General Information

Cats are believed to have first been domesticated by the ancient Egpytians around the year 4500 BC, although some evidence suggests that cats were part of Egyptian culture as early as 7500 BC. The Egyptians used cats to defend their grain storage from rats and mice and eventually began to revere the cats. The Egyptian goddess of love and fertility, Bastet, resembled a cat. Throughout time, cats have also been revered by the Vietnamese, Japanese and Islamic cultures.

During the 15th century in Europe cats were considered evil and cat owners were persecuted by declaration of the Pope. Cat lovers were accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Because of this belief, the European cat population decreased causing an increase in the number of rats - it is believed that this increase in the rat population contributed to the rapid spread of the bubonic plague - also known as Black Death.

Cats today are considered playful, loving companions and are well adapted to home life.

Scientific Information                                                  

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Felis
Species: F. Silvestris
Subspecies: F. s. catus

Character Information

Cats can be described as loving, playful, highly intelligent and extremely observant. Cats learn quickly and can be very curious about new or exciting things around the home. When provided with lots of love and good care, cats can become loyal companions throughout their life.

While lovable and playful, cats can at times be described as moody, schizophrenic, and even downright strange. It is important to remember that cats like to spend a lot of time on their own. Although they can form strong social bonds with their pet owner and other cats, they can be completely happy on their own. Because cats come from a species that is largely solitary and highly territorial they prefer to have their own space and territory. Cats, from time to time, will scratch, spray urine or rub their fur on things to mark their territory. Pet owners will notice that cats will become more active in "marking their territory" when the cat feels insecure or threatened in its living space - this type of behavior will be especially noticeable when other cats come around.

Cats like to nap throughout the day causing pet owners to think that cats are inherently lazy. In reality, cats rest during the time when the pet owners are awake and are more active when the pet owners are resting. Cats are active during their hunting time - evenings and mornings - when their prey (probably rodents) are most active. Because of this late to bed and early to rise schedule, cat's prefer to sleep during the day. 

General  Cat Care Information

Cats, as independent as they may seem, do require care and attention. Be sure to pay attention to these important details:

• Cats should visit the veterinarian annually and kept up-to-date on the necessary shots and vaccinations.
• Cats should be given a heartworm pill once a year.
• Dry Cat food is recommended for the bulk of the cat's diet and should be supplemented with a good cat vitamin.
• Cats should be bathed regularly with a cat shampoo - use baby shampoo if you need to wash the cat's head. In addition to bathing, cats should be brushed one or two times per week.
• Cats should have their teeth brushed at least twice a week.
• Use only low calorie treats - dry treats will also help clean the cat's teeth.
• Cats should be checked regularly for fleas and ticks during the Spring, Summer and Fall months.

 Puss Feeding Information

Cats require a balanced diet from a cat food that includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. Cats do not do well on a diet that revolves only around meat and do not require fancy or expensive cat foods to be healthy and happy.

A quality cat diet includes mostly dry cat food with only occasional meals coming from the dinner table. As health and wellness varies from cat to cat, it is always wise to seek a veterinarian's help in adjusting your cat's diet.

Dry Cat food

Dry cat foods contain a mixture of cereals, vegetable proteins, meat by products, vegetables, and vitamins and minerals. Typical commercial dry cat foods contain approximately 10% water. Generally cats do well with dry cat food, by feeling satisfied sooner and feeling healthier because of the contents.

The cat's dish should be kept full to encourage regular eating.

Semi-Moist foods

These types of cat foods are created to look and smell like meat, but are generally made of soy, cereal grains and meat by products - they are also heavy in preservatives. These foods contain 25 - 30% water and are high in proteins. While not recommended as the primary source of nutrition in a diet, semi-moist foods are a great supplement to a cat's diet.

Canned Foods

Canned cat foods are expensive, are not nutritionally well balanced and are mostly water (almost 80%). Cats that are fed canned foods tend to overeat and can experience weight problems. Additionally, these types of foods do not clean the cat's gums and teeth.

