Pedigree Cats

Most people buy pedigree kittens from cat breeders who usually breed a specific breed of cats. For example, if you wish to obtain a pedigree Siamese kitten, you should find a breeder who specializes in that breed. Usually these breeders are people who professionally breed cats to sell and/or show. They are very proud and knowledgeable about the breed they specialize in.

Once you have determined that you want a cat that has a pedigree, you need to find someone who breeds that type of cat. Ideally, you should get a breeder's name from someone who has already purchased a kitten from them. In this way, you can see the type of cat the breeder sells and determine if it meets your requirements. If you do not know anyone with the type of cat you wish to buy, then you can look in the pet section of your local newspaper to see if anyone local is selling this type of cat. You can also check with your local veterinarian as they usually have personal knowledge of all local cat and dog breeders.

Many cat magazines have listings of breeders near the back of the magazine. Or, you can call national organizations for listings of registered breeders. Another source is the Internet. For example a query of “siamese kittens for sale” performed on May 8, 2010, resulted in 163,000 responses from all over the world, so you should probably add some additional qualifications to your query to narrow down the number of responses, such as “toronto siamese kittens for sale” which resulted in 8010 responses which is still a large number, but a little more manageable.

Many professional breeders will usually have a range of ages of kittens for sale, from six weeks to six months old. Kittens under three months of age are the most popular, and you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a quality pedigree kitten. Cat rescue groups and your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) could also have kittens, but usually their pedigree is questionable, unless they were seized from a registered breeder.

You want to make sure that the breeder you choose is registered with a national cat registry and has been breeding cats for at least five years. (This ensures that their business and the lineage of their kittens is solid.) They should be able to give you a certificate of pedigree with the kitten to prove it's a purebred animal.

Find out if the breeder offers a written guarantee about the kitten's health. Also make sure they will give you a refund or exchange if the kitten develops a disease or genetic problem within the first six months to a year. Reputable breeders are more than happy to meet these conditions. If they are reluctant, or refuse, you do not want to do business with them - find another breeder.

Some pet stores sell pedigree kittens, although most are likely to only carry non-pedigree kittens. Most pet store kittens are young, usually under 12 weeks of age. They are often kept together in a pen or crate, which is great for display purposes, but not so great if one of the kittens becomes ill, because then all of the kittens would be exposed to that illness. Pet store kittens are often placed in the main area of the store. This is so people can get close to the kittens and even hold them if they want. Although this is a bit risky, it does socialize the kittens at an early age, which is a desirable thing.

If you are interested in a pet store kitten, try to find out how the store got the animals - from a breeder, pet wholesaler, or maybe just a neighbourhood family looking to place a litter from their cat. The source of the kittens matters, because it should be reflected in the price the store is charging for the kittens. Prices at pet stores can range from about fifty dollars to several hundred dollars for a pedigree kitten. (Again the actual pedigree of the animal is questionable because many pet stores do not provide a certificate of pedigree with the kitten.)

Whatever method you use to locate a pedigree kitten, if you do thorough research, you will find a great kitten which will give you many years of faithful companionship.

Until next time,

Teia

CAT HEALTH PROBLEMS

When my dad was growing up in a rural area of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, cats were hardy animals that seldom suffered any illnesses. They usually passed on from old age, being struck by a motor vehicle on the Island Highway or being shot by an annoyed neighbour. However, over the last forty or so years, with the advent of commercial cat food and “selective” breeding, cat diseases are becoming fairly common. The only one that he can recall, from his childhood, is the first one on my list.

1. WORMS.

All breeds of cats are very susceptible to worms. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are the most common worms found in cats. Often, kittens are born with worms, or get them shortly after birth. Therefore, if your cat has recently had kittens, or if you have recently obtained a kitten, it is suggested that you consult a veterinarian (vet) about worming your kitten(s). If your cat is lethargic, has trouble gaining weight, or has white specks in its stool, have it checked for worms by a vet. Worms can be eliminated by medication, but if left untreated they can prove to be fatal to your cat.

2. HAIRBALLS.

Although not a disease, hair balls cause health problems in many cats, particularly in cats with long hair. Since most cats spend a considerable amount of time each day grooming themselves, usually by licking their fur or licking their paws and then rubbing the damp paw on their fur, they normally swallow hair in the process. As a result, sometimes the long hair forms into a ball and blocks the cat's intestines, instead of passing through the cat with its stool. If your cat shows signs of straining when attempting to have a bowel movement, particularly if it is also coughing and gagging a lot, take it to your vet as it probably has a hairball. With proper treatment most hairballs can be eliminated. Untreated, hairballs can lead to serious health problems and even death.

