An island charity is appealing for a patient, experienced cat owner with a large private garden and ample indoor space to offer a home to an energetic cat with high needs.

Louie, a handsome F2 Savannah cat, was brought to the Cats Protection Isle of Wight Cat Centre after his former owner struggled to cope with the unique demands of his two Savannah-type cats and made the kindest decision to relinquish one in the interests of both cats.

As a hybrid of a domestic cat with wild African Serval ancestry, Louie has very specific behavioural and environmental traits, including high-energy levels, and he retains some wild characteristics and behaviours that make him unsuitable for a standard domestic setting. 

Thanks to the commitment of a volunteer fosterer where he has been given access to the whole house - essential given his size and temperament - Louie is ready for a move to permanent home with an experienced cat owner.

But the island charity has faced difficulty finding a suitable new home with someone who can dedicate time and space to Louie’s needs, meaning he has already spent over four months in care.

Louie’s length of stay in care has moved the charity to expand its homing appeal beyond the Isle of Wight into Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

Although Louie has flourished since living with his foster carer, the charity has cautioned any new owner to consider the needs and behaviours related to his breed.

Elle Hatam, Cats Protection Regional Community Behaviourist, explained: “Savannahs have a higher prey drive and Louie is no exception. He loves chasing his feather toys around, leaping and pouncing in a fascinating hunt manner.

“He will need access to secure outdoor space and freedom to roam the home to provide him with plenty of exercise and enrichment to be mentally stimulated and avoid boredom that could lead to behavioural problems.”

Louie is an F2 hybrid, meaning one of his grandparents was a wild Serval. Louie's striking appearance - long legs, large pointed ears and a sleek black coat - is matched by other familiar breed traits, such as intelligence and curiosity. 

Reassuringly, F2 Savannah hybrid cats are also known to form strong and affectionate bonds once they are comfortable in a safe environment, so Louie should become a good companion to a patient owner who is respectful of his space and happy to build a bond from a distance at first.

“Louie has a sweet personality and loves chasing his feather toys around, leaping and pouncing in a fascinating hunt,’ said Elle. “Louie is independent in nature and, due to his high energy levels, any new owner will need to give him time and space to build up confidence in his environment to keep him happy.”

Cats Protection will visit any potential homes to discuss Louie’s needs and will provide six months of free support from its behaviour team. The charity believes Louie could be homed with older children but is not suitable for a home with other pets.

If you have the necessary experience, space and patience to offer Louie a permanent home, please contact Cats Protection Isle of Wight Cat Centre: www.cats.org.uk/isleofwight#adopt-46750, email isleofwight@cats.org.uk or call 03000 120 251

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