Grooming

Brushing

Grooming your cat can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for you and your cat. Additionally, regular grooming and handling will better adapt the cat if the need arises for it to see a veterinarian. Although cats do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean, additional grooming can improve the health of the cat's skin, prevent stomach hairballs and remove dangerous parasites and sticker weeds.

To groom your cat, choose a time when the cat is ready to rest and not in a playful mood. Begin by cuddling the cat in your lap and petting it gently. Once your cat is subdued, use a soft cat hair brush to stroke the cat from head to tail following the direction of the cat's fur. As you brush, use firm pressure to remove excess hair and other items hiding next to the cat's fur. Pay particular attention to the ears and between the toes, as these are common places where ticks, mites, thorns and sticker weeds may hide. These areas are generally tender and should be handled carefully. Keep a pair of tweezers close to remove any fur and skin irritations.

Brush the legs and tail, gently stroking out mats and other foreign entities. If you should encounter wounds, use ointments and antibiotics as directed by the cat's veterinarian.

Bathing

Before you attempt to bathe your cat, be sure to take time to cut its nails. Cat nails grow quickly and can become very sharp. To clip the cat's nails, use a set of cat specific clippers or pet nail clippers - using normal human nail clippers is not recommended. Hold the cat's paw with your off hand and the clippers in your strong hand. Before you begin clipping, locate the vein that runs through your cat's paws and cut just above the vein. Cutting too closely too the vein may cause the nails to bleed and cause the cat unnecessary discomfort. Clip off the end of each nail on both the front and back paws.

Once the cat's nails are cut, you are ready to get your cat near the bathing water. Cats generally do not like water and become especially agitated with the sloshing and splashing sound of water. Begin bathing your cat away from the tub or wash basin by using a warm wash rag and some baby shampoo to wash the cat's head, eyes and ears. If you choose to wash your cat with an anti-flea shampoo, be sure to treat your cat's eyes with mineral oil prior to applying the harsh shampoo - this will protect the cat's eyes from the stinging irritation that will occur if the medicated shampoo gets in the cat's eyes. Use a cotton swab to wash your cat's ears and be sure look for any black discharge that signals the presence of mites. If you do find that your cats ears do have a black discharge, be sure to take your cat into the veterinarian.

Once the head is clean, you can now place the cat into the tub or wash basin - be sure to use water that is right around room temperature or slightly warmer. If your cat struggles with being placed in the tub, and to further prevent soap from getting into your cat's eyes, you can place the hind end of the cat in the tub and let the forepaws hang out over the edge of the tub. Soak your cat using a cup or hose and then apply a cat specific or pet shampoo. Massage the shampoo into your cat and then rinse the cat thoroughly using the cup or hose.

To dry the cat by removing the cat from the tub or wash basin and placing it on the floor on a towel. Gently cover the cat with a towel and blot the cat dry - do not rub the cat as this will cause the fur to tangle and mat. Use a blow dryer, on medium heat, to gently blow dry the cat's fur. Be sure to keep the blow dryer in constant motion, about 12 inches away from the fur - never blow the cat directly in the eyes and ears. As you blow dry your cat, use a broad toothed comb to gently move the fur away from the cat's skin. Be sure to keep your cat away from cold weather for the next 24 hours as the cat's fur continues to dry.

Housing

Cats require a padded box or basket to call their home - choose an out of the way location that is cool and well ventilated.

Outdoor cats should be sheltered in a shelter that will prevent wind and rain from getting inside. The house should be big enough to allow the cat to enter completely, and turn in a full circle before lying down. During the winter months, a heavy cloth should be hung over the door to keep in heat and prevent wind and moisture from entering. Make sure to clean the shelter regularly to keep the cat healthy and comfortable.

Exercising

Outdoor cats get plenty of exercise just doing their normal routine, but indoor cats can be encouraged to exercise by providing them with toys. Scratching posts, balls and other toys will encourage indoor cats to move around and be active. Indoor cats can also get lots of exercise by having a playmate such as another cat.

Medicine Information

Pilling your cat

The easiest way to give your cat a vitamin or pill is to hide it in food. Bread, meat, or other favorite food items can be used to bury the pill. To ensure that the cat swallows the pill, the pill or food item should be placed as far back in the cat's throat as possible. Once the pill is inserted, tap on or blow on the cat's nose to get it to lick its nose. The licking motion will cause the cat to swallow.

