Savannahgans welcomes ALL cat owners as much of our content applies to all cats, regardless of the breed.

1. Featuring:
Owner Stories
Health and Safety
Rescue and Care
Cool Products
Full Color Photos
Art
and much more!
Current and Future
Savannah Owners
and Cat Lovers Will
Enjoy This Quarterly
Magazine to
Educate and Satiate
Your Savannah
Cravings!
Your comprehensive
destination for all things
"Savannah"
Share with
a Friend!

2. W e l c o m e t o t h i s s e c o n d e d i t i o n o f
SAVANNAHGANS: THE International Savannah Cat Magazine
The support and enthusiasm from the Savannah Cat community continues as we move forward! Our
list of knowledgeable, highly experienced contributors is growing as they excitedly share their
wisdom with our readers. I'm excited to further expand this circle of Savannah enthusiasts, breeders,
and owners and bring you even more great content from all over the world!
As an owner of four Savannahs, I've run the gamut of experiences: Good/bad breeders, fatal
disease (FIP)/discovery of a cure, and outdoor adventures with Savannahs. I'm thankful to be
acquainted with many breeders and owners who've worked with me over the past three years and
look forward to meeting many more as we create more great content!
My number one goal is to bring you informative and entertaining content from Savannah enthusiasts
and experts in a fun and whimsical publication filled with heart-warming stories. My vision is to meld
amazing stories with education in a way current and future owners can search our site to find
whatever they want to know about our wonderful breed.
We welcome ALL cat lovers, regardless of breed, to get in on the action! Whether searching for a
breeder, safety tips, health advice, or commissioned art and novelties, you'll find it all in each
quarterly issue and on our website at www.savannahgans.com--and it's all FREE! We rely on your
support and feedback and if you shop through our various links and affiliates, we can donate money
to the Savannah Care and Rescue Funds with proceeds.
We've been working on our social media platforms to further share our musings and plan to amp up
the content as our following increases. There's something for everyone, so be sure to visit our
website first and foremost and also follow our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter pages.
FROM THE OWNER/EDITOR'S DESK
b y : D e b r a R o b e r t s
Page 2

4. Owner, Editor, Writer,
Designer, Marketing, and
Social Media:
Illustrator, Graphic Designer
and Art Director:
Featured Writers and
Contributors:
Featured Vendor:
Featured Artist:
Featured Breeder:
On the Cover:
Debra Roberts, Savannah owner, R.N. and writer
Jacqueline Luttrelle, Savannah owner and artist
Debra Roberts, Savannah owner, R.N., and writer
Suzette Moore-Carter, Savannah owner
Laura Dodge Root, Savannah owner and aesthetician
Pam Hatch, Savannah owner and real estate broker
Jannel Rockwell, Savannah Breeder
Brigitte Moyne, Savannah breeder and microbiologist
Steve Dale, Pet Behaviorist and radio talk-show host
Dr. David Bostwick, DVM
Keri Libbe, Savannah owner
Deborah Frierson, Savannah owner
Peri Hughes, Savannah owner and photographer
Joyce Pierce, Former Savannah breeder, teacher, zoo
worker, and jewelry designer
Heather Jackson, Savannah breeder and medical equipment
educator
In memory of F2 "Falcon", owned by Peri Hughes
Page 4

5. Debra Roberts' F3 "Luna"
from Libby Haver ~ Damara
Exotics Cats

6. What's in the Summer 2020 Edition?
2 - 4
Staff &
Contributors
7 - 8
Featured
Artist
9 - 1 3
Savandalism
in the News
1 4 - 2 2
Health &
Safety
2 3 - 2 4
Big Cat
Series
2 5 - 3 2
Breeder
Spotlight
3 3 - 3 5
Memorial
Tribute
3 6
What
the "F"
3 7
Savannah
Rescue
3 8 - 4 0
Survival
Story
4 1 - 4 2
Featured
Product
4 3 - 4 6
DIY
4 7
Savannah
Care Fund
4 8
Featured
Affiliate
4 9 - 5 0
Editor's
Picks
5 1 - 5 2
Ask Auntie
Vannah
5 3 - 5 4
Vendor
Specials
5 8
Next Issue
Page 6

7. C H E C K O U T T H E S T U N N I N G P I E C E S A T A T
W W W . F A Z I O S C A T J E W E L R Y . C O M
Contact number:
928-243-4901
Email Address:
joyce@faziosanimaljewelry.com
I've always owned and loved animals of many types: From training and hunting with dogs; to horse events with
the whole family, and even raising salamanders (so spoiled, they'd only eat from our hands) when the kids were
little. As the kids grew and my husband started working on the road, I realized my childhood dream of showing
cats.
I started the cat show adventure with Savannahs, and they'll always have a special place in my heart. Early into
the long road of showing cats, I met Kay Fazio and fell in love with her jewelry. We even had some adventures
attending shows together.
Many years later, Kay developed health issues and decided to sell her animal jewelry business. I talked to her
almost daily about some of the struggles she was facing and her desire to ensure her jewelry would remain
available to her long-time fans and new cat lovers.
My husband and I decided to pick up and carry on with her amazing pendants and other jewelry. It's been a
learning process, but we can now reproduce everything in our home and have been able to add new pieces as
well. In addition to Savannah Cat jewelry, we also have other breeds of cats, dogs, and wild animals, all
available in sterling silver and 14kt gold.
Use promo code "Sv Lover" for 20% off each item you order!
Do you have a talent you'd like to feature for a future edition? Pitch us your idea here!
Featured Artist
Joyce Pierce
Page 7
Featured on the next page, are just a few of our available pieces of Savannah and Serval jewelry. Visit
our website and contact me with any questions. You can read more about us and our awesome reviews here!

8. Page 8

9. LIFE IS UNCERTAIN.
GET A SAVANNAH CAT.
Page 9

10. You'll never be bored on a Friday night...or Saturday, or Sunday...
You'll never dine alone.
You'll never sleep alone. Or sleep period.
You'll never oversleep again.
Their paws are always clean.
They help consume less toilet paper by depleting your supply.
They blend in with any decor.
They help take down the holiday decorations, especially the tree.
They tend to your plants while you're gone...and while you're home.
They get rid of that ugly heirloom you kept out of guilt.
You can cancel the babysitter.
They improve your recycling habits.
They can be your screen saver.
They'll keep your guests entertained.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Do you have another reason to add a Savannah cat to your life? Pitch it to us and we'll add
it to the list!
"Savandalism is a Phase They Never
Outgrow"!
--quote by Dana Frazelle, owner of melanistic rescue Savannah "Shad"
Page 10

11. Peri Hughes F1 "Fubuki"
keeping dinner warm--or is it
the other way around?
Page 11
Brigitte Moyne's F5 SBT
"Zari" just hanging around.

12. Do you have a Savandalism photo you'd like to share for a future edition? Contact us here!
Debra Roberts' F3 "Luna" at a hotel in
Chicago doing her chameleon
impression.
Page 12
Sarah Johnson's F2 "Zuri" on Taco
Tuesday.
Peri Hughes' F7 "Figel" checking out his
greatest accomplishment.

