Fall 2023

How to Find Your Missing

Cat

Featured Breeder Interview

with Akilah Cat

Why Pet Insurance Is A

Good Idea

Checking Your Cat’s Body

Temperature

SAVANNAHGANS® 2023

Breeder Directory

Beautiful Breeder Kitten

Ads & More!

Fall

2023

Rebranding

COMING IN 2024!

WATCH FOR OUR

CONTENTS

FALL 2023

EDITOR'S DESK

HOW TO AVOID LOSING YOUR CAT

SAVANNAH CAT RESCUE AND CARE FUND

BREEDER INTERVIEW WITH AKILAH CAT

HOW TO CHECK YOUR CAT’S BODY TEMPERATURE

On the Cover: “Nigel” F7 - Five-year-old male bred by

Savannahs of Nightfall and F1 "Fubuki" - Four-year-

old male bred by Sweetwater Savannahs. Peri

Hughes owns both cats.

OUR 2023 BREEDER DIRECTORY

WHY PET INSURANCE IS A GOOD IDEA FOR CAT OWNERS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER'S BIO

44 HELP FOR FIP® TREATMENT SUPPORT HANDBOOK

I'm Debra Roberts, and five Savannahs own my husband and I. I started this magazine for a

few reasons--my love for Savannah 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 jump in feet first the first

time, resulting in NO kitten, but our next kitten, Luna, had fatal FIP. She miraculously became

the world's first FIP survivor with an antiviral treatment due to a successful drug trial in 2017.

What started as a hobby blog about FIP morphed into this digital magazine and website

about Savannah Cat. Then came our Facebook group, followed by our online Breeder

Directory. Stay turned in January 2024 for our new look - a total style and design makeover!

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 when shopping for your household

needs as we earn commissions.

t's

e S

Contact number:

619-392-7021

Email Address:

spotisse2@yahoo.com

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.

Photo credit: Unknown. Breeder Lynda Ryskamp

Photo courtesy of Lynda Ryskamp of Salem’s Pride Savannahs

FAQ - ASK AUNTIE

VANNAH

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.

By Reyna Morales, Savannah Owner

I've been a "cat mom" and observer of cat behavior since I was five years old. I was that child who made

friends with all the strays, pets, and wildlife during my walk to and from school. Since then, I've been a

cat mom to several cats, including Tigress and Apolona, who lived for over 21 years. I'm currently a cat

mom to Athena, part Bengal, and Jasper, a Savannah, who's two years old.

walk to school, you don't just open the door and

say, "Good luck." You familiarize them with the

route and the surroundings to ensure they stay

aware of the location. Our kitties depend on us to

teach them what their cat mom would've taught

them. One of the funniest yet teachable moments

on National Geographic was of a lioness teaching

her cubs how to hunt. They were all crouched

down in a line behind her. Suddenly, "dinner"

walked by. The mother was about to pounce when

one of her cubs decided to meow, and that "dinner"

ran away. The mom lion turned to the cub,

smacked him on the head, and sent him to the

back of the line. He learned to stay quiet during the

hunt after that. While we don't need to teach them

how to stalk their food, there are other things we

can teach them to prepare for different scenarios.

However, before we begin, we must first mention

the absolute safety basics.

The Basics of Safety: First Steps

Please ensure your cats have microchips and that

the information online remains current. If you're

Have you ever read posts about lost cats on Next Door

or Facebook? If you're like me, you always want to help

and are always interested in how they got lost. I've read

many stories of people who let their cats roam and

were worried when they didn't return at their usual

times. I've also seen many stories of people worried

sick because their lost cat had never been outside.

There are also stories of people moving or visiting

somewhere new and losing their cat along the way.

The purpose of this article is to begin a conversation

about different strategies to help keep our furry family

members safe. Many lifestyles, living situations,

personal experiences, and personal philosophies come

into play regarding the type of life we want to provide

for our cats. Whether you believe in keeping your cat

strictly indoors, providing your cat with a catio, walking

your cat on a leash, or going on wild adventures, the

bottom line is that we all want our cats to be safe.

However, there are so many scenarios for which we

need to prepare.

I began to ask myself these questions. The answer, in

part, lies in how we teach them. If your child has to

HOW TO AVOID LOSING YOUR CAT

traveling or regularly taking your cats on new

adventures, quality carriers, GPS trackers, SAT GPS

Trackers, and quality harnesses with IDs are necessary.

