How to Determine if Your Cat is Sick

Cats are very independent pets. They mostly groom themselves and can also occupy themselves for hours with a toy. It will take a practiced eye to tell if they are sick.

You may think that your cat speaks to you in meows and purrs but it is a foreign language. There is no translation to let you know when they are in pain or not feeling well. So, how will you know if your cat is under the weather?

One way is to pay attention and listen. You are around your pet every day. From the time you get them home with a clean bill of health, take note of their usual behaviors. Vets can give you instruction and literature on normal cat activity and body functioning. Now, you are armed with the tools you need to identify when something is not right with your pet.

Signs of Sickness

For many cat owners, they don’t know that something is wrong until it is too late. This doesn’t have to be the case with you and your cat. Here are some signs that you can be on the lookout for.

1. Appetite – Your cat usually eats all of his food but now he is eating less. It could be that he doesn’t like a new food that you are offering. On the more serious side, he could have a digestive ailment that has changed his appetite. Use this measure. Grasp the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. If it bounces back into place once you let go then he is well-hydrated. If not, your cat could be dehydrated. Offer him more water to drink each day.
2. Litter box business – This is kind of stinky but you might have to check the litter box droppings if you notice any changes in appetite. Think of it this way – you scoop out the droppings when you clean the litter box anyway. Next time, pay closer attention to the droppings. If your cat is eating more but eliminating less, that is a sign of possible illness. Also, if stools are loose or hard with traces of blood, this is another indicator that something is wrong. Check the color as well.
3. Eyes – The eyes have it. Cats have three lids: upper lid, lower lid and nictitating membrane. It’s much like a lizard where the third membrane comes across the eye and back as the other two close. You don’t normally see it because it closes so fast. If you can see halfway covering the eye, take him to the vet. Notice the normal coloring of your cat’s eyes. Any cloudiness to any area of the eyes could signal ulcers, cataracts or other problems.
4. Coat – Look for bald patches or a dull sheen to the coat. It could signal an allergic reaction, stress in your cat or a flea or other infection.
5. Ears – Take a look. Are they perky as usual? If there is a bluish or yellowish tint to them, it could signify a problem with oxygenation or liver damage.

Is your best friend feeling down? Use these guidelines to determine if you need to raise the alarm or just give your cat a little bit of loving.

Serval Cats

Serval Cats as Pets
“Are you thinking of acquiring a wild cat as a pet? Serval Cats are considered one of the best exotic cats to own – and here are the basics of their care!”

The African Serval is not an overly large exotic cat species, and it has long ears!

Serval Cats, also known as African Servals originate from Africa. These are popular exotic pet cats because of having similar characteristics to typical house cats. They are very loving towards their human owners, however they have a much more wild side than domestic cats and act on their instincts much more strongly. Servals are relatively small for wild cats – ranging from 18 to 40 pounds, with males often being larger. They are larger than most domestic cats, but in comparison to the largest exotic wild cats, such as the Siberian Tiger which reaches 400 to 760 pounds, they are small.

Seven different small wild cats are kept as pets, however the African Serval is the most popular and the most distinctive in looks. Although they look similar to cheetahs they are actually a completely different cat species. The Serval has a reddish to yellowish brown coat with dark stripes and spots which makes it stand out. The Black Serval and Woodland Servaline are two Serval varieties whose patterns include significantly smaller spots. Servals bodies are long and lean with long back legs that are somewhat longer than their front legs. They also have narrow heads and long ears… Read More

Cat Breeds: The Devon Rex

Kittens are cute as buttons. But what if you could have a full grown cat that is still cute as a button? If that appeals to you, then you could be the owner of a Devon Rex in the near future.

Origin

If you’ve ever seen a Devon Rex kitten, then you know why they have such appeal. The first Devon Rex was found in England. It was the offspring of a tom cat and a straight haired calico cat. The owner of the calico noticed that one of the kittens had a short curly coat much like its father. It was surmised that the two cats were related since a curly coat is a recessive trait in the Devon Rex. For a recessive trait to be portrayed it has to be present in both parents.

It was believed to be related to the Cornish Rex but subsequent breeding proved otherwise. The first of this breed to hit America happened in the 1960s. It is now recognized as a breed by American cat associations.

