Kitten Care Guide

Bringing Your SavCat Home Section 1

1.1 Safe Introduction

• Kitten-Proofing: Remove breakables, secure wires, and block off unsafe areas (washer/dryer, behind the fridge). Remove toxic plants & flowers: peace lily, lilies, aloe, pothos, philodendron, tulips.
• Quiet Room Setup: Start your SavCat in a small single room without hard-to-reach hiding spots. They'll need the following:

• Their carrier — every SavCat comes home with their carrier. Because they traveled home in it, it's already familiar and feels safe — they'll likely use it as a resting spot at first.
• Food & water fountain (see Section 2)
• Litter — unscented (see Section 3)
• Litter Robot
• Scratching post
• Bed
• Lots of toys (use caution with stuffed and chemically dyed toxic toys — see Section 4)

1.2 Let Them Acclimate

• Let your SavCat explore at their own pace.
• Avoid loud noises and over-handling the first few days.
• Spend time quietly sitting nearby to build trust.
• Do NOT introduce your SavCat to other pets right away. We advise quarantining them for a minimum of 10 days. Before introducing your new kitten to other pets, build a strong bond first. Spend time at their level — sit or lie on the floor — to help them feel safe and encourage playful interaction. This simple act helps your kitten connect with you more quickly, and it won't take long before your new baby feels right at home.

Nutrition & Feeding Section 2

2.1 Diet Basics — Pet Food & Treats

A raw diet is highly recommended for Savannah cats because it closely mimics the natural prey-based diet of their wild ancestors — providing optimal nutrition, supporting lean muscle development, and promoting better digestion, coat health, and energy levels. Here are some options and recommendations:

Option 1 — Homemade Food

We prepare our own homemade chicken recipe using an Industrial Meat Grinder, which grinds organic whole chickens that we first break down with a meat cleaver. You can of course ask your local butcher to grind the meat for you — just make sure they include bones and organs. Essential feline supplements are then added to meet a cat's nutritional needs.

Supplements can be found under Pet Supplements on my Amazon storefront. Dosage for each supplement should be based on your kitten's weight and adjusted as they grow. Please follow the dosage instructions provided on the product label.

Happy Healthy Organs

Recommended DosageCats over 12 weeks: ½ tsp per day

L-Lysine Supplement

Recommended DosageUp to 5 lbs: 1 scoop
5–10 lbs: 2 scoops
10+ lbs: 2–3 scoops

Taurine Powder

Recommended DosageUnder 5 lbs: ¼ tsp per day
Over 5 lbs: ½ tsp per day

NuVet Plus Feline Powder

Recommended Dosage¼ tsp per meal
Purchased directly from NuVet Labs — Code 915204

Soluble Fiber Powder

Recommended DosageUnder 4 lbs: ¼ serving (tsp) per day
Under 5 lbs: ½ serving (tsp) per day
Over 5 lbs: 1 serving (tsp) per day

Option 2 — Raw Food Delivery Service

For busy families who prefer convenience, consider a high-quality raw food delivery service like Viva Raw. This is a great option if you want to feed your Savannah kitten a species-appropriate diet without the time commitment of monthly meal prep or making cat food from scratch. You won't need to supplement, as their food already includes everything. Use code SAVCATS for 20% off your order!

Option 3 — Quail

Our SavCats Queen, Porsche, prefers only quail and refuses to eat anything else (besides goose, which is very expensive!). We source our quail locally from Spain. You can have quail delivered from El Super or Vallarta Supermarkets. Get $10 off Instacart — use my code MDE3AD91DC at checkout.

Option 4 — Raw Food from Pet Store

Some pet stores carry raw food. Check whether your local pet stores stock the following brands:

If you plan to feed freeze-dried raw, we recommend using it as a topper, as it can be dehydrating. Always make sure your cat has plenty of access to fresh water. If you're considering feeding something outside of these options, just let me know and we can go over any questions or additional food choices together.