13. The most simple tasks become complex when
living with a Savannah.
All I wanted was a cup of coffee.
by: Deborah Frierson, Savannah Owner
HOW TO MAKE COFFEE USING A FRENCH PRESS
Put water in measuring cup to heat;
Open microwave to heat water;
Pull SV out of microwave;
Remove SV paw from water and change water;
Open microwave to heat water;
Remove SV from microwave;
Put coffee grounds in French press;
Remove SV head stuck in French press;
Pour hot water over grounds;
Pull SV from microwave;
Put cream in cup to heat;
Remove SV head from coffee cup and wipe up spilled cream;
Repeat with cream, heat in microwave;
Pull SV from microwave;
Pour coffee into cup using other arm to fend off SV;
Run from kitchen and lock self in office to enjoy coffee in solitude;
Insert ear plugs to lessen din from screeching cat.
Page 13

14. Feline Hypertrophic
Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
A Tribute to
Barrington
PAGES 16-18
Non-toxic House
Plant Recommendation
Pages 21-22
Heart Disease in Cats
with Dr. David Bostwick
PAGE 19-20
Discussion on Heart Disease
(HCM) in Cats with Dr. Chris
Menges of Basepaws and Steve
Dale
PA
GE
15
Page 14

15. In this highly informative video, Dr. Liz Bales and Steve Dale question Dr. Menges about feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
(HCM), which is by far the most common heart disease in cats. What the disease is, the early signs of HCM, and what can you
can do preventively, are explained. Dr. Bales talks about her own experience with HCM with her cat. Dr, Menges explains what
we know about the genetics of HCM.
Without hearing a cat’s heart to determine if there’s a murmur, a general practicing veterinarian can’t offer a potential early
warning. However, a murmur doesn’t always equate with heart disease. So, what’s the next step? We talk about this.
Dr. Menges and Dr. Bales discusses how HCM is diagnosed, symptoms, treatment, costs, and prognosis. They also discuss
genetic testing that can give owner's a head's up if their cat is predisposed to HCM and other genetic diseases in the cat's
lifetime. Cats with HCM often do live out normal lifespans, even asymptomatic, and ultimately die of kidney disease or cancer.
The Ricky Fund, through the Winn Feline Foundation, raises money to fund HCM treatment and research. Click here to donate.
Click here for a list of studies funded by the Winn Feline Foundation for HCM.
**There are no individual genetic test specific to the Savannah Breed. This is discussed in the video**
You can contact Steve for help with your cat by calling: 866-554-PETS (7387).
You can also email your questions to Steve. Please include your name and a number where he can reach you.
Discussion on Heart Disease (HCM) in Cats with Dr. Chris Menges of
Basepaws, Dr. Liz Bales, and Steve Dale
(used and edited with permission)
by: Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behaviorist
Steve Dale is a certified animal behavior specialist who has been a trusted voice in the
world of pet health for over 20 years. You've likely heard him on the radio, read him in
print and online, and seen him speaking at events all over the world. His contributions
to advancing pet wellness have earned him many an award and recognition around the
globe.
Page 15

16. A TRIBUTE TO BARRINGTON
His Rescue and Fight with HCM
Barrington 2013 - 2019
Written by:
Laura Root with Pam Hatch, Barrington's owner
and Jannell Rockwell, Barrington's breeder.
He stayed in a cage in my bedroom while healing from the
second operation. I laid on the floor and slept with him
during this time because he was in so much pain.
Not long after Barrington got out of "knee jail," he got a wild
hair and scared the dickens out of me when he took a
running leap from my bed, launching himself 15 feet as he
ran off, testing out his new knees!
At his healthiest, Barrington was 32 lbs. He was ½" taller
than the Guinness World Record title holder, Arturius,
owned by Will Powers. Being scared of strangers, I couldn't
put him through the fuss of measuring to certify his height
—but, wow, he was big!
Barrington was terrified of the vet, yet his vet loved him to
pieces. He wouldn't have anything to do with anyone but
me; and we were soulmates. At a regular dental check and
cleaning, something made our vet Katie, do an ultrasound.
That's when she discovered his thickened heart wall--HCM.
When my breeder friend, Jannel, contacted me about one of
her previous F2 kittens she spotted on a rescue page, I was
thrilled to take him in.
Jannel received him back to her cattery in southern Utah.
Unbeknownst to her, both knees had patellar luxation, a
congenital or traumatic condition where the kneecap
becomes dislocated, causing lameness and inability to
jump. Sadly, he first endured two surgeries to repair his
knees, which is believed to be a result of an injury.
The surgeon corrected each knee separately, and after his
first surgery, caging was necessary for six weeks for his
safety and healing. The second operation was a few weeks
later, so we met in Northern Utah to take him home post-
procedure. I'll never forget the shock of seeing Barrington
the first time. He was huge.
Page 16
I've had some experience with Savannah cats.
Barrington was 2 ½ years old when I brought
him home to Montana.

17. She sent us to Dr. David Bostwick in Missoula, three hours
away, who specializes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
(HCM). Barrington was on four medications. A friend in
California, Brigitte Moyne, sent me empty gel capsules to
place the cut-up drugs into so I could administer them to
him easier.
I became an expert at catching him asleep, putting pressure
on the corners of his mouth, and dropping those pills down
his throat. Most times, he didn't even wake up. He was such
a gentle soul, he'd let me do this to him. But for anyone
else, this 32-pound Savannah would run and hide!
After the first draining of fluid, it was a few months before
he had to go back to the vet. I could tell things were
progressing because he'd have trouble breathing. Near the
end, the visits were about every two weeks. And you know--
you just know when the time has come.
He always slept on my bed, and the last night his bladder let
go. I found a vet as quickly as I could to come to the house
and help him cross the bridge. He was only five years old.
Dr. David Bostwick, who treated Barrington, has been kind
enough to provide education and insight regarding HCM on
the page following Barrington's special video tribute.
Page 17
Katie was terrified to drain the fluid around his
heart that HCM produces.

18. Video by: Jannel Rockwell of Snow Canyon Savannahs, Barrington's Breeder
Used with permission from Jannel and Pam Hatch, Barrington's owner
Page 18
Barrington 2013 - 2019
Music Credit: "Smile" by Nat King Cole

19. Page 19
The diagnosis is through echocardiography by measuring the thickness of the left ventricular walls (typically at the time
of full relaxation). Cats with HCM have thickening of one (asymmetric) or both (symmetric) walls. There may or may
not be enlargement of the left atrium, depending on whether the thickening is causing impaired flow through the
ventricle into the aorta.
Yes, it's genetic to some degree. Most purebred cats are known to have an increased incidence, and it's proven in
Maine Coon cats, where there's a genetic test available (WSU) to look for cats with both genes or just one positive
gene. To my knowledge, that's the only breed where genetic testing is available, as it's the only cat breed where the
genetic defect is explicitly elucidated.
It's also generally a male-oriented disease, again suggesting a genetic component (we do see females, but not as
frequently).
Although genetic and, therefore, congenital, the cats aren't born with thickened ventricles. Thickening happens over
time and can occur by two years of age or sometimes not until 10-12 years, meaning that screening cats with echo at a
young age doesn't guarantee they won't develop the disease.
Unfortunately, there are no premonitory symptoms of this disease until either the cat goes into congestive heart failure
"CHF" ( shortness of breath) or throws a blood clot down the aorta. Generally, clots plug up one or both back legs and
occasionally the right front leg but rarely go down the left front leg due to the acute angle of the left subclavian artery
coming off the aorta. Many cats initially limp on one leg and people assume it's a "sprain"--until the big one hits.
Interestingly, cats don't cough when they're in CHF; they develop acute (pulmonary edema) or progressive (pleural
effusion) shortness of breath.
It's also unfortunate that many cats with this disease, even severe disease, don't have abnormalities when listening to
the heart. Murmurs and gallop rhythms are the most common "symptom" heard by a vet. Unlike dogs, any cat with a
murmur should have a full evaluation to determine the cause and significance.
1. How does a cat become diagnosed with HCM? Is it thought to have a genetic
component? Or could some diagnoses be due to a virus, such as humans can acquire?
2. What are the most obvious symptoms to watch for in HCM?
3. What type of treatments is available to cats diagnosed with HCM? Examples of
medications and medical intervention? In other words, how can such a grim diagnosis
best be managed?
Dr. David Bostwick DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Veterinary Specialist
Missoula Veterinary Specialty Clinic
Missoula Montana

20. Not all cats with HCM need treatment at the time of diagnosis. No drug can prevent Congestive Heart Failure
(CHF) in cats with HCM, nor can any drug prolong survival after CHF, except diuretics. That said, the two most
common medications used in asymptomatic cats are "diltiazem" and "atenolol." Which drug depends on which side
of the country the vet studied. Most west-coasters use atenolol, while east-coasters use diltiazem. Both slow the
heart rate and relax the thickened musculature to allow blood to flow through better. Again, neither of these drugs
has been proven to help with the disease statistically.
After heart failure, vets use a myriad of drugs, depending on the type of CHF. Diuretics are the mainstay, but
vasodilators are used in most cases. Again these don't prolong survival compared to diuretics alone.
The main drugs that can help are anticoagulants, which prevent clots from developing or recurring in
asymptomatic cats IF the left atrium is enlarged and at risk of throwing a clot. "Aspirin" is often used in low-doses,
but "Plavix" is considered the drug of choice for prevention due to an extensive study on aortic embolization
(FATCAT study). If a clot exists, "warfarin" can be used, as it is in humans.
During a clotting event, clot lysers such as "streptokinase" and "TPA" haven't increased recovery
rates. Euthanization takes place with many cats with clots due to the misconception they won't recover, which
isn't always true, as we can get many cats over the acute clot crisis. However, recurrence is always a big concern.
Page 20

