Cats & Kittens July Aug 2012 Issue

Mekong Bobtail: Friends forever

A little God in a beautiful graceful cat’s body! For many centuries these amazing cats have been admired, respected and even worshipped by their royal patrons. And today their spectacular exotic appearance, bright character and unusually high intelligence conquer the hearts! Once settled in your soul, the Mekong Bobtail will stay there forever.

Spreading the joy!

Giving away kittens is an emotional event for both pet parents, kittens and mother cat. It is necessary to make this easier and less stressful for the kittens. Here are a few tips for making it easier for all.

Ask the Expert..

Dr KG Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.

Choosing a boarding kennel

Going out of town? A boarding kennel can give your pet quality care - and can give you peace of mind.

Dealing with bad breath in cats

Bad breath or Halitosis in cats is rarely seen but if you do become aware of a bad smell in your cat’s mouth then you should attend to it immediately as problems of a lasting nature can occur.

Don’t mess with me!

Do you find your cat growling and hissing for no reason at all? Does your cat find it difficult to get along with other pets in the house, and often picks up a fight with the neighbourhood cats? Do you notice your cat acting annoyed and angry these days? If your feline companion is showing these and other signs of aggression, then it’s time that you take control of the situation, before it gets worse.

Feline divinity at Hyderabad dargah

Cats have more reasons to be popular than just as pets around our households. Dargah-E-Shareef Hazarath Sayed Suleiman Baba in Hyderabad is a place where devotees offer them milk. Let’s see why!

Feline divinity at Hyderabad dargah

Cats have more reasons to be popular than just as pets around our households. Dargah-E-Shareef Hazarath Sayed Suleiman Baba in Hyderabad is a place where devotees offer them milk. Let’s see why!

As though they have been invited, a clowder of cats gathers every Thursday at Dargah-E-Shareef Hazarath Sayed Suleiman Baba in Hyderabad to have a kind of holy feast of milk. Devotees visiting this 600-year-old dargah, located at Suleiman Nagar, offer milk to the cats when their wishes are fulfilled. But many devotees simply feed the feline troupe for their unconditional love of cats.

Unique clowder…

Regular visitors to Dargah-E-Shareef Hazarath Sayed Suleiman Baba are familiar with the feline troupe residing at this serene holy place. They even give them names in accordance with their features or coat colour patterns. Some popular names like Safedi (because the kitty has snow white fur) and Cheetenwali (as per the sprayed black dots all over the body) are common buddies among the feline crowd.

Baba’s care…

It is believed that the generations of cats living in this dargah are the offspring of the ones groomed and cared by Syed Suleiman Baba who lived around six centuries ago. The baba having a miraculous healing power loved cats. Even today many childless women visiting Dargah-E-Shareef Hazarath Sayed Suleiman Baba pray for babies and prosperity. And the people living in Hyderabad and its surrounding areas believe that the holiness dargah can drive evil forces away.

Historical legend…

The childless women visiting the dargah believe that their offers to the feline troupe will in return bless them with the animal’s fertility and devoted motherhood. The women also trust the fact that cats are protector of home as they chase away pests that destroy foods. A historical tale mentions Prophet Mohammed’s love for his cat named Muezza for whom the prophet once cut off the sleeve of his robe where the cat was sleeping because he didn’t want to disturb the pet when he had to move out to attend a prayer.

Don’t mess with me!

Do you find your cat growling and hissing for no reason at all? Does your cat find it difficult to get along with other pets in the house, and often picks up a fight with the neighbourhood cats? Do you notice your cat acting annoyed and angry these days? If your feline companion is showing these and other signs of aggression, then it’s time that you take control of the situation, before it gets worse.

Signs of aggression in cats

Aggression in cats can be either offensive or defensive. Cats show offensive aggression when they want to attack or intimidate another cat or human; and show defensive aggression when they are under threat or feeling intimidated by another animal or person.

Though cats often communicate their feelings of anger and irritation through outward actions, body language and expressions, the signs of aggression may sometimes be subtle and may easily go unnoticed. Make sure you intently look out for these physical signs of aggression in your kitty.

• Growling and hissing for no apparent reason.