If you have to force the pill into the cat's mouth, first wrap the cat in a blanket or towel to prevent it from scratching you. Hold the upper jaw by both sides with one hand, and lift it up, holding the lower jaw with the other hand, and using your first finger and thumb to place the pill quickly in the tongue's base. As described above, once the pill is inserted, tap on or blow on the cat's nose to get it to lick its nose. The licking motion will cause the cat to swallow.

Vaccinations

Information from The Humane Society

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus (FVRCP) - viral diseases of the eyes, nose and throat (upper respiratory infection) plus Panleukopenia a viral disease of the blood and intestines (feline distemper or infectious enteritis).
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - a viral disease that impairs immunity. Usually fatal.
Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals. Vaccination is necessary for all cats.

Kitten Vaccinations

8 weeks to 1 year
8 weeks - First vaccination shot (FVRCP).
12 weeks
Feline Leukemia shot (FeLV) (only if pretest is negative). A second (FeLV) shot given 2 to 3 weeks later. Second vaccination shot (FVRCP).
4 months
Rabies and third vaccination shot (FVRCP).

Adult Cats

FVRCP - Yearly. Cats 13 weeks or older that have not been vaccinated should have an initial vaccine then a booster in 2 to 4 weeks.
FeLV - Yearly. Cats not previously vaccinated need the two injection series (only if pretest is negative).
Rabies - Yearly (depending on vaccine)

Emergencies

Cat First Aid

Injured cats will react to pain by experiencing fear and panic. It is common for cats to be uncooperative during treatment, even going so far as to try and bit or scratch the caretaker. When dealing with a frightened cat, it's important to secure the cats so it calms down and doesn't aggravate the existing wound or cause additional harm to itself.

Treating injuries is done through basic first aid. A simple pet first-aid kit should consist of scissors, tape, bandages and basic medications such as milk of magnesia, antibiotics, mineral oil and a common antidiarrheal formula - milk of bismuth.

Poisoning

It is not uncommon for cats to get into baits (such as rat poison) or chemicals that are harmful to their system. A cat exposed to a poison may react in various ways, including, but not limited to, paralysis. Veterinary help should be sought immediately. To purge the cat's system of poisons, you will need to induce vomiting by feeding the cat small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Give the cat about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide about every 10 minutes for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Puncture wounds

From time to time cats may encounter barbs, thorns or fish hooks that puncture and embed themselves in the cat's skin. If your cat gets a deep puncture wound, seek out a veterinarians help before attempting to remove the item. Veterinarians can provide the cat with pain relievers and anesthesia to relax your cat and provide the veterinarian with the best possible situation to remove the hook or barb.

If the hook or barb is only slightly embedded in the skin, be sure to cut off the sharp barb before attempting to slide it out. To remove a thorn use a needle and tweezers as you would for a sliver in your own hand or foot.

With any puncture wound, it is important to use a good antibiotic and to cover the wound with a bandage until it's healed.

Broken bones

Bone fractures in cats will require the help of a veterinarian. Before moving the cat, be sure to secure the broken area by wrapping the injured area with a towel or blanket. Use rope or some type of cloth to tie the wrap to hold it in place. In addition to wrapping the wound, cover the cat with blankets to keep the cat warm as such injuries generally induce shock.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can occur when cats are exposed to high heat from prolonged periods of time - such as being locked in a car or a garage during the heat of summer. A cat experiencing heat stroke will become disoriented and eventually lose consciousness. To treat heat stroke, immediately begin cooling the cat by running a hose over the cat - continue dousing the cat for several minutes. If after several minutes the cat does not revive, take the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

To prevent heat stroke, make sure cats can find shade and have adequate air circulation. In hot climates cats should not be left outside in the sun during the heat of the day.

