Savannah Kittens for sale UK and Savannah Cats sale UK, frequently asked questions by Top UK Savannah Breeder

We are Bengal Cats and Savannah Cat Breeders located in the UK. We fully understand that there are many levels and type of cat ownership and to create an appropriate loving bond with a new kitten will take time and accurate knowledge. Here are some questions and answers to help you become accustomed to your Savannah Kittens or Bengal kittens. If you require any further assistance or advice, please contact us.

What should I consider before owing a Bengal Cat or Savannah Cat or any animal in the UK? What do I need to buy before my new Kitten comes home? Do I need to get a Scratch Post for my Bengal or Savannah Cat? What is the best cat to buy if I have allergies? I want to bond quickly with my new Bengal or Savannah Kitten, what should I do? Is Cat Nip good for my Bengal and Savannah Cats and Kittens? How do I get the Bengals or Savannah Kittens to use the litter tray? Do I need to groom Bengal Cats and Savannah Cats? Will my existing cat accept a new Bengal or Savannah Kitten? What should I feed my new Bengal or Savannah Kitten? What should I do if my Savannah or Bengal cat stops eating? What plants are poisonous to my Bengal or Savannah Cat? If my Bengal or Savannah Kitten remains indoors how should I exercise it? I do not want my Bengal or Savannah Kitten to have fleas - how do I prevent this? Do Bengal Cats and Kittens or Savannah Cats and Kittens need worming, if so how often? Where did the Bengal Cat originate? What sort of care is required for the Savannah Cat? Why is the Savannah the most desired Cat? Are Children safe around Savannah Cats? Does Savannah cats get on well with other animals in the household? Does Savannah cats eat ordinary cat food? How big will my Savannah Cat grow? What are the colours of a Savannah Cat? What is the Savannah Cat's Coat Texture? Can Savannah Cats be trained like Dogs? What regular health treatment does Bengals or Savannah Cats require? Is it true Savannah Cats and Kittens like to play in water? Should I let my Bengal Cat or Savannah Cat live out doors?

What should I consider before owing a Bengal Cat or Savannah Cat or any animal in the UK?

	The Animal Welfare Act 2006 that applies only to England and Wales imposes a duty of care on all UK Animal Owners. Each of us will need to consider the welfare of animals in our care. For example, as owners of Bengal Cats and Savannah Cats and all other animals that reside at Strawbell Pedigree Cats, we have an obligation and a duty of care to ensure that they do not suffer unnecessarily and that we take reasonable care to ensure their needs are met. What are theses obligations and needs? The Act says that an animal’s welfare needs include: -· a suitable environment (how it is housed); - a suitable diet (what it eats and drinks); - the ability to exhibit normal behavior patterns; - any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals; and - protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease. Please contact your Vet for further advice on the specific needs of animals in your care.
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I want to bond quickly with my new Bengal or Savannah Kitten, what should I do?
	Whilst every genuine cat owner' goal is to give new kittens a safe, happy and healthy life, it is good to bear in mind that you are a stranger to a small kitten and it is riddled with fear and uncertainty of its future until it learns to trust you. Forming a good bond with your new kitten will assist in preventing future nervous and behavioural problems as the kitten grows older. If you are collecting your kittens from Strawbell Pedigree Cats, we will give you our perceptions on each individual Savannah kitten or Bengal Kitten. Added to that, you will be provided with advice and support from us following the collection of your kitten. After the journey home with your Bengal or Savannah kitten, it will certainly be tired, so allow it to just sleep in a small room or sit and observe it's surroundings for some time. The time span for this may even take a complete day or two. We ask that you try to spend good quality time with your Bengal or Savannah Kittens and observe it's behaviours such as it likes and dislikes for your self. Given sufficient time, your kitten will soon settle down and start to play with you. When playing with your new kitten, get as close to the level of your Bengal or Savannah kitten as possible and talk with very gently tones whilst approaching and touching the kitten and calling it by name. This is a great aid in removing fear from kittens. At first, the kitten is likely to flee until it figures out you mean it no harm, but still gently coax the kitten until it comes to you. Remember Bengal kittens are not so much afraid of you, but unsure of the current unfamiliar situation. Reward it when it responds to you with a treat - the could be just a gentle stroke with praises. If the kitten refuses to come, leave it for a while and try again, but don't give up. You will be amazed at how quickly your Bengal or Savannah kitten will get to know your tones and respond accordingly - with a purr!
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Is Cat Nip good for my Bengal and Savannah Cats and Kittens?
	The smell of dried Cat Nit is loved by most cats and kittens including Savannahs Cats and Kittens and Bengal Cats and Kittens. They usually find great pleasure in rubbing their heads in it, purring loudly and rolling around where ever you place the cat nip. The effects of cat nip does not last very long and it is great to know that it is not addictive. Some cats may not show visible signs of responding to cat nip. We are yet to meet them!
What do I need to buy before my new Kitten comes home?
	You will need to prepare for your new Bengal Kitten or Savannah Kitten coming home. We suggest having the following in place:-
	A cosy cat bed and warm blanket. Some toys and an empty box. (I know, our cats love to play in empty boxes!) Some food and water bowls At least two litter trays Cat litter (contact us before collecting your kitten to find out the best litter to purchase for your Bengal or Savannah Kitten). We recommend not using clumping cat litter for kittens - it may stick to their paws when digging in the litter tray and they will try to lick it off. A Scratch Post
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Do I need to get a Scratch Post for my Bengal or Savannah Cat?
	We believe it is essential for Bengal and Savannah Kittens and cats to be equipped with an excellent quality scratch post. You will find your Bengal or Savannah cat will stretch as soon as they wake up and then look for somewhere to use as a scratching pad. We have a good supply of scratch pads so that they can use and they love them. These scratch posts (rope type pads or posts) also deter your cats from declawing on your furniture.


