Cat Breeds: Selecting and Choosing Suitable Cats

A cat can make a wonderful pet. However, this may not always be the case and the kind of cat that will be right for you and your family should only be kept as pet to avoid hassles. To find this out it is necessary to learn about the various breeds of cats and choose judiciously. There are a number of cat breeds that are cute and can very easily adapt to living in your home and become excellent pets for you and your family. Some pet cats can be quite playful and can entertain children very well.

 

While proceeding to select the suitable breed certain things need to be considered. There are some breeds that are very loud and noisy while others are quiet. If you don’t mind noisy cats or even prefer them then the Korat, Siamese or Burmese cats can be chosen. Quieter breeds are the Scottish Fold, Somali or the American Curl cats.

 

Again you need to decide whether you wish to keep affectionate and cuddly pets or the ones that remain aloof and are more playful. If you can spend a lot of free time on your pet then the cuddly cats that crave for affection can be opted for. Otherwise it is better to get those that stay aloof.

 

Some cat breeds are friendlier then others. The Himalayan Persian, Ragdoll, Snowshoe, Abyssinian, and Maine Coon cats belong to this group while the Russian Shorthair, Nebelung and Norwegian Forest are less sociable. The inquisitive and mischievous cats that are always looking for amusement are the Siamese, Sphinx, Rex and Balinese breeds. These are best for those who have lot of time to be with their pets and amuse themselves seeing their pets playing some mischief. The Rex can especially be a great source of entertainment. Their silly acts can indeed be very enjoyable to watch.

 

Apart from the behavior and temperament of the cat the appearance and body features are important considerations too. Preference for long haired or short haired breeds counts importantly. Since short hair requires less caring, those who cannot spare too much time looking after and grooming the cat can choose short haired cat breeds.

 

It also needs to be decided wisely whether it is preferable to get a kitten or a little older cat or a full grown one that may have been abandoned. People usually opt for buying kittens from cat exhibitors who are seeking to sell out some of their kitten litter. The older cats can be secured from some place like an animal shelter.

What To Expect From Feline Kitten Adoption

Soon to be pet owners have a few choices when planning to get their new cat. They can choose to go to a breeder, buy their cat at a pet store or choose  feline kitten adoption. There are definite rewards in choosing feline kitten adoption as an alternative of buying a kitten from a pet store. Feline kitten adoption helps to put the deserted cats found or brought to the shelter into a good home. In fact this aids in reducing  the over breeding or the irresponsible production of unhealthy or just random kittens that may have some health problems due mainly to their mother being too overworked.  

Steps To Feline Kitten Adoption 

As long as there is a shelter nearby feline kitten adoption is actually very easy to do. You’re your first step to feline kitten adoption is to visit the animal shelters in your surrounding area. Through the animal shelter, you can be assured that cat health is dealt with and inspected before the animals are cleared for adoption. This is something important which can not be guaranteed by all pet stores since not all pet shops or pet stores check on the health of the kittens they are selling.  

After you have visited the animal shelters or other places where feline kitten adoption is possible, you need to make a choice regarding the animal that you would like to adopt. You initially need to establish to the people in charge of the animal shelter that you are capable of caring for and providing for the kitten you wish to adopt. Feline kitten adoption is something that the government takes seriously, therefore you can expect representatives from the shelter to inquire regarding personal matters and even visit you at your home to inspect your place.  

Once your suitability has been established, you can fill up some forms that will take you on your way to feline kitten adoption. In some shelters, you are not subjected to inquiry and you just need to pay a small fee that covers the necessary documents and licenses that will transfer ownership of the kitten to you. Feline kitten adoption as well as adopting dogs is encouraged since there are too many animals out there that are abandoned and just kicked out of the home.  

In its place of having them put down due to having too many abandoned animals feline kitten adoption is a solution that can help cats and dogs. This solution is sometimes not welcome for some people who prefer to have "first hand" pets but an increasing amount of people are going to shelters to find the right pet for them.