*Plus the cost of supplements. Viva Raw and raw food from a pet store already include supplements within the food, so you won't need to add them yourself. These prices are based on Los Angeles, CA and may differ by location.

Feeding Schedule (at a minimum)

• 8–12 weeks: 4 meals per day
• 3–6 months: 3 meals per day
• 6+ months: 2 meals per day

Savannahs are not prone to overeating, so you can feed them as often as you like without concern.

2.2 Food & Water Bowls

• Use an elevated, wide stainless steel or ceramic bowl and wash it daily with hot water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Narrow bowls cause whisker fatigue. We recommend: Elevated Cat Bowls.
• Cats generally prefer water that is fresh and close to room temperature — ideally 65–75°F (18–24°C). Water that's too cold may discourage drinking, while warm water can become unappealing or grow bacteria more quickly.
• Provide fresh water daily and clean bowls regularly to keep the water clean and appealing. Many cats prefer circulating fountains, which keep water oxygenated and encourage more frequent drinking.
• We recommend a Petlibro Water Fountain — it's what all of our cats are accustomed to. It's reliable, easy to clean and maintain, and offers a wireless option so it can be placed anywhere, even without an outlet, and used during a power outage.
• Disinfect after each use to prevent bacteria buildup, and always dry thoroughly before refilling. Do not leave raw food out for more than 2 hours at room temperature; discard any uneaten portion to prevent bacterial growth.

Litter Training Section 3

Your Savannah is already litter trained! To support this:

• Use the same litter they're used to initially. We recommend World's Best Cat Litter.
• Keep the box clean — scoop twice daily, wash weekly. We recommend The Litter Robot once your SavCat weighs 3 pounds. Get $50 off with our link!
• Place the litter box in a quiet, accessible spot.

Mental Stimulation & Enrichment Section 4

Savannahs are highly intelligent and high-energy. Boredom can lead to behavior problems. If you're a busy person and don't intend to bring your SavCat everywhere like we do, we recommend getting a playmate.

4.1 Interactive Play

• Daily wand-toy play (simulate hunting). We recommend No-Chemical-Dye Cat Feather Toys. Chemically treated toys can be harmful to your kitten's health — opt for natural, non-toxic materials to keep playtime safe.
• Laser pointer sessions (end with a "kill" toy as a reward).

4.2 Toys & Puzzles

• Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom.
• Food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys are great enrichment.
• NEVER leave a Savannah unsupervised with stuffed animal toys. If chewed or torn apart, the stuffing can become a choking hazard or cause serious internal issues if swallowed.
• Avoid using your hands to play with your kitten — it teaches them to bite and scratch you. Always redirect their energy to a toy instead. If they go after your feet, use a toy to distract and stop them the same way.

4.3 Climbing & Scratching

• Provide tall cat trees, wall shelves, and horizontal/vertical scratchers. We recommend Cat Trees or Cat Shelves (contact us if interested — link on our website in progress).
• Savannahs love heights — cat-proofed shelves or perches are ideal. We recommend Window Perches.
• Pet furniture: we recommend Fur & Co or Mau ($10 off coupon for your first order).

4.4 Managing Nighttime Habits

• Avoid encouraging your SavCat to play in bed. If they bring toys to you while you're sleeping, it's best not to engage — this can reinforce a habit of waking you up in the middle of the night.
• Engage your SavCat in active play a couple of hours before bedtime to tire them out, then offer a meal afterward to mimic the natural hunt-and-eat cycle. This routine makes them more likely to sleep through the night.
• Put toys away when playtime is over to help reinforce calm behavior during rest hours.

Socialization & Bonding Section 5

5.1 Handling

• Gently handle your kitten daily to get them used to grooming, nail trims, and petting.
• Reward calm behavior with treats and affection.

5.2 Meeting New People

• Introduce new people gradually.
• Always allow your kitten to approach first.

