kidney disease in cats. However, early diagnosis is helpful. No matter what, the goal is to maintain, enhance the quality of life, and even extend lifespan. So, with early detection, appropriate intervention, and a little luck — cats with kidney disease may die of a very ripe old age of an unrelated illness.
Page 17
Zuri's Story Part II A New Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Written by: Sarah Johnson, Zuri's Owner
I want to bring recognition to two Savannah Cat Organizations and others who helped me out tremendously with my sweet Zuri Just over six years ago, the Savannah Cat Rescue (SCR) chose me to be Zuri's new mom. Some of you know my girl, and some even donated to help her recover from a botched declaw. Deb Roberts wrote a fantastic article about Zuri in June 2020 about her journey in the inaugural issue of this magazine "Savannahgans." Zuri's story's taken a new twist, and I'd like to share it.
A few months ago, Zuri wasn't acting like herself. Zuri was more clingy than usual (which is crazy, considering the paperwork from the humane society, during her rescue, said she'd never "be a pet" due to her aggression). I woke up to her sleeping on my chest, which was endearing, but I didn't realize it was because she was looking for warmth from my body heat (she had a fever). On Thursday, September 3rd, Zuri ate her dinner as usual and spent time with me on our deck. There were no signs of anything wrong. Friday, I awoke with her curled on my chest. I fed her breakfast and left for work.
When I got home, the food remained in her bowl untouched.
I dumped it out and gave her some fresh. She showed no interest in eating. Now, I was getting concerned. I watched over her that night and noticed no other unusual behaviors. Her food remained untouched on Saturday morning, but I noticed she drank excessive water. I knew she had to be seen by a vet, so I took her to one of her regular vet offices. They drew some labs and came to the car (the COVID protocol) to inform me she was very sick with Kidney Disease and had lost three pounds since March. They also heard a heart murmur. They gave her an antibiotic, steroid injection, and subcutaneous (sub Q) fluids. They came back to the car a short time later to say she might also have lymphoma due to her elevated lymphocytes.
I was speechless and didn't know what questions to ask. They brought Zuri back to me, along with a few cans of "kidney diet," and said to feed her that if she wasn't feeling better by Tuesday (it was a holiday weekend), to bring her back in. I brought her home, and she was lifeless. I tried everything to get her to eat…tuna, boiled chicken, raw chicken, Friskies, and the renal diet. She wasn't interested in anything. She'd gotten sick before, where appetite was an issue, so I gave her the rest of the appetite stimulant
Page 18
tI had on hand and waited for it to work. It was now Sunday, and she hadn't eaten since Thursday night.
day. She still wasn't bouncing back, so her vet changed a few medicines, continued the tube feedings and the subQ fluids, and wanted to see her back in a week.
I knew she had to see the vet immediately, and in no way could she wait until Tuesday, so Last week I finally got some good news in addition to Zuri "acting" more like herself. I took her to the emergency vet. They ran more tests and confirmed the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), but it was much worse. They also diagnosed her with a UTI, hepatic lipidosis, anemia, possible pyelonephritis, and pancreatitis. It wasn't looking good, and on top of it, my financial situation was about as bad of shape as her health issues. I told them to begin treatment, and we went over the plan, and I could afford for her to get treatment for 24 hours. I reached out to Deb Roberts, who happens to be an R.N. and aware of all I've been through with Zuri, and asked a million questions as we reviewed all the lab work and test results I was getting back. At the same time, I reached out to Brigitte Moyne for advice. She told me Savannah Cat Rescue would help cover Zuri's expenses to receive proper treatment. She put me in touch with Paige Dana from the Savannah Cat Care Fund (SVCCF), and the foundation also helped with some of Zuri's vet costs. Zuri stayed at the emergency vet from Sunday until Wednesday morning, when they felt comfortable sending her home.