21. Peri
Hughes'
F2 Falcon

22. Do you love plants, but are disappointed by the
endless list of feline-toxic plants; especially some of
the most common ones? The list is indeed long and
includes many familiar and favored greenhouse
treasures, according to the American Society For The
Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) website.
I've been researching and reviewing houseplants for
the last few years and have found many hardy and
easy-to-grow options that are both non-toxic to your
cat and aesthetically pleasing to you.
This quarter's plant review and recommendation is
the "succulent". Many of us are familiar with the ever-
so-common "hen and chicks" variety from our
grandparent's strawberry pots. But did you know
there are literally hundreds of varieties in all colors
and shapes and encompass several different plant
families, including cacti, and orchids?
That said, NOT ALL plants in the succulent family are
non-toxic, so be sure the plant you buy has a tag with
a name and check the ASPCA website. For example,
aloe and jade are succulents, but ARE also toxic!
When we got our Savannah's, I quickly learned that
succulents are one house plant my cats rarely will
bother--and they're quite affordable too.
In my opinion, succulents are some of the most
beautiful, colorful, hardy, and easiest plants to grow.
They require very little maintenance and can be
grown both indoors and out.
Safety Brief: Cat-Safe Houseplant Review:
The Amazing Succulent
by: Debra Roberts
I've had great success buying my plants on both
Amazon and Etsy--Etsy is my favorite for unique
species. I've bought succulent variety boxes from
Amazon and prickly pear cactus paddles from an
Etsy seller in Texas!
Blue Echeveria
Commonly known as: Maroon Chenille,
Painted Lady, Copper Rose, Wax
Rosette, Plush Plant, Hen and Chicks
Where to Buy
Succulents:
Amazon
Etsy
Page 22

23. MYTH BUSTERS 2020 SERIES: "I WANT A BIG CAT"
SO YOU THINK YOU WANT A BIG CAT?
In one month, he'd gone from 6.2# to 13.4#. I was
careful to include a glucosamine supplement in his
raw diet (all our cats get this in their food) to ensure
healthy joints as he grew. Ascher hit 20.4# on
February 23, 2018, and seemed impossibly long for a
"normal" cat. I would soon learn he was as far from a
"normal" cat!
Harness training was a hoot. He loved exploring the backyard on his leash. He seemed
uncomfortable in the front yard or walking off the property, so we kept him within the
backyard block walls. To enhance his outdoor experience, we built a "catio" next to the
house, with access through a dog door. Fortunately, we installed an XL dog door, in the hole
the previous owners made for their dog, because Ascher wouldn't have fit otherwise!
We found Ascher in the usual cat places, such as upon the kitchen cabinets, "resting" while
spying on his humans, or the top of a cat tree. We built one early on, with a 12" diameter
tube cubby, he'd use until he outgrew it! When he started to dispense ice cubes from the
refrigerator door, I began planning more cat trees and shelves to occupy his time.
When younger, Ascher shied away from visiting strangers.
ADVENTURES
WITH A BIG CAT
After being owned by Abyssinians
(frequently described as "cat-sized
mountain lions) for almost 45
years, I discovered Savannahs or "Cat-
sized Cheetahs".
Once I learned "what the F" word meant
and considering my bank account, I
searched for a nearby reputable
breeder, deciding upon an F2 for my
entry into the Savannah World. And
yes, I was hoping for a big boy!
Ascher came into our lives on
September 29, 2017, born "Maverick"
on July 8, from Snow Canyon's "Top
Gun" litter.
At 13 weeks, he already weighed 6.2#.
We had no idea what to expect in
terms of growth. I kept a weekly, then
monthly record of his growth, as I felt
it essential to stay on top of any
concerns, such as weight loss and
what it might mean for his health. We
also purchased pet insurance for this
boy, right away.
Long and lanky, Ascher already had a
little "primordial pouch" when he
arrived. He loved exercising on his
"Ferris Wheel" when he was smaller.
Once he got longer, he preferred to
have "Arm Day" on his wheel –
standing to the side, and running the
thing with his front legs – which he
does to this day!
Since he turned two (a year ago), he's become almost gregarious, walking up to people,
sniffing their legs and shoes, and performing one of his favorite stunts--attacking feet!
Getting Ascher to the vet, once he'd gotten to 20#, is a challenge. The last time I managed
to get him into a "regular" cat carrier, his hind feet caught my leg with just-clipped claws,
and a year and a half later, I still have a scar! The purchase of a cat stroller was imminent.
Ascher achieved 30# in February of 2019, and it's been nearly impossible for me to pick
him up to weigh since then. He was thick, but as he grew in length and height, I could tell
his weight wasn't an issue. He wasn't obese and still had a "waist," although his pouch was
substantial and seemed to make his legs look short. I would frequently look at him and
think, "Oh my gosh! He's gotten longer/taller!"
After recognizing this phenomenon a couple of times, I started paying attention to his
eating habits. Sure enough, whenever he'd finish off his food, then move on to other cats'
food dishes (they were ALL his dishes, don't you know?), I'd notice this spurt a week or so
later.
Soon, I was reporting his almost
exponential growth to his breeder.
By: Laura Root, Savannah owner
Page 23

24. Ascher is most definitely the Alpha. He's also extremely
sensitive. Friends had a Savannah, who also lived in the Phoenix
area, and we communicated with them regularly. Unfortunately,
he was diagnosed with HCM, and while he had excellent care,
didn't survive. I cried when I heard the news and immediately,
Ascher came up to me and laid across my legs, in a very
comforting move. He's done this frequently if I'm upset about
something.
Another amusing thing he does, is practically yell at me if I've
spent too much time working in the garage. When I come inside,
he'll follow me around, meowing demandingly, and jump onto
the bed, looking at me expectantly. He continues to do this until I
sit on the bed, and he can lay across my legs (he's too big to be
a "lap cat"). Then he quiets down and naps…while my legs fall
asleep!
When Ascher wants your attention for food or play, he rises and
puts his front paws in the middle of my back (I'm only 5'2", but
he touches the height of my bra strap), kneading while I'm
brushing my teeth. He even pushes me off of the toilet so he can
use it himself! Yes, he uses the toilet! The toilet paper resides
inside a cabinet above the toilet--also behind a door!
If you want a Savannah, large or small, be prepared for an
incredible experience. They can be exasperating, but so loving.
They are like 3-year-old who can't talk, and will never "grow up" –
but will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life!
For exercise, Ascher and his F6 friend, Tikvah
(above) love playing with wand toys – a
mouse, bird, wiggly worm, and anything with
catnip from their monthly cat box
subscription.
Ascher's personality is so different than I've
ever experienced with other cats.
Sometimes, Ascher sits back and watches, waiting for the
opportune moment to pounce, kind of a "hit and run." More
recently, Ascher has gotten much more active in his play.
Chasing the wand toy all over, he will come and sit next to me on
the bed and meow (whine, really!) to get out the wand. This boy
won't stop pestering until he's had a chance to catch his prey
multiple times. I think he didn't do much running and playing
until recently because he's finally, now at three years old,
comfortable with his size. Much like gangly teenagers, he was
very clumsy until the last few months.
Ascher's other feline friend is our 14-year-old Abyssinian, Yedeed
("friend" in Hebrew). Yeddy has absolutely no interest in these
young whipper-snappers and would prefer to sleep all day and
night without interruption. However, that's not in the cards, per
Ascher. Ascher has determined he's Yeddy's personal groomer
and will lay on top of Yeddy (all 10 pounds of him), holding him
down with one paw, and cleaning Yeddy's face, head and neck –
vigorously. After a few minutes of that, Yeddy is done, and
wriggles out from Ascher's grasp, escaping for a more relaxing
location.
Page 24

