When a kitten is born, it is hard to believe that one of these helpless little pink things will become a graceful and powerful hunter. However, within a year, that tiny kitten will be a mature cat.
Since kittens are born blind and are completely dependent on their mothers, it is no surprise that their first stage involves little more than eating and growing. However, once your kitten's eyes open, he will begin to explore the world around him. By the time he is four weeks old, he will be romping shakily about with his siblings. He can begin to learn to use the litter box and should start to become socialized. In the wild, a kitten's mother will start to supplement his diet with dead mice or other small prey. You may prefer to give him some soft kitten food or some dry food softened in water.
By the time your kitten is six to eight weeks old, he is ready to begin exploring a bit further from home. If he is indoors, he will venture into other rooms, while a feral kitten will begin to follow his mother when she goes to hang out with the rest of the local cat colony. While the kitten's mother may still bring him mice, they are no longer already dead. The kitten begins to develop his hunting abilities. Eight week old kittens are usually completely weaned and ready to go to a new home.
Over the next several months, kittens will continue to grow fairly quickly. They need to receive a series of vaccinations so that they stay strong and healthy. They will begin to learn how to coexist with their families and will learn which behaviors are allowed. Your kitten should learn his name and a few simple commands. Also, if you have a long haired cat, it is important to get him used to the grooming process now, even if he doesn't actually have a coat that needs to be brushed yet.
Has your sweet little kitten suddenly developed a bad attitude? Cats go through an adolescent stage to transition from being a kitten to being a mature cat, just as human children do. This stage usually begins at around five to six months and may last until your cat reaches his first year. He will still be very playful, but may occasionally get carried away and play too aggressively. If you do not neuter your cat at six months of age, he will actually be mature enough to reproduce. Neutering your cat will help him get through this stage much more smoothly. At six months of age, your cat will look pretty much like he will look as an adult. However, he will fill out and bulk up as he continues to mature.
Of course, once he is an adult, your cat will go through additional stages, such as middle age, just as humans do. The good news is that you won't have to worry that little Fluffy will run out and buy a sports car if he has a bit of a mid-life crisis.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Cat Collars and Leashes
While almost everyone walks their dog, few people walk their cats. However, cats can learn to walk on a leash. In fact, there are collars, harnesses, and leashes designed just for cats.
Unlike dog collars, cat collars are not created so that they can be used with a cat leash. The shape of a cat's head makes it too easy for a collar attached to a leash to pop right off. Instead, collars are used for other reasons. Many people use collars as accessories. They place jeweled collars on their cats simply because they like the way these collars look. Other people use cat collars to hold id tags, so that they can more easily find their cats if they escape. Of course, the most common reason for putting a collar on a cat is to warn birds of his approach. Collars with bells on them may be a low tech alarm system, but they work.
Cat harnesses are designed to stay securely on a cat, even when the cat is on a leash. You can buy a simple nylon harness for your cat or you can find more deluxe models that look more like padded vests. As long as the harness is completely adjustable, it should work well.
Cat leashes can be standard leashes or retractable models. Whichever type of leash you choose, be sure that it is lightweight enough to allow your cat to move easily under its weight. Retractable leashes are ideal for people who want to allow their cats to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe area, but want to keep the cats close by when they are walking to and from their homes.
To accustom your cat to walking on a leash, you should not use the same techniques you use to train your dog. Cats do not do well with negative correction, so giving a quick tug on the leash when they do not stay at your side will not teach them to heel. Instead, praise your cat when he does what you want and ignore him when he does the wrong thing. Although you can teach your cat to tolerate a leash, don't expect him to consistently heel on command.
The easiest way to teach your cat is to use a leash is to start when he is a young kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Place his harness on him and allow him to walk about completely unrestrained. After a few days, add the leash. Be sure that you do not apply any pressure. Once your cat is used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach him that it is ok for you to be on the other end of the leash. Gently apply pressure to the leash and call your cat to you. Praise him when he responds. Eventually, he will become used to following you when he is on his leash.
Once your cat is on a leash, you can finally take him outside without worrying that he will use your neighbor's vegetable garden as a big litter box.
Unlike dog collars, cat collars are not created so that they can be used with a cat leash. The shape of a cat's head makes it too easy for a collar attached to a leash to pop right off. Instead, collars are used for other reasons. Many people use collars as accessories. They place jeweled collars on their cats simply because they like the way these collars look. Other people use cat collars to hold id tags, so that they can more easily find their cats if they escape. Of course, the most common reason for putting a collar on a cat is to warn birds of his approach. Collars with bells on them may be a low tech alarm system, but they work.
Cat harnesses are designed to stay securely on a cat, even when the cat is on a leash. You can buy a simple nylon harness for your cat or you can find more deluxe models that look more like padded vests. As long as the harness is completely adjustable, it should work well.