Zuri's labs have now shown improvement, and she's gained a smidge of weight. I can't thank Brigitte Moyne with SVR, Paige Dana with SVCCF, and Debra Roberts with Savannahgans® enough for stepping in to help save Zuri's life. Without them and their support, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I'd given every dime I had to get her into the hospital. Maintaining her appointments regularly and keeping up with her medications and food costs has been a struggle, but I can't think of a companion more worth the price. Once she's stable and I'm financially "okay again," I'll donate to these great organizations that first brought Zuri into my life and then helped save her life yet again. Thank you for taking the time to read Zuri's story--again! Please take the time to read more about her in the first edition of Savannahgans® Magazine and consider donating to these amazing Savannah organizations.
The first thing Zuri did when I let her out of her crate, she gave me a headbutt! I worried she'd think I'd abandoned her, as her previous owner did. The second thing she did was go to her food bowl and start eating. It was the first time I could breathe in days, even though she wasn't out of the woods yet. I took her to her other vet--I'll never go back to the one I took her to that Saturday as they never addressed her lack of appetite and never recommended being an inpatient due to her kidneys' severity--I'm so disappointed in their care. She was down yet another pound, and her labs hadn't improved much from the emergency vet. The emergency vet had placed a feeding tube and sent her home with special food, which felt like a million medications and fluids to be given Sub-Q every
Page 19
Zuri today, October 31st
Peri Hughes' F3 Marble Girl Fiona
Safety Brief: Cat-Safe Houseplant Review: The Lovely African Violet by: Debra Roberts
African Violets Saintpaulia Do you love plants but are disappointed by the endless list of feline-toxic plants, especially some of the most common ones? According to the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) website, the list 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. You needn't give up your green thumb to own cats! This quarter's cat-safe plant recommendation is "African Violet." African violets (Saintpaulia) are among the most popular flowering houseplants due to their ability to bloom in low light and thrive in moderate temperatures and average humidity. African violets are perennial in ten pink, purple, and white varieties. While not a true violet, they get their common name, "African violet," from their superficial resemblance to true violets. Colorful violets can liven My violets all live together in a heavy planter box on my window sill in the cold months, allowing me to easily relocate it to the up your décor, especially as the colder weather approaches. Violets can also be moved outdoors in patio from late spring to mid-fall, where they can regenerate and get a break from the occasional Savannah snack! certain climates.
Page 21
KAIA THE WARRIOR SAVANNAH CAT A STORY OF SURVIVAL AND THE DEDICATED TEAM WHO SAVED HER LIFE
HOW KAIA SURVIVED A BRUTAL ATTACK
In June of 2016, Folsom City Animal Services responded to a call about a deceased cat on the side of the road. Upon arrival, Animal Control Officer Walden realized the cat wasn't dead but alive and needed immediate veterinary care. This young cat's neck had deep gashes and wounds, indicative of an attack and carried by a predator, likely a coyote. Her front leg was twisted and limp, and her left eye with significant damage. The emergency veterinarians were able to stabilize her, but she had a very long road ahead. The cat didn't have a microchip, but it could've gotten lost during the attack. Officer Walden reached out to social media, and somebody located the cat's owner! However, due to her extensive medical costs, the owner released the cat to Folsom City Animal Services, where they'd continue her care. Officer Walden took care of her for the next several days, feeling quite attached as well as protective of where she'd end up. She couldn't give the cat the care she needed with her busy schedule, so she reached out to FieldHaven Feline Center in Lincoln, California. Joy Smith, President, and Founder of the Center, immediately agreed to take in the cat and continue her care. However, she wanted to get the cat into foster care as soon as possible, where they would monitor her closely.
By: Tammie Ekkelboom Savannah owner and photographer
I've been a volunteer photographer for FieldHaven since 2008. Joy Smith also knows I have Savannah cats and have owned several over the years. When I received her email early one June morning and saw the kitty's photo, I immediately knew she'd be coming to our house for her recovery. Several days later, when the kitty was more stable and they felt she could go to foster care, I drove to FieldHaven, where I met Kaia for the first time.