• Eyes staring directly at you.


• Upright ears (offensive posture) or ears flattened backward on the head (defensive posture).


• Raised fur along the neck, body and tail.


• l Tail pointing downwards towards the ground (offensive aggression), often moving in a back and forth swish, or tail turned sideways towards the opponent (defensive aggression).


• l Biting and scratching when petted or lifted.


• Frequent fights with other animals.

Causes of aggressive behaviour in cats

It’s important to diagnose the cause of aggression in order to treat the problem effectively. Your cat could be struggling with a health problem that’s causing her pain and discomfort, leading to an irritable mood; or it could be an environmental factor such as stress or boredom that might be making her furious. Below are some of the common causes of aggression in cats.

Illness or pain: Like us, cats also get grumpy and short-tempered when they are unwell or experiencing pain due to some illness. Several medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, arthritis, dental diseases, epilepsy etc. have been known to cause aggression in cats. Consult a vet to identify any health problems that your cat might be suffering from.

Lack of healthy diet and exercise: Lack of nutritious diet and regular exercise is not only detrimental to your cat’s physical health, but it can also negatively impact her mental fitness, leading to moodiness and unhealthy behaviours.

Mistreatment: Has your cat been exposed to some sort of abuse or mistreatment in the past? Has she been ever attacked by some other animal? Painful experiences and mental trauma can cause her to avoid socialising with other animals and resist contact with humans.

Fearful situations: When cats find themselves in a frightening situation, they display defensive aggression. Your cat might be afraid of a pet dog, a particular person in the house, or something as harmless as a moving toy. Identify any such objects, animals or people that might be triggering aggressive behaviour in her.

Stressful surroundings: It’s essential that you provide your pet with a healthy environment, devoid of unnecessary stress. Your cat may experience stress due to different factors such as lack of space to move around and sleep, noisy surroundings, and being forced to live alongside things she fears, like a pet dog or another cat.

Territorial aggression: Cats, like dogs and other animals, strive to protect their territory and tend to attack other animals and even humans when they intrude into their space. Cats may chase other cats, and display other offensive signs such as biting, growling and swatting to keep out intruders and defend their territory.

Aggression between male cats: Unneutered male cats, as they reach adulthood, show aggressive behaviour towards other male cats, and get into fights, challenging and competing with them for mates.

Ways to deal with aggressive cats

• Take good care of your cat’s health by feeding her nutritious food.


• Incorporate games and other activities to keep her mentally fit, and to shave off boredom and moodiness that often lead to aggressive behaviours.


• Consult a vet to rule out on medical conditions that could be causing the problem.


• Watch out for warning signs of aggression. Pay attention to your kitty’s body language, and expressions before she gets into the aggressive mode, and try distracting her with catnip or lure toy, whenever you see an attack coming.


• Pet parents often underestimate their cat’s ability to hurt them. Do not encourage your cat to engage in rough play, and grip your hands and legs with their claws. Keep your cat’s claws trimmed to avoid them from causing serious injury while playing.


• Do not force your cat to do things she does not want to do. If she does not seem interested in playing, or tries to get away from you, don’t pursue her or restrain her in any way.


• If you have been monitoring your cat’s behaviour, and have still not been able to identify the problem, then consider seeking professional help and consulting an animal behaviour specialist for detailed analysis of the issue.

Dealing with bad breath in cats

Bad breath or Halitosis in cats is rarely seen but if you do become aware of a bad smell in your cat’s mouth then you should attend to it immediately as problems of a lasting nature can occur.

There are certain breeds of cats who are inclined to suffer from Gingivitis and this is a problem that your veterinarian can keep a regular check on. It can be very unpleasant and painful for the animal and if allowed to be untreated, chronic gum problems will develop.

Cats live mainly on fish and meat and as a result their breath can often have a strong smell. That is not to say the cat has a real problem but if it continues, then gums and teeth should be checked either by the pet parent, if they are able to handle the cat with ease, or your veterinarian to make sure that there is no infection. The difference between breath that is merely due to the diet they are fed and a breath that is foul smelling is very obvious.