Cat leashes can be standard leashes or retractable models. Whichever type of leash you choose, be sure that it is lightweight enough to allow your cat to move easily under its weight. Retractable leashes are ideal for people who want to allow their cats to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe area, but want to keep the cats close by when they are walking to and from their homes.
To accustom your cat to walking on a leash, you should not use the same techniques you use to train your dog. Cats do not do well with negative correction, so giving a quick tug on the leash when they do not stay at your side will not teach them to heel. Instead, praise your cat when he does what you want and ignore him when he does the wrong thing. Although you can teach your cat to tolerate a leash, don't expect him to consistently heel on command.
The easiest way to teach your cat is to use a leash is to start when he is a young kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Place his harness on him and allow him to walk about completely unrestrained. After a few days, add the leash. Be sure that you do not apply any pressure. Once your cat is used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach him that it is ok for you to be on the other end of the leash. Gently apply pressure to the leash and call your cat to you. Praise him when he responds. Eventually, he will become used to following you when he is on his leash.
Once your cat is on a leash, you can finally take him outside without worrying that he will use your neighbor's vegetable garden as a big litter box.
Is a Chartreux Cat Right For You?
If you are looking for a cat breed that is as wonderful as a good French wine, you may want to consider the Chartreux cat. After all, a legend tells that this breed was named for the Chartreuse liquor that Carthusian monks were so famous for. Of course, while it is true that the Chartreux cat is mentioned in Carthusian records as early as the fifteen hundreds, this breed probably received its name because its coat looks similar to the wool of the Chartreux sheep.
The Chartreux cat breed has a thick, wooly coat in a rich gray blue color. This breed is neither a true longhair nor a shorthair, since the outer coat is longer than that of a shorthair, but not as long as that of most longhairs.
A Chartreux cat has a body that is solid and muscular, while its legs are on the short side and slender. Some breeders say this breed looks like a potato with toothpick legs. However, despite its build, the Chartreux moves quickly and gracefully and has a reputation for being an excellent mouser. One of the most eye catching characteristics of this breed is the way his mouth curves in a perpetual, sweet smile. These cats weigh in at anywhere from seven to seventeen pounds, with cats at the heavier end of this weight range being the ideal.
If you enjoy interacting with your pets and teaching them tricks, then this breed is an ideal choice for you. The Chartreux is a breed that loves to hang out with family members and thrives on attention. In addition, these intelligent cats have a reputation for being quick learners. Most of them learn to come when they are called and will fetch toys.
People who do not spend much time at home should consider looking for a different breed, since this dog like cat loves people and is really unhappy spending a lot of time alone. Since the Chartreux is a breed that doesn't seek out other cats for company, getting another kitten to keep your cat from feeling so lonely when you are working may not make much of a difference.
This breed is on the quiet side. When the Chartreux does talk, it has a high pitched meow. It will also occasionally give a soft chirp instead.
Before you name your Chartreux kitten, you may want to talk to your breeder. This cat breed has an interesting naming tradition. All kittens born in a certain year are given names that start with the same letter. Names that start with the letters K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z are never used.
This breed's wool like coat does need frequent grooming to avoid matting. You should be prepared to comb your cat's hair at least once a week to keep him looking beautiful, and you may actually need to groom him more often.
If you want a sweet natured and intelligent cat that is on the quiet side, then the Chartreux may be the ideal breed for you.
The Chartreux cat breed has a thick, wooly coat in a rich gray blue color. This breed is neither a true longhair nor a shorthair, since the outer coat is longer than that of a shorthair, but not as long as that of most longhairs.
A Chartreux cat has a body that is solid and muscular, while its legs are on the short side and slender. Some breeders say this breed looks like a potato with toothpick legs. However, despite its build, the Chartreux moves quickly and gracefully and has a reputation for being an excellent mouser. One of the most eye catching characteristics of this breed is the way his mouth curves in a perpetual, sweet smile. These cats weigh in at anywhere from seven to seventeen pounds, with cats at the heavier end of this weight range being the ideal.
If you enjoy interacting with your pets and teaching them tricks, then this breed is an ideal choice for you. The Chartreux is a breed that loves to hang out with family members and thrives on attention. In addition, these intelligent cats have a reputation for being quick learners. Most of them learn to come when they are called and will fetch toys.
People who do not spend much time at home should consider looking for a different breed, since this dog like cat loves people and is really unhappy spending a lot of time alone. Since the Chartreux is a breed that doesn't seek out other cats for company, getting another kitten to keep your cat from feeling so lonely when you are working may not make much of a difference.
This breed is on the quiet side. When the Chartreux does talk, it has a high pitched meow. It will also occasionally give a soft chirp instead.