The easiest way to eliminate the possibility of hairballs is to brush your cat two to three times a week. This will remove most of the loose hair that could end up in your cat's stomach. Apparently, there is now cat food that is supposed to prevent hairballs from forming. Before considering the use of this food, you should consult your vet. Ingredients ingested to prevent the formation of hairballs could prove to be more harmful than helpful.

3, URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS.

Many cats suffer from urinary tract infections. Interestingly, urinary tract infections are more prevalent in male cats that haven't been neutered, although it also occurs in female cats, but with less frequency. Symptoms to watch out for are:

a. The cat stops using the litter box and starts urinating in other places.

b. The cat appears to have problems urinating and when it goes there is blood in the urine.

c. The cat's urine smells very strong.

I'm a dog and as a puppy and a young adult, I suffered from urinary tract infections and also from kidney stones. My vet determined that my problems were caused by my diet. I was put on a more acidic diet and my problems went away. So, be sure to take you cat to the vet if you suspect it has a urinary tract infection. Your vet can provide medication to cure the infection and recommend ways to prevent infections from reoccurring.

4. FELINE LEUKAEMIA

This disease is actually misnamed. It is not the cancerous blood disease that humans get, but instead it is a highly contagious virus based disease. It is usually fatal., but if you get your cat vaccinated against this disease and continue getting all required booster shots, it should not be a concern. Death from the disease is not immediate, but once contracted the disease will greatly shorten your cat's lifespan. Any unvaccinated cat exposed to the Feline Leukaemia virus will catch the disease. So, be sure to discuss this disease with your vet and arrange for a vaccination.

5. FELINE ASTHMA.

Approximately one percent of the world wide cat population will catch this allergy related disease, which is incurable. However, with proper veterinarian treatment, you cat could live a nearly normal life. Symptoms to watch out for are wheezing when breathing, coughing and laboured breathing. Consult your vet immediately if your cat exhibits these symptoms.

6. FELINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (FSE)

This disease is believed to be caused by eating the meat of a cow with BSE or, as it is more commonly called, “Mad Cow Disease.” Since pet food is primarily made for animals that have died, there is a small chance of your cat getting this disease from its food. However, after the last commercial pet food debacle, there are much more stringent rules in place regarding pet food ingredients used in pet food manufactured in North America. Be very careful of pet foods from other locations as their standards may not be as stringent. FSE does not currently have a treatment available, so a painful death is a certainty unless you have your pet euthanized as soon as it is diagnosed with this disease.

7. FELINE DIABETES

One in 400 cats will be affected by feline diabetes, which usually occurs as a Type 2 insulin dependent version of the disease. Symptoms include sudden weight loss, excessive drinking and urination, lethargy and an appetite that is either non existent or completely ravenous with the cat eating 3 to 4 times its usual volume of food. If detected early enough, treatment could result in complete remission. Those cats that do not go into remission can live a fairly normal life with long lasting insulin shots and a low carbohydrate diet. If your cat exhibits any of the symptoms of this disease, get him or her to a vet as soon as possible.

Take your cat for regular visits to your veterinarian. Get all recommended vaccinations and consider making your cat into an indoor cat and you will have a pet that will live a long and happy life with you.

Until next time,

Teia

The Advantages of Having a Microchip Implanted in Your Pets

Every pet owner wants to keep his or her beloved cat or dog as safe as possible. You do everything you can to make sure your pet is well cared for and healthy. If you have an indoor pet, you may not think that keeping identification tags is important, but it is. What if your fuzzy feline accidentally slips out the door at night and you search to no avail? What do you do, especially if your dog or cat has no identification? Placing a collar, with an identification tag, on your pet is important, but collars sometimes become lost or are removed. When you consider the fact that many animal shelters only keep dogs and cats for seven days, you want to make sure that your pet is properly identified. That is where the microchip comes in handy. The microchip is the newest way to identify lost pets and helps ensure that your lost pooch or feline finds his or her way back home.

