Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
When it comes to words that describe cats and cat breeds, things can get pretty confusing. Whether you're looking into adopting a domestic short-hair cat from a rescue organization or purchasing from a breeder, a vast amount of information is available. "Show quality" cats are exactly that—fit for show.
Using perfumed litter to mask the smell of Tabby's litter box may make you think it doesn't need changed so often. That's not the case. Having at least one box per cat, and changing it regularly, will make everyone in your household happy.
When you purchase a pedigreed cat from a professional breeder, you need to register your new feline friend with the Cat Fancier's Association if you want to professionally show or breed her through this organization. Once the breeder gives you the CFA paperwork containing all of the registration information for your new kitty, you'll have to pick a name for her that conforms to the CFA naming rules.
Maybe “Princess Mononoke” is too many syllables to say every time you want your cat to come. Maybe said princess is actually a boy. Whatever your motivation, it’s tempting to rename a cat you've newly adopted. You should. It's easy to train and rename cats.
Your cat’s getting fatter. Well, not fatter, but more pregnant. Her nipples are swollen and she'll produce milk any day now. That means she’s getting ready to give birth. Timing varies, but milk production usually starts a couple of days before she’ll deliver kittens.
There's nothing quite like the unmistakable funk of tomcat spray. Both male and female cats engage in spraying behavior for a variety of reasons. And though it's referred to as "spraying," when Tom lifts his tail and lets go, he's dousing his target with his urine.
Your cat's tail helps him perform dizzying acrobats and clues you in to his mood, but it's got very little to do with how big he is or how big he'll grow. Some breeds have longer tails than others; other breeds have no tails at all.
The Abyssinian breed conjures the slight-bodied cats of Egyptian sculptures and murals created thousands of years ago. Inhabitants of ancient Egypt revered the feline species, that much is known. The breed's origins are not fully certain.
Few experiences are as scary for a pet parent as a missing cat. If you can't find your cat, stay calm and focused. First, check with other members of the household; ask if they know where she is and when and where they last saw her. You may find your pet isn't missing at all, or you'll at least have an informed guess as to where to begin your search.
Unlike dogs, cats are not considered social animals. This means that even feral cats who live in a colony are independent and territorial. Their loner nature makes it necessary for cats to communicate with each other even when they do not meet face to face. Scent -- specifically spraying -- is one way they do so.
If you have ever had a cat named Socks, Boots or Mittens for his little white paws, he was a mitted cat. "Mitted" means just what it implies: it looks like Kitty is wearing mittens. This is not to be confused with the term "pointed," which refers to colored paws.
Your four-legged pal needs a series of shots beginning as early as 6 weeks of age. But don’t stop taking her to the vet after her initial kitten boosters are over. She’ll still need to get shots throughout the rest of her lifetime -- sometimes annually, depending on the vaccination.
The Siberian Forest Cat, the national cat of Russia, has been in Russia for thousands of years though little documentation regarding its early history exists. The cats simply were present in Russian life as a landrace -- an animal that developed by natural processes rather than guided efforts by humans. Beginning in the 1980s, Russian cat fanciers began documenting the breed's history and establishing an official record.
All cats have the potential to partake in aggressive behaviors, and tomcats are in no way an exception to this rule. Male cats can show aggression both in subtle and glaringly obvious ways -- from stealthily trailing the object of their annoyance to unleashing their sharp claws or teeth -- yikes.
If your cat has a white nose and gums, this can be an indicator of a few key things. Learn what it means when your cat has a white nose and gums with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Known for their unusually shaped ears, both the "American curl" and "Scottish fold" breeds of cat result from a genetic mutation. Although these two breeds have certain similarities, they have noted differences in their appearances and personalities, especially in the shapes of their unique ears. While the Scottish fold resembles a teddy bear with his flat ears, the American curl appears ever-alert, with tall, back-curled, rosebudlike ears, making these two types of cats very distinctive.
For a male cat to have the ability to sire a litter of kittens with a mature female cat, he must be able to produce sperm. Typically, a male cat reaches sexual maturity between 4 and 6 months old, although, depending on certain factors, some male cats do not become sexually mature until they reach 1 year old. Once mature, a male cat will seek a female in heat to produce kittens.
Early detection of anal disease in your tomcat is essential to his well-being. Even though anal disease may be treatable, there's always the chance that it's of a life-threatening nature. The anal glands, also known as anal sacs, can cause problems in male cats. Recognizing abnormalities in your cat's behavior and in the appearance of his anal region, can potentially safe his life.
Stray cats are often the forgotten, abandoned or lost felines that are also misunderstood and believed to be a nuisance. Befriending a stray cat requires time and patience on your part, and trust from the cat. A stray's first instinct is to protect herself, so giving her plenty of time to trust and approach you will result in a friendly, welcoming encounter. In time, a stray cat can become a beloved companion and friend.