5.3 Training with Finger Snaps (Instead of a Clicker)

Clicker training is popular, but you won't always have a clicker in your pocket — your fingers, however, are always with you!

Why snapping? The snap works just like a clicker: a quick, distinct cue that helps your cat associate a behavior with a reward. Once they make the connection, it becomes a powerful training tool.

How to start:

1. Pick a treat your cat loves. Small, high-value rewards work best — something they don't get every day.
2. Start with simple behaviors like sitting, touching your hand, or following a target. The moment your cat does the desired action, snap your fingers and immediately give a treat.
3. Be consistent. Timing matters — snap the instant your cat performs the right behavior so they associate the sound with the reward.
4. Add verbal cues later. Once your cat reliably offers the trick after the snap, add words like "sit" or "high five."

Health & Veterinary Care Section 6

6.1 Vet Check

• Schedule a veterinary check-up within 5–7 days of your kitten's arrival. Allowing a few days to settle in reduces stress, so we recommend booking after the first 5 days.
• Bring breeder records, vaccination info, and diet list (see Health Record).

6.2 Vaccinations & Deworming

• SavCats have already received their 2 FVRCP vaccinations and 3 rounds of deworming. This is all you need — it's at your discretion whether you'd like to continue 2 more rounds of FVRCP.
• Follow your vet's schedule for completing core vaccines (FVRCP) and deworming. DO NOT ever administer the FIV/FeLV vaccine!

6.3 Spay / Neuter & Microchipping

• Schedule your kitten's spay/neuter surgery and microchipping together, ideally between 4–6 months of age. Microchipping is best done while your kitten is already under anesthesia for the surgery, making the process painless and less stressful.

6.4 Insurance

We recommend Healthy Paws, which costs around $20/month per cat.

Grooming & Hygiene Section 7

7.1 Coat Care

• Savannahs have short, low-shedding coats.
• Weekly brushing keeps their coat sleek and reduces shedding.

7.2 Nail Trimming

• Trim nails every 1–2 weeks. We recommend these two Japanese nail trimmers.
• Start trimming young to get them comfortable. Gently handling their paws helps them get used to the touch.
• Gently press the paw to extend the claws.
• Trim just the sharp tip — avoid the pink quick.
• Go slow, offer treats, and take a break if they get stressed.
• Do not declaw. Declawing is painful and inhumane. Provide appropriate scratchers instead and trim nails every 1–2 weeks.

7.3 Dental Health

• A raw diet can help reduce tooth decay and gum disease. Chewing raw meaty bones and unprocessed meat naturally scrapes plaque off teeth, promoting healthier gums and reducing tartar buildup.
• Introduce tooth brushing early (use feline toothpaste).
• Dental treats or water additives can also help.

7.4 Cleaning Your Kitten's Eyes & Nose

Kittens can sometimes get crust or discharge around their eyes or nose, especially during growth spurts or mild allergies. Here's how to care for them gently:

• Use a warm compress: Soak a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad in warm (not hot) water. Gently hold it over the affected area for a few seconds to loosen any crust or debris.
• Wipe gently: Using a fresh corner of the cloth or a new pad, softly wipe away the buildup. Always wipe outward, away from the eyes or nostrils, and use a clean piece for each eye to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Moisturize with beef tallow (optional): Once clean and dry, apply a tiny amount of unscented, food-grade beef tallow to their nose if it seems dry or cracked. It's a natural, non-toxic moisturizer safe for pets in small amounts and helps protect delicate skin. We recommend organic grass-fed beef tallow.

Travel & Harness Training Section 8

8.1 Car & Airline Travel — Essentials

• Your SavCat has already been trained for car rides!
• We provide you a luxury Cats N Cars airline-approved carrier and a blanket with the mother cat's scent to help ease stress during travel. We also recommend a Cat Stroller, because F2 Savannahs can weigh 18–20 pounds full grown!
• Always make sure your kitten's carrier is properly secured and zipped or latched before travel. If a kitten escapes with a harness or bag still attached, it can drag behind them, causing fear and panic — often making them run faster and increasing the risk of injury or getting lost. Double-check all fastenings before opening car doors or moving the carrier.
• We recommend bringing a BPA-free, food-grade portable water bottle.