At just over a year old, Kaia was a small, lovely F6 Savannah. She was a warrior, a survivor, but she needed a lot of love and care. With her front left leg damaged, curled, and barely able to walk on it, Kaia also had a damaged left eye. The vet was unsure she'd keep her leg and didn't know if her eye would eventually heal. Both injuries were a result of the traumatic nerve damage that occurred around her neck. They said, "Time is the only answer to whether she will fully recover." We began working with her slowly, and we were very patient. Kaia warmed up to us quickly and was very chatty about letting us know how she felt. She enjoyed being petted and comforted and had the sweetest purr.
As time moved on, Kaia's progress was tremendous! Her eye damage began to heal slowly, and she repeatedly tried to keep using her front leg. At this time, we knew she'd not need it amputated, but it could have some permanent nerve damage. Again, we would only learn it as she continued to heal. By December 2016, six months after her near-death attack, Kaia made a full recovery. We also completed Kaia's adoption at this time, as there was no way we could let her go after all of this. We fell in love with her and felt she belonged with us. It's been four years since Kaia came into our lives, and every single day, we're grateful. She's a sweet girl with a chatty personality! Kaia's still a bit skittish, and loud sounds can terrify her more than our other cats. She spends much of her time in her bedroom hanging out on her favorite cat tree. I've always called Kaia my "warrior cat." After all, how many cats do you know that fought off a coyote and won? She's truly something special.
Page 22
Breeder Spotlight
An interview with KIREMBO SAVANNAHS' Brigitte Moyne
Future Queen F2 Kamaria bred by Kelly Sheppard of Wyldthingz
Savannahs, Breeding, Ownership Tips, and the Future By: Brigitte Moyne How'd you come up with your cattery name of Kirembo Savannahs? We liked the idea of an African name, and when looking for names, we discovered Kirembo means "beauty spot," and that seemed perfect.
Please tell us about yourself and what brought you to the U.S. from your birthplace, Australia. I was born in Sydney and raised in various locations around the country, both city and rural. I came back to Sydney for university. I have a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biochemistry and Microbiology and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Microbiology. I've only worked in laboratory research, with some semesters of teaching Medical and Optometry students. When I finished my doctorate in Microbiology (looking in detail at a specific bacterium that causes most contact lens infections), I contacted various experts in my field about post-doctoral fellowships. I obtained funding for a year-long position at the University of California Berkeley. I got talked into another year, and it was that year that I met my nowhusband. That's why I stayed in the U.S., as I had won a prestigious Australian Fellowship that paid for two years of research in the U.S. and then two years back in Australia to establish myself as a researcher. When planning to return to Australia, we evaluated our relationship and eloped to Vegas (with an Elvis wedding, no less). Eventually, my mentor started pushing me to apply for tenure track (professor positions), and I was unsure it was for me. I quit my job, and that's when we got our first Savannah, an F2 male, as a pet in 2001. We were fascinated, and I was intrigued at the possibility of helping to develop a cat breed as exciting as the Savannah cat. I'd never considered cat breeding before. It seemed more a case of mating to preserve the looks you already had there, but the development of a hybrid cat breed was different. I became hooked, and I had the time and energy.
What's the best part about breeding? Kittens! They are the cutest wastes of our time so much fun! Additionally, I've enjoyed them as examples of biology, genetics, and the randomness of inheritance (the scientist in me).
Page 25
What's the worst/hardest part about breeding? Losing kittens. Unfortunately, I've had to accept that I can't save them all…no matter the vet bills the willingness to pay anything, a newborn kitten is impossible to do all we can for a newborn human. Their size makes it all so impossible. Being trained as a scientist, I've always been happy to consult vet theriogenologists (reproductive vets) and do all I can. I've hooked up tummy monitors to my cats and used handheld ultrasounds to monitor pregnancies. I've accepted that I can minimize losses by appropriately testing my breeding cats and paying attention to nutrition, but I can't prevent the occasional heartbreak. I've wanted to quit breeding each time I've lost a kitten. Breeding truly is a balance between the pain of the losses and the joys of the kittens that thrive.
