Chaki the Zen

Chaki, short for Charcoal, was born one cold February mid morning on my favourite T shirt inside my cupboard. Her eyes were tight shut and her miniscule tail stuck between her legs. Minutes before, her brother had taken his place in the world and had already found the source of the milk. Mimi, the mother was tired and she slept as her two precious offsprings snuggled against her belly and drank.

Of the two kittens, the brother was more handsome. He had bright beady eyes, a pert little nose and perfect tabby stripes. He had personality and suaveness. Chaki, on the other hand, had a strange, undecided hair colouring and also was ill mannered and screamed all the time, scrambling up the sides of her cardboard box, falling on her back, then clawing up noisily, then falling again. I knew then that it would be easier for me to find a home for the handsome, well behaved brother. Soon, some close friends of mine adopted him and named him Baichung after the famous footballer.

Today, Chaki is a feisty eleven-year-old cat who loves to push open her cat door and loiter around the colony. She sometimes returns with a string of cobwebs from ear to ear and some hanging from her whiskers indicating that she has explored some dusty, dank basement. She has a way of announcing her arrival home - a long deep meow begins at the foot of the stairs, then there are shorter meows for every step and then a blood curdling yell outside her cat door just before she pushes her head in. As soon as she is in, there are a few more loud yells demanding that we notice her arrival and with one final loud cry she leaps up on the table and is the queen of all she surveys.

Chaki is my closest friend. We share a bond that I cannot describe. It is deep and mystical. When she looks with her yellow eyes straight into mine, I feel the primordial closeness of two creatures of the jungle, human and cat. When she snuggles into the crook of my arm and I hear her purr, I know there is no sound sweeter than this. She shares my moods and my bed in winter. She smells of baby - milk and vitamin syrup after I have syringed some into her mouth. She is my queen and queen of the territory over which she presides, letting no dog or other cat come anywhere near. Chaki is Tao, she is Zen and embodies the mystery of cat as she sits up, paws under her, tail swishing gently and eyes far away into another dimension altogether.

(Rukmini Sekhar lives in Delhi with Chaki. She runs an NGO called Viveka Foundation and is part of a group called Citizens for Animals.)

Grooming the lil' kitty

A large part of a cat’s day is spent on grooming in order to keep her coat in pristine condition. However, we as a per parent play a large part in keeping our cat clean and healthy and this must never be forgotten if we want a happy and contented cat.

Start early

Make your kitten accustomed to grooming tools right from day one. Little kittens do not need much grooming care, but when they have been introduced to grooming while young, they will not struggle against it when they mature.

Brushing

Brushing should be done regularly and should be a pleasurable experience for both the cat and you. Regular coat care keeps the fur free of ticks and fleas, prevents the coat from matting and being tangled which is very painful for the cat and helps to remove dandruff flakes that develop.

Twice yearly, when preparing for the summer and winter, your cat will thin or fill out her coat. This is less noticeable in cats who are kept indoors than those who live outside, but it nevertheless occurs. Brushing will remove the excess fur and at these times should be done daily; to prevent formation of hairballs in the cat’s stomach when she swallows hair while self- grooming. This can cause very serious health problems and this is why brushing is so important.

Nail clipping

The front claws should be clipped as needed. There are several types of nail clippers available; be sure to get one suited especially for cats. The thin red line in the nail, the quick, is where the vein begins. Do not cut into this as it will be very painful for your pet and will bleed. If you have not yet learned how to trim properly or if you are afraid of hurting your cat, just trim off the very tip where the nail is most pointed. You can use an emery board (nail file) to smooth the tip down so it is not rough and can scratch you. You can also take your cat to a professional groomer or a veterinarian.

Ears

It is very important that you take great care of a cat’s ears. They should be wiped out with cotton occasionally. Mites can accumulate in the ears and the brown matter that you see is generally caused by mites which really need to be eradicated immediately. Your veterinarian can also show you the correct way to do this but you must be very careful and not push the cotton too deep into the ear drum. Never put anything into the ear canal. Cats’ ears are very sensitive, and you can do permanent damage or injury to your pet if you are careless about ear care.

Eyes

Cat’s eyes are generally kept clean by the cat herself unless they have an infection or disease which needs to be attended to. The matter that appears daily in the corners of the eye is usually cleaned by the cat but keep a watch to make sure that this does not build up and create a problem. Some cats are quite lazy about eye care and you need to help them to keep their eyes clean at all times.
Bathing

The best rule about bathing a cat is to do so only when the cat needs it. Show cats become used to this very early in their life but household pets keep their coat clean themselves. Use a shampoo, especially made for cats. Wash your cat in warm water, using as little shampoo as possible, and make sure that you completely rinse the shampoo out. If too much shampoo is left on the coat, then the skin oils dry out and the cat scratches a lot. Make sure you towel dry the cat thoroughly so that she does not remain damp and catch a cold. It is best to bathe her inside in a warm room and keep her confined until totally dry.

Grooming tips for longhairs

• Longhair cats need combing and brushing daily to keep their coats clean and sparkling.


• After bathing it takes some time to GENTLY comb out any tangles from the coat and then carefully brush the cat until she is completely dry and comfortable.


