Temperament & Intelligence of the Savannah Cat

The Savannah is friendly, full of personality, and impressively intelligent. Due to their high intelligence, they are very active and curious and require lots of mental stimulation and human interaction. They may be a bit overwhelming for first-time cat owners for this reason.

Many Savannah owners claim their cats have a sense of humor and will be no stranger to silly antics at their owner’s expense. You can expect a high-energy playmate that rarely tires and will love to snuggle up in bed with you at the end of the day, that’s if they aren’t dedicated to causing nighttime mischief.

You will want to keep their brains challenged by providing a variety of toys, puzzles, treats, and playtime.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 

Since Savannah cats are so active and social, they can make great pets for families with older children. They may be a bit rambunctious and ornery with younger children, which is why they’d fare better with older ones. That’s not saying they won’t do great in a home with young children, but more precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of both the cat and the children.

The Savannah makes for a fun addition to a household that is prepared for them. They can easily learn tricks, enjoy lots of play, and love being showered in affection from members of the family.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Unlike most cats, Savannah cats typically do great in homes with other pets. Their high level of sociability and playfulness will have them seeking out playmates for some high-energy fun. As expected, Savannahs can have a prey drive so it’s best to keep any small, caged animals safe like you would with any other larger pet.

Savannah cats are well known for making fast friends with dogs and will typically tire them out with play. You can expect the Savannah to be the last one standing.

• Related Read: 10 Tips To Make Cats And Dogs Get Along

Things to Know When Owning a Savannah Cat:

Food & Diet Requirements 

Feeding a Savannah kitten is much different than feeding a regular kitten or a full-grown Savannah cat. Savannah kittens go through different feeding phases as they age. They are typically weaned from their mother and placed on a raw, ground chicken diet supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

Around 9 to 12 weeks it is usually recommended the kitten is weaned off raw chicken and introduced to wet cat food. Then slowly, over time, introduce them to dry food as they age. You will want to bring this up with your veterinarian at your well-kitten visits.

You’ll want to provide your adult Savannah cat with high-quality, protein-rich cat food and follow feeding instructions based on your cat’s weight and activity level. It is highly recommended you consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. Always ensure your Savannah has access to plenty of fresh water for hydration.

Exercise 

Savannahs are extremely athletic and active cats. They love to climb and enjoy being up high. It is a necessity to provide this breed with a lot of toys, perches, and tall cat trees. The Savannah will require a lot of exercise and can even be trained to walk on a leash and enjoy daily walks with their owners.

Their high energy level and play drive will likely tire out any other pets in the household. They will always be searching for new forms of play and ways to keep themselves entertained. Since they adore human interaction, they love rigorous playtime with their people.

Training 

Savannah cats are highly intelligent and may have a lot of dog-like tendencies, but they are not as easy to train as our canine friends. They can most definitely be trained to follow some basic commands, but they are still cats and will not reach dog-level trainability.

If you decide to train your Savannah cat, remember that they are still cats and can be a bit skittish. You will want to start slow, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement by providing treats and affection.

Grooming

Savannahs have short, soft dense coats that are very easy to maintain. A weekly brushing will suffice with this low-maintenance fur. Savannahs are usually big fans of brushing and will enjoy spending time with you.

In addition to weekly brushing of the coat, you will want to ensure they have scratching posts to keep their nails filed down. You may not have to worry about trimming regularly but it’s best to have them accustomed to nail trims.

Make sure you check their ears regularly to ensure they are clean and not showing any signs of infection. It’s best to regularly brush their teeth and keep up on dental health to prevent any dental disease. You will want to introduce your Savannah to tooth brushing from an early age, as it can be a difficult task if they are not used to it.