What is the best cat to buy if I have allergies?

	We have a number of allergy sufferers in our household. During the research to find cats that are reasonably tolerable for humans with some allergies, we eventually selected the Bengal Cat. We were correct in doing so as we found the Bengal cat's coat like silk and suede, soft to the touch with little or no shedding and glitters like gold. Our allergies sufferers usually fall asleep with our Bengal Cats on their laps without any complaints! We made a good choice in selecting the Bengal Cat.
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Do I need to groom Bengal Cats and Savannah Cats?

	Bengal Cats have short, soft, silky fur that glitters like gold. It will not matt like the coat of some long haired cats. We find our Bengal Cats love being stroke with our hands or a soft brush and start this grooming process as soon as your cat reaches home. Grooming your cats will help them to settle in to their new homes and speed up the bonding process between you and your new kitten. Our Bengal Cats identify the grooming process as a great treat, not a punishment. When we pick up the brush, they will approach willingly. A small tooth comb will be excellent for preventing and removing fleas in your Bengal and Savannah Cats. Grooming is also a good opportunity to check over every part of your Bengal Cats or Savannah Cats body. Be extra cautious when brushing their back legs and personal areas. They will alert you by either growling or trying to get away from you if you touch on any tender areas of their body. If this happens, stop grooming the cat and seek advice from a Vet if the cat seems to be in any discomfort. The overall grooming procedure of your cat should be a happy experience for you both. Enjoy!
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How do I get the Bengal or Savannah Kittens to use the litter tray?
	If kittens are left with their mother for a healthy period of time (13 weeks) the mother will usually show them how to use the litter tray and clean themselves. We will always ensure our Bengal or Savannah kittens are fully litter trained before they are collected. If when a kitten reaches home and it is does not use the litter tray, it could be for a number of other reasons: Avoid changing the litter the kitten previously used and ensure that the litter tray is clean, in a small quiet area and away from high volume house traffic. Try not to move the litter tray once you introduce your kitten to it, as this could confuse the kitten. Place sufficient litter in the tray so that your Bengal Kitten or Savannah kitten can spend some time digging and covering - Bengal Cats and Kittens and Savannah Cats and Kittens just love to dig and thoroughly cover up in their litter trays! If you have collected two Bengal Kittens or Savannahs kittens, or a Bengal and a Savannah Kitten and you can afford it, buy them each a litter tray. From our experience, our Bengal cats prefer not to share a litter tray. We prefer to keep the litter trays free of soils at all times as we find both cats and kittens are extremely clean creatures. NEVER physically punish a Bengal Cat or a Savannah Cat if they accidentally do not use the litter tray. They will never understand this type of punishment. Bengal and Savannah cats are extremely clean creatures and if an accident does occur, there must be an underlying reason for it. This behaviour needs to be addressed with respect for your cat as a living creature. We strongly believe in the "kindness always pays off" strategy. Do take some time out to find out what is causing the undesirable behaviour. If you cannot resolve it, talk to your Vet about the situation. Responding in an angry or physical way will encourage your Bengal or Savannah cat to get stress, be fearful, and withdraw from you.
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Will my existing cat accept a new Bengal or Savannah Kitten?
