Visiting the breeder

Some breeders house their animals outside cattery, others within their homes. A reputable breeder will not hesitate to allow a prospective owner to visit. The advantage of the house reared litter is that kittens are socialized earlier.They have greater contact with day-to-day noise,humans and perhaps other animals such as dogs. On the other hand,the disinfection and restricted contact routine f a first-rate cattery reduces the risk of disease and infection.Kittens from a good cattery will be handled and socialized,but this process cannot be as completed as if they were raised within the home.Beware of the unscrupulous cattery owner rearing kittens solely for financial gain.Conditions can often be substantiated.

Usually you need to make an appointment to see and select from a litter of kittens, but it is possible to book a kitten in advance of delivery if you are drawn to a particular cat. By visiting the breeder,you can assess the general environment and conditions in which kittens have been  brought up in the first few vital weeks of their lives. If you ask the right questions and the rest of the litter, the mother and possibly the father, you will be able to build up the complete picture of the kittens heritage.

Cat Homes

If you want to give a home to an unwanted cat or kitten,go to a welfare agency or humane society. There are several big,well-known national organizations as well as many smaller charities that cater fr homeless or unwanted cats.

Cats are not usually released to a new owner until they have been given a veterinary check ,but the organization may not have had the time or resources for full investigations.This is particularly the case with feline immunodeficiency disease or feline Aids,the test for which is quite expensive.However,coats are routinely checked for parasites and fungal conditions,and the ususal vaccinations are often given. The main welfare organizations usually do investiage thoroughly,including blood tests to ensure feline Aids and leukemia are  not present.In addition once an animal has been chosen,they visit the home of the prospective owner to endure that it is suitable.Such attention to detail means that they may have charge for the kitten,which may take the potential buyer think twice before buying.But whatever the cost ,it is certainly less than the cost of bringing a stary in dubious condition to peak fitness.

Where to find a heathy kitten

It is essential to choose a healthy kitten.One picked from the street should be approached with caution. Despite the pro-neutering campaigns of welfare agencies, unneutered cats do roam freely.This,together with the rapid malnutrition of the cat,makes it possible for am four month-old to become pregnant,resulting in the next generation.Such kittens may not have physically strong,they my have been separated from their mother too soon,and are likely to have had any veterinarian attention or inoculations. Diseases such as feline influenza and feline enteritis can stile a very young kitten and kill rapidly. In addition, felin immunodeficient diseases may be present.

Gender and Age

If cats are neutered there is a little difference in behavioural terms between a male and female.However, a neutered male may be a little more indolent than a female. If you have already have a cat in your home,it may be worth going for the oppposite sex for the new cat.The established resident is more likely to defend it territory aggressively agaainst a cat of the same sex.
One sextual urges have been quelled by neutering process,cats are likely to exhibit their true breed charactersitice more storngly.The siamese cat's attachement to tis owner is accentuated,for example,and the Persian becomes even more placid and comfort living.

Male cats are generally larger than females. On average, a full grow,neutered male cat tends to be a little heavier than an entire male,with an average weight of b/w 5 and 7.5 kg(10-15lb). Females are usually about 1kg(2.2lb)lighter.The largest pedigreed variety is the Maine coon cat from the north-eastern United States.Male maine coons have been known to reach about 10-12.5kg(20-25lb)in weight .The smallest,or most dainty breed is Singapura about 2.7kg(6lb),but breeders take care to make certain that their cats fall within the minimum weight range to ensure successful breeding.

Long Hair or Short Hair?

Having a ling haired cat requires you to set aside some time every day to groom it,to keep the coat free  from tangles and matting.At the other extreme,the almost hairless Sphynx cat needs extra care as it very succeptible to tempaerature change and skin problems.

If you are living in a hot, humid climate, along haired car is not a wise choice unless it is to live in an air conditioned home.The coat of a Sphynx does not adpat at all to climate changes, and the cat would need to be kept in a centrally heated environment in cold winters.

