Meet Xena - Our Resident Biscuit-Slayer!
Orem, UT
Xena is one of the most DARLING Savannah cats weve ever laid our eyes on! Seriously, shes so cute she doesnt even look REAL.
Xena joined us in early May from West Jordan Animal Control. Weighing in at only 7 lbs (tiny but healthy!), Xena exhibits all of the spicy Savannah characteristics that we truly love.
Initially when she came to foster care - she was understandably scared, confused, and shut down. But in the hands of her extraordinarily capable foster - she soon learned to decompress and to trust.
Our foster has used a slow and steady approach to show Xena just how loved and safe she is. Xena believes it now!
Xena is 7 years old, but you wouldnt know it by the way she comfortably zips around the home, conquers her huge cat tower, and enjoys exploring and window gazing.
She is an EXPERT biscuit maker. We can prove it - check the Reel!
Often cats who come to us from multi-cat homes; many of them would never have chosen that for themselves.
Xena on the other hand isnt like that. Xena lived as one of a bonded pair with her sister. They both escaped the home that they lived in (weve seen photos of them together) - and weve been hoping for months that Xenas sister would be recovered so that they could be together again. Sadly, were still waiting - and there has been no sign of her sister.
Xenas foster home has a resident grumpy 8-year-old Maine Coon cat. He is used to foster cats coming and going in the home over the years, and most of the time he cannot tolerate any contact with them.
Amazingly - he sees Xena differently. We are now seeing the start of a friendship between these two. That tells us that Xena really could get along with another cat, provided the other cat is open to it and introductions are slow and careful.
Now - well be honest with you - we always are.
Xena - as her name implies - is definitely SPICY. We can see that her family didnt give her proper social queues and cautious handling; initially we could tell he wasnt taught to read the room as well as so many other cats are able to do.
Our formula with Zena:
-Were patient with her.
-Were teaching her that hands mean love and that hands are not a threat. -Were giving her a routine that helps her know what to expect and when.
-Were teaching her what play looks like - the toy is the target - not the hands or ankles. This is why we think a home with children wouldnt be appropriate.
Xena is already settling in beautifully to routine.
Her foster tells us:
She wants pets but can get over stimulated quickly. If this happens, she either hisses or turns to nip or swat but no real aggression. When this happens I gently say no - and she walks away. She loves following me around once she is out and about (Xena has her own room where she can enjoy her own space - but does have access to the whole house every day). Once she has settled on the bed next to me, when I get up - she wants to know where Im going and follows me to find out!
During feeding times, she loves the security of me sitting / standing nearby while she eats. She encourages me to stay with her until her meal is finished (I dont touch her - she just wants me close by)
Xena loves catnip toys and interactive toys. When I turn it on, she will chase the toy and then she adorably rolls over to expose her belly. She has a favorite yellow catnip square she will rub and toss around for a few minutes. No touching allowed during play time - but she is happy to show you a fun side of her playing. Once she gets in her comfort zone, she remembers Oh wait I am supposed to be scared!!! and will sometimes run away. Often, Ill wait and shell come right back seeking pets.
Xena has a TINY meow and does talk sometimes but she is definitely not a singer. She will hang out next to me on the bed but is not a snuggle buddy (not yet but there is potential!). She can be a little head shy but does love rubbing up against any body part she can find on you.
Xena has been an absolute joy to love. Every day she exhibits more and more trust. We know shell bring so much joy to the right family.
Xena is spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. She tested negative for FeLV / FIV. She just had an extensive dental procedure and got through that with flying colors. Overall she has excellent litter box habits.
If you would like to adopt Xena please fill out our application: https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/BRUT/Cat
LEO
Bengal
🇺🇸
Millcreek, Utah
male, large, adult
Bengal
Millcreek, Utah