The technology of the microchip has become so popular that most animal clinics and animal shelters have the ability to scan a cat or dog for microchip identification. If you opt for the microchip, you should know that it is a relatively painless procedure for your pet. Your vet will insert a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice directly under your pet’s skin using a hypodermic needle. The microchip is usually placed in the back of the neck or in the ear. The microchip contains a special digital number that has been entered on a national microchip database. The database will contain your contact information, so when the number is checked, the person doing it will be able to contact you. When your pet is lost, a veterinarian or animal shelter worker can use a special scanner to retrieve the microchip number. It is that easy.

Pet owners love the idea of the microchip because it is permanent. You cannot remove the microchip and unlike a collar or tags, it cannot be lost or destroyed. This is one of the best features of using a pet microchip, especially for cats. If you place a collar on a cat, more than likely it will be a breakaway collar. If your cat climbs a tree, or is caught on something, the collar breaks off. If your cat does not have a microchip, it will be very difficult to identify your cat if it is found.

There are a few important things to remember about pet microchips. First, if your pet gets lost, you should never just sit back and wait for a call, even if your pet has a microchip. Not all veterinarians and shelters are equipped with this technology. You need to take the time to call around and place “lost pet” flyers around your neighbourhood. In addition, you need to make sure you take the time to update your contact information should you move. It does little to no good to have your pet implanted with the microchip if the information on the national database is incorrect. Your veterinarian can tell you how to update this information.

It is important to get your pet implanted with the microchip at a young age. Puppies can have the microchip inserted at age six weeks. Even small breeds of dogs can handle this procedure. Kittens can also undergo this procedure at six weeks. The insertion of the microchip is not painful and feels like a regular vaccination shot. You can have your pet implanted with the microchip at your veterinarian’s office and can expect to pay $30 or more for this service. However, this is a small price to pay for something that can be the difference between finding your lost pet and not finding her.

Until next time,

Teia

Getting Your Pet Through an Animal Rescue Group

Birdhouse Publishing and I advise that animal rescue organizations or groups offer you a great place to get your next family pet. These groups are all different, but they do have common goals. They work hard to locate a permanent loving home for unwanted, abused or misplaced pets. Many of these rescue groups rely on volunteers and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes.

When you begin looking for a rescue group to work with, you will find that most of these groups rely on their hard working volunteers and support from the local community to operate. You will also find a wide variety of animals available through these rescue groups. Some rescue groups are dedicated to the rescue of a specific type of animal, however, many of these groups handle all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even older pets available for adoption. You might be surprised to learn that some groups even offer exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs, ferrets and even guinea pigs. Some groups specialize in rescuing racehorses and greyhounds who have been injured or who have reached the end of their racing days.

As you begin looking at pets available through rescue groups, keep in mind that many of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that has just given birth and her owner no longer wants her. Owners have relinquished many of the animals offered by rescue groups because they can no longer care for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the streets. Some groups also offer spay and neuter release programs for feral cats.

Rescue groups do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. If you find a pet offered through a pet rescue group, you will be asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the pet long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey—it is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting. Having the animal’s health history at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home.

You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If you are interested in adopting through one of the many rescue organizations, it is easy to find one in your area. Your veterinarian can give you the contact information for organizations near you. Most of the time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, or children and time to get used to living in a home. Sometimes, animal rescue groups will bring their animals that need homes to pet stores or other locations for interested people to see and meet these animals on certain weekends.

When you choose a pet in a rescue program, be prepared to go through an interview and application process. Adoption fees vary with each organization, but you can expect to pay $100-$200 or more for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the organization. This adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying and neutering.

Getting your next pet through an animal rescue organization is a responsible way to get your next family member. You can also find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. These groups provide an invaluable service to the communities they are located in. If you see the pictures of some of the animals they have rescued, it is heart breaking. It also makes you wonder if the human race really is civilized or if it is just a thin veneer covering a vicious nature.

Can Feral Cats Be Tamed?

Feral cats are different from stray cats. Stray cats are usually the product of some person’s irresponsibility. Irresponsibility can be defined in two ways when it comes to strays: dumping a cat to fend for itself and/or neglecting to spay and neuter their cats. Stray cats can be timid, but are often easily tamed. Feral cats are cats that were probably born to wild parents and are wild themselves. Feral cats have had no, or very little, human interaction and are very difficult to tame.