• Longhairs need more bathing than the shorthaired cats do as they can pick up bits of rubbish and dust in their coat which becomes tangled and uncomfortable.

Always remember that a cute, fluffy kitten with a reasonably short coat, will grow into an adult with a long coat that needs a great deal more care than a shorthaired cat. Persians and all longhair cats make very affectionate companions, but they do need to be groomed daily or you will be facing an unhappy cat with a matted and tangled coat.

It is one of the major responsibilities of a cat owner that they keep their cats clean, healthy and with sparkling, shiny coats. Think about tangles in your own hair and consider how uncomfortable this is for a cat.

Preventing Common Feline Diseases

Many diseases common to cats can be prevented in two ways: by keeping your cat indoors, and by having your cat vaccinated according to your veterinarian’s advice. Common feline illnesses include the ones which are mentioned here.

Upper respiratory infections (URIs):

These are similar in many ways to the common cold in humans and produce many of the same symptoms - sneezing, runny nose and eyes, reddened eyes, fever, and decreased appetite. However, URIs can be much more serious than common colds - they can be fatal if left untreated. These airborne viruses are highly contagious; they can be transmitted to cats through human handling and through contact with other cats and with inanimate objects such as litter boxes, food bowls, and grooming tools. Separate any new cat from your other cats for at least three weeks until you are sure your newcomer doesn’t have any symptoms of a URI.

Prevention is the best approach to URIs - have your cat vaccinated. But if your cat does come down with cold-like symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. The veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and give you precise care instructions. Follow them carefully and make sure your cat eats and drinks sufficiently.

Rabies:

All cats, even indoor cats, should be vaccinated against rabies, which is now seen more commonly in cats than in any other domestic animal. Rabies is a viral illness that is transmitted through bite wounds from infected animals and attacks the nervous system. If your cat bites anyone, you may need to show proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies is a fatal illness. Prevent rabies through vaccination and by keeping your cat inside.

Feline panleukopenia:

Commonly known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through contact with humans, infected cats, clothing, hair, paws, food bowls, and even cat carriers. The disease comes on suddenly with vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Vaccinate against this virus.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV):

FeLV is a fatal infectious virus that affects the immune system and can cause several forms of cancer and other associated diseases. It is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and feces of infected cats. There is no link between feline leukemia and human forms of leukemia.

There are blood tests to determine if your cat may be carrying the virus. Your cat should be tested before being vaccinated. Since there is no cure, it is best to keep your cat indoors (and away from contact with other cats). Discuss vaccination schedules with you veterinarian.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV):

FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it is not the same virus and cannot be passed to humans. This fatal virus attacks the immune system, causing a variety of symptoms. General signs can include chronic, non-responding infections, respiratory problems, appetite loss, persistent diarrhea, and severe oral infections. FIV is passed from cat to cat primarily through bites. A vaccine is available to help protect cats from contracting FIV, but an FIV blood test should always be performed before vaccination. The best protection against FIV is keeping your cat happy indoors.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP):

FIP is another virus that is almost always fatal to cats. This virus can take two forms, commonly referred to as wet (which involves fluid in the abdomen) and dry (which does not). Both forms of FIP may cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

A blood test is available to determine if your cat has been exposed to this family of viruses. You can learn more about this test by talking to your regular veterinarian. There is no effective treatment for FIP, but there is hope for prevention in the form of recently developed vaccines. The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors, up-to-date on vaccines, and away from strange animals.

(Reprinted with permission from The Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org)

Ask the Expert.. Sep- Oct 08

Q: My 6-month-old kitten loves to play with string toys and sometimes even chews on the string. It is a cat toy but is this dangerous? What are the safe toys which I can give her to play? - R Geroge, Coimbatore

A: Dr. K. G. Umesh : Cat play is an important activity for cats. Toys (particularly hanging or moving), feeding puzzles, making use of resting places at a range of heights and different locations and access to a view of the outdoors - all help stimulate indoor cats. All pet stores carry safe, fun toys that will get your cat moving and help you bond with your pet. Choose toys for your cat that stimulate active, entertaining play, such as weighted balls that roll in unpredictable directions, and rubber chew toys in different shapes and textures. Just make sure any toys you use won’t cause injury from sharp edges or swallowing.

Cats will often play by themselves, swatting at wads of paper, ping-pong balls or catnip toys. A cardboard box can be loads of fun for your cat. Try putting a little fuzzy thing on a string and dangling it in front of your cat. She’ll know it’s not a mouse but she can indulge in fantasies of being a ferocious hunter, looking out for a prey. Some cats like the sound and feel of rustling paper. A large paper bag might keep her amused for a while. Put some toys inside, making it even more fun. Lastly, empty wrapping paper rolls, old tennis balls, fabric stuffed with old nylons can be toys for your cat. Rotate the toys you leave with your cat so that each day she has “new” toys. If possible, provide places for your cat to climb inside. Scratching posts and climbing frames provide opportunities for exercise and stimulation.

Herding Cats!

Meow! It’s difficult

Herding cats - This commonly used cat phrase means to bring together many different people together for a common cause… Well! It’s an uphill task, we all must agree. Now you know what it means when they say – ‘Managing a team of professionals is like herding cats’ or ‘Teaching li’l kids is like herding cats.’