Feeding a stray cat is something that you need to do with a certain degree of caution. Find out what to feed a stray cat in the winter with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
Finding a lost cat is sometimes easier said than done. Learn about finding a lost cat with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
If you have a male cat that wanders, you are probably concerned that your pet may get lost and not come home. A male cat’s health and surroundings could be the reasons behind its sudden wanderlust. Medical issues should be discussed with your veterinarian, while changes to its surroundings could relieve stress-related wandering. If you are worried about the safety of your male cat, consider keeping it indoors.
Bathing a cat reduces allergens on the fur. Combing and bathing help to prevent mats in a Persian cat's fur, and it reduces the risk of hairballs, as well as the amount of cat hair on your clothes and furniture. Comb the Persian's fur before washing, as washing will only make mats worse and more difficult to deal with.
When drawing the fur on a long haired cat you'll want to start off by drawing its face. Draw fur on a long haired cat with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Ragdolls are docile and affectionate cats, which like nothing more than to be with people. Ragdolls are gentle and rarely extend their claws even in play. However, female ragdoll cats can reach up to 15 pounds, while males can reach up to 20 pounds, which makes them appear intimidating to people who are unfamiliar with the breed. An abandoned ragdoll cat will probably want to be near people, but may be too confused and frightened to catch. Fortunately, there is a humane way to rescue an abandoned ragdoll cat and bring it in to safety.
A tabby is a very specific type of cat with almond-shaped eyes. Draw a tabby cat with help from an artist who teaches art to children and adults in this free video clip.
Kittens shed off dead hair and replace it with new hair throughout the year. However, a number of factors that contribute to unhealthy skin and coat quality cause excessive shedding. Learning how to evaluate a kitten's coat for shedding is easy and should be done during routine grooming sessions. Being aware of how much your cat should shed makes determining if and what type of treatment may be necessary to reduce shedding.
If you find yourself avoiding your cat right before you leave home, something needs to change. Just because your favorite feline sheds doesn't mean you have to run for cover in order to keep your sweaters clean. Whether your sweater is made from cotton, a pile weave of synthetic fibers or cashmere, there are practical, inexpensive ways to quickly and thoroughly remove cat hair.
Feral cats are born wild and are born from once-domesticated cats, often family pets that were abandoned, lost or allowed to breed indiscriminately. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, feral cats account for tens of millions of free-roaming felines in the United States. Unlike stray cats, feral cats have had little or no human contact and are typically too elusive and fearful to be handled or tamed. Despite this distrust of people, ferals often depend on human caretakers for their survival. A reliable source of food and adequate shelter from inclement weather can dramatically…
Stray cats showing up on doorsteps are a problem in many neighborhoods. Most stray cats look skinny and appear as if they are starving. If you have a soft spot for strays, you may want to feed them. However, if you are not a cat owner, you may not know what cats eat or what you should feed them. There are a few things that you can feed a stray cat.
A cat show allows an owner to show off their favorite or prize cat in a competition with cats of the same or similar breeds. For a cat to be able to compete in a sanctioned cat show, such as by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), they have to be one of the 40 pedigreed breeds the CFA recognizes. Many shows also allow for a miscellaneous class for mixed-breed house cats or rescue cats whose breeding cannot be determined. Judging cats at a cat show requires a great deal of knowledge about all breeds and knowing what to look for,…
A cat kennel allows you to transport your pet safely without fear of injury to the cat, or to anyone that may come into contact with it. If your cat does not like to travel, then just the sight of a carrier kennel can cause problems. But there are ways that you can make the journey a safe experience for you and your pet.
The Persian is among the most popular, recognizable and beautiful of cat breeds. Persians combine long, luxurious coats with lovely round eyes, flat faces, short bodies and stocky legs. Females weigh up to five pounds; males weigh up to seven. Despite the size difference, female Persian cats require the same regular grooming as male Persians to prevent their lustrous coats from matting. You should inspect and clean your female Persian cat’s ears, nails and eyes as part of the grooming process. Use the right tools to easily accomplish the task of grooming your female Persian.
Individually owned and operated cat rescues and shelters often struggle to care for the many cats in need. Food, shelter, toys and medical care are expensive. However, fundraising may help you increase your cash flow, provide care to the cats in your shelter and meet members of the community interested in adopting.
Petting a cat’s long, silky fur can be relaxing for both owner and pet, until you run your hand across a tangle of matted fur. Long-haired cats need daily grooming to keep their fur and skin in top condition. Without consistent brushing, long-haired cats can develop painful mats in their fur. Gentle grooming can restore your cat’s coat to a healthy softness.
A feral cat becomes a feral cat one of two ways: it was once a house cat that, for one reason or another, got out and had to learn to fend for itself; or it was born to a feral cat mother and has always been a feral cat. Stray cats can be socialized back into indoor environments more easily if they are either very young kittens (eight weeks old or less) or were, at one time, indoor cats. You can make a stray cat feel at home over time, at a leisurely pace.