If you are allergic to cats, it will probably make no difference whether you have a longhair or shorthair. Most human allergies to cats are due to the proteins in the scurf or in the dried saliva covering hair.

The Pedigree option

Buying a purebred dog from a reputable breeder has long been accepted.However,it is only comparatively recently that interest in pedigreed cats has become established. Until about 30 years ago,there was a scarcity of breeders and with the exception of blue Persian and Siamese breeds,pedigreed cats were not readily available. This situation has been radically redressed by the cat fancy being much more active in its publicity.The showng and breeding of cats witha a known ancestry has become a popular hobby,making a much greater range of breeds available.

A key advantage of buying a pedigreed kitten frome a reputable breeder is that there are safeguards woven into the transaction.

Why choose a cat?

The cat's adaptability and independence make it very practical pet for modern working household. Cats do not have to be taken for walks.They self exercise .Some can happily adjust to a life spent totally indoors in a high rise apartment. Depending on their character, they can also learn to live with other domestic pets. For many people through its the beauty of the cat that is so alluring. A cat on watch at a window on the prowl or playing in the garden or simply as a soothing, sleeping presence, is a graceful and rewarding,easy care asset ti the home and family.

The path to domestiaction

Our ancestors may have simply hunted these cats and killed, both as a food source and for their pelts.
However humans were developing an agrarian society based on crops that would have attracted rodents, it is also possible that the kittens wre tamed and used to control pests. This would also have been in the cat's interests-keeping the scavenger population under control provided a regular concentration of well-fed prey.
In 1865, Francis Galton, a British scientist who specialized in the study of heredity and intelligence, defined the essential qualities of the early domestic animal. it would need to be useful easy to tend, able to breed freely and above all ,be comfort loving and have a liking for humans. there is also hypothesis that the process of domestication from the wild,savage feline may have been accelerated by genetic mutation. Genes, the building blocks for a living creature,include patterns for behavior as well as the size and general conformation of the adult. A fault in the genes that control behavior patterns could, at some time, have created cat that was  temperamentally unwilling to leave a juvenile dependency state.This coupled with a ready supply of food from human farmers,created an environment in which the mutual advantages of domestication were explored.The kitten cat gained warmth comfort and secure environment in which to breed,and it's offspring were valued as an ongoing supply of rodent exterminators. this made the spread of the genetic fault creating socially valuable domesticated cat inevitable.

Origins of domestic cats

There is a close relationship between the wild and domestic cat , but it is uncertain that which wild sub-specious of the felis genus actually made up the leap into domesticity. Wild cats are widely distributed and vary considerably in appearance and habits.

Northeren cats for example,developed dense,almost wolly coats,while in warmer,soyuthern climes, afine,body-hugging fur was the norm. Experts ended up with three major contenderes for the ancestor of the domestic cat.

For many year, the Europeans believed that it was their wild cat, which is still found in localized parts of Scottish Highlands and northern continental Europe. Their assumption was based on the cat's coloring and tabby markings that are common in non-pedigreed cats of the today.However young offspring are reared by humans, they remain very wary, and do not abandon their wild behaviour patterns .This inherent anti-social streak makes them unlikely to have been inclined toward domestication.

Journey from the wild

Members of the cat family Felidae range from the great,roaring cars such as lion and tiger to the small domestic cat. They are separated into different genuses(family subdivisions),not because of their size,but because of their differences in their anatomy. These enable members of the genus Panthera to roar, while the small cars i genus felis cannot do so.

There is a third genus for the cheetah because they have non-retractable claws.Early in the 1990's there were more than 230 different species of cat in the family as whole,but now there are fewer than 30 . Many became extinct because cats have always been hunted and killed by humans for their fine pelts.

