I checked online but didn’t get a definitive idea. I’ll explain my situation. So I’ve moved from Pakistan. And that means you can either pick up a cat off the streets because they are all over the place OR you can get them from a rescue.Both the cats I had back home, they were rescues.
Now, apparently I can’t do that in UK. I mean there are rescues but my impression is that people get cats from Breeders? Because I checked on pet search apps and I just saw breeders.
Because of this I decided I’ll go for a Savannah, probably F3 or F4. However I’ll also be living in a 2 bed apartment.
So can someone guide me with their experience regarding getting and raising Savannahs? Will a 2 bed apartment be enough space? Can one cat handle being alone at home or does it help to get two?
Edit: Special thanks to u/tmstms for not only a detailed answer but also suggesting UK Facebook groups. I found a lot of great groups for adoptions!
9 comments
Please get a cat from a rescue instead. People definitely get cats from rescues and these rescues are usually overflowing with animals. Please adopt, don’t shop.
Breeders tend to be inhumane and dodgy
There’s nothing against rescue cats in the uk.
I think what happens is people don’t get thier female cats spayed, let them out and they come back pregnant so it’s normally cheaper to buy one of those kittens than going to a rescue but you litterally don’t know what breed you are getting.
Thats normally more popular, not breeders. Either way rescues are mote ethical and should come spayed/neutered l.
Echoing other people – purebred cats are insanely £££ and many people don’t let go outside because of how expensive they are. (Savannahs are also hybrids with a wild animal, so take that into consideration when thinking about space)
Please adopt – most cat shelters(national ones inclue RSPCA, Cats Protection and Blue Cross) will have plenty of moggies waiting for homes: adoption fees are very reasonable as well for what it covers.
1) You can get a cat in ANY way in the UK also, and many people get cats simply because one turns up and moves in.
1a) I think approx 10% of British cats are pedigrees. Of these, not all will be true pedigrees, i.e. registered at birth with a mating certificate for the two registered parents. But if you do want a pedigree, that is the way to go- properly registered and with as much due diligence as you can do about the breeder.
1b) Therefore, most people actually have “moggies” crossbred cats that have come from rescues, from being sold or, as I said to start with, as strays and ferals that adopt their human.
2) I have to my knowledge met ONE Savannah cat on the street (on a lead) in the UK, It was in Southport on Lord Street. They are a breed recognised by TICA but not by the British governing body GCCF (because *an outcross from a wild species*). Therefore, although there are breeders with good reputations in the UK, they will be certified only by TICA, which as an international body, has fewer British members.
3) If you want a Savannah, I would research whether there is a breed club. Quick google says there certainly is a Uk Facebook group and some breeders.
4) Insofar as a cat living indoors goes- most UK cats do go out, but obvs a lot of pedigree cats do not, since road traffic accidents are the biggest danger for a cat, and most pedigrees grow up so protected theymay not develop traffic awareness.
4a) You cannot tell without some experience of him or her whether a cat prefers to be an only cat or whether company is better. Obvs if you have two kittens from the same litter, they may already be bonded and get on well. In general, home alone is not too bad if there is enrichment within the habitat (lots of toys, cat furniture, and stuff the cat can destroy also like soft furnishings, curtains, carpets etc.
4b) You need to take breeder advice on whether you have enough space for an active breed like the Savannah. But it may also depend on the individual cat also. All our cats have had really really different characters and levels of activity.
Savannah cats need a lot of space to run around. I had two F1 savannahs around 10 years ago and had a huge area outside for them. The area was fenced of with 10 foot fencing with a two foot overhang section at the top that stopped them climbing out. They will absolutely clear a ten foot fence without the overhang very easily. They are not a cat that should be kept indoors as they prefer a lot of space to run and jump about. They are also stupidly expensive and so are the vets bills that you will undoubtedly have.
What is the difference between and F3 and F4 Savannah cat?
Why is the alternative to a rescue, buying an expensive purebreed? Get a rescue cat, there are hundreds of them needing homes.
I adopted my cat from a rescue – he’s an old man with no teeth, and he’s genuinely the light of my life. Give these old timers a cosy retirement.
I have a friend with a F4 Savannah, they admit they regret getting it. They grow to be huge for a cat (think the size of a small Labrador), cost a fortune to feed and have a tendency to trash furnishings with their huge claws. Vets often don’t have experience of caring for cats like that either, and they cost a lot to buy from a reputable breeder.
Just get yourself a rescue cat from the RSPCA or blue cross.