Welcome to our abode!

If you are planning to bring home an adorable kitty, then it’s your responsibility to make transition easy for your loving feline. Here’s more on how to make the physical environment conducive for this little angel.

Kittens in a new home deserve time to get used to their new situation, gain confidence and start bonding to their new family without getting too overstimulated. Here are a few tips to make it easier for them to adjust to the new surroundings:

1. Confinement: Decide the place where you wish to keep her and limit her to one room for the first week at least for a kitten and longer for an older cat or two kittens.


2. Spending time: When they are in the confined area, spend lots of time with them. Just being there only makes quick bonding to the new family. Your kitten should be confident of you and not duck away from you by the time you give her the run of the house.


3. Litter box training: It is also the best time to get the kitten convinced that she likes her litter box. Bring the kitten in a carrier and open the carrier next to the litter box.


4. Giving her own time: Let the kitten choose its own time to venture forth and leave the carrier available with open door as a refuge. If she does so immediately, make the effort to scratch her feet in her litter box, so that she locates it promptly.


5. Water bowl: Provide water on the other side of the carrier or away from the litter box.


6. Changing the place of litterbox: Move the litter box only a few feet at a time, rather than a room at a time.


7. Sleeping together: Let the kitten sleep with you if you have a single kitten. But, do not forget to wear heavy pyjamas as they have sharp little claws.

Mischievous Cat? He just might be bored

Mr. Whiskers has done it again: He’s knocked over the potted plants, batted belongings off the dresser and chased people around the house. Cats like Mr. Whiskers aren’t just rebellious. Sometimes, they’re just bored.

Signs of boredom

Those who share their home with a cat might be under the impression that their companion lolls about the house all day, doing nothing at all. On the contrary, cats–for the most part–are more inclined to spend their days playing.

If they’re bored, they might meow, chase or pester, escape or engage in repetitive behaviour like knocking objects off shelves. They entertain themselves and might think it’s fun to be destructive, especially when that behaviour attracts their person’s attention.

It’s important–even when the cat knocks over the plant that was just repotted–not to punish him. After ensuring he has a clean bill of health, assess his needs at home, paying close attention to his personality, which will give hints to his mental and physical needs. Younger or more social cats usually require more stimulation than older or shy cats.

Banish boredom

Using a toy or game to play with a cat usually helps him release his energy. Cats have a natural prey drive and love testing their pouncing, stalking or chasing skills. Even a paper grocery type sack (handles removed) makes for a fun game of hide-and-seek.

Some cats will even fetch a ball if thrown to them, and positive reinforcement can be used to teach cats tricks.

Banishing kitty boredom can be as simple as setting up a bird feeder outside a window. For cats who enjoy climbing, a tall scratching post with perches could do the trick.

It can be a challenge to figure out which activity any cat likes best, but–above all–don’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. Find an activity or toy that he already enjoys. He’ll be less likely to be bored and destructive if he has playtime scheduled with his favourite person.

‘Cat’ch her in the act

If you observe your kitty closely, you can know exactly what she has on mind. Here are a few behaviours she displays and what they mean…

If you are blessed with a cat, you inherently know when she is happy to see you and when she is angry, fearful or upset. Here are a few common signals which tell you exactly how your kitty is feeling.

Watch her head…

If your kitty rubs her head on your body, she is expressing love, wants to be caressed or simply relaxing.

Hear the ears…

You must have seen that even when your cat is sleeping, the faintest sound pricks up her ears but she doesn’t react all the time. She reacts only if her mind detects a predator or a prey. Watch her ears closely to know more about her feelings.

If your kitty’s ears are upright and pointing forward, she is alert but nothing to worry, as she is relaxed as well. If her ears are pointing sideways, she’s attentive to what’s happening around but she is not relaxed and if you see her ears upright and pointing backwards…then she is actually disturbed and may turn aggressive.

Ears pointing back and flat against the head indicate that your kitty is scared but she may become aggressive. And if her ears are flattened sideways, she is in an aggressive mood…don’t go near her.

Eyes you can’t miss…

If you see two cats staring at each other, it is threatening but if one of them breaks the eye contact, it means there is no dispute.

If you see your kitty’s dilated pupils, she is either fearful, aggressive, excited or in pain but if her pupils are narrow, she’s angry but self-assured.

