2023 Featured Breeder Directory, Contest Winners & More!
EDITOR'S DESK What's New and Acknowledgements
WINTER COVER CONTEST & RESCUE/CARE FUND RAFFLE
By: Debra Roberts
AVALO CAT SANCTUARY
By: Debra Roberts
THE YEAR OF THE CAT By: Andrew Peet
On the Cover: Our Winter Photo Contest Winner Jenn Culler: Siada Al’Amira - Five-year-old Female F3 of Select Exotics 2023 BREEDER DIRECTORY MEET FLIGHT NANNY CHARLIE YANEY-JOHNSTON A FACEBOOK POST HELPED SAVE SAVANNAH CAT "VINCE" FROM DEADLY FIP By: Jaisa Riemenschneider
W I N T E R 2 0 2 3
THERE IS HOPE FOR CATS WITH FIP By: Deborah Milette
AN INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER CINDY DEL ROSARIO OF BAY AREA SAVANNAHS
By: Debra Roberts
By: Charlie Yaney-Johnston
Welcome to the TWELTH edition of SAVANNAHGANS® - THE International Savannah Cat Magazine
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Let's see what's on the SAVAGENDA for JANUARY-MARCH!
First, for those new to the magazine, let me introduce myself FIVE Savannahs own my husband and me--four of whom are five years old, and a ten-month-old baby joined our jungle in late May I started this magazine for a few reasons--my love for Savannahs being number one The other is that there's much to learn when selecting the best kitten from the right breeder Not only did I choose the wrong breeder the first time, resulting in no kitten, but our next kitten, Luna, had a fatal disease (FIP) Miraculously, she became the world's first FIP survivor due to a successful drug trial What started as a hobby blog morphed into this digital magazine and website Then came our Facebook group, where I gather a good bit of my content and, ultimately, our online Breeder Directory
SAVANNAHGANS® publishes informative and entertaining content from Savannah enthusiasts and experts in a whimsical, electronic, FREE publication. We combine factual, heart-warming stories with health and safety education. The list of knowledgeable contributors sharing stories and experiences with our readers is steadily growing, so there's no lack of great content to publish! Current and future owners can easily search our website for great information about our wonderful breed.
During our second year, SAVANNAHGANS® earned the support of our first corporate sponsor, Dr Elsey (Please click on Dr Elsey's banner at the top of our website to take the litter quiz, print coupons, or read up on their blog!) Sponsors, ads, articles, media contributors, and the new breeder directory are the backbone of our continued development! Thank you to everyone who advertises with us and helps to keep this e-magazine FREE to readers everywhere!
SAVANNAHGANS® welcomes ALL cat lovers to enjoy our content Whether searching for new cat products, health advice, feeding tips, or an excellent DIY project, you'll find it all in each quarterly issue and at www.savannahgans.com.
We share a portion of all donations and affiliate revenue with the Savannah Care and Rescue Funds. We also recently launched our "Friends of SAVANNAHGANS®" program, so check that out and consider supporting us! Please visit our website's Amazon, Etsy, and other links on our website when shopping for your household needs as we earn commissions
Winter Cover Photo Contest Runner-Up: David and Dannielle Lenz of Pangeas Creatures, Tafford PA: F6 Dasiy, Cleveland, Loki, Siva, and F1 Bellatrix
Winter Cover Photo Contest Runner Up: Peri Hughes of Baron Photografix, Fort Worth, TX: F7 Figel of Savannah Cats of Nightfall and F1 Fubuki of Sweetwater Savannahs
SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine
2022 Fundraiser Contest
Winner: Lynne Harty
Lynne won a pair of Swig Insulated Wine Tumblers, pictured here with Zafrina of Myafricats Cattery. $170 was raised to benefit our two causes The Savannah Cat Care Fund and The Savannah Cat Rescue
100% of the contest proceeds were donated. SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine donated the tumblers. Watch for more contests like this throughout the year in the SAVANNAHGANS® Facebook Group! Thank you to all who entered!
AVALO CAT SANCTUARY
Avalo Cat Sanctuary is a non-profit organization near Aiken, SC. Our mission is to provide a forever sanctuary home to small exotics, hybrids, and domestic cats who can no longer stay in their current home situation.
Our small exotics include the African Serval, Caracal, Jungle Cat, Asian Leopard Cat, Geoffroy's Cat, and Eurasian Lynx. Our hybrids, of all generations, consist of the Bengal, Savannah, Chausie, and Safari Cat. We also have many domestic cats looking for their new forever homes
We're looking for a live-in feline caretaker Tasks include: feeding, cleaning, medicating, loving, grooming, playing, and more loving! Extra duties may include helping with odd jobs such as enclosure building and repair, landscaping, gardening, unloading food/litter/supplies, etc.
Please reach out to Michelle: michelle@avalocatsanctuary.com Website: www.avalocatsanctuary.com
avalocatsanctuary
We require someone reliable, dedicated, a cat lover, trustworthy, has common sense, is a gogetter, and motivated who does NOT smoke, drink, or use illicit drugs. This job is in return for accommodations and is NOT a paid position. It would be perfect for someone retired or working from home with possible time to find part-time work
Throughout the year, we encourage interns, volunteers, and visitors to stay with us for a shorter period (weekends and up to three months) to experience our amazing cats! We have learning opportunities (camps and courses), projects requiring assistance (building, renovating, landscaping, etc.), and we offer guest tours--or maybe even a cat holiday in our Airbnb!