Common Nerve injury in kitties

Radial nerve paralysis is a common nerve injury in cats and dogs. The radial nerve is the largest nerve in the cat’s front leg. Paralysis of the radial nerve normally occurs when the cat receives a severe blow to her shoulder after being knocked down by a car. Other causes include tumours and excessive stretching of the brachial plexus.

Symptoms…

When the radial nerve is injured, the cat is unable to use her front leg normally. The front leg appears limp and there is a complete loss of sensation in the affected limb. The cat will not be able to extend her elbow and wrist and will tend to drag her front leg on the ground causing it more injuries. The injured cat should be immediately examined by a veterinarian.

Treating the injury…

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. If there is no injury but the nerve is nipped or bent, then normal functions of the nerve will return. If the injury is a rupture of nerve fibres, with the protective sheath intact, the nerve function may return after several weeks or months. In case of a completely severed nerve, there is very little hope for recovery and amputation of the leg may be the solution. Amputation could be very distressing, but a three-legged cat will be able to enjoy a normal life as a four-legged one, if properly cared for.

(Sudhersena is a volunteer at the Blue Cross since 1998, an avid animal lover she has 9 cats and 3 dogs.)

LaPerms: all about curves ‘n’ curls

Elegant, athletic, lively, social, shaggy curls and ringlets… the LaPerms are the epitome of beauty and fun.

Large but beautiful

[caption id="attachment_8224" align="alignright" width="250"] Anulika á Chardani DK[/caption]

A curly kitten breed is born… In the spring of 1982 on a farm just near to Dallas, Oregon the LaPerm cat was born. Linda Koehl (founder of the LaPerm breed), was surprised to see an unusual looking bald kitten out of a litter of plain barn cats, and at first dismissed the kitten as a mutant. Linda named her “Curly” after she grew a coat of curls, and her temperament was just as unique as her coat. Curly has left behind her progeny of curly coated, doggedly affectionate kittens who were later named the LaPerm. LaPerm…a kitty of moderation This muscular, medium-sized cat has long neck and legs. Perhaps the most striking feature is her unusual coat, which has a unique textured feel. Velvet-like, their coat is soft to touch. You will be mesmerised with their wavy or curly hair, which forms ringlets on the neck and the ruff. Their head is a modified wedge with gently rounded contours and a muzzle. Broad noses, flared ears are and expressive almond shaped eyes…complete their beautiful looks. The tails of long-haired are curly while that of short-haired is like bottlebrushes. They are available in colours like tabbies, reds and torties, besides lilac, chocolate and colorpoints. LaPerms…pleasure to be with These cats are doggedly affectionate and incredibly docile. They are by far the most intelligent and witty cat. Taking care of LaPerm curls They are essentially lowshedding, low-maintenance pets. Rubber brushes should never be used as they can strip the fragile coats; only a revolving toothed comb will move through the coat easily without pulling out the fur or pulling the lovely curls straight. Too much grooming leaves the coat looking like a frizz-ball and takes away the desired definition of the curls. However, a spritz with plain water and a scrunch will help to redefine the curls. LaPerms…healthy kitties LaPerms are a healthy and robust breed with no known breedrelated health problems. (With inputs from Anthony Nichols and Martine Sansoucy. Martine has been raising and showing TICA Registered LaPerms for almost 12 years in Canada. Anthony Nichols has been showing cats for twenty year and mainly bred LaPerms. He imported the first LaPerms into the UK from the USA (www.laperm.co.uk) and is actively working with other breeders to achieve full championship recognition for the LaPerm in the GCCF.)

KAS: for the love of kitties

The journey begins...

Walking down the road on the outskirts of Kalimpong, a hill-station in West Bengal, I was shocked to see two small children playing recklessly with a kitten. I realized that the problem had to be addressed at the core – too many kittens and too little understanding. Fortunately, I received an offer from the Animal Protection Network based in Sweden to help fund a cat ABC at Kalimpong Animal Shelter (KAS), a unit of Help In Suffering and I readily accepted the offer.

Population explosion of kitties...

Kalimpong has a substantial number of free roaming cats including pet, community and feral cats. A female cat starts reproducing when they are 5-7 months old.

Spreading awareness...

Most of cat owners resist neutering of their pets as they believe that can have an adverse impact on her growth and behaviour and may even lead to her death. KAS addressed such issues by creating awareness about the subject. Infact, spaying a female cat not only prevents unwanted litters and eliminates heat periods but also eliminates the risk of life threatening pyometra (pus in the uterus). Additionally, it reduces the risk of mammary tumour (breast cancer). There are significant benefits of neutering (castrating) a male cat too. It has been observed that 90% of neutered cats decrease incidence of urine marking, fighting and roaming.

ABC programme for kitties...

KAS started an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme for cats, along the lines of the successful ABC programme HIS conducts for controlling street dog population. The complete philosophy of spay/ neuter programme rests on ensuring that the animals are returned to their territory in a healthy condition after surgery. To abide by their principles, KAS built a cattery where they could house 18 cats, thus giving them the flexibility to sterilize nearly a hundred cats a month. To keep the cats engaged, they also provide suitable non-toxic items for their enrichment and play.

The mission gathers momentum...

