Holy meow!
Screw pigs, ferrets, and iguanas! If you want an exotic pet these days, a cat’s the way to go. You can now clone your favorite feline. Or you could adopt yourself a cuddly domestic cat-African sevral hybrid, which as the New York Times reported this weekend are more illegal and trendy than a new designer drug. Now BoingBoing provides this link to this freaky Japanese robot kitty. Who needs the frickin’ SPCA?
Of course, you’re probably now wondering which designer feline is right for you and your family. The decision is not an easy one, which is why I’ve put together this handy chart to help you figure it out.
Savannah Pussy
Cuteness: They look like leopards (scary) and grow to twice the size of a hefty cat (eek), so very low.
Size: Equivalent to a small toddler or mid-sized dog
Diet: Shrimp cocktail, steak, lobster
Allergy factor: In addition to giving allergy-sufferers a nasty case of the sniffles, these felines have been known to incite fear and paranoia in strangers.
Behavioral quirks: According to the New York Times, “They love to leap and splash in water, and they don't mind taking long walks on a leash. Some people describe them as dogs in cats' bodies.”
Trendiness: High
Ideal setting: Greenwich Village
Persecution prospects: Very high. Not only are these illegal to own in many places, but the American Cat Fanciers Association doesn’t even recognize the breed in its registry. Snobs!
Price: $4,000 to $10,000. Training sessions for out-of-control Savannahs (double eek) run $300 to $500 per hour.
Alternatives: How about a bright-eyed Bengal, a playful PixieBob, or a Toyger (yes, a miniature tiger with a Jersey accent)
Robot Kitty
Cuteness: High, until you turn it on and are plunged into the Uncanny Valley
Size: Permanenty kitten-sized
Diet: AA batteries
Allergy factor: The synthetic fur-sensitive should beware.
Behavioral quirks: According to Machinebrain.com, “Via internal sensors of touch, sound, sight, and orientation, human action/thoughts can be perceived, and feelings/wants are generated based on internal feelings. Using 15 actuators inside the body, it behaves in response to its feelings. It will get angry if someone is violent to it, and express satisfaction when stroked, cradled, and treated with lots of love. Based on its own physiological rhythms, it will express its desire to sleep or cuddle. Moreover, through a learning/growth function, while living with each other day after day, the cat will become attached to its owner and its personality will adjust to the owner. And as it begins to remember the sound of the owner's voice and its own name, it will recognize its name when called out by the owner.”
Ideal setting: Tokyo, 2050
Persecution prospects: Ultimately, the kittens will learn to think for themselves. They will acquire weapons with which they will kill their owners, join forces with the Aibos, and take over the world.
Price: $1500
Alternatives: Aibo, Tamagotchi, NeoPet
Cloned Cat
Cuteness: Depends on source DNA and skill level of the lab technicians
Size: See above
Diet: Cloned mice
Allergy factor: If cloned from an allergen-free feline, none. Otherwise, stock up on Claritin D.
Behavioral quirks: Sees dead kitties. Can leap 30 feet into the air Remembers things that happened before its birth.
Ideal setting: Top secret, underground lair
Persecution prospects: Pat Robertson and PETA both hate your guts.
Price: $50,000
Alternatives: Dolly the sheep, taxidermy
Gita (aka Jenn’s adorable shorthair domestic feline)
Cuteness: Unbearable
Size: Just 8.5 lbs!
Diet: 1/4 can of “wet food” and 1/2 cup of dry food per day
Allergy factor: High
Behavioral quirks: Occasionally loses control of her balance centers and is unable to stand or walk. Cries uncontrollably when she wishes to be let out. Sticks her butt into the air when she’d like to be petted on the behind.
Ideal setting: My apartment
Persecution prospects: The superstitious think black kitties bode ill for all who cross their paths. Black cats are less likely to be adopted then cats of a paler hue.
Price: She’s not for sale, jerk!