Before you name your Chartreux kitten, you may want to talk to your breeder. This cat breed has an interesting naming tradition. All kittens born in a certain year are given names that start with the same letter. Names that start with the letters K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z are never used.
This breed's wool like coat does need frequent grooming to avoid matting. You should be prepared to comb your cat's hair at least once a week to keep him looking beautiful, and you may actually need to groom him more often.
If you want a sweet natured and intelligent cat that is on the quiet side, then the Chartreux may be the ideal breed for you.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Common Cat Health Problems
If you've never owned a cat before, you may not realize that cats can suffer from quite a few different health problems. Some of these problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.
One of the most common cat health problems is the hairball. Cats groom themselves constantly with their tongues. The loose hair comes off on their tongues and is swallowed. Sometimes the hair gradually forms into a ball instead of passing through the cat's body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he may have a hairball. Usually, the cat will expel the ball on his own. To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs. Recently, cat treats that help control hairballs have become available, as well.
Another common health problem in cats is the urinary tract infection. This infection is particularly common in un-neutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat has suddenly stopped using his litter box, a urinary tract infection could be the culprit. If your cat's urine smells strong, you should suspect a urinary tract infection. These infections need to be treated by your veterinarian. Be sure to ask about cat foods that help alleviate the chance of an infection re-occurring.
There are also several dangerous viruses that cats can catch. Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Feline Leukemia Virus.
FIP is a disease that is related to Corona virus. This problem is serious, because there is no known treatment for the disease. Cats who test positive for this disease may not actually have it, as Corona gives the same result on the titer. There is a vaccine for FIP, but many veterinarians and scientists say that it actually is not very effective. Luckily, this disease is not as easy to catch as some other diseases.
FIV, or cat AIDs, is not always fatal. Some people are afraid that they will catch HIV from a cat with FIV, but that cannot happen.
FLV is preventable if the cat has not been exposed to the virus before being immunized. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. You should never bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.
Worms are also a problem for many cats. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the most common types that infect cats. However, they can occasionally develop heart worms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, you should take him to the veterinarian to be tested for worms. A cat with worms is easily cured with a few doses of medication, but worms can prove fatal if left untreated.
Finally, if your cat spends time outdoors, you should keep a close eye on him for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been acting lethargic or moving slowly and acting as if he was in pain, you should ask your veterinarian to test him for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by ticks.
One of the most common cat health problems is the hairball. Cats groom themselves constantly with their tongues. The loose hair comes off on their tongues and is swallowed. Sometimes the hair gradually forms into a ball instead of passing through the cat's body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he may have a hairball. Usually, the cat will expel the ball on his own. To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs. Recently, cat treats that help control hairballs have become available, as well.
Another common health problem in cats is the urinary tract infection. This infection is particularly common in un-neutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat has suddenly stopped using his litter box, a urinary tract infection could be the culprit. If your cat's urine smells strong, you should suspect a urinary tract infection. These infections need to be treated by your veterinarian. Be sure to ask about cat foods that help alleviate the chance of an infection re-occurring.
There are also several dangerous viruses that cats can catch. Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Feline Leukemia Virus.
FIP is a disease that is related to Corona virus. This problem is serious, because there is no known treatment for the disease. Cats who test positive for this disease may not actually have it, as Corona gives the same result on the titer. There is a vaccine for FIP, but many veterinarians and scientists say that it actually is not very effective. Luckily, this disease is not as easy to catch as some other diseases.
FIV, or cat AIDs, is not always fatal. Some people are afraid that they will catch HIV from a cat with FIV, but that cannot happen.
FLV is preventable if the cat has not been exposed to the virus before being immunized. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. You should never bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.
Worms are also a problem for many cats. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the most common types that infect cats. However, they can occasionally develop heart worms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, you should take him to the veterinarian to be tested for worms. A cat with worms is easily cured with a few doses of medication, but worms can prove fatal if left untreated.
Finally, if your cat spends time outdoors, you should keep a close eye on him for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been acting lethargic or moving slowly and acting as if he was in pain, you should ask your veterinarian to test him for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by ticks.
Should You Own an American Curl?
The first time you see an American Curl, you may think that the cat has a deformity. After all, cats don't usually have ears that curve back toward the back of their heads. The American Curl has varying degrees of curl to the ears, from ears that barely tip back to ears that curve so far back that they form a crescent shape. Only cats with ears that form a crescent curve are suitable for showing, but all American Curls make delightful pets.
This breed was developed in the early nineteen eighties from one stray cat that a California cat lover adopted. Surprisingly enough, all kittens are born with ears that look completely normal. When the kittens are about ten days old, their ears begin to curl. The kittens are about four months old before the ears develop their final position.
