No, a Savannah cat cannot kill a human. Savannah cats are typically exceptionally social and affectionate with their owners, and attacks on humans are rare. However, like any domesticated animal, a Savannah cat may scratch or bite if they feel threatened, frightened, or in pain. Therefore, it’s essential to treat all animals with respect and never approach an unfamiliar animal threateningly or aggressively.
Pros of Owning a Savannah Cat
Owning a Savannah cat can be a unique and rewarding experience. Some of the pros of owning a Savannah cat include the following:
- Intelligence: Savannah cats are known for their intelligence and playful nature. They can be trained to perform tricks, walk on a leash, and even fetch.
- Affectionate: Savannah cats are affectionate and love to be around their owners. They are social animals that enjoy being petted and cuddled.
- Active: Savannah cats are highly active and enjoy playing, climbing, and exploring. They are great for people who enjoy an active lifestyle and want a cat to entertain them.
- Unique Appearance: Savannah cats have a distinctive spotted coat and a tall, lean build. They are often described as exotic and stylish and turn heads wherever they go.
- Low Maintenance: Savannah cats have a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming, making them an excellent option for people who don’t have much time to groom their pets.
- Good with Children and Other Pets: Savannah cats are generally good with children and other pets, making them an excellent option for families. They are social animals that enjoy being around others and can get along well with other animals in the household.
Cons of Owning a Savannah Cat
Behavior Issues
- Scratching: Savannah cats have strong scratching instincts and may scratch furniture, drapes, and other household items. Providing them with a scratching post can help prevent this behavior.
- Jumping: Savannah cats are known for their jumping ability, and they may jump on counters, furniture, or other surfaces. Providing them with plenty of vertical space, such as shelves and climbing trees, can help keep them entertained and prevent this behavior.
- Destructive chewing: According to WikiHow, Savannah cats love to chew. They may chew on cords, plants, and other household items. Providing them with appropriate toys and items to chew on can help prevent this behavior.
- Aggression: Savannah cats may exhibit aggressive behaviors towards other animals or people, particularly if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Proper socialization and training can help prevent this behavior.
- Separation anxiety: Savannah cats are social animals and may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Providing them with plenty of stimulation and attention when you are home can help prevent this behavior.
Health Concerns
- Hybrid Vigor: Savannah cats are prone to a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor, which can lead to an increased risk of genetic disorders and health problems.
- Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome: Savannah cats are more prone to Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), which causes cats to become overly sensitive to touch and can result in skin twitching, self-mutilation, and aggressive behavior.
- Cardiomyopathy: Savannah cats have a higher incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can cause a cat’s heart to enlarge and become less effective at pumping blood.
- Bladder Stones: Savannah cats tend to develop bladder stones, which can cause discomfort, pain, and urinary problems.
- Hip Dysplasia: Savannah cats are also prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can cause the hip joint to develop abnormally, resulting in arthritis and joint pain.
Cost
How much is a Savannah cat? Owning a Savannah cat can be expensive due to the cost of purchasing the cat and ongoing expenses such as food, supplies, and veterinary care. Some of the costs associated with owning a Savannah cat include the following:
- Purchase price: Savannah cats are a rare and exotic breed, so that they can be expensive. The cost of a Savannah cat can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the cat’s generation and bloodline.
- Food: Savannah cats have a large appetite and require a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet. This can add up over time and can be a significant ongoing expense.
- Supplies: Savannah cats require various supplies, including a litter box, food and water dishes, toys, scratching posts, and bedding. The cost of these supplies can add up quickly.
- Veterinary care: Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are essential for Savannah cats, and these costs can add up over time. If a cat develops a health issue, the cost of veterinary care can be substantial.
- Training: Savannah cats are intelligent and active and may benefit from training and socialization. Training classes and private training sessions can be expensive.
Tips to Calm a Savannah Cat
When Savannah cats are under stress, they can become aggressive. Various factors can trigger Savannah cat aggression, including perceived threats from other animals or humans, prey ingestion, frustration, and domestic cat interactions. They can also get overly attached to their human caregivers and become highly territorial when this attachment isn’t reciprocated.
You can do several things to help calm your Savannah cat down when they become overly excited or anxious. Some of these tips include:
- Providing a comfortable environment: Make sure your Savannah cat has a comfortable place to sleep and plenty of toys and scratching posts to play with. A calm and comfortable environment can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats.
- Engaging in play: Play is a great way to burn off excess energy and help your Savannah cat relax. Offer your cat a variety of toys, such as laser pointers, balls, and interactive toys, and engage in playtime daily.
- Creating a routine: Savannah cats thrive on routine and predictability. Establish a consistent feeding, sleeping, and play schedule to help your cat feel more secure and calm.
- Providing a hiding place: Cats often seek out hiding places when they feel scared or overwhelmed. Provide your Savannah cat with a cozy hiding spot, such as a cat bed or cardboard box, where they can retreat when they need to calm down.
- Using pheromone sprays: Pheromone sprays, such as Feliway, contain natural cat pheromones that help calm and soothe cats. Spray the pheromones in areas where your cat spends a lot of time, such as their bed or scratching post, to help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Offering calming treats: Calming treats, such as catnip or treats containing natural calming ingredients, can help soothe and relax your Savannah cat.
