Yes, Savannah cats, like all cats, can run away if they are scared, feel threatened, or are in search of food or adventure. However, Savannah cats, brilliant and curious animals, may be more prone to wander and explore their environment than other cat breeds.
To reduce the risk of your Savannah cat running away, providing a safe and secure indoor environment with plenty of stimulation and opportunities for exercise and play is crucial. Consider providing your cat with a harness and leash so that you can take it on supervised outdoor adventures, or keep your cat indoors at all times to prevent it from wandering away.
It is also essential to ensure that your cat is identified correctly, either with a collar and ID tag or a microchip, in case it happens to run away. This will increase the chances of your cat reuniting with you if it gets lost.
Why Savannah Cats May Run Away
Savannah cats can run away for a variety of reasons, including:
- Fear or anxiety: If a Savannah cat feels threatened or scared, it may run away to escape the perceived danger.
- Boredom or lack of stimulation: Savannah cats are brilliant and curious animals that require plenty of stimulation and mental and physical exercise. If they are provided with enough stimulation, they may stay in search of adventure and new experiences.
- Instinctual behaviors: Savannah cats are known for their strong hunting instincts and may run away in pursuit of prey or to explore their surroundings.
- Medical conditions: If a Savannah cat is in pain or discomfort, it may run away in an attempt to hide or escape.
- Separation anxiety: Some Savannah cats may experience separation anxiety when their owners are away from home and may run away in an attempt to find them.
The Risks of Outdoors for Savannah Cats Aside From Running Away
Toxic Poisoning
Toxic poisoning can be a severe threat to outdoor cats and can occur from ingesting or coming into contact with various toxic substances. Certain plants, such as lilies, can be toxic to cats if ingested. Outdoor cats may also come into contact with toxic chemicals, such as antifreeze, pesticides, or fertilizers, which can be poisonous if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Further, outdoor Savannah cats may ingest bait used for rodent control, which can be toxic if not properly stored. They may also eat human medications that have been dropped or left within reach, which can be toxic if ingested. Also, they can come in contact with rodents that have been poisoned, which can cause them harm.
If you own a Savannah cat, you must be aware of the risks of toxic poisoning and take preventive measures to ensure their safety. It’s recommended that cat owners vaccinate their cats against certain toxins to reduce their risk of exposure.
However, vaccination is not the best way to protect your cat from toxic poisoning and has severe side effects, such as injection-site sarcomas. Instead, it is important for cat owners to monitor their cat’s environment and contact a veterinarian if signs of toxic poisoning are observed.
Parasites
Outdoor Savannah cats can be exposed to various parasites, including fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Outdoor cats are also at a higher risk of contracting diseases such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and other infectious diseases that can be transmitted by other cats or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
To help protect your Savannah cat from parasites and disease, minimize its exposure to the outdoors, such as keeping it indoors or supervising it when it is outside.
As your veterinarian recommends, you should regularly check your cat for fleas and ticks and keep it up-to-date on preventive parasite treatments, such as flea, tick, and heartworm medications. Additionally, practicing good hygiene and regularly cleaning your Savannah cat’s litter box and sleeping areas is crucial to help prevent the spread of parasites and diseases.
Predators
Outdoor Savannah cats can be at risk of being predated by other animals, including larger predators such as coyotes, hawks, and foxes, and domesticated animals such as dogs. These predators can be difficult to spot, so cat owners must be vigilant when their cat is outside.
To help protect your Savannah cat from these risks, it is crucial to keep it indoors or supervise it when it is outside. If you do let your cat outside, it is vital to make sure that it stays safe, such as providing it with a secure outdoor enclosure, keeping it on a leash, or limiting the time it spends outdoors.
Additionally, it is vital to ensure your cat is correctly identified with a collar, tag, or microchip in case it gets lost. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your Savannah cat remains safe and protected from predators and other dangers.
Theft
Outdoor Savannah cats can be at risk of theft, especially as they are a valuable or rare breed. People who breed and sell cats may be more likely to steal them from outdoor homes to add them to their breeding programs or sell them to others. Additionally, cat theft can occur for other reasons, such as for resale, personal use, or to give as gifts.
To help protect your Savannah cat from theft, securing your home and property, such as installing locks on doors and windows and keeping your cat indoors or supervising it when it is outside, is crucial.
If you do let your cat outside, it is essential to ensure it stays safe, such as providing it with a secure outdoor enclosure or keeping it on a leash. Additionally, it is essential to ensure your cat is correctly identified with a collar, tag, or microchip in case it gets lost or stolen.