The American Curl is known for being a quiet, sweet natured breed and makes an ideal apartment pet. This cat is often a bit on the inactive side and is content to soak up sun on a windowsill for a large portion of the day. While the Curl does not dislike other cats or people, this breed is content to amuse itself and will not pine for other cats to keep it company. The ability to entertain himself makes this breed a perfect choice for people who work long hours but still want to come home to a loving pet.
Along with most other cat breeds recognized by the Cat Fancier's Association, the American Curl is classified as a part of the Championship Class. This breed is on the small side and weighs in at between seven and eleven pounds. The American Curl comes in a wide range of colors, and come in tortiseshell, smoke, shaded, point, bi-color, and tabby patterns. This breed's tail is as long as its body and gracefully tapers at the tip. The cat's head should be rounded and eyes are more oval shaped than those of many cat breeds. The Curl's legs are somewhat bowed and his body is not as muscular and stocky as many other breeds. You can find longhair or shorthair Curls, although the dominant longhair is much more prevalent. Two shorthairs will still often produce one or two longhair kittens.
The American Curl is an extremely healthy cat breed, due to the care with which the breed was developed. The originators of this breed were careful to out cross the original litters of the Curl with straight eared cats that had similar body types to create a large, healthy gene pool of cats that carried the Curl gene before they tried to breed any Curls to each other.
While shorthair Curls need very little grooming, you should be prepared to brush your longhair Curl once a week to prevent the coat from matting. Since the undercoat is very sparse, you should not need to worry about more frequent grooming.
If you want to own a cat who has a unique appearance and a quiet, unassuming disposition, then you may want to take a close look at the good natured American Curl.
This breed was developed in the early nineteen eighties from one stray cat that a California cat lover adopted. Surprisingly enough, all kittens are born with ears that look completely normal. When the kittens are about ten days old, their ears begin to curl. The kittens are about four months old before the ears develop their final position.
The American Curl is known for being a quiet, sweet natured breed and makes an ideal apartment pet. This cat is often a bit on the inactive side and is content to soak up sun on a windowsill for a large portion of the day. While the Curl does not dislike other cats or people, this breed is content to amuse itself and will not pine for other cats to keep it company. The ability to entertain himself makes this breed a perfect choice for people who work long hours but still want to come home to a loving pet.
Along with most other cat breeds recognized by the Cat Fancier's Association, the American Curl is classified as a part of the Championship Class. This breed is on the small side and weighs in at between seven and eleven pounds. The American Curl comes in a wide range of colors, and come in tortiseshell, smoke, shaded, point, bi-color, and tabby patterns. This breed's tail is as long as its body and gracefully tapers at the tip. The cat's head should be rounded and eyes are more oval shaped than those of many cat breeds. The Curl's legs are somewhat bowed and his body is not as muscular and stocky as many other breeds. You can find longhair or shorthair Curls, although the dominant longhair is much more prevalent. Two shorthairs will still often produce one or two longhair kittens.
The American Curl is an extremely healthy cat breed, due to the care with which the breed was developed. The originators of this breed were careful to out cross the original litters of the Curl with straight eared cats that had similar body types to create a large, healthy gene pool of cats that carried the Curl gene before they tried to breed any Curls to each other.
While shorthair Curls need very little grooming, you should be prepared to brush your longhair Curl once a week to prevent the coat from matting. Since the undercoat is very sparse, you should not need to worry about more frequent grooming.
If you want to own a cat who has a unique appearance and a quiet, unassuming disposition, then you may want to take a close look at the good natured American Curl.
How to Choose the Right Cat Breed?
There are so many cat breeds. How can you decide which breed is right for you and your family? Follow this handy guide to select the perfect cat breed.
The first thing you should consider is whether you will be able to handle having a vocal cat. Some cat breeds can actually be quite noisy. While many cat owners do not have a problem with these vocal breeds, as they realize their cats are just communicating with them, a loud cat can be a problem in an apartment situation. Breeds that are very vocal are the Siamese Cat, the Korat, and the Burmese. The Scottish Fold, Somali, and the American Curl are considered to be very quiet cat breeds.
Next, you will want to think about whether you want a cat who is cuddly or if a more aloof breed is right for you. If you do not have a lot of free time, a cuddly cat who loves attention may be the wrong choice. However, affectionate cats are usually better with children than more reserved breeds. Some of the friendliest cat breeds are the Snowshoe, Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Tonkinese, and the Himalayan Persian. Less sociable breeds are the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Nebelung, and the Russian Shorthair.
If you are looking for a cat who can amuse himself and will not get into constant mischief, then the Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese, and British Angora breeds may be a bad choice. These cats are very inquisitive and energetic. However, for someone who is homebound or has a lot of free time, these cats are a wonderful source of entertainment. In fact, the Rex is downright silly in his attempts to amuse those around him.