• Fi Tracker base — if using a Fi collar, bring the base with you while traveling. Being out of the "safe zone" drains the battery, and you want the tracker to have as much battery as possible in case you ever need it to find your SavCat. To purchase the Fi Collar GPS Tracker, use our link for $20 off.

8.2 Harness Training

Your SavCat has already been harness trained! They'll soon grow out of their harness and need a new one. We recommend Emma Céline — use code SAVCATS for 5% off! Please reach out to Emma directly before ordering, as Savannahs need a slightly altered harness due to their size and build. You can also customize colors, hardware (we recommend metal), and whether you'd like an AirTag/Fi collar tracker attachment. Each harness is handmade to order, so processing time is required — be sure to place your order in advance. They're also slightly adjustable for a better fit. Here are example photos by Emma Céline:

• Use treats/toys to build positive associations.
• Practice walking your SavCat with a leash in a secure area, such as inside the home or backyard, before trying open spaces.

Important Notes About Savannahs Section 9

• Generational Traits: F1–F3 Savannahs have more wild behavior (higher energy, less tolerance for strangers); F4–F5 are more domestic.
• Legal Restrictions: Some states or counties restrict early-generation Savannahs. Always check your local laws.

Escape-Proofing Your Home Section 10

Savannah cats are clever and curious, often figuring out how to open doors and windows. To keep your kitten safe, it's important to secure your home and prevent any chance of escape.

• Use a Double-Door System: The most effective method is to have two doors between your cat and the outdoors. Always close the first door fully before opening the second, so your kitten can't slip past you.
• Use a GPS Tracker. We recommend the Fi Collar GPS Tracker — use our link for $20 off. We use the Fi Series 3. When connected to home WiFi, it can last about three months on a single charge; if it's not connected to WiFi, the battery drains faster and typically lasts a couple of weeks. We don't let our trackers drop below 80% charge, so they're always performing optimally and have plenty of battery in the event a cat gets out — giving us enough time to locate them. Fi has also released the Fi Mini for cats; while it's smaller and less bulky, the battery doesn't last as long. We'll be testing it and will provide an updated affiliate link soon.

Other tips:

• Secure all windows and make sure screens can't be pushed out.
• Install child-proof or pet-proof locks on doors and cabinets. We recommend Lever Locks.
• Always check your cat's location before opening an exterior door.
• Start training early to discourage door-dashing behavior.
• Savannahs are fast, agile, and always looking for adventure — proper precautions go a long way in keeping them safe.

Daily Care Checklist Quick Reference

Temperament & Socialization Disclosure Please Read

All SavCats kittens receive extensive early socialization and exposure training while in our care. They are handled daily and introduced to children, adults, other cats, dogs, household activity, travel environments, loud sounds, and public settings such as car shows to help develop confident, well-adjusted temperaments.

At the time a kitten leaves the SavCats cattery, they have demonstrated a stable, affectionate, and well-socialized temperament appropriate for their age.

Once a kitten leaves our care, they enter a new environment that we cannot control. Factors such as household dynamics, training, socialization, stress, diet, visitors, and other pets can significantly influence a cat's ongoing behavior and temperament.

SavCats cannot guarantee temperament after a kitten leaves the cattery and is not responsible for behavioral changes that occur in a new home environment. Behaviors such as scratching, biting, or signs of aggression that develop after placement are typically the result of environmental factors, stress, or improper handling and do not reflect the kitten's temperament while in the SavCats program.

Owners are encouraged to continue proper socialization, enrichment, and positive training to maintain the temperament developed during the kitten's time with SavCats. SavCats is always happy to offer guidance if questions arise.