Welfare Wisdom

Welfare Wisdom

Veterinarian Views

Veterinarian Views

Trainer Tips

Trainer Tips

Groomer's Glory

Groomer's Glory

Ask the expert...May-June 10

Q: Can you advice me about Toxoplasmosis in cats? Also what is the prevention/ cure for cats and people around them?
– Rajesh Talreja, Mumbai

 

A: Dr KG Umesh: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis is usually transmitted from ingestion of undercooked meat, sporulated oocysts (eggs), paratenic hosts, and it can be congenital. Acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women leads to serious disease and/or defects in the fetus. Disease in cats may cause brain disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, respiratory disease and eye disorders. Cats with symptomatic toxoplasmosis are often immunosuppressed. Prevention: Do not feed raw or undercooked meat to cats, keep cats inside and do not let them hunt. Washing hands with soap and water after handling a cat or contacting any urine, feces or other bodily secretions is one of the simplest and most important means of infectious disease control. Pregnant women should avoid contact with cats and cat feces, which are more than 24 hours old. Do not let the cat lick the person in question, particularly on the face, nor should they handle the cat. Practice good hygiene (wash after handling uncooked meat, wear gloves while gardening, cover sandboxes, clean litter boxes daily. Freeze meat to -20oC (-4oF) for two days or cook meat to 160°F and thoroughly clean areas where raw meat is prepared, wash fruits and vegetables prior to consumption). Keep the cat in good health by having regular examinations by a veterinarian, as well as up-to-date vaccinations and regular fecal exams to check for parasites. Feed a high-quality commercial cat food that does not contain any raw ingredients.

Cats & Kittens July Aug 13 Issue

 

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200"] July Aug 2013[/caption]

Aristocratic blue!

-by Amanda Bright
The aristocratic Russian Blue is the gem of the feline world. Is it any wonder they are rumoured to have been the pets of the Russian Czars and a favourite of Queen Victoria? Here's more about this amazing breed.

Preventing dehydration…
- by Sudhersena
Even cats can be dehydrated, especially in the summer season. Here's how to prevent dehydration in kitties.

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.

Purrfect showing!
-by Blake Gipson
Most cat fanciers eagerly await the chance to share information, stories and histories of their chosen breed(s). Here's more about how a cat show happens.

Whiskas International Cat Show of India 2013

Precious purring hearts!
- by Cánie V Brooks
In the last issue, we learnt about the various heart diseases in cats. Here are few FAQs about the same.

Fleas need to flee.... let’s see how!

The most common cause of skin disease in cats is generally caused by fleas. Often skin diseases are seasonal and fleas are most active in summer and autumn. Here’s how to take care of fleas in your felines.

Watch out for...

The moment you see your cat scratching and chewing at her coat, immediately check, thoroughly, for fleas or flea dirt. If you see a cat who has sores or damp areas, then eczema is very often the cause of the problem. Go over every inch of the cat from the top coat, side and belly and down and inside the legs and tail. Fleas hide all over the coat and in the cat’s bedding. Many cats are not really troubled by fleas but 60 percent can have major problems that can cause serious health risks to your cat. If you are a pet parent of a dog as well, check him as well as they can jump from dogs on to cats and vice versa. Loss of hair is also a good indicator that there may be a problem with fleas.

Fleas management...

Place some clean newspaper on a table and then pick up your cat and stand her on the paper. Start combing and go over the entire body. You will soon see flea dirt drop on to the paper and probably a few fleas as well. Have ready some good quality flea powder that is listed safe for cats. Pick up small amounts in your fingers and starting at the under tail, gently massaging it into the coat. Gradually work through the whole body of the cat taking special care of the eyes and ears.

When finished, roll up the newspaper and burn it – if you just toss it into the bin, the fleas can escape and continue to cause trouble. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands.

Gently brush and/or comb all the powder out. This takes time but is extremely important because if the cat licks the powder she will get sick. If you have more than one cat, they must all be treated in the same way to eradicate the fleas totally. If you have treated your cat for tapeworm, you should also use the flea powder as fleas can carry tapeworm. A rinse through with nice warm water will leave your cat feeling well loved and much happier. Dry her off well and she will, indeed, be a happy cat. You need to do this every 3-4 months.

Preventive tip...

Pet parents who brush and comb their cats at least three times a week are usually able to avoid flea problems because they pay close attention to their cat’s coat.

(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).

Fun for Fluffy Feline

Check out these FIVE simple games you can play with your cat to keep her amused and active all day!

Pet parents often complain about their cats being lazy and inactive. By nature, cats are extremely playful and curious. They love exploring, hunting for things and chasing down moving objects. But the natural hunting instinct and playful spirit of the domestic cats often get stifled as they spend far too much time indoors. As a pet parent, you can help your cat come out of her sluggishness by constantly engaging her in games and fun activities. This will also help strengthen your bond with your feline companion.

Here are FIVE fun games that you can play with your cat to keep her physically and mentally fit and agile.