Friends of SAVANNAHGANS®
What happens when you become a Friend of SAVANNAHGANS®?
When you support our efforts with just $1 per month, you’re also helping the Savannah Cat Rescue and Care Fund Organizations In addition, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming contests, content and photo requests, live events, new products, and be among the first to review the latest issue before it goes out to the community
Be the first to receive announcements via email about upcoming events, contests, issues, content requests, and more. Help SAVANNAHGANS® do more for our community and readers! Just $1 per month/$12 per year can go a long way!
The Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap
Use the link below or $5 OFF
Say goodbye to cat bags and towel wraps!
Invented by a vet, the Calm Cozy Cat Wrap keeps cats calm and snug during veterinary exams. Openings allow access for blood draws, urine samples, blood pressure checks, nail trimming, injections, and more. No risk 30-day trial. The "Adult size" is recommended for cats 7-16 lbs that are no longer than 15" from neck to tail base.
100% polyester fleece The exact color may vary slightly from what is pictured Machine washable. A laundry bag is recommended. Made in the USA.
The Year of the Cat
Written by Andrew Peet, Savannah owner, Maitland, Florida
On January 1, 2022, our beloved cat, "Little Man" passed away. We'd struggled for one last Christmas, pulling out all the stops to squeak one more month with him. His death wasn't just hard; it left a hole that many pet lovers know too well. We lost our best friend--like a son or daughter--who loved us unconditionally through the years. He was always happy to see us, even if no one else was. How do you replace who isn't replaceable?
After watching videos, I'd always thought about F1 Savannahs, and we'd like to purchase one in the future I'd only consider this when Little Man passed (left upper photo) When that time came, and I began searching, I also became hesitant as I learned an F1 may be wilder than we wanted That's when I came across a new litter of F2s advertised by an area breeder
The breeder said "Midnight and Confetti" were born on New Year's Day I asked, "what time"? Little Man died at 9:25 pm and when she said "10:00 pm", I knew right then that I'd purchase one Hoping for "lightning in a bottle," I chose "Midnight," a dark tan and black Savannah kitten
12
The road has been long and hard to be where I can write this article After waiting a few long months, we got our new little boy named and named him "Hugo " Hugo is different from other cats I've owned and even makes exotic noises Little did we know the long and winding path of problems we were about to have with him.
I took Hugo to the vet soon after his arrival on March 25, 2022. He was sneezing and gagging as if to vomit, but he couldn't. Upon thorough assessment, his fecal test was positive for Coccidia, a parasite the vet informed me could cause this issue. She put him on deworming medication, but unfortunately, Hugo didn't improve from the treatment, and I became more concerned when the sneezing and gagging continued Thankfully, I didn't need to treat our other cats for the parasite since Hugo was in quarantine, per the new kitten protocol
I constantly communicated with the breeder, who stated he'd never sneezed or shown any signs of sickness at the cattery She suggested we change his cat litter to see if he was allergic to it We tried five brands, but by April 15, he was still sneezing We returned to the vet, and he was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. His recent rehoming to us likely caused stress that knocked his immune system down. Antibiotics seemed to help, but only a little.
May 21 was yet another trip to the vet, but this time, the emergency room. I found a bloody stool and a toy I feared he'd eaten It was a piece of felt I discovered he enjoyed eating "things " They noted a foreign substance in his colon but were more concerned about his enlarged lymph nodes and didn't
believe the cause was the foreign object! This finding was our first warning that there was more to his condition He also had a high white blood cell count and elevated protein values, which exist with inflammation and infection "Both are also a sign of FIP," the printout said, which was the first mention of the condition Without a direct test for FIP and my lack of knowledge, I thought they'd irritated his colon, making the values abnormal. The vet prescribed an antibiotic and another dewormer medicine and ordered more specialized testing.
On June 2, Hugo returned to the vet for his neuter. He weighed 7.4 lbs. He didn't seem to recover as expected and seemed "off,"-but I couldn't put my finger on it--he just seemed unwell He didn't use the litter box when pooping--but then again, he never did--and he peed in sinks more than the litter box
On June 17, we took Hugo to the vet for bloody diarrhea He was now 7 3 lbs, so he hadn't gained any weight, which is abnormal for a growing kitten With more tests and x-rays, we decided to test for tritrichomonas Nothing at this point made sense!
By June 30, he was back in the emergency room with blood from his rectum but no feces. During the exam, they found a foreign object in his stomach. He'd eaten a small piece of plastic off of a cat wand. Once retrieved, they performed a colonoscopy and more GI panels. The test came back positive for Giardia. This finding was a nightmare, as we have two other cats and now had to treat all three twice a day with extended antibiotics and dewormer
On July 5, we received the pathology tests we'd ordered back in May when he had swollen lymph nodes He was low on Cobalamin and folate We called our vet, who theorized that the continuation of some blood in the stool had caused his B levels to drop and recommended Caboloquin We ordered it promptly
On July 20, we finished the Giardia treatments on the cats, and everyone was doing better--except for poor Hugo--who was lethargic and defecating blood. He stopped eating and was throwing up again. We bought specialized food for "allergies and upset stomachs" to see if food might be the cause. He only weighed 7.1 lbs; more weight loss. It felt as though we were losing the battle.