Temperament

This cat is loving, playful and gentle. It has a high activity level and would love the company of an active family with children. They are highly intelligent and curious. Wherever you are, they will want to tag along and see what you are doing.

If you like cats who love to be around you then you have found the right breed. This cat loves to drape across your shoulders and also command your lap. If you let them, they will sleep with you and then wake up in the morning to your hugs and cuddles.

They like active play. If you throw a toy they will retrieve it, ready for you to throw it again. To cut down on their energy, play time each day is essential.

Care

The Devon Rex has a short curly coat. It is composed of three different hairs: guard, awn and down. The hairs on this breed can break off easily. It is not uncommon for them to develop bald patches. These bald spots are not a sign of alarm. The areas fill in when the next hair cycle rolls around. Very little brushing is needed to keep it in line. Simply use your hand to stroke him and he will be groomed.

Often called a “poodle cat” this breed gets a look or two. Besides the tight curly coat, they also have saucer size eyes and large ears that could double as satellite dishes. As kittens they are often thought of as alien cats or pixies. This cat is not prone to a lot of health problems in the breed.

Training

If you don’t mind your cat crawling all over you then you won’t have a problem. Besides normal household rules for your pet, there aren’t any identifiable behavior problems.

Are you looking for an unusual cat that will shower you with love? Consider the “poodle cat” – the Devon Rex!

Cat Proofing Your House

Cats are curious creatures. They are quite self-sufficient and loving as companions. But, bringing one home may mean some changes around the house to keep them safe. Here are a few guidelines for cat proofing your home.

Cats don’t require much but what they do need is some discipline. They can get into everything when you are not home if a few measures are not taken. Most of these are safety measures since you don’t want your new companion to hurt themselves. Some are for cosmetic reasons so your furniture doesn’t look like it has been through a shredder.

Many pet owners are stressed about the amount of money they have to put into repairs around their home but it can be avoided. Try these tips and tricks to keep a safe and happy cat home.

Finding a Happy Medium for you and your Cat

1. Discipline from the beginning – Kittens are cute but if you don’t teach them how to behave at this stage you could have a real problem when they grow into adult cats. The most effective way to teach is with a firm command word and/or a spray bottle. The spray bottle seems cruel but it is a tool that will get their attention when they persist in being disobedient.

2. Hiding cords – Cats like to bite and gnaw on things. If they have taken a shine to your electrical cords nip that behavior in the bud right away. You don’t want them to suffer the same fate as the cat in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation do you? Use empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls to cover cords and keep them together so that they are not easy prey for your cat. Cover them with contact paper or paint them so they blend in better with your room décor.

3. Blind cat – Curtains offer a great place for cats to hang and scratch. Avoid shredded draperies and instead use vertical blinds. Cats like to sit in windows and this way they can move between them without doing damage. Cut looped strings so your cat won’t get hung in them.

4. Bitter plants – Cats love to eat plants and spill the dirt everywhere. First of all many plants are toxic to cats if they chew on them. Know this list to avoid any plant that could be a danger. With other plants, apply a spray called bitter apple. It is non-toxic to the plant and cats don’t like the taste. You can also buy them some catnip plants that they can chew with delight if they want.

5. No dirt – To avoid dirt all over the floor, apply a mesh covering over the top of the plant to keep dirt from getting kicked out. You can still water and feed the plant as normal.

6. Scratching post – Cats like to scratch. Having a scratching post in the home can avoid them using your furniture. Try a post that uses a different texture material than your furniture. Posts can be vertical or horizontal.

Welcome your cat home and keep them welcome with a few tricks to keep them safe and your home in tiptop shape!

Exotic Cats as Pets

Exotic Cats
“Exotic Pet Wildcats are not just “pet cats”… they are extraordinary pet cats!”

Exotic Cats evolved completely on their own with no human help – that is what makes

them exotic pet cats!

Exotic cats are typically cat species that are wild but that are occasionally kept in a domestic setting as pets. They are definitely extravagant looking and “unique” compared to what are usually kept as pets! Exotic cats included here are all species of wild cats – from small bobcats to lions and tigers to all endangered cats.