1. Chase the ball: You don’t need expensive toys to entertain your cat. A simple ping pong ball would do the trick. Just bounce a ping pong ball on the floor and watch your cat all excited, hopping along with it, trying to grab the ball. You could even roll the ball on the floor, and let your kitty chase it around the house. Ping pong balls are safe toys and being lightweight, they won’t hurt your cat, even if she gets hit by them.

2. Catch it if you can: While a rolling ball mimics the movement of mice, a wand toy mimics a fluttering bird, thereby capturing your cat’s attention. Wand toys are simple to make. Just take a piece of stick and attach a bright, colourful cloth or ribbon to its end. Wave the wand, move it in circular motions, and watch you kitty twist and turn, to get hold of it. Don’t forget to reward your kitty with treats, if she grabs the wand, and wins the game.

3. Follow the flash: Nothing can pique a cat’s curiosity more than a flickering, racing beam of light. Get a flashlight or a laser light and start moving it across the floor and up and down the wall. Move it in quick, irregular motions, and watch your cat pounce on the shimmering light, trying to grab it with her paws, and performing other funny acts, thinking it’s a firefly or some other insect.

4. Wrestling with blanket: Cats love rolling on the bed and hiding under the blanket. The next time you find your kitty lying lazily on the bed, grab a blanket and put your hand underneath. Then, move your fingers up and down and across the blanket. Your cat will instantly jump out of her torpidity, to catch your fingers, and be her usual animated self once again.

5. Bag of fun: That paper bag from the grocery store could be an interesting toy for your cat. Place an empty paper grocery bag in the middle of the room, or where your cat can see it. When your kitty jumps inside the bag, gently poke her from the sides, and move your fingers along the bag to amuse her, while she is busy exploring the bag.

Toy facts

• Like kids, your cat too can become bored with toys. You can keep a couple of toys at hand and give her a few to play with. When she is bored with them, stack them way and take out the rest. Likewise, change them with the earlier ones when she is through with the new ones.


• Include a variety of games in her playtime, and observe how she responds to each of these.


• If she loves a particular game or enjoys wrestling and snuggling with a particular toy, include that more often in her play.


• Make sure the toy you give her is safe.

Ask the Expert.. July Aug 13

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

Q: Polka, my Persian, keeps grooming himself. He kind of retches and vomits some fur too. How can we reduce his excessive grooming habit?
-Kavita, Mumbai

Dr KG Umesh: During the routine activity of grooming, cats swallow varying quantities of hair. Length of grooming is highly variable among cat breeds with short or long hair coat. If small quantities of hair accumulate in the stomach or small intestine, the cat can cough and retch until the hairball is vomited. Occasionally a large mass of entangled hair called trichobezoar accumulates and can be as large as nine cm long. Clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia and may lead to a potentially serious obstruction. This condition is very rare. Hairballs can be diagnosed by radiograph or endoscopy. Hair ball diets containing high fibre diets to bulk the lumen, or lubricant laxatives such as paraffin wax are prescribed to treat the obstruction. Itching in some cats, sometimes, manifests as excessive grooming behaviour. Fleas, allergies, mange or fungal infections that stimulate itching must be ruled out.

For queries about your cat, call us at 1800407112121 (Toll free) (toll free from all BSNL nos.) or email us at whiskas.india@eu.effem.com

The Gentle Giant!

If you are planning an addition of a Maine Coon to your family, you will be happy you did.

One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine. Maine Coon was developed basically as a ‘working cat’, being able to fend for himself in rough, woody terrain and under extreme climatic conditions. In just looking at a Maine Coon one can see the power she possesses. She is a tall and broad kitty, but with a heart of gold!

Looks that kill…

[caption id="attachment_4701" align="alignright" width="300"] Woodle[/caption]

Here’s a cat with tall ears, broad chest, substantial boning, strong muscles, rectangular body and flowing tail. They have large eyes and ears, essential for detecting prey. They have a long silky shaggy coat, short over the head and long over the back. They have double coat - a soft undercoat and a weatherproof topcoat. They can be Tabbies as well as solid colours and also sometimes have white paws and chests.

Gentle giants…

Maine Coons have an amiable disposition that endears itself to all. For being such a large powerful cat, they are affectionate, loyal and gentle. They love giving head butts to show their affection. It is not uncommon to see breeding males interacting with kittens, grooming and cuddling them as their mothers would. Female Maine Coons make excellent mothers, giving their full attention to their kittens as they grow. The average litter of kittens is 4-5 but can be as large as 7-8. Kittens are playful, curious, funny and delightful. Kittens should stay with their mothers for 12-16 weeks. By that age they are able to function independently and will be a joy to their new home.

Grooming needs…

Grooming a Maine Coon involves a quick combing twice weekly with a Greyhound style stainless steel comb. They are relatively easy to bathe especially if started as kittens but it is not necessary.

Water animals…

One of the interesting things about the Maine Coon’s personality is their love of playing in water. They splash in their waterbowls, slap at running water from the tap and are intrigued by showers. One better be careful or you will have a Maine Coon in the shower with you!

Intelligence beyond words…

They are also adept at opening doors by turning the doorknobs with their front paws and then pushing the door open. One curious thing about Maine Coons is their fascination with watching things fall as they push it off a ledge, countertop or table. It is as if they make a study of the effects of gravity as the objects fall.