	In most cases and from our experience, it does take time for an existing cat to accept a new cat or kitten. Your cat will most probably feel that the new kitten will take over its territory and it will take steps to prevent that happening by instilling fear into the new cat or kitten. Another major reason is that cats may resent the smell of a new cat. To help your existing cat to accept a new comer, try to rub and cuddle the new kitten in one of your old previously worn unwashed jumpers that has the smell of you and your home. Place the new kitten in a pre-prepared room and leave it to settle in for a day or so before introducing it to your existing cat. Place your existing cat in another room and take all reasonable steps to prevent it from entering the room where you have placed the new kitten. Swap the rooms over the next three days by placing the new kitten in the room where your existing cat was residing and visa versa. Do this for the next three days and then leave the doors ajar so that the kitten and your previous cat can gradually meet on their own terms. If any aggressiveness occurs, then separate the cats and reintroduce the cats again the next day or so. At some point in the day, go into the room and start to play with the kitten by throwing scrunched up paper. They should both try to run after the paper. They will forget their problems and start to socialise more with each other.
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What should I feed my new Bengal or Savannah Kitten?
	Please review our Feeding Cats page.
What should I do if my Savannah or Bengal cat stops eating?
	All cats can go off their food at times especially if they are recovering from an illness. Avoid giving your Bengal or Savannah cat food direct from the fridge without warming it very slightly. If your cat refuse to eat at all and this behaviour continues for a few days, please consult your Vet to identify the cause.

What plants are poisonous to my Bengal or Savannah Cat?
	Click here to find a list of plants that could be dangerous for cats.........................
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If my Bengal or Savannah Kitten remains indoors how should I exercise it?
	Exercise is crucial for Savannah Cats and Bengal cats and kittens. It is a great aid in strengthening their muscles, reduces stress and endurance levels. Try your best to invest in a cat tree/large cat scratch post with a slope where they can run and jump around. If you cannot invest in some cat toys try an old recycled envelope scrunched up and thrown into the air. Every one in the room, both humans and cats will join in the throw and fetch game! Especially if you have Bengals cats or Savannahs cats - you are in for a surprise with the fetching!!!
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I do not want my Bengal or Savannah Kitten to have fleas - how do I prevent this?

	To confirm that your cat may never have fleas is a desire. However, your cat may come into contact with and or contract fleas by general attendance at the Vet, Cat Shows, bringing in a new pet or just walking in the grass in your garden. Always seek advise from your Veterinarian when treating a pregnant or sick cat with any flea medication. Never treat your Bengal, Savannah Cats or any other Cats with dog flea products or products containing pyrethrins & pyrethroids which may be poisonous to your cat. Fleas can be kept at bay by shampooing cats with flea shampoos and the option of a vast array of appropriate flea control medications. We prefer to use an all natural preparation called Flea-Away placed on the back of the neck of our cats every month. We believe this really works. Although we can find no evidence of the existence of fleas, we still lean on the side of caution and apply the natural preparation.
Do Bengal Cats and Kittens or Savannah Cats and Kittens need worming, if so how often?
	Yes, Bengal and Savannah Cats and Kittens do need worming, in fact it is very important for kittens to be reviewed by your Vet and wormed if necessary. As far as we know, there are four types of worms that cats can become infected with: 1) hook worms, 2) whip worms, 3) tapeworms and 4) roundworms. In general, all kittens often attract worms from their mothers and we would recommend that you seek advice from your Vets on what medication kittens should receive and how often they should be medicated.