Because feral cats are difficult to tame, thus making them undesirable indoor pets, there are many rescue organizations that are dedicated to the trapping and spaying and neutering of feral cat colonies. Many times, these organizations trap the cats, have them spayed and neutered and then release them near where they were originally found. Then, they dedicate themselves to providing food to these colonies.

Feral cats are everywhere. You can find feral cats in rural or farm areas, abandoned buildings and even parks and alleyways. You might catch a glimpse of them, but chances are that you would not be able to catch them easily. After all, they have not been around humans so any contact would make them shy away from you. If you have feral cats in your neighbourhood, you may wonder whether these animals can be kept as pets.

Taming a feral cat can be a difficult proposition simply because they are not accustomed to humans. Depending on the level of their interactions with humans, some cats might be classified as semi-feral, total feral or even a converted feral cat. Depending on what your cat is classified as, dictates your potential success in socializing it. In addition, it takes a lot of time, love and patience to tame these cats.

If you find a cat that has been feral for years, chances are that there is little to no chance of socializing it. With no human contact at all, these cats are overly independent and would never depend on a human for food or companionship. You might have better success with a cat that is semi-feral. In these instances, they have had some limited human contact. A converted feral cat would probably have the best chance at a normal life as someone’s pet. These cats were once domesticated, meaning that they probably started life as a pet and then were abandoned and have spent considerable time without human contact. The converted feral cat will more than likely eventually respond to human interactions such as love and affection.

If you want to attempt to tame a feral cat, remember that it can be hard work reaching out to the feral cat and getting them to trust you after being on their own. Sometimes, your efforts will not pay off for months, especially with older cats. If your attempts are a success, the rewards are well worth it because a strong bond can develop and loyalty and love is the reward.

If you believe you have the time and the love to attempt to tame a feral, there are some things to remember. First, these cats see you as an intruder and are very likely to spit, hiss, bite and claw. This is a normal response as they are defending themselves against a perceived predator – you. If they manage to get in a few bites or scratches, you should apply first aid immediately. After you have successfully trapped a feral cat, your very first step is to get it to the vet to be spayed or neutered and to check for any diseases it may carry. This is a necessary step and an absolute must if you have other pets in the house. After you have arrived home with your cat, you need to let it adjust to you and the surroundings by giving it a small, safe place to stay. Allow the cat to stay in a small bathroom or laundry room, where it does not feel overwhelmed. You will need to take time every day to spend with the cat and allow the cat to adjust to you.

Remember, not all feral cats can be socialized; however with love and patience, your time and efforts may be worthwhile.

When Dad’s father was still alive, he caught a feral cat in the bush near his rural Vancouver Island home. The cat was a tortoiseshell female and it had a new litter of kittens. He put the cat and kittens in a cardboard box and took them home and placed them in the crawlspace under the family home. He put food out for them and after awhile the female mother began to eat some of the food because she was hungry and wouldn‘t abandon her young. Eventually the kittens were old enough to be taken from the mother and they were turned over to the humane society. The feral mother was taken to the vet and spayed. Grandpa attempted to tame her, but she would never let him touch her. She would stay around under the house or in the attic which she got into through an open vent. Eventually Grandpa entered the hospital and died three and one half years later. After Grandpa went into the hospital, Grandma would feed her. After Grandpa’s death, the cat got quite friendly with Grandma and would rub against her when she was fed. Eventually the cat would let Grandma pet it and it would nibble her cheek. A few winters ago, when it was quite cool on Vancouver Island, the cat would try to slip into the house. However, the old dog didn’t think the cat should be in the house so he would chase it out. When the dog was outside checking out the yard, the cat would slip in and curl up in a corner. So, feral cats can be tamed, but in this case it only happened because Grandma didn’t make any overt attempts to do it. All she did was talk to the cat and feed it. Because the cat did not feel threatened by her, it decided that she was ok and made the overture to become friends.

Until next time,

Teia

Choosing The Right Pet For You

Most individuals have an idea just what type of pet they want; however, the maintenance of a pet can cause some concern. Knowing how to choose the pet you want may be easy. You may have had several pets as a child and know you need a companion for your own home, or you may have always wanted a pet but been told you could not have one. Whatever the case, you need to take into consideration some key points about pet care when deciding what pet is right for you.

