Thinking about getting a Savannah Monitor

[elevatethis]

Hello all, I'm usually in the Ball Python area but the thoughts of the next addition to the family brings me here.

As the topic says, I'm considering about getting a Savannah Monitor. As far as care goes, I am confident I will be able to give it all the care it needs and deserves. I have a few concerns outside of whether or not I'd be able to properly care for it.

Is there a size difference between males and female? How big do they actually get? What size enclosure would be appropriate for a young savannah? Rather, how large of an enclosure would it ultimately need?

I also have a cat whom has been my companion for the last 10 years. She's extremely docile; I can let my ball python crawl around when I handle it and the cat couldn't show any less interest in the snake crawling around. I'm not concerned about the cat being aggressive towards the new lizard; rather the lizard possibly being a threat to the cat.

Would this be an appropriate choice of a lizard? My second thought has always leaned towards a bearded dragon; much smaller but less exotic than the savannah.

I don't want to be one of those pet owners that takes it to a shelter because I was unprepared for the responisbility of caring for one of these beasts. If you have any inckling that this wouldn't be a good idea, please do not hesitate to strike me down.

[hhw]

If you're concerned about size, perhaps you're much better off getting an ackie. They stay small, are very hardy, and can be kept in groups. They look much nicer too in my opinion ;P

[CTReptileRescue]

Hi Brad,
Sav's can be a nice addition to the family, as for the cat issue, I would never reccomend interaction between any herp / mammal species (unless of course one is supposed to be for lunch.)
Savanna's will reach approx 2.5 to 3 feet. (averagely). They do get heavy in weight.
They will need alott of room. Whenever we have one through rescue, they go into one of our set enclosures (unless it is a neonate) These enclosures are approx. 8 ftL by 3.5 ftD by 4ftH. They will love the room provided for them. Not all sav's are nice. They are a powerfull predator and should always be respected as such. I would as always recommend these three things before aquiring a new pet:
1) as always research (as you are doing now)
2) Check your local town and county laws and codes for any restrictions,
3) Adopt, many of these animals are dropped off at shelters every day.
Good luck to you,
Please let me know what you decide
Rusty

[elevatethis]

I've been reading and reading and reading and I think that I'm going to go with the bearded dragon, just much more manageable overall. Perhaps someday when I have more room for a large lizard, I'll be able to have one. The main issue is the size of the enclosure I'd need, I just don't have room for it right now. Thank you all for your input!

[DonMeyer]

I could help you a ton...but I see by your sig you dont need the help haha