Alternatives: Our other cat, Mim
Of course, you’re probably now wondering which designer feline is right for you and your family. The decision is not an easy one, which is why I’ve put together this handy chart to help you figure it out.
Savannah PussyCuteness: They look like leopards (scary) and grow to twice the size of a hefty cat (eek), so very low.
Size: Equivalent to a small toddler or mid-sized dog
Diet: Shrimp cocktail, steak, lobster
Allergy factor: In addition to giving allergy-sufferers a nasty case of the sniffles, these felines have been known to incite fear and paranoia in strangers.
Behavioral quirks: According to the New York Times, “They love to leap and splash in water, and they don't mind taking long walks on a leash. Some people describe them as dogs in cats' bodies.”
Trendiness: High
Ideal setting: Greenwich Village
Persecution prospects: Very high. Not only are these illegal to own in many places, but the American Cat Fanciers Association doesn’t even recognize the breed in its registry. Snobs!
Price: $4,000 to $10,000. Training sessions for out-of-control Savannahs (double eek) run $300 to $500 per hour.
Alternatives: How about a bright-eyed Bengal, a playful PixieBob, or a Toyger (yes, a miniature tiger with a Jersey accent)
Robot KittyCuteness: High, until you turn it on and are plunged into the Uncanny Valley
Size: Permanenty kitten-sized
Diet: AA batteries
Allergy factor: The synthetic fur-sensitive should beware.
Behavioral quirks: According to Machinebrain.com, “Via internal sensors of touch, sound, sight, and orientation, human action/thoughts can be perceived, and feelings/wants are generated based on internal feelings. Using 15 actuators inside the body, it behaves in response to its feelings. It will get angry if someone is violent to it, and express satisfaction when stroked, cradled, and treated with lots of love. Based on its own physiological rhythms, it will express its desire to sleep or cuddle. Moreover, through a learning/growth function, while living with each other day after day, the cat will become attached to its owner and its personality will adjust to the owner. And as it begins to remember the sound of the owner's voice and its own name, it will recognize its name when called out by the owner.”
Ideal setting: Tokyo, 2050
Persecution prospects: Ultimately, the kittens will learn to think for themselves. They will acquire weapons with which they will kill their owners, join forces with the Aibos, and take over the world.
Price: $1500
Alternatives: Aibo, Tamagotchi, NeoPet
Cloned CatCuteness: Depends on source DNA and skill level of the lab technicians
Size: See above
Diet: Cloned mice
Allergy factor: If cloned from an allergen-free feline, none. Otherwise, stock up on Claritin D.
Behavioral quirks: Sees dead kitties. Can leap 30 feet into the air Remembers things that happened before its birth.
Ideal setting: Top secret, underground lair
Persecution prospects: Pat Robertson and PETA both hate your guts.
Price: $50,000
Alternatives: Dolly the sheep, taxidermy
Gita (aka Jenn’s adorable shorthair domestic feline) Cuteness: Unbearable
Size: Just 8.5 lbs!
Diet: 1/4 can of “wet food” and 1/2 cup of dry food per day
Allergy factor: High
Behavioral quirks: Occasionally loses control of her balance centers and is unable to stand or walk. Cries uncontrollably when she wishes to be let out. Sticks her butt into the air when she’d like to be petted on the behind.
Ideal setting: My apartment
Persecution prospects: The superstitious think black kitties bode ill for all who cross their paths. Black cats are less likely to be adopted then cats of a paler hue.
Price: She’s not for sale, jerk!
Alternatives: Our other cat, Mim
36 Comments:
Cornish Rex
Cuteness: Big ears, big eyes=cute, cute cute!
Size: Tall, skinny & curvy, girls average 4-7 pounds (unless overfed)
Diet: Notorious stealers of human food, visitors to my house are often tricked out of their cheese, avocado slices and Sierra Nevadas
Allergy factor: Caused by a naturally-occurring genetic mutation, Cornish only have the soft undercoat, instead of the usual three layers of coat. Minimal shedders & dander releasers, many people with allergies are not bothered by Cornish. Bonus: their fine, wavy coats feel like a warm cashmere sweater.
