Dear Savannah . . .

"I’m a young, sophisticated city cat in good health, but something odd happened yesterday.  I was enjoying the afternoon sun on the back of my sofa, when a bird landed on the window ledge of my apartment building.  All of a sudden I started emitting these strange sounds and my mouth chattered uncontrollably.  I found this to be embarrassing behavior that would normally be associated with a country cat—you know—the type that eat birds, rodents and such.   Perish the thought!  What’s happening to me?" 

Signed,
Preppy from Portland

Dear Preppy from Portland,

"City cat, huh?  First let me remind you that I live in the country and have, on occasion, eaten a bird or mouse that had the misfortune of entering my space.  Second, I make the same sounds as you when I see a bird—as do all the wildcats—including Kennewick, our biggest cougar.  Perhaps I’ll share your comment with him.  Watch it, Preppy! You’re no better than any of us, but I’ll forgive you this time because you’re young. 
What you experienced was purely normal.  Your inner feline instincts took control of your voice and your body.  It’s nothing to be embarrassed about—although humans do tend to laugh and point at us when it happens.  Interestingly, some humans have a similar reaction when they see a piece of double chocolate cheesecake coming their way.  Watch them—but don’t point and laugh—we’re above that type of behavior."

Savannah

“A cat is a lion in a jungle of small bushes.”  ~Indian Proverb

Dear Savannah . . .

"I've been told that I look like a little bobcat.  My people say I'm a Pixiebob and I've heard other folks say that I might have wild bobcat DNA - can this be true?  I love living in a house, wagging my tail like a dog when I'm playing, and snuggling with my human so I don't see how I can be half bobcat.  Please help me understand!"

Emma

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Dear Emma,
"So you're a Pixiebob? - I've never met one, you are one  stunning girl, but no matter what people say, you are pure 100% domestic house cat! In order for your breed to be accepted into cat shows the DNA submitted shows that there is nothing wild in your genes. Not to say that you aren't wild at heart! The legend that Pixiebobs have bobcat ancestry is a fun story but its just that - a story.  You should be proud of your unique looks and enjoy the fussing that you get because of how beautiful you are. There are hybrid breeds where people have mated wild cats and domestic cats (primarily Savannahs, Bengals, and Chausies) and I think it's just crazy :( Why mess with Mother Nature? How can anyone improve on something as amazing as a Serval, if I do say so myself! Beside that, the hybrids don't usually do well living in houses with other pets. Plus with so many gorgeous cats in shelters looking for homes why the heck do breeders keep making more kittens? Makes no sense to me.  Anyway, you're NOT a hybrid, you are a beautiful domestic cat, so enjoy your people and your fabulous wild look!"

 
Savannah

 "An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language."  ~ Martin Buber

Dear Savannah . . .

"I’m freaking out.  My family is having me neutered.  What does that mean?  From what I hear on the streets, I’ll be coming home from the doc’s office with less than I had going in.  Tell me the truth—am I going to be less of a tom?  Will my meow change?  How do I deal with this?"
Signed,
Thom — asina?

Dear Thom — asina,

"Calm down.  Your tomhood will still be intact—well, at least in spirit.  You don’t really need those things anyway—they just get you into trouble and you certainly don’t want to contribute to existing overpopulation of cats and kittens!  Not only that, statistics show you’ll be healthier and live longer without your little doodads. My resources say that the procedure is a simple snip, snip and it’s a done deal—you’re home the same day.   

One last comment—the freaked out look has to go.  Remember, cats are always in control of their emotions—seriously, you need to maintain the mystique."

Savannah 

 “By associating with the cat, one only risks becoming richer."
 ~Colette 

 

Dear Savannah . . .

"I know you’re a wildcat (love your spots, by the way), but I’m hoping you can answer a question for this “mild” cat.  I’m a very happy tuxedo living in a wonderful home where I get lots of love and attention.  But I am quite the curious cat and tend to always be on the lookout for the next best toy to play with around the house. Well, a member of my family left a desk drawer open the other day and I hit the mother lode.  I found rubber bands, paper clips, push pins—I even found a button and a golf tee--wheeeee! But I thought I should ask—are these really good toys for me?"

Signed,
Cute and Curious

Dear Cute and Curious,

Fortunately, my wisdom (and significant resources), do extend into the “mild” feline genre.  But I must start out by asking—you have heard the saying about “curiosity and the cat”, haven’t you?  These are not items you should be playing with!  Folks here at the sanctuary are very careful about monitoring our space to make sure there is nothing we can find to hurt ourselves. Anything sharp, or small enough for you to swallow, is dangerous!  Sure a rubber band may seem safe, and some cats love to chew on them—but I’ve heard stories about cats who swallowed the rubber band and had to have surgery because it got caught in their intestines—meowch! If your human leaves any of these things out within your reach (which they shouldn’t do), please ignore them.  Don’t press your luck just because you have nine lives—stick with plastic balls and mice stuffed with catnip for your toys. 

Savannah      

"God made the cat in order that humankind might have the pleasure of caressing the tiger."
- Fernand Mery