Bad breath: Bad breath or Halitosis is not normal in domestic animals and this generally indicates the possibility of dental problems. Broken teeth and swelling of the face are a fair guide that your cat needs attention so she can be returned to good health and continue to live a happy life.

Tooth problem: On opening the cat’s mouth, you will quickly detect a tooth that is badly decayed and rotting. Sometimes if the teeth are in a healthy condition, the really bad breath may be caused by kidney problems or poor digestion that can go with flu or gastroenteritis. Seek veterinary advice immediately.

Gum problem: Gums that are unhealthy and there is a lack of dental care can be due to plaque build up. Plaque should be removed on a regular basis as once it begins to surround the cat’s teeth, the mouth can become very painful and your cat will begin to reject her food. As plaque builds up on the tooth, the gum surface can be pushed away from the tooth and in many cases the tooth decays so badly and it has to be removed. If available, raw chicken necks are very good for a cat to chew as this will help to keep the teeth clean and the gums pink and healthy and free from bad odour. Gums will soon become very red and inflamed and unhealthy if the diet is too soft. Unhealthy gums and teeth make for an unhealthy cat with very unpleasant breath.

Take care of the diet: A cat who lives on soft, mushy food will soon suffer from bad breath and poor oral hygiene. Feeding larger pieces of raw meat and a serving of cat biscuits allows the cat to chew on their food rather than lap it up. Some tinned food is acceptable but not as a permanent diet.

Check the teeth and gums: It is a good idea to gently roll the lip up to show the lower teeth and the upper cheek teeth. Gums should be smooth and pink in colour and the teeth white and firmly fixed in position. Do this on a regular basis so you are fully aware of the health of your cat’s teeth and gums and free from very unpleasant odour.

(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.. July Aug 2012

Dr KG Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.

Q: My five-year-old Persian cat is having hard stool; he sometimes passes stool after 2-3 days. We give him a mix of home and cat food (dry). Is he suffering from constipation?
- Hari, Vadodara

Dr KG Umesh: Constipation is a frequent sign of large intestine problem in cats. Constipation can result from simple causes like bone, hair ball, and lack of exercise or old age. Other causes include injury to pelvis or motility disorders, mega colon (dilated intestine) or problem with nerves controlling intestine. Administration of safe laxative is usually sufficient to take care of simple problems. However, if constipation continues and cat shows signs of pain or discomfort, then vet attention should be sought. Mix of home and dry manufactured food may not meet your cat’s requirements. Feed complete pet food from a reputed pet food manufacturer.

Spreading the joy!

Giving away kittens is an emotional event for both pet parents, kittens and mother cat. It is necessary to make this easier and less stressful for the kittens. Here are a few tips for making it easier for all.

Purrfecting kittens before adoption

• The right age: The kittens should be at least eight weeks before they leave home. Ideally, the kittens should be with their mother for 12 weeks to learn social and behavioural skills.


• Weaned before adoption: The kittens should be properly weaned and able to eat on their own.


• House-trained: Litter-box training is a must. This makes it easier for the kittens in their new home and avoid unpleasant accidents.


• Health chart: The kittens should be dewormed and vaccinated. The new pet parents should be advised on proper kitten care.

Know the pet parents before adoption

• Screen the pet parents: While talking to prospective pet parents, it is necessary to screen them. Ask them about their previous experiences with pets, their home, family members and lifestyle. If you are comfortable, invite them to visit the kittens. If you are not comfortable, please say that you don’t think it is a proper fit and politely say ‘no’. You can also visit the home of the prospective pet parents before giving away the kitten.

Making pet parents and kitten meeting a pleasure

• Don’t stress the kittens: Place all kittens comfortably in a basket for showing it to prospective pet parents. It is stressful for the kittens if they have to be chased around a room while people are waiting to see them.

Purrfect adoption

• Two is better than one: Giving away kittens in pairs is recommended. Kittens are very playful and need company for their healthy development.


• The adoption day: Feed the kittens at least two hours before they leave home. It gives them the chance to use the litter box also. This way, the kittens can settle down more comfortably in their new home.


• Giving away: Tell the prospective pet parents what food the kittens prefer and their daily routine. Always give away the kittens in a secure animal carrier. Place your kitten’s favourite toys and treats in the carrier.