25. Breeder Spotlight
An interview with NITROKATZ
Heather Jackson

26. My Savannah obsession began in 2013. I’ve had cats most of my life.
We had a very special Bengal as a pet for many years, and lost him
to renal failure. We wanted another “special” cat, but knew another
Bengal could never be the same. And at that time, Savannah’s were
illegal in our state. As soon as we learned Savannahs became legal
here, we set out to find our first Savannah, a later generation boy. We
also got his sister for company knowing our elderly DSH would NOT
appreciate their company. (And we were right!!) Not long after we got
them we decided we also wanted an early generation Savannah. We
found our perfect F2 boy and brought him home. After falling in love
with this magnificent creature, we realized there were great variations
in the quality of Savannah's from different breeders. We started
thinking about becoming breeders so we could share these wonderful
cats with others, and focus on producing the very best Savannah’s.
We researched the best breeders and decided what generations we
were interested in producing. Then we found our perfect stud, and got
our first queens. My cattery is a VERY small in-home,hobby cattery
(we can count our current breeding cats on one hand), and we focus
on quality - not quantity. We're very fortunate to have cats from not
only some of the best breeders in the country- but from across the
world. And I have many other breeders who've helped us get this far.
I enjoy helping out in the Savannah community and giving back
where I can. And although I don’t get the opportunity to do it enough, I
enjoy participating in TICA shows, sharing our magnificent breed with
the public.
Savannahs, Breeding,
Ownership Tips, and the Future
How'd you get started breeding Savannahs?
Page 26
How'd you come up with the cattery name "NitroKatz"?
Naming a cattery was such a hard decision. I went through many and
didn't like any for various reasons. Once my founding stud was home
and I decided on a name for him, the cattery name was easy. That
boy's name is Nitro; hence "NitroKatz Savannahs" was born. People
that know how we came up with our cattery name then ask how we
came up with his name!
How'd you come up with the name "Nitro"?
"Nitro" is named for his supercharged purr I heard the first time I met
him. To me, it sounded like a blower car running on Nitro-methane,
hence his name. And the fact he goes 200 mph when playing!
Nitro

27. Do you recommend people try breeding Savannahs? Why/Why not?
First, I ask WHY they want to breed Savannahs? Unless their answer is "for the betterment of the breed"
AND they can explain what they mean by that, I wouldn't encourage them to start breeding. When people
say they "want to breed Savannahs", I always tell them not to put any money into it they can't afford to
lose. There are NO guarantees in breeding any animal, but breeding Savannahs is even more complicated
than other animals.
What's the best tip or advice you've received from another breeder?
Start your cattery by first buying your stud, before any queens. Only buy the VERY best stud (and all your
cats), you can afford. Starting with high-quality cats will help start you out on the right foot.
Page 27
The toughest part about breeding is dealing with kitten loss, which ranges from an entire unborn litter, a
newborn kitten with its wings, or one living with its new family.
What's the worst/hardest part about breeding?
What's the biggest weakness of the Savannah breed?
What's the biggest strength of the Savannah breed?
What about Savannah Cat websites? Do you have a favorite?
My favorite website is www.SavannahCatChat.com. It was extremely helpful before we got our first
Savannahs and is still helpful in finding information and references. I like the forum setting, as opposed to
questions asked in a Facebook group. There are categories in the forum setting, making it easier to look
through information proactively when you don't have a specific question. New people, many times, don't
know what questions to even ask about; in a forum, they can go through the topics and learn a lot.
Too many breeders choose "black nose" over a good Savannah breed type. One of these days,
I'm going to photograph a pink-nosed cat and post it. Then using the same photo, I'll Photoshop in
a black nose and post it to see the difference in responses. I often see a plethora of comments
like "how stunning!" on pictures of a black-nosed Savannah, that's a poor example of the breed,
yet gets viewed as "perfect" because of the black nose.
One of Savannah's biggest strengths would be the overall healthiness of the breed, due to it being
so new. With that said, it's incredibly essential for breeders to be responsible and do all pertinent
health testing possible on their cats. Also, remove any cats that have health issues, or pairings that
produce multiple health issues from their breeding program.
This is a tough question because there are SO many different areas to get right. But, I think the most critical
thing a breeder can do is everything in their power to ensure their cats and kittens are as healthy as
possible.
What's the most important thing a breeder does?
The best part of breeding, by far, is seeing the happiness our kitties bring their new families! It's especially
fun when it's their first Savannah ever (and you know it won't be their last)!
What's the best part about breeding?

28. Page 28
Most often, breeding cats can't live freely as pets in the house without ruining your home. Some intact
females can live together in harmony, but most cannot. And both males AND females will spray;
sometimes the girls are worse than the boys. However, the boys do smell much, much worse. Studs and
queens need to be separated to control breeding. Boys can start spraying and be fertile as early as 4-5
months old, and females can start cycling and get pregnant around four months old. Make sure to build
your cat's living quarters before bringing them into your home/cattery.
What's a typical day/routine at your cattery like?
Have you taken up raw feeding?
I work a full-time job 60+ hours a week to support my family and my hobby. On days I'm not working from
home, I wake up at the crack of dawn to clean up any messes made overnight, feed everyone, clean litter
boxes, and give them some attention. I then get myself ready for work and clean up the messes made
since I cleaned up earlier. When I get home, I do a quick check of everyone, with a little attention and
clean-up of any major messes I see (notice a theme here?) Then, I make everyone's meals for dinner, and
breakfast the following morning so I can catch a few extra minutes of sleep. I work my way through
everyone, giving them dinner, cleaning litter boxes, giving lots of attention, and hosing down the cattery. I
then tend to emails (for work and the cattery) and cattery messages/paperwork. Then I spend more time
with the kitties until it's time to head to bed. While trying to fall asleep, I respond to more emails if I didn't
finish earlier. (Oh, and before bed, one last check for any messes.)
Yes, we've been raw feeding since we got our very first Savannahs. Our cats are almost exclusively raw
fed, but we do give some canned food here and there. I spend my time helping get our kitty families (and
anyone else that needs help) educated and starting with raw diets. And of course, offer advice along the
way if they run into any issues.
Do you or have you bred any other type of cat or animal?
Nope, Savannah's were our first breeding endeavor and my first animal passion.
What do you think about the phasing out of F1 Savannahs?
A Committee is in place to fight the standing rule against registering new Exotics for use in TICA Breeding
programs as of September 21st. They presented new wording to rescind and revise that rule. It will be
voted on by the TICA board of directors at the next board meeting. If it passes, then it will be voted on by
TICA members. I'm hoping this passes, as I can't imagine our breed not being able to bring in any new
Servals at this point in development.
When you want to get away for a weekend or vacation, who tends to your cattery?
What's this “vacation” thing you speak of? I thought those were only in fairy tales! Kidding aside, we
haven’t taken a vacation in the six years we’ve been breeding. I don’t mind though, since I’m away from
home a lot for work (although not as much as I was when we first started our cattery). So, vacation to me is
spending a whole week sleeping in my own bed. The last thing I want to (or can) do is travel on weekends
or for a week of vacation. If I need to be gone a couple days for a cat show or something, I must arrange
for my pet sitter to come.
On top of all said above, I'd personally miss my early generation Savannahs. They're definitely like no
other in purrsonality and intensity.
What about F2s and F3s being phased out?
What should new breeders know about breeding they probably haven't considered?

29. NitroKatz is located in Connecticut and is a TICA registered hobby breeder of guaranteed healthy, happy,
stunning and pre-spoiled Savannah kittens! NitroKatz is currently producing highest quality F2B, F3C, and
F7SBT Savannah kittens.
NitroKatz breeding philosophy mirrors that of many catteries, breeding for HEALTH, TEMPERAMENT,
then TYPE. All cats are fully tested when joining and on a regular basis. They are fed the best raw diet with
supplements and given lots of toys, play time and other enrichment to ensure every kitten has a healthy
start in life.
Every kitten comes with a full written HEALTH guarantee. All the cats are pets first and foremost, so only
those with the best TEMPERAMENT are kept in the breeding program. This guarantees the new kitten
comes with a great TEMPERAMENT, both through genetics as well as socialization.
Our breeding cats are hand-selected to have outstanding and complementary TYPE from some of the best
Savannah breeders in the world. This promises every new kitten represents a stunning example of the
breed and will possess many traits of the Savannah breed standard which can be reviewed HERE.
I'm an ethical animal lover above all else, and my cats come first; no questions asked. We might be a small
cattery compared to most, and we don't have a fancy professional website or take professional pictures.
But we put everything we have into our cattery, and I think we've produced some pretty outstanding
Savannahs.
Page 29
What else would you like the Savannah world to know about you and your cattery?
https://nitrokatzsavannahs.com
You mentioned you work 60 hours a week at your job. What do you do for a living
and can you mostly work from home?
I work for a major medical manufacturer. My primary role is traveling throughout my corner of the country,
training people to use our medical imaging equipment for my specific modality. I have a secondary role
managing our call center (and staffing it sometimes), and teaching people to work our call-center and do
other parts of our job remotely. My job is a varied schedule based on company and customer needs. In a
nutshell, my job varies between working from home (longer than an eight-hour shift due to compliance
“paperwork”), traveling out of state for four to five days, or any schedule in between those.