Do you recommend people try breeding Savannahs? Why/Why not? Honestly, if I'd known how complicated cat breeding was, I'm not sure I would've bred cats. Growing up with parents who bred horses and dogs, I'd assumed that I was realistic in my expectations. I figured, "How different could it be"? Ha! Cats are NOT dogs, and most definitely not when it comes to breeding. If only stud service or artificial insemination (A.I.) were options in cats, it'd be much easier. Cats don't accept strange cats, so merely bringing your female cat to have a quick date with a male cat is going to take a lot of work. The diseases that can cause feline infertility are a big additional reason breeders don't offer their studs up to strangers. So unlike a dog, where you might keep one female and have it bred and enjoy the babies…cat breeding requires you to do more and deal with more. Intact male cats are smelly and unpredictable. They need housing outside of your house. Savannahs can be even more complicated, as male infertility is still a factor in our breed. You must have more than one male potentially for that, and additionally, many Savannah females are picky and may not appreciate the male you've carefully selected for her! You may need a plan B and a Plan C.
What's the best tip or advice you've received from another breeder? "Breed the pedigree, not the cat." Don't just look at the cat when selecting it for breeding, not that you shouldn't consider their individual type. But genetics being what they are, the traits of the parents and grandparents can carry through. "Always ask for the contract before sending money." It seems obvious, but many people rush in excited and don't consider this. When purchasing a breeding animal, you want to know if fertility is guaranteed and what that entails. It is the same with the health guarantee, especially things that might preclude breeding the cat even if it won't die.
What's the biggest strength of the Savannah breed? The biggest strength has been that all generations, and even nonstandard colors and patterns, are fantastic pet options. Many breeds must cope with nonstandard kittens in their development, being harder to place. They don't have the exciting traits that the breed offers. The straight-eared Scottish Folds, the hairy Sphynx outcrosses, the normal-coated Lykois…from our first generation, Savannahs (fertile or not, standard coloring or not) are ALL sought after. Maybe this is because the Savannah personality is a draw, no matter the generation or coloring/pattern. Savannahs are wonderful, energetic, interactive companions.
Page 26
What's the biggest weakness of the Savannah breed? I hesitate to say this, but the weakness of our "breed," which strictly speaking is the purebred Savannah, the SBT (Stud Book Tradition). The weakness is the appeal of the early generations of Savannahs. F1 and F2 Savannahs are so dramatic and eye-catching that it overshadow our later generations and take the focus away from working on developing our SBTs. This challenge differs from the Bengal, as the ALC (Asian Leopard Cat) is not as gregarious as the African Serval. The early-generation Bengals are less popular with pet buyers, and so much attention and energy have gone into creating their purebred SBTs that can be so spectacular. This hampers our breed with something that's also great. I love the E.G.s (early generations), but I also can see that this isn't truly a "breed."
What's the most important thing a breeder does? Be thoughtful. Thoughtful in the matings to create new litters and thoughtful in doing due diligence with testing our breeding cats. Be thoughtful about socializing kittens so they become lovely pets for their new homes.
What should new breeders know about breeding they probably haven't considered? Most new breeders have yet to consider the need for stud housing. They hope their male kitten will be a rare one who doesn't spray because he'll be so happy he won't feel the need. Spraying is an urge for a male to advertise his presence by putting his stinky pee all over. But even if you have a rare intact male cat who only urinates in the litterbox, that urine is pungent, like skunk-level pungent. It'll permeate your entire home. Even if you put an enclosure in your basement, you must consider venting and fans because you'll smell it. And if placed outside in an enclosure, he'll howl and pee to let girl cats know where he is. Consider how close your neighbors are and how tolerant they are because howling's at night!