From day one, the local community participated in the programme whole-heartedly. The volunteers help KAS to trap or catch the cats using specially designed traps.

Kitty adoption…

At KAS, kittens are sterilized, vaccinated against rabies and when they are more than three months old, they are transferred to adoption section. During this time, they are given substantial amount of human interaction/contact and socialization opportunities. Every kitten sterilized and re-homed by their shelter becomes an ambassador of the project which aims at alleviating pain and suffering for this lovely and intelligent being.

(Dr. Naveen Pandey is Vet in Charge of Kalimpong Animal Shelter. He can be contacted atnaveen@helpinsuffering.org or visit www.his-india.org.au)

Beware of bite wounds of the little angels

Cats are mischievous little angels, their playfulness, wagging of tail, soft meows, gentle touch are all welcome. But we should be careful about cat bites because they may cause serious problems. Here’s some valuable information about cat bites.

Cats are mischievous little angels, their playfulness, wagging of tail, soft meows, gentle touch are all welcome. But we should be careful about cat bites because they may cause serious problems. Here’s some valuable information about cat bites.

Cat bites can cause serious problems, which can be of two types:

Cat bites another cat

The first is when cats have a serious fight and the bites and scratches can be very serious – usually for both cats. A bite on a cat’s tail should never be ignored as these can create major problems. All other bites and scratches should be attended to. Keep them clean and consult your vet immediately to make sure all is fine.

Cat bites a human

The cat bites to humans can also be extremely serious and should never be ignored. If the bite or scratch is minor, then wash the area thoroughly using soap and mild disinfectant and keep it clean and cover until the scratch heals. If the wound is deep, consult a doctor immediately. In case there are stitches, take the full course of medicine and antibiotics until all tablets are gone.

It is important that all cat parents have their tetanus shots on a regular basis. Some people react very badly to a cat bite and the affected area can swell up and be very painful.

Cat scratch disease

‘Cat scratch disease’ or ‘cat scratch fever’ is one of the worst human reactions to a cat bite. I also had to undergo such an unpleasant experience and spent almost 3 weeks, on and off, in bed feeling very ill indeed. I was judging at a show and was badly bitten by a cat who we subsequently found out had very bad teeth and was not as healthy as show cats should be. Cat scratch fever is a bacterial disease and although some people only have a mild infection, others, like myself, take quite a while to recover. Depending where the bite is placed – head, hands, neck and upper limbs as well as legs – the area can become swollen. The patient will experience fever, headache, fatigue and poor appetite.

Unfortunately, we cannot tell which cats are likely to carry the bacteria (Bartonella henselae infection) as they do not show any signs of illness.

So, it is up to the parents of all cats to keep their animals in spotless and very clean conditions and make sure that they pay attention to the health of their cats at all times. This applies to companion, breeding and show cats.

Ask the Expert.. May-June 08

Q: I have recently got 3 beautiful Persian kitties of 3 months of age (2 females and 1 male). I don’t want to breed them. Do let me know what I should do?
- Anjali, pune

 

A: Dr. K. G. Umesh: Sterilization (Neutering) of cats who are not intended for breeding has become standard practice and is the best option available at present. Several published papers demonstrate that there are no long-term health risks associated with early neutering of cats (6-7 months of age). Your veterinarian will advise you when your cat will be mature enough to have the operation. Neutered cats may actually enjoy some health benefits related to behavioural changes, such as fewer fight wounds and abscesses.

Sterilization is a routine procedure because it is performed so frequently. Nevertheless, it is major abdominal surgery and requires general anaesthesia. General anaesthetics are best given when a pet has an empty stomach. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully for withholding food and water before surgery. Your cat should be kept indoors for a few days after operation and prevented from excessive movements such as jumping to allow the wound to heal without complications.

Protecting Kitties from heat stroke..this Summer

Summer heat is on…it is the time to protect our furry felines from getting a heat stroke. It could be life threatening and require prompt treatment. Here’s how to protect our kitties from scorching heat.

Cats generally do not cope well with high temperatures and try to cool off themselves by licking. Some cats are more susceptible than others; these include short nosed breeds such as Persians, exotics, young & old cats, obese cats and cats with airway disease. A cat’s body temperature is approximately 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.2 to 39.2 degrees Celsius. If the outside temperature is higher than your cat’s body temperature, heat stroke becomes a possibility.

Watch out…for symptoms

Heat stroke begins with noisy breathing. The other symptoms of heat stroke are bright red tongue, dark red gums or pale gums, salivating (thick), weakness, anxiety, dizziness, muscle tremors, lethargy, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhoea (possibly with blood), bleeding from nose and coma.

Treating heat-struck kitty

If the temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius, it is a case of mild heatstroke. If the temperature is 105 degree Fahrenheit or 40.5 degrees Celsius, it is a severe case. When this happens, wrap the cat in a wet blanket or immerse her in cold water. You can apply ice packs on her head. Keep taking her rectal temperature every 5 minutes. If her body temperature reaches 103 degree Fahrenheit, stop the cooling process and take her to the veterinarian immediately.

Just a little care can easily protect our kitties…here’s wishing safe and healthy summers to all our feline friends.

Quick tips

• Never leave your cat in a parked car even if it is parked in shade.