Healthy breed…

Being a natural breed, Maine Coons have relatively few health problems. If given proper veterinary care, they live long, healthy lives.

(Kim B Tomblin is TICA approved Allbreed Judge; President - Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association; Chairman -TICA Maine Coon Breed Committee and Breed Section; and Executive Vice President - Tomlin Mill Creek, Inc.)

May June 13 | Cats & Kittens

Table of Contents


Aristocratic blue!
-by Amanda Bright
The aristocratic Russian Blue is the gem of the feline world. Is it any wonder they are rumoured to have been the pets of the Russian Czars and a favourite of Queen Victoria? Here's more about this amazing breed.


Preventing dehydration…
- by Sudhersena
Even cats can be dehydrated, especially in the summer season. Here's how to prevent dehydration in kitties.


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.


Purrfect showing!
-by Blake Gipson
Most cat fanciers eagerly await the chance to share information, stories and histories of their chosen breed(s). Here's more about how a cat show happens.


Whiskas International Cat Show of India 2013


Precious purring hearts!
- by Cánie V Brooks
In the last issue, we learnt about the various heart diseases in cats. Here are few FAQs about the same.

Precious purring hearts!

In the last issue, we learnt about the various heart diseases in cats. Here are few FAQs about the same.

Mark D Kittleson, DVM, PhD, one of the foremost researchers on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), was asked a series of questions trying to sort out this disease and what it means for breeders. Excerpts:

Q: At what age in males and females can this disease 'actually' be diagnosed?

Mark: In Maine Coons, most males have evidence of the disease by two years of age and females by three years of age but we have seen it developed as late as seven years of age in females and have seen it developed as young as six months of age in kittens from mating two affected cats.

Q: Is there scientific proof that this genetic disease is 100 percent NOT diet related?

Mark: In Maine Coons, American Shorthairs and humans, HCM is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. There has been no evidence of a nutritional cause in any species.

Q: Can two parents 'test' negative throughout their lives and still produce some kittens who may have HCM?

Mark: Yes. This means that either one of the parents had whatever mutation but did not manifest the disease or the affected offspring had a mutation developed spontaneously in-utero.

Q: Does the word 'genetic' mean the kittens are born with it or just predisposed? As soon as the cat reaches adulthood, should it show at that time, since the organs are fully mature?

Mark: Genetic means there is an abnormality in the genome. This may be the form of one base pair mutation or may take the form of multiple abnormalities. The word for a disease that is present at birth is 'congenital'. For HCM, for example, in Maine Coons the disease is not present at birth but develops over time and so it is not a congenital disease in the classic sense.

Q. If a cat tests 'negative' for a number of years, and then reaches say 10-12 years of age, is there a 100 percent chance that she will never have HCM?

Mark: I suspect that there are a fair number of cats who have mild to moderate HCM all their life and then develop something like hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure when they are older and this exacerbates the HCM to become severe. So, it's theoretically possible to have a cat with mild disease (which would be difficult to detect on an echocardiogram) that developed hyperthyroidism when she was 15 years of age and all of a sudden showed up with what appears to be severe HCM.

Q. Is this an all breed cat condition in general or is it more towards specific breeds of cats?

Mark: It's a strange phenomenon. HCM is very common in cats, whether they are mixed breed or purebred, yet it's a rare condition in dogs. And it seems as things progress, more and more purebreds are recognised as having the disease. However, the disease is still most commonly seen in mixed breed cats. If the disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in all cats it would be passed on to 50 percent of all offspring, whether they were purebred or mixed so she would be easy to disseminate a mutation throughout a large population.

Q. Is this condition a game of Russian Roulette?

Mark: You're correct, echocardiographic screening is a bit of a game of Russian Roulette. If not all cats with a mutation manifest the disease, then it isn't seen in all cats on an echocardiogram that can pass on the disease. That's why I always tell people that echocardiographic screening is not going to rid a breed of the disease.

Breeding protocols

HCM can be treated if diagnosed early. There are various medications available to extend the life of our cats. It would be a much better solution to not breed cats who are HCM positive to begin with. To avoid HCM, breeders should note the following:

• A breeding male should be tested every six months if at all possible. Testing should begin when the male is about one year of age and before he is used in a breeding programme.


• A breeding female should be tested prior to each breeding or at least annually. As with a male, the first testing should be done when the cat is about one year old.


• All breeding cats should be tested as long as they are in a breeding programme.


• An affected cat should immediately be removed from a breeding programme, altered (unless clinically contraindicated), and treatment started as ordered by the breeder's veterinary specialist.


• Should HCM be diagnosed in a cat, the breeder of that cat should inform *all* pet parents of near relatives of that cat, including offspring of the affected cat, whether they were sold for pet or breeding purposes.


• Breeders are encouraged to maintain contact at least annually with the pet parents of all cats produced by their cattery. Such continued contact should include a report of any health changes in these cats. This information will assist the breeder when making decisions regarding his/her breeding programme.


• Breeders should make every effort to work with breeding cats who are as free as possible of this disease. Furthermore, it encourages breeders of cats to stress the importance of health for their breeding cats as well as type when breeding animals are selected and mating decisions are made.