I contacted the breeder for advice as we'd been in constant contact Everything we tried failed, and by August 20, Hugo was in terrible shape His values crashed: RBC, HCT, HGB, LYM, EOS, BASO, PLT, PCT, BUN, TP, ALB, GLOB, K
On July 23, we took him to the emergency room with a 107degree fever He was dying and only weighed 5 4 lbs--two pounds lost! The vets believed Hugo had FIP and wouldn't survive without an unapproved treatment from China This therapy requires injections for 84 days without interruption and close observation of symptoms and weight changes. We'd otherwise done all we could, and they'd support our decision to euthanize.
Feeling utterly defeated, I asked about his chances with "the treatment." They told me 80-90% chance he'd recover, but the road is complex, expensive, and not suited for everyone. There will be no vacations, going out at night, and no forgetting or failing to give the shot I couldn't even give a cat a pill before this year I thought, "how are we supposed to do this even if we wanted?
Tears welled in my eyes as I saw him dying, and I thought of our Little Man I was all in We'd expended so much effort, time, money, and love I told the vet I hoped one day--in 20 years--I'd still be sitting here with my friend Hugo
I asked the vet how to get the medicine, and they recommended the "FIP Warriors." I'd contact them via Facebook, and they'd review the records and lead us to the treatment sources. I also told his breeder the bad news, and she knew immediately of someone who could help fast, and that's how I met Debra Roberts, owner of this magazine. She also owns the first cured cat (a Savannah named "Luna") from the 2017 FIP drug trials at UC Davis in California My wife was also talking with the FIP Warriors simultaneously It was a race to see how quickly we could get the medicine
Shortly after we contacted Debra, who promptly connected us with the treatment and explicit instructions, Hugo started having seizures Within an hour, I was driving to get the medicine I didn't think he'd make it through the night I was picking up a package on someone's front porch The package contained syringes and five vials of liquid in a "cat skin care box". I frantically flew home, knowing that seconds counted when I realized I shouldn't be speeding, considering I couldn't explain to the policeman if I got pulled over. "What's in the vials?" I was thinking how well it would go over when I said it was a life-saving, black-market medication to save my cat! I slowed down, and when I got home, my wife and I, through much stress, delivered the first dose.
Morning came, and I thought there was a slight improvement as I delivered another dose I've never seen a creature go from death's door to how he looked by 4:00 pm the next day Each day showed steady improvement It was a miraculous recovery, and the excitement from everyone involved was incredible Deb, the Warriors, and the vets checked in almost daily I think about what it means for years that they've watched cats die 100% of the time to now there is a successful cure!
I'm happy to say that after 84 days of giving shots, we never thought we could, and after 30 more days of observation, Hugo's blood work is perfect! He's healthy and happy, loves head butts, and chasing toes under sheets. He's finally growing and is now 13 pounds. He gained seven pounds during treatment and another one pound afterward.
We're so happy there are people like Deb and the Warriors working behind the scenes whose only motive is to help families like mine Because of them, in 20 years, instead of looking back at what wasn't, I will fondly remember what was
To the unlucky ones who end up with a FIP cat, I can tell you firsthand that the treatment is the real deal You can save your cat! We're capable of anything we want bad enough; don't give up The shots are easier than they look, and my kids even helped It was a family mission that brought us all closer together, knowing we were saving Hugo's life. I hope to help a family one day like Deb and the Warriors helped mine. Thank you to everyone who helped us save Hugo. We'll never forget it.
And because losing our precious Little Man and Hugo failing to thrive and beating FIP wasn't enough heartache for one year, on December 15th, Huge escaped the house!
The good part is, we knew where he went the bad part is that he scaled a 45 ft palm tree, taking a 65 ft lift truck to get him out
However, scaling the tree wasn't enough adventure for Hugo; he had to outrun the neighbor's Pit Bull, jump into the pool, and swim across before running up the tree! We now know he can swim!
Hugo spent eight hours in the tree, enduring rain and lightning all day. My son and I stood underneath the tree the entire time in case he fell, which is also how long it took for the truck to arrive.
We don't know how a door was left open, but that's how Hugo escaped. I was able to go up the lift--I wanted to be the one to bring him back to safety. I feared failure because he'd fall due to his sheer terror There was a fence right under him too I had to cut some branches to get close, which scared him He was exhausted and could barely hand on I talked to him for about three minutes, and he started to come to me, and I could grab him and hold him tight Since his recovery from FIP, he's gained the quickness and strength he never had!
Jacob’s Splendor: There Is Hope For Cats With FIP
Written By: Deborah Milette, Shawnee, OK
Meet Jacob's Splendor. At the age of eight weeks, he was to be my boy. He was born on November 23, 2020. Little did I know I'd quickly learn how to save this special boy from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) would change my life and my veterinarian's forever.