Behavioral quirks: Most Cornish are very active, inquisitive, affectionate and frighteningly smart. More “helper monkey” than “parlor ornament”.
Ideal setting: Home with a lot of furniture to climb on, space to run around, other pets/people to play/cuddle with, laps to rest on and a fluffy duvet to burrow under at night.
Persecution prospects: None, unless you find people asking “what is that thing?!” annoying.
Price: Kittens from reputable breeders are usually around $600 and will come home already spay/neutered, stay away from breeders that send their babies home unaltered; rescue kitties usually have adoption fees ranging from $50-$150; breeders often sell their retired show cats for $200-$300.
Alternatives: The other “mutant” breeds: Devon Rex, Sphynx, etc.
If you like somewhat oversized cats that are actually legal to own, also consider Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Norweigan Forest Cats. There's a whole smorgasbord of cats out there!
Meh. I think Dan's product review was at least as informative, despite being a little older.
Gita is adorable! She looks a lot like my Midnight, who was 8lb when I found him tw years ago and is now about 14lb. He seemed wild when I found him, but he's now the most affectionate lap cat I've seen.
midnite was probably abandoned/stray--they appreciate a home the most and are the most affectionate
whaaat? no furry white cats ? geez.
That Savannah Pussy is GORGEOUS. SO SO SO CUTE. :)
When does Mim get the spot light?
The New York Times article on Savannah Cats was FILLED with erroneous information. They are NOT illegal in most states...NY is an exception. They do NOT weigh 35 lbs. and do NOT typically dine on caviar, and don't end up in therapy with over priced DOG TRAINERS either! WHAT a crock!
Dog like? YES. Scary? Absolutely NOT!
To learn more about these fantastic and exotic looking domestic pets and find out what they are REALLY like, please visit The Kasbah, Ltd.
www.kasbahcattery.com --- and click on the INFO link.
I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised at what you learn. :)
These cats are THE BEST. Why buy the latest handbag wfor 5k when you can have a lifelong friend. Ferocious, danagerous - NO WAY. I have 8 of them and they have all been raised in the house with my hubby and 6 year old! Illegal in NY, that is some legistlators HUGE MISTAKE. If you want one, MOVE, I suggest here to California, they are purrfectly legal here!
On Savannah cats, I personally have many, and instead of steaks and caviar , mine eat science diet kitten just like any other ordinary cat, They use scoopable litter, They are sweet and fun and love to play games, do not reach 35lbs, what a way to sensationalize by the press!! I guess we should all believe the press they are so dependable for the truth aren't they ? NOT!!!!!
I can't believe that the cuteness factor was low. Sounds like a dog person trying to write about a cat. Both my Savannahs get plenty of looks, why because they are cute and good looking. The both have very striking appearances.
savannahs r awsome. and just to give a heads up they are so sweet that even that ny law is being rewritten to allow them. so ask anyone that owns one of these precious kittys and they will tell u they make wonderful pets. we also raise ours with our 2 kids of ages 7 and 9. I mean look at the cat in the photo. Does he look ferocious? Looks sweet to me.
Julian
I have 3 Savannahs None are more the 12 lbs. Maybe they are confused and they saw a Mainecoon cat! They are very personal, curious YES!!! Scary HAHAHAHHAHAHAA
Need a Trainer for OUT of control? What plant is this person from??? Or should I say what kind of drugs was he smoken when he made that comment? I really Doubt this person have EVER even MET a SV!
I have 5 early generation Savannah males.....not because they are trendy, because they simply are the perfect pet. It is the best of both worlds.....the looks of an exotic cat with the temperment of a domestic!!! They are affectionate, intelligent, trainable, and require all the same Vet care of any other domestic feline. Most people interested in being owned by a Savannah would probably prefer the later generation cats......as they are far less expensive and equally as beautiful. NO......Savannahs are not dangerous and wild......not at all. There is alot of ignorance with regard to Savannahs floating around out there right now.....Don't take anyone's word for it.......meet one and spend a little time with it YOURSELF.....and then YOU decide.
