SAVANNAHGANS - THE International Savannah Cat Magazine SP2023
Featured Breeder Interview with Savannah Royale
Featured Artist Charity Semczyszyn
The High-Percentage FI
Savannah Cat by Drinkwater Cats
Understanding Your Cat's Blood Work
SPRING
2023
Savannah Cats and "Their Pets" Showcase
SAVANNAHGANS® 2023 Breeder Directory
Beautiful Breeder Kitten Ads & More!
On the Cover: F7 Figel - Four-year-old male photographed by his owner Peri Hughes and bred by Crystal and Mike Lowe of Savannahs Cats of Nightfall
EDITOR'S DESK
GRAPHIC
AVALO CAT SANCTUARY
S P R I N G 2 0 2 3
Welcome to the THIRTEENTH edition of SAVANNAHGANS® - THE International Savannah Cat Magazine
HAPPY SPRING!
Let's see what's on the SAVAGENDA for April-June!
First, I'd like to introduce myself to those new to the magazine FIVE Savannahs own my husband and me-four of whom are six years old, and a one-year-old baby who joined our jungle in late May 2022 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 FIP She miraculously became the world's first FIP survivor with a specific antiviral treatment due to a successful drug trial What started as a hobby blog about FIP morphed into this digital magazine and website Then came our Facebook group and 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 emagazine 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
SAVANNAHGANS Creative Director
Jacqueline Luttrelle
I was born with a desire to create what I saw around me, and I started drawing as soon as I could hold a crayon. I've been a professional artist for many years, graduating from the Art Center, College of Design, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Illustration. I've done both illustration and graphic design part-time since 1985
I started my career as an Art Director for an ad agency in La Jolla, CA I moved to other companies, including printers, where I ran their art departments I've recently hung my "Contract Illustrator" sign-up full-time.
In 1990, I bought my first Mac and learned to draw in Illustrator, finding it an excellent medium to add to my skills I'm also proficient in watercolor, acrylics, and all dry mediums I commission work for many Savannah owners, including website graphics and logos, and painted pictures of their cats
Today I share my creative style and ideas with SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine, where you'll find personalized logos and ads throughout the magazine. I am also available to do commissioned work, capturing your precious Savannahs
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: at michelle@avalocatsanctuary.com
Website: www.avalocatsanctuary.com
Facebook: avalocatsanctuary
Instagram: avalocats
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!
FEATURED ARTIST CHARITY SEMCZYSZYN
My name is Charity. I've been an avid animal lover and rescuer since childhood. I attended Veterinary Technician school at Stautzenberger College in Maumee, Ohio. I've utilized my education working with shelters and rescues. I have a 14-year-old son who helps run my non-profit cat rescue, Embrace Rescue, in Cleveland, Ohio, with my good friend. We rescue special needs and death row cats from other cities, neonates, and other conditions. I've treated and cured two cats from the once-fatal Effusive Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
I'm enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio, earning an Associate's in Art Therapy. I love working with all types of art mediums. I draw and paint animals, and I also draw portraits and make mini albums. My crafting business, The Bookin Room, donates a portion of its sales to Embrace Rescue
The Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap
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SAVANNAHS & THEIR PETS
Francyska Lavoie Quebec, Canada
Donny F5SBT
Five months old with Skippy, Patagonian Mara
One-month-old
Exotikcats
Jaisa Riemenschneider
Hudson, Wisconsin
Vince Lombardi F6
One-year-old (FIP Survivor) with Crosby
Berniedoodle 11-Months old Lakeshore Savannahs
Scott Ward Belleville, Michigan
F7 Loki
Seven months old with Izzy, German Shepherd Salem’s Pride Savannahs
Aluszka Em
Onyx F7
1 5 years old
With Great Dane, Reggie SavannahTemple
Show Low, Arizona
Malachi F1
Nine months old playing in Addelyne's water bowl and eating her kibble
Rafanelli
F1 Havana four years old with my friend's dog)
sweetwater Savannahs
SuzetteBybee
Ogden, Utah
F4 Khaos
Two years old and Sheltie Athena Clawson Ranch Savannahs
Batu Chinua
Ramez F5
Seven months old Lux Savannahs
David William Lenz Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
F5SBT Benny
Five months old
Pangeas Creatures
Holly Leahy
Dillsburg, Pennsylvania
Zyah F6
