How to Care for Your Cat ???

                                  How to Care for Your Cat

To keep your cat or kitten healthy the most important thing is to make sure your cat/kitten is taken to the vets regularly; for kittens take them when you first get them to ensure they are healthy and disease free, make sure they are vaccinated at 9 and 12 weeks. It is also important that either you or the vet check your kitten/cat for fleas and worms monthly and treat if necessary,

 1-Make sure that you take your cat to the vet regularly for any vaccinations needed, and just a  general checkup to see how your kitty is doing. If you notice anything different with your cat,  such as the way they're meowing, walking, eating or acting, and  are worried, take your cat to the vet. Sickness nipped in the bud  is the best kind.

2-Groom your cat regularly. Grooming is very important. It prevents hairballs, stimulates your cats' blood flow, stops cat hair left when you pat her/him and provides some good bonding time for you and your cat. If your cat has long fur, a pin brush is best for working through long coat. A flat and slicker brush would work better for short fur. A smaller, triangular shaped brush can be used for smaller areas, like around the face and ears. If you want to use a comb, use a wide toothed comb for long fur, and a fine toothed one for short fur. You may want to buy a smaller and more gentle brush for a kitten.

3-Make sure to feed your cat the right type of food, at the right times, and the right amount. Feed your cat at the same time you eat-so he/she won't be begging you for crumbs. Don't feed huge amounts-just a small bowl will do. If your cat isn't eating well, it may be a disease. Check with your local vet. If your cat is overweight, never, ever drastically drop the food amount-it is not at all good for cats to lose too much weight very quickly. Instead, try going to your vet and buying a special type of food which is high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbohydrate. Try not to feed your cat your food; it'll become a habit. Give your cat water daily. Don't feed your cat milk; cats can't digest it.

4-Find some time to bond with your cat. Simply feeding, grooming and taking a cat to the vet won't fulfill their needs. Even ten minutes chasing a rubber ball around the house together is good. You can snuggle up to your kitty with a good book, dangle a toy in front of their nose, or give them a cuddle. Make sure you pet them every now and then-a little love goes a long way.

5-Provide your cat with a scratching post or a tree they can climb, cats will naturally want to scratch, it's a behavior from when they were wild that allowed them to mark their territory. Providing acceptable places they are allowed to scratch will save your belongings from cat claw damage. Cats love tall places, so a big, sturdy cat tree will not only provide a place to scratch, but will allow her to climb and enjoy a bird's eye view of her surroundings.

6-Keep at least one litter box per cat. Keep boxes clean at all times. Some cats prefer uncovered boxes. Experiment with different types of cat litter, most cats prefer a natural wood-based litter. Many cats dislike the hard texture and perfume and dust of clay-based litters.

7-Help your cat get exercise. Some cats, if left to their own devices, will just sit around the house not doing much of anything. Be your cat's personal trainer! Toys are a great incentive to get your cat moving. Try tossing small toys for them to hit and chase. Fishing pole style toys or pocket flashlights let you give your cat a workout even when you're worn out.

8-Let your cat be a cat. Like it or not, you cat is going to do certain cat things that may bug you. Your best option is to give your cat a positive outlet for these behaviors. If you cat scratches your furniture, make sure he or she has a great scratching post to use instead. Your cat loves getting on the china shelf to look out the window? Move the china and put in some window side cat furniture. The cat uses the spot behind the chair as a bathroom? Put a litter box there and keep it clean. (You may also want to visit the vet to rule out an underlying medical problem.)

9-Think very carefully before deciding to let your cat go outdoors. Contrary to popular belief, cats are not always naturally able to find their way home and even a cat that usually knows its way around can become disoriented if badly frightened. Other risks connected with letting your cat roam outdoors are parasites, serious or fatal illnesses or injuries from other cats or other animals, fights with other animals that can result in serious injury or death, or theft of your cat. Your neighbors may not appreciate having your cat use their yard as a litter box or chasing and killing the birds at their bird baths and feeder. If you feel you must give your cat access to the outdoors, consider giving it run of a fenced in yard or walking it on a harness and leash. (It is possible.)

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HAVANA BROWN CAT

 HAVANA BROWN CAT

The Havana is a medium-size cat weighing 6 to 10 pounds.