Observe her eyelids also. If they half-closed or fluttering, she is sleepy and if she looks at you at this time, she is displaying trust in you.

Trailing tails…

If your kitty’s tail is upright and quivering, she’s pleased to see you – she’s communicating friendliness and contentment. But, if her tail is upright and bristling, with hair on her back standing, then she’s probably upset about something…beware.

Also, a tail held half way up indicates that the cat is friendly but she is not confident of the person or cat who is approaching her.

If you have ever scolded you cat, you must have noticed that her tail is between her rear legs; sometimes curled inwards…she is submissive at this point.

And as you know these beauties have a lot of attitude too, so if you see tail hair upright with a little flick with just the end of the tail, she is acknowledging you but she has other better things to do than you!

Hissing and meows...

If your kitty gives a hiss or a snarl with an open mouth, she is communicating defensive aggression. When your kitty meows, she is probably greeting you or requesting you for some favour.

Though all these are mere signals to show what your cat means, it is important to observe the whole body language of your kitty to know what’s exactly on her mind.

Kitty allergies

Our furry angels love to keep themselves neat and clean but still sometimes, they can suffer from skin allergies. Here are some of the most common types of skin allergies.

 

Cats are not usually born with allergies but they can develop after prolonged exposure to whatever the irritant might be. They are allergic to flea saliva, which is the most common cause of skin allergy. It is therefore extremely important that cat owners endeavour to keep problems with fleas under control by taking responsible care of their animals at all times. Other causes of allergies include food, dust and various plant pollens. Mites and ticks can also be a serious problem with cats but again, if the pet parent is vigilant with their animal cleanliness, this concern can generally be avoided.

Dietary allergies

Causes: Skin diseases caused by feline diet are not common. However, cow’s milk can often create allergies and so can some meat, fishand eggs.

Symptoms: Often the problem appears as rashes on areas around the head and neck. It becomes worse because it is an area where the cat can continually scratch easily.

Solution: Sometimes wearing an Elizabethan Collar will help avoid the non-stop scratching. Cats who live indoors can easily be put on a restricted diet. Also, ask your vet to recommend cat foods which contain ingredients toassist in the control of hypersensitive items in the cat’s diet.

Inhalant allergies

Causes: Cats are sometimes allergic to the various sprays we use to clean our homes. Sometimes, for cats who live outside in breeding catteries or have the freedom of the garden, this problem can be caused by various plants when in flower – cats can re-act in the same way that humans do when suffering during the flowering season of many plants.

Symptoms: Symptoms include either asthma or hay fever, which causes the cat to cough and sneeze for a long period of time.

Solution: It is not always easy to isolate the problem but, again, your veterinarian can help you to determine the cause and the possible medication needed to help reduce the allergy.

Drug allergies

Causes: Sometimes, cats react strongly to various medications given orally or by either injections or the application of various skin creams that need to be applied.

Symptoms: Every cat reacts differently and pet parents need to consult their veterinarians to discuss this problem.

Dos and Don’ts

l The most important thing to remember is that pet parents must NEVER attempt to use home remedies or human medications when faced with feline allergies.

l Your veterinarian is the only one who can really help you and who will do your cat no harm as he endeavours to seek the necessary solution to the problem.

(Joan E Henderson is based in Australia and she has judged furry felines in many other countries including USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand.)

Ask the expert..Nov-Dec 09

Q: What are the behaviour changes in cats with respect to climate and food?
Dr Sunil Kumar C, Thalassery, Kerala

 

Dr KG Umesh: Cats are true carnivores. They generally prey items, which are rich in water, protein & fat and low in carbohydrate and have no requirement for plant materials. Cats can not taste sugars/carbohydrates. It is generally believed that food at body temperature is preferred by cats. Whiskas cat food has been developed considering all these feeding behaviours and enjoyment of feeding. For example, Whiskas has specific design of kibbles size and shape, texture, aroma and variety. Adult cats are grazers, feed 2-5 or more small meals per day. Whether you are feeding wet, dry or semi-moist, water is a vital nutrient. 