Tips to make your kitty Friendly

 

Getting a cat to be more affectionate is the yearning of many a pet owner. Some cats are antisocial when it comes to being picked up, cuddled or petted (much less sitting in a person’s lap for these shows of affection). Other kitties are born loving this sort of attention.

If you’re not lucky enough to have a cat who automatically seeks out your affection, trying to entice that reclusive furball to become your snuggle buddy may take some motivation and determination on your part. Your pet may never convert to a drooly lap cat, even after weeks of effort on your part, but at the very least you’ll probably strengthen your relationship with your cat.

1. Get the Basics Down

The initial stage of coaxing a cat into being more lovable is to let her recognize your positive intentions by dependably offering her good food, clean water, fun toys to play with and a litterbox that is cleaned regularly. When she’s happier, you’ll be happier, and these mutual good feelings will carry over into your relationship together.

Spend extra time with your cat, letting her see you not as her owner but as her friend, meal provider and guardian. If she’s not coming up to you to say hi, be proactive: Walk over to her (as long as she’s not super-shy) and lavish affection on her. Once she gets used to all this attention, she might very well start seeking it out from you.

2 Be Affectionate While Feeding

While preparing her food (or making a production of opening that can of food), talk to your kitty. When she begins eating, gently stroke her a few times. This will help her associate being petted with a positive experience.

3. Be Playful

Instead of trying to force a hug from your reluctant cat, play with her a little, maybe getting her to paw at a piece of string or chase after a laser pointer.

How can we know a kitty is happy

Cats literally "say" they're happy. Vocal kitties tell you all about it, and engage in long drawn out conversations. Generally the higher-pitched sounds are "happy" while lower pitched can have a bit of frustration and be more demanding. Quiet cats may express happiness with silence, and vocalizes more to express unhappiness. Confusing, yes! But that's why we love our enigmatic felines! While purrs aren't always happy, for the most part they can be an indication of feline contentment or even bliss. Kitty chortles and trills-that "prrrrupttt!" sound many cats make, is a very good indication of cat happiness.

Body Language: There are many eye, ear, fur, and body positions that indicate upset cat feelings, or contentment. For example, the relaxed contented cat rests with front paws tucked under, ears forward, eyelids "sleepy" perhaps at half-mast. The eye-blink in return of your stare from across the room is a happy cat gesture. Sudden dilation of the eyes indicates arousal-happiness of a full food bowl, for example, can prompt this reflex. Happy cats hold whiskers slightly forward and fur smooth with tail relaxed. A joyful cat'stail talk stands straight up with just the tip crooked in a 'howdy' greeting to people and other pets the cat considers friends.

Play: Kittens play nonstop and simply don't know any better than to be happy. Play is a terrific indication of happiness. As cats mature and progress into middle and old age, play activity diminishes. But any amount of play-from rollicking races and kitty wrestling matches, to sedate paw-patting of features (or your leg or face for attention) indicates feline happiness. Cats play with other critters (and humans) that they like and trust.

Sleep: Cats may sleep more when depressed, but their sleep location preferences can be an indication of happiness. Sleeping with other cats, and especially seeking them out, indicates happy relationships with the chosen nap-buddies. If your cat chooses you as a bed-mate, rejoice! That means kitty trust you-distrust breeds unhappiness, after all.

Grooming: Cats who feel good keep themselves well groomed. Poor grooming is a sign of unhappiness, so when your kitty looks spiffy, that's a positive indication she feels happy, too. Grooming other cats or licking the owner (as with mutual sleeping) also shows trust and a positive relationship. Cats happy with each other groom one another. However, since kitties are individuals, not all cats feel the urge to groom others.

Eating: Happy cats have healthy appetites. Oh, they may buffalo you and train owners into providing special treats or food. But in many ways, this sort of manipulation can become a game that falls under the "play" category.

Cat Sex

One of the most frequently asked questions is "How can I tell the sex of a cat?"

In whole cats, the testicles are readily evident in male cats, as well as a broadened jowl. However, male neutered cats' testicles may not be so easily seen.