First, some pets take more care than others. Dogs are very needy animals. They are very sensitive toward their owners. You have probably heard of dogs tearing up a house when left alone all day. Dogs can get bored even when they have other dog companions and toys. They need human interaction. Most dog owners take their dogs out for a walk before work and after work for exercise and play time. Other owners, who work outside, will often let their dogs come to work with them to keep the dog(s) out of trouble. Cats, on the other hand, can amuse themselves and as long as you put your valuables on a shelf they cannot reach and keep a clean house, they will sleep, look out windows and play with toys while you are away. Fish are another type of pet that is typically low maintenance except for cleaning the fish tank, which can be quite a job if it hasn‘t been done for a while.

Pet care is very important when you own a pet. They need attention from their owners, positive reinforcement, training and love. Fish are usually excluded from this statement, as they just need food, proper tank maintenance and a few plants to sustain life. However, contrary to popular belief, fish if made a fuss of on a regular basis, also enjoy human interaction. Of course they don’t need training or being taken for a walk, but they do enjoy being talked to and having their owner peer through the glass at them and wiggle their fingers along the tank front. The point is, proper pet care is required when you own ANY pet. The decision will be yours to make in choosing what the right pet is for you. Above I mentioned three types of pets and a little about their care. Now we are going to look at it in a little more depth.

While dogs are high maintenance and require the most training, they are also one of the best pets to own. They can alert you to danger, alert you to someone at the door and give unconditional love to you. A dog only asks, in return, for proper care and a great deal of attention. If you cannot be home all the time, you will want to make sure the dog has a roof over its head in case of inclement weather and a huge yard to play in. Some dogs can jump six foot fences so it may be best to erect a dog run with a roof so it can move about, but not escape. Also remember that some dogs, if left alone in a yard, bark or howl incessantly, which will make the neighbours unhappy and could lead to you being charged with an offence under a noise bylaw. You may also find that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) begins to visit frequently. And, if they are active in your area, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which don’t always obey the law, could make your life a living hell. I’m not trying to scare you, but you should know all the possible things that must be considered when determining whether you want a pet and if you do, which one is best for you and your lifestyle.

Cats on the other hand can be high or low maintenance depending on the breed as well as their personality. Some cats require hours of people attention while others shirk attention. Some cats belong in a one pet household. They do not like to share their owner’s affections and will become upset and possibly mean toward a perceived invader. Others need a playmate’s attention to live happily. It will be hard to determine just which type of cat you own when you first obtain it as a kitten, because its personality is just developing.

Pet care is the most important factor to consider when you are deciding which pet is right for you and your home. For example, if you have very expensive furniture and carpet throughout your home, you may want to avoid dogs or cats as accidents or scratching or chewing of furniture will happen. Therefore, you will want to consider all the pet care needs of the animals you are looking at, as well as the breed you are looking at, to determine if they will have a happy place in your home and in your heart.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. Remember that getting a pet is a commitment to keeping them for their whole life. The Humane Societies in most towns and cities are overwhelmed by abandoned pets and frequently have to euthanize them to make room for new arrivals. I also recommend that you have your cat or dog, if you choose them as a pet, spayed or neutered. There are too many unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned or taken to the Humane Society. Don’t think that you will be able to make a few dollars selling any kittens or puppies that your pet(s) may produce because by the time you pay for food, veterinarian bills, vaccinations, etc. the costs will be greater than the income. Being a profitable breeder is a full time job, not a sideline.

Bottle-feeding Exotic Cubs and Kittens

Cubs and kittens should stay with their mother for at least six weeks and preferably for eight weeks, after which they can be separated. When cubs and kittens are separated from their mothers, they still need to be supplied with a calcium enriched diet to ensure the healthy growth of bones, teeth, gums and joints. Bottle-feeding is also done as a means of developing a strong bond between you and your new exotic animal. Experts suggest that guests and strangers who visit your house frequently should also bottle feed the animal. This will help the animal overcome initial hesitation and fear of newcomers.

There are many compositions which can be used to make a perfect bottle-feed. A cup of unflavoured pedialyte or distilled water can be mixed with a quarter cup of zoologic milk powder and one millilitre of "poli vi sol" liquid baby vitamins. A teaspoon of calcium powder can also be added, along with half a teaspoon of taurine powder. Half a cup of fat-free plain yogurt can also be added to make the formula more concentrated. The bacterium found in yogurt also helps the immature animal to digest the food properly. Do not use sugar because it can lead to diarrhoea which can be devastating to a young animal. After a few weeks, a very small amount of plain puree chicken baby food can be added to the formula and this can be increased over time. All the ingredients can be mixed in a blender and then fed via a baby bottle to the young animal. Leftover mixture should be refrigerated and used within a day. If not used within twenty-four hours it should be discarded, because it will spoil. Before feeding the mixture, it should be warmed. If the mixture was stored in the refrigerator and then warmed, any leftovers should be discarded. Young animals are very susceptible to illnesses caused by milk formula that isn’t fresh.