30. Cats of
NitroKatz

31. Cats of
NitroKatz

32. F2 Nuru is a spayed, one and a half-year-old Silver Spotted female.
We imported her for our breeding program, but that didn't work out as we'd
hoped. She's very petite but proportionate and is ALL early-generation
Savannah with her long legs and body. She LOVES to play, and once she
gets to know you, she also likes petting and cuddles. But like most early-
generation Savannahs, she does NOT want to be picked up or restrained
in any way. She's a timid, quiet girl, and will take some time to acclimate to
a new family. The more you have going on in your home, the longer it will
take her to adjust. (people, pets, kids, activity, etc.)
Due to her age, she's priced similar to an F3 at $3,000. If you've always
wanted an early generation Savannah, this is a great opportunity! We'll
only place Nuru in the US, NO flights for her. She must be picked up at our
cattery in Lebanon, CT, and live within a 8-hour driving distance. Before
contacting us, please check your legality here:
https://www.hybridlaw.com/.
If you're interested in being Nuru’s furrever home, please send us an email
with your location and a description of the home you can provide her
to NitroKatzSavannahs@gmail.com.
Available: F2 "Nuru"
Page 32

33. I asked her to pick the BEST female for me, as I
couldn't make the eight-hour trip until June. She
said to give her a few weeks with the kittens to
learn their personalities.
About two weeks later, I got a picture with mom
nursing her kittens and a video of a little light-
colored kitten. I asked Donna if that one was
mine, and she said, "yes." That was my "Athena-
Grace." Every weekend after that, I'd receive
either a picture or video of my kitten. Most of the
time, it was Saturday, occasionally Sunday, with
an apology from Donna for "being so busy, but
wanted to send something for the week. I knew
then she was an exceptional breeder.
During one of our early conversations, she told
me she'd been a truck driver and saw a
Savannah Cat in a magazine. She contacted the
breeder, who said, "she only sold her kittens to
celebrities and those kinds of people." Donna
mentioned to her husband, Cesar, she felt
disrespected as if being a truck driver wouldn't
allow her to afford a Savannah Cat. It was then
she decided to start a cattery. And she did just
that!
Mandi asked me to let her speak to Donna
because she knew of a litter of F-2 kittens coming
in the next few weeks.
Mandi sent me a picture of the kitten's mamma,
laying by Donna's feet, pregnant with them. A few
weeks later, I got an email from Donna and a
picture of four, wet, newly born kittens.
A Memorial Tribute to Donna Pinillos
by: Suzette Moore-Carter
Saint Lucie West; FL
Page 33
Donna thought she had three females and one male.
A Facebook friend, Mandi, from the United Kingdom,
recommended Donna when I asked her about three
breeders located in South Carolina.

34. After a few weeks, Donna posted the kittens'
pictures to the Savannah Cat group on Facebook
and tagged each one of the owners names. Those
kittens were all sold within the first week of their
life. The other two "girl" kittens turned out to be
boys. Later on, one of those would become my
Bartley-Zeus. Donna was so embarrassed! By this
time, we would talk and text each other periodically
to talk about Athena, my girl. I had a small kitten
sized harness for her and asked Donna if she
would mind getting her used to it if I sent it to her.
She happily agreed, and I also asked her if she
would start calling her by her name, Athena-Grace,
or for short, Athena.
A few weeks passed, and I received a video of my
Athena and her mom, Livie. Donna was talking to
Livie in her cutest baby voice, and Livie jumped
right up, left Athena flat, and ran over to Donna.
That was another time I saw how much Donna's
cats loved her.
When Donna put on Athena's harness for the first
time, she sent me the video. It was beyond
hilarious. Athena acted like she had cooties, trying
to escape the harness. It was way too funny!
Another few videos featured Athena giving Donna
a new hair-do, and all four kittens "helping" her
sweep up the kitten room. My favorite was the one
she called their "jailbreak," where all four had
knocked down the screen door to their kitten room
and were running around her bedroom.
A new breeder in Melbourne, Florida, had initially
purchased Bartley. When Donna discovered he
was a boy, that buyer decided to wait on the next
litter for a female kitten. Donna had named him
Mickey due to his large ears. My husband started
following her cattery on Facebook and decided he
wanted him and asked Donna to begin calling him
Bartley. Don drove up to get Bartley-Zeus a few
weeks later. Now we had two of Donna's babies!
Donna and I had already planned for my mom and
I to pick up Athena the first week of June so I could
meet the rest of her cats and servals she kept as
pets. When Don went to pick up Bartley, he
expected the kittens Donna kept in her special
"kitten room" (off her master bedroom) to take off
fleeing from a stranger. Far from it! All four kittens
ran to him, with Bartley leading the way! Two were
fighting over being in his hair, and two crawled up
his legs. Donna snapped a photo of Bartley and
Don and sent it to me. Donna was having a family
cookout that holiday weekend and had invited both
of us. I had other plans, and Don needed to get
back home as soon as possible. She treated us
like we were part of her family and had only known
us for a couple of months.
On Don's eight-hour trip back to Florida with
Bartley, Donna kept in touch with me by text and
phone. She asked me if one of us could please
sleep with Bartley that evening as he'd never been
Page 34

35. Donna texted me the next morning to ask how
Athena was doing. Don and she would text back
and forth and exchange pictures of Bartley, and I'd
do the same with Athena. I stayed for a few more
weeks with my family in N.C. with Athena. Later that
same summer, Hurricane Matthew threatened
Donna's home. Since her area was prone to
flooding, she brought all of her cats inside her home
to safety. Not Bentley. He wouldn't go in, so she'd
spend the hurricane with him in his pen while her
property flooded. And if that weren't enough, she'd
had a litter of F-3's born during that time.
That Christmas, Don purchased one of those F-3
kittens because, as he said, "she's the most
amazing breeder with the most personality-filled
cats." Any questions I had about my two, and later
my third, Donna always had a logical answer. I
could ask her anything. She was always available.
We kept in touch, and she became a very good
friend to both Don and myself.
In the Spring of that next year, Don sent her a cute
picture of Matthew, the F-3. For the first time, she
didn't respond; and she'd always respond. Donna
loved to hear about "her babies." A few days later,
we'd learn she suffered a brain hemorrhage and
stroke. She stayed in the hospital for three months,
but couldn't recover. Her family brought her home
and set up her bed in the living room overlooking
her cats. She passed away peacefully a few weeks
later at the age of 55.
There was a memorial service for her in the fall.
Along with her family were many friends she'd met
as breeders of their cats, as well as other breeders
too. We will forever miss Donna. Many times I still
want to share Athena, Bartley and Matthew's
pictures and videos with her. She'll always be
known to my fur kids as "their Mommy-Donna."
away from his siblings and was so young. Of
course, we'd already discussed that and decided
Don would spend the evening with him in our guest
room. Again, such an amazing and caring person.
A week later, it was my turn to meet Athena.
Donna had invited my mom and me to stay over as
we had a three-hour drive from my parent's house
in N.C. We arrived, being greeted by Donna and
her husband. My mom stayed in the living room
with Cesar talking and watching TV with a few of
Donna's other kittens. Donna led me back to her
kitten room. There, three beautiful sweet kittens
greeted me. We sat on the steps and talked while
two of those precious kittens were all over me! But
neither was my Athena--she was attached to
Donna.
We went to visit her outside pens to meet some of
her other cats, especially her servals. Wow! Just
wow! Her male serval, Bentley, was super attached
to her. I couldn't meet him up close as he was
"momma's baby", and that was it. I was okay with
that. But, I was able to meet her female serval,
Afra and what a lover she was! I got my first and
only kiss from a serval that day! Her cats had the
best setup I'd ever seen. Each pen was spotless
with a scratching post and a kiddie pool. All her
cats were attentive to her as she took me to meet
each one. It was apparent how much they all loved
her. We were there for a few hours, and when it
was time to go, I asked if she would bring Athena
to my car. I couldn't separate Athena from her
brothers, as they ran and played. Donna brought
her and teared up when she leaned into the car to
give her to me. I told her not to worry, Athena
would have the most wonderful life with me and to
never change. She was indeed in it for the love of
her cats, not the money.
.
Page 35