Punctuation Marks are a Clue to Cats' Sex

As a rule of thumb, breeders often us punctuation marks to identify the sex of younger cats or neutered cats:

• Female Cats - Exclamation Point
  If you look at a female cat's genital area, it will look like an upside down exclamation point (!)
, with the long slit of the vaginal area below the anus.
• Male Cats - Colon
  The male cat has a narrower space between the anus and the penis, with the testicles in the middle.

Spayed female cats will still show the upside down "!", but if you adopted her as an adult, xrays may be needed to confirm she has been spayed. Most neutered male cats will still show the vestigial remnants of a testicle sac, and the anus and penis will still be relatively close together.

Catnip

How Catnip Affects Cats

Rather than a simple smell, the chemical in catnip resembles sedative components also found in the valerian plant, which may be used in natural therapies to calm pets and people. Catnip also may be similar to one of the substances found in tomcat urine—yucky to you, but a lovely smell to the cat! In fact, this pheromone in urine often triggers the same sort of behavioral reaction in cats as exposure to catnip.

These types of chemicals, once inhaled, enter the cat's highly specialized scenting organ through the roof of the mouth. The vomeronasal or Jacobson's organs sit between the hard palate of the mouth and the septum of the nose, and connect to the mouth via tiny conduits directly behind the cat’s upper incisor teeth. You may see kitty perform an odd facial grimace (flehmen) with lips curled back and mouth open when employing this organ.

The Jacobson’s organs are linked to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that acts like a switchboard to direct information to higher centers. This part of the brain integrates taste and smell, motivates appetite, and triggers a variety of behaviors.

Easy 12 steps for choosing a cat

2. 1
   Make sure that the establishment will allow you to handle the animal in question before taking it home.
3. 2
   Do not pick a cat just by looks. Much like humans, cats should not be judged by their outer beauty alone. The MOST important aspect of having a great cat is their inner beauty.
4. 3
   Almost all cat breeds are much more similar in both temperament (none perform any work) and body form (they are almost all basically the same shape; some are a little bigger, fluffier, or more colorful) than dog breeds. Some are a little friendlier and some tend toward a few special behaviors such as love of water, but most people would be well suited with a cat of any breed, or, of course, a mongrel.
5. 4
   Do carefully consider the hair length of your cat. A short-hair (smooth glossy coat) or medium-hair (modestly fluffy coat) is best for most people. Long-hair cats such as Persians have long, flowing coats, and a few have no hair (and are hypoallergenic). A short-hair cat is basically self-grooming and need only be brushed every several days to keep surplus shed hair from scattering and check for parasites. A medium-hair cat is more important to brush periodically to maintain a neat, knot-free appearance. A long-hair cat needs brushing every day or two to keep clean and healthy (they also shed a lot). A short-hair cat will be less comfortable on harsh winter days if it gets outside; a bald cat can die easily from cold.
6. 5
   Don't reject the animal if he or she attempts to scratch or bite you. If you have never had a cat before, you might not be aware of how to handle them correctly. Also, every cat has individual likes and dislikes when it comes to being touched. Additionally, be aware of the possibility that the cat was just being playful.
7. 6
   Ask to hold the animal you like. If he/she resists, don't force it. Some cats are very affectionate, but just do not like to be held. Make your hand into a fist and extend it towards the cat. This is a human method for mimicking a feline greeting. If the cat head-butts your hand, this is a friendly greeting. If he/she looks away or backs away, they may not like meeting new people. This is no reason for not adopting them. The cat may also be afraid of people. If you adopt them, you will need to help them get used to people.
8. 7
   Check the kitten or cat nose to tail for signs of illness. Things to look out for that are easily spotted:
   