 

 

 

 

Sources For Domestic Cat Health Advice

If you are a cat owner, staying in touch of health issues associated with cats is a vital step in providing your pet with superior care. Ensuring your cat has fresh water, good food, and loving surroundings to play in are a key role in the happiness and well being of your cat. But for you to understand and recognize the signs of probable health troubles that could be plaguing your cat you many need to ask for domestic cat health advice. This  is a necessary part of having a cat in your home. 

Reasons For Domestic Cat Health Advice 

There are various reasons you many need to seek domestic cat health advice  these include basic questions concerning at what age should a cat be spayed or neutered, what type or brand of food will promote the best health in your cat, are vaccinations necessary for cats kept indoors, does a cat need to have their teeth cleaned, how do you administer medications to your cat, what do you need to do if your cat is exhibiting unusual or odd behavior, is it necessary to call or take your cat to the veterinarian if your cat is only periodically displaying unusual behavior or bad habits and are there specific or special needs necessary regarding senior cat health. 

Seeking Domestic Cat Health Advice 

The primary person to contact when seeking domestic cat health advice is your veterinarian. Having seen the cat over a period of time, they know him or her and have an ongoing history of vaccinations, check ups, illness or any problems or issues the cat has experienced during their lifetime. If your cat has not been to a veterinarian in a long time or maybe he's never been at all, then no current medical history has been established and this needs to be rectified for the future well being of your cat. If your cat has not been to the veterinarian in a while or ever and is showing signs of behavior that could signal he's not feeling well, ask friends or family for the name of the veterinarian they take their pets to and then make an appointment for your cat to get a check-up, vaccinations, flea preventative and anything else he might be needing. 

Additional Sources for Domestic Cat Health Advice 

To keep yourself informed and up to date on information concerning domestic cat health advice, there are books related to pet health at the library, stores specifically catering to pet care and the local humane society. All are sources for information but none should supercede or take the place of the proper domestic cat health advice you will receive only from your veterinarian.

 

Finding An Exotic House Cat

There are many varieties of cats on the market but f you are interested in getting an exotic house cat, the first thing you will need to do is understand about the variety of exotic breeds that are out there, large domestic cat breed and other, and then use a few tips to help you decide which particular exotic house cat is going to be right for you. 

The world of exotic felines is so exciting and yet can definitely be very confusing as well, especially because there are so many different types out there. There are quite a few different exotic house cat types and each breed has several levels or generations within the breed. Of all these, here are a few of the most popular and which you are going to want to seriously consider as your choice. 

The Bengal 

The Bengal is absolutely a favorite exotic house cat, as not only are they incredibly rare but stunning in appearance as well. These are a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, and the breed has been in existence for over two decades now. If you decide on a Bengal, keep in mind that the quality of these cats will vary significantly, so it all depends on what you are looking for and the amount of money that you are going to be willing to pay. 

When it comes to the size of these cats, most females get to around ten pounds, males twelve. Their personality is playful, intelligent, and affectionate. 

The Savannah  

Another exotic house cat that you may want to consider here is the Savannah. This breed is a cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat, and they are incredibly rare. Most Savannahs cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, and they are tall, lanky cats with a solid spot over a basecoat color that will range from warm golden orange hues to cool silver.  

They are gorgeous cats to look at and are definitely worth thinking about and keeping at the top of your list if you are looking for an exotic cat to bring to your household. 

Just make sure, as you should with any other type of pet that you are sure they are going to make a good addition to your household, taking into consideration other animals and children if there are any. The last thing you want is to bring in a cat or other animal that is going to be mean or aggressive, especially if you have pets or kids in the home.

Description Of The Himalayan Cat Breed

 

A Himalayan cat breed is actually a Persian cat and Himalayan cat bred together. The long hair is something from the Persian while the seal points are from the Siamese cat.  A Himalayan cat can be best described as a longhaired cat with the markings of a Persian kitten. The breed has a distinctly sociable behavior of the Siamese cat. You can expect your Himalayan cat breed to have a sweet temper and show signs of being highly intelligent. Due to inbreeding, this breed may be prone to abnormalities and birth defects.