In March 2020, Jacob arrived as a frightened little bundle of spots by courier I gave him a few days to adjust before we went to see his veterinarian, Dr Alex Simpson, at Shawnee Animal Hospital. What I thought was an overeating kitten turned out to be two intestinal parasites: Tritrichomonas foetus and Clostridium perfringens. These nasty parasites can cause intestinal damage. It took time, but we conquered it with Dr Alex's help
At eight months, Jacob wasn't himself--the usual bundle of energy who never stops. He began sleeping more and lost his appetite. The vet said to go home and let him rest.
I noticed Jacob wasn't growing, and eating became a big issue--then I saw his belly was bloated. The next day, I took him to the vet again, standing there with Jacob in my arms My face must have said it all because Dr Alex said, "what's the problem now"? I said, "he looks like a bowling ball on stilts " The vet examined Jacob and gave me the deadly diagnosis of FIP He said he'd remove the fluid on his belly but gave him just a few months to live I wasn't mentally prepared to lose a third cat in less than five months
Dr Alex removed 800ml of fluid from Jacob s abdomen and said, if you need me, call Driving home, I said to myself, "there must be something I can do for this baby that loves life to its fullest " I called my friends at Cornell Veterinary Animal Hospital in New York I got my answer, "yes, there's a cure, but it's expensive, still experimental, and not FDAapproved But China sells it, and the FIP Warriors 5 0 group on Facebook was there to help
I quickly drove back to the vet clinic, walked up to my vet, and said, "there is a cure," while waving my phone. My vet, who knows I'm on a limited income, immediately did the math, showed me his phone, and said, "can you afford this...about $7,800"? All I could reply was what my Grandmother used to say, "where there is a will, there's a way." I'm a 100% Disabled Veteran, so my income is minimal. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "OK, get the medication and pay your vet bill when you can."
I did just that, and Jacob received his first injection and preventative medications, including an antibiotic and an antiinflammatory One week later, the FIP medication called GS441524 arrived from NY A DVM, Dr Niels Pedersen of UC Davis in California, is the authority and has done clinical trials One cat named "Luna" was in the first trial and today is over five years cured Every day Jacob went to the clinic to be weighed and to get his shot according to his weight Within one week, his bloated belly was gone! Jacob began to eat and play with his roommates Every 30 days, on top of his daily dose (the dose increased as he grew and gained weight), he had X-rays and complete blood work to see how his body was doing with the treatment
After 166 daily injections, additional medications, X-rays, and bloodwork, the Administrators of the FIP Warrior 5 0 declared Jacob cured As a precaution, we monitored his bloodwork for the first year at the three, six, nine, and 12month marks
FIP is still a deadly disease for cats, and there are three forms: Wet, Dry, and Neurological. Jacob was lucky enough to have the wet/effusive form. The dry form is more harmful because it attacks the organs.
I want to help spread the word about FIP in hopes that cats no longer have to die, mentally destroying their owners. THERE IS HOPE!
I still have an astronomical vet bill to pay I'm thankful to my friends for donating to his treatment I still owe the animal hospital $1200 I plan to donate medication for others if I have some extra money I have a fund on Facebook, and help would greatly appreciate any donation you can spare
Dr Alex Simpson is beyond willing to help spread the word He's very proud of his buddy Jacob's Splendor, who's now over two years old, loving life, and chasing his roommates!
An Interview With Savannah Cat
Breeder Cindy del Rosario of Bay
Area Savannah Cats
An Interview With Savannah Cat Breeder Cindy del Rosario of Bay Area Savannah Cats
Please tell us about your location, background, family, past or current occupation(s) (besides 24/7 cat mamma )
I’m a mom to two daughters, Jenna and Mickey, and I have a husband, Mikey, with whom I’ve been in a relationship since 1996 (married in 2003) I’m also a full-time software engineer at Apple and worked for eBay for 14+ years prior I love spending time with family and my fur babies and watching and participating in my girls' sports activities (water polo, swimming, and volleyball) I enjoy being a super homebody and binge-watching TV series and movies to rest, relax, and pass the time And my other passion in life has been cars and fixing them up since I was a kid I happily share that hobby with my husband
How did you get started with Savannah breeding?
Growing up, I was always a huge dog lover and didn't have cats. In 2013, my family decided to get a couple of Bengals as family pets While we loved our Bengals, my husband was adamant about adding a Savannah cat to our family We got an F2 Savannah female from WESA Savannahs (her name is “Nugget,” a k a “Nuggetina”), and the rest is history I fell completely in love with the breed, particularly their temperaments, personalities, and striking looks Thus, began my journey in breeding
How long have you been breeding Savannahs?
My journey began in 2013, and we had our first litter in 2015.
Is your family involved with your cattery work?
