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Preparing for a New Kitten

Many people ask how they should prepare for a new Savannah kitten. After getting the right supplies, it is important to kitten proof your home. Kittens are especially curious and will climb into small spaces and get into all sorts of things. Keeping cords from appliances and electronics wrapped and inaccessible is important.

Potty Manners

It is best to provide the same kitty litter and food as the breeder. Cats and Kittens naturally like to go in the litter box but it may take some time for your new kitten to get adjusted and learn the layout of the house before they master the potty. Having more than one litter box is usually a good idea. At minimum one litter box per cat in a household. The quarantine period helps get them adjusted to their new home. It is usually a good idea to start the litter box in the general area that it will remain.

Kittens prefer litter but if they can not find the box and have to go, there can be accidents. If it is moved around this increases the chances of this. If litter boxes need to be moved we suggest no more than 1 foot per day until it reaches its new location. For the first few weeks, it is best to put the kitten into the litter box several times a day and especially after feeding time.

Some kittens mistake fluffy comforters and blankets (especially down) and use them as their toilet. Be very careful about using these until they get acclimated into their new home.

Quarantine

It is important to quarantine your new kitten so he or she can get accustomed to the sounds of your new home and begin to bond with you and your family. This is especially true if you have a large house, other pets, and even children. (required as part of the contract)

The quarantine period is generally a week. During this time it is important that you keep your new adorable baby Savannah in a baby-proofed room with plenty of activities, fresh water, dry food and clean litter. Spend as much time as you can in that room with your kitten. It would be ideal if the quarantine room was your bedroom and she could sleep with you. This is great for bonding.

After some time slowly introduce your Savannah kitten to the rest of the house and its members. For the first few weeks frequently take your kitten to the litter box so she can learn where it is and to reinforce its usage. This is especially true after meals.

Food and Water

Savannah kittens will usually tell you when they are wanting to eat. We generally feed our kittens three times a day. They have insatiable appetites as kittens. We have fresh water and dry food available all day long.

It is important to get a rubber bottomed bowl for water. Otherwise your Savannah may swat the bowl around knocking out all of it contents on a regular basis. This will be a lesson quickly learned. Be prepared to change the water regularly. Savannah's love to step and play in their water bowl.

Get Plenty of Cat Toys and a Scratching Post

Savannah Kittens and cats have lots of energy and love to expend that energy playing. They love to run, jump, and climb. Plenty of cat toys will keep your Savannah from getting into trouble.

A scratching post is great for climbing and scratching. It is even better when it is put in front of a window. Cats love to watch the action out doors.

Though you may be tempted, It is important not to take your kitten out doors. When he/she is older always wear a leash outdoors. Because Savannah cats are hybrid it is important that they are not allowed to go outside on their own.

Find a Good Vet

Savannah kittens and cats should have slightly modified vet care in comparison to a domestic cat. It is important that you find a vet familiar with the breed and is knowledgeable regarding appropriate vaccination's. If there is not one in your area, please contact Alota Spots Savannahs for guidance on proper veterinary care.

What do they eat?

This is an area in which Savannah cats are unique to the domestic cat. Many believe that Savannah's are able to live happy healthy lives on the domestic cat diet. Some breeders agree that is best to feed them a diet high in protein from a meat source. Others feel that a combination of a good quality dry and wet cat food will do.

For us at Alota Spots Savannahs, we feed all of our cats and kittens high quality dry cat food that is available to them all of the time. They also get good quality canned food. In addition to dry food our cats get protein from a meat source regularly. This is especially important to the earlier generation cats. Chicken, rabbit, and fish are some of their favorites. We have found each cat has his or her preference.

Amazingly, the Savannah cats are very efficient eaters and are clean about anything they eat.