Wild cats are most often seen and experienced by normal people in photographs and in zoos or wildlife reserves. Because these cats are not encountered on a regular basis it is natural to want to see and touch them. These cats have both differences and similarities to typical house cats. They can be loving and affectionate to their owners just like a “normal” cat. However, they require much more in terms of care. Their housing, diets, and temperaments can all differ dramatically from a typical house cat. There also variations among the different species and it generally costs much more to keep an exotic cat. An owner of a an exotic cat must be dedicated and responsible when it comes to caring for an exotic cat… Read More

Cat Breeds: The Russian Blue Cat

Want a cat that will hold you in its gaze? You might want to take a look at the Russian Blue Cat. As its name implies, it has traveled across the seas. Keep reading to find out more information about this mysterious feline.

History

It is said that the Russian Blue arrived in England in the late 1800s on a merchant ship that hailed from Russia. Some believe that the cat originated in the Archangel Isles of northern Russia. There is no definite proof. Some believe that the cat originated in Sweden. Not much is known except that the breed made its way to England and Europe and eventually the United States.

Temperament

This cat’s popularity has fallen off in recent years because of the rumor that they were difficult to handle. Breeders continue to work to change that temperament.

Russian Blue cats are cautious and somewhat aloof. They work best in homes where the occupant lives a quiet and settled lifestyle. These cats do not take kindly to noise, surprises, lots of changes to their routine, or confusion.

They are not cuddlers nor do they give their affection easily. It takes them a while to get to know and trust their owners. Once they do, they will be a devoted friend for life. In a household with more than one person, the Russian Blue will choose who they feel is most worthy and shower affection on that person. They are truly “one-person” cats.

Care

The Russian Blue comes in, well, blue as far as its coat color. It often has a frosted sheen to it. The coat is of medium length. The hairs stand on end, giving it a fuller look. Brushing once a week will keep the shedding to a minimum.

This breed is athletic and moves gracefully. The head is often angular in shape with a fine bone structure. The eyes are wide set and green. The color forms a striking contrast against the blue fur.

There are no particular diseases that this breed is prone to. Maintaining good health is the goal of all cat owners so that they can enjoy a long life with their companion. It does bear mentioning that the Russian Blue does like to eat. Obesity can become a problem if you are not careful. So, keep an eye on their food intake and exercise them regularly.

Training

Like we said earlier, the Russian Blue is quite cautious. The name of the game with this cat and anything you do with it is patience. They are calm cats so you may not have to deal with much in the way of discipline issues.

If you are looking for a companion who likes a quiet life as much as you do, then the Russian Blue Cat is worth examining.

Hybrid Cat Breeds

Hybrid Cat Breeds
"A little of this, a little of that… And what you get is an awesome cat!"

Hybrid Cat Breeds can make quite spunky companions, whether they are small or large!

Hybrid breed cats are cats that are bred from two or more other breeds (or species) of cats. This can include both domestic and wild cats. Hybrid cat breeds are usually quite distinct in their appearance, with attractive patterns and colors on their coats. They also have a lot of energy, and are very curious. Because of the way these cats are bred they can be either small or very large. They are relatively recent in comparison to many other domestic cat breeds. Many of these hybrid cat breeds are not yet recognized by cat registries, however several of them are… Read More

Cat Breeds: The Persian

If you like lots of loving fluff then a Persian cat may be just what you are looking for. Like its name implies, it is regal, ready to be pampered, and worthy of your praise.

History

Have you ever watched the movie Stuart Little? Snowball is the quintessential Persian cat. This breed is said to have originated in Iran (hence the name Persian). It was introduced to Europe by an Italian man in the 16th century.

According to literature, the original Persian from Iran didn’t have the longhair of the British version we see today. But, over time, many cat breeds (Persian being one of the oldest) were subject to interbreeding for specific traits. It is believed to have been interbred with Angoras or even Pallas cats.

What makes this cat beautiful is its longhair coat. It is believed that this is a recessive trait that spontaneously appeared over the centuries in the breed. They come in a variety of colors including brown, black, tabby, tortoiseshell, silver, golden and white.