Additionally, it's a good idea to take clear photos of all

angles of your cat. Make sure you take clear pictures of

any unique markings, including paw pads, marks inside

the mouth, and any other notable markings. Photos that

clearly show their body type are helpful. It's best to do

this throughout their various growth cycles. Why is this

so important? While you know what your cat looks like,

others don't.

I've seen countless cases where people have posted a

picture of their cat rolling around or some other

adorable pose that does not help others identify the lost

cat. The average non-cat person needs help

distinguishing cats beyond color. For example, say a

long-haired gray cat is lost. Others will claim to have

found the cat, but it turns out to be a short-haired cat, a

much fatter cat, a younger cat, etc. Additionally, having

numerous clear photos helps, too, because, let's face it,

when you're in the throes of panic, remembering which

paw was black with the tiny white dot is challenging.

The Indoor Cat

In my experience, there are two types of strictly indoor

cats: Cushy cats and Risk Takers.

Cushy cats have zero interest in ever stepping foot

outside. These cats have everything they need and are

content to live cushy, stress-free lives. My daughter

Amaya's cat is like this. Since she was too young to

train her kitten to experience the outside, Twisi, a

naturally more anxiety-prone cat, has always remained

somewhat fearful of the outdoors. As my daughter grew

older, she helped Twisi experience a tiny taste of the

outdoors. However, Twisi will only go as far as the back

porch steps (three total), and the door must be kept

open for a hasty retreat. And, of course, Amaya must be

at her side every step of the way. While it may seem like

you have it made with this type of cat, things can still go

wrong, especially while traveling by car or

in other emergencies.

Travel Tips: Before the trip

Scent

Familiarize your cat with the car and its scent.

Use familiar cat beds, blankets, etc., to help your

cat associate the car with safety.

Sound

Lightly toot the horn so it can recognize the

sound of your horn.

Always play a particular song when entering the

car

Teach your cat to respond to you whistling a

specific tune. My cat Andy would come running to

me no matter where he was when I whistled for

him. I was nine years old when I taught him this,

so yes, cats can learn this.

Reward

Reward with a treat inside the car to have them

associate the car with food.

Other

Use calming sprays and calming chews to

decrease the chance of darting

Use a sedative

Let them get used to the sound of the car starting.

Always have a quality carrier or two on hand.

Familiarize them with the carrier in the same way.

**Even if you don't plan to travel, teaching your cat to

come to you using specific sounds and treats goes a

long way in helping your cat find their way back home.

The Risk Taker indoor cat is the one who is more

adventurous and thinks they want to go outside. In

general, they love the safety of their home, but they

think they want to experience the outdoors. They are

the ones that, when you least expect it, will make their

escape. My mother's cat "Cairo" is like this. He was

once gone for three nights. On the fourth night, my

mom walked by the door around midnight and saw

Cairo's shadow. When she opened the door, he raced

back inside like he was escaping from hell. Looking at

his damaged ear, it appeared he'd had a run-in with one

of the many raccoons. Cairo was Siamese and Egyptian

Mau--a loud talker generally, but didn't speak for a

week afterward and never dared to go near the front

door again.

This situation worked out well for my mom, who never

intended to let him outside in the first place. But what if

your risk-taker cat gets out and likes it? Well, you have

several options:

Learn how to take your cat safely outside.

Put your cat on lockdown and hope they forget the

experience.

Create an extra stimulating indoor play zone

complete with kitty grass and dirt or a pebble pit to

roll in

Build a catio.

Do nothing while understanding that your cat may

become very restless and unhappy.

Tips for the Risk Taker

Teach your cat to come to you by whistling or

using a particular phrase. Always reward your cat

for coming to you in this manner. Rewards can be

a treat or extra affection as you use your "good

kitty" voice.

Use scared, warning voices when you catch them

trying to escape. Use a specific phrase like

"Danger!". Help them understand there's something

to be afraid of. Also, add the phrases "Go home"

and "Good kitty" as they move away from the door.

Teach them some vocabulary words like bird or

bunny while you're looking out the window with

them. When you see something they need to be

wary of, such as a car passing by, say "No. That is

dangerous. When seeing a stranger, whisper

'danger' to signal they need to hide. Observe them

at different times of the day. Let them associate

your voice with the things they are seeing outside.

If you have a low window they can reach from the

outside, use that window to teach them to jump and

perch on it for a treat. Use a unique tapping noise on

the sill or window before rewarding them. That way, if

they are ever to get out, you could open the window,

repeat the sound, and ideally, they'd hear it and come

toward the sound for the reward and safety.

If your cat does get out, resist the urge to run toward

them. All this usually does is make them run away.

