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To say that we’re enjoying Ivy would be an understatement, she is delightful! I wanted to share with you some points that can get overlooked when people are searching for a new feline member of their family. Yes, it’s a personal journey and an emotional decision. Yes, it’s easy to get excited when you see all the pictures of the cats and kittens. And, yes, there is so much research to be done on the breed and temperament and best fit for the personality and tenor of your particular family. But, I would like to point out that perhaps the MOST important decision, and the one that I think should be researched and made before ALL others, is the breeder you choose to work with. To me, this was the single most important factor in our happiness with Ivy as a new family member. Here’s why:
Savannah cats are extraordinary. They are intelligent, active, inquisitive. They are not like anything I have ever experienced before. The start that these cats get in life can be the key to your ability to incorporate them successfully into your family. When I was doing my research about the breed, I Googled, I searched, I read, I studied. I even saw classified ads from across the country for families who were desperately looking to have their uncontrollable Savannah “pets” adopted. I would argue that there are very few bad pets in this world, it is in reality ‘bad owners’ who are the problem…. Think of the breeder as your pet’s first and most important owner. It matters how they are raised.
I found that Ivy came to us as the most well behaved, precious, impeccably trained cat. She is well socialized with my other cat, the German Shepherd, and my young daughter! Adrianne and Jason at AJSavannahs clearly spend so much time with their cats, they are in the home, are family members, are loved, doted on. Ivy came home to us at 5 months of age, and it was clear to me from the moment she arrived, how instrumental Adrianne and Jason were in her development. Again, I can’t stress enough how different this is than just picking out a kitten or puppy.
Interview the breeders extensively and don’t initially get caught up in the emotion of the pictures or availability of the kittens. When you’re happy with the breeder (and they are equally happy with you as a prospective owner) the right match is destined to come along.
Jennifer
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