Four weeks old with Orpington Lavender Chick, Betty Lavish Savannahs
Victoria
Voronkova
F1HP Willow
Seven months old and her friend Olive (Gryphon)
ServalPride cattery
Tiana Buscemi
Arizona
Rawry F3
Five years old
Arizona Savannahs
Nancy Casurella
Benson, Arizona
Kolt F7
Four months old with Papillon, Cholla Limpopo Savannahs
Janette Gray Sayer
F2 Freya
Six mos old with her friend Tea-cup Yorkie, Rue
Salem’s Pride Savannah
Dawn Lawless Long
Fredonia, KY
Loki F5 SBT
One year old with Yorkshire Terrier, Babydoll
Boone Hill Savannahs
Natalia
Tiana Buscemi
Arizona Rawry, F3
Five years old and Mia F4
Four years old with Chihuahua mixes, Cooper and Bentley
Arizona Savannahs
Steph Hague
Massachusetts
Zuri F4
One Year Old and best friend Labradoodle
Walter NitroKatz Savannahs
Cath Genevive Robinson
Tobias F5
Two years old with Congo African Grey Parrot
Natalie King
North Carolina
Karma F2
Eleven months old and Pistol Beagle/Boxer/Pit King Savannahs
Jennifer Ostrander
Pennsylvania Kiki F2
Five months old with Cockapoo, Rosie Bananas for Savannahs
Keri Libbe
Michigan
Ronin F2
Four year old with Australian Labradoodle, Bear Starfell Savannahs
Ian Philbrook
Marijane F4
One year old with Rottweiler Ukko Volbarre Savannahs
Stacee Dallas Traverse City, Michigan
F2 Smalls and Colonel Starfell Savannahs
Keri Libbe Michigan Echo, F2
Seven years old with Australian Labradoodle, Bear Salem's Pride Savannahs
Dawn Lawless Long Fredonia, KY
Loki F5 SBT
One year old with Yorkshire Terrier, Babydoll Boone Hill Savannahs
An Interview With Savannah Cat Breeder Amanda Braverman-Brohn of Savannah Royale
How'd you come up with the cattery name “Savannah Royale”?
Cats are such regal animals; I wanted a name that captured that. Since we refer to our female cats as queens, the theme of royalty kept coming to mind – and that is, after all, how we treat them!
Please tell us about your location, background, family, past or current occupation(s) (besides 24/7 cat mamma)
As a child, I always wanted to be a mom, so that role is probably the most important. We have five children, and watching them grow up is the best part of my life. My love for kids inspires my hobbies. I enjoy volunteering and being involved in their activities and the community. I volunteer for a professional ballet company and the School of Ballet, where my daughter dances. I organize volunteers at performances to ensure the safety of the young dancers I also lead a running club for girls in 3rd-5th grade, where we gather to run twice a week after completing a lesson on social and emotional well-being. As a mother who nearly lost her child in utero, I'm passionate about reducing the stillbirth rate. I'm an Ambassador for Count The Kicks for the State of Wisconsin
Professionally, I'm a school principal for a virtual school. I've been very fortunate to work from home fulltime in that role for the last decade. Being a working parent and running a cattery is a lot of work and takes time, but I still try to find time to participate in the community band and choir. I love going on runs and walks to find Monarch butterfly eggs in the spring and summer and then releasing the butterflies after they eclose I read a little, do a Wordle daily, and keep in touch with my closest friends
What Inspired You To Become a Breeder?
The cats themselves! We got two Savannahs as pets first and then kept in close touch with the breeder to continue learning and evaluating the cats for breeder potential. When we learned about Savannahs, we became intrigued and wanted to learn as much as possible. We spoke to several breeders, who taught us much about how different people run their businesses and catteries. We had so much fun with the cats and enjoyed the relationship with the breeder. Their exotic look, playful dispositions, and wanting to advocate for the young Savannah Cat breed were the main factors in my decision to breed.
What is it like being a new breeder in today’s Savannah community?
As with any community, it can be as wonderful or difficult as you make it to be. When my kids were younger, there was a building downtown that you could see from almost any place in the metro. No matter where we drove, they always made it their goal to find that tall building. It was cute but also taught me an important lesson about life. You’ll always find what you want if you look hard enough. When I look for information and support, I can be surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and wonderful breeders. It's easy to criticize what others are doing--or not doing. I found myself there for a while, so I decided to step back and create healthy boundaries. I keep my focus on the breed and learn from those around me.