What's a typical day/routine at your cattery like?
My cattery is my pet household at present. I'm between studs because I downsized drastically during my two complicated pregnancies. I've always preferred keeping my queens as my house pets. It's meant a LOT of cleaning, as when in heat, intact females can also spray. I order enzyme cleaner by the gallon and clean continually; it's seemed at times. So my day is mostly now feeding and playing.
How's your family involved in your cattery, and what is a typical day for you? My husband is always involved. He's often the midwife for kitten births as our female cats strongly desire us to be with them, and he's very patient and will sit for hours holding paws (literally) and urging them to push and reassure them.
Have you taken up raw feeding? My first pet, Savannah, in 2001, insisted on raw meat, so we've been offered a raw diet since. I also prefer my cats to eat a canned diet to make traveling to cat shows easier. (Flying across the country with frozen meat in your baggage can be messy!) and also offer a freeze-dried diet occasionally. I like the Mazuri small feline supplement with the raw we offer.
Page 27
If not raw feeding, what food brands/types do you recommend? We've found most of our Savannahs don't like the pate' type of cat foods, so the canned food we offer is "Wellness Morsels chicken" and "Earthborn Holistics chicken." Our cats don't tend to enjoy the fishy flavors. We also provide "Feline Natural" and "Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried" cat diets at times.
Do you or have you bred any other type of cat or animal? No, I'd never felt the need to breed animals. The Savannah cat was merely inspirational.
What do you think about the phasing out of F1 Savannahs? I don't like the idea of never having F1 Savannahs available. We on the Savannah Breed Committee are doing what we can to work out an acceptable compromise with TICA. Even if TICA decides not to register them, they'll still exist. The breeding of F1s won't stop because of a lack of registration papers. It'll be a loss to our breed, though if TICA doesn't register F1s, they won't be used in programs to breed down to the SBT level.
What about F2s and F3s being phased out? Similar to F2s and F3s, our breed is in no way ready to only breed SBTs to each other. We are decades behind the Bengal breed. Our path's been more complicated with worse fertility issues and needs to distinguish ourselves from that already-existing "wild-looking" cat breed.
What about Savannah Cat websites? Do you have a favorite?
www.savannahcatchat.com is an excellent resource, besides the rapidly growing information base on https://www.savannahgans.com.
What do you do when you want to take a vacation? We've been lucky to have friends who like to hang out in our house. On most of our trips over the decades, we've had one of two close friends stay at the house. The last time we went overseas, one of our friends had actually moved overseas, so we paid his return fare from Europe to visit friends and stay at our house and thus petsit.
What else would you like the Savannah world to know about you and your cattery? I don't produce kittens often, and they're spoiled terribly before leaving here. I firmly believe my responsibility to the kitten lives I bring into this world lasts for their lifetime.
http://www.kirembosavannahs.com
Page 28
Cats of Kirembo Savannahs
Our Progression to SBT
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 32
SAVANNAH CAT RESCUE
Founded in 2003, Savannah Cat Rescue (SCR) is a volunteer service (not brick and mortar) by Savannah breeders Kristine Alessio and Brigitte Cowell Moyne and 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. SCR cats come from various places, primarily breeders who've sold kittens to owners 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 lost the patience or ability to deal with the situation. In that case, SCR can take possession of the cat with its agreement (a legal surrender form). SCR identifies qualified foster homes and places rescued cats for evaluation until they are placed into a permanent home. SCR will work with foster homes
If necessary, rehabilitate cats, have them vetted (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.
Adoption fees for each Rescue Savannah are usually $200, and donations also fund SCR.
Shared with permission from SCR. Please consider donating to the SCR here.
Page 33
What's the "F"
Does the "F" Mean?