Care must also be taken while heating the formula. It should never be heated in a microwave. Instead boil some water and place the hot water in a bowl containing the bottle for about five to seven minutes. The formula temperature should be checked by shaking a drop from the bottle onto the underside of your wrist. It should be warm, but not hot enough to feel uncomfortable. If the formula is too warm, it can hurt the animal internally. Also remember that baby animals have a habit of drinking the formula very fast, so if hot milk is supplied, it will be too late to prevent injury once the bottle is given to the baby. The bottle should have a special nipple called the vet nipple, which is small and not round at the end. The baby animal SHOULD NOT be laid on its back like a human baby, as that would make the formula enter its lungs and cause pneumonia. The baby animal should be fed while sitting in an upright position or while lying on the stomach.

When introducing the baby animal to a new formula, give him time to adjust to it. Start by giving a diluted mixture and then increase the concentration gradually. If the animal suffers from diarrhoea, decrease the concentration immediately. It could take weeks for the animal to start feeding on actual concentrated formula. A log can be maintained about the concentration of the formula, the status of stool and the baby’s weight. This diary will help to determine the cause of diarrhoea and also will help to improve the diet of the animal. If the diarrhoea isn’t treated promptly, the baby animal could die of dehydration very quickly. Also if the animal is taking less formula and is also losing weight, this could be an indication of some disease, so consult your exotic animal veterinarian immediately.

Baby animals should be fed meals which are about 5 percent of their body weight until they become mature. This principle must always be kept in mind, as there is a chance of over feeding. Instead of giving a few large doses of formula, give frequent small doses. Also, the animal should be encouraged to go to the bathroom before the mealtime, when you have had it for more than four weeks. Baby animals pass a lot of urine and you should be ready for that. If your baby animal refuses to feed at regular intervals, it might be because its bladder is full. However, if the animal refuses to have anything for twenty-four hours, it should be taken to an exotic animal veterinarian immediately. The one exception to this rule is when the baby animal is first separated from its mother, as it may take up to forty-eight to successfully start bottle-feeding.

Always remember when dealing with exotic animals, your exotic animal veterinarian is a treasure trove of valuable information that should be consulted frequently.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Ragdoll Cat

Are you thinking about buying a Ragdoll kitten? These cats are renowned for their laid-back character and they are pretty to look at, but before you acquire one you should know a few things about them.

Breed Characteristics

Ragdoll cats belong to the larger cat breeds with their body weight ranging from 8 to 20 pounds. The breed came into existence in California in the 1960's by crossbreeding Persian, Birman and Burmese cats. Kittens are born with a white coat that later develops into various colors: seal, chocolate, lilac, blue and less common lynx, tortoiseshell and flame. Their coat is thick, semi-long and does not require any “special” grooming care, as it doesn't tend to form mats.

Ragdoll cats are very affectionate and good-natured pets. They are so placid that you can manipulate and pull them into almost any position. When picked up, they go floppy and their body sags.

Their trusting and easygoing nature makes them an ideal family pet. They are great companions with almost dog-like affection. They are very gentle with children. However, their lack of aggression works against them, as they seldom defend themselves. They simply lack fighting instincts. The means that Ragdolls, when left to go outside, will become victims of any aggressive cat or dog that they encounter. Your cat could suffer severe injuries or even become a fatality if left unattended outdoors. I recommend that you keep your Ragdoll cats indoors!

Actually, it is a good idea to keep all cats indoors as there are a lot of dangers outside. In addition, your cat could become annoying to your neighbors. Cats love to do their “business” in gardens and as a result, your cat could get into the neighbor’s yard where its presence is not appreciated. Having your cat messing in a neighbor’s yard has created many neighborhood squabbles. When mom and dad lived in an Ottawa, Ontario suburb, they had a cat that loved to go outdoors and particularly loved to go camping. When he had to remain indoors, he became very depressed. Mom and dad were continually getting complaints from the neighbors and the board of directors of the condominium development that they lived in. They decided that they would give the cat to an older couple who had a summer cottage at a lake where mom and dad kept their trailer. The cat loved it there. Interestingly enough mom and dad continued to get complaints from the neighbors and the board of directors. It turned out that the cat in question wasn’t their's at all. However, since the old boy loved his new family and living at the lake, they left him to finish out his years in happiness.