• It is recommended that breeders include a warranty statement in their sales contract so both parties are informed of what will be expected should the cat or kitten develop HCM.

(Cánie V Brooks is a TICA All Breed Judge. Breeding and showing Bengals for 14 years, she is currently on the TICA Bengal Breed Committee, TICA Mentoring Committee, Past Officer for seven years in The International Bengal Cat Society.)

Ask the Expert.. May June 13

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 cats are two and three years old. What is the best age to neuter and are there any side effects in terms of health?
- Ayush, Delhi

Dr K G Umesh: Spaying/castration is an irreversible means by which a cat is rendered sterile. Spaying at a young age prevents mammary cancer and neutering at any age prevents unwanted kittens, noisy heat cycles, roaming, fighting and possibly even urine marking in the house. The procedure entails complete removal of the uterus and ovaries in females and testicles in males. Surgery is preceded by a fasting period and requires general anaesthesia and hospitalisation. However, most hospitals/clinics discharge cats the same day as surgery. Complications are unusual/rare but may include post surgical haemorrhage or infection. Postoperative care includes restriction of exercise for a week, protection of the incision from contaminants, and daily monitoring of the incision for inflammation or discharge. The incision must stay dry and suture removal is usually performed 7-10 days after surgery. There are also hospitals/clinics, which conduct spaying with Keyhole or Laparoscopy methods, with minimum invasive surgery and on out-patient basis. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on what exactly is involved with the operation and also on the best time for it to be performed. The traditional age for spaying is six months. However, the last few years has brought us a great deal of research into 'early' spaying and we now know that there is no problem with spaying as early as eight weeks of age.

Preventing dehydration…

Even cats can be dehydrated, especially in the summer season. Here's how to prevent dehydration in kitties.

Some facts…

A healthy cat should be sufficiently hydrated. Water replaces fluid lost through urine, faeces and respiration and is essential to maintain appropriate health. It is interesting to know that 80 percent of a cat's body weight is made up of water. The amount of water your cat should drink depends on factors like the size of your cat, health condition, weather, food, etc.

Dehydration & its causes...

Dehydration occurs when the fluid levels are less than normal. During summer, your cat will drink more water to replace fluids lost due to heat. Senior cats, nursing cats, and cats suffering from kidney problem, cancer, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism are especially at risk for dehydration. Cats having fever, vomiting or diarrhoea are also prone to dehydration.

Symptoms…

You can know if your cat is dehydrated by lifting the skin on the back of your cat's neck or between the shoulder blades. For a well- hydrated cat, the skin should be extremely elastic and should immediately bounce back. If the cat is dehydrated, the skin will take a longer time to return to normal. If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated, immediately take her to your veterinarian.

Tips to follow…

• Always keep a fresh bowl of water everyday.


• Clean the water bowl daily to prevent from bacteria forming.


• Keep several water bowls around the house so that your cat can have easy access.


• Cats being fed dry food should drink adequate amounts of water.


• If you notice your cat is drinking water more or less than normal, take her to the veterinarian immediately.


• Keep your kitty indoors during hot days.


• If you are feeding outdoor cats, provide them some shade.

(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.)

E-mail your cat's adorable pictures and stories at: info@dogsandpups.net or post it to: Dogs & Pups, 406, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi-110065.

Aristocratic blue!

The aristocratic Russian Blue is the gem of the feline world. Is it any wonder they are rumoured to have been the pets of the Russian Czars and a favourite of Queen Victoria? Here's more about this amazing breed.

Sheer elegance combined with intelligence make Russian Blue a winner in the show ring and in the home. They hold out hearts with their great beauty, incredible intelligence and amazing personalities. Once you've had a Russian Blue you are spoiled for any other breed – you will never want any other breed.

Beautiful looks…

[caption id="attachment_4695" align="alignright" width="260"] Aristocratic Russian Blue[/caption]

Also known as the Archangel cat, the Russian Blue's short, dense silver-tipped blue fur glistens and shimmers in the light as they move, providing an elegant setting for their glowing emerald green eyes. The deep, vivid green eyes engage your attention and draw you deep into their depths. Their beautiful faces have an enigmatic smile as they survey their dominion with satisfaction. The characteristic smile is emphasised by the crossing of the muzzle and cheekbone planes. The wide, high cheekbones frame the large, almost round emerald eye.

They are a medium-sized cat with fine boning and large, flared ears - all in wonderful harmony. They are lithe and muscular. The long legs are fine boned and the cat seems to know it as he often poses sitting high with feet crossed in a pose that accentuates the line of the cat. The head is a wedge with seven angular planes that create a pleasing look. The large, flared ears frame the exquisite face providing a pleasing balance.

Russian Blues come in one coat colour – Blue, and one coat length - Short. Watching a Russian Blue moving in sunlight is like watching poetry in motion! The dense coat stands out from the body and you can draw patterns in the coat that will stay until you smooth them out again.