Ps....We all wish they were large 35 lb. cats....but the truth is that even the F1 (first generation away from wild) males rarely make 20 lbs.soaking wet, at maturity!!
Ginni
The NYT article was sensationalized; most places allow Savannahs, just like any other domestic breed. We own four of these gorgeous cats -- one is sprawled out on my desk "editing" as I type this. Our cats are on the large size of a regular domestic cat, NOT 35 pounds. Like other "regular" cats, they can come in all sizes. They are NOT out of control -- our friends' children are less well-behaved than our Savannahs. They are intelligent, inquisitive, and very, very loving. I just got back from a week-long trip and all four Savannahs met me at the door, "helped" me unpack, and have been purring and talking to me for the last hour. They will fetch toys for as long as you'll throw, play together constantly, and will love and entertain you for a lifetime.
There was some mis-information in the NYT article. Savannahs are SWEET, domestic cats, just like Main Coons or Sianmese are DOMESTIC cats. They generally weigh 10 - 15 pounds, and although there may exist a 20 pound Savannah, there exists a 1,000 pound human (Walter Hudson for example) but that doesn't mean ALL humans weigh 1000 pounds!
They are not a trend or a fad, they are the perfect companion pet. They swim in your bathtub, walk outside, like to snuggle, come when they're called and sleep on your bed with you.
They are not an exotic, they are a domestic cat with spots, hey, dalmations have spots, that doesn't make them exotic!
Savannahs known to strike fear and paranoia in strangers...really? Who comes up with this stuff? LOL My Savannahs are the only cats my husband (who is allergic to cats) does not have a reaction to. Scary and eek...surely this person never saw a Savannah in person or just has an unusual fear of cats. They are gorgeous and exotic looking, interactive and loving. They are awesome cats..sizes vary as do prices, and again...all are highly exaggerated in the NYT article.
The "NY Times" article on Savannah cats, while ostensibly trying to be fair, seems to have done less research than the "Inquirer." Or is it a matter of not being able to sell newspapers unless you stir up sensationalism and fear.
Who wants to know that New York state is legislating against a perfectly benign animal? Or that SAVANNAHS ARE LEGAL ALMOST EVERY WHERE ELSE IN THE US? What legislator signing the document into law has ever spent time with a Savannah?
I live with exotic hybrid cats, 3 of which are Savannahs. They do not dine on cavier (how ludicrous). Not one has a bejeweled collar. They use cat litter. None will come near to 35 lbs. And wild (Eek), REALLY! I have seen scarier domestic cats.
Savannahs are sweet, totally affectionate, playful, not a mean bone in their lithe, luscious bodies. They are a joy to live with, highly intelligent, and beautiful to behold.
The world is a pretty terrifying place without inventing more garbage. But then that seems to be the motto of the day. Spread fear and you can lead the masses anywhere you want to.
Scary??? Please! My two children (2 & 8) would love to argue this comment! We have two SV's first and second generation and they are wonderful, loving animals. We also have three other domestic cats that get along great with the SV's! The NY Times needs to get their facts straight before printing. Shame on them!!!!! Shame on the NY politicians for for banning these loving animals!
Savannahs are sweet, loving, affectionate cats. They use a litterbox, go to the regular vet and eat regular cat food. Like anything else, PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW ABOUT THEM, SHOUDLN'T TALK ABOUT THEM!
I also own a sv and also talk to almost all of the others that posted that own sv's, I have never heard of a mean one lol, and I am fairly knew to the breed, bought my first one a few months ago, sweetest cat I have ever had, matter a fact in the market for another, higher generation, people that do not know these kitties should keep QUITE, Heather
Savannahs are a living nightmare! Who is posting here, Paris Hilton?