You recently had your first litter! Would you share that experience?
Wonderful! Difficult! Magical! Exhausting!
From the day the future queen or stud cat arrives to when the litters are born--it's been incredibly rewarding. I have a relationship with all of my cats, and each is different. My first litter was born very quickly once labor started, and three kittens arrived in the blink of an eye. Mama picked up that third kitten and walked toward me. Maybe she thought I was overwhelmed and wanted me gone, or she wanted to move the litter to a different spot. She placed that new baby right into my hand and immediately had another kitten. I felt so honored that she trusted me with her tiny newborn baby!
As breeders know, but perhaps the general public doesn't, breeding Savannah Cats is difficult. Cats don’t have a reputation for being difficult to breed, making it easy to assume that to be true for Savannahs. But that’s not the case, so it was very emotional when these litters finally arrived!
Is your family involved with your cattery work?
My partner and kids are all involved Matt and I do all the feeding and cleaning, and occasionally, the kids pitchin, too. Mostly, the kids help with playing and socializing, and they also help by being responsible with their homework and activities, so there's time to have a cattery Matt is talented at making the vision of the space come to life--building the catio, hanging swings, creating activities to keep them entertained, and fixing and creating things to work for our space
What’s your typical morning-to-evening routine at your cattery?
We get up early, feed and water everyone, clean litter boxes, clean dishes, and clean their rooms and feeding area. Queens are monitored for signs of heat and pregnancy Studs are messy and require a space that can be ruined but still cleaned a lot, which takes significant time. Cleaning the studs’ space is probably the most time-consuming part of owning a cattery. Deep cleaning always happens on the weekends and as needed. There’s a lot of playing and interaction when we can, and sometimes, the cats bring their toys to play fetch when I’m at my desk. Sometimes, they curl up in my lap or behind me to nap. Anytime I walk by a cat, I try to interact with it. We want their primary role in our home to be pets. They'll live in different spaces except when we want them to be together for breeding. Some cats get more attention during the day, and some get more attention at night, depending on where the cat “lives” and where we spend time throughout the day.
What's the best part about breeding?
My favorite parts about breeding are getting to know the unique personalities of the cats and the relationships with them and between them Of course, kittens are cute too, and I love every little developmental milestone. I enjoy studying other's cats and litters, looking at the parents and what the kittens look like, and learning about genetics. I watch to see if the cats I paired produce kittens that give the characteristics deisred and that are standard for the Savannah Cat breed.
What's the worst/most challenging part about breeding?
The life of a breeder can be emotional – devastating, even The cats are our family, and anytime one of them is sick or passes away, it's heartbreaking There've been many sleepless nights A breeder isn't just a cat owner that feeds and cleans up after the cat and then sells kittens In addition to studying the breed and trying to improve their lines, a breeder is a surrogate mom to a kitten when needed A breeder is an emergency vet that must pull any resources possible in the middle of the night to make a quick decision about how to care for and treat a kitten with whatever they have available in their home until they can reach a vet. A breeder is a round-the-clock NICU nurse, sometimes the only reason a kitten or litter survives. There isn't another shift arriving to take over, and no days off from work. The breeder gets to know potential families and stays in touch with past families to support the cats they bred. The breeder does all of that, in addition to the things they do for all their other cats and any other responsibilities they have in life (work, family, etc.).
Did you or do you have a breeder mentor(s) you wish to acknowledge and how they helped with your success and failures with breeding and business operations?
I'm fortunate to have several! Holly Leahy and her husband, Jon, at Lavish Savannahs, have been helpful and honest with me I've even visited them with my kids Our first Savannahs are from their cattery Lynda Ryskamp of Salem's Pride and Kristi Patel of Red Rose Wild have been helpful They've been like mothers to me--reaching out to check in, talking about our children and families, and sharing their breeding experiences and advice Paul Casaudoumecq of Savannarama is always calm, collected, and very data-driven, and he knows many resources. He's a night owl, which has come in handy if I have a question late at night. The Veterinarian for my cats, Dr. Carrie Bunger, at Paws and Claws Mobile Veterinary Service, is also a mentor worth mentioning, even though she's not a breeder mentor. She's treated me like a partner in my cats' and kittens' care, and I always appreciate her sharing research articles with me. These mentors are among many who've shared their experiences and advice and joined me in celebrating when queens become pregnant and kittens are born.