• While travelling, always carry your cat in a well-ventilated cat carrier.


• Avoid strenuous activities in high temperatures.


• Let your cat have access to clean and cool water at all times.


• Keep your cat in indoors when the weather is hot.


• Let your cat access cooler areas within the house.


• If yours is an outdoor cat, provide plenty of shade.

The Turkish Van Cat: the swimming cat

Muscular long body, silky coat, amber eyes – these sensational beauties are none other than the Turkish Van Cat. They have a passion for swimming, no doubt, these silky coated beauties invade the hearts of all kitty lovers.

Journey down the lane...

The Turkish (semi) longhair cat is probably one of the oldest domesticated cats. It is said that he is the ancestor of all other longhair breeds. There exist images of cats with ring plumed tails on Urartu jewellery (Urartu Kingdom: 1000–585 BC) and on a Roman shield (occupation Romans classic Armenia: 75–387 AD). Pictures have also been noted in friezes on the walls of ancient Armenian churches in the Lake Van area.

The silky coated beauties…

The Turkish Van is a solid built cat. He has a muscular long body with full chest and shoulders. Males tend to be much larger than females. Their head is broad, wide, modified wedge with rounded contours and high cheekbones. The ears are wide at the base and large in size. The eyes are almond shaped and can be amber, blue or odd eyed (one amber and one blue eye).

The coat is fine and silky and lies flat. There is no undercoat, but there are seasonal differences. In summer, only the tail shows that he is a longhair cat. The tail is thick and muscular.

There are Turkish Vans with and without a “Van pattern.” The first Vans in the Cat Fancy had two coloured spots on their head and a coloured tail. Small patches of colour on body and legs can also be seen. All registries recognise the following colours for the Van pattern combined with white: red, black, creme, blue, also as tabby, tortie and torbie. As seen in other breeds, kittens can have some colour.

Sweet temperament…

Turkish Vans are intelligent, energetic, loyal, and friendly. They are very adroit at opening doors, cupboards and windows, especially if it will lead to food. Many play fetch and carry like Retrievers. They love to race around the house and like to sit on heights and leap onto your shoulders. They are curious and like to investigate everything. They get along great with other cats and dogs, but want to be the boss. They are people oriented and can adjust to indoor living, but require periods of exercise to release pent-up energy. Most Vans are fascinated by running water, as in the fountain type drink well.

Easy upkeep…

Grooming a Van is simple. His coat requires only a quick comb through every week and occasional bath is needed. Because he has no woolly undercoat, a Van’s coat does not mat. He doesn’t need a special diet. You can give him commercial wet and dry food, which can even be combined with fresh meat or cooked fish or chicken.

The birth of kittens is most of the time without complications. The average litter exists of 4 kittens and they are usually good doers. There are not breed specific health problems known.

(Joyce Ouderkerk is a breeder of Turkish Van cats since 1996. She is also a member of TICA Turkish Van breed committee; vicepresident of Turkish Van Cat Connection; and secretary of Turkse Raskattenvereniging Lokum –Dutch Turkish breeds club.)

Keeping your cat happy indoors

While many cats enjoy being outside where they can hunt, prey and explore their surroundings, it’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with a cat easily satisfies her stalking instinct, keeps her stimulated, and provides the exercise she needs to stay healthy and happy. In fact, the indoor cat who gets lots of attention and playtime is likely happier than the indoor-outdoor cat who is generally ignored by her human companions. Here are some tips for safely confining your cat and making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat’s needs.

• Start young. Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside when they grow up.


• Provide a screened porch or other safe way for your cat to experience the outdoors. Consider building or purchasing a “cat fence” or similar enclosure. Such an enclosure can allow your cat to experience all the pleasures of the great outdoors without risks. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside. And be sure to catproof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.


• If you live in a peaceful neighbourhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience, for both you and your cat, and it’s easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio, or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while she is tied to a stationary object).


• Install a perch near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased from many pet supply stores or through catalogue retailers. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can “hang out.” Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. It’s best to allow your cat access to these when someone is at home to supervise.


• Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a “kitty condo”), or make your own. A cat tree may stretch from floor-to-ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space.


• Play with your cat each day. Try different types of toys that recreate “fishing,” “chasing,” and “flying” prey. And leave “toys” such as paper bags and cardboard boxes out when you are not at home.


• Give your cat a feline friend—they can provide one another with companionship and entertainment.


• Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so that your feline can graze.


• Clean the litter box regularly.

Even cats who are protected from roaming free should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat to explore the outdoors. And your cat may become frightened and make her way outside, if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. For extra insurance, consider your cat microchipped. If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report. Shelter workers can give you tips on getting your pet back home safely.

(Reprinted with permission from The Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org)

Introducing two cats

Introducing a new cat to another is not a child’s play. Here are a few things to be kept in mind before they meet.

If aggression, be it smooth…

Sometimes introducing one cat to another goes very smoothly, without any fur flying or scratching and biting. Regrettably, this is not always the case and steps need to be put in place to do this slowly. Make absolutely sure that both cats have had their nails trimmed and smoothed with an emery board to avoid serious scratching. Indoor cats should always have their nails trimmed and smoothed down on a regular basis.

Tidy kitty, germ free…

Never bring a new cat into your home without isolating him for 2-3 days to make sure that there is no chance to pass on any virus or infection.