Of course, while you are looking at what cat breed to shop for, don't get so caught up in selecting the right temperament that you overlook other important features. One of the most important things to consider when you are looking for the right cat is whether you want a long haired or short haired breed. People who don't have a lot of time to devote to a pet may want to opt for a short haired breed. Although that fuzzy ball of fluff may look adorable right now, grooming adult long haired cats can take up quite a lot of time. If you neglect your cat's coat, it can tangle and matt up at an alarmingly fast rate, right down to his skin. Once this happens, your only option is to have him shaved completely, which can be quite traumatic. Also, your cat will probably have to be sedated before he can be shaved down, which poses a health risk.
Once you consider all of the different features and traits for the cat breeds you are interested in, you will finally be ready to start searching for your new pet. Now, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or if you would prefer to give an abandoned older cat a second chance. If you are looking for a certain breed of kitten, check out your local cat show, since most exhibitors have a few kittens for sale. If an older cat is right for you, give your local humane society or animal rescue a call.
The first thing you should consider is whether you will be able to handle having a vocal cat. Some cat breeds can actually be quite noisy. While many cat owners do not have a problem with these vocal breeds, as they realize their cats are just communicating with them, a loud cat can be a problem in an apartment situation. Breeds that are very vocal are the Siamese Cat, the Korat, and the Burmese. The Scottish Fold, Somali, and the American Curl are considered to be very quiet cat breeds.
Next, you will want to think about whether you want a cat who is cuddly or if a more aloof breed is right for you. If you do not have a lot of free time, a cuddly cat who loves attention may be the wrong choice. However, affectionate cats are usually better with children than more reserved breeds. Some of the friendliest cat breeds are the Snowshoe, Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Tonkinese, and the Himalayan Persian. Less sociable breeds are the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Nebelung, and the Russian Shorthair.
If you are looking for a cat who can amuse himself and will not get into constant mischief, then the Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese, and British Angora breeds may be a bad choice. These cats are very inquisitive and energetic. However, for someone who is homebound or has a lot of free time, these cats are a wonderful source of entertainment. In fact, the Rex is downright silly in his attempts to amuse those around him.
Of course, while you are looking at what cat breed to shop for, don't get so caught up in selecting the right temperament that you overlook other important features. One of the most important things to consider when you are looking for the right cat is whether you want a long haired or short haired breed. People who don't have a lot of time to devote to a pet may want to opt for a short haired breed. Although that fuzzy ball of fluff may look adorable right now, grooming adult long haired cats can take up quite a lot of time. If you neglect your cat's coat, it can tangle and matt up at an alarmingly fast rate, right down to his skin. Once this happens, your only option is to have him shaved completely, which can be quite traumatic. Also, your cat will probably have to be sedated before he can be shaved down, which poses a health risk.
Once you consider all of the different features and traits for the cat breeds you are interested in, you will finally be ready to start searching for your new pet. Now, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or if you would prefer to give an abandoned older cat a second chance. If you are looking for a certain breed of kitten, check out your local cat show, since most exhibitors have a few kittens for sale. If an older cat is right for you, give your local humane society or animal rescue a call.
Buying a Cat – Are You Ready?
So,you've decided that you want to have a pet cat. However, before you shop for your kitten, you may need to consider a few important things. After all, finding out that a cat is not for you after you've already grown attached can be heart breaking.
The main reason that people have to find their cats new homes is that they are allergic to cats. If you've never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with cats without developing an allergy attack. Also, check with friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic.
Next, you may want to consider your lifestyle. Although most cats need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day. A bored cat is often a bad cat. If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company.
Don't forget to take a look at your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories. Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post. If you have children, the litter box will need to be placed in a place that your children can't get to, but that your cat can access easily.
Once you decide that a cat will fit into your household, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or an older cat. Most people take one look at that cute, fluffy kitten and fall in love. Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten is the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet. Most kittens have not yet been altered or declawed and must receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases. Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box. Most older pet cats have already been altered and will only need to take booster vaccinations.
Now that you know whether you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to buy your new cat. If you just want a great pet and aren't concerned with owning a specific breed, the best place to look is your local humane society or animal rescue. These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, sweet cats and kittens. If you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can't find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens.
Once you bring your new pet home, don't be surprised if your cat takes several days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, and food dishes set up in a permanent spot.
The main reason that people have to find their cats new homes is that they are allergic to cats. If you've never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with cats without developing an allergy attack. Also, check with friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic.
Next, you may want to consider your lifestyle. Although most cats need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day. A bored cat is often a bad cat. If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company.
Don't forget to take a look at your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories. Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post. If you have children, the litter box will need to be placed in a place that your children can't get to, but that your cat can access easily.