Cats don't think like us, and seeing you outside for the

first time will cause many cats not to recognize you.

Even my Savannah, Jasper, while out, hissed, poofed

his tail, and wildly paced when he saw my daughter's

cat watching him from the window. He honestly

thought he was looking at a new cat. I thought, "But…

Jasper, how can you not recognize Twisi?"

This behavior is why other signal-trigger-response

methods can be so helpful. Please note that simply

calling for your cat isn't the same. What you're looking

to do is to create an auto-response to a specific sound

or call. When you see them, get into a non-threatening

position and begin talking in your calmest, most

normal kitty voice. Use your usual practice phrase and

sound, such as whistling signals to them that they

don't need to run.

One night, my girl Athena unexpectedly darted out into

the darkness. It took every fiber of my soul not to

allow my panic to creep too much into my voice,

especially since she's a darter and challenging to

catch. I calmly used my normal voice to talk to her and

then repeated a well-practiced, no-nonsense phrase,

"Go home, Athena." She returned, and I rewarded her

with the usual "Good girl!" and reminded her that she

must follow the rules. Afterward, I began saying, "No.

Nighttime is not for the babies," every time I returned

home after dark.

It may not seem easy to believe your cat could learn

these things, but cats are pretty intelligent. With

patience, consistency, and repetitiveness, your cat can

learn strategies that will help them learn to keep

themselves safe. Consider your cat's personality and

lifestyle to determine which techniques and vocabulary

work best.

Next up: Tips for the Semi-Outdoor, Traveling,

Adventure Cat

To understand my background, I must share that all my

kitties were allowed varying degrees of experience

outdoors. Martin played with me outside in a

completely fenced-in yard. Andy felt safe with a leash,

but I often freed him to run in the secure neighboring

yards. He always came flying whenever I whistled for

him. I was Tigress's third "owner," she initially thought

the sky would fall on her. However, she soon learned to

love eating grass, rolling around on the pavement in the

sun, and taking walks with me around the yard (no

leash). I taught Martin, Andy, and Tigress to walk with

me or stay in safe, familiar outdoor spaces and weren't

left alone.

Apolona was a different case. Tigress, my genius kitty,

picked him out for me. She'd met him while sitting in a

window. He was an unneutered stray with excellent

survival skills and was used to going wherever he

wanted. He was my first escape artist and extremely

good at it.

When we soon moved to our first house, Apolona and I

began to battle over his need to roam. We came to a

compromise: He would be allowed out but had to do

check-ins" when I called him (every 15 to 20 minutes).

If I was inside, I always kept the windows open and

didn't play music or watch TV to ensure I could always

hear what was happening. He also had a curfew at least

20 minutes before the beginning of sunset. This detail

is significant because nighttime brings about a different

kind of fun for the experienced outdoor cat. By the way,

I'm in no way endorsing this method. For the curious,

Tigress and Apolona enjoyed final walks with me

around the yard and eventually crossed the Rainbow

Bridge as I held them in my arms.

While waiting to bring my kittens, Jasper and Athena,

home, I had a dilemma. I wanted them to enjoy the

outdoors but in a different manner than Apolona.

Furthermore, it had been a long time since I'd had

kittens. I had no idea how I was going to do this. Let

me tell you, it was a challenge to train two kittens

outside at the same time. We're still working on some

of the details, but they've been successful so far. From

what I've observed of the adventure cat parent, as in

those who take their cat hiking, boating, etc., all have

already used many of the strategies listed above,

deliberately or intuitively. Additionally, most of these

experienced types are highly attuned to their cat, as

both move through the adventures with constant

awareness and understanding of each other. However,

if you're new to bringing your cat outside in any

capacity, the following tips may help:

Make sure your cat knows your property.

Let them explore on a leash to see and sniff the

entire perimeter of your property.

Give them time to look around and take in the

surroundings, as in what the neighbor's house or

yard looks like and other memorable things.

Make sure to have unique items in your yard for a

few months so they can genuinely feel they know

their territory. When they begin marking behaviors,

you'll know they genuinely understand their home

boundaries. Marking behaviors include rolling

around, rubbing their bodies against certain items,

and eventually peeing in the dirt or wherever. All

these "markers" help your cat understand and

locate their territory. Remember, your cat has a

powerful sense of smell.

Many think carrying a cat outside makes them less

apt to door dart.

Get to know the sounds of your

neighborhood.

Be aware and cautious of what other wildlife your

cat may encounter.

Teach them that certain sounds signify danger.