   
   • Eyes - should be bright and free of discharge.
   • Nose - should not have any discharge or excessive sneezing.
   • Ears - should be free of dark wax, and should not smell bad.
   • Fur - should be clean and free of any bugs. Look in the armpits and on the belly for signs of fleas.
   • Bottom - should be clean and should not have any signs of diarrhea or worms.
   • Chest - breathing should sound clear and not have any wheezing.
9. 8
   Check for signs of diarrhea in the cage or litter box.
10. 9
    Check the pet's veterinary records for which tests and vaccinations the cat has had. This can save you money, since vet bills can be expensive. If the cat is from a shelter, they should be checked for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) before bringing the new pet to a home that has another cat.
11. 10
    Ask whether there is a veterinarian visit included or available with the purchase/adoption, which will catch anything you may have missed. Even if the veterinarian visit is not included with the purchase price, still bring the cat to a vet as soon as possible after adopting, especially if you have other cats at home. Also, consider that when you pay for the vet visit, you can choose the vet and know that he/she isn't biased.
12. 11
    Or...you can just guess! Go with your gut; studies show that people who make an impulse buy were happier with their purchases later. If you know that cute black fuzzy one in the corner is healthy, that's all you need to know! Check to see if he's friendly and just go with it! He just seems right for you, and there's no denying that. You won't regret this purchase. (This goes solely for which cat to pick--do carefully consider whether to get a cat.)
13. 12
    Make sure you can afford the cat. Feeding and caring for a cat is not free and the costs can add up significantly over time. In particular, veterinary care can be expensive! Even if you have medical insurance for your pet, there may be some treatments that are not covered by insurance. Avoid adding more cats to rescue shelters by examining your budget and making sure you can pay the costs involved in owning a cat.

Neutering your cat

From around the age of 5 to 8 months, kittens reach sexual maturity and are therefore capable of breeding and producing kittens themselves! Most people do not have the time or desire to breed from their cat and do not wish to add to the number of unwanted cats and kittens already looking for homes. Neutering a cat - castration in the male (removal of the testes), and spaying the female (removal of the ovaries and uterus) - not only prevents unwanted pregnancies occurring, but also curbs unwanted behavioural patterns associated with sexual maturity and reduces the risk of certain diseases.

What sex is my kitten? 

Kittens, especially young kittens, can be hard to sex, and therefore, mistakes are often made. If you are in any doubt you should ask your vet (they will check prior to neutering anyway). To tell the difference between the sexes you will need to lift the tail and look at the genitals. In the male, about 1cm below the anus is the opening of the prepuce with the scrotum immediately above this. The anus and prepuce appear like two 'dots'. In the female, the vulva is a vertical slit which is almost joined to the anus, like a letter i.

Spaying a female  

In the past it has been suggested that all female cats should be allowed to have one litter of kittens. However, this is totally unnecessary and of no benefit whatsoever to the cat. It is therefore preferable to have a female spayed before she reaches sexual maturity. Once sexual maturity is reached, the cat will begin to come into season or 'call'. Cycles of sexual activity typically occur every three weeks, and when a cat is 'calling', as its name implies, this can be a very noisy affair! Certain drugs can be used to suppress the sexual cycle, but these carry quite a risk of significant side effects in cats and are not recommended for long-term use. If you are not going to breed from your female kitten, having her spayed will eliminate the sexual behaviour, the possibility of unplanned pregnancies and the risk of diseases associated with the genital tract later in life.

The spaying operation involves the administration of a general anaesthetic and the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus through an incision made on the flank or belly of the cat. The fur at the site of the incision will have to be shaved before surgery and your vet will ask you to withhold food from the evening prior to the anaesthetic. Usually your kitten will be able to return home the same day and the skin sutures are generally removed after 7 to 10 days.

Castrating a male     

Castrating a male is equally important as spaying a female to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Furthermore, entire male cats have a strong tendency to roam, to be aggressive to other males, to fight and to mark their territory by spraying urine (often indoors!). The aggressive behaviour puts an uncastrated male at much higher risk of serious infectious disease such as feline immunodeficiency virus (feline 'AIDS') andfeline leukaemia virus, both of which are transmitted through cat bites.