Once you decide that a cat will fit into your household, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or an older cat. Most people take one look at that cute, fluffy kitten and fall in love. Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten is the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet. Most kittens have not yet been altered or declawed and must receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases. Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box. Most older pet cats have already been altered and will only need to take booster vaccinations.
Now that you know whether you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to buy your new cat. If you just want a great pet and aren't concerned with owning a specific breed, the best place to look is your local humane society or animal rescue. These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, sweet cats and kittens. If you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can't find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens.
Once you bring your new pet home, don't be surprised if your cat takes several days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, and food dishes set up in a permanent spot.
So You Want an American Bobtail?
If you want a friendly cat and don't mind that the breed you've chosen is a bit of an upstart in the cat world, since it only has existed since the nineteen sixties, you may want to consider the American Bobtail.
The American Bobtail is one of only three breeds in the Cat Fancier's Association's Provisional Class, which is where cat breeds are placed until they show that they are able to stay true to their standards. This breed is a lightweight compared to many other breeds, weighing in at seven to fifteen pounds.
The American Bobtail received its name because of its extremely short tail. While no one is completely sure how this breed was developed, cat fanciers suspect that the American Bobcat, Manx, and Japanese Bobtail breeds are all ancestors of the American Bobtail. However, while the Manx can be completely tailless and still are able to compete in the show ring, the American Bobtail must have a tail. The tail should be short enough to stop before it reaches the cat's hocks.
While many cats have a sleek, slender appearance, the American Bobtail standard calls for a stocky, muscular cat with big paws and a slightly wild appearance. This cat's head is wedge shaped, but broader than normal. The Bobtail breed can be a shorthair or a longhair, but even shorthair cats do not have smooth coats. The shorthair coat still is long enough to give the cat a bit of a shaggy look. While the Bobtail can come in any color, fawn and white, blue tabby, red tabby, and brown tabby are the most common colors. Shorthair cats are much more common than longhair cats, since the shorthair gene is actually dominant.
Since American Bobtails are very friendly and a bit nosy, they are prone to get into quite a bit of mischief if they are unsupervised and become bored. If you are away from home for long periods of time, you should be sure that there are plenty of toys available so that your cat can amuse himself and still keep out of trouble. Since this breed is fairly sociable, you may also want to add a second cat to the household to avoid having your cat feel too lonely.
The American Bobtail's outgoing temperament makes this breed an ideal choice for families. If you socialize your kitten from a young age, he should actually look forward to having friends and family visit.
When the Bobtail was first developed, this breed had quite a few common health problems. However, in the late twentieth century, concerned devotees of the breed worked to rid it of most of these problems. Today, the American Bobtail is a strong, sturdy cat.
Since even the shorthair has a coat of some length, you will need to groom your cat at least once a week. Although the longhair coat does not tangle easily, you may need to groom your longhair Bobtail a bit more frequently. If you accustom your kitten to the grooming process when he is young, he will actually grow to enjoy the attention.
If you want to own a cat who is sweet and sociable, but still has an undomesticated streak, then the American Bobtail may just be the perfect breed for you.
The American Bobtail is one of only three breeds in the Cat Fancier's Association's Provisional Class, which is where cat breeds are placed until they show that they are able to stay true to their standards. This breed is a lightweight compared to many other breeds, weighing in at seven to fifteen pounds.
The American Bobtail received its name because of its extremely short tail. While no one is completely sure how this breed was developed, cat fanciers suspect that the American Bobcat, Manx, and Japanese Bobtail breeds are all ancestors of the American Bobtail. However, while the Manx can be completely tailless and still are able to compete in the show ring, the American Bobtail must have a tail. The tail should be short enough to stop before it reaches the cat's hocks.
While many cats have a sleek, slender appearance, the American Bobtail standard calls for a stocky, muscular cat with big paws and a slightly wild appearance. This cat's head is wedge shaped, but broader than normal. The Bobtail breed can be a shorthair or a longhair, but even shorthair cats do not have smooth coats. The shorthair coat still is long enough to give the cat a bit of a shaggy look. While the Bobtail can come in any color, fawn and white, blue tabby, red tabby, and brown tabby are the most common colors. Shorthair cats are much more common than longhair cats, since the shorthair gene is actually dominant.
Since American Bobtails are very friendly and a bit nosy, they are prone to get into quite a bit of mischief if they are unsupervised and become bored. If you are away from home for long periods of time, you should be sure that there are plenty of toys available so that your cat can amuse himself and still keep out of trouble. Since this breed is fairly sociable, you may also want to add a second cat to the household to avoid having your cat feel too lonely.
The American Bobtail's outgoing temperament makes this breed an ideal choice for families. If you socialize your kitten from a young age, he should actually look forward to having friends and family visit.