For example, if they have moved away from you and

you hear the sound of a dog, call their name with a

sense of urgency to let them know they need to return

to you. If the dog is approaching or walking nearby,

remain quiet and calm to show that they must not

draw attention. When the "danger'" has passed, say

phrases such as "It's ok," "Go home," and "Good Kitty."

Always reward them when they come back in.

Make sure to use a particular word, phrase, or

sound to associate with that treat you can use just

before coming inside to let them know the treat is

coming.

This next one is tricky but essential: Do not use

any negative response when going back inside,

even if they do something you don't like. Just

reteach the desired behavior the next day rather

than scold. Going back inside must always be

seen as something pleasurable to do.

Practice approaching your cat so they get used to

you moving toward them. Always reward them

with touch and tone. Do not make your first

approach when you start taking them back inside,

as this can backfire if they are not ready to return

and decide to flee.

Never give your cat a full meal before going

outside, as you want them to be food-motivated to

stay nearby.

If you have a darter/runner, learn how to coral

them. For example, my cat Athena is like this. To

get her to go back the way I want, I must arc away

as I pass by her. Once past and back in direct line

with her, I walk toward her while repeating, "Go

home, Athena," which causes her to move back in

the direction I want her to go. This tactic always

works, and she races back to the door to go back

inside.

Be aware that your cat understands your commands,

not others.

Expect your well-trained cat to refrain from obeying

others automatically. If you plan to leave them in the

care of others, you must have the new person with

you to practice with your cat--it's similar to how kids

act naughty when there's a substitute teacher. My

kittens finally understand that my daughter is also there

at times to make sure they stay safe and follow the

rules. Also, if you leave your cat in a new environment

with someone else, make the time to walk and

familiarize your cat with the new house.

When going to new places, expect them to behave

differently in unfamiliar surroundings. You'll need to

spend time acclimating your cat to regularly going to

new areas by developing a well-rehearsed ritual you do

no matter where you go.

In summary, actively teach your cat as many things as

possible about their environment. Trust that they can

learn much more than people realize. Tailor their safety

needs to their unique living situation and lifestyle. Be

attentive to your cats and keep them safe.

TODAY

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Akilah Cat Savannahs

How did you come up with the cattery name "Akilah Cat"?

"Akilah Cat" means "smart cat." Back in 2014, when I acquired my first cats, I was searching for suitable names

for them. I felt drawn to the name Akilah. I also wanted to name my cattery Akilah because, as they say, "the

name you give a yacht determines its course." However, TICA does not allow the naming of catteries after

individual cats within the cattery. Therefore, I had to add the word "cat," resulting in the name AkilahCat. I

wanted to convey the meaning that the Savannah breed is highly intelligent, and I wanted my cats to embody

that intelligence as well.

Please tell us about your location, background, family, past or

current occupation.

I have an adopted daughter, Maria, who celebrated her 17th birthday in September. She entered my life when

she was just 2.5 years old. At that time, I was volunteering at a hospital where Maria came for treatment. She

spent a long time in the hospital, and I became deeply attached to her. I couldn't bear the thought of her

returning to an orphanage where she had no one close. As fate would have it, I became her legal guardian and

foster mother. We completed the necessary formalities when Maria was 4.5 years old, and she moved in with

me.

Interestingly, it was Maria who initiated the idea of getting a cat. Initially, I thought of getting just one kitten to

make Maria happy, but I became heavily involved in the world of breeding cats. I wouldn't say that Maria

obsessively cares for the cats, but she enjoys playing with them occasionally. And that's perfectly fine.

Until 2018, I worked for major international companies such as Coca-Cola, Wrigley, and Efes Pilsner. At Coca-

Cola, my responsibilities encompassed a significant portion of sales reporting and business analytics. At

Wrigley, I was in charge of category management. I played a key role in developing category management at

Efes Pilsner, a renowned big Turkish beer brand. Additionally, I worked as an independent trainer of category

management.

As for my hobbies, I adore flowers and enjoy creating scrapbooks and making cards. However, my favorite

hobby is traveling, exploring new worlds, meeting new people, and continuously learning. And as a jest, I must

confess that I love sports. Just kidding, I can't stand sports.

An Interview With

Savannah Cat Breeder

Gulnaz Sharifzyanova of

Akilah Cats

Moscow, Russia

What Inspired You To Become a Breeder?

Breeding wasn't my initial decision. I needed a clear goal for becoming a breeder. I fell in love with the breed

when I got a Savannah because of their intelligence--and they are, indeed, one of the most intelligent cat breeds

worldwide.

