Wednesday, 14 January 2009
First Feline dies in White House
How to bring up a Kitten
Good mom care…
Nutrition: Even before a kitten is born, the breeder needs to ensure that the mother is well fed and no under stress.
Warm and cosy: From the moment a litter arrives, good beginnings will set a kitten’s development off on the right track. A secure, cosy and comfortable nest is a must as without this it will be harder for the mother to settle with her kittens and keep them warm and safe.
Early socialisation…a must
As the kittens grow, they go through a vitally important phase called the Socialisation Window. This is the period in a kitten’s life between two and eight weeks of age during which she imprints on and forms social bonds with humans and other cats. The socialisation that takes place during this time will decide how the cat reacts to humans for the rest of her life.
If human contact doesn’t take place during this period, the cat will never be able to become fully tame. Anyone raising a litter of kittens has the responsibility to socialise the kittens well in preparation for their lives as well-loved household pets.
Socialisation with household appliances: One of the best known of these is getting small kittens used to the sound of vacuum cleaners so that they don’t panic when they hear it in later life. The same can be done with other noisy household appliances, such as hair dryers, loud stereos and the general noise of a busy household. Kittens raised wrapped in cotton wool will be nervous and jumpy when they are shifted to a normal family home with its sounds and activity. Growing kittens should not be shut away in a kitten room all day but allowed to experience the hurly-burly activities of a normal household.
Socialisation by touch: However, the most important element of socialisation is lots of handling so that kittens are not only comfortable but also happy to be picked up and held, and will settle contentedly on a warm lap. Kittens should be handled thoroughly, not just held and cuddled, but also given the chance to get used to paws and mouths being felt and looked at. Some kittens may bite and scratch while they are being socialised, particularly during play and the breeder must discourage them from doing this with an appropriate response. A mother cat would hiss and gently push a kitten away so kittens understand what this means, even when it is done by humans.
Socialisation with people: It is good for young kittens to experience a range of different types of people, including adults and children, men and women, young and old. This helps to avoid them being too attached to just one type of person at the expense of others.
Socialisation with other pets: Introductions to other pets at an early age will help to ensure that they get on as adults. Introducing kittens to other cats is normally fairly straightforward, but more care may be needed with dogs. Plan introductions carefully, keep them short initially and make them positive with food and toys and plenty of reassurance.
Litter training…
It is vitally important to ensure that kittens start out with good litter tray habits. Litter training starts at the same time as weaning and provided that a litter tray is placed close enough for kittens to reach. They should follow the example of their mother and their own natural instinct to use it.
Use plenty of litter trays: When a small kitten feels the urge, she cannot hold on for long and might not remember where the tray is. So it is a good idea to provide plenty of trays and limit the area where the kittens are until they have got the habit of using them.
Use non-clumping litter: Some kittens try to eat litter, so training should always be done with non-clumping varieties which will not cause a blockage if swallowed.
Cleanliness is important: Kittens avoid smelly trays, so they should be changed often to make them as user-friendly as possible.
Taking care of accidents: Some accidents may happen while they are learning and these should be cleaned up as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Some kittens appear to have an instinct to toilet in corners or behind doors and they can be prevented from becoming attached to these places by putting down tin foil or a small bowl of dry food. Many breeders keep a vigilant eye open for a kitten getting into the ‘crouch’ position in an inappropriate place and quickly place them into a tray. Occasionally a kitten will start peeing in the bathroom and this has a simple solution: keeping two-inch depth of water in the bathroom for a few days soon puts them off.
Making weaning easy
Weaning is when kittens start to eat solid food, and this starts to happen from around three to fi ve weeks of age.
Making it easy: Breeders use various techniques to get kittens started. Once a little food is put in the corner of a kitten’s mouth they usually realise what to do and make attempts to lick and swallow. It takes a little while for them to master the technique but in a couple of weeks they are eating happily from a plate. Weaning should be done with good quality food and strict hygiene.
