Everything your Savannah needs
A practical, no-fluff guide for new owners. Jump straight to what you need:
Congratulations on welcoming your new SavCats kitten home, and joining the legacy of the most breathtaking Savannahs in the world. These stunning hybrids of domestic cats and African servals are intelligent, active, and affectionate, but they require specialized care. This guide gives you a quick rundown of what to expect when you bring your SavCat home, and how to care for them.
Bringing Your SavCat Home
The first days set the tone for years. Savannahs are intensely curious and bond quickly when introduced calmly. Prepare the space before your kitten arrives, then let them set the pace.
Kitten-proof the space first
Remove breakables and secure loose wires and cords- Block off unsafe spots: the washer, dryer, and the gap behind the fridge
- Remove toxic plants & flowers: peace lily, true lilies, aloe, pothos, philodendron, tulips
Set up a quiet room
Start your SavCat in one small room without hard-to-reach hiding spots, stocked with everything they need:
- Their carrier, left open — they came home in it, so it already feels safe and becomes a favorite resting spot
- Food and a water fountain (see Section 2)
- Unscented litter and a box (see Section 3); add a Litter-Robot once they pass 3 lbs
- A scratching post and a cozy bed
- Plenty of safe toys — avoid stuffed or chemically dyed toys (see Section 4)
Keep your kitten in the safe room at first. Sit on the floor, read aloud, and let them approach you. Expand their territory one room at a time over the first week.
Quarantine a new kitten for at least 10 days before introducing other pets, and build your bond first. Sit or lie on the floor at their level, keep noise low, and avoid over-handling for the first few days.
Nutrition & Feeding
Savannahs are obligate carnivores with high energy needs. Feed a high-protein, low-carb diet: premium grain-free wet, a complete raw program, or a thoughtful combination. Fresh water always available.
We recommend a raw diet: it mirrors the prey-based diet of their wild serval ancestors and supports lean muscle, healthy digestion, a glossy coat, and steady energy. We make ours by grinding organic whole chickens (bones and organs included) and adding essential feline supplements; a butcher can grind it for you, just be sure the bones and organs go in. Dose each supplement by your kitten's weight and follow the label.
Four ways to feed
Grind organic whole chickens with an industrial grinder,bones and organs included, and add the feline supplements below. A butcher can grind it for you; just be sure bones and organs go in.
A service like Viva Raw feeds species-appropriate raw with no meal prep, and already includes supplements. Use code SAVCATS for 20% off.
Our queen Porsche eats only quail (and the rare goose). Have it delivered from El Super or Vallarta Supermarkets. $10 off Instacart with code MDE3AD91DC.
Some stores carry brands like Primal and Smallbatch (below). If you feed freeze-dried raw, use it as a topper — it can be dehydrating, so keep fresh water available.
Recommended raw food options
Homemade with a grinder is our first choice. Short on time? Any option below works well.
Supplements for homemade food
Some links above are affiliate links. They open in a new tab and help support this free guide at no cost to you.
Cats need the bone content of a proper raw diet — you cannot feed plain ground chicken with no bone on a regular basis. If you must do it occasionally while traveling, add a calcium supplement such as Alnutrin with Eggshell Calcium to keep nutrition balanced.
What raw actually costs
| Food option | Cost per lb of meat |
|---|---|
| Raw from local pet stores | $7.50–$8.50/lb |
| Spanish Quail with organs | $4/quail* |
| Canadian Quail — Halal, no organs | $2.49/quail* |
| Mexican Quail — Guilotas Supremas, some organs | $7.99/lb ($1.99/quail)* |
| Viva Raw — Chicken | $6.75 $5.40/lb 20% off · code SAVCATS |
| Homemade — food-grade organic chicken, air chilled | $2.99/lb* |
*Plus the cost of supplements. Viva Raw and pet-store raw already include supplements. Prices are based on Los Angeles, CA and vary by location.
Feeding schedule (minimum)
- 8–12 weeks: 4 meals a day
- 3–6 months: 3 meals a day
- 6 months+: 2 meals a day
Savannahs aren't prone to overeating, so you can feed more often without concern.