Bleeding

When a cat is cut and begins bleeding the wound should be immediately covered with gauze or cloth and moderate pressure should be applied. Hold the dressing over the wound for at least five minutes - do not pull the gauze or cloth back to peek and see if the bleeding has stopped. If after five minutes the bleeding has not stopped, take the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hair balls

As cats groom themselves they occasionally swallow hair, forming hair balls in their stomach. These obstructions can cause vomiting. To control cat vomiting, add a teaspoonful of mineral oil to the cat's for three consecutive days. The mineral oil will compact the excess hair in the stomach and allow it to pass through the intestines much more easily. Many experts recommend that after the mineral oil treatment, that cat receive two teaspoonfuls of milk of magnesia - this will help the cats stomach to stabilize. 

Parasites

Preventing Worms

It is not uncommon for cats to be exposed to and experience many different types of intestinal and heart worms and parasites. Cats that are experiencing worm and parasite problems must undergo diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.

Prevention is the best approach - cats should be given a heartworm pill annually, as well as seen by a veterinarian annually. In addition to the annual prevention, parasites can also be avoided through several control techniques:

• Cats should not be fed on the floor or out of a dirty dish
• Living spaces such as cat bedding and play areas should be treated regularly for parasites using a parasite inhibitor, as well as treated for ticks and lice
• Keep cats away from raw meat such as birds, mice and other rodents
• Clean cat litter boxes regularly
• If the cat is diagnosed with parasites, give the cat the anti-parasitic medications as prescribed by the cat's veterinarian

Mites

Mites, like Fleas are external parasites that live in the ears of cats as well as on the surface of their skin. Mites can be transferred from cat to cat and will cause the cat to scratch and claw at its skin due to the skin irritation. Kittens typically experience a black discharge out of their ears when infected with mites.

To cure mites, use a mineral oil to daily clean the cat's ears and use common flea powders over the ears and body of the cat.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless, external parasites that live off of the blood of mammals and birds. Cats in humid climates are generally more affected by these types of parasites. Reactions may vary from cat to cat, but most reactions result in a rash on specific areas of the cat.

To control fleas, keep the cat's living area clean and use commercially available powders, sprays and cat collars.

Lice

Another common parasite, lice can cause intense itching and skin irritation in cats. Lice eggs are typically found on the cat's hair and adult lice close to the cat's skin.

To control lice, use commercially available flea powders and sprays regularly. Eliminating lice can take several weeks.

Ticks

Ticks are small to microscopic parasites that burrow their heads below the surface of the cat's skin causing disease and irritation. Ticks are common in almost every part of the world, but are especially prevalent on beaches, in open fields and in wooded areas. These parasites are typically found between the toes and in the ears of household pets.

To remove a tick, cover the back of the tick with oil or alcohol and wait for the tick to back out of the skin. If using tweezers, make sure that the entire tick is removed and that the head of the tick is not broken off under the skin. Never use a hot match to remove ticks.

Diseases

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that can cause a wide variety of symptoms in cats. Once bitten by a rabid animal, the virus will spread through the nerve tissue and eventually affect the brain such that the cat will become highly agitated and possibly aggressive. As the virus progresses, the cat will eventually experience paralysis of their lungs and throat causing the animal to suffocate and die.

Rabies is a virus that can be prevented through vaccination every three years. As rabies is common in both domestic and wild animals, most states in the US require cats to have rabies shots.

Once contracted, rabies is usually fatal. This virus attacks the central nervous system, starting at the brain and radiating throughout the body through the nerves.

Rabies is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human through a bite wound that breaks the skin. The virus can also be transmitted through saliva. 

Kittens Information

Before you bring home a new kitten, it's important to kitten proof your home. Never underestimate the destructive creativity of a kitten - kittens will try to nibble, scratch or climb pretty much anything that looks exciting. Be especially careful to remove toxic plants, electrical chords, low hanging curtains or anything else that looks enticing from a vantage point of about eight inches off the floor. Get on your hands and knees and take a look around your home - you'll be surprised at what you'll discover.