Giving variety of food: Once the kittens began eating they should be exposed to a variety of foods so that they do not grow up to be fussy. Rotating different brands will ensure that they don’t get overly attached to just one food. Kittens should be encouraged to eat dry food so that a bowl can be left available for them to nibble on at all times. Other food should be fed frequently at fi rst and less often as the kittens get bigger.
(Read more about veterinary check-ups, travelling, grooming and training in our next issue.)
(Anthony Nichols has been showing cats for about 20 years, starting with non-pedigrees, and breeding for about ten years. He has bred Devon Rex and Singapuras, but mainly focuses on breeding LaPerms in a range of colours, particularly the reds, creams, torties, chocolates and colourpoints.)
Cats of yore
Cats have been involved in the lives of humans since the days of ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations, or probably even earlier. Their mystery has fascinated people through the ages and they have been regarded both as celestial and evil, as protectors and destroyers, and have been as loved as they have been hated. Here are some mythological stories surrounding our cats.
The Egyptian mythology…
The ancient Egyptian goddess Bast (circa 2890-2686 BC) is often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat,
lion or desert cat. It was believed that Bast was the protector of the king, pregnant women, children and of course cats. She also came to be associated with fertility (no coincidence, given the cat’s skill at procreation). There used to be a temple of Bast in the city of Bubastis (now called Tell-Basta in Egypt), where the mummifi ed remains or necropolis of over 300,000 holy cats were found.
Egyptian women also set standards of beauty to that of a cat’s and it is believed that they applied make-up to their eyes to resemble felines. It was considered a crime to kill cats in Egypt, one that even invited the death penalty, and families mourned the passing away of cats by shaving off their eyebrows.
The Islamic connection…
Islam too has had a long association with cats. A popular story goes that the holy cat Muezza was Prophet Mohammed pet, and was once napping in his arms when he was called to prayer. Rather than awakening her, the Prophet tore off the sleeve of his robe and let Muezza continue sleeping. It is even said that the marking of ‘M’ found on the foreheads of tabby cats was formed by the impression of the Prophet resting his hand on there.
China and cats…
If you’ve been to any traditional Chinese restaurant or beauty salon, you’re sure to have noticed the manekineko or beckoning cat. Legend has it that a nobleman saw this cat calling out to him from the entrance of a temple and stepped in. By doing so he narrowly avoided a bolt of lighting or trap laid for him just ahead, as versions of the story go. Since then the manekineko has come to signify the bringing of good luck or prosperity.
Feline power in India…
India too has its share of cat legends. The reason why Lord Kartikeya (Ayyappa) never got married in life is given through this story: One day, the child-god Kartikeya was in a playful and naughty mood. He happened to spy a female cat and decided to have some fun. He hurled stones at her, held her up by the tail and dropped her and frightened her. Finally deciding he had had enough, he made his way back home to Kailasa.
He rushed to give his mother Parvati a hug when he stopped short, totally aghast at the sight of his beloved mother bruised and bleeding. On demanding who had committed such an atrocity, Parvati replied, “My dear child, it was you! Didn’t you trouble a female cat today, for no reason at all? Have you forgotten my son, that I am Shakti? I reside in all the feminine forms of creation!” And that is why, Kartik never married. Because that would mean a bit of his mother would be in his wife and it is against the laws of nature to marry one’s own mother!
And finally, Ma Shashti, one of the nine ‘grihas’ that we worship, rides a cat as her mode of transport. Bengalis believe that it is because of Ma Shashti’s grace and blessing that they have children. Therefore, most Bengalis would never harm a cat for fear of offending Shashti.
