Tempered Savannah Cat

[AmyAndSimba]

Sorry guys, his deposit has been paid, and I don't see a huge reason to turn this guy down, unless it's just all snot and hissing when I go pick him up or his bill of health ends up unclean. I didn't realize ya'll would get so angry because of a kitten going home at 8 weeks... Her adult cats were very outgoing and social, so though there were a couple of things that were questionable I am going ahead with this. I do have a kitten contract.

Anyways, calm down.. letting a kitten home early is not animal abuse is it?

 

[AmyAndSimba]

PS I have read all the lectures about why kittens should stay until 12 weeks. I get it but if it is not going to destroy their life to go home a little earlier and if I personally can't do much about it, I would rather commit and bring my baby home.

Just my opnion.

 

[Lori Greer]

I'm thinking you both can probably use a consult with marilyn. It is well worth the money (not expensive) and will make your life better as well as the life of your savannah(s).

Agreed! She has made a big difference for many people.

 

[admin]

Sorry guys, his deposit has been paid, and I don't see a huge reason to turn this guy down, unless it's just all snot and hissing when I go pick him up or his bill of health ends up unclean. I didn't realize ya'll would get so angry because of a kitten going home at 8 weeks... Her adult cats were very outgoing and social, so though there were a couple of things that were questionable I am going ahead with this. I do have a kitten contract.

Anyways, calm down.. letting a kitten home early is not animal abuse is it?

I think people are upset with the breeder not with you, Amy. And the reason they are upset is for reasons we have already discussed. I don't think anyone here is angry, but you must understand the savannah community is a very protective, loving, caring community and many of the moderators and members as breeders and owners, understand the implications of releasing a savannah kitten or any kitten this early.

The breeder is irresponsible, IMO, but that is not a judgement on you...sounds as though you will give the kitten a very good home and you WILL be able to come here for advice...that is what we are here for. We are here to help you, since you have already made this commitment...sounds to me like you understand why we are concerned, but have a contract and will go ahead with it and that is fine. At this point, I would rather you have the kitten than someone else who is not so well-informed, since the breeder is intent on getting rid of the kittens at 8 weeks.

 

[The Cat Coach]

Ideally kittens should stay with their mom and siblings until they are 12 weeks old. They learn very important socialization skills and boundaries from their siblings and mom. Cats/kittens who are removed too early often have aggression issues.

 

[The Cat Coach]

When bringing home kittens, especially kittens separated too early from the rest of her family, make sure you never use your hands when playing. Of course this isn't just for kittens pulled too early... the reasons not to use your hands when playing is that the kitten (or cat) will not understand why it's OK and reinforced to sometimes bite mom and it's fun... while other times it's not acceptable. Also, kittens pulled too soon often do not have good bite inhibition. Kittens and mom communicate through body language and vocalizations when a bite hurts... Also, do not punish the kitten/cat when they are biting, instead give them a time out by stopping all interaction... turn around leave the room. Timeouts are only about 15 seconds.

 

[Lori Greer]

Sorry guys, his deposit has been paid, and I don't see a huge reason to turn this guy down, unless it's just all snot and hissing when I go pick him up or his bill of health ends up unclean. I didn't realize ya'll would get so angry because of a kitten going home at 8 weeks... Her adult cats were very outgoing and social, so though there were a couple of things that were questionable I am going ahead with this. I do have a kitten contract.

Anyways, calm down.. letting a kitten home early is not animal abuse is it?

Amy, we get upset because we have seen the bad that can happen. It is tremendously irresponsible to send a kitten home so early. There is weaning, litter box habits, and socialization, but the BIGGEST concern is that the kittens immune system has barely started developing. As a breeder the earliest I will even consider accepting a kitten is 10 weeks and that is IMO a risky thing to do. I hope for your sake that everything turns out fine, but if it doesn't, you will quickly understand why you are getting the feedback you are.

 

[The Cat Coach]

Good post Lori.

 

[Lori Greer]

I should also point out that we are just trying to give guidance which is based on experience, often learned the hard way. I can't count how many "School of Hard Knocks" lessons I've had to learn over the years. And... I hope Amy learns to have patience and tolerance because even a healthy well adjusted Savannah will try the patience of a Saint. Not being prepared for that and expecting a specific personality is concerning. They are each individuals and we have to respect that and work with them, interact with them based on their personality. No breeder can tell at 7 - 8 weeks what personality a kitten will have as an adult.

 

[MK Anderson]

PS I have read all the lectures about why kittens should stay until 12 weeks. I get it but if it is not going to destroy their life to go home a little earlier and if I personally can't do much about it, I would rather commit and bring my baby home.

Just my opnion.

I would not do that Amy! just my opinion and will tell you why!

I have two rescue kitties that did not have a choice because of irresponsible people....They were bumped at young ages 4wk and 8weeks.

Pergie has had so many problems! We got help from Marilyn 4yrs ago! Thank you, Marilyn, it was money well spend! He is deaf, so that does not help either. he has no boundaries with the other cats because he did not get that chance to learn that and yes till this day he still does not get it and cause problems! We mange!

Chloe was scared to death when we found her dumb in our neighbor hood. hissed, growled, hated to be picked up! but we worked with her and gave her love and space. She LOVES my hubby even tho I feed her. If she hears his truck coming up the street she runs to the bay window, not sure why she loves him so much, lol , but she does. After a good yr. she came around, but it was work! My point is Keeba is so well behaved and social and knows boundaries because he got that time to learn this from mom and sibs! why would you or anyone want problems? when they can learn all this by staying with mom and sibs to learn.

It's not been easy! this is there home tho and I want them to be happy and loved.