Cordial climate, better understanding…

The social adjustment of two cats can usually bring about a fair bit of sniffing, crying and jealousy. The cat who has lived in the house for sometime will try to dominate the new arrival just to let her know who is boss and this is his territory. Usually they will settle down after a few days and peace will reign. When you are watching them, they will generally act as if they are not getting along but when you leave them alone, very often they will settle down together and be good friends.

Means for being intimate…

I have found that by rubbing butter on to the new cat’s coat attracts the resident cat and once he has washed the coat of the new cat, they become friends. As with many animals, washing is a sign that they are bonding. It is important to make sure that the new cat has the ability to get away on her own if she is frightened or upset.

Familiar smelling…

I always believe that when picking up a new cat/kitten, it is a good idea to place a blanket that the existing cat has slept on for 2-3 days so that the smell can be transferred to the new cat. This really is a good idea because smell is very important to cats and it helps to lessen the smells of the new animal’s original surroundings. You can also rub the blanket over the new cat before letting him out of the carry box.

Change without realising…

One of the most important things to remember is that you MUST always keep making a fuss of the resident cat to avoid him feeling ignored. Cats are very sensitive to any changes in the way their parents treat them and if ignored for the newcomer they can become very despondent, jealous and often very naughty.

Just keep these things in mind and we hope that your resident feline welcomes the new one with open arms (or paws, I should say!).

Blindness in cats

If your cat is clumsy, bumps into objects or sleeps excessively, she may be blind. Here’s more on cat blindness.

Blindness is loss of vision in both eyes. Some cats become blind in one eye and some in both eyes. Your cat could be born blind or become blind due to age or illness. Blindness could also be a sudden or gradual. Gradual blindness is due to conditions like glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy or cataract. Sudden onslaught of blindness occurs owing to injury, hypertension, stress and diabetes.

Watch out for…

It is difficult to notice that a cat is actually blind especially if blindness happens gradually. You may never know that your cat is blind. A cat’s sense of scent and memory compensate for the loss of her sight. Also whiskers become more important to blind cats to judge her proximity to an object. Sudden blindness in cats is more evident as the cat seems confused to things, time or place. She can bump into things and looks hesitant in walking.

Symptoms of blindness include clumsiness, bumping into objects, excessive sleeping, inability to find common objects, easily scared or startled and changes in usual behaviour. Take your cat immediately to a vet if you find your cat showing any of these symptoms.

Minimise blindness impact with love…

You can bring a lot of happiness to your lovely and intelligent blind cat by keeping her safe with love and care. Blind cat can lead a perfectly normal life as a sighted one as she memorises the position of furniture and objects in a room and can move about with perfect ease. But your carefulness as a perfect pet parent is needed. So, take care with these tips in mind:

• Avoid rearranging furniture often as this might confuse your blind cat.


• Keep her indoors and never let her go outside except under strict supervision.


• Place her litter box, food dish, bed, etc, at fixed spot. 


• Guide her with your footsteps, speaking or clapping.


• Interestingly, sighted cats are tolerant of bumpings by blind cats.

(Sudhersena, an avid animal lover, is a volunteer at Blue Cross since 1998; she has 9 cats and 3 dogs. She is associated with a number of animal welfare campaigns and programmes. For further info, contact: Blue Cross of India, 72 Velachary Road, Chennai–32, or e-mail: bci@bluecross.org.in)

Sphynx : touching softly on every purrfect heart

Love, companionship and caress… here comes Sphynx, the embodiment of love, to delight all kitty lovers.



Love to be with you…always

The Sphynx are extremely outgoing cats. They are very people oriented and require a lot of attention. Being an active breed, they love to play. They are very inquisitive and really enjoy to participate in anything their parents are doing. They are highly intelligent and can often learn commands. They can even learn to play fetch very easily. They get along great with children, as well as other animals including dogs.

Hairless…yet beautiful

The main characteristic of the Sphynx is her hairlessness and it varies from cat to cat. The Sphynx have a wedge shaped head with large lemon shaped eyes and large ears as well as a long whippy tail. They have a nice sized body with a round belly. They come in various colours. The colour can be solid, spotted and even pointed with blue eyes. All coat and eye colours are accepted in the show ring.

Kitty Care…

Taking care of newborn Sphynx kittens can be challenging. They are very fragile at birth and remain so for the first few weeks of their life. Keeping them warm is a must. Sphynx cats tend to have a lot of energy so they need to be fed a high quality diet. Due to their lack of hair, they are indoor only breed. Sphynx cats and kittens like to be in an environment that is not less than 70 degrees F.

Grooming…I like it!

Just because they are hairless does not meant that they are maintenance free. They are not hard to take care of, but do require weekly grooming. A cat approved shampoo is recommended, as well as weekly ear cleaning.

The crux of all goodness…

The Sphynx has been compared to a few other animals for good reason. They are monkey-like because they love to climb and jump. If they get their mind set on doing something, they figure out a way to do it. They also like to sit and ride around your shoulders… They are also very much like man’s best friend, they love to greet their parents at the door when they arrive home. They love to sit on your lap while you are watching television or surfing internet. When bedtime comes, they prefer to sleep with you –usually under the blanket.

