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
Savannah Cats and "Their
Pets" Showcase
SAVANNAHGANS® 2023
Breeder Directory
Beautiful Breeder Kitten Ads
& More!
SPRING
2023
®
CONTENTS
SPRING 2023
3 EDITOR'S DESK
10 AVALO CAT SANCTUARY
18
25
SAVANNAH CAT AND THEIR PETS PHOTO SHOWCASE
13 FEATURED ARTIST CHARITY SEMCZYSZYN
AN INTERVIEW WITH BREEDER AMANDA BRAVERMAN-
BROHN OF SAVANNAH ROYALE
44
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
36
2023 BREEDER DIRECTORY
THE HIGH PERCENTAGE SAVANNAH CAT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER'S BIO
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAT'S BLOOD WORK
49
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 e-
magazine FREE to readers everywhere!
Welcome to the THIRTEENTH edition of
SAVANNAHGANS® - THE International
Savannah Cat Magazine
Page 3
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
Contact number:
619-392-7021
Email Address:
spotisse2@yahoo.com
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.
SAVANNAHGANS Creative Director
Jacqueline Luttrelle
Page 6
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 offer unique opportunities!
Please reach out to Michelle: at
michelle@avalocatsanctuary.com
Website: www.avalocatsanctuary.com
Facebook: avalocatsanctuary
Instagram: avalocats
346 Rawls Mill Pond Rd
Wagener, SC 29164
25 miles from Aiken, SC
45 miles from Columbia, SC
50 miles from Augusta, GA
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.
We require someone reliable, dedicated, a cat
lover, trustworthy, has common sense, is a go-
getter, 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!
Page 11
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.
Page 13
For commissioned work
requests, you may contact
Charity at:
Thebookinroom@hotmail.com
Page 14
Page 15
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 Calm & Cozy
Cat Wrap
Use the link below and coupon code "LUNA" for $5 OFF
SAVANNAHS & THEIR PETS
SAVANNAHS & THEIR PETS
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
Francyska Lavoie
Quebec, Canada
Donny F5SBT
Five months old with
Skippy, Patagonian Mara
One-month-old
Exotikcats
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.
Page 19
SuzetteBybee
Ogden, Utah
F4 Khaos
Two years old and
Sheltie Athena
Clawson Ranch Savannahs
Batu Chinua
Ramez F5
Seven months old
Lux Savannahs
Victoria Rafanelli
F1 Havana four years old with
my friend's dog)
sweetwater 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
Page 20
Tiana Buscemi
Arizona
Rawry F3
Five years old
Arizona Savannahs
Nancy Casurella
Benson, Arizona
Kolt F7
Four months old
with Papillon, Cholla
Limpopo Savannahs
Natalia Voronkova
F1HP Willow
Seven months old
and her friend Olive
(Gryphon)
ServalPride cattery
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
Page 21
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
Tiana Buscemi
Arizona
Rawry, F3
Five years old and
Mia F4
Four years old with
Chihuahua mixes,
Cooper and Bentley
Arizona Savannahs
Natalie King
North Carolina
Karma F2
Eleven months old and
Pistol Beagle/Boxer/Pit
King Savannahs
Page 22
Keri Libbe
Michigan
Ronin F2
Four year old with
Australian Labradoodle, Bear
Starfell Savannahs
Jennifer Ostrander
Pennsylvania
Kiki F2
Five months old with
Cockapoo, Rosie
Bananas for Savannahs
Ian Philbrook
Marijane F4
One year old with Rottweiler Ukko
Volbarre Savannahs
Page 23
Keri Libbe
Michigan
Echo, F2
Seven years old with
Australian Labradoodle, Bear
Salem's Pride Savannahs
Stacee Dallas
Traverse City, Michigan
F2 Smalls and Colonel.
Starfell Savannahs.
Dawn Lawless Long
Fredonia, KY
Loki F5 SBT
One year old with Yorkshire
Terrier, Babydoll
Boone Hill Savannahs
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 full-
time 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.
Page 25
An Interview With Savannah
Cat Breeder Amanda
Braverman-Brohn of
Savannah Royale
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 pitch in, 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.
Page 27
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
CFA.
Page 28