One of the first things people new to the Savannah world ask is, "What does the 'F#' mean when reading about Savannahs"? First, defining what the word "F" means when referring to our beloved Savannahs is essential. The "F" stands for Filial and is descended from the Latin "filius," meaning "son," and "filia," meaning "daughter." In English (where it's been used since at least the 14th century), it's always applied to both sexes. So, now we know that filial refers to a son or daughter descendent. We now apply that to mean the African Serval's son or daughter, the point of origin where the Savannah begins. An easy example is F1 = the son or daughter of a serval—F2 = the grandson or granddaughter of a serval, and so on. Now, let's move on to what the number means. The number refers to how many generations removed the Savannah is from its African Serval parent/ancestor. An F1 Savannah Cat is a first-generation offspring from a serval parent. In Savannah, breeding is generally a male serval bred to a domestic or Savannah female, mostly the latter. An F2 is a second-generation offspring, with the serval being their grandparent. An F3 is a third-generation offspring, making the serval their great-grandparent and down the line to F8. To take things one step further, you'll also, at times, see a letter following the filial and number, such as F3 "C." The letters are for Savannah to Savannah breeding only. For example, our Savannah Luna is an "F3C". Here's the breakdown: A = one parent is a Savannah, and the other parent is an outcross, which is the serval in this case. The father is a serval, and the mother is a Savannah. (Fact: F1-F4 and some F5 Savannah males are sterile). B = Both parents are Savannahs, with at least one parent being an "A" and at least one grandparent on either side, an outcross/serval. C = one parent is "B," and the other can be "B, C, or SBT," and at least one grandparent is an "A." You'll also see "SBT," which stands for "Stud Book Tradition." SBT means the kitten has Savannah's parents for at least three generations, making them a purebred Savannah Cat. In summary, any generation male (usually F5-8), when bred to an F1 female, produces an F2 kitten. An F2 female bred to any generation male produces an F3, and so forth. Here's another example: an F3 female and an F6 male produce an F4 kitten. Lastly, ANY female bred to a male serval produces an F1 kitten.
Page 34
DIY PINE PELLET SIFTING LITTER BOX Written by: Keri Libbe
This DIY project came to light after bringing our F2 Ronin home last year. Ronin was litter trained with pine pellets, and I'd never used them. I got the rundown on how to clean the waste from Stacee Dallas, Ronin's breeder, which entails sifting out the solid waste and the pile of wet sawdust while salvaging the good pellets (using the sifter) and dumping the remaining wet sawdust. It seemed as though I was either spending too much time trying to keep the box clean or dumping out and wasting a lot of pellets. I looked online for a sifting pine pellet box and couldn't find a good, large-box solution, so I made my own. I've been using these boxes for more than a year now, and they work very well.
I use two (2) 12 gallon, clear-plastic "Sterilite" bins (23 5/8" L x 18 5/8" W x 9 ¼" H). Here's the time-consuming part. You can use any size container; these work well for us. In one of the bins, I drilled randomly placed ¼" holes (putting the holes between ¼" and ½" apart). Set your drill on high torque and use a sharp drill bit to avoid cracking the plastic. Cracking happens if the holes are too close together or if you push down too hard to start the holes. A few cracks are nearly unavoidable but won't comprise the bin. You'll also have some plastic shards hanging onto the holes after drilling. I periodically wipe them away with a gloved hand.
Page 36
Place the bin with holes on top and the other beneath it to use. Fill with a layer of pine pellets. To clean, scoop the solids and initial wet sawdust pile (from urination), and shake the bins. The residual sawdust will fall through the holes, leaving the clean pellets on the top. I remove the top box with the pellets and dump the wet sawdust from the bottom bin, hosing it out afterward. I also like to keep the litter from being kicked against the wall or other areas I don't want to constantly clean. To remedy this, we made plywood boxes to contain the pellet and clay litter boxes around the house. We also use the boxes for travel. Some examples of these are pictured. I also keep diaper bins near my litter boxes for easy cleaning.