Healthy…with a delicate heart

The Sphynx are generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy just as long as any other cat. In recent year, the Sphynx breed has developed some heart issues such as Cardiomyopathy. Many breeders screen their Sphynx for heart issues prior to breeding. Typically an ultrasound of the heart is done to check for abnormalities. Then yearly rechecks are advised.

(Kim Copeland has been breeding and showing Sphynx for over 7 years. For more info about this breed, visit: www.bare-cats.com)

Caring for your Meow’s Ears

Ear infections can cause a lot of pain to your cat. So, here’s more about ear infections.

Cat ear infections can be divided in Pinna and ear canal disease. Infections of the external ear canal, also called the outer ear, are common in dogs, but not very common in cats. This is called otitis externa. The Persian breed appears more prone to ear infections than other breeds of cats. Cats living in wild can have cuts and tears due to thorns and dog bite wounds, which later on get infected.

Watch out for?:

• Odour.


• Scratching or rubbing of ears and head.


• Yellow discharge, which is from bacterial or candid infection.


• Black discharge in the ears due to mites.


• Redness or swelling of the ear canal.


• Shaking of the head or tilting it to one side.


• Pain around the ears.


• Changes in behaviour such as depression or irritability.

Ear mites:

Many cats living together are more prone to ear mite infections. Ear mites can cause several of these symptoms, including a black discharge, scratching, and head shaking. Ear mite infections generally occur most commonly in kittens. Ear mites in adult cats occur most frequently after a kitten carrying mites is introduced into the household. Sometimes, ear mites create an environment within the ear canal, which leads to secondary infection with bacteria and yeast (fungus). After the mites go, secondary bacterial infection grows amongst the dead tissue, debris and inflammatory cells. 

Since cats are very sensitive to drugs and medicines, consult your vet immediately. First, the ear canal is examined with an otoscope, an instrument that provides magnification and light. This permits a good view of the ear canal. This examination allows to determine whether the eardrum is intact and if there is any foreign material in the canal. When a cat is in extreme pain and refuses to allow the examination, it must sometimes be completed under sedation or anesthesia.

Choice of the anesthesia is another issue and should be entrusted with experienced vets who know about “cats.” A cell cytology can be done by taking a smear on the slide and seen under the microscope. Live mites can be demonstrated. In chronic infections, culture and sensitivity test is a good idea. The ear discharge should be collected in a sterile container and sent to the lab.

Elegant ‘n’ lovable: Oriental Shorthairs

I’m pretty…

Oriental Shorthair is a medium-sized cat, with a long, tubular and tapering body, with fine bones and firm muscles. Her legs are long and slim, with small and oval paws, while her tail is long and tapering. The head, set on a long and slender neck, is a tapering wedge with a “banana-profile” and a strong chin. The large ears are wide at the base, and continue the line of the wedge. Their slanted, almond-shaped eyes are a vivid green colour. The fine-textured coat is very short, glossy, silky, close to the body, with no undercoat, which confers it smoothness and a glass-like sheen.

Orientals come in over 300 colours and patterns: solids (white, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, cinnamon, fawn), tabbies (blotched, mackerel, spotted, ticked), silvers, bicolours... thus, out of such diversity of colours, you will certainly find a cat who suits your taste.

I’m social ‘n’ playful…

The Oriental cats have a strong personality - they are extrovert, hyper-social and playful, and remain so all through their lifetime. They are talkative and display a wide range of sounds, from the softest ones to those that remind you of an opera diva’s shrill note. Naughty, untiring and sometimes turbulent, they are always ready to frolic. Their lively curiosity combined with their keen intelligence make them natural mischief-makers, especially when there is nobody around to entertain them. The only thing they crave for is affection. They become extremely attached to their owners and when they get the required amount of attention, they return it with interest: companionship, amusing “conversation” and undying loyalty.

Groom me little…

The short coat requires little grooming. Brushing it carefully, once a week, is sufficient to remove loose, dead hair. After that, wiping the coat with a piece of either silk or natural chamois will give it a gorgeous high-gloss glow. It is also advisable to trim the claws and clean the ears once a fortnight.

I love to be around you…

The Orientals are a shining example of an interactive cat. When you come back home, they will eagerly meet you at the door either to show you how happy they feel or to scold you for being so late. They want to be with you every minute of every day. They will invariably follow you all over the house because they want to see everything, experiment everything, and share… everything! “Privacy” is a word that does not exist in the “Oriental cats’ dictionary.” They will be devoted and sensitive friends and they will fill your life with unconditional love.

I’m healthy…

This breed is generally healthy. Some bloodlines, however, can be prone to certain diseases such as gingivitis, cardio-myopathy, and liver and kidney amyloidosis.

So, if you are looking for a companion cat, both loyal and affectionate, the Oriental is the perfect breed for you.

Noicy Cats

While we humans may not yet be adept at holding conversations in cat-speak, cats use their language to communicate with us and other animals. Some cats “talk” more than others, but most cats do make noise some of the time, and they expect us to know what they’re saying. We’re all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are many other sounds your cat is capable of making, and a variety of reasons for vocalizing.