Temperament

The Persian is as regal as its area of origin. This cat is great with families with children. They love to play with their human family. This breed of cat has an easygoing personality but they aren’t the most athletic.

Frankly, a Persian loves to be loved by others. If you have kids who like to pet their animals then this is the cat for you. When they are not being fussed over they like to lounge lavishly in a place where they can continue to be admired by their family.

This cat is not a dunderhead though. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly. Don’t let the large body and long fur fool you.

Care

The Persian has enough grooming needs for a hundred cats. Because their hair is quite long, they require daily grooming to remove matted hair and to cut down on hair balls. Bathe them regularly as well to prevent fecal buildup on the fur. Although cats are typically self-groomers, clean this breed’s ears and eyes each day to avoid any problems due to the long hair.

Because of the traits that have been bred into and out of this type of cat, many have developed extremely flat faces. Thought to be a plus for show cats, it can also pose many health problems for your Persian. Many Persians have sinus and respiratory issues. They are also genetically predisposed to kidney disease and kidney failure.

Training

You shouldn’t have much trouble with this cat. They love attention but will not hound their humans for petting and affection. They withhold their love until they learn to trust you. There are very few discipline issues owing to their quiet temperament.

Are you ready to shower your love on a pet? Then, you may be the right owner for a Persian! Read more on Animal-World’s Persian Cat page!

Cat Breeds: The American Shorthair

Have you looked at your cat lately? If he doesn’t look like any of the more unusual cats with long foreign-sounding names, then he just might be an American Shorthair.

History

The story of this cat is one for the history books. We often think of dogs as work animals, assisting their human masters on the farm and in the home. If that is so then this cat would be the feline counterpart.

He came over on the Mayflower, circa 1620. The American Shorthair is known as a working class cat often doing daily labor alongside the Pilgrims. Over the years, this strong English breed’s bloodline was diluted. In the early 1900′s those who loved the loyalty, feistiness and work ethic of the original shorthair tried to breed out the other traits and return this beautiful cat to its origins.

Have you seen one lately? Of course you have. They come in a variety of colors including: black, white, reds, grays, browns, creams, silver and tabby mixes. Usually their eyes, foot pads and their noses will match their coloring in some way. Their coloring runs the gamut and results in some beautiful combinations.

They have strong legs and paws. Their muzzle is short and they have thick fur that is close to the skin. In the winter it is thicker than in the summer so that it protects them from injury and the elements.

Temperament

You won’t find a better or more amiable cat. He is quite athletic and loves to run, jump and play. Originally brought on the Atlantic crossing to protect the food stores from mice, this cat has excellent hunting instincts.

On the other hand, he gets along well with dogs and children. He likes to be petted and played with but isn’t necessarily a lap cat. This breed is also highly intelligent.

Care

Care of cats is usually not a big issue since they are used to self grooming. With this variety, it gets even easier than that. They shed more in the spring than in the winter but even then the hairs are minimal.

In order to keep him looking fresh and groomed, regular brushing is all you need. Occasionally wiping his coat with a chamois will keep it shiny and vibrant. This can also help cut down on hairballs.

The American Shorthair tends to become overweight rather easily. For this reason it is recommended that you don’t give them too many treats and provide lots of exercise. With proper care they can live for 15 or 20 years.

Training

These cats really aren’t much of a discipline problem. When they are kittens, train them not to bite and scratch and they will learn to be well-behaved cats.

One of the most likeable cat breeds among Americans is the Shorthair. They are cute, easy to groom and good in family settings. For more information on American Shorthair Cats as pets, visit Animal-World’s American Shorthair page!

Mutation Cat Breeds

Mutation Cat Breeds
"There’s always an odd-ball in every family,… but when what’s "odd" is so darn cute, it becomes a whole new super cat!"

Breeds of cats that feature mutations are some of most interesting breeds!

Cat breeds that feature mutations have been developed specifically for those mutations. These include, short legs, folded ears, and sometimes extra toes! These mutations all occur naturally and are then bred by humans to keep those mutations and enhance them. Most of these breeds are recognized by cat associations only fairly recently. This is in comparison to natural cat breeds which have been recognized for a much longer time… Read more

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