The Serval is known to hunt small frogs and fish in creeks, and it is generally very comfortable splashing about in water. We often find that our Savannahs inherit this very un-catlike tendency to be completely unconcerned about being wet. A running tap of water is seen pretty much like any toy that moves; something to be pounced on and batted at!
Now this is not to say that Savannahs like to be bathed. No cat likes to be MADE to do something, a Savannah is no different and may even be more resistant than the average cat to being restrained. But it will not be the water they are objecting to as much as being held still for a period of time.
If you want to encourage your Savannah kitten to enjoy water, don’t dump them in the shower cubicle and turn on the water full force. Turn on the shower at a trickle while they have followed you into the bathroom and see if they show interest. If you have a shower with a removable shower head on a long hose, set the shower head on the floor of the shower and turn it on low so that it makes a mini-fountain. Be careful not to set the water temperature too hot. Be aware though, by introducing your kitten to the joy of the shower or bath you may never have peace again. No longer able to relax in a deep warm bath and dream, because no sooner do you sink into the lovely warm water will you have a kitty playmate splashing in with you. In these cases, I recommend giving the Savannah the first half hour of the bath and then shutting them out of the room.
Some new Savannah kitten owners find their Savannah kittens are making a huge mess of their water bowls. No sooner is the water bowl filled but the Savannah is splashing and pawing at the bowl emptying it all over the floor to slide through and drop their toys in. There are some pet water bowls designed for this, the “buddy bowl” is one that resists being tipped over. Additionally, you can place the water bowl in a tray (small cement mixing trays can be useful) so that the spilled water is not ruining your floor. Often when the ability to make a mess is foiled, the Savannah loses interest in that game and goes looking for other amusements. Life is never dull when you live with a Savannah!
Not all Savannahs inherit the love of water, but enjoy it when it happens. A Savannah kitten racing about in a shower of water with joy and excitement in their eyes is a lot of fun to experience. A little messy and soggy for your bathroom, but it’s all good clean fun!
Now this is not to say that Savannahs like to be bathed. No cat likes to be MADE to do something, a Savannah is no different and may even be more resistant than the average cat to being restrained. But it will not be the water they are objecting to as much as being held still for a period of time.
If you want to encourage your Savannah kitten to enjoy water, don’t dump them in the shower cubicle and turn on the water full force. Turn on the shower at a trickle while they have followed you into the bathroom and see if they show interest. If you have a shower with a removable shower head on a long hose, set the shower head on the floor of the shower and turn it on low so that it makes a mini-fountain. Be careful not to set the water temperature too hot. Be aware though, by introducing your kitten to the joy of the shower or bath you may never have peace again. No longer able to relax in a deep warm bath and dream, because no sooner do you sink into the lovely warm water will you have a kitty playmate splashing in with you. In these cases, I recommend giving the Savannah the first half hour of the bath and then shutting them out of the room.
Some new Savannah kitten owners find their Savannah kittens are making a huge mess of their water bowls. No sooner is the water bowl filled but the Savannah is splashing and pawing at the bowl emptying it all over the floor to slide through and drop their toys in. There are some pet water bowls designed for this, the “buddy bowl” is one that resists being tipped over. Additionally, you can place the water bowl in a tray (small cement mixing trays can be useful) so that the spilled water is not ruining your floor. Often when the ability to make a mess is foiled, the Savannah loses interest in that game and goes looking for other amusements. Life is never dull when you live with a Savannah!
Not all Savannahs inherit the love of water, but enjoy it when it happens. A Savannah kitten racing about in a shower of water with joy and excitement in their eyes is a lot of fun to experience. A little messy and soggy for your bathroom, but it’s all good clean fun!
Brigitte Cowell (http://www.kirembosavannahs.com/)
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About the photo:
Kirembo Makini Muhimu (Mackie), B F3 (~14%) ,
Owner: Brigitte Cowell Cattery: Kirembo Savannahs
Mackie is a crazy kitten, he loves to be playing with anything that moves, might move, or might be persuaded to move. He adores the shower and any form of water. Mackie is also sweet and loving and loves to wash my hair at night. Brigitte Cowell
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