Where did the Bengal Cat originate?
	The Bengal Cat originated from mating a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard Cat read more......
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What sort of care is required for the Savannah Cat?

	We can and should treat Savannah Cats and or Bengal Cats just like any other domestic with no special treatment required. Their dietary and medical requirements are all the same. If you have and concerns at all on your Bengal or Savannah Cat's feeding habits, please consult your Vet. Do bear in mind that Savannah Cats and Bengal Cats are very active and they need plenty of exercise, love and attention to maintain their health.

Why is the Savannah the most desired Cat?

	Servals are beautiful creatures and humans admire their beauty. They have excellent markings with clear black spots on a bright golden background coat and it is rear to find a Serval in a general house hold in the UK without an appropriate wild animal licence. The next alternative to owning a Serval is a Savannah Cat. The Savannah Cat is a Hybrid of the Serval Cat. Savannah Cats are smaller and more manageable to reside in your home. They require no special diet. They are as beautiful as a Serval and domesticated. Savannah Cats are the largest hybrid feline available and are excellent with other pets and children. Savannah Cats are extremely intelligent and often respond when spoken to them. They create strong bonds with their owners. Savannahs Cats are considered the exotic feline of the 21st century!
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Does Savannah cats get on well with other animals in the household?
	Savannah cats should be properly socialised before they reach home. With a good established socialised foundation, as they grow into fine adult cats, they should be friendly with most other animals, with the exception of hamsters and birds deemed as related food of that kind to all cats in their wild habitat.

Are Children safe around Savannah Cats?

	As far as we know right from the first generation of Savannah Cats, (F1), it has been reported that these cats are a pleasure to be around. In general though, with all animals, we would recommend that all children must be supervised and not left alone for any length of time with cats.
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Does Savannah cats eat ordinary cat food?

	When it is time to collect your kitten, we will provide you with a list of the current diet your Savannah cat and Bengal Cats are on which we recommend you maintain. Savannah Cats and Bengal Cats will eat ordinary cat food. Please do remember, each cat will have its own personality and you will need to observe your Bengal and Savannah Cats likes or dislikes. Both Bengal and Savannah Cats are domestic cats and should be provided with good quality food. Our cats eat both wet and dry foods and a fresh bowl of water is always available and refreshed three times a day. Water is an extremely important part of all cat or kitten's diet. They also really love whole slightly boiled chicken legs placed near their beds at night. Some of them prefer it raw, that is why it is a good idea to observe your cat's behaviour at the early stages. We avoid giving our cats snacks and stick to a feeding routine. We have certainly observed that cats respond positively to routine treatment at feeding times.
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How big will my Savannah Cat grow?

	The size of a Savannah cat is reliant on the generation of each cat. The filial one generation (F1) Savannah cat (which is only one generation removed from the Serval) is the biggest of the Savannahs and usually weighs around 15 to 20 lbs. Preceding generations will reduce slightly in size until the third and fourth generation where the size shows some uniformity. An F5 or F6 Savannah should still have the long body and long legs making them appear larger than they really are if their breeding was Savannah to Savannah mating. Because the Savannah Cat is a relatively new breed it would be uncomfortable for us to provide its definite exact size and weight. So, until the Savannah Cat breed is fully established and predictable, we can say that it is a very tall, long and slender cat and will grow for three full years. It will take two years before they reach their full height and then they will still put on muscle for another year.
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Can Savannah Cats be trained like Dogs?

	Savannahs cats are immensely sharp and can be easily trained. You can teach them to walk on a leash, sit, lie down, fetch, and other uncomplicated tricks.
What are the colours of a Savannah Cat?

	Savannah Cat colours according to The International Cat Association are Black, Brown Spotted Tabby, Silvery Spotted Tabby and Black Smoke only. There are other colour variations allowed which are the gold to orange ground colour with bold dark marking, the silver ground colour with bold dark markings or solid black. The lip colour of all Savannah Cats should be black. Savannah Cats also boasts prominent black tear duct lines on the inner sides of each eye. On the Spotted Savannah Cat the nose leather can be either brick red, solid black or black with a light red or pink line running down the centre. In Black Savannah Cats, the nose leather must be solid black. The Savannah Cat paw pads in all colour variations should be deep charcoal or brownish black.
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What is the Savannah Cat's Coat Texture?