I couldn't even imagine that I would get involved in a professional breeding journey. I began studying feline

genetics in veterinary medicine (I have a veterinary nurse/assistant diploma). I connected with people who

shared my passion and were devoted to their cats and breeding programs. These individuals inspired me to

pursue cat breeding professionally.

Is your family involved with your cattery work?

As I mentioned earlier, Maria's not interested in the breeding process--and I don't blame her; she has her own

choices and life, and she doesn't have to follow my passions.

However, my brother's family - his wife and children - are passionate about cats. They showed an interest in

breeding and raising kittens and immensely helped me in the breeding process. My brother's family raises the

kittens very well with great responsibility. Our cattery produces kittens with extraordinary behavior and good

temperament, thanks to them. I want to emphasize the significant contribution of my brother and his family.

I also have a very close friend who works with me. Along with her whole family, they also greatly help me

socialize with the kittens. The kittens need to grow up with humans. Kittens shouldn't live in separate rooms.

Kittens need love and daily care and should be involved in people's everyday lives. This way, they feel more

comfortable visiting their new families. Buyers often thank the breeder for adopting such well-socialized kittens

because they become loving, affectionate, intelligent, and graceful family members. I am very proud of my work

and grateful to my family and loved ones for helping and believing in me and our shared endeavor.

What's your typical morning-to-evening routine at your cattery?

The routine in my cattery is not unique. I'm sure all breeders have similar days.

Every day in the cattery starts the same way: you wake up, feed the cats, clean up, change the litter, and wash

the litter boxes. Then, it's time to clean the floor, play with the fluffy residents, and entertain them in various

ways. And then I realize I still need to get a sip of coffee and rush to the kitchen to prepare something for myself.

Between feeding, cleaning, playing with the kitties, vaccinations, and sterilizations, you do some household

chores if there's any free time left. And so on, and so on. Nothing new, nothing unique - it's the same for

everyone in every corner of the world.

Of course, I rely on the help of hired workers, including a cleaner. Thanks to them and my loved ones who assist

me, I can travel occasionally and engage in other activities.

What's the best part about breeding?

The best part of breeding is undoubtedly the gratitude from new kitten owners. Seeing my kitten moving to a

new family and finding happiness there brings me immense joy. It's also fulfilling when new owners are happy to

have a wonderful new family member.

The happiness of most breeders is similar to mine, but I don't exclude the existence of people indifferent to their

kittens. Thankfully, they are very few. The majority of us take delight in the happiness of our furry babies.

Another part that brings me happiness in breeding is meeting new people. People who are just as passionate, not

afraid of the challenges of the breed, and deeply in love with their spotted family. Indeed, our work is physically

and emotionally demanding, something that those not involved in breeding often need help understanding. I've

heard breeders say, "Oh, I thought it would be easy, but it turns out to be so difficult." That's why many people

enter breeding but leave after a couple of years, unable to withstand the emotional burden.

What's the worst part about breeding?

The difficult part of breeding for me is undoubtedly emotional burnout. Cats are not objects like tables or

refrigerators but living beings with souls requiring attention, just like humans. It's important to understand that

selling cats is a very responsible process, and we need to find the right owners for our kittens.

While it's heartwarming to see our kittens living in the best homes and in the best hands, unfortunately, there are

instances where kittens end up with irresponsible people. I had such an experience. Initially, the owner seemed

very responsible, doing everything as instructed. She'd bought everything for the cat in advance and asked many

questions, and I thought she was the perfect owner. But over time, during our communication, I started

questioning whether she truly loved the cat. I even asked her directly, 'Do you love this kitten? She took offense

at my question, and the conversation ended there. Two years later, she contacted me again, asking me to return

the cat and requesting a partial refund. The cat had only been with her for two years out of the expected 20.

However, she had to give up the cat due to changes in her financial situation. I took the cat back, of course,

without any refund. These unpleasant but thankfully rare moments happen.

The worst part of breeding is the loss. A significant portion of F1 generation kittens are born non-viable. It's

heartbreaking to witness their passing and be unable to help. Every time you eagerly await the birth of these

kittens, the struggle begins for each one. It's rare for a cat to carry F1 kittens for 63-64 days and grow without

issues. Usually, these kittens require human assistance 24 hours a day, but some still do not survive.

And when FIP occurs, it's horrific. I know it's not a popular topic, but breeders don't like to admit when their

kittens have FIP. Nonetheless, it happens, and it's simply hellish. My sweetest cat, "Infiniti," my dream, my

perfect F5 from Kiwanga, died in my arms. You never get used to it, and it's tough to witness.