What are the best breeding tips or advice you've received from another breeder?
I'm still determining if I could identify the best tip because I've gotten many great ideas and advice for different situations One that I'm grateful for is to have two queens with due dates as close as possible so that if one mother can't care for her litter, the other one might That comes to mind as it happened with my first two litters Another tip that two of my mentors pointed out is that there will often be strong opinions that come with advice Strong opinions can't sway me because I'm living with and working with the cats, and I have to take what others advise and decide if it works for me and the current situation Having mentors that understand that has been a blessing
What are the biggest strengths AND weaknesses of the Savannah breed?
The strengths of the Savannah breed are the beauty of the cats. Their mystique and exoticness make them more than just pretty cats. They can also be very playful – almost dog-like – which appeals to some families who want a cat's independence but a dog's playfulness and engagement There are assumptions by people who don't have experience, which usually need to be corrected The weakness is the age of the breed It's a young breed, only bred for the first time in 1986, recognized by TICA in 2001, and still unrecognized by
What should new breeders know they may not have considered that you've learned from breeding?
Take your Savannah Cat to cat shows or attend shows, even if you aren't showing your cat. Find a veterinarian you're comfortable with and who's comfortable with Savannah Cats before you start. Something helpful to me (but was completely unintentional) is having mentors in different time zones and having a mentor in the same climate. My mentors are on the four edges of the nation, with me in the middle--one far North, one far South, one far East, and one far West. It's been nice having someone to text because they are awake or experiencing the same weather. I didn't plan it this way, but I'm glad.
Do you feed your Savannahs and kittens a raw diet and recommend raw feeding to your families? Why/Why not?
I'm not at all opposed to a raw diet I only feed a raw diet if the cats come to me on one. I will continue until they've adjusted to their new home with me I gradually move them to the one we use here. With so many children and the cattery inside my home, I feel uncomfortable safely prepping, storing, or maintaining the cleanliness and safety needed for the cats and the humans
If not raw feeding or supplementing, what food brands/types do you recommend and why?
We feed all of our cats Purina Pro Plan. I like it because there are a variety of "flavors" so the cats don't get bored having the same thing every day, and there are also diets for a variety of needs or preferences – urinary tract health, digestive, and grain free are just some examples of the offerings. I also like the ease of obtaining the Purina Pro Plan--it's easy to find, and because there are so many options when the preferred choice is gone, there are other options within the brand.
Do you have a favorite Savannah Cat or cattery website(s) you wish to acknowledge and why they are favored?
My favorite is the Savannahgans Breeder Registry Other registries often need to be updated or are harder to navigate. I appreciate that when I ask Deb a question about a cattery, she always knows the person's name and certain aspects about them She's taken the time to get to know the breeders in her directory. There may never be a perfect system, but I greatly respect her accomplishments due to her passion for the breed. It's especially noteworthy to me because Deb isn't a breeder She's done much zealous advocacy for the Savannah Cat Breed simply as a Savannah owner
Have you bred any other type of cat or animal besides Savannahs?
Do butterflies count? �� I've supported the breeding and development of lots of Monarchs! I haven't bred other types of cats or animals, but as a child, I had many barn cats that would find our barn and have their babies. I snuck them into my bedroom to keep them warm, which my parents did not always appreciate!
What concerns do you have regarding the future of the Savannah breed?
I have concerns about the threat to the breeders and the public because of the number of scammers and people who call themselves breeders but are not breeding for the right reasons. It's easy to fall for a scam or to believe a breeder who isn't ethical when they offer a quick turnaround for an unbeaten price for a perfect-looking kitten. There's often no intention to exchange money for a kitten, as the scammer takes your money and then blocks you. Or, there's an exchange, and it's not the kitten you expected, the kitten is very sick when you get it, or there are no registration papers. People looking to
get a Savannah Kitten should check the Savannahgans Breeder Registry and confirm TICA registration to ensure they communicate with a legitimate breeder.
What is your favorite(s) generation to breed and why?