My family is involved My husband, Mikey, has the role of cattery handyman and builder He's helped maintain, clean, and build our enclosures and cattery living spaces He's been very supportive of me throughout my journey as a breeder He helps me emotionally and physically concerning heavy lifting associated with cleaning, socializing the kittens, and being a pillar of strength and shoulder to cry on when times can be tough He also travels and drives with me to shows My two daughters, Jenna and Mickey, also have an active role in the cattery (more so when they were younger) They've accompanied me to the TICA shows, helped show some of our cats, worked as show stewards, and are a huge help with the socialization of the kittens They help handle them and often keep them in their rooms When kittens are around loud, active kids, they become more familiar with the sounds of an active household
What's your typical daily routine at your cattery from morning to evening?
My morning cattery routine starts early (on average, 5 AM, sometimes earlier) Grinding chicken, prepping food plates, feeding, topping off water, cleaning litter boxes, enclosures, and rooms, and playing with the kittens and adults (on a rotation schedule) This all occurs in the mornings before work After work, feeding and more play and socialization time happen The cycle is repeated the next day I designate weekends for more thorough cleanings, cattery projects, and grocery runs for raw ingredients (i e , chicken and kibble, depending on what we need to stock)
What's the best part about breeding?
The best part of breeding is finding the purrfect match for our fur babies to families We love seeing them thriving, spoiled, and very loved in their homes
What's the worst/most challenging part about breeding?
Fur baby deaths and having to retire or rehome adults are the hardest parts of breeding We become very attached to our babies, kitten, and adults It's always difficult when any of them cross the Rainbow Bridge or leave our home With nearly ten years working with Savannahs, this is still my most challenging part
Did you or do you have a breeder mentor(s) you wish to acknowledge?
I've been very fortunate to have a few peers in the Savannah community who've helped when I needed guidance concerning topics such as health, diet, shows, TICA, genetics, the market, marketing, the community, and breeding goals. They've helped me with the business aspects of testing, contracts, conflict resolution, moral support, ethics around breeding, and amongst other breeders. I want to pay special thanks to a couple of them. One is Lynda Ryskamp of Salem's Pride Savannah, for being my "indirect mentor." She's a massive part of who I am as a breeder and the program I have today. She's taught me so much about breeding, looking at all aspects. She's been super helpful in defining goals around how I can continue to contribute and help improve the Savannah breed while constantly looking at the bigger picture. The other is Brigitte Cowell Moyne, President at Savannah Cat Rescue and owner of Kirembo Savannahs, who, over the years, has always been there for any questions I've had around health issues, showing, rescue, rehoming, and handling conflicts The list goes on and on She has a wealth of knowledge of everything and anything related to Savannahs and has been a great peer to know and reach out to in the community
Have
you
mentored other breeders, and if yes, who?
I’ve never officially mentored other breeders. However, I try to help anyone who reaches out with questions and who's looking for advice on handling certain situations that come up with breeding.
What's the best breeding tip or advice you've received from another breeder?
Always focus on the type (per the Savannah Breed Standard) and not just color and spots.
Not every kitten in a litter is breeder quality.
Be discerning where you place your fur babies, pet and breeding-wise.
Always look at breeding as a whole, i.e., from breeding to TICA to showing, ethics, the market, our peers, and the community
Don't overlook an extremely typey cat due to a locket, a non-standard color/pattern, being a carrier of a gene that doesn't affect the cat, etc We can breed out these traits by breeding downwards and holding back cats that are clear while at the same time not limiting the gene pool
Don't sell to just anyone who wants to breed, i e , folks looking to recoup/make monies who have no interest in improving the breed but don't have a TICA-registered cattery Also, avoid those who don't appear to have a good mentor, and/or you're unwilling/able to mentor them yourself, etc
Help prepare new breeders for success by ensuring they have good mentorship Encourage them to attend cat shows or participate in one so they learn what to look for when purchasing breeding cats Help guide them on their journey as needed
We, as breeders, are always learning.
What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of the Savannah breed?
We have a big community and a strong group of passionate people dedicated to Savannah cat rescue However, we need more "typey" SBTs, more TICA registrations (particularly SBTs), more diversity in the gene pool, and more people showing Savannahs at the show halls
What should new breeders know they may not have considered that you’ve learned from breeding?
It's good to have diversity in the lines you work with and, for those interested, to breed downward and hold back to help with diversity and create your lines. Also, when seeking help and/or advice, please get opinions and feedback from a few sources and different perspectives in conjunction with research. Then, you can reflect on the information you've gathered to make more informed decisions about what's best for your cats, your program, you, and/or all parties involved.
Do you feed your Savannahs and kittens a raw diet and recommend raw feeding to your families? Why/Why not?
We feed a raw chicken diet ground with bone, gizzards, hearts, chicken liver, feline Wildtrax supplement, and kibble. I recommend this diet to our families (or a combination of wet and kibble as an alternative for those who opt out of raw feeding) to help keep the cat's digestive tract healthier.
Do you have a favorite(s) Savannah Cat or cattery website that you wish to acknowledge?
Savannahgans com and Savannahcat com They are great platforms for viewing TICA-registered breeders and learning more about the breed
Have you bred any other type of cat or animal besides Savannahs?
We have an older male pet Bengal, "Fiercey," who's been in our family since before breeding Savannahs. We also have two lowcontent wolf-hybrid dogs, "Rebel and Retro." We've never produced any other breed of cats.
What concerns do you have regarding the future of the Savannah breed?
