Savannah Cat Intelligence

One of the most common reasons someone contacts us for a kitten is because they’ve heard about Savannah cat intelligence.  Once someone said that a cat is a cat and they are not intelligent.  He went on the say the owner’s perception was wrong and Savannahs were not anymore intelligent than other cats.  To this I say, WRONG!

Many breeders say a Savannah is dog-like.  It is in two ways.

• You can teach a Savannah cat to walk or jog on a leash with you.
• Many Savannah cats will play fetch with a little encouragement.

That’s where the similarities end though.  If you think about a dog have you ever considered him to be independently able to live?  Cats however, if left outside, will be able to hunt and feed themselves and survive. 

A dog could not.  They are so used to direction from their humans they could not live on their own or feed themselves.  This alone makes a cat suited for paying attention to their environment, noticing differences and adapting.

Savannah cat intelligence goes a few steps further that most domesticated cats.  They inherit the honed response to their environment from their serval ancestor.  The serval life in Africa is one of always watching and the ability to protect itself.

Always Aware

Aware of their surrounds always, you will catch your Savannah cat watching you unhook a latch or performing some little task.  Then after a while you will find them trying to accomplish the same task.  They may not know why you did it but it’s a given they will mimic you.  Sometimes they complete the task and other times not.  However, they will continue to try until they either do it or get bored and move onto something else.

If the Savannah wants something, for instance water, they will tell you.  It won’t matter what you are doing they will make a pest of themselves until you follow them.  Some Savannahs like to drink right from the faucet and will get on the sink and make it known.  I have one who will tap the bowl and then touch his mouth letting me know her wants fresh water.  Don’t bother wasting your time with a cat drinking fountain for a Savannah cat.  They will disassemble it to see how it works.

Surprisingly Intelligent

One of my Savannah boys was so intelligent that he left his new mom and me in awe.  His litter box was in the bathroom next to the toilet.  Whenever he pooped in the box, he would go get his mom and bring her in the bathroom to show her.  She would scoop it up and put it in the toilet and flush it.  Bali would then put his paws on the toilet seat and watch it swirl down.  He was then satisfied everything was right in the world.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do with your Savannah kitten:

• Show them a ball or toy they like and hide it. They will find it.
• Tag is a great game, tag the cat and run until they catch on and chase you.
• Hide and seek. Make believe you cannot see your Savannah and call his name.  It works well with two or more people who talk to one another.  “Where’s Simba,”  I don’t know, did you see Simba?”  Simba will stay still and quiet.  Eventually will start hiding so the fun can begin.
• Many Savannahs will love to take a shower, even if it’s after you finish and let them play in there. You very intelligent Savannah cat will be waiting outside the shower door or bathroom door (because you cannot fool them) every time so they can go in the shower.
• So many more games to play with your Savannah cat. Be sure to pay close attention because they will invent new games to play and will be happy to involve you…their people.