	The Savannah Cat's coat texture should be medium in length with a slightly course feel to it. In most cases, you will find that it is a coat that has outstanding body and texture with stronger courser guard hairs covering a softer undercoat.

What regular health treatment does Bengals or Savannah Cats require?

	All Strawbell Pedigree Bengal and Savannah Cats will go home with a full Vet health check at 12 weeks of age and appropriate immunisation. We also recommend that you take your new kitten to meet your Vet and to get it registered in preparation for annually check ups and immunisations. Your Vet will provide you with any further advice if required. We recommend that you carry out basic routine daily grooming to all your pets such as a quick comb or brush with a soft baby brush.

Is it true Savannah Cats and Kittens like to play in water?
	Savannah Cats and Kittens find water fascinating. Servals loves to play in water and they have passed on this trait to Savannah Cats and they enjoy it too.
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Should I let my Bengal Cat or Savannah Cat live outdoors? Strawbell Pedigree Cats' aim is to take responsiblity for all sorts of animals in their care and that includes knowing their whereabouts and behaviour at all times. We believe it is impossible to constantly follow a cat around out doors trying to monitor its whereabouts and safety. Hence, all of our Cats are safely kept indoors. However, for those of you who are up for the run around and challenges of allowing your Bengal Cats or Savannah Cats to live outdoors, please consider the following:-
	Housing - It is a good idea to provide a safe and comfortable place for your Bengal Cat or Savannah Cat to rest and enjoy a good sleep from any harsh outdoor elements. A reasonably sized cat house equipped with an easy escape is recommended. The floor of the cat house can be covered in straw or a nice clean warm blanket to help the cat stay warm in the winter. If you do decide to use, straw bedding, it will need to be changed periodically. Otherwise it can become mouldy creating a variety of skin and respiratory problems. In the winter, some areas do use salt to help prevent slips and falls caused by slippery icy. If your Bengal Cat or Savannah Cat do come into contact with and or walk on salted covered surfaces, some of the particles can become trapped in the fur on their feet. When your Bengal or Savannah Cat then starts to carry out their routine grooming they can ingest the salt resulting in gastrointestinal upset. Salt can also be caustic to the pads of the feet. Feeding - Bengal Cats and Savannah Cats are typically quite active. It is imperative that they are offered adequate nutrition. Make sure the food offered is a good quality cat food. Offer food at least twice daily. Be aware that you may end up feeding a number of other outdoor cats besides just yours. Always provide fresh clean water. Snow or ice is not proper alternatives for water sources. Health Concerns - Outdoor Bengal Cats and Savannah Cats do face a greater risk of distressing injury. Being hit by a car, attacked by another animal or hurt by malicious people can result in serious injury or even death. It is very difficult to prevent these injuries. If your dust bins are not properly sealed, ingestion of rubbish can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Keep all automotive items away from your cat. Many people change antifreeze in the spring and fall. . Exposure to antifreeze can be deadly to Bengal and Savannah Cats. Make sure all toxic or dangerous chemicals are safely stored away. Herbicides, fertilizers and other lawn and garden supplies can pose a health threat to your Bengal or Savannah Cats as well. Keep these products safely away from your cat. Not to mention the hurt both you and your Bengal or Savannah Cat or Kitten will have to deal with if it is stolen. During the winter, when you return home, your car's engine is quite warm and cats may find this a comfortable place to rest in the bitter cold. Serious injury occurs when the car is started while a cat is sleeping on the engine. To avoid this, honk your horn before starting your car, to give the cat a chance to escape. Vet Care - Annual physical exams are very important to the health of any outdoor cat. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of illness is likewise vital. Make sure your outdoor cat is adequately protected from disease by vaccination. Have your cat checked for intestinal parasites and properly de-wormed. Discuss flea and tick prevention alternatives with your veterinarian. Heartworm prevention is also very important in the outdoor cat.

Picture credits : A1 Savannahs