Ask the Expert.. | Jan Feb 09
- Deepak Joshi, Mumbai
Dr. K. G. Umesh: Although cats have justifi ed reputation of ‘clean’ animals, eliminating in inappropriate places is one of the most common behavioural problems reported. A distinction must be made between abnormal urination behaviour and a true incontinence (dribbling of urine without the cat being aware of it). Abnormal or frequent urination can occur as a result of:
- Nervousness (intruder/presence of another cat, unfamiliar surroundings etc): Clean the accident spot with strong odour disinfectant and the behaviour disappears once the cat is allowed to settle
- Territory marking – spraying: Un-castrated male cats or un-spayed females spray more often than neutered cats do. Castration or spaying may help and occasionally medication may also be given.
- Old age: Keep litter tray clean and place it in an easily accessible area.
- Increased urine production: It can be due to diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney failure, spinal problems, bladder infection, lower urinary tract disease (common), etc. A veterinary examination, blood and urine tests and radiographs will be required to determine the cause. Generally cats loose appetite with any of these diseases.
Cats: Common Health Problems
Be on the lookout for these common health problems in your cat:
Fleas: Fleas can easily invade your home, particularly if you have a dog or if you let your cat outside. Fleas can cause such health problems in cats as anemia, allergies, skin infections and tapeworms.
There is a vast array of flea-fighting products that are highly effective and safe; consult your veterinarian for advice on products to use and an ongoing fl ea control plan. Avoid using pesticides and over-the-counter fl ea remedies— they are unnecessary given today’s arsenal of safer, veterinarian-prescribed products—and never use fl ea products on your cat that are intended for use on dogs because such products can be fatal to your cat. Flea collars are not effective against fl eas and can even irritate your cat’s skin.
Tapeworms: These internal parasites are picked up by ingesting rodents or raw meat or fi sh, or from adult fl eas that are carriers. Tapeworms are passed through the cat’s feces. Often you can spot tapeworm segments in your cat’s stool or under her tail—they look like small grains of rice. If you see signs of tapeworms, bring a fecal sample to your veterinarian to get worming medication for your cat. You may need to start a fl ea control program at the same time. Never use over-the-counter worming products. These are usually ineffective and can cause unwanted side effects in your cat.
Coccidia: These internal parasites are picked up from the infected feces of other animals. Symptoms can be nonexistent or quite serious; they include mild to severe diarrhea, weakness, depression, loss of appetite and weight loss. Your veterinarian will need a fresh fecal sample to diagnose the problem and prescribe medication for these parasites.
Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms: These internal parasites cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, a pot belly and a dull coat. The symptoms become more serious and debilitating if your cat’s condition is left untreated. Your veterinarian can diagnose these parasites by examining a fecal sample under a microscope. The various treatments may involve several doses before these parasites are eliminated.
Ear mites: If you spot a dark, waxy buildup in your cat’s ears, he may have ear mites, which are microscopic parasites. These crab-like creatures itch like crazy, and in a futile attempt to scratch that itch, cats will shake their heads or paw at their ears, sometimes scratching them raw. Left untreated, ear mites can cause deafness. Prescription ear treatments are available to eliminate ear mites. Let your veterinarian know if you have more than one pet, because the ear mites will simply move to the next untreated animal.
Toxoplasma gondii: This small parasite may be of concern to humans as well as cats, especially people with compromised immune systems. Toxoplasmosis has traditionally been a reason for pregnant women to think they must give up their pet, but this is not necessary. Safe handling of food and water and precautions when cleaning the litter box can easily prevent the transmission of this parasite; that’s why it’s best to assign someone else the responsibility for cleaning the litter box. The majority of toxoplasmosis infections in humans have been the result of ingesting raw or undercooked meat. Cats become infested with this parasite through eating raw prey, but only pass contagious feces for approximately two weeks (and the feces themselves are only infective after 24 hours have passed). To prevent infection, keep your cat safely confi ned and feed him commercial cat food.
Urinary problems: With all cats, and especially males, be alert for any signs of painful urination, straining to urinate or blood in the urine. These symptoms can indicate a condition that is very serious. If a cat becomes “blocked” (unable to urinate), he could die within hours. If any of these signs appear, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. As a preventive measure, talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s diet and other factors that relate to urinary problems.
