Scar
We’ve previously owned mixed breeds, Persian, Siamese, Abyssinian and an F3 Bengal. But nothing can quite prepare you for brining a Savannah into the household. After the rigorous trial of choosing a name we settled on SCAR from THE LION KING – all of our current cats are named from musical theater shows – So SCAR joined FIYERO the F3 Bengal and WHIZZER the Abyssinian.
SCAR was a healthy kitten, but we did have to find the right food that worked with his wild tummy. We have found success with INNOVA EVO canned and dry food made by Natura Pet Products. It is a high quality protein rich, ultra-low carb diet with no grains and has helped SCAR grown into a lanky 15 pounds with a gorgeous spotted pelt. Most people guess that he weighs more than that because he is very tall and quite long. Someone once commented rather accurately that he is “a cat and a half long”. His size is matched by his unique personality and gorgeous exotic markings: huge ears, dark mascara lines on his face, beautiful dark amber eyes, and jet black ink spots on a cool silver/tan background.
SCAR is a two-person cat and wary of any and all visitors – never hiding from them, but keeping a safe distance as he circles any intruders to his lair. We have found as he matures that he is taking less time to move closer to new people especially if a cat toy is involved – in that case he will play with anyone pulling a mouse or feather toy. Our friends love interacting with him that way and stop by with their children just to have the experience of playing with such a beautiful and “wild” animal. Although I have to say there is a little fear and intimidation in their faces at times when he makes a lunge for the toy because I believe they think they are the closest to “wildcat” that they’ve ever been and they are amazed at his agility and quickness and maybe even a great roar (ok, growl) at times.
One thing to think about is finding a vet who is comfortable with handling an F2. SCAR is not a happy vet visitor and needs more than one handler on all visits. We have not tried an in-house visit (our vet doesn’t offer), which might be a better solution.
What will you experience in day-to-day living? An abundance of energy – always wanting to play and wanting to be where you are. Extraordinary jumps and leaps. Extreme intelligence – able to open and shut doors – turning on the stereo to wake us up for breakfast and even turning on the oven once. Hording of his favorite toys [usually dog toys but occasionally a polar fleece glove or three], which he frequently carries under our bed. And when SCAR wants to give love – be ready – you’ll know it by his vocalizations – great sounds you’ll not hear from other cats – he talks to you and makes it known he wants attention. He gives strong head butts and loves to lick and rub the scent glands of his mouth on you – wetting your fist – as he marks you and claims you as his own. Nightly he will join us first on the couch for some lap cuddling and every night in bed curling up in our legs. He is very possessive and gets jealous when either of the other cats comes around during his one-on-one time. This usually means a quick escape for the moment, but never going far away. We were very hands on with SCAR from the moment we brought him home and now he allows us to pick him up and even hold him briefly – at least until he remembers that he is a wild beast!
We’ve loved how SCAR has made us look at owning cats so very differently and are interested in moving on to an F1 sometime in our future. If you are thinking about making the leap to a hybrid cat you can’t go wrong with Holly and Dale and the absolutely amazing cats from Select Exotics.
- Larry Birkett & Shawn Gulyas, Milwaukee, WI - February 5, 2009
