One of the common concerns of cat owners when they decide to adopt a new kitten is how challenging it will be to bathe them. Some cats are naturally comfortable in the water, but most of them have a strong dislike of getting wet. Hydration is another issue, as most cats are known for snubbing their water bowls.
So, do Savannah cats like water? The good news is, yes – this stunning breed loves water! If they become accustomed to the water from a young age, they can become great swimmers, too.
If you are curious about why Savannahs are so fascinated with water, this article will explain everything you need to know.
Savannah cats and their adventurous personality
Savannah cats are a unique cross between a domestic cat and an African serval, resulting in a tall, slim, wild-looking cat with a spotted coat. While they might look like they belong in the wild, Savannahs are actually domestic cats with a sweet and sociable disposition. A Savannah’s coat can range from brown and black with rosette-like spots, to silver-spotted tabby. Truly, they are a beautifully exotic breed that will bring joy to your family.
Savannahs are also athletic and have impressive jumping skills, allowing them to reach high places with ease. They are quite vocal and enjoy playing with their owners and other household pets. Overall, they are known to be friendly and loving, but can also be a little aloof and independent.
One trait that makes Savannahs one-of-a-kind is their special love of water. Because they are naturally curious, intelligent, and adventurous, they have the tendency to explore everything around them, including a dripping tap or any body of water they might encounter. Many believe that this trait is inherited, as their wild serval ancestors love the water, too. They might even go for a swim to explore the water – whether it is a tub, a kiddie pool, or a nearby lake.
Do Savannah cats like water?
Savannah cats are well-known for their love of water. With their dog-like demeanor, they might play in it and even try to catch toys that you throw in the water. Be careful, though, if you have an aquarium or a mini pond, as these cats will take a great interest in your precious koi and tilapias. Make sure to secure your fish very well so that they do not end up as your cat’s next snack!
Because they are so intelligent, some Savannahs have also managed to teach themselves how to turn on taps! It is clear that water is a fascinating thing for these exotic cats, and they will often spend hours playing and exploring in it. Some owners also report that their Savannahs rush to the tap whenever they hear a dripping sound. This should not surprise you, though, since their wild ancestors also find wilderness streams appealing.
Unfortunately, these cats are also quite capable of getting up to mischief around the house, so make sure to redirect their attention toward their toys, and away from electrical appliances and other breakables in the house.
Are Savannahs afraid of the water?
While most cats tend to want to stay far away from it, Savannah cats seem to have no fear of water at all. They love interacting with it, from batting it with their paws to drinking running water from the tap. They are so attracted to running water and puddles that they do not mind their paws and bellies getting wet. It is a truly amazing sight to see these brave felines frolicking in the water!
Of course, this does not mean that Savannah cats do not need to be supervised around water, as they can still get themselves into trouble. As with other water-loving breeds, veterinarians recommend providing clean water sources for your cat to play in and drink from. Never let your furry companions play in dirty lakes, rainwater from unclean channels, or heavily chlorinated pools. These sources can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and chemicals that are harmful to your Savannah.
Do Savannah cats like swimming?
Savannah cats are known for their agility and athletic prowess, too! So, when it comes to swimming, you might find they actually enjoy it. Of course, every cat is unique, and some might never appreciate being submerged in the water. If you want your Savannah to learn how to swim, you should introduce them to the water slowly and gradually while they are still kittens.
Once you have them used to the water, you will find that they can be quite capable swimmers. Whether it is a pool or a bathtub, they can join their owners on all sorts of aquatic adventures. Just make sure you keep an eye on them and do not let them get too far away, as their swimming skills may be better than yours!
Can you bathe a Savannah cat?
Just like any other cat, a Savannah might need to be bathed occasionally to keep their fur clean and healthy. Bathing your Savannah may seem like a daunting task, but it does not have to be. If they are so used to being in the water, bath time really should not be too challenging at all.
Your next question might be, “How frequently should Savannah cats be bathed?” The answer is – it depends! If yours is an indoor cat, they may never need to be bathed, or perhaps they would need it once every couple of months at the most. Savannahs, like most cats, are excellent at keeping themselves clean, so most of the time they do not need bathing.
The only exception is if your feline friend is a bit mischievous and often gets into messy situations. In that case, you might need to bathe them more frequently. Make sure to stock some pet wipes, cat shampoo, and soap, as you will need these to keep them clean.
The best time to start bathing your Savannah is when they are young – that way they can get used to the experience. Besides, you do not want to deal with a full-grown Savannah, with their strong jaws and paws, who hates being bathed!
And do not worry, there are some tricks you can use to make bathing a more enjoyable experience. For example, you can add some bath toys to the tub – this is sure to bring out the playful side of your pet! Just be sure that the water is not too hot or too cold for them. And, most importantly, have patience. You must give your cat enough time to become comfortable with being bathed. The experience has to be a positive one so that they do not associate the tub with trauma or discomfort!
Do Savannah cats drink a lot of water?
Just like most cats, Savannahs are not big fans of drinking water. You might even find them batting the water out of their bowl until it is empty, instead of drinking it. It can be a real frustration, because hydration is extremely important for them.
Thus, if you own a Savannah, one of your top priorities should be ensuring that they get enough water in their diet. This can be partly achieved by providing wet food, such as home-cooked meat or canned tuna.
Giving them access to a water fountain is probably the best trick. Cats are known to be fascinated by running water, and your Savannah is no different. Not only will a water fountain entice them to drink more; it will bring out their playful nature, too. Water fountains can make for some hilarious entertainment for your cats. Watching them splash around, chasing the running water, can be a real joy.
Water fountains also help filter your cat’s drinking water so you are guaranteed fresh, cold, and clean water at all times. Your exotic friend is sure to appreciate it more than the stale water in their drinking bowl!
Conclusion
Savannah cats do like water, largely due to their inquisitive and adventurous nature. And, since their wild cat ancestors love the soothing sound of natural streams, it is quite normal to see them playing with your taps or even swimming in your tub or pool. However, they are generally not great fans of drinking water from a bowl. Hence, modifying their diet and investing in a water fountain will go a long way toward ensuring that they are getting enough hydration.
Image: istockphoto.com / IchirouTsumori