• Avoiding unwanted litters: Giving away a kitten to a good and loving home brings great joy to all concerned. Please advise the new pet parents on spaying/neutering to avoid unwanted litter.


• Responsible pet parenting: Always assure the pet parents that you will take back the kittens in case of any problem. You can always find another pet parent.

(Sudhersena is volunteer at the Blue Cross since 1998 and an avid animal lover, owns nine cats and three dogs. She is associated with a number of animal welfare campaigns and programmes.)

Mekong Bobtail: Friends forever

A little God in a beautiful graceful cat’s body! For many centuries these amazing cats have been admired, respected and even worshipped by their royal patrons. And today their spectacular exotic appearance, bright character and unusually high intelligence conquer the hearts! Once settled in your soul, the Mekong Bobtail will stay there forever.

The Mekong Bobtail looks at people with Buddha’s eyes… straight into your soul, never looking away. It is impossible to forget those big eyes of all the shades of sapphire and turquoise. Though it is a rare breed, Mekong Bobtail’s popularity is growing steadily. It is assumed that the breed name Mekong Bobtail is symbolical and has occurred from the name of the river Mekong, dividing Thailand with other states of South East Asia. This native breed was first recognised in Russia.

Spectacular looks…

The Mekong Bobtail is a surprising, original breed with a charming short tail. She is a colour-pointed cat, medium-sized, with developed musculature, but slender and elegant. Paws are fine and oval, tail is short with different combinations of kinks or curves. The coat is short and glossy, almost without undercoat, close-lying. Her ears are of medium size, broad at the base while eyes are blue, almond-shaped, slightly slanting.

Unique attributes…

Main feature of Mekong Bobtail is her famous character! She is a cat with a dog’s soul - the most loyal and devoted friend with a big, hot and brave heart. ‘The cat who walks by itself’ - this statement is absolutely not about her! Mekong Bobtail happy only with you, shoulder to shoulder, in trouble and in joy, friends forever!

Sweet demeanor…

They are alive, inventive and naturally intelligent. Their gaiety, perfect intuition and passion for children and any other little ones is commendable. The intelligent, mentally stable cat gets along well with children, dogs, other cats, as well as more exotic animals like guinea pigs, parrots and even rats! They are really talkative cats but neither annoying nor clamorous.

Living with her…

Your cat will follow you wherever you go. The cat will joyfully greet you at the door; she may even get your slippers. An irrepressible curiosity and attachment to humans make the Mekong Bobtail a participant in all family functions. She is a very neat, diplomatic, obedient and well-behaved cat. No matter where you are – at home, at a party, in the country, in a forest – she will give you no trouble at all! Travelling with her is pure pleasure! The Mekong Bobtail gets accustomed, not to premises, but to humans.

Besides, they have a pronounced hunting instinct: there will be no bug, worm, fly or mouse in your house. When you are not well, she will come efficiently and lay on the sore spot. Often Mekong Bobtails take upon themselves dogs’ responsibility reacting on a door bell by a funny yelp. But the fun may end right here: the Bobtail will not let just anybody in the house!

Walk and play…

She likes playing with sticks and different toys. She will love to sit on your shoulder while going out as well as walking on a leash.

Grooming and care…

These cats do not require any special care. It’s enough to brush the coat once or twice a week to remove dead hair, wipe the inside of the ears with a cotton ball moistened with feline ear treatment and trim claws if necessary. There is no hair in the house even during shedding.

Healthy cat…

Mekong Bobtails have excellent health and a strong immune system.

Amazing qualities…

• They have an incredible jumping ability (she can leap from the floor up to one meter and a half or even more).


• They have the ability to reproduce even in extreme old age.


• Extraordinary offspring care (females as well as males are excellent parents. Both of them care for kittens of theirs’ and sometimes others as well).


• The Mekong Bobtail’s family is a matriarchal one. If there is a cat couple, the wife will be the family’s head and the cat will become a henpecked husband.


• Males do not have the habit of territory marking.

(The author runs the Mekong Bobtail cattery “Cofein Pride” in Moscow, Russia.)