Bowls & water
- Use a wide, elevated stainless-steel or ceramic bowl — narrow bowls cause whisker fatigue — and wash it daily with hot water and mild, fragrance-free soap
- Offer fresh water daily at room temperature (about 65–75°F / 18–24°C); water that's too cold can put cats off drinking
- Most cats prefer a circulating fountain. We use the Petlibro fountain — reliable, easy to clean, with a wireless option that runs during a power outage
- Disinfect bowls and fountains after use and dry before refilling; never leave raw food out longer than 2 hours
Never switch foods abruptly. Mix the new food in over 7–10 days. Savannahs have sensitive stomachs and a sudden change often means loose stool.
Litter Training
Most Savannah kittens arrive already litter-trained. Your job is to keep it effortless: big boxes, clean litter, smart placement.
- One box per cat plus one, and go oversized
- Unscented clumping litter; scoop twice daily
- An automatic box like the Litter-Robot keeps things spotless for high-volume cats
Mental Stimulation & Enrichment
A bored Savannah is a destructive Savannah. These are athletic, problem-solving cats: give their brains and bodies a real job every day.
- A large exercise wheel, many Savannahs love to run
- Puzzle feeders and rotating toy bins (rotate weekly to keep novelty)
- Vertical space: tall trees, wall shelves, window catios
- Two daily wand-play sessions, 15+ minutes each
Exposure
Savannahs are famously dog-like and loyal, but bonds are built on the cat's terms. Expose your kitten gradually to new people, pets, sounds, and environments so they grow up confident rather than reactive.
Earlier generations (F1–F2) are more intense and one-person oriented; later generations (F4–F5) tend to be more easygoing family cats. Match the cat to your household.
Health & Veterinary Care
Find an exotic-experienced vet before you bring your kitten home. Savannahs are generally robust, but they have a few breed-specific considerations.
- Use a killed/inactivated FVRCP vaccine; discuss protocol with your vet
- Spay/neuter on schedule; keep weight lean and muscular
- Ask about periodic HCM (heart) screening as your cat ages
This guide is educational, not veterinary advice. Always consult your own veterinarian for medical decisions. The SavCatChat community can help with breed-specific questions and shared owner experience, but it does not replace your vet.
Grooming & Hygiene
Savannahs are low-maintenance groomers. Their short, spotted coat needs little more than a weekly once-over, but start handling routines early so nail trims and dental care stay stress-free for life.
- Trim nails every 2–3 weeks; introduce the clippers with treats
- Brush teeth or use dental treats; many Savannahs love a good brushing
- Baths are rarely needed, though many enjoy water play
Travel & Harness Training
Many Savannahs make excellent adventure cats. With patient harness training they'll happily explore on leash, and a GPS tracker is cheap insurance for such a fast, curious cat.
- Start with a well-fitted Emma Céline harness indoors first
- Add a Fi GPS collar for real-time location
- Use a hard-sided carrier for cars and flights; never loose in a vehicle
Important Notes
Ownership rules differ by location and generation. Confirm the law where you live before committing to a kitten.
- Legality varies by state, county, and city, and often by F-generation
- Microchip and register; keep TICA papers and records together
- Consider pet insurance early, before any pre-existing conditions
Escape-Proofing
Savannahs are escape artists: they jump high, open doors, and slip through gaps you'd swear were too small. Treat your home like a habitat.
- Reinforce or replace flimsy window screens; lock screen doors
- Establish a strict door routine with everyone in the house
- Build a catio for safe outdoor time instead of free-roaming
Remove toxic plants (peace lily, true lilies, aloe, pothos, philodendron, tulips), secure cords, and block off hazards like the washer, dryer, and the gap behind the fridge. Keep essential oils away. See our full "Keeping Your Cat Safe at Home" article.
Daily Care Checklist
A quick daily rhythm keeps a Savannah happy and healthy.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Feed kitten | 2–4 times/day |
| Fresh water | Daily |
| Clean litter box | 1–2 times/day |
| Playtime | 30–60 min/day |
| Grooming | 1×/week |
| Nail trimming | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Tooth brushing | 1×/week |
| Vet check | As advised |
Temperament Disclosure
Savannahs are extraordinary, and they are not the right cat for everyone. They are highly intelligent, extremely active, vocal, and demanding of attention and stimulation. They can open cabinets, turn on faucets, and climb anything.
Bringing one home is a 15–20 year commitment to an animal that needs real engagement every day. If you want that adventure, you'll have one of the most rewarding companions imaginable. We'd rather you know exactly what you're saying yes to.
Ready to meet your Savannah?
See available kittens from our cattery, or join thousands of owners in the community.