    How did a brown cat of Southeast Asian origin, believed to offer protection from evil, come to be known as a Swiss Mountain Cat, and how did it then adopt the name Havana Brown? The full answers to those questions are lost to history, but what appears to have happened is that solid-brown cats of Siamese type from Thailand were exhibited in Britain in the 1890s. Somehow during that time they acquired the moniker Swiss Mountain Cat.

In 1920, the Siamese Cat Club of Britain decided that brown cats without blue eyes were no longer desirable, and that was that. Breeders lost interest in them until the 1950s, when a group of British cat breeders set themselves the task of determining the genetic makeup of a self-brown (solid-colored) cat. They eventually produced a male chestnut-brown kitten, the result of a cross between a shorthanded black cat and a chocolate-point Siamese.

Russian Blues and Burmese may also have played a role in the development of what came to be known as the Havana Brown (whose only connection to Cuba is the supposed resemblance of his color to that of a fine Havana cigar). But as it turned out, according to an article in the 1982 CFA Yearbook, the most successful and most often used breeding to produce a self-brown cat was between a black short-hair and a seal-point Siamese carrying the chocolate gene.

The cats, which also went by the name Chestnut Foreign Short-hair as many aliases as they had, they might well have been Cold War Cuban spies—were first exported to the United States in the 1950s. It was then that the breed began to go two different ways. In Britain he is now considered to be a brown Oriental Short-hair  In the U.S., he is known as the Havana Brown and has a body and head type that distinguishes him from his British cousin. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the breed in 1964.

  The Havana Brown is a rare breed, so much so that his genetic diversity is threatened. It has been propped up by an out crossing program begun in 1998, which permits the cats to be bred to unregistered black or blue domestic short-hairs or certain colors of Oriental Short-hairs or chocolate-point or seal-point Siamese. The kittens produced by those breeding's can then be bred to Havana Browns. If those kittens have the Havana Brown coloring, they can be registered as Havana Browns.

    Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Havana Browns are generally healthy, although some may be prone to upper respiratory infections, usually when they are young.

   The rich tobacco-colored cat known as the Havana Brown may or may not be named for the addictive leaf, but the cats themselves are addictive to the people who come to know them. They are outgoing and friendly. Expect one to follow you around the house as you go about your day. 

Like most cats with Siamese ancestry, the Havana can be demanding and talkative, but his voice is softer and his personality more subtle. He is smart and likes the challenge of teaser and puzzle toys. When he is through playing, the affectionate Havana will happily ensconce himself on your lap.

     The Havana Brown’s distinctive color extends even to his whiskers. He is the only cat with a breed standard that spells out whisker color: brown, of course, complementing the coat color.

Looking out from all that minky brown richness are vivid green eyes with an oval shape. The Havana is also distinguished by his uncommon head shape; it’s longer than it is wide. Large ears tilt forward.

      He has a firm, muscular body covered in short, smooth fur in a rich, warm reddish-brown.  Kittens and young adults may have the barest hint of tabby markings, which disappear as they mature. The nose leather is brown with a rosy flush, and the paw pads are a rosy brown as well.

    The Havana Brown is playful and smart and can be a good friend to a child who treats him nicely. He’s one of those cats who enjoys playing fetch and learning tricks, and his energy level means he won’t wear out before the child does. He is happy to live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, too, thanks to his amiable disposition. Introduce pets slowly and in controlled circumstances to ensure that they learn to get along together.

   The Havana Brown’s short, smooth coat is easy to care for with a quick weekly combing. Polishing it with a chamois will make it shine. A bath is rarely necessary.

Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection.

Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.

Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene.

It’s a good idea to keep a Havana Brown as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Havana Browns who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

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EXOTIC SHORTHAIR CAT

EXOTIC SHORT-HAIR CAT

    If the Persian is a cat in a glamorous evening gown, the Exotic is the Persian stripped down to its skivvies. The Exotic Short-hair, or Exotic for short, is a Persian of a different coat. The new breed first began to be developed in the 1950 by crossing Persians with American Short-hairs and, later, other short-haired breeds such as the Burmese and the Russian Blue, then breeding back to Persians once the short coat was achieved. The eventual result was a cat with the same features and personality as the Persian but wrapped in a short, plush, easy-care coat.

The cross, which had originally been intended to bring the Persian’s striking silver color and green eyes to the American Short-hair, was controversial at first, but Persian breeders became intrigued by the new look and began to cooperate in the development of what became known as the Exotic.