 

Taking Care Of Your Himalayan Cat Breed

 

A Himalayan cat breed has similar needs to other kittens. The degree of difference lies mainly on the maintenance of the coat. Bathing of the Himalayan cat breed should be kept at a minimum of once a month or when the cat is dirty enough to warrant the need for a bath. Cats do not really enjoy bathing and too frequent bathing can upset the balance of the cat's coat making it more prone to drying up or skin problems. Brushing may also benefit the both the Himalayan cat breed and cat since this can lessen the appearance of hairballs.  

The Himalayan cat breed also needs to eat the right kind of kitten food. Supplements may be necessary for the proper growth and abundance of its fur while kitten food that meets the demands of all kinds of kittens should be recommended by your veterinarian. Fresh water should be at hand always in a spot that the Himalayan cat breed recognizes as a comfort zone or some place that it may consider its own. This means that the place where the kitten food is served along with where the fresh water is kept should be consistent, especially if in side the home.  

A warm spot for it to sleep should be made ready for it. This should be in a spot where there is less traffic and somewhere that the Himalayan cat breed can call its own. Some experts recommend putting a sort of carrier, box or basket that gives the impression of protecting the cat when it is inside. This will give the kitten a sense of having a sort of cave or hole to which it can retreat to when stressed or not wanting to be disturbed. 

Taking care of a Himalayan cat breed can entail regular brushing as well as bathing to ensure that the coat is kept clean and free from parasites or tangles. Other than the long coat, the care for the Himalayan cat breed is pretty similar to that of other breeds.

Safe Kitten Food To Feed Your New Pet

Kittens are not only entertaining but make great companions. Cats can maintain their independence and at the same time have social interaction with humans; this is what sets them apart from other domestic animals for pets. This is why kittens are normally picked over more mature cats when people are making a purchase. 

Caring For Your Kitten 

One of the things that you need to be careful about is kitten food. The needs of the adult cat and that of the kitten are different from each other. Therefore, when you purchase food pick safe kitten food, what we mean by safe is kitten food that is geared towards the health and well being of your kitten. Along with the right kind of kitten food, fresh water should be provided for the pet. Fresh water is actually more important than regular milk that most people think cat's need. Kittens need cat milk not necessarily cow's milk. 

Having taken care of the safe kitten food and water to feed your new kitten, you will need a place for your kitten to call its own. This sense of property is necessary for the kitten to feel secure in certain areas of the house. A blanket or a basket in a warm area of the home might do the trick.  

Safe Kitten Food Necessities 

Protein and fat are among the necessary ingredients of the right kind of kitten food. Some dry safe kitten food such as Purina Pro Plan is preferred by people while others prefer the wet kind. Sometimes, the choice depends on what kind of kitten food the kitten was exposed to initially. Kittens might also benefit from vitamins and minerals that help them have a beautiful coat and healthier body systems. By products of any kind are not as desirable as meat from beef, pork and poultry. The reason for this is that some by products may contain germs and may have been exposed to other dangerous elements before being used for cat or kitten food.

Antioxidants are also a great addition to kitten food. These not only add to the health of the animal but also act as a preservative for most cat food. Corn meal is another thing that one might like to look for in the food that one will get for a kitten. This helps with the digestion. 

Picking the right safe kitten food for your new kitten  is one of the most important things that you need to discuss with your vet. This will assure you that you are giving the right nutrients for your new pet.

 

Cat Eye Care-Why It Is Important?

Cats eyes have often been used in horror films. But as a pet owner, you will know that the cats stare is really the complete opposite of what is portrayed in films. That is why cat eye care, is so very important for you to know.

How do cats say I love you? well this is through their eyes, of course. This is why you should never be frightened by there gaze. So how does this work? First of all, the cat stares at you for a long time. And after that, it blinks its eyes slowly. Some people call this the cats kiss. But you should also know that this is your cats way of showing you that it loves you.

But how do you return the favor? This is easy, all you need to do is follow your cats lead. Stare at it for a long time and then slowly blink your eyes. See? Cats eyes have also be used for romantic films as well.