When the Bobtail was first developed, this breed had quite a few common health problems. However, in the late twentieth century, concerned devotees of the breed worked to rid it of most of these problems. Today, the American Bobtail is a strong, sturdy cat.
Since even the shorthair has a coat of some length, you will need to groom your cat at least once a week. Although the longhair coat does not tangle easily, you may need to groom your longhair Bobtail a bit more frequently. If you accustom your kitten to the grooming process when he is young, he will actually grow to enjoy the attention.
If you want to own a cat who is sweet and sociable, but still has an undomesticated streak, then the American Bobtail may just be the perfect breed for you.
Is the Playful Abyssinian the Right Breed for You?
If you've always thought cats were too snooty and unaffectionate, you haven't met an Abyssinian. These cats are very personable and affectionate animals that love to interact with their families.
The Cat Fancier's Association classifies the Abyssinian as a part of the Championship Class, along with thirty six other cat breeds. This breed is often smaller than many other cat breeds, weighing in at only nine to sixteen pounds.
The Abyssinian has a graceful tail that is as long as the rest of its body. Although Abyssinians can have coats in almost any shade, from red to lilac, they all are tabbies with a ticked appearance. This means that each individual hair has bands of dark and light color. This cat breed has a wedge shaped face with eyes that are green, amber, or hazel colored. This breed is much older than many other cat breeds. Images in ancient Egypt show cats with a very similar appearance, right down to the ticked appearance of their coats. The first Abyssinians to arrive in England came from Ethiopia in the eighteen hundreds.
Abyssinians have a reputation for being very curious. These cats want to know everything about what's going on around them. They seem to actually try to help their owners complete household chores and like to hang out with them in the garden. It is no surprise that such a curious breed is also extremely active. This breed spends a lot of time playing and needs a lot of toys. If you don't provide playthings, your cat will use your belongings to create his own toys. Abyssinians will scale any barrier in their quest to explore their surroundings, from curtains to fences. If you allow your cat to spend time outdoors, keep a close eye on him, as he will most likely be a bit of an escape artist.
This breed's personality means that it needs a lot of attention and affection from its owner. An Abyssinian is the wrong choice for anyone who spends a lot of time away from home. If you aren't home a lot, you may want to consider adding another Abyssinian to the household, as this breed does enjoy playing and interacting with other cats.
Abyssinians are so intelligent that they can easily learn a few simple commands. Don't be surprised if your cat learns to come when he is called and picks up some tricks like fetching a toy.
Although most Abyssinians aren't chow hounds like some other cat breeds, you may still want to be sure your cat doesn't overeat. If he starts to become too fat, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about feeding him a weight management cat food, instead. Although urinary tract infections are not as common in this breed as they are in some other breeds, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about feeding a diet that helps prevent infections if you have an altered male cat.
One common health problem this breed does often have is an inherited eye disease called retinal atrophy. This is very unusual in cat breeds, although it is fairly common in many dog breeds.
With its short sleek coat, the Abyssinian needs very little grooming. However, these cats often enjoy receiving the extra attention, as long as you are gentle.
If you want a cat breed that is as affectionate and devoted as any dog, then the Abyssinian is the perfect choice for you.
The Cat Fancier's Association classifies the Abyssinian as a part of the Championship Class, along with thirty six other cat breeds. This breed is often smaller than many other cat breeds, weighing in at only nine to sixteen pounds.
The Abyssinian has a graceful tail that is as long as the rest of its body. Although Abyssinians can have coats in almost any shade, from red to lilac, they all are tabbies with a ticked appearance. This means that each individual hair has bands of dark and light color. This cat breed has a wedge shaped face with eyes that are green, amber, or hazel colored. This breed is much older than many other cat breeds. Images in ancient Egypt show cats with a very similar appearance, right down to the ticked appearance of their coats. The first Abyssinians to arrive in England came from Ethiopia in the eighteen hundreds.
Abyssinians have a reputation for being very curious. These cats want to know everything about what's going on around them. They seem to actually try to help their owners complete household chores and like to hang out with them in the garden. It is no surprise that such a curious breed is also extremely active. This breed spends a lot of time playing and needs a lot of toys. If you don't provide playthings, your cat will use your belongings to create his own toys. Abyssinians will scale any barrier in their quest to explore their surroundings, from curtains to fences. If you allow your cat to spend time outdoors, keep a close eye on him, as he will most likely be a bit of an escape artist.
This breed's personality means that it needs a lot of attention and affection from its owner. An Abyssinian is the wrong choice for anyone who spends a lot of time away from home. If you aren't home a lot, you may want to consider adding another Abyssinian to the household, as this breed does enjoy playing and interacting with other cats.