Persian cats are known for their long hair, short muzzle and round face. The name refers to Persia, where the country of Iran is today, as the breed's place of origin. These cats have been a popular breed since the 1600s, and according to the Animal Planet website they are the world's most popular breed in terms of the number owned. They also have the longest hair of any domestic cat species, which can make grooming difficult.
Hairless cats are known for their lack of fur, and sphynx cats were the first such breed developed. The first sphynx was born in 1966 in Canada, and it took over 10 years and many tries to create a strong hairless cat gene line. Although they are called hairless, there actually is a very fine layer of hair on their skin. Yet they are more challenging to take care of than traditional house cats.
All cats need grooming, but Himalayan cats require daily combing and brushing. Because of the breed’s long fur, this cat is susceptible to knots, tangles and mats. However, if you properly comb and brush your cat on a regular basis, you can avoid unsightly, snarled fur that can lead to infection if your cat scratches or chews it.
Pet hair is one of the most stubborn things to clean in a house. If you own an inside pet, you know all too well the daily maintenance that cleaning pet hair requires. Cats are especially notorious for shedding indoors, and their fine hair is frustrating to remove. Cat hair can cause allergies and even introduce viruses and parasites into your home if you leave floors and upholstery items for long periods without cleaning.
An angry male cat can inflict damage to both you and any animals in your home if not kept calm. An aggressive cat will have dilated pupils, make himself appear larger by puffing out his fur, place his ears back, growl and hiss at you, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Avoid direct eye contact with the cat so you do not encourage an aggressive challenge. If the cat tries to bite or scratch you while pet him, stop touching him and slowly back away from him before taking measures to calm him down.
Maintaining the litter box is a necessary part of owning a cat, but the task is not enviable. One of the factors cat owners need to consider is the type of cat litter to use. There are a variety of litter types on the market. In the last several years, clumping cat litter has become increasingly popular. However, there is considerable disagreement over the safety of clumping cat litter, and whether its benefits outweigh the possible health risks.
Feral cats live outdoors. Born and raised outdoors, these cats are different from stray cats. Strays are lost or abandoned pets. According to the ASPCA, feral cats do not make good house pets. However, feral cats are similar to domestic cats in a few ways. Feral cats get into mischief and cause problems in flowerbeds, gardens or lawns. Digging up flowers or urinating to mark territory damages a flowerbed. However, there are methods to repel feral cats from a flowerbed.
Siamese cats are an attractive breed that has marveled pet owners for centuries due to their striking physical appearance. They were one of the most prized possessions of many rulers in the past. Their popularity has stood the test of time, as even today many people hold them in extremely high esteem due to their loving, loyal, inquisitive and intelligent temperament.
The Siamese cat -- one of the world's most enduring and popular breeds -- is descended from an albino cat breed, so it is not rare for a litter to produce at least one pure white albino kitten. However, other than a pure white coat throughout its lifespan and occasionally pink eyes, these cats are no different from standard Siamese cats.
A tabby cat is not a specific breed of cat. Most tabby cats are mixed breeds. The tabby name comes from certain distinct features of the cat, including stripes, a M shape between the eyes and occasionally swirls. Orange, black and gray tabbies are the most common. Most tabby cats also have a white bib or stomach and may have white “socks” on their feet. Breeding a tabby cat is not difficult as long as both parents have characteristics of tabby cats.
According to Persian World, the Persian cat breed was first taken into protection by Queen Victoria of England, when breeding became concentrated and controlled. The Himalayan Persian was then created around the same time in England and in the U.S. by Virginia Cobb and doctor Clyde Killer by crossing the Persian breed with the Siamese. Himalayan Persians are a common breed of cat with multiple coloring patterns.
Rescued cats come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are abandoned by their owners in the streets, others have been abused or neglected. Because of the possible lack of proper socialization at a young age or fear of people, rescued cats require more patience and gentle handling than other cats. Whether you find a cat wandering the streets with no collar and identification, or adopt a cat from a rescue organization, your cat will need care and love to help it adjust to its new home.
Stray cats are cats that used to live with an owner but now live on the streets. If you decide to adopt a stray cat and you want to introduce it to your other cats, you have to follow a few steps to make sure your cats get along. Felines are territorial and may have a difficult time accepting other cats. Don't expect a stray cat to accept other cats overnight, and allow weeks or even months for it to adapt to its new home and its other inhabitants.
Even if you restrict your cat from entering the kitchen, you are unlikely to stop cat hair from finding its way into the room and into your refrigerator. Because cat hair clings to clothing and is stirred from the floor and other surfaces by routine activity, control the amount of loose hair in your home to help keep it out of your refrigerator. Brush your pet regularly to reduce the amount of hair in your environment. Prevent a buildup of cat hair in your home and around the refrigerator through regular sweeping and vacuuming. Unplug your refrigerator and vacuum behind…