Do not believe the horror films you see. Cats do not and never have had a third eye. Their eye sight is really far better than a humans. Instead of a third eye, what cats have is a third eyelid. This is called a nictitating membrane.

This inner eyelid protects the eyes of the cat from harm and also from dryness. You will always notice that when a cat is sick, this membrane will be some what closed. This should always alarm enough for you to call your vet or get your cat to them fast as possible.

But this third eyelid will also show once a cat is happy. So you will know what kind of mood your cat is in just by looking at the membrane.

You should always observe the pupil of your feline friend. A change in size of one of the pupils can often be an indication of an inflammation. It can also be a sign of a kind of a neurologic, disorder, this is called Horner's Syndrome. Or worse, it can also indicate tumors or injuries in the central nervous system.

Never believe what others say that cats are color blind. They do see some colors. They may not see them as clear as human do, but its not true that they cannot see any colors at all.

Cats can also see clearly over long distances. There vision is very different from peoples. There vision will blurry if they are looking at objects that are very close to them.

Yes it is true, cats do have the nocturnal vision. But they can not see in complete darkness. Do you see the muscles on their iris that surround the pupils of their eyes? They are constructed in a way that it narrows into a vertical split when they are exposed in the bright lights. And it opens fully when they are in a quite dim light.

This feature of the cat may be traced back to their roots. They can use this feature to hunt for food during the night, that is if they were left out in the jungle or left with no one to care for them.

So you must forget about the horror movies that you have seen. Now it is time to put some effort into your cats eye care. Never let a minor ailments worsen. Always call your vet immediately when you think there is something not right or amiss. You do not want your cat to lose their sight or even worse lose their lives. Just remember it is always better to be safe than blind.

Encountering Senior Cat Health Problems

 What do we do when we are not feeling well? Well when we are sick we go to the doctor who detects what's wrong with us and if required will give us some medicine to make us feel better. When we get home we take the prescribed medication and perhaps go to sleep. For our elderly cats when encountering a senior cat health problem, the steps are the same only that the elderly cat must depend on its human friend to understand they aren't feeling well, pack them into the cat carrier and whisk them off to their own doctor to find out what is making them fill ill and then get medicine so they can feel better. 

Observing Senior Cat Health Problems 

Even though a cat can be solitary and independent creature, it's important to be familiar with and be aware of your cat's behavior. A couple of issues that can signal distress in your cat include constant scratching, for example, which could stem from an active flea problem or your cat could have allergies. Something else to look for is drooling, shying away from anything that gets too near to the face and the inability to eat dry food. This can signal that the cat has a bad tooth that could need to be extracted. Check their paws for splinters that can become infected or broken nails. 

Recognizing A Severe Senior Cat Health Problems 

Observing your cat repeatedly going to the litter box with no results can signal a cat urinary health issue. This health problem can be found in both male and female cats and can be caused by sediment building up in the tract making it impossible for the cat to pass any urine. This can quickly become a dangerous illness for your cat and should you observe this behavior, call your veterinarian immediately and apprise them of the situation. In most cases an immediate visit to the doctor is required so the veterinarian can place a catheter in the cat to empty the bladder. If this is not done, the urine can back up into the kidneys.  

Treating A Severe Senior Cat Health Problems 

Deciding on a course of treatment for your pet once a cat urinary health issue has arisen will be determined by your veterinarian and can include a change in what type of food your cat will be able to eat along with medication to help keep the problem from reoccurring.  Keeping up to date on all information relating to senior cat health problems that your feline may be experiencing along with cat related health problems in general will help you in recognizing the signs of distress when your cat is not feeling well. Understanding their behavior enables us to better care for their overall health and well being.

 

Your Cat’s Health: Crucial Information about Two Common Cat Diseases

When it comes to cat health there is a lot of information available out there, even down to the health information of different cat breeds. Possibly the most important cat health information regardless of the breed is the common cat diseases your pet may be at risk of getting. There are a few very common diseases all cats can get and we will explore a couple of them here.