Too many intact breeding cats are sold to folks who've yet to learn the Breed Standard or have proper mentorship I'm also concerned about the need for more diversity in the gene pool, as it can be difficult to find unrelated cats for breeding programs There's also an ever-growing number of breeders focussing solely on earlier generation Savannahs We need more folks who will breed downward, concentrating on the later generations to help with the diversity problem I'm uncertain what the future holds for the breed--it's a bit scary
What's your favorite(s) generation to breed and why? What generations do you produce?
SBTs, hands down I feel we need more "typey" Savannahs at the later generation levels to show, help promote the breed, and contribute to the diversity in the Savannah gene pool
Do you attend cat shows, and if yes, what's your highest achievement?
I do attend shows, but not as often as I'd like Our cat "Sindel" won the Mid-Pacific region's "2022 Best Savannah Of The Year" award (RW Bayareasavannah Sindel) She also obtained her Double Grand Champion status with TICA
What else would you like the Savannah world to know about you and your cattery?
Bay Area Savannah Cats is an in-home cattery where our Savannahs are part of our family. We have kittens available throughout the year, primarily in the fall, winter, and spring. If you're looking for Savannah kittens in California, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to help you on your journey, even without purchasing from us. Our goal is to help you find the right kitten for your family and home. Our focus has been on the improvement of the Savannah breed. A small portion of our program is the F2 and F3 Savannah kittens. Our passion has always been to work with the lower generations, thus our specialization in F6 and f7 Savannah cats.
A Facebook Post Helped Save Savannah Cat "Vince" From
Deadly FIP
Written By: Jaisa Riemenschneider
On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, we dropped our F6 Savannah Cat "Vince" (aka Vince Lombardi) with our vet for observation as she agreed there was a change in his demeanor He was underweight at six months, at just five pounds. He was doing odd things, such as licking the concrete floor, fireplace stone, and windows He also wasn't chewing his food and would only eat dry food She suggested many tests, which included an ultrasound That's when she found a small amount of fluid in his abdomen. The blood test from the prior Saturday wasn't conclusive. Still, the results pointed toward Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) I had this conversation over the phone, knowing nothing about the disease I asked the vet for the treatment plan, and she said, "nothing,"--meaning euthanasia I was in utter shock when I heard that dreadful word. I held it together and asked that she continue with the "FIP elimination process" protocol She ordered a blood draw which took 2-4 business days to complete She then urged me to go to Facebook, research FIP, and join all the groups and gave no further information. I told her I'd keep her posted over the next few days
You have to love when total strangers take the time to give advice--even if some of it seems goofy--it can be just what you need! I wrote a small post on a Savannah Facebook page detailing his ailments and received tons of responses from air fresheners, candles, liver failure, and even leukemia Another suggested we see a pet behaviorist
As I sat on the couch in chaos, my husband took care of our toddler girls while I hopped on Facebook to read my post's responses I had full intentions of joining as many FIP groups as possible--until one comment stood out: "I'm concerned your cat has FIP; please send me a message now"!
My baby is dying--how can this be? He's a little kitten of only five pounds and just four months of age. He's one of the most attentive, loving, and playful kittens I've ever had! He should live into his late teens; this isn't fair!
The message was from Debra Roberts, owner of SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine, who owns the first-ever cured FIP cat from the 2017 FIP drug trials--also a Savannah! Peri Hughes, who knew Deb's backstory and work with FIP, tagged Deb in my post! I sent her a message, and she reviewed our blood results I distinctly remember she said, "Your cat 100% has FIP Stop spending money on testing--your cat needs treatment NOW"! My head was spinning! Treatment? My vet told me the only treatment was euthanasia! Also, Deb lives several states away, so how can I get this "treatment"? At the same time, she's saying, "your cat looks terrible--let me help you!"
Vince's photo from
Now, I'm officially numb as I held my lifeless kitten on my lap; I waited while Deb found someone about 45 minutes away with extra vials of this "treatment " I quickly learned that this treatment is an off-label formula from China called "GS441524" She said I needed to go NOW--and that's precisely what I did! As long as this woman was ok with my late arrival, I wasn't second-guessing this help! It was 9:00 pm, and I needed to drive 45 minutes to save Vince
I jumped in the car, put a blanket on my lap, and my husband handed me, Vince. He laid on my lap for the entire ride and didn't make a peep, which isn't normal for a kitten I knew deep in my heart that he was struggling big time As instructed, I pulled into this stranger's driveway and went to the rear screened-in porch with Vince in hand. This fantastic lady named Sue, a breeder looked at Vince, agreed he had FIP, and helped us with the medication She reiterated the history of the treatment and said I'd know within 2-3 days if it would work We administered his first treatment, and I knew he'd be ok! We talked for three hours! It's crazy to think I'd just learned about FIP that day, and now I was getting injections for my cat that would go on for 84 more days!
The next morning Vince looked the same, but not worse. After two days of treatment, he turned the corner! He was lively, and I could see this treatment was helping him! After three days of treatment, we took him back to the vet, and they were all shocked
Vince today!
