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Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Ask the Expert.. Nov Dec 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 two male Persians get into ego hassles and start battling each other. How do we make them more cordial
[caption id="attachment_8395" align="alignright" width="250"]
Billu[/caption]to each other and if they get in an aggressive situation- how do we separate them?
- R Ramesh, Mysore
Dr KG Umesh: Cats are territorial creatures and they do like to go outdoors to establish a territory in relation to neighbouring cats. This is far more important for toms (male cats) than it is for queens (female cats). Tom cats may establish a territory which is 10 times larger than that of queens. The territory of a domestic cat will be centred on his own home-base and he will use smells, sounds, scratches and other marks to define the boundaries. The territory of a cat only remains fixed for as long as the cat dominates the area - if another cat arrives on the scene, there may be a confrontation, boundaries may have to be redrawn, and life goes on. Treatment for aggression between cats living in the same household requires separation when supervision is not possible. Treating intercat aggression takes time (sometimes months), so, patience is a necessity. The aggressor is banished to a less desirable location (for example, spare room) while the victim is allowed free range or access to favourite locations. The aggressor can be fitted with a harness or collar and bells, allowing both victim and pet parent to hear the aggressor at all times. At the first sign of aggression, the aggressor should be startled using the mildest stimulus necessary. The stimulus (for example, calling his name) used to startle the aggressor is meant to interrupt and distract but not to terrify the cat, as fear can increase aggression. Reintroduction is gradual and supervised at all times, with you vigilant during these sessions. It is also important to provide strictly indoor cats with a stimulating environment that includes playing and searching opportunities, hiding places, and high perched resting areas. Neutering and medications to controlling undesired behaviours are other options.
Ask the Expert.. Sep Oct 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 cat is extremely vocal when I put on my shoes to step out- he keeps following me and keeps a close contact. My family says after I leave, he sulks and hides in a corner - he sometimes eats very little too. How do I calm him?
- Karuna, Pune
Dr KG Umesh: Cats communicate in several different ways, using not only sounds but also posture and
[caption id="attachment_8388" align="alignright" width="300"]
Paly[/caption]behaviour. Tactile communications include rubbing against others including people, grooming and nose touching which is used as greeting. Auditory communications include purring, which occurs primarily during contact with other individual. The trill or meow is used as greeting calls. As long as cats are given plenty of stimulation and space, they can live contented lives. Enrichment of the living space is particularly important to ensure the cat feels secure and avoids boredom. Environmental enrichment is a means of providing your cat with opportunities to express his normal range of behaviour when he lives in a physically limited environment. Allowing your cat interesting opportunities to play, ‘hunt’, feed and be friendly will help prevent problems which can arise from boredom in confined cats. Toys (particularly hanging or moving), feeding puzzles, making use of resting places at a range of heights and different locations and access to a view of the outdoors all help stimulate indoor cats. For example, cats love watching birds attracted to a feeding table outside a window! Food treats or toys left in cardboard boxes encourage cats to explore, hide and play. It’s important that cats kept exclusively indoors are given plenty of contact from their pet parents as this helps make up for less stimulation in other ways.
Monday, 16 July 2012
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!
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!
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.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Cats & Kittens May June 2012 Issue
From Russia with love
Long body, wide-set green eyes, long and dense fur, and mild disposition – that’s how a Nebelung kitty is!Kool kitties
Sun is the powerful giver of life but it can be dangerous... especially in summer. Here’s how to keep your kitties cool in summer.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.It’s purrfect!
Most cats communicate through a variety of vocal noises, such as purring, hissing, meowing, to name a few. They generally display their own personalities through these vocalisations and most people find them very endearing... sometimes though they can be very annoying.We are carnivores!
Cats are carnivores and they need to eat a meat-based diet. Certain nutrients are available in meat-based diet only and these are lost to the cat if she is fed only vegetarian diet. For healthy growth, cats need amino acids from proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and water.Gulp with a touch of the tongue
What to do if you find a stray pet?
Don’t panic if you see a stray animal - you can help. Here are sensible ways to help.Kitty Facts...
You have probably heard many interesting facts about cats like they have more bones than humans; they can feel with their whiskers, their urine glows in the dark, etc. Here are a few more interesting facts about your cool felines.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Ask the Expert.. May June 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: I have a five years old cat (male) and want to get another three and a half months old kitten in. How should I introduce them and take care of both of them? Is it ok to adopt a female cat or should I look at adopting a male cat?
– Sudhakar, Gurgaon
Dr KG Umesh: Whatever your reasons to add another cat to the family, just be aware that bringing in a new cat is a huge change for an older cat - and unless you go about it the right way, it could create a lot of stress. When a new cat is introduced into the household, it is wise to let her familiarise herself with her surroundings before she meets any resident cats or other animals. Here are a few ways you can help make the process of introducing your older cat to a new cat less stressful: All you need to do is rub your new kitten with an old piece of your clothing, one that holds your smell. That way, your new kitten will already have something familiar about her and will be accepted more easily. Since your new kitten is still young, there shouldn’t be any major problems. The pecking order will immediately be determined by the difference in ages. In most cases, the kitten will follow the lead of the older cat, who’ll protect the new and vulnerable arrival. It’s slightly more tricky if an older kitten is being introduced to a younger one, since her more developed self-confidence can lead to minor fights. Tom cats may establish a territory which is ten times larger than that of queens. In this case, start by making much more fuss of the younger kitten and then let the two of them settle. While they get used to each other, make sure that they have separate food and water bowls, and their own sleeping places and litter trays. Feeding old cat first at meal times is a good trick. They’ll soon be completely content in each other’s company.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Cats & Kittens March April 2012 Issue
- Egyptian Mau: Spots are beautiful!
- Do cats and kittens need to drink cow’s milk?
- Ask the expert
- Amazing stress busters!
- Fantastic five feline fun facts
- Help a feral cat near you!
- Brush till it shines!
- Thought for toys
Ask the Expert.. Mar Apr 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 cat is sneezing, has a runny nose and is coughing. Please help.
– Prashant Das, Kolkata
Dr KG Umesh: These signs are often caused by a combination of infectious diseases, with chronic recurrent viral infections complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Primary bacterial or fungal infections and non-infectious causes (foreign body, immune-mediated, dental disease, polyps, and growths) should be considered as well. Initial diagnostic testing is not indicated if clinical presentation fits with simple viral infection, but testing should be performed in complicated cases or if other causes are suspected. Isolation, good hygiene, and supportive care help control viral infections, and antimicrobial agents are often needed. Regular vaccination and other preventive health measures help. Please consult your vet for further treatment.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Ask the Expert.. Jan Feb 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: I have two Persians – Bhombol (female) aged three years and Bhodka (male) aged two years. When can I breed them?
– PK Bandyopadhyay, Goa
Dr KG Umesh: Female cats have generally their first season during six and nine months of age. Cats do not
ovulate unless they are bred. The stages of oestrus cycle (season) in the queen are anoestrus, proestrus, oestrus and interoestrus. Proestrus lasts for 2-3 days without showing any signs and queen won’t want to mate. Oestrus lasts between 2-10 days and shows signs such as vocalisation, rolling and rubbing against inanimate objects and sticking her back end in the air. This means she is in season and will want to mate. Interoestrus occurs if queen doesn’t mate and may last for 3-14 days. Anoestrus is period when there is no hormonal activity. Pregnancy length for cats is approximately 64 days and may vary from 53-65 days.
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