Enduring all of this is made bearable by the "thank yous" from owners when you see your kitten happily jumping

joyfully and realize that you created this bundle of happiness and bestowed it upon people.

Savannah cats are the best—they bring emotions of happiness to people. It's for this reason that we can endure

countless difficulties.

Do you have a breeder mentor(s) you wish to acknowledge and

how they helped with your successes and failures with breeding

and business operations?

I had many mentors and teachers. I learned a lot from other breeders. Perhaps many breeders don't even realize

that through their criticism or reprimands of my actions, they were teaching me. I'm grateful to my colleagues

and believe I've become a successful breeder.

First and foremost, I want to thank Alexandra Niederreiter from the "Tambolux" cattery in Germany. Alexandra

helped, advised, and supported me, and by observing her approach, I learned. Alexandra has a very proper

attitude towards cats. She carefully selects owners and doesn't settle when choosing her buyers. Alexandra and

her husband Herbert deeply care about their cats' fate, which became my first lesson. They instilled in me a

cautious approach to selling cats for future breeding. I admit that selling kittens for breeding is very scary. I

know of a cat that came from America to the Netherlands and, at around three years old, was sold for breeding in

Russia and then was sold again to another cattery. I'm afraid that something similar could happen to mine.

I also want to thank Elena Sheremeteva from the "Luxurycats" cattery. Thanks to Elena's sharing of knowledge

and experience, I quickly achieved good results. I have F1 cats, thanks to Elena's expertise and the inspiration I

drew from her example. I've always sought to socialize like Elena.

I have a long list of people I say "thank you" to.

Do you have a favorite(s) Savannah Cat or cattery website that

stands out and you wish to acknowledge and why?

When I started working with the breed, I studied many other breeders and admired the website of F1 Hybrids. It

had a lot of beautiful photos and valuable information. A website should be like Michelle Tuck's.

As for social media, I am amazed at how much time and effort Savannah Seattle puts into their Instagram pages.

Through their beautiful, bright Instagram pages, they promote the breed and educate people on appropriately

interacting with Savannahs.

What are the best breeding tips or advice you've received from

another breeder?

At the beginning of my career, I received this advice I still follow today.

Carefully consider and check the people you sell your kittens to. You are responsible for the fate of your

cats.

Be especially careful when you deal with breeding rights.

Look ahead and focus on your work! Don't get distracted by haters!

What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of the

Savannah breed?

The best aspect of Savannah cats lies in their intelligence. Yes, they are large, spectacular, elegant, and graceful,

but the most crucial element is their intelligence and soul. They form incredibly close relationships with their

owners and living soul to soul.

I know that all breeds are lovely, but I am 100% sure that the Savannah breed is the best! No other breed builds

close, intimate, and devoted relationships with humans like Savannahs. I can compare because I kept many

different breeds for my Caracat program.

As for the weaknesses of the Savannah breed, one could mention the too-emotional nature inherited from

Servals. However, if we look at it from another perspective, this emotional nature ensures a strong bond with

their humans.

What's your best advice for new breeders?

I don't consider myself a highly experienced breeder who can give advice. However, let's pay more attention to

the breed's development in the selection process so that Savannah cats become better and better every day.

I also have a big wish for breeders (especially breeders of high generations) to pay more attention to the

socialization of the kittens. Unfortunately, there are still many poorly socialized kittens in the market. Poor

socialization leads to an unfortunate fate. Please strive to socialize them well so that they can live happy lives.

And we should always note that non-socialized Savannahs bring a bad reputation to our breed.

Savannah F4

My daughter Maria

Have you bred any other type of cat or animal besides

Savannahs?

Savannahs are my first breed. Before Savannahs, I never even thought about breeding. It was far from my mind.

I had a completely different job and different thoughts. When Savannahs entered my life, I fell in love with them.

And then, people came into my life who infected me with the breeding bug, who made me fall in love with the

breed.

Currently, I am also involved with the Caracat breed. I mainly have F1 Caracats, but I also have F2, F3, F4, and

hopefully, there will be F5s. And, of course, my Caracats are based on Savannahs (Servaline). The Savannah

breed adds to the Caracat's sincerity, ability to be a close friend, intelligence, and refined( sophisticated may be a

better word) beauty.

We also have a dog, a White Swiss Shepherd. But the dog is not for breeding. The dog is simply a companion for

us and the cats.

Caracat F1 with Savannah F1