Early generations and later generations are both fun. Early-generation litters are harder to know if the cat or serval is fertile, harder to get pregnant, more complicated to keep pregnant, more challenging to deliver full term, and more complicated to keep kittens thriving But they are so rewarding when it all works out! Later generations are easier I like to have them balance both so that there is little of sweet kittens, even if another planned litter didn’t come to fruition.
Do you attend cat shows, and if yes, what’s your highest achievement?
I attended my first cat show with one of my studs, Jafari (who we fondly call Jeff), in November of 2022. I had a wonderful time, but Jeff thought it could have been more fun He still managed to show off his melanistic coat, lean physique, and Savannah Cat standard He earned a Breed Champion Title, 1st Place for the Great Lakes Region, and 22nd Nationally I look forward to taking kittens I’ve bred to shows in the future!
Education and awareness about Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) for owners, breeders, rescuers, shelters, and vets.
Helping owners of newly diagnosed FIP cats locate safe, effective treatment and supportive resources.
FIP is no longer a death sentence!
THE HIGH PERCENTAGE F1 SAVANNAH
Written by:
Doreen Boileau of Drinkwater cats, Tampa, Florida
The High Percentage F1 (HPF1) Savannah results from breeding an F1 Savannah female to the male African Serval cat The most crucial point is that this breed pairing doesn't help advance the breed forward.
So why would a breeder create HP F1 kittens? The main reason is the desire of owners who can't own a Serval as a pet legally in their home state not to say this is valid. These owners can often have a HighPercentage F1 depending on their state's Hybrid Law. I will stress that Servals DO NOT make good pets
The High Percentage F1 Savannah is a beautiful cat with high Serval characteristics, never a fertile cat, so breeders are not interested in owning them. These cats must undergo a spay or neuter, and access to an outdoor habitat is vital so the F1 gets fresh air--and just like Servals, they enjoy the outdoors
To produce High-Percentage Savannah kittens, the breeder must have a breeding Serval male, an F1 Savannah female, and a properly prepared home for the babies.
A High Percentage F1 is the largest of any F1 Savannah, and they have similar traits of a Serval These cats aren't suitable for everyone. Therefore, a responsible breeder will highly educate a potential buyer and never sell to a breeder as a breeding queen
Any F1 or F2 bred to a Serval will have little if no fertility They will have heat cycles but not become pregnant. It is dishonest to sell an HPF1 for breeding purposes.
Not all F1 Savannahs make successful mothers, so it’s usually necessary to hand-rear the babies I've been breeding F1 kittens for over 25 years and have ONLY mated an F1 female with a male Serval twice These pairings have resulted in only two High Percentage F1 litters during those 25 years. I had homes selected for the babies before the breedings took place.
Hand-rearing an F1 from birth is grueling and time-consuming, requiring intense devotion and sacrifice of sleep F1 babies start strong, but many fade within the first week Sometimes, it's the largest one who fades
I plan on breeding F1s that are from F3-F7 Savannah females. These F1 kittens are fertile and can forward the breed to future generations, unlike the HPF1 All breeders should breed responsibly and reputably for this purpose I wish you all the best! Please breed responsibly
**Drinkwater Cats produced the FIRST Female SILVER HPF1 in 2022 and again in 2023. They are d Ser 1 Savannah female "Cloud."
C tl th l th Sil HP F1 i th ld O 9/9/2008, breeder Sue Armstrong of Amara Savannahs i from Sue's female F1 "Chiku" (below left), produced by J pic
The first HPF1 Silver Male "Zulu" born in 2008
F1 Silver Female mamma to Zulu "Chiku"
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 educate the public about the Savannah Cat Breed
SVR cats come from various places, primarily breeders who've sold kittens to owners unprepared or unable to care for a Savannah 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 owners first contact SVR, they are given information/tips to help them work through 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 the owner's agreement (a legal surrender form)
SVR identifies qualified foster homes and places rescued cats for evaluation until they are placed into permanent homes 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.
Although the Savannah breed is young, it's growing fast, and the number of Savannah cats and catteries producing Savannahs is 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! Contact your local Animal Control officer if you need more clarification about your community's legality, homeowners association, city, county, state, or province Always ensure you're legally compliant with the number of pets you may own We require landlord permission and proof to own a cat if you rent or lease your home
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 cats. 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 their veterinary bills This fund has been years in the making, and as our breed grows, so do its needs
The Savannah Cat Rescue team needed an organization to help 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 needing 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, primarily focusing 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.