It is vital that you are aware of the potential risks your cat may face so you can be prepared should you notice any symptoms developing. There are cat diseases which could easily be a problem, two of which you should familiarize yourself with first.

The risk of cancer

Similar to the occurance in humans, cancer is fairly common in cats. Unfortunately it also has much of the same effects on their organs and bodies. And like in humans, some cancers develop slowly while others can appear rapidly. There are medical treatments for alot of these cancers and more treatments are regularly being uncovered. Diagnosing cancer early is crucial to the success of any treatment.

The risk of rabies

Understanding the very real risks of rabies in cats is vital information you should ensure you are aware of. Rabies is a fatal condition caused by a virus that attacks the brain.

Many people will be familiar with what rabies can do to an animal. It is less common in cats but should nevertheless be taken very seriously. Rabies vaccinations are the best way to prevent this disease. They are safe and effective and should be administered by a vet when the cat is still a kitten.

Symptoms of rabies are very similar to symptoms of other nonrelated diseases which will make it quite difficult to identify in your cat. Things to look out for are a change in the cat's temperament, drooling and any drastic changes to appetite. Seeking the help and advice from a vet is the best thing to do if you think there is cause for concern. It is not worth risking the animal biting either your children, your spouse or you.

Information about your cat's health is every bit as important as knowing about your own health. Whether you have a dog or cat or pet goldfish, you will need to take the responsibility of finding out all the health risks they may face in their lifetime. To ensure your cat enjoys a healthy and long life learn all you can from experts like veterinarians and trainers.

The Pet Feline

Amongst all the tame animals in the world, the pet feline is one of the few that has managed to keep its independence. It is because of this independence that most people really love to have felines as pets as they live their own lives without the dependence of others. A pet feline can retain its wildness but still be attached to an owner. Pet felines have always enjoyed domesticity this can be seen through history. 

Ancient Egyptians and other cultures and races have long time-honored ties with this extraordinary creature. These animals have also been honored and from time to time been ostracized depending largely on who they are with. As companions to queens and kings, they were seen as deities but as companions to witches, the pet feline was looked upon as an evil animal.  

The Pet Feline And Its Relationship With Its Owner  

There are many different kinds of feline cats. Shorthaired, long haired and hairless are among these kinds of felines.  These animals also have a variety of faces and characteristics that go along with the different kinds of animals that they are. 

Between the owner and his cat, there will always be a strong bond but one must always bear in mind that this animal has always retained its independence and singleness throughout the years ever since its being a kitten. In spite of this, many owners enjoy their cat's natural temperament and natural beauty and dignity. Many pet felineowners even appreciate their pets' individuality and dignity instead of being put off by it. Owners often treasure their pets due mainly to the fact that the animals can also be very lovable and naughty at times. 

One could say that the pet feline is a very individual animal compared to the other popular pets like dogs and horses. They can actually live without human interaction or interference by using their skills and prowess. The pet feline is also descended from a long line of big cats that exude grace and confidence in themselves. Their lineage is quite long and also varied. There are several varieties of domesticated felines and also wild ones all over the world. Many of these animals feature in legend and folklore as well as superstition.                             

The role that a pet feline can play in the lives of its owner and family depends on how much importance you give it. Just like all other animals, they often respond to love and attention from their owners. This means that they can and do reciprocate the love and attention you give them.  

Do You Have An Aggressive Cat– What Causes It?

There are two types of violent behaviors that a cat can show, an aggressive cat can be aggressive towards other cats and they can aggressive towards people. An aggressive cat can bite and scratch but this can easily be handled when you know what is causing the problem. There are several causes of aggressive behavior between cats.  

Territorial Aggression – No Trespassing! 

Cats are very territorial and territorial aggression is very common among cats, they do not like to have strange people in areas that they feel is theirs. This is very common in a household where an older cat is expected to welcome the intrusion of a new cat or kitten. It also happens outside, when a neighbor cat dares to trespass into your cat’s yard. The behavior of an aggressive cat is that they will chase and ambushing another cat, and a lot of hissing and swatting if there is contact between the two.  

