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 When I was looking for a cat, I knew I had to have a Bengal. The Bengal Cat has always fascinated me from the spots all the way to its wild heritage. Having been raised with cats and dogs, I wanted a cat that had the independent qualities of a cat, the loyalty of a dog, with the appearance of something that would give the neighborhood a topic to talk about. However, this was when I was 7 years old.
 Fast-forward 20 years. I was now in the position to look for the cat of my dreams and decided to start looking for a Bengal breeder. After searching through issues of Cats USA, I took the time to visit each breeder’s website. A curious link on a breeder’s site had information on a cat known as the Savannah Cat. I decided to click the link and from that point on it was love at first site. I was a biology major in college and working with Servals was part of an in-depth ecology class I attended. The Serval has always been my favorite wild cat because of its relatively small size and friendly nature. Knowing that there was now a breed of domestic feline that owed its heritage to my favorite wild cat struck a chord with me and I knew from that point on I HAD to have one…the only obstacle now was to find a breeder that met all of my criteria.
Enter Select Exotics. It took me a little more than a year to find the breeder I wanted. I had spoken with Dr. Hummel and Holly early on when I was doing research but I wasn’t quite ready to commit to the quality they had to offer. During this time, I had researched every breeder that is involved with the Savannahs, spoke with the Savannah Cat Club members, and even had a bad experience with one. But I DID my research. All fingers pointed back to Select Exotics.
 When I came to the decision of making a commitment of purchasing my F2 Savannah Cat, I had no idea what I was getting into. From day 1, dealing with Select Exotics has been nothing short of an absolute pleasure. When the happy day of my boy’s birth arrived, Holly and Dale sent countless photos to keep me abreast of the little guy’s development. It seemed the kittens were well taken care of with their well being always in mind.
I named my F2 Savannah "Oji" which means "Bearer of Gifts" in an African dialect. To this day his namesake holds true. Potential Buyers be aware!!! When they say the Savannah is an extreme cat, do NOT underestimate this statement! These cats do not understand the definition of moderation. When I picked Oji up from the airport, I went to the counter to find out where I go to receive live animals. The baggage claim attendant looked at me quizzically and said, “Oh, you must be the one with the cat.” I knew at that moment I had found the right cat for me. As soon as I opened the crate, he jumped out and purred louder than ANY adult cat I have ever been around. Oji was inquisitive, very aware of his surroundings and wanted to touch everything that was in the room. I have seen MANY F2 Savannahs and I have yet to see one in person that held true to so many Serval characteristics as my Oji. His ears were monstrous, his coloration was beautiful, and the length of his legs would put a supermodel to shame.
 Over the next few months, I came to realize that I had in my possession one of the rarest gems of a cat in existence. He chases after the vacuum cleaner…WHEN IT’S ON! He splashes me when I walk by his water dish. Oji dive-bombs me from the top of my desk on to my bed in order to wake me up and let me know he wants to play. And it is playtime at all hours of the day unless he’s asleep in front of the warm fireplace cuddling with my other cat and my newly acquired dog.
Savannahs have no fear. They will try to conquer anything they see as an obstacle (or playmate). Oji attacks other animals that he sees on TV just because he wants to play with them. He has to sit on my shoulder to watch me work on the computer. He even goes for walks on a leash to the local Starbucks with me. I thought I would be able to use him as a magnet to awe the opposite gender. However, I soon realized that Oji was the babe magnet.
 Some of his Serval characteristics include chattering and chirping instead of meowing. He lets me know how he feels with a series of high-pitched chirps. He can jump incredibly high for a 7-month old kitten. He even walks around with his mouth partially open like a wild animal! He’s already a head taller than my fully domestic cat (which is pretty big for a domestic). Weighing in at 11 lbs, he shows potential to be massive when he reaches full size. When Oji is sitting on the living room floor basking in a sunbeam, his rear legs sit higher than the curve of his spine. When he looks up at me and chirps, it is unmistakable there is a Serval screaming to be loved sitting on my floor.
In summary, Select Exotics has provided me with an addition to my family that is perfect in every single way. I wanted a cat that was active (kitty on speed is more apt) but is willing to cuddle and go to sleep when the lights turn off. Never would I have expected owning a Savannah would be this wonderful of an experience. Oji is now turning 8 months and has shown no sign of slowing down in personality or growth. He owns the household and definitely owns us as well. Savannahs are the kinds of cats you look forward to coming home from work to just to see what new antics they will get into. So to the prospective buyer, I offer these tidbits of advice:
- Learn how to "Savannah Proof" your house.
- Have plenty of accessible toys.
- Be prepared to be thoroughly entertained (at all hours of the day and night).
- Prepare for a high-energy, high-impact cat that will surpass all of your wildest expectations…..it did mine.
Thank you Select Exotics... Oji was well worth the wait.
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