Lovely companion…

The elegant, aristocratic Russian Blue has a keen intellect that makes him an engaging companion. They survey a situation before diving in and so rarely get into a difficult situation - he observes people to determine if they are worthy of his companionship. Sometimes people see this behaviour as shy or aloof when he is really just reserved with strangers until he has fully assessed them. Once the Russian Blue decides you are worthy of his attention, he is extremely affectionate and expects your loving attention to all his needs.

Living with them…

They will teach you how to play Fetch - bringing you their toy and demanding you throw it for them! Their quick intelligence has them learning all the time - and they will watch you until they figure out how to open that container containing their favourite treats! While they are generally quiet cats, they will talk to you if you talk to them and can develop a large vocabulary.

They are playful, loving companions who get along well with children and other pets. They are a great choice for the modern family because they are content with their own company while you are out but delighted to spend time playing or curled in your lap when you get home.

The age-old relationship…

I fell in love with this magnificent breed of cat many years ago as a child. I have bred cats for over 40 years and have had many different breeds throughout the years; however today my husband and I breed Russian Blues exclusively. They hold out hearts with their great beauty, incredible intelligence and amazing personalities.

(Amanda Bright has bred cats for over 40 years and has had many different breeds throughout the years; and she and her husband currently breed Russian Blues exclusively.)

Cats And Kittens March April 13 Issue

Bold is beautiful
- by Raul Hreniuc

The Peterbald (also called Petersburg Sphynx, especially in its native country Russia) is a breed of hair-losing cats, rather than a hairless one. They distinguish themselves from other hairless breeds by more elegant boning, long and delicate legs, Oriental head and large set apart ears. They are actually naked Oriental Shorthair or Siamese.

The purrfect play session…
- by Sudhersena

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy… same is with our kitties who need play not just for fun, but for bonding with their littermates and pet parents.

Ask the Expert..

It’s a TICA’s world!

The International Cat Association Inc (TICA) has thousands of members and hundreds of clubs all around the world. From New York to California, London to Moscow and Taiwan to Korea, you’re in TICA’s world. While customs and languages may differ, you will always find that everyone in TICA’s world shares one thing–the love of cats! TICA cat shows are fun. TICA cats are fabulous. And TICA members are friendly.

Love the tan!
- by Kritika Manchanda

It is a common sight to see cats and kittens lazing around in the sun. But have you ever wondered why this special fondness with the rays? Read on to find the answer.

Don’t break my heart!
Yes, cats can also suffer from heart disease. Some can be caused by nutrition, but most have a genetic basis. Here’s more on heart disease in cats.

Food wise!
- by Dr Goutam Mukherjee

We love to pamper our kitties with the food we eat. But beware, this can be harmful for your cat.

Food wise!

We love to pamper our kitties with the food we eat. But beware, this can be harmful for your cat.

Here’s a list of food that should not be given to your beloved kitties:

Milk: Large number of cats cannot tolerate milk because of lactose intolerance as cats cannot produce proper amount of lactic acid. The lactic acid contains lactase enzyme which breaks down the milk and helps in digesting it. Lack of enzyme results in upset stomach and diarrhoea. So, if your cat shows sign of diarrhoea after milk consumption, she is milk intolerant.

Raw fish: Cats like tuna fish but if she eats too much raw fish, it will destroy Thiamine and cause lots of problems in her movement.

Table scraps: When you eat, your untrained cat may sit in front of you and beg for food. Do not give her table scraps because it may contain oily and fatty food which may cause stomach upset or obesity. Besides, sharp chicken bones, fish bone or hard bone of mutton can cause perforation of oesophagus or stomach, bones may get stuck between two teeth, or in the throat and hard bones may cause breaking of teeth.

Eggs: Raw egg should not be given to the cat as this may cause bacterial infection. Cooked egg can be given, but in small quantity.

Onion and garlic: They are very harmful to your cat as they can destroy their RBC (Red Blood Cells) and cause anaemia.

Grapes: Like dog, it is very harmful to your cat as it causes gastric irritation and vomiting.

Chocolate: It contains Theobromine which causes CNS (Central Nervous System) and cardiacs stimulations; as a result, it increases blood pressure and may even cause death.

Liver: Don’t give liver everyday to your cat as it causes vitamin A deficiency, besides eye, skin and bone problems.

Tea and coffee: They contain caffeine which causes gastric irritation to your pets.

Candy, gum and cake: They are sweetened with Xylitol which causes liver damage, lethargy and vomiting.

Alcohol: It’s a strict ‘No-no’. Even a two teaspoon alcohol can kill your cat.

Commercial dog foods: It is not a substitute of cat food. Cat food contains Taurine which is important to maintain their metabolic activity and this is not present in dog food.

Bread: Bread contains yeast, which is fermented inside the body and produces alcohol, causing harm to your cat.

Human medicines: Never give your human medicines to your cat. Human pain killers cause blood vomiting and bloody stool.

So, before you toss that food towards your cat out of love, think again...is it harmful for our pet?

(Dr Goutam Mukherjee runs Get Well Pet Centre in Kolkata)

Don’t break my heart!

Yes, cats can also suffer from heart disease. Some can be caused by nutrition, but most have a genetic basis. Here’s more on heart disease in cats.