Inter-male Aggression – Who' The Boss  

Inter-male Aggression occurs because of the hierarchy that is natural amid animals. It can be part of a sexual challenge for a female or to raise one’s status in the cat hierarchy. While neutered males are less apt to fight this way, they, too, can have inter-male aggression, particularly if neutered later in life. The behavior seen with this type of aggressive cat is body posturing, staring, howling, yowling, and stalking each other. They two can fight, trying to bite each other’s neck or scratch their underbelly. It can all of a sudden stop – the two will separate and move away a bit – and then happen again right away – or they will just walk away. 

Defensive Aggression – Don’t Hurt Me (Or Even Look Like You Will) Or I’ll Hurt You 

Defensive Aggression is typical of a situation where the cat is trying to protect itself. For example, if you’ve ever tried to catch a feral cat, once it feels trapped it will attack in self-defense. The behavior seen with defensive cat prior to an attack has the cat crouching with the legs under the body, tail tucked in, and ears pulled back. If the danger will not go away, the cat will more often than not attack with nails and teeth. 

I’m Angry At Him, So I’ll Hit You Instead - Redirected Aggression

An aggressive cat can also have redirected aggression this is where it is directed to an animal different than the one that provoked it. A typical type would be a cat who sees another cat out the front window. It can’t get out there and protect its turf, though it wants to, so instead it attacks the other family cat sitting next to it – which hasn’t done anything to warrant the attack.

Are You Giving Your Cat The Right Food?

So you can not resist the graceful charms of the feline species around and want to befriend one of them? Well the most important thing you need to know before proceeding with your pet adventure is: how to provide for all its necessities in a proper manner and the most important consideration relates to supplying the right foods, so that proper nutrition takes place through various stages of its growth.

 

You want a healthy, good humored pet to give you company, right? For that you have to take care of what you give it to eat. Remember, your cat’s well being is the ultimate function of what it eats. Just like a human being’s life span is influenced by what he consumes, the same way, your cat will live a longer and healthy life when fed wholesome, natural foods without the contamination of chemicals.

 

What makes the best diet for your pet cat?

The natural foods make for the best diet for both the dogs and the cats. But what does natural food imply? Natural foods refer to those varieties that your pet would like to have if it was staying in the wild.

 

So far as cats are concerned, they display an essentially carnivorous food habit. Their system calls for high protein intake. Cats surviving on purely a vegetarian diet is nearly impossible. By counting the number of your cat’s grinding teeth, and the number of tearing and shearing teeth, you will be able to get a possible ratio of the protein, carbohydrate and fat content that the ideal diet for your cat should consist of.

 

Here is an overview of a healthy diet for your cat.

 

Protein content

An ideal cat diet should consist of 60 % protein. It is better to avoid highly processed, artificial cat food. The protein should come from either organic ground beef or organic chicken--- raw or cooked. You can give eggs once a week if your cat likes it. Let your pussy make a feast on cooked fishes more than once a week. To add variety, give her piece of turkey or rabbit from time to time.

 

It will be prudent to steam or boil the meat before you offer it to your cat. Don’t discard the water after boiling the meat, boil some vegetable in it and your cat will just love this meat flavored vegetable broth.

 

Fruit and vegetable intake

Vegetables should cover approximately 20% of your cat’s diet. Cats generally like the taste of variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower or corn. It becomes easier for you to add variety to your cat’s diet if your cat happens to love the taste of such fruits as melon, mango or apple.

 

The grain content

About 20% of your cat’s diet should comprise whole grains like brown rice---steamed or boiled. Other grains like millet, barley, oatmeal, and amaranth are also good for your cat’s health. You can also offer your cat the boiled grains in a pureed form.

 

Last of all; make sure to give your cat adequate vitamin and mineral supplements. It is also important to supply enough amino acid taurine; deficiency of this substance results in blindness. Also add 250 mg vitamin C to your cat’s daily diet to add to overall cat health.