The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the breed in 1967 and called it the Exotic. In some other associations, it’s known as the Exotic Short-hair to differentiate it from the Exotic Longhairs that sometimes appear in Exotic litters and are considered by some associations as a breed unto themselves. The International Cat Association recognized the breed as the Exotic Short-hair in 1979. Today Exotics are recognized by all cat registries. Exotics these days are out-crossed only to Persians and Himalayan's, not to any short-haired breeds.

     This is a medium-size cat. Exotics usually have a weight range of 7 to 12 pounds.

    Like the Persian, the Exotic is sweet, docile and quiet, but don’t get the idea that she is merely an adornment for the home. She loves to play when she’s not sitting in a lap or being petted. Exotics have a reputation for being more active and curious than their Persian siblings, and they are more suited to an active family. Males are said by some to be sweeter and more affectionate than females, who are sometimes described as aloof.

Exotics enjoy batting at toys for as long as you will play with them but are capable of entertaining themselves when their people are busy or away. They follow faithfully after family members and wait patiently for any attention to come their way. Exotics are little heard, but when they do speak it is in a soft, pleasant and musical voice. An Exotic’s needs are simple: regular meals, a little playtime with a catnip mouse or feather teaser, and lots of love, which is returned many times over.

  Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Although they are beautiful and sweet, Exotics are prone to a number of potential health problems,

  most commonly related to their facial structure:

1-Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing caused by constricted nostrils.

2-Dental occlusions, meaning the teeth don’t mesh well together.

3-Excessive tearing.

4-Eye conditions such as cherry eye and proponent.

5-Heat sensitivity.

6-Poly-cystic kidney disease, for which a genetic test is available.

7-Predisposition to ringworm, a fungal infection.

8-Seborrhea oleo, a skin condition that causes itchiness, redness and hair loss.

    The Exotic is often nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian.” Comb the Exotic twice a week to remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny and healthy. A monthly bath is a good idea. Be sure to blowdry the cat thorough

Excessive tearing can be a problem in this breed, so wipe the corners of the eyes clean daily to prevent under-eye stains from forming. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing.

It’s a good idea to keep an Exotic as an indoor-only cat. He’s not a scrapper and would fare poorly against other cats, dogs, coyotes and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors. Exotics who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

   In all respects but coat length, the Exotic shares the Persian’s sweet expression and soft round lines. It has a large, round head; large, round eyes; a short nose; full cheeks; and small ears with rounded tips. The head is supported by a short, thick neck and a deceptively sturdy, muscular body—a type known as “cobby.” An Exotic’s legs are short, thick and strong with large, round, firm paws. The tail is short but proportional to the length of the cat’s body.

A medium-length soft, thick, plush coat with a rich, thick undercoat completes the Exotic’s look. It does not have the ruff or the plume-like tail of the Persian.

    Exotics are adaptable and can do well in homes with children who treat them nicely. They also get along with cat-friendly dogs.

Exotics come in different “looks,” known as extreme and traditional. “Extreme” Exotics, those seen in the show ring, have a flatter face, which may come with breathing problems. Cats with the traditional look  have a more old-fashioned appearance, with a face that is not as flat and a nose that is set lower on the face with more of a “break,” permitting easier breathing. They are registered by the Traditional Cat Association.

Exotics of all stripes stand out for their infinite variety of coat colors and patterns. Imagine, if you will, seven solid color divisions — white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate and lilac — plus silver and golden division colors of chinchilla and shaded silver or golden and blue chinchilla and blue shaded silver or golden; and then there are the shaded, smoke, tabby, calico, participator and bi-color divisions. That’s not counting the various pointed patterns of the Himalayan.

Eye color is related to coat color. For instance, white Exotics have deep blue or brilliant copper eyes, or odd eyes—one copper and one blue; other solid-colored Exotics have brilliant copper eyes; silver and golden Persians have green or blue-green eyes; and so on.

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EGYPTIAN MAU CAT

EGYPTIAN MAU CAT

     Egyptian Mau cat received a picture of the cat in an Egyptian inscriptions dating back to the year (1400 BC). AD. In the modern era, its history dates back to the year (1953) when it was never hybridization Egyptian princess brought Natalie Trotbsqui to Italy with another Egyptian cat Fuld for them Jerwan, and the male pup Fuld mother cat who called Egyptian Mau. As the word 'Mao' means never ancient Egyptian language. Average size, solid and graceful, very long limbs, head round tapering palate, ears large, Hadtan of Partyehma his eyes Oseta the form yellow or green color, and the tail is long and tapering to an end. Thick coat silky and shiny medium height and there are mixed colors of it, it may be charcoal marks Silver or Bronze smokeless or black marks.