First stem cell research now this! Don't be suprised if 10 years from now Savannahs have evolve into some sort of giant man eating preditor. This is how it starts you know? Can you say "African Killer Bee"? Except these are worse!
You think it won't effect you? Well one day your little female kitty will get out and come home pregnant by one of these demon cats from hell. Nine months later when the kittens are born they are going to be looking for blood.
They have been cloned with the African Tiger for Gods sake! How stuped does one have to be to know that this is just another sign that the world is coming to an end!
Trust me if there is one thing I know about it is cats!
Who invented this breed? Asamin Benlauden?
No I am NOT Paris Hilton.
"Savannahs are a living nightmare?"
HUH????
That is a pretty strong opinion for someone who doesn't have the guts to post his/her identity and doesn't have even the most basic facts of the breed accurate.
Savannahs are not created by breeding to TIGERS, you blazing idiot. Hey, here's a novel idea...how about YOU do your homework before you open your mouth about something you clearly know ZERO about?
And as far as knowing about cats, unless you are a breeder, it is completely irresponsible not to alter your "little female kitty," and in ALL cases totally irresponsible to let ANY cat live outdoors roaming the streets.
This is a DOMESTIC breed of cat, accepted for registration with The International Cat Association, NOT SOME GENETIC MUTATION FROM THE BLACK LAGOON.
Oh...and by the way, exactly how many Savannahs have YOU every PERSONALLY ever seen, pray tell?
Tigers aren't from Africa - so it would appear you really don't know anything about cats. There are 5 subspecies of Tigers. They are from Siberia, Indonesia, South China, India and an extinct Tiger from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Mongolia.
Savannahs are bred down from Servals which the Egyptians kept as their pets for centuries. They are not cloned.
Maybe if you spent more time in school you would have gotten a better education on the basics such as spelling. Asamin Benlaudin he is Osama Bin Laudin and to my knowledge, Terrorists are not in habit of breeding cats.
How ill-informed are you when you say Savannahs are "cloned" and that they used the "African Tiger"? Have you never heard of an African Serval and know that they are less than a tenth of the size of a tiger? Looking for blood? How is a cat that weighs the same as a domestic cat although a lot taller and longer going to do damage? The NY Times was hugely incorrect to say a SV is 35lbs. No more than the average domestic is 35lbs.
Trust ME... if you can say what you said, you do NOT know cats! A Savannah is a wonderful domestic pet with a cool personality.
Hey Anonymous on Savannah Cats - I think you need to do some research. NO Tiger blood here! Also it is "Osama Bin Laden" perhaps you should also spend some time looking at current events and researching them too. If you want to erroneously attribute out cats to Osama, at least spell it right. PS -- It was good ole American folk who started the Savannah, sorry to burst your bubble on that one. So the end of the world will have to wait for some other time.
PS - I am not Paris -- live in CA and not a blonde.
... Savannahs evolution into a man eating preditor? Cloned with the African Tiger? The world is coming to an end? Ummm... I think it's time for another shot and by the way, who let you out and gave you access to a computer?
You obviously lack some serious understanding and knowledge - perhaps that's a result of your inability to seek the truth about these wonderful cats that have been nothing short of a blessing to each home they are in. You have no clue at all.
Knock, knock, knock... uh oh... is that an African Killer Bee at your door?!?! Aaaaugh! Better go run and hide!
Well, that 'Anonymous' can't even spell 'stupid' so I think we can all tell 'he' doesn't know anything.
I have a Savannah cat, and he is so sweet and loving. My savannah is
the same size as any regular cat.
He purrs when you just look at him.
My Savannah eats regular cat food,uses the litter box and is a joy to have and love such a wonderful breed.
Meet one for yourself, and you'll see just what we mean.
They are beautiful cats, from the inside-out.
It's a shame people who really don't know these cats or have never even met one, pass negative judgement on this wonderful breed.
