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.