   The Egyptian Mau (mau being the Egyptian word for cat) is notable for being the only naturally spotted domesticated cat. In other words, the spotting pattern was not created by human manipulation of feline genes. The cats were known in Europe before World War II, but the devastation of the war left the breed in a perilous state.

The breed as it is known today dates to a silver female kitten given to Russian princess Natalie Troubetskoy when she was living in Rome. Depending on the story, the kitten was given to her by a young boy who had been keeping it in a shoebox or she acquired one from the Egyptian ambassador to Italy. Troubetskoy named the kitten Baba. When she moved to the United States in 1956, Baba and two of her offspring came with her. Troubetskoy wanted to ensure that the Mau survived as a breed, so she wrote a breed standard and began breeding the cats under the cattery name Fatima.

The breed was recognized in 1968 by the Cat Fanciers Federation, followed in 1977 by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Importation of more Maus in the 1980s and again in 1991 increased the breed’s gene pool. Today the breed is recognized by most cat associations.

    The Mau is a medium-size cat of 6 to 14 pounds.

    When the Egyptian Mau is happy, you know it. He vocalizes (called chortling) in a quiet, pleasant voice, swishes his tail rapidly, and kneads with his front paws. What makes him happy is being with his family, to whom he is fiercely devoted, or showing off his hunting prowess by chasing and retrieving a tossed toy or stalking and pouncing on a wriggling lure at the end of a fishing pole toy.

This is a moderately to highly active cat. He likes to jump and climb and will appreciate a tall cat tree, a window perch or two, and a sturdy scratching post that allows him to stretch out to full height. The Mau also enjoys playing in water. Don’t be surprised to find him dipping a paw into your koi pond or aquarium, turning on the tap in the bathroom or kitchen, or splashing water out of your pool—or his water dish.

The Egyptian Mau prefers family members to anyone else. When he’s not playing fetch, he enjoys sitting  in a lap and being worshipped, just as his ancestors may have been.

The Egyptian Mau has the distinction of being the fastest domestic cat, as the feline can exceed speeds of 30 mph while running.

    Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Egyptian Maus are generally healthy, but be sure to ask a breeder about the incidence of health problems in her lines and what testing has been done for any that are genetic in nature.

    The Egyptian Mau’s coat is easily cared for with weekly combing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. A bath is rarely necessary.

Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.

Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene, and a dirty box may cause them to start using other places in the house instead.

It’s a good idea to keep an Egyptian Mau as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Keeping him indoors also protects local birds and wildlife from this avid hunter. Egyptian Maus who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

    The Mau’s most striking characteristic is his spotted coat in silver, bronze or smoke (pale silver fur tipped in black), closely followed by his large gooseberry-green eyes. He is a medium-size cat with a muscular body and a slightly rounded wedge-shaped head topped with medium-size to large ears. With hind legs slightly longer than the front legs, he gives the appearance of standing on tiptoe on his small, dainty feet. A medium-long tail is thick at the base, tapering slightly at the end.

The medium-length coat has a silky, fine texture in the smoke coloration and a dense, resilient texture in the silver and bronze colors. The body is covered randomly with distinct spots that can be small or large, and round, oblong or other shapes. The forehead bears an M shape, the cheeks are adorned with “mascara” lines, and the tail is banded, ending with a dark tip. On the pale belly are dark spots that resemble “vest buttons.”

In addition to the silver, bronze and smoke colors, Maus can come in solid black, blue silver, blue spotted (a dilute version of bronze), blue smoke and solid blue, but these colors are not permitted in the show ring. These cats of a different color make fine pets, however, sharing all the other characteristics of the Mau.

    The active and playful Mau is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He will play fetch as well as any retriever, learns tricks easily and loves the attention he receives from children who treat him politely and with respect. He’s smart enough to get out of the way of toddlers but loves school-age children because they are a match for his energy level and curiosity. Nothing scares him, certainly not dogs, and he will happily make friends with them if they don’t give him any trouble. He is a skilled hunter, however, and pet birds or other small animals are probably not safe in his presence. Always introduce any pets, even other cats, slowly and in a controlled setting.

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