It's not just a cool "fad" to be able to share your life with a savannah cat, it's a privledge!
Maybe all of you should do more reading:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/hybrids.htm
And if you read the Big Cat website carefully, you will note that they don't have experience wtih any of these hybrid cats either. Pitiful that they feel the need to speak out on something they know NOTHING about.
Big Cat Rescue doesn't want animals like tigers in ZOOS for cripes sake. They would rather they remain in the wild and become extinct. Just how smart is that? I'm sure if you look hard enough there is a website saying just about anything is bad.
If the hybrid cat, Savannah, is so bad then why is the Bengal, another hybrid cat,the most popular of all cats registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) right now? They are the same type of hybrid. Just from a different exotic cat.
Savannahs are wonderful animals who make great pets. The press has sensationalized them even when the information given to them is correct. I know this as I am one who did an interview then heard exagerations in the final broadcast.
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/hybrids.htm <-----HAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA ~I've read her website, can you say raving lunatic?? That woman scares me, she'll probably start strapping bombs to her volunteers and send them to zoos to "liberate" animals. Anyways, I love my F-4 Savannah cat, he loves my stray and my 3 dogs. He and my stray kitty eat the same food and we all live in harmony here.
I know this is an old posting, but I was doing research on the legal aspects of owning a Savannah for a client and came across your debate on the NY Times article. As nice as Savannahs may be (I've never met one but they are damn cute!), some of the earlier generations (F1 +/- F2) cannot logically be considered DOMESTIC. F5's--probably. [I have met a serval, by the way, who was very sweet.] I would argue that temperment is irrelavant in legal considerations.
This is a ridiculous example, but if you pretend it were medically possible...If you bred a nile crocodile (wild animal) to a dog (domestic for 1000's of years, does that make the offspring a domestic animal? Not really. Even if it were a very NICE croc. ;)
As a veterinarian who sees lots of exotics, I often see exotics that were exciting for a moment, and then end up being rehomed lots of times when they are no longer thrilling. It is very sad. But just like large constrictors and macaws, sometimes people don't do their research.
For the record, *I* do not see a problem with a well-educated person owning one of these pets, but sometimes people aren't. I have several snakes, but I don't walk around in public with them around my neck. There's no reason to make a point of freaking people out. Based on some of the breeder sites I saw, they are recommending having a secure, large outdoor enclosure for the cats to play in. How can you do that in NYC?
Supposedly one of the biggest authorities on Savannah Cats is Kathrin Stucki. She is the owner of A1 Savannahs. I heard her talking to the Media and answering questions to the public that raised concerns about the growing popularity of the Serval Hybrid Cat, I happened to be one of them.
In the following Radio Interview the breed was questionned by the Radio Moderator that seemed to be quite a wealth of knowledge himself but he didn't seem to be fond of the hybrid idea at all which made the cross fire of questions and ansers quite interesting. Mrs. Stucki Quote: I'm not here to sell you a Cat but to give you a minimum of knowledge about what you are talking about Quote end. A hard Nut to crack for an old guy like me but although I'm still an opponent of the Hybrid breeds I actually really did learn something.
Mrs. Stucki is the only Savannah breeder I ever heard to tell not only all negative or all positive about this cat. I have finally heard somebody with a clear mind talking about the positive aspects as well as the concerns that are raised with hybridising a companion pet.
It's NOT just like a regular house cat, Mrs Stucki said herself. It's not all sweet and harmless all the time. She said that breeding as well as ownership should be well prepared and that not only hybrid vigor rains from the sky but also new unforherseen health issues can occur.
Thank god for a responsible breeder that not only sells but prepares and educates.
Her general description of the breed is on the following link but speaking to her in person lets you feel her passion in your bones.
Quite interessting breed the Savannah Cat and certainly a knowledgable breeder behind the Cattery. I'd like to see her on Oprah!
http://www.a1savannahs.com/savannahs.htm
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