Heart diseases…

The most common heart diseases are known as Cardiomyopathy. There are often no signs that there is anything wrong with the cat. There are three basic forms of Cardiomyopathies: Dilated, Restrictive and Hypertrophic.

Dialated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a thinning and weakening of the heart muscle. There is also enlargement of the heart. Often this condition can be caused by an improper diet and can be reversed if proper nutrition is given to the cat. Lack of the amino acid taurine is often the cause.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM) is when there is scarring on the heart muscle and it can no longer pump blood efficiently due to the heart chamber’s loss of elasticity.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is when the heart walls thicken in the left ventricle and impede proper pumping function.

Both HCM and RCM have a genetic basis. Cats with these conditions should not be bred as this condition is a dominant trait. HCM is the most common form of heart disease in all cats. The prognosis for such a disease is always guarded. Blood clots may be thrown which cause paralysis of the limbs or strokes. Death usually occurs from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), with fluid buildup in the lungs and body tissues or can be due to a blood clot causing massive stroke or heart attack.

How is heart disease diagnosed?

Heart screening should be done by a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist or other equally qualified, trained and experienced veterinary professional. Early stages of HCM are usually not detectable via ECG or auscultation. At minimum, HCM screening should include a thorough physical examination and a two-dimensional cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram). Additional tests such as Colour Flow Doppler Ultrasonography may be done at the discretion of the breeder and/or veterinary professional.

DNA tests are available for some breeds such as Maine Coon and Ragdolls, but these do not cover all possible causes of HCM in the cats. These same tests are not valid in other breeds. So, even though there are some tools available using DNA for testing, the echocardiograms still need to be performed.

Breeding protocols

HCM can be treated if diagnosed early. There are various medications available to extend the life of our cats. It would be a much better solution to not breed cats who are HCM positive to begin with. Given that this disease may not appear until later in a cat’s breeding career, it is imperative to test older cats who have been used in a breeding programme to see if it is being bred into the lines, as well as testing the cats currently being used.

(To be continued in the next issue)

(Cánie V Brooks is a TICA All Breed Judge. Breeding and showing Bengals for 14 years, she is currently on the TICA Bengal Breed Committee, TICA Mentoring Committee, past officer for seven years in The International Bengal Cat Society.)

Ask the Expert.. March April 2013

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

Q: I am shifting from Bengaluru to Pune. I have two cats - three and five years old - who have never travelled. What is the best manner to travel with them – by road or flight? How do I accustom them to travel? Should I buy separate crates for them?
- R Murli, Bengaluru

Dr K G Umesh: One of the best investments you must make when you have cats is to buy a modern carrying

[caption id="attachment_8375" align="alignright" width="250"] Shy and Molly[/caption]

cage/crate that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Cats being transported by whatever means should always travel in a safe carrier. If your cats live together and are familiar, you can put them in a single carrier. The pets should also have a tag to make it easy to track them if they get lost. Visit a vet prior to your journey to ascertain that the pets are in good health and are vaccinated. Give them a light meal about two hours before they travel. Let your pets ‘try out’ the carrying container before the trip and put a familiar-smelling stuff in the container to help your pets settle. Give your pets the opportunity to go to the toilet before they are put in the carrying containers. If you are planning to travel by road, make sure your cats are accustomed to car travel. This can be done by letting the cats just sit in the car without the car moving. When the cats are comfortable with this, take the cats round the block, and gradually move up to taking the cats on journeys for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. You will also know if they are likely to be sick or excitable in the car. If your pets’ car sickness is truly motion related, your vet can also prescribe medications to fight travel illness.

The purrfect play session…

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy… same is with our kitties who need play not just for fun, but for bonding with their littermates and pet parents.

Importance of play…

Play comes natural to kittens. Kittens start to play when they are four weeks of age and this continues up to 10-14 weeks of age. During this period, kittens engage in social play with their littermates. Social play teaches kittens good social skills, improves motor communication and hunting skills. Play is also a stress buster and keeps your kitty physically fit. It is important to keep littermates together for 8-10 weeks so that kittens can learn acceptable social behaviour and also learn to bond with each other. Aggression in play may be seen more in kittens who have been raised solitarily since these kittens miss out on the chance of learning proper social behaviour from their littermates. The mother disciplines kittens who engage in rough play by hissing, whereas, littermates might just stop playing with the erring kitten. Between 12-14 weeks of age, social play begins to phase out and object play begins. Kittens stalk, chase, bite, pounce and learn hunting skills during this stage.

Here are a few tips to play with your kitty:

• You need not spend a lot of money on toys for your kitty. Cardboard boxes, ping-pong balls, paper bags, balls, fish-poles with a toy dangling on one end, stuffed soft toys, etc can provide lots of fun and amusement.


• Do not let your kitten play with chewable toys that could be potentially harmful.


• Do not play with your hands, feet or any other body part. It may be fun when your kitty is small but will soon become painful and dangerous when your kitten becomes an adult.


• Set aside short and fixed playtime sessions for your kitty.


• Kittens enjoy playing with a fish pole with a toy dangling at the end of it. Never dangle the toy right in front of the kitten’s face. Move the toy side to side and do not make it hard for the kitten to catch the toy otherwise the kitten will be frustrated. Allow a ‘cool down period’ after the play. This will again not discourage the kitten.