Page 37
DIY
Cat TREE by: Laura Root, Savannah Owner When our original cat tree finally had enough, I began looking for another cat tree. The specific requirements included multiple levels for three cats to access and tall enough to give them an "overview" of the room from a height (and sturdy enough to withstand 30 pounds of F2 bouncing up and down). The last requirement I insisted upon was that it be an attractive piece of furniture while fulfilling all the other needs listed above. I'd seen a "plant stand" online, but it was far too short and flimsy. But I liked the basic idea, so I started drawing a plan. The nice thing about what I will show you is that it's scalable – you can make it any height/width/depth that fits your needs. I wanted something at least 6' tall and used scrap wood I'd accumulated from other projects to save money. Because I wanted to build two – one for the Catio outside and another for indoors, I purchased (6) 2 x 4s and cut them lengthwise to get the number of supports I needed. If you're only building one, you can buy (3) 2 x 4s.
Materials List: (3) 2 x 4s, at least 8' long. Make sure they're straight, without major knots or bows (1) ½" or ¾" thick sheet of plywood (I used Baltic Birch because I had large enough scraps) Wood Glue Screws ¾" Hemp rope – 35' (for scratching post) Hot glue gun Sticky-backed carpet tiles 24" squares (home improvement store or Amazon) and carpet tape (or pet beds 24" 18" from Chewy or Amazon)
Equipment List: Table or Circular saw Miter saw Jig-saw Sandpaper or orbital sander
Page 38
Level Measuring tape Screwdriver **If you don't have these tools, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor if they might help you with the project!
Cut List: (3) 6' lengths of 2x4, sawn lengthwise to yield six lengths for the legs. For a 6' tree, cut these later to the proper height. The cut pieces will become cross-supports for the shelves. (2) scraps of wood about 48" long x 3-4" wide (1) 33" x 24" piece of plywood for the bottom shelf (adjust sizing based on where you want it installed) (2) 29" x 20" pieces of plywood for the middle two shelves (adjust sizing based on where you want it installed) 118" x 26" piece of plywood for the top shelf (adjust sizing based on where you want it installed) (2) pieces of plywood 12" x 4" (2) pieces 8" x 2" for supports on the top shelf
To ensure a strong base, I determined the tree's width should be about 42" and the depth needed to be about 24". I started by laying three legs on the floor and arranging them so they were the correct distance for the width you wanted at the base. To make sure the legs will sit level on the floor, use one of the 48" x4" scraps as a guide, along with a level to mark the cut. Then, cut two of the 6' long legs at a proper angle so that the cut edge will sit level on the floor when it is upright. These will be the outside supports. The middle supports should have a straight 90-degree cut on the bottom edges. Cut the opposite ends of the legs off, leaving about 24" long remnants, which we'll use for crosssupports for the shelves. I used an orbital sander to smooth ALL edges of the cut 2x4s and the shelves' raw edges to keep things smooth for the little cat's feet.