Medical reasons: If your cat’s behaviour changes suddenly, the first thing you should do is to take her to your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide symptoms of illness until they’re seriously ill; any change in behaviour may be an early indication of a medical problem. A new vocalizing behaviour, in particular, may indicate physical discomfort stemming from an urgent need for medical attention. A normally vocal cat who stops talking is also in need of a medical checkup.

Breed tendency: Oriental breeds, such as the Siamese, are known to be very vocal. If your cat has a pointed face and a long, lean body, chances are she has some oriental heritage, so “talking” may be a part of her character. If your cat’s chatter bothers you, then avoid giving her any attention when she is vocal because this will only encourage the vocal behaviour. Instead, give her attention when she is quiet.

Attention-seeking behaviour: Some cats “talk” because they know they’ll get a reaction. People may talk back, put out some food, pick up and soothe the cat, or even pick the animal up and temporarily “lock” her in another room. All of these responses will encourage an attention-seeking cat. To discourage this behaviour, simply ignore your cat when she does this, and when she is quiet, pour on the love, feed her, or give her some treats. This will teach your cat, which behaviours you would like her to continue.

Your cat wants to go outside: If your cat was previously an outdoor cat and you plan to keep her safely inside, then good for you! Following are some suggestions to help make the transition easier on both of you:

• Spaying or neutering will rid your cat of those hormonal urges to go out and seek a mate. This will result in a calmer, friendlier cat.


• Schedule play times during the times your cat would normally be outside. This will distract her from her normal routine and establish another, safer routine.


• Be sure your cat has a view of the outdoors and a sunny place to lie. Cats like to watch birds, so putting a bird feeder outside a window is likely to make the window a favourite spot for your cat.


• Run a scavenger hunt. Give your cat a game to play by hiding bits of dry food around the house. Hide the food in paper bags, boxes, and behind open doors. This will give her exercise and keep her busy so she doesn’t think of going outside. This is especially good to do right before the family leaves the house for the day.


• Try to give your cat extra love and attention during this difficult transition.


• Try aversives. If your cat still won’t give up meowing by the door, try an “aversive.” For example, leave a strong citrus scent by the door to help make the area undesirable to your cat. Totally ignore her vocalizations. Whenever she is quiet, give her a food treat and encourage her to play or cuddle.

Grief: After the death or departure of a person or animal in your cat’s life, she may vocalize to express her grief. This can be a normal part of the grieving process. The best thing you can do for her is keep her schedule the same (or as close to it as possible) and spend some extra time cuddling and playing with her. With time, this problem should take care of itself. If your cat does not return to her normal self, consult your veterinarian.

Transition: If your cat is new to your home or has just gone through a change—such as a person or other animal moving into or out of the home—and she has just started her talkative behaviour, be patient. It may be happening due to the transition and will stop on its own if the behaviour is not encouraged. Remember, even scolding can be perceived by your cat as attention, and thus encourage the behaviour.

(Reprinted with permission from The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org)

Kitty etiquettes -Jan 08

Our kitty angels are very clean by nature and they keep themselves and their vicinities neat and hygienic. However, a little house training is essential to make them the perfect kids. Cats like to bury their waste, are fastidiously clean and beings of strong habit. These factors make house training very easy.

Catch them early!

By the time they are seven or eight weeks old, kittens will have learnt to tidy up themselves. Many experts believe that they learn this by watching their mothers or siblings. That’s why you will almost never find a cat excreting near her sleep or food area.

Others believe that this behaviour is more instinctive and stems from a desire to conceal their scent from predators or dominant cats.

Either way, if your kitten is around two months old, she has probably already got into the habit of covering up, or if younger, will just need to be shown how by you, her new mother!

Showing the way

If you prefer your cat to use a garden or the outdoors, make sure she has constant access to it. A cat door or flap is invaluable, and once fixed, she will take to it in no time at all.

Train them to use litter box, which dessicates and deodourises the urine and faeces. Once trained, they will follow it through out their life and it will help you to avoid unpleasant smell from your house.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when training your kitty:

• Keep the litter box in a secluded area. Cats are usually shy about their this act.


• Keep the litter box in one place. They don’t appreciate constant moves.


• Place a soaked newspaper in the litter box to draw the kitten towards it. They love its sandy texture and this satisfies their natural urge to dig and bury.


• Use commercially available litter boxes, or make one with a clean milk crate or plastic tub. Just make sure the cat has enough room, and doesn’t accidentally paw the litter over the sides of the tub.


• Restrict access to other tempting, but undesirable places to eliminate, and discourage kitty when she attempts to use another place (punishing cats once the deed is done is rarely effective).

Litter box care

• Cats love a fresh, clean litter box. One of the most common reasons for failure of litter box training is not keeping the litter box clean enough.


• Scoop out clumps of dried litter at least once a day (twice if two cats are using the same box).


• Top up the litter so that it is sufficient for the cat’s needs.


• Once a week, empty out the tray altogether and replace it with fresh litter after washing the box with a mild detergent and drying thoroughly.


• Make sure the box is ventilated so that the litter has a chance to dry completely.


• Try not to change the brand of litter, and if you must, gradually introduce the new brand along with the old.

Once your pet has learnt where her toilet is, and if it meets her needs of hygiene, privacy and constancy, she will almost never want to eliminate elsewhere.