Abyssinians are so intelligent that they can easily learn a few simple commands. Don't be surprised if your cat learns to come when he is called and picks up some tricks like fetching a toy.
Although most Abyssinians aren't chow hounds like some other cat breeds, you may still want to be sure your cat doesn't overeat. If he starts to become too fat, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about feeding him a weight management cat food, instead. Although urinary tract infections are not as common in this breed as they are in some other breeds, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about feeding a diet that helps prevent infections if you have an altered male cat.
One common health problem this breed does often have is an inherited eye disease called retinal atrophy. This is very unusual in cat breeds, although it is fairly common in many dog breeds.
With its short sleek coat, the Abyssinian needs very little grooming. However, these cats often enjoy receiving the extra attention, as long as you are gentle.
If you want a cat breed that is as affectionate and devoted as any dog, then the Abyssinian is the perfect choice for you.
Make Sure Your Cat Gets the Nutrition He Needs
So, you have a new kitten. You can just dump some cat food in a bowl and get on with your life, right? Well, there's a bit more to the process than this. To keep your kitten healthy, you will need to be sure that you meet all of his nutritional needs.
For the first few weeks of his life, your kitten received all of his nutrition from his mother. As he reached four to six weeks of age, the breeder probably began supplementing the mother cat's milk with canned kitten food or with hard kitten chow moistened with water. By the time your kitten reached eight weeks of age, he was weaned and eating a diet of kitten food. Your breeder should have given you some of the food your kitten was eating or at least the name of the kitten chow.
If you want to change the kitten chow brand that your kitten is eating, you should still buy a small bag of the brand he is currently eating so that you can mix it with the new food. This way your kitten will be able to gradually adjust to the new food without upsetting his digestion.
Young kittens need to eat quite a bit of food. After all, they are growing incredibly fast from the age of eight weeks to about six months. This means that your cat will need to eat more than once a day. In fact, kittens under six months of age do best with four small meals a day, since they do not have very large stomachs, but need plenty of fuel. You should give your kitten an unlimited water supply.
Once your kitten reaches six months of age, his rate of growth slows down dramatically. He will become a bit less active, as well. You can cut his feedings back to two to three meals a day. However, you should not change his food from kitten chow to adult food, yet. He is still a growing cat.
Once your cat is a year old, he can finally eat adult cat food. Since adult cats usually eat when they are hungry, you can simply keep his dish filled with dry food. However, if he overeats and begins to grow overweight, you will need to feed him twice a day instead. If you feed your cat canned food, you should still offer dry food as well, since canned food should not be left out for your cat to eat all day.
When you shop for cat food, look for foods that have the protein source in the first few ingredients. You should also make sure the food is balanced. If your cat has health problems, such as hair balls or urinary tract infections, you should look for cat foods that help control these problems.
Although most cats prefer soft food, dry food can help them maintain better dental health. If your cat refuses to eat dry food, you may want to have your dentist to check his teeth every year or so to be sure they are not too covered in tartar.
For the first few weeks of his life, your kitten received all of his nutrition from his mother. As he reached four to six weeks of age, the breeder probably began supplementing the mother cat's milk with canned kitten food or with hard kitten chow moistened with water. By the time your kitten reached eight weeks of age, he was weaned and eating a diet of kitten food. Your breeder should have given you some of the food your kitten was eating or at least the name of the kitten chow.
If you want to change the kitten chow brand that your kitten is eating, you should still buy a small bag of the brand he is currently eating so that you can mix it with the new food. This way your kitten will be able to gradually adjust to the new food without upsetting his digestion.
Young kittens need to eat quite a bit of food. After all, they are growing incredibly fast from the age of eight weeks to about six months. This means that your cat will need to eat more than once a day. In fact, kittens under six months of age do best with four small meals a day, since they do not have very large stomachs, but need plenty of fuel. You should give your kitten an unlimited water supply.
Once your kitten reaches six months of age, his rate of growth slows down dramatically. He will become a bit less active, as well. You can cut his feedings back to two to three meals a day. However, you should not change his food from kitten chow to adult food, yet. He is still a growing cat.
Once your cat is a year old, he can finally eat adult cat food. Since adult cats usually eat when they are hungry, you can simply keep his dish filled with dry food. However, if he overeats and begins to grow overweight, you will need to feed him twice a day instead. If you feed your cat canned food, you should still offer dry food as well, since canned food should not be left out for your cat to eat all day.
When you shop for cat food, look for foods that have the protein source in the first few ingredients. You should also make sure the food is balanced. If your cat has health problems, such as hair balls or urinary tract infections, you should look for cat foods that help control these problems.
Although most cats prefer soft food, dry food can help them maintain better dental health. If your cat refuses to eat dry food, you may want to have your dentist to check his teeth every year or so to be sure they are not too covered in tartar.
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