Castration involves removing both testes under general anaesthetic through small incisions into the scrotum. As with the spay operation, withholding food from the previous evening will be required to minimise potential anaesthetic complications, and the kitten can usually go home the same day. Usually the skin incisions for a castration are so small that sutures are not required.

How to Stop Bad Cat Behavior with Water

Most cats do not like water, and that is precisely why using water to train a cat works. Obviously, you cannot use water to train a cat to do things like sit or roll over, but you can use a water bottle to discourage them from displaying any unwanted behavior. For instance, they tend to use furniture as scratching postsand they tend to jump up to places they do not belong such as kitchen tables or countertops. These are perfect examples of when it is appropriate to spray your cat with water.

To use this method, simply keep a clean water bottle filled with clean water. Whenever you pet displays this unwanted behavior spray him or her with a few squirts of water. Your pet should immediately stop doing the negative thing. After a few times or repeatedly being sprayed little kitty should learn to associate that behavior with something unpleasant and no longer do it. 

On the other hand, some experts warn that using this method may backfire and instead teach the cat to associate the squirt bottle wit your presence since it cannot spray when you are not around. Thus, instead of stopping the unwanted behavior altogether, the cat may either just avoid doing it in your presence or avoid you altogether. These same experts say to try something else to make the behavior unpleasant such as putting foil over the areas of furniture the cat likes to scratch. 

No matter which technique you choose, remember to always reward your kitty for displaying good behavior. Give him lots of praise and attention when he does something like use a littler pan instead of the floor or use a scratching post instead of a couch. Like children, pets love to receive praise and attention.

Worms in cats

 Cats can get a variety of intestinal parasites, including some that are commonly referred to as “worms.” Infestations of intestinal worms can cause a variety of symptoms. Sometimes cats demonstrate few to no outward signs of infection, and the infestation can go undetected despite being a potentially serious health problem. Some feline parasitic worms are hazards for humane health as well.

What Are the Most Common Types of Worms in Cats?

·       Roundworms 
are the most common internal parasites in cats. Resembling spaghetti, adult worms are three to four inches long. There are several ways cats can become infected. Nursing kittens can get roundworms from an infected mother’s milk, while adult cats can acquire them by ingesting an infected rodent or the feces of an infected cat.

·       Hookworms
 are much smaller than roundworms-less than an inch long-and reside primarily in the small intestine. Because they feed on an animal’s blood, hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens. Hookworm eggs are passed in the stool and hatch into larvae, and a cat can become infected either through ingestion or skin contact. Please note, hookworms are more common in dogs than in cats.

·       Long and flat, tapeworms 
are segmented parasites and range from 4 to 28 inches in length. An infestation can cause vomiting or weight loss. Cats acquire tapeworms by ingesting an intermediate host, like an infected flea or rodent. When cats are infected, tapeworm segments-actual pieces of the worm that resemble grains of rice-can often be seen on the fur around a cat’s hind end.

Unlike intestinal parasites, lungworms reside in the lungs of a cat. Most cats will not show any signs of having lungworms, but some can develop a cough. Snails and slugs are popular intermediate hosts of this type of parasite, but cats are usually infected after eating a bird or rodent who has ingested an intermediate host.

How Do Cats Get Worms?

Though means of transmission can vary, one of the main ways that cats get worms is through the ingestion of the feces of infected felines. Mother cats can also pass on worms to their kittens.

What Are the General Symptoms of Worms?

Symptoms differ depending on the type of parasite and the location of infection, but some common clinical signs include:

·       Diarrhea

·       Worms visible in stool or segments of worm seen near anus

·       Bloody stool

·       Bloating or round, potbellied appearance to abdomen

·       Weight loss

·       Vomiting

·       Constipation

·       Coughing

·       Trouble breathing