36. Page 36
One of the first things people new to the Savannah world ask is, "what's the 'F#' mean when reading about
Savannahs"? First, it's essential to define what the "F" word means when referring to our beloved Savannahs.
The "F" stands for Filial and is descended from Latin "filius", meaning "son," and "filia", meaning "daughter." In
English (where it's been used since at least the 14th century), it's always applied to both sexes.
So, now we know that filial refers to a son or daughter descendent. We now apply that to mean the son or daughter
of the African Serval, the point of origin where the Savannah begins. An easy example is F1 = the son or daughter
of a serval. F2 = the grandson or granddaughter of a serval, and so on down the line. Now, let's move onto what
the number means.
The number refers to how many generations removed the Savannah is from its African Serval parent/ancestor. An
F1 Savannah Cat is a first-generation offspring from a serval parent, which in Savannah breeding is generally a
male serval bred to a domestic or Savannah female; mostly the latter. An F2 is a second-generation offspring, with
the serval being his or her grandparent. An F3 is a third-generation offspring, making the serval his or her great-
grandparent, and on down the line to F8.
To take things one step further, you'll also, at times, see a letter following the filial and number, such as F3 "C". The
letters are for Savannah to Savannah breeding only. For example, our Savannah Luna, is an "F3C". Here's the
breakdown:
You'll also see "SBT" which stands for "Stud Book Tradition."
SBT means the kitten has Savannah parents for
at least three generations,making him or her a purebred
Savannah Cat.
In summary, any generation male (usually F5-8) when
bred to an F1 female, produces an F2 kitten. An F2
female bred to any generation male produces an F3 and
so forth. Here's another example: an F3 female and an
F6 male, produces an F4 kitten. Lastly, ANY female
bred to a male serval produces an F1 kitten.
What's the "F" is that "F" Word?
A = one parent is a Savannah, and the other parent an
outcross, which is the serval in this case. The father is a
serval and the mother, a Savannah. (Fact: F1-F4 and
some F5 Savannah males are sterile).
B = both parents are Savannahs with at least one parent
being an "A" and at least one grandparent on either side,
an outcross/serval.
C = one parent is "B" and other can be "B, C, or SBT"
and at least one grandparent is an “A”.
by: Debra Roberts

37. Founded in 2003, Savannah Cat Rescue (SVR) is a
volunteer service (not brick and mortar) by Savannah
breeders: Kristine Alessio and Brigitte Cowell Moyne,
along with a core group of volunteers across the
United States and Canada. The mission of SVR is to
rescue Savannah Cats and provide education to the
public about the Savannah Cat Breed.
SVR cats come from a variety of places, the primary
being breeders who’ve sold kittens to owners,
unprepared or unable, to care for a Savannah. The
second, the breeder didn't assume responsibility
when new owners needed help or decided to return
the cat. A good breeder will always take back a cat,
he/she has bred, no matter the age or circumstances.
Luckily, most Savannah breeders fall into this “good”
category!
When owners first contact the SVR, they prefer to
help them work through any problem(s) they may be
having. If a resolution is unsuccessful, or if the
owner’s lost the patience or ability to deal with the
problem, SCR can take
possession of the cat with the owner’s agreement (a
legal surrender form).
SVR identifies qualified foster homes, and places
rescued cats for evaluation until placed into a
permanent home. SCR will work with foster homes to
rehabilitate cats if necessary, have them vetted
(vaccinated and spayed/neutered), and evaluate any
special needs or requirements. SCR gives first
preference to foster homes if their home is a good fit.
Although the Savannah breed is young, it’s growing
fast, and the numbers of Savannah cats and catteries
producing Savannahs are increasing. SCR expects to
see more Savannah cats in Rescue in the future, but
this is NOT a reflection of a breed problem, merely a
fact of feline life.
Available rescued Savannah cats are showcased on
the SCR Facebook page
or https://groups.io/g/SavannahCatRescue. SCR never
knows when a cat will become available in any
location. Rescue Savannahs are typically adult cats of
varying generations, ages, and genders and are rarely
kittens. All Savannahs available for adoption through
SCR will be spayed or neutered and come from a
foster or the current owner’s home.
Check the Hybrid Law site to ensure Savannahs are
legal where you live before inquiring about an available
Savannah. SCR will NOT adopt to anyone living in an
illegal area! If in doubt about the legality in your
community, homeowners association, city, county,
state, or province, contact your local Animal Control
officer. Always make sure you’re in legal compliance
with the number of pets you may own. We do require
landlord permission and proof to own a cat if you rent
or lease your home.
Adoption fees for each Rescue Savannah are usually
$200, and donations also fund SCR.
Written with permission by SVR.
Please consider donating to the
SVR here.
Page 37

38. PHOEBE'S BIG ADVENTURE
A Story of Survival
Written by: Debra Roberts
Page 38
Phoebe is our sweet, doscile,
F5 Savannah, whose spots are
concealed under her beautiful,
unique autumn-leaf and
ginger-colored coat
Phoebe was very calm on the ride home and during her days of quarantine in our master
bathroom. It was as if nothing ever happened to her.
Her only stress, was the other three cats hissing, growling, and trying to get in the room to
see her. It was obvious she's tough as nails and used to being around numerous cats;
nothing phased her--especially after what she'd been through spending ten days stuck in a
high tree!
Phoebe definitely used two of her nine lives while stranded in that tree. One when she
escaped out the door, scaled the tree, and went for ten days without food and water. The
second, when she [likely] fell from the tree and made her way back to safety in her
weakened state. She's a very lucky and thankful girl, who's perfectly well-behaved and the
model house cat. She doesn't meow, she squeaks. She enjoys an occasional walk on the
cat wheel, but is mostly content to relax. She's awkward on a harness, but is happy to
wear it if it means she can lay in the grass and catch bugs. She's been the purrfect
addition to our Savannah family.
Phoebe was born 6/21/17 and is full
littermate to our silver F5 girl, Calypso.
We got a late start with this little one, as
she'd been with her breeder, Paul
Casaudoumecq, until coming to live
with us on 10/24/18. We never
imagined having three, let alone four
Savannahs! Phoebe needed a home and
where better than with her sister? What
led up to her coming to live with us, is
her incredible survival story.
After escaping out the door, running
across many acres, and scaling an out-
of-reach, unusually-shaped tree
(pictured on page 40), Phoebe spent ten
days balancing on a branch. Paul didn't
find her for four days! Being an
experienced climber, used his gear in
attempt to reach her, making it to the
junction of the trunk and the branch,
but the branch couldn't hold human
weight. He made multiple trips on foot
each day to coax her down get food to
her by hoisting a laundry basket on a
rope, containing raw chicken. Phoebe
(then known as "Patches") wasn't able
to muster the courage to traverse the
thready branches and steep decline to
the trunk to get to the basket. Day after
day, Paul tried to lure her down, to no
avail--all the while, telling me "she's
coming to live with you when I get her"!
I always asked about her and if she'd found her forever home. It was clear, as Phoebe got
older, she belonged with us--if she were to survive this ordeal. I felt bad for not giving her a
home sooner, which would've avoided her being in this situation to begin with. This
experience really drives home how easy these cats can escape. Paul always says to me "it's
not a matter of IF they escape, it's a matter of WHEN". He's very right...we've already had
Titan dash out the front door once when it was least expected.
We'd always had a soft spot for this girl from the time we visited
Paul's cattery to bring home our F5 girl Calypso and F3 boy Titan.
As the days lingered on, the outcome seemed more and more grim.
Paul kept me updated each day on the progress--or lack thereof. And each day I became
more worried. On the tenth day, I received the dreaded message from Paul saying "she's no
longer in the tree. I'm going to grab Penny (Paul's tracking dog) to see which way she
went".
My heart sank. I called my husband and gave him the sad news. It wasn't 30 minutes
before I heard from Paul again. He said "you aren't going to believe this, but I just found her
in the barn, sleeping on top of my golf clubs"! I couldn't believe it. She was not only alive,
but healthy and unscathed, having lost roughly four pounds. After a visit to the vet, Phoebe
was on a plane about a week later to Ohio!
When I picked Phoebe up at the airport after a full day of flying with
two connections, she immediately started to purr in her crate.