• If your family can handle another kitten, get one with the same age as your kitten. Kittens love companions and can provide fun and excitement for one another.


• Provide a variety of toys. This will keep the kitten interested and curious.


• Never hit the kitten in case he shows signs of rough play. He will start to fear your hands. Say a definite No.


• Reward the kitten for good behaviour during play.

Keep in mind that the play sessions are meant to provide fun for you and your kitty. So have fun!

(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.)

Bold is beautiful

The Peterbald (also called Petersburg Sphynx, especially in its native country Russia) is a breed of hair-losing cats, rather than a hairless one. They distinguish themselves from other hairless breeds by more elegant boning, long and delicate legs, Oriental head and large set apart ears. They are actually naked Oriental Shorthair or Siamese.

Handsome looks...

[caption id="attachment_4704" align="alignright" width="250"] Pic courtesy: Owned by Refineddemon Cattery, www.peterbald.go.ro[/caption]

The Peterbald is actually a naked Oriental Shorthair or Siamese. This is an elegant mid-sized breed, Oriental in type, with wrinkled skin on the head and body. They have a slender body on high slim legs. The muzzle is long, with a straight profile. Ears are very big, wide at base and set wide apart. Whiskers and eyebrows, if they exist, are curly. The breed comes in the following varieties: completely naked (kittens born are absolutely hairless, with soft skin, warm and almost sticky to the touch, forming charming wrinkles on all body); flock (hair type is short, fine down made of sparse, rather little hairs; appear hairless from a distance); velour (kittens born with the most fine and rare coat (1-3 mm), skin feels velvet-like to the touch, they start losing their coat by the age of two months); brush (kittens have short, residual hair that is of a wiry texture and brush-like to the touch, they have curly whiskers); and straight-coated (kittens with normal coat and look like an Oriental Shorthair or a Siamese cat).

The Peterbald is a hair-losing breed. Most of the Peterbald kittens are born with more or less fuzz, which they start losing in their first weeks of life. This process can last until their reach the age of two years. The outcrosses include Siamese, Balinese, Oriental Shorthair and Oriental Longhair.

Persona defined...

The Peterbald is a cat with strong personality. It is the cat of superlatives: intelligent, overwhelming, gushing temperament, unsurpassed obstinacy and a capacity worthy of all admiration to get their own way. Like their Siamese relatives, they are very ‘communicative’. They have sweet temper and they are peaceful, curious, smart and energetic cats. They are extremely attached to their pet parents, accompanying them everywhere, wanting to know and see what they are doing. Peterbalds have to be part of the family. They can’t stand being left alone, they need love and care.

Grooming needs...

The care and grooming of the Peterbald is relatively simple. The good thing is that brushing is obviously not needed. Even though their skin is not as oily as that of the Canadian Sphynx, their skin does get dirty, so it is necessary to bath them every few weeks. In between, you can clean their skin using baby wipes. Bathing is not difficult at all, as a kitten should be started at a young age in getting used to the water. Using a mild shampoo, lathering up and rinsing is all that is required. Towel drying is quick and easy and similar to drying your own skin.

Since there is usually no hair to protect the ears, regular cleaning is required with a cotton swab to get out any accumulated oils. Eyes should also be cleaned more frequently.

Through their graceful and special personality, the Peterbald becomes the centre of attention in no time.

(Raul Hreniuc runs Refineddemon Cattery, a TICA registered cattery in Romania. The cattery was established by breeding Oriental Shorthairs and now introduced Peterbald breeds; www.peterbald.go.ro)

Ragdoll Breeders

Ragdoll Breeders -Welcome to Love Ragdoll Cats! We are a group of small in home catteries that specializes in Blue Eyed Traditional Ragdolls and Rare Aqua Eyed Mink Ragdolls.

Cats & Kittens Jan Feb 2013 Issue

Picture purrfect!
Purrfect homecoming!
Ask the Expert..
Love expressed!
Meows in movies

Ask the Expert.. Jan Feb 2013

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 three-year-old cat Tom is having a lot of hair fall, especially in certain area patches. Is this some allergy? What should we do?
- Ashish Shukla, Ghaziabad

Dr K G Umesh: Hair loss/shedding is a common complaint with skin disorders and results from number of

[caption id="attachment_8385" align="alignright" width="300"] Chokki[/caption]

causes. Cats may shed excessive hair because of stress, worms, harsh climate and general illness. Therefore, my approach would be to find underlying cause(s) like fleas, ticks, mange or allergy, hormonal imbalance, bacterial or yeast infection, etc and then your vet will be able to recommend suitable medications that will eliminate the cause and therefore hair fall. Balanced and complete nutrition is most important for healthy skin and hair coat.

Meows in movies

Who says it’s just dogs who have all the fun on big screen? A good number of feline actors have so far been acclaimed for their roles in various blockbuster movies. Let’s catch them through a flashback. Little naughty, little cunning, but full of affections in their traits, kitties always go well with wise guy type characters in almost every movie they act. Since the early days of world cinema, feline actors have been recognised for their outstanding roles in drama, action, adventure and animation movies.