The most important part of the environment is climate, which includes humidity, temperature and photoperiod. These climatic factors or seasonal changes influence the behaviour, breeding status and immunity of animals. Animals who live in hot/cold seasons/climates are adapted to their environment. Reduced food and thus nutrient intakes can be a problem in pets in hot environment yet energy requirements may be increased to maintain normal body temperature. Therefore, it seems prudent to feed the diets with a moderately increased energy level during cold or hot climate in cats. A nutritionally balanced diet with a continuous source of fresh clean drinking water appears to confer some protection from the detrimental effects of heat stress.

A spayed cat is a healthy cat

If you do not wish to breed your feline friend, it is always advisable to get her spayed. Spaying not only prevents unnecessary litters but it also helps in preventing your feline friend from deadly diseases like pyometra.

I first saw Shy, a timid cat, at the animal shelter in obvious pain with a large distended abdomen. The X-ray revealed that she had an enlarged uterus. She was diagnosed with pyometra, the dreaded disease of unspayed female cats. Surgery was done immediately and after three critical days, when Shy had to be given intravenous fluids, she finally showed signs of recovery. Thankfully, Shy has fully recovered and back to leading her normal life.

Problems in pyometra

It is the infection of the uterus, which affects young to middle-aged unspayed female cats. Due to hormonal changes, the lining of the uterus gets thickened, following a heat cycle which does not result in fertilization. Following several heat cycles, cysts form in the lining of the uterus. The thickened lining secretes fluids into the interior of the uterus, which produces an ideal climate for bacteria to grow. If the cervix is open, the pus will drain to the vagina and to the outside. The cat will lick the area to keep herself clean. After a while, the cervix closes and the pus is trapped inside. The bacteria release toxins which are absorbed into the blood circulation. This affects the kidney function, causing increased urine production and the cat drinks excessive water.

Symptoms of pyometra

The cats become lethargic, anorectic and vomit. Some cats may have fever and some may become dehydrated. The abdomen may also appear distended. The preferred treatment is surgically removing the uterus and ovaries. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat immediately to your veterinarian.

Treatment of pyometra

Intravenous fluids are often needed before and after the surgery. However, the best prevention to this dreadful disease is spaying your furry friend.

So, if your kitty is not yet spayed, get it done immediately to help your friend live a healthy life.

Australian Mist: Most adorable!

The Australian Mist is one of the most lovable feline breeds. What makes them so lovable is their ability to get along well with all–toddlers, young and old.

Best of the gene pool

The Australian Mist proudly wears the label ‘Made in Australia’. They have been developed by Dr Truda Straede for more than twenty years. They have a large gene pool, derived from over 30 foundation cats. Their ancestry can be traced back to half Burmese, and a quarter each of Abyssinian and domestic tabby cats. They inherited the beautiful muscular body and wonderful people friendly and outgoing personality from the Burmese. However, the Abyssinian contributed to the misty appearance of the coat pattern, besides high intelligence, gracefulness and energetic activity. While, the domestic tabby cat has given them the spotted tabby pattern and the good healthy crossbreed vigour and vitality.

Natural charmers

Australian Mists are moderate-sized cats who are medium-boned and have rounded head with large expressive eyes which are green in colour. The coat is short, but resilient while the tail is plumply furred. The pattern of their coat has delicate spots or intricate marbled swirls against a misty ground, with legs and tail ringed and barred, and the face lined. The nose, chin and whisker pads are broad giving the face a generous expression. They come in various colour forms like Brown (seal brown markings on silvery fawn; Blue (bluish-grey markings on silvery cream); Chocolate (chocolate markings on creamy-fawn); Lilac (dove grey markings on pinkish-grey); Gold (old gold markings on rich cream) and Peach (salmon pink markings onpinkish-cream).

Loved by all

Australian Mist has a fantastic temperament - full of love and fun. Intelligent but relaxed, they are very fond of people and do well with all kinds of families with toddlers, teenage children, and elderly. They love to crawl in the lap of their human family, so if you wish to have a lap cat, here’s one for you. They are tolerant to any kind of handling and are very disinclined to scratch. If you have other pets at home, they will go along with them wonderfully as well.

Easy to handle

You can easily train your Australian Mist to walk on a lead and harness, play fetch, ride in the car or go with you anywhere. Adaptable and intelligent, they use their common sense to blend into any situation they are put into.

Happy indoors

Since the Australian Mist are people-centric, they are happy to stay indoors. So, if you are looking for a loving indoor cat, Australian Mist is for you!