Page 39
Now, position the angled ends flush with the 46" x3" scrap and run a screw through the scrap into the legs to ensure they're secure (the scrap gets removed later; it's temporary). Place one of the 12x4 pieces at the top, adjusting the legs to 2" from the upper edge of the 12x4 support. Place two screws through the support into each of the legs to secure positioning. Repeat the above steps with the remaining three legs and 12x4 support pieces. I glued my smaller 8x2 pieces to the insides of the 12x4 supports to flush the upper edges. This gives a larger area for the top shelf to be attached later with screws from the top (and glue). Next, take the 24" long pieces you cut from the legs. These will be glued and screwed to the legs at the heights where you want to place the shelves. I found cutting an angle on one of the long edges helpful so the shelves fit flush on top of these supports when secured to the legs. You don't have to angle any of the lengths for the supports on the middle legs. Mark where you want the bottom shelf to be, and using a level and yardstick, draw a level line across all of the legs (for each side). Glue and screw these crosssupports to the inside edges of the legs. These will allow the cat tree to be worked on while it is upright from this point on. I placed my bottom shelf at about 18" from the floor so the cats could use the space below for lounging and play (Our F2 is large, so if not graced with a 30-pound, extra-long Savannah, you can probably put your bottom shelf lower. Adjust the sizing accordingly)! Take your bottom shelf and mark the places where the legs will go. We'll use the Jig-saw to cut these out so the bottom fits around the legs, enhancing support. Fit the legs into the cutouts and add at least three screws through the bottom shelf's top into the cross-supports. Put some glue on the tops of the cross-supports, and put the bottom shelf in place. Depending on how much staggering you want your next two shelves to have, you can attach the crosssupports at the levels you want on all legs. My lower middle shelf didn't extend far enough to bother with a cross-support on one end, but I used three crosssupports for the upper-middle shelf. The middle
Page 40
shelves fit between the legs, so we don't need to cut the corners out. Again, glue application and at least three screws through the shelf into the cross-supports provide very sturdy legs. I chose to install the very top shelf cross-wise, so the sides of the shelf overhang the legs while providing a large enough platform for the Beast to stretch out if he wants and let the cats jump up to the top level of a lower shelf. The arrangement of the shelves is undoubtedly customizable to your cat's needs. I wanted a nicely finished cat tree, so I stained the indoor tree with a water-based stain but didn't put a top coat on it to keep it from being slippery. I used a Minwax stain on the catio tree because I knew it'd receive some weather in its location, which sealed up the wood nicely. Once I had all of the pieces cut, fit, glued, and screwed, I stained all of the wood, and when that was dry, I installed the carpet on the shelves (carpet tape is essential for this step because I found the "stickyback" for the carpet squares wasn't as sticky as I wanted. If you wish to have cushier places for the cats to lounge, some 18" x 24" pet beds work pretty well (they are about 3" thick) and can be positioned with carpet tape as well. The last thing I did was wrap some ¾" thick hemp rope (Amazon) down one of the legs for a scratching post (I dislike how terrible Sisal rope looks after too short a time, and the hemp rope is straightforward to work with). I anchored it in every turn around the leg with hot glue. All you have to do is put the cat tree in place and watch them have fun!
DIY CAT TREE Learn more about making your own amazing cat tree!
Do you have a DIY project to share with your fellow readers? Let's hear it! Page 41
Suzette MooreCarter's F2 girl "Athena grace"
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 different 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 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.
Page 43
Ask Auntie Vannah Questions and Answers Check out the commonly asked questions about our e-magazine on the next page. Ask us anything Sa"Vannah" you want to know by going to our website and using the "contact" form. We'll help you get answers to your most common questions and maybe even feature them in a future issue!
Page 44
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 cover to make this a legitimate and legal publication (insurance, trademark, web hosting, illustrator, to name a few). If you wish to support us, you may do so on our website in several ways listed below--every bit helps! We donate part of our proceeds to the Savannah Rescue and Savannah Care Funds, which we're very excited about! We'll always share all donations to these causes to see how your support makes a difference. Shopping through any of our affiliate links (Litter-Robot, Ferris Cat Wheel, Etsy, and Amazon Products) Do your Amazon shopping 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? We started this venture in February of this year 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 14th, 2020, the second one on September 3rd, and now this third issue October 30th.
How often will Savannahgans® Magazine be published? New issues will be released in January, April, July, and October, starting in 2021. 2020, much to this year's reputation, has been a year of uncertainty, trial and error, and successes, hence the odd timetable of releases.
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 the cover photo of the current issue" on the home page. You'll see a beautiful, full-color digital magazine with clickable links and videos! 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 emagazine is best read on a desktop or laptop, and there's also a link optimized to view it on a mobile phone or tablet.
I have a great Savannah story, DIY project, or product review I'd like to share. 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.
Page 45
Please do not use images, text, art, or copy any information from this website or the digital magazines without Debra Roberts’ or the contributors' written permission. SAVANNAHGANS® ©2020