Tabby cat in Breakfast at Tiffany (1961)

A small town girl named Holly Golightly arrives in New York City to earn fame, fortune and money. She develops a circle of wealthy and intellectual friends, among them her feline friend, a tabby cat is her true companion. Holly unfortunately gets trapped into a ring of drug and narcotic abused people and gets arrested. All tragedies come to an end when Holly comes out of jail and is reunited with the man she loves and above all, the tabby cat whom she vulnerably left in the rain.

Jake in The Cat from Outer Space (1978)

An unidentified flying saucer from the outer space lands on earth under an emergency situation and the occupant was a cat named Jack who was taken into custody by the US government. With the help of Frank, a space scientist, Jack attempts to repair his spacecraft. In the end, Jack helps Frank accomplish a rescue mission to save some colleagues from a helicopter crash. Jack receives a big applause for his heroic act and happily applies for US citizenship with Frank as his sponsor.

Milo in The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989)

Adapted from the original Japanese version titled Koneko Monogatari, story of this film opens in a barn with a mother cat who has given birth to kittens, among them is Milo the orange tabby cat, quite curious and known to everyone around for getting himself into trouble. He befriends Otis (a fawn pug) who is tired of running from a young chick who thinks he is his mother. One day, when Milo plays inside a floating box in a river, he accidentally drifts downstream. This is where the adventures begin in The Adventures of Milo and Otis!

Sassie in Homeward Bound (1993)

A group of doggies with a Himalayan cat named Sassie assumes that they are being abandoned by their pet parents who are out on a trip to San Francisco, leaving all the pets at a ranch. All of them head to wilderness. When all the doggies swim across a river, Sassie reaches a path of wood which breaks halfway across. While the dogs manage to swim across the river, Sassie falls into midstream and straight into the waterfall. And the crescendo of the movie is the moment when all the companions are united after a long struggle and are homeward bound.

Snowbell in Stuart Little (1999)

Desired by their son George Little, Eleanor Little and Frederick Little adopt an observant and thoughtful mouse from an orphanage. They name him Stuart Little and introduce to Snowbell, their family tabby cat. Snowbell is extremely jealous of the way Mr and Mrs Little treat Stuart as though their own biological son. But Snowbell has changed heart and become a true friend to Stuart whom he saves from the attack of a local clowder led by mafia don-like Russian Blue in the concluding part of the movie.

Mr Jinx in Meet the Parents (2000)

Greg and Pam visit the latter’s house to meet her parents. Fun and comedy happen at the introduction of Mr Jinx, a Himalayan cat to Greg by Pam’s father as they discuss about kitty care and other topics over a dinner. Though Mr Jinx appears in cameo role in the movie, his short appearance leaves a lasting impression to everyone who enjoys this comedy flick.

The stories continue…

Apart from the real life actors, animated feline characters successfully rule both the worlds of big and small screens. Right from Thomas, known popularly as Tom, in MGM’s Tom & Jerry Show upto Till Davis’ Garfield, animation world has big room for our feline protagonists.

Picture purrfect!

Chausies don’t lie on the sofa…they drape themselves over it. They don’t run…they lope. They don’t sit…they pose. For many people, one Chausie is the beginning of a love affair with the breed. Which breed of cat looks like an Egyptian cat statue, but is too tall, too long, and far too deep-chested to be an Abyssinian? He doesn’t have long fur, but he has ear tufts and a unique tabby pattern. Some of them like water and might even eat frogs if given a chance. Yes, we are talking about the Chausie.

The wild heritage…

[caption id="attachment_4707" align="alignright" width="300"] Chausie[/caption]

Pronounced CHOW-SEE, Chausie is a breed derived from breeding non-domestic species Felis chaus (also called jungle cats) to domestic cats. Today’s Chausies usually have much more domestic blood than non-domestic blood, but they retain many of the best traits of their wild ancestors.

The wild looks…

The Chausie is a domestic breed which preserves the type of the jungle cat as well as his colours and patterns like the brown (black) ticked tabby, solid black, and black grizzled ticked tabby. The grizzled pattern is unique to the jungle cat and thus to the Chausie breed.

The recognition…

The first cats were registered in TICA 1995. The breed was accepted to begin showing in TICA (The International Cat Association) in 2000. On May 1, 2013 the Chausie will begin competing in the Championship Class.

Living with Chausie…

The Chausie tends to be a long, tall, lanky cat. He’s not as heavy as he looks, but can be quite an armful to pick up. This is a cat who likes to have room to spread out, to run, leap, and jump. The Chausie is active, social with humans and other cats, and quite intelligent. This is not a breed who likes to be left alone all the time or in a boring environment. Chausies from the third generation onward are quite domesticated. They have no litter box issues and are not more challenging than any other active domestic breed. They are comparable to Siameses and Abyssinians in energy and activities. They probably won’t eat your shoes, but certainly will learn how to open all the doors, cupboards, and drawers.

(Bobbie Tullo was breeding Persians, British Shorthairs and Pixiebobs for many years, until she fell in love with Chausie in 1997. Since 1998, she has been exclusively breeding Chausies.)