(Reprinted with permission from The Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org)
Feline fractures: be wary of them
Cats are susceptible to fractures. A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures can occur in the leg, skull, jaw, spine, ribs, pelvis and digits (fi ngers) as well as the long bones and small bones of the front and back limbs.
Commonly seen fractures in cats…
Cats are susceptible to fractures. A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures can occur in the leg, skull, jaw, spine, ribs, pelvis and digits (fi ngers) as well as the long bones and small bones of the front and back limbs. Commonly seen fractures in cats… There are four commonly seen fractures in the cat: closed, compound, epiphyseal (growth plate), and greenstick (hairline).
Closed fractures: Closed fractures are those in which the skin is not broken.
Compound fractures: Compound fractures are breaks in which the broken bone protrudes through the skin, and is exposed to the outside.
Epiphyseal: There are soft areas near the ends of each long bone where growth takes place. These soft areas are referred to as growth plates or epiphyseal plates. These growth plates are prone to fracture because they are the weakest part of the bone. The distal ends of the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (upper front leg) seem to be particularly susceptible to this fracture.
Greenstick: Greenstick fractures are small cracks within the bone which leave the bone basically intact, but cracked.
Symptoms and risks…
The symptoms and risks depend on what area and to what extent the bone is fractured. All fractures are serious and should be treated at once. When a bone within a leg is broken, the cat will usually hold the entire leg off the ground. No weight is placed on the paw. With a sprain or lesser injury, it may use the leg somewhat, but walk with a limp. Fractures involving a joint are most serious. A broken back may displace the spinal cord and cause complete paralysis.
Watch out for…
If your pet has had surgery performed, pay attention to the wound, looking for excessive redness, swelling or discharge. Be sure to take the cat to your veterinarian immediately, if any of these conditions occur. Follow your veterinarian’s directions for follow up examinations.
(Sudhersena, a volunteer at the Blue Cross since 1998 and an avid animal lover, has 9 cats and 3 dogs. She is associated with a number of animal welfare campaigns and programmes. For further information, contact: Blue Cross of India, 72Velachery Road, Chennai-32 or e-mail at bci@bluecross.org.in
The Russian Blue: silver & shiny
Beautiful, velvety silver coat, shiny green eyes, lovely temperament… the Russian Blue is indeed a perfect pet for you.
Origins…
The Russian Blue is one of the oldest breeds in the Cat Fancy. From the time of the world’s fi rst cat show in 1871 until now. The breed is said to have originated in the northern part of Europe and specifi cally Russia. The archaeological fi ndings of similar coats used as fur by the Vikings also do support this theory.
Beautiful body complements a beautiful mind
The Russian Blue is known for his velvety, double coat with its distinctive silver sheen. The silver sheen emphasises his elegant build and graceful movements. The green eyes make a beautiful contrast with the blue of the coat. They can live happily with almost any kind of other animals, children and families as long as the respect they give is returned. If the Russian Blue gives his love to you, you will have that love forever.
Lovable and playful
The Russian Blues love to play, from fetching a small paper ball or a mouse to playing hide and seek. They are very intelligent and love to be challenged. As the cat is always a child at heart, there is no exception to see a or a fur mouse.
Because of their intelligence and playfulness, they need room and attention to be happy. They love to go outside in safe surroundings like a closed garden or balcony. They are excellent climbers, runners, jumpers and hunters!
Groom me beautifully
The coat only needs a soft brush once a week or a slightly wet cloth to remove the loose hairs. Most of the times, stroking the cat will be enough to keep the coat in good condition.
Healthy breed
The Russian Blue is still a very healthy breed. There are no breed specifi c diseases known for these cats.
(With inputs from Yasmin Trok-Wijnands of Cattery Dunoe-Russisch Blauw and Sandra Hipkin of Elenita Cats)