If you have other pets in the home, it's important to get your new kitten to the vet before bringing it home. Even the youngest of kittens can carry diseases and parasites that will afflict the other pets in your home. Save yourself the headache by doing a little prevention at the veterinarian's office. A new kitten's health schedule should be the following:

• 3 weeks: fecal exam
• 6 weeks: fecal exam
• 9-10 weeks: FHV/FCV/FPV vaccine, ELISA test for FeLV, FeLV vaccine, fecal exam
• 12-14 weeks: FHV/FCV/FPV vaccine, FeLV vaccination, Rabies vaccine, fecal exam

If you decide to bring your new kitten home before these shots and exams are complete, keep your kitten in quarantine until it has received all the necessary exams and vaccines.

When your kitten is finally ready to be brought home, be sure to have planned enough in advance to have a bowl full of food and water ready, as well as a sleeping box and litter box in the cat's new living space. The kitty will quickly learn to call this space their own and will need to learn that the litter box is the appropriate place to "go."

To introduce a new kitten to existing cats in the home, place the new kitten in a room by itself for a few days with a slight crack in the doorway so that the other cats can introduced to the new kitten's curious nose that will appear in the doorway. Rub down your cat with a towel and place the towel in the existing cat's sleeping space so that the cat will become accustomed to the kittens scent - do the same for the kitten, so that the kitten sleeps with a towel that carries the scent of the existing cat. After three days, the new kitten can now be "introduced" to the existing cats in the home.

Spaying and Neutering

Males: The earlier the better. Male kittens can be neutered as soon as they are at least two pounds in weight and have two descended testis. Delaying neutering increases the likelihood of testicular and prostate cancer, and can result in a pet population explosion in your very own neighborhood.

Females: Spay before the cats's first heat cycle - delaying spaying beyond the first heat cycle increases the likelihood of breast and uterine cancer.

Breeds

Abyssinian
American Bobtail
American Curl
American Shorthair
American Wirehair
Balinese
Birman
Bombay
ritish Shorthair
Burmese
Chartreux
Colorpoint Shorthair
Cornish Rex
Devon Rex
Egyptian Mau
European Burmese
Exotic
Havana Brown
Japanese Bobtail
Javanese
Korat
LaPerm
Maine Coon
Manx
Norwegian Forest Cat
Ocicat
Oriental
Persian
RagaMuffin
Ragdoll
Russian Blue
Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex
Siamese
Siberian
Singapura
Somali
Sphynx
Tonkinese
Turkish Angora
Turkish Van

Products

Cat Litter

A good cat litter will keep your home smelling fresh and your cat happy. When shopping for a quality cat litter, look for litters that cling to waste and absorb liquid waste. Cat litters can be purchased fragrance free or perfumed.

Litter boxes

Litter boxes come in heavy duty plastic as well as in biodegradable pans. The pans can be purchased in various colors and sizes to meet your cat's need. If you have more than one cat, you may want to consider either a larger sized box or multiple boxes.

Cat Bed

A well rested cat is a happy cat! Treat your cat to a soft, warm, comfortable cat bed to provide your cat the best possible rest. Some cat beds are machine washable, allowing you to keep your cats bed clean and free from bugs and parasites. Be sure to find the right sized bed for your cat. 

The Cat Cottage

The Cat Cottage Triplex is the "cat's meow" for multiple cat owners. With three separate compartments, this triplex can comfortably house three to six cats, depending on their size. 

Each unit has a floor size of 20 x 19 and the "upper suite" features a lounging ledge (which also serves as a weather shelter for the bottom two door entrances). The round doors come with vinyl flaps installed.

Cat carrier

Cat carriers keep your pet safe and comfortable during travel. A quality cat carrier will feature double zipper openings for top and side entry, convenient storage pockets, mesh panels for ventilation and visibility, adjustable handles with snap closure, name tag, and a removable liner. When not in use, you should be able to fold up your cat carrier for easy storage.

Flea Spray

In addition to killing and repelling adult fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, flea sprays contain active ingredients to kill flea eggs before they hatch to effectively break the flea life cycle and help prevent reinfestation. Flea sprays work for about 7 days and should not irritate the cats skin.

Cat Flea collars

Flea collars kill fleas and ticks, including lyme disease-carrying ticks, for up to eight months. Cat flea collars are designed especially for cats, and can stretch to allow a cat to escape if it gets caught or snagged. Never use a flea collar on cats younger than 12 weeks old.