As stated, cats need some stimulation so they don't become bored and depressed. Just like dogs, they need exercise to prevent them from becoming obese and sickly. Therefore, to keep her fit and happy you should get your Ragdoll used to walking on a leash. Just remember to keep your ragdoll away from other cats and dogs while it is walking on a leash.

Ragdoll cats are intelligent and can be easily trained. They love human company and respond well to rewards, so it is quite easy to teach them many tricks.

It is not always a good idea to acquire a Ragdoll kitten if you already have other cats and especially cats displaying aggressive behavior. In this case you would need to keep them separated. However, the Ragdoll will not look for conflicts, so if your other cats have an amicable nature it may not be a problem bringing a Ragdoll into the family.

Ragdoll Care

They don't require any special care or intensive maintenance. The breed doesn't suffer from any special medical conditions and they live to a good age. Many people are hesitant to acquire a Ragdoll because of its long haired thick coat. Compared to Persians and other long haired breeds, they are easy to care for because their coat can be easily maintained by brushing it once a week to remove dead hair.

In conclusion, this blue-eyed beauty will make a perfect pet if you have nothing against keeping cats indoors. Give it enough attention, an occasional brush, a walk on a leash and your Ragdoll will be a happy pet that will give you all the affection you can handle.

Until next time,

Teia

Feline Heartworm Disease

Cats are very different from dogs when it comes to heartworm disease. Not only do they differ in their susceptibility to the disease, but also in how the disease affects them and how the disease is diagnosed.

There are significant differences between feline heartworm disease and canine heartworm disease. Cats are more resistant to the disease, and typically when they do become infected they have a smaller burden of worms in their bodies. But due to their smaller size, even a few worms can be considered a heavy infection for a cat. Even one worm can cause illness or death in a cat.

Heartworms are caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. Cats and dogs become infected with this parasite through the bite of an infected mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites the cat, the parasite enters the bloodstream of the cat and grows into an adult worm several centimeters long. These worms tend to accumulate around the vessels of the heart and lungs and cause inflammation of these vessels. In severe cases, they can cause a thromboembolism which results in an acute death.

Since heartworm disease in cats happens less often than in dogs, cats with heartworm disease are often misdiagnosed. Cats with heartworms are often wrongly diagnosed as having asthma or allergic bronchitis. Also, many cats can have heartworms and not appear ill at all.

The true percentage of heartworm positive cats is hard to determine due to diagnostic limitations. In dogs an antigen test is the "gold standard" in diagnosing heartworm disease and it is a very accurate test. Unfortunately in cats these tests are not as accurate. In cats, several tests must be used together to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. These tests can include serology, x-rays and echocardiographs.

Cats that are positive for heartworm disease have many treatment options, but they all have risk associated with them. In mild cases an anti-inflammatory like prednisone may be used. This drug helps support cats by reducing the inflammation of affected vessels. For cats showing severe clinical signs, more extensive treatment and hospitalization are needed. Surgery is also an option to physically remove any worms.

There are many medications on the market to help prevent your cat from getting heartworm disease. Talk to your veterinarian before purchasing heartworm medication as she/he can recommend the most effective one for your area. Monthly preventatives are an option for cats living in areas where heartworm disease is endemic. Even indoor cats may be at risk if windows are left open. Year-round preventatives are increasingly being recommended by more veterinarians. Kittens as young as eight weeks can be started on preventatives.

The most common products used for cats include Interceptor, Heartgard, and Revolution. Interceptor and Heartgard are given orally as chewable medication. Revolution is a topical medication that is applied to the hair over the shoulders. At a minimum, the medication should be started within 30 days of heartworm transmission season and continued until at least 30 days after it ends. In most places this means starting the medication in early Spring and continuing until the end of Fall.

If you live in an endemic area of heartworm disease, be sure to keep your cat on preventatives for the entire year. Talking to your veterinarian is the best source of advice about the prevalence of heartworm in your area.

Until next time,

Teia