39. Phoebe
Happy in Her
Furrever Home

40. Phoebe

41. It was $40 on Amazon and consisted of a stiffer 35" x 47" rug floor mat with a rubber backing, a flimsier version of the
same rug with holes cut into it, and small randomly placed Velcro pieces.
The concept is, you position the lighter rug (with the holes) on the bottom floor mat, using the Velcro, to make tunnels
your cat can play in. The holes can be made larger with scissors as needed. I admit I was more than a little disappointed
by the product when I got it. It does not perform as intended; the rug with the holes collapsed onto the floor mat, and
the tunnels didn't stay in position. Further, Echo would plow into it, dislodging the top rug from its bottom one as soon
as I'd replace it.
We went so far as to make wooden spools of different heights, with Velcro at either end, to hold up the "tunnels". These,
however, became "chew toys," and we had to abandon that idea. After eight or nine months, Echo rarely played in it,
unless I was involved, and I eventually put it away.
I purchased the Ripple Rug for Echo, my first F2, three and a half years ago.
The "Ripple Rug" Review
This time, despite its inability to stay in any positioned
form, it was an instant hit! Ronin made his tunnels, with
both the rug and the mat. Now, at just over a year old and
more than 24 lbs., he continues to enjoy it daily. He drags
his toys to it, forces them into one of the smaller holes,
and Serval-pounces on his prey. He puts his head through
one of the large holes and wears it as a cape. He uses the
top rug to play slip-and-slide, hitting it at full speed and
sliding it across the hardwood floor - riding it like Aladdin.
He drags it around the house, uses it as a scratching rug,
and sleeps on it. Echo even joins him at times.
I now view the Ripple Rug as an essential item (in addition
to the stuffing-less rodents); and, because Ronin is such a
Rug Rat, I'm the proud owner of several of these ill-
performing toys!
When Ronin came home, I decided to give the
Ripple Rug another shot.
By: Keri Libbe, Savannah owner
EACH RIPPLE RUG IS MADE USING 24 POST-
CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES!
Page 41
Each Ripple Rug ordered through this Amazon
link will send the $1.00 commission proceeds to
Savannah Cat Rescue

43. Both backs need rabits the full length of their sides,
and dados for the bottom and top.
Both sides will need a rabit on one side (mirrored)
while the opposite side will be mitered at 22 ½
degrees, along with dados for the bottom and top.
We’ll shape it in another step.
Dados for the bottom and top will be needed, and
miters of 22 ½ degrees on the sides.
The Cut List:
2 “backs” – 24” w x 24” h (A & B backs)
2 “sides” – 19” w x 24” h
1 Bottom/1 Top – Start with a square of 23-
1/4”
1 “corner” panel insert – about 8” w x 24” h
We’ve all seen the cat furniture ads, clicked through, only to be astounded by the price. Not only that, but did
they really think some of our beasts would fit into a little cube of 16”? After studying the design closely, I
determined that with my limited woodworking experience, I could actually make one that Ascher, our 30# F2,
could comfortably use. And it could be built with some of the pieces of Maple plywood I had left over from a
previous project.
After fiddling with various dimensions, I settled on a 24” cube, having an angled corner and two entry holes,
plus a hole in the top, providing another lounging area, while offering a way for the two Savannahs (Tikvah, F6
and Ascher, F2) to interact. I set about designing the plan, with the intent of mounting it in a corner of our
bedroom.
This took me about 3 days to build, I already had most of the materials I needed, so it definitely did not cost
$151 (plus shipping!). But even if you need to purchase the basic materials, it’s not going to cost even a third of
what purchasing it would be.
I made two floating shelves with other scrap materials (with more carpet on top) for the cats to use as steps up
to the house, as seen in the photos.
DIY Wall Mounted
Cat House
by: Laura Root, Savannah Owner
Page 43

44. Table saw
Router
Drill with ½” bit
Jig saw
Iron-on banding (to finish the raw edges of
plywood)
Frog Tape
Stain and topcoat
Glue and spreader
Multiple Clamps longer than 24” (you can never
have enough clamps!)
Philips screwdriver and #8 x 2 ½” cabinet screws
4-6” ladder
Adhesive-backed carpet squares (or scrap carpet
and carpet tape)
Equipment list:
Because I had enough scrap ½” thick Maple plywood, I
decided to use that for the backs, sides and corner
panel. This keeps the weight down, but I used ¾” thick
maple plywood for the top and bottom, because, well...
Ascher!
Page 44
1. Once you have your pieces cut, the routing begins.
Based on the wood I was using, I made my rabits on
the sides of both the backs and mirrored sides, as well
as the “front” panel ¼” deep and ½” wide.
2. My dados were made ¼” deep and ¾” wide,
because the top and bottom were ¾” plywood. These
dados once glued, will help keep everything in
alignment and offer good support for jumping and
playing cats! The positioning of the dados will
determine how much space there will be for a ledge on
the top of the house as well as a place for attaching to
the wall; for the bottom, how much space you will have
for attaching the house to the wall from the bottom.
The way I built ours, there is a 2 1/4” upper ledge to
contain lounging cats, and the top edge of the bottom
dado is at 3” (I built this much like a very weird-shaped
cabinet). This leaves more or less 18” inside the house
A "rabit" is a cut into a piece of wood along the edge. A
"dado" is that same "cut", but farther inside the slab of
wood. The cut at the bottom is a rabbit. The cut up the
middle is a dado.

45. 3. I sketched an arched opening in the center of the
two sides, beginning at the TOP of the lower dado for
the bottom. This allows the bottom, once installed, to
be flush with the opening. I used a DeWalt drill with a
½” bit to make holes at the lower corners and at the
beginning of the upper arch so that I could use the jig
saw to complete the cutout. (I like arched openings,
but it’s more complicated than just having a square
opening, which is perfectly acceptable.) My openings
are 10” w x 12” h. If your cats are “normal” sized, you
can make them smaller if you wish. Sand the edges of
the plywood smooth.
4. The top and bottom will need to have their “front”
angles cut – this can be done now or later, after
staining, but just before assembly. Jig saw still in
hand, decide where you’d like an opening in the top
for the cats to use. I placed ours a few inches interior
the front angle, with an 8” diameter.
5. Miter at 22 ½ degrees the mirrored sides (opposite
the side with the rabit!), and both sides of the front
panel. Based on what materials you use, the
calculations for the width of the sides and front panel,
as well as the top and bottom cut off angle will need to
be done on the fly.
6. Place your iron-on banding on the tops and
bottoms of all sides, backs and front panel. This will
give a nice smooth look to this piece of cat furniture.
7. Mask all rabits and dados to prevent stain and
topcoat from getting on the edges – a clean, raw edge
is necessary for the wood glue to adhere properly.
Apply your choice of stain and topcoat, sanding
between layers.
8. Once the last layer of topcoat is dried down, you
can assemble the box. Begin with a back and a side,
then glue the top and bottom into the dados of that
corner assembly. Clamp and let the glue cure for at
least 20 minutes (it grabs quickly). Continue with the
other back, remembering to place glue into the top
and bottom dados as well, clamp and wait. Glue the
last side, top and bottom, clamp and wait.
Page 45

46. 9. Your front panel is last – ensure proper
dimensions with a dry fit. Using Frog Tape (it holds
well without leaving marks on finished wood), place
strips of tape on the FRONT edges of the front panel.
These will act as clamps (unless you’ve got special
angle clamps, this works very well) once you apply
the glue. Remember to put glue into the top and
bottom dados, as well as the angled sides, then insert
the front panel into place, making sure to line up the
edges with the angled sides. Press the Frog Tape
tightly around the corners, then add horizontal strips
at the top, bottom and middle to ensure good contact.
10. Once all of the glue is cured, it’s time to install!
We put ours at about 60” from the floor. Locate the
studs in the corner and walls where you want the
house, mark with Frog Tape. Installing took two
people – one to hold in place, the other using the
screwdriver. Use the ladder to reach the top ledge for
installing screws there.
11. I’d ordered some 24” adhesive carpet squares,
but they didn't arrive until after we installed the house.
It was fairly easy even then to place the carpet on the
top, cut to fit, and cut the opening for the hole. The
bottom carpet was simple to just cut off the corner to
fit, roll it up, insert inside the house, and lay it down.
C A T H O U S E
DIY
L e a r n m o r e a b o u t
m a k i n g y o u r o w n a m a z i n g
c a t h o u s e !
Do you have a DIY
project to share with
your fellow readers?
Let's hear it!
Page 46
Don't miss our awesome cat tree
below in the next issue!