As each day passed, more and more of our spunky Vince returned! He became more assertive and hated the injections, fighting us big-time! By day five, I posted an SOS on Facebook on our local "Word of Mouth" page and told them what was happening
Thanks to my SOS, we met one of our neighbors about a mile away (we live rurally). We felt terrible asking a stranger to come to our home, but she quickly realized how badly we needed help! She responded and said she'd be happy to help us with the shots!
Today, Vince has gained over 2.5 lbs! He's a hyper kitten running around our house like crazy! We have about 30 days left of treatment at the time of this writing
We're blessed to have Vince alive and healthy and beating a diagnosis of Effusive and Neurological FIP! We've been waiting to hear from our breeder since Vince's diagnosis; however, we were provided with a refund We're grateful because that refund helped cover his treatment, which was $1200, excluding the vet bills.
Thank you so much to the kitty angels who helped us navigate this crazy process! Vince is only a few days from entering into the observation period of 12 more weeks (no meds, just labs and "watching" him for symptoms) as of the date of this publication If there is no relapse of FIP, he will be considered cured!
FAQ - ASK AUNTIE
VANNAH
Is there a subscription fee to read SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine?
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How is SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine available to read?
Click "THE Magazine" in the menu and select the issue you wish to read It will open in full-size with navigation arrows for page-turning
I have a Savannah story or article I'd like to share/write. How can I get it published?
You can submit your story idea by clicking on the "About/Contact" tab in the website's menu
How often is SAVANNAHGANS® e-Magazine published?
SAVANNAHGANS® publishes on the first day of each quarter: January, April, July, and October
How can I purchase ad space for my business or cattery?
Click the "About/Contact" tab on the top of the home page to inquire about ads and the Breeder Directory
FLIGHT NANNY CHARLIE YANEYJOHNSTON
When breeders learned about my rescue work with Servals and hybrid cats, word traveled that I also do flight nanny work
I've mostly worked as a pet nanny for K.C. Riddle with Wesa Savannahs in Nevada, whom I met six years ago while doing Savannah rescue work while searching for the backyard breeder of my own Savannah "Orion "
I've also worked for the late Connie Land from Red Rock Savannahs in Nevada. I helped her when she had a house fire at her cattery. Neither the fire department nor Animal Control could help save the Savannahs. I helped to capture them and took them to the vet for breathing treatments for smoke inhalation while Connie dealt with the police, fire department, Animal Control, and her home
Janelle Rockwell of Snow Canyon Savannahs in Utah heard about me from Connie and from my work with track, trap, and return of lost Savannahs, Bengals, and Servals
I met Colleen Sheahan from Prajna Savannahs in Oregon by delivering a kitten to her She was impressed with my professionalism and how I handled the kitten.
I just met another breeder in Oklahoma, Jerry Smith of Kezkats, who breeds Savannahs and Ocicats He loved my procedures with the exchange and getting through TSA with a scared cat that didn't know me.
I helped breeder Sara Craig of Boone Hille Savannahs in Kentucky track and trap her Serval taught her some techniques I use with my cats She has a Savannah female who gets a little out of hand. When I was there, she saw how well she responded to me when I
wouldn't let her get away with her antics, and by the end of that trip, her cat and I had bonded She started looking for attention and playing with me That surprised her because she said the cat doesn't usually like other people
Every morning before my flight (which usually leaves around 5:00 am), I send the recipient a photo of me and what I'm wearing The whole time I'm with the kitten, I have a Messenger window open with the breeder and the client to update everyone in case of delayed planes, cancelations, etc I also turn on my GPS and plane tracker so they can sign in at any point and see my location, so they feel more comfortable with me having their kitten
I get notarized letters from the owners allowing me to seek vet help for their pet in my care if needed. The letter also states to the airlines why the name on my ticket doesn't match the TICA registration slip or the health certificate That way, the airline knows the cat's not stolen I've only needed to show the airlines a few times, but I insist every owner get one to prevent delays
When the cat is brought to me by the breeder (and it's one I don't already know), I show my military ID to prove my identity before taking the kitten. I require the same from a new owner before I hand a kitten over. I check their driver's license to ensure the signature on the contract for the kitten matches their ID, and the photo matches the person in front of me I then give them their kitten, health certificate, shot records, etc
On the original letter stating I have permission to transport the kitten, I have them write a note stating they received their kitten in good health and have it in hand. We add the date and time, and both sign. From that point, it releases me of all liability for the kitten. That goes back with me to the original breeder of the kitten, and I receive a copy for my records.
If someone else is picking up the kitten from the airport not previously arranged, and I'm unaware of this change, the kitten returns with me to the original breeder at the new owner's expense They must then start the process with brand-new tickets. I'll redeliver when the new owner can either be present, or the owner has made arrangements with the breeder before transport for their nanny to pick up the kitten from me. They must have a driver's license and a notarized letter from the owner allowing them to pick up the kitten Once everything matches, we sign off on my form, releasing me of liability Some people find my process a bit tedious, but others appreciate it and completely understand why I practice as I do and take it seriously These kittens mean everything to me, and their safety is my priority
I treat all cats and kittens in my possession like my own, taking extra special care. TSA can be difficult, and a few cats have even mauled me. I discovered the airports don't carry medical kits, so I always take a small one in my purse, with baby wipes and toys for the kittens I always make sure to be prepared for any situation I do what I can to keep the cat or kitten as calm as possible during flights
My transport fee is $500 per day in addition to the tickets (window seat close to the front for easy exiting or bathroom to change the kitty's pads when needed), pet ticket, and hotel (if required for next-day flights or cancelations). If I need a rental car to drive from the airport to pick up a kitten from the breeder, the breeder also covers that cost, plus gas and insurance on the rental car
I spend my income as a flight nanny to feed my rescue cats the raw diets I make that ensure they get the proper nutrients while in my foster care. It also helps to cover their vet bills, so I don't have to request donations.
My flight nanny fee covers my food and parking my vehicle at the airport. Anyone interested in hiring me can call or text me at (760)-458-3853 or reach me via Facebook Messenger at Charlie M Yaney-Johnston
toauthorizeanyemergency work or pet medical care deemed necessary to prevent further damage ordelayed care. We will be responsible for full payment of anyrepairs ortreatments.
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SAVANNAH CAT RESCUE
Founded in 2003, Savannah Cat Rescue (SVR) is a volunteer service (not brick and mortar) by Savannah breeders: Kristine Alessio and Brigitte Cowell Moyne with a core group of volunteers across the United States and Canada. The mission of SVR is to rescue Savannah Cats and provide education to the public about the Savannah Cat Breed.
SVR cats come from various places, primarily breeders who've sold kittens to owners who are unprepared or unable to care for a Savannah. The second, the breeder didn't assume responsibility when new owners needed help or decided to return the cat. A good breeder will always take back a cat they've bred, regardless of age or circumstances. Luckily, most Savannah breeders fall into this "good" category!
When an owner first contacts SVR, the owner is given information/tips to help them work any problems they may be experiencing with their Savannah. If the owner is unable or unwilling to resolve through these recommendations, SVR can take possession of the cat with owner's agreement (a legal surrender form).
SVR identifies qualified foster homes and places rescued cats for evaluation until placed into a permanent home. SVR will work with foster homes.
If necessary to rehabilitate cats, SVR will have them vetted (vaccinated and spayed/neutered), and evaluate any special needs or requirements. SVR gives first preference to foster homes if their home is a good fit.
Adoption fees for each Rescue Savannah are usually $200, and donations also fund SCR.
Although the Savannah breed is young, it's growing fast, and the numbers of Savannah cats and catteries producing Savannahs are increasing. SVR expects to see more Savannah cats in rescue in the future, but this is NOT a reflection of a breed problem, merely a fact of feline life.
We showcase available rescued Savannah cats on the SVR Facebook page or https://groups.io/g/SavannahCatRescue. SVR never knows when a cat will become available in any location. Rescue Savannahs are typically adult cats of varying generations, ages, and genders and are rarely kittens. All Savannahs available for adoption through SVR will be spayed or neutered and come from a foster or the current owner's home
Check the Hybrid Law site to ensure Savannahs are legal where you live before inquiring about an available Savannah. SVR will NOT adopt to anyone living in an illegal area! If in doubt about your community's legality, homeowners association, city, county, state, or province, contact your local Animal Control officer. Always make sure you're in legal compliance with the number of pets you may own. We do require landlord permission and proof to own a cat if you rent or lease your home.
Shared with permission from SVR. Please consider donating to the SVR here.
Savannah Cat Care Fund
Savannah Cat Care Fund (SVCCF) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to provide financial assistance throughout the United States to Savannah pet cat owners who cannot afford emergency care for their Savannah cat. SVCCF financial assistance applies to all illnesses and injuries requiring immediate emergency or urgent care.
The fund started because we were disheartened by the Savannah cats euthanized or surrendered when the owner(s) couldn't pay veterinary bills. This fund has been years in the making, and as our breed grows, so do its needs.
The Savannah Cat Rescue team felt a need to have an organization to help pet Savannahs BEFORE being surrendered or euthanized. A group evolved, and the idea came to fruition with many people's help. The SVCCF works with Savannah Cat Rescue to save our precious Savannahs. The SVCCF works with the community and anyone in need of emergency funds to save or help their Savannah cat.
The goals of the Savannah Cat Care Fund are:
To generate financial support for the organization's initiatives, through outreach and fundraising, with a primary focus on providing financial assistance to Savannah cat pet owners experiencing financial hardship due to unanticipated emergency/urgent cat care expenses.
To work with Savannah Rescue and help/save Savannah cats BEFORE they're surrendered or euthanized due to an owner's inability to provide emergency veterinary care.
To work with veterinarians on accepting pet insurance and allowing owners to pay only deductibles and copays.
To provide education and resources to Savannah owners as needed.
We define a Savannah cat as (a) a Savannah with TICA registration; or, (b) a Savannah rescued from SV Rescue with proof of such; or (c) a cat with no registration papers but deemed a Savannah by the SVCCF Board of Directors or their appointees; or, (d) a Savannah recognized and confirmed as such by the cat's breeder.
Written with permission by the SVCCF. Please consider donating to the SVCCF here.