Is there a subscription fee to read SAVANNAHGANS® Magazine?
The e-magazine and website are a labor of love from one Savannah lover to all others
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
Understanding Your Cat's Bloodwork
by: Debra Roberts
Once a cat's blood draw has been processed and analyzed, the confusing part is that most owners need help understanding what the results mean. Your cat's bloodwork allows your veterinarian to evaluate many system functions. Cat bloodwork is an essential component in the diagnosis of disease. Like any diagnostic tool, blood tests for cats are more effective when used as part of a diagnostic plan which may include other tests. For example, elevated BUN and creatinine levels can indicate a kidney problem. However, they can also indicate mild dehydration in the period leading up to the bloodwork. Ordering additional testing is necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis Let's break them down one by one
White Blood Count (WBC) measures the body's immune cells Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or infections
Red Blood Count (RBC) is the number of red blood cells per unit of blood volume Increases or decreases can indicate dehydration or anemia
Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells You must interpret increases or decreases in this number with other blood values
Hematocrit is the most critical value of red blood cells. This value measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood to detect anemia and dehydration and can help indicate some disease processes.
MCV (Mean cell volume) is the average red blood cell size. This value can help indicate some disease processes when paired with other data.
MCH (Mean cell hemoglobin) is the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell This value can help indicate some disease processes when paired with other data
MCHC (Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is another value for interpreting cell hemoglobin concentrations
RDW (Red blood cell distribution width) elevations can indicate an increased variety in red blood cell sizes
Platelets measure cells used in blood clotting
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell of the immune system An elevation or decrease in absolute or total neutrophil counts can indicate a variety of processes, including stress, inflammation, infection, or other disease processes.
Lymphocytes are another type of white blood cell in the immune system. An elevation or decrease in absolute or total lymphocyte counts can indicate a variety of processes, including stress, inflammation, infection, or other disease processes.
Monocytes are a less common type of immune system white blood cells that can indicate stress or chronic inflammation.
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell of the immune system Elevating absolute or total eosinophils can indicate allergy disorders, parasitism, and some skin and intestinal disorders
Basophils are a less common type of immune system white blood cells Elevations in these can indicate allergy disorders, parasitism, and neoplastic states
Albumin (ALB) is a serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage, and intestinal, liver, and kidney disease
Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) elevation may indicate liver disease, gall bladder disease, pancreatic disease, or active bone growth in a young cat. This test is especially significant in cats.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) may determine active liver damage but does not indicate the cause.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increase may indicate liver, heart, or skeletal muscle damage.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) helps determine kidney function and intestinal disease. Kidney, liver, gastrointestinal, or urethral obstruction, shock, or dehydration can cause an elevation in BUN
Calcium (Ca) changes can indicate various diseases Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, and kidney disease are just some conditions that alter serum calcium
Chloride (Cl) is an electrolyte typically lost with symptoms like vomiting Elevations often indicate dehydration
Creatinine (CREA) reveals kidney function and helps distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN
Gamma Glutamyl transferase (GGT) indicates liver, gall bladder, and bile duct disease
Globulin (GLOB) is a blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and certain diseases.
Glucose (GLU) is a blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus. Low levels can cause collapse, seizures, or coma.
Potassium (K) is an electrolyte typically lost with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, dehydration, or urethral obstruction High levels can lead to cardiac arrest
Sodium (Na) is an electrolyte often lost with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease, etc This test helps indicate hydration status
Phosphorus (PHOS) abnormalities are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and bleeding disorders
Total bilirubin (TBIL) elevation may indicate liver or hemolytic disease This test helps identify bile duct problems and certain types of anemia
Total protein indicates hydration status and provides additional information about the liver, kidneys, and infectious diseases.
Thyroxine (T4) is a thyroid hormone. High levels indicate hyperthyroidism in cats.
Impression: This cat has Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Note the elevated Total Protein and Globulins and lower range A/G Ratio. The White Blood Cells and Neutrophils are severely elevated to indicate infection. Hemoglobin is slightly decreased warranting to watch for anemia. The elevated Monocytes confirm inflammation and stress.