47. Savannah Cat Care Fund (SVCCF) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization that seeks to provide financial assistance throughout the
United States to Savannah pet cat owners who cannot afford emergency
care for their Savannah cat. SVCCF financial assistance applies to all
illnesses and injuries, requiring immediate emergency or urgent care.
The fund started because we were disheartened by the Savannah cats
euthanized or surrendered when the owner(s) couldn't pay veterinary bills.
This fund has been years in the making, and as our breed grows, so do its
needs.
To generate financial support for the organization's initiatives, through outreach and fundraising, with a
primary focus on providing financial assistance to Savannah pet cat owners experiencing financial hardship
due to unanticipated emergency/urgent cat care expenses.
To work with Savannah Rescue and help/save savannah cats BEFORE they are surrendered or euthanized
due to the inability of an owner to provide emergency veterinary care.
To work with veterinarians on accepting pet insurance and allowing owners to pay only deductibles and
copays;
To provide education and resources to Savannah owners as needed.
Savannah Cat Care Fund was discussed with the Directors of Savannah Cat Rescue (Brigitte Cowell Moyne
and Kristine C. Alessio). Paige Dana and Kathleen Mcgown are on the Savannah Rescue team, and our
thinking was we needed to have an organization that could help pet savannahs BEFORE they were
surrendered or euthanized. We would help SV Rescue, our Savannah cats, and the community.
A group evolved from the idea, and the idea came to fruition, with the help of many people. We formed a
nonprofit organization with a Board of Directors and moved ahead. BUT…we cannot help anyone without the
money to do so. SVCCF will work with SV Rescue to do just that. We will also work with the community and
anyone that needs emergency funds to save or help their savannah pet.
The goals of Savannah Cat Care Fund are:
We define a Savannah cat as (a) a Savannah with TICA registration; or, (b) a Savannah rescued from SV
Rescue with proof of such; or, (c) a cat with no registration papers but deemed a Savannah by the SVCCF
Board of Directors or their appointees; or, (d) a Savannah recognized and confirmed as such by the cat's
breeder.
Savannah Cat Care Fund
Written with permission by the SVCCF. Please consider donating to the SVCCF
here.
Page 47

48. Ferris Cat Exercise Wheel G5
Page 48

49. This plant-based litter is cleaner and healthier for your cat,
family and home. The wood fiber naturally prevents enzymes
from bonding with liquid and waste to stop the creation of
ammonia and odor. It clumps solid for easy scooping and is
99% dust-free. Okocat litter is biodegradable and flushable. It's
made from sustainably sourced, responsibly rescued natural
wood fiber that can be safely returned to the earth. Just scoop
and flush one clump at a time. Okocat litter absorbs fast and
never sticks to your box. With regular scooping, litter can last up
to 7 weeks.
Mr. Peanut's Expandable Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet
Carrier
I've tried so many different carriers and pet taxis for our four
and this is by far, the best! As much as they all love one
another when at home, they hate each other when traveling.
We finally bit the bullet and bought them each their own carrier.
This one fits the bill for safety, expansion, and overall comfort
for both your cat and you.
Editor's Picks
ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
Page 49
Feliscratch is my go-to scratching aid! I first learned about this
from Steve Dale a few years ago when we got our first
Savannah. I wasn't sure I wanted to put purple liquid on our
scratching posts, but it really works! The color doesn't stay and
fade away. Feliscratch redirects scratching onto the scratching
post and is clinically proven to help reduce or stop unwanted
scratching in the home.
When applied on the scratching surface, Feliscratch sends a
message to the cat, visually (blue lines) and invisibly (territory
messages) to direct the cat to scratch there.
You can get it now at Chewy.com for $5.99 and Amazon Prime
for $14.61.
Feliscratch by Feliway

50. Editor's Picks
Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Cat
Wipes 100 wipes
KONG Scratch Apple Cat Toy
Cat Toy
Gonicc Cat Nail Clippers
Do you have a product you love and
want to share with your fellow
readers? Submit it here!
Suitical Recovery Suit
for Cats
Page 50
or

51. Ask Auntie
Vannah
Q&A
Ask us anything Sa"vannah" you want to know
and we'll address it in a future issue! Check out
the list of commonly asked questions on the next
page.
Page 51

52. Shopping through any of our affiliate links (Litter Robot, Ferris Cat Wheel, Etsy,and Amazon Products)
Doing your regular Amazon shopping through our Amazon banner on our website
Supporting us through a monthly Patreon donation
Direct donations via Paypal
Is there a subscription fee to read Savannahgans Magazine?
This is a labor of love from one Savannah lover to all others. However, we do have many expenses to cover to
make this a legitimate and legal publication (insurance, trademark, web hosting, illustrator, etc.). If you wish to
support us, you may do so on our website in one of several ways listed below. It's our hope, once we get a
small revenue flow, to donate proceeds to the Savannah Rescue and Care Funds! We'll always be
transparent and share any and all donations made to these causes so you can see how your support is
helping.
There's so much great information here! How long did it take to put this issue together?
We started this venture in February of this year and minus the 6-8 week initial COVID hiatus (awaiting
information from my many contributors as they adjusted to the changing climate), finished the first issue June
14th 2020 and this one September 3rd.
How often will Savannahgans Magazine be published?
The plan is to release issues in January, April, July, and October starting in 2021. We're slowly getting on
track as we release the next three issues this year, 2020. The Summer issue is slated for early September
and Fall for mid-late October 2020. The Winter issue will commence on track in January 2021 and from there,
April, July, October mid-month.
How will Savannahgans Magazine be available to me to read?
Please go to our website, click on the tab "Magazine" at the top, or one cover photo of the current issue" on
the home page. You'll see a beautiful, full-color, digital magazine with clickable links and videos too! From
there, you'll see a pop-up box where you can subscribe (free) and be the first to know about the next issue's
release!
I have a great Savannah story, DIY project, or product review I'd like to share. How can I get it
published here?
You can submit your story idea by visiting our website and clicking on "contact" tab in the top menu.
Page 52

54. Peri Hughes started Barron Photografix nearly two decades
ago. She's a passionate photographer, enjoys gardening,
and spending time with her precious kitties. She enjoys
learning new techniques and building her creative portfolio.
One of Peri's newest ventures is custom cat themed gift
items. These gifts range from mugs to wine tumblers and
make the perfect gift for the cat lover in your life. Peri
lovingly assembles each design and her lab creates these
beautiful keepsakes. Each one can be customized to your
specific wants or needs. Peri and her team make your order
personal by quickly answering questions and sending
proofs. If you haven't checked them out, do it now on her
Etsy page.
WWW.BARRONPHOTOGRAFIX.COM
Use code SAVANNAHGANS at our Etsy Store for 10% off Savannah-related products!

58. WATCH FOR OUR FALL ISSUE
COMING IN OCTOBER!
Page 58

59. Photography &
Print Release
SAVANNAHGANS
THE International Savannah Cat Magazine
If you'd like you and/or your cat's photos or stories to appear in Savannahgans e-magazine,
website, and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), please complete,
date, and sign this form along with your content or photo submission to:
Savannahgans@gmail.com. It's your responsibility to add any watermarks to your photos if
concerned about unlawful duplication.
Yes, I give my permission to use my submitted stories, photos, or videos in the
magazine, at www.savannahgans.com, and on any of Savannahgan's social
media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I understand it's my
responsibility to add a watermark to any photos for added copyright protectionl
Signature:
Printed Name:
Date:
Cattery Name if applicable:
Email Address and Website if applicable: