Like any cat, a Savannah cat a has a minimum of four basic needs - eat, sleep, play, and poop. The fifth need is you the owner that provides for all of this and more which is what causes them to thrive! I have spent the past eight weeks discovering the best ways for me to meet those needs in my home for Tristan, a beautiful male F4 Savannah out of Snow Canyon Savannahs cattery. Through a lot of trial (and a little bit of error) these are a few of the best tips, hints, information and supplies that I've discovered along the way....
Nutrition: Tristan is fed a raw food diet. There are many sources online for investigating a raw diet for your cat and I have been very pleased with his development on this diet. While I am still learning about the intricacies of proper balance required in raw feeding, I utilize a combination of raw chicken with bones and supplement those meals with Primal's Canine Formula in Beef and Salmon.
Since cats need approximately 1oz of water per pound of body weight per day I add a few tablespoons of water mixed into his supplemental (ground) food.
For treats he enjoys Pogos brand 100% pure dehydrated mice, rabbit, and calamari. http://www.petextras.com/pofdmo21gr.html
These are two sites I've found helpful in answering some of my questions about raw diets -
http://www.rawfedcats.org/practicalguide.htm
http://rawfed.com/myths/
and about water requirements -
http://feline-nutrition.org/answers/answers-crystals-raw-diets-and-water
Litter+Litter Boxes:
Kittens raised at Snow Canyon Savannahs have an advantage that they are already familiar with Feline Pine brand cat litter. Among the many benefits, these compressed natural pine pellets have excellent odor control, are virtually dust free, and do not promote tracking. I did some research and found that a generic "equine pine" version sold at feed stores like IFA can reduce the cost from $1-2 dollars per pound to less than .13 cents per pound! The equine pine version sold in 40 pound bags as bedding is very comparable in quality to the Feline Pine brand. I am able to flush the solids as needed and although a small amount of the pellets winds up in the toilet, it breaks up easily and has not caused any clogs.
For litter boxes we have tried three different versions:
The Feline Pine brand open pan sifting litter box: helps avoid any waste by allowing you to sift the contents easily and efficiently. My male kitten would eliminate by standing with his front paws on the edge of this box; I was concerned as he grew this would result in messes outside the box so we investigated two other options.
The CleverCat Top Entry litter box is what we are using now. I posted a short video of Tristan learning to use this box on the Amazon page where it is sold -
http://www.amazon.com/review/R14B0HYSKCY8C2
As shown in the clip, I created a small "staircase" to help him climb in and out for the first few days. Also, Tristan did not like the lid in place in the beginning so I left it off for two days; when I did put it in place on the third day, he had no trouble getting in and out. I also have a small dog in the home and the design of this box reduces the chance that little Teddy would have access to the litter box contents.
The Petco Jumbo Enclosed Litter Box: also reviewed in detail on Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/review/RCIIPSE5RZSKK
This is our "back-up box" - it is frequently sold out on both Amazon and the Petco website; I bought mine on sale for $14.99 but the price is frequently higher, especially when it has been out of stock. Free shipping is included if ordering a total of $49 or more from Petco.
I use a Paw Path Litter Mat (http://www.pawpathlittermat.com/). The combination of the CleverCat litter box with the Paw Path mat has reduced tracking to absolutely ZERO! The Paw Path has a grid surface on a raised and bordered track which removes any dust or crumbs of litter as your cat or kitten walk across the surface. The CleverCat does do 90% of that job when positioned as recommended; with the grid surface of the mat at work I usually have nothing to empty from the litter path tray when I clean it.
My favorite scoop is the Cats Rule Stand Up 'N Scoop with a two foot telescoping handle which I found at Wag.com. I've found this site is great for gathering the supplies needed for the first few weeks especially when you take advantage of 20% off your first order. I used this coupon code: WAG20. With the coupon and free shipping, some of my items were 50% or less than the best prices elsewhere.
Tristan is also working on toilet training. He seemed very curious about the toilet and one day just hopped up; I had read about the process and had a good sized bowl that would work as a "liner" while he is learning. We are taking this process slowly but already there have been signs of success in that area.
Play:
Toys: this area has involved the most hit and miss but there are definitely some standout toys among what we've tried -
Eco+Budget Friendly: If you buy milk or water by the gallon you'll have a source for those pull off rings that cats seem to be so crazy about. Tristan also loves toting around bendy straws which could not be any cheaper by the dozen. Cardboard boxes, crumpled brown paper that comes as packing with his many deliveries and paper grocery bags also are favorites. These less durable "toys" I collect at the end of the day and recycle them.
For store bought items:
$1-$5 range -
Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy
Jo Jingles Rattle Mouse
Castor & Pollux Refillable Catnip Mice, purchased in a 12 pack/about $2.75 each
Play-N-Squeak Mice, many varieties to choose from
Colorful Springs Cat Toy, 10 pieces per pkg
$10-25 range
Peek-A-Prize
Petmate Crazy Circle
Sport Pet Cat Cubes (check Walmart for units sold individually at around $5 each)
Sleep:
I've tried several different types of pet beds for Tristan and these are his current favorites:
Tristan loves to sleep in things that are lofty and soft. He curls up in my favorite down alternative blanket (Costco $14), and loves to knead away in an large old winter scarf of mine he has claimed.
Cuddle Cube by K&H Manufacturing: This thick, tuffet of a bed is covered in synthetic sherpa/shearling fabric and comes in three neutral colors. The "small" size is very large (27"x 27"x 12" h) and Tristan loves to sink right into the middle with Teddy. The cover is removable, the inner pillow is able to be re-stuffed. Washes well.
Kitty Kup: This bed stays in a Pet Taxi travel kennel that I leave open in the living room; Tristan is comfortable and familiar spending time in the kennel and can frequently be found taking his naps in there. Hopefully that eases any stress on his part in using it for travel or vet visits. Also by K&H.
When shopping online I have found that pet beds marketed as "cat beds" are sometimes marked 50% more expensive than a "dog bed", even when it is the exact same bed! If you like a particular model in the cat department, try searching the manufacturer's name instead for alternate choices and frequently you'll find the same bed for less in the dog or general "pet" supply department.
Keeping Kitten Safe:
Identification: A good collar with I.D. tags is essential in case kitty accidentally wanders out of bounds. I found the cheap break away collars got very ratty looking and started to smell bad in less than two weeks.
We now use a rolled leather collar which I was able to find in the very small 7"-9" inch size; source - Hot Dog Collars. (Note: I remove his collar entirely when I leave him home alone to ensure there is no risk in using a non-breakaway collar)
The best tags I have found in tiny/kitten yet readable sizes I ordered at my vet's office. About the size of a dime and very readable print on both front and back as shown in the photo above. Many color combinations and several shapes to choose from. Call Washington Family Veterinary Clinic at 435-627-1300 for more information.
We also have a custom walking jacket designed and handmade by JoyKatz. I had the jacket embroidered with his name and phone number, stitched at a size that would be visible to most from 8-10 feet away. If Tristan happened to get lost, he may be too scared and not readily come when called so having the large letters on the jacket makes it possible to see him from several feet away, learn/call his name, and obtain the contact number even if you can't catch him.
Kitten Proofing:
Split Loom Tubing and 4 inch Zip Ties: create bite-resistant covers for the electrical wires in your house. Easy to install and both items together cost only $15.
ScatMat: This static mat keeps Tristan away from the patio door while he is learning the boundaries of being an indoor cat. About $45-$75 depending on the size you choose.
A Large, Heavy Cutting Board: useful to cover a single sink. I opted for a double sink version that looks like a tray and had it painted to match my countertops.
Other things that are really nice to have on hand:
A good spray bottle filled with plain water: helps me reinforce a gentle but firm "No!" when kitty is testing his limits in ways that aren't safe.
A small bottle of essential oil and a few cotton balls: cats tend to find certain strong scents like peppermint distasteful so I use a couple of drops on a cotton ball and tuck a few here on there on a curio shelf that I'd like to remain undisturbed. So far even after two months, this has worked! Just remember to refresh the oil on the cotton every few days.
Scratch posts/Scratch pads: I've seen them as inexpensive as $3-4 and up for the pads. Posts in varying material from sisal to carpet I generally see offered in the $10-15 range. My favorite is the extra large PetFusion Cat Scratcher and Lounge, $39.95 with free shipping.
You can see this item reviewed here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R26N6WNC1PYBEN
Catnip
Nail Clippers
And last but not least a soft sided travel kennel: Tristan actually went home in his the very first day. I use this one with a prepared tote bag stored inside to with several days worth of emergency plus first aid supplies. I keep his vaccination records in there as well so I always know where to find them.
Items mentioned above can be found on Amazon.com. with full descriptions and helpful customer reviews, or at the individual websites or retailers named.
Tristan has been such a true blessing in my life; wishing you and your new kitten every good thing!
- CM
Tristan's profile photo credit: Jan Rockwell, Snow Canyon Savannahs
