MOSTLY CATS - Recently Updated Pages

PAGE 1 LETS TALK ABOUT CATS!!

salyummz — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:13:46 CDT

CLYDE

A brief explanation...
I think it`s fairly clear that this site is for those who love cats, want to know a little more about them or need help and advice. I have a qualified vet on hand to myself to answer any questions you may have about health, breeds etc...
Use the search section (top left) or click on one of the links below to find the section you are looking for
INDEX
I have also included a section showing TOXIC PLANTS (to cats) and a page for you to put your own cat pics.

MY OWN CAT FAMILY ..A couple of pages showing my 9 pet cats and a few details about them.

ASK THE VET ..For your questions, quieries and feline problems.
I have a vet on hand. Submit a question or health problem and ill find out for you.

KITTEN CARE ..How to look after your new arrival for the first few months.

(disease and illness) INDEX

DISEASE AND ILLNESS ..I have listed as many cat disorders as possible, given a brief description of the signs to look for, and weather the cat would need veterinary treatment. Also how serious each health problem may be.

DISEASE AND ILLNESS (cont`d)
(as above)

CAT BREEDS
A listing of some of the most popular breeds and a few lesser known ones. Descriptions and pictures.

TOXIC PLANTS (to cats) A basic listing of various plants that if chewed or eaten can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes even death to cats.
CAT PICS Self explanitary i think...put your favourite cat pics here!!

FUN STUFF.....poems and silly bits.. Any amusing stuff about cats.

Estimate your cats age...chart..self explanitary

9 DISEASE AND ILLNESS (cont`d)

salyummz — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:04:52 CDT

ALOPECIA
Hair loss normally affecting the lower abdomen. This can sometimes be treated with Thyroid hormone,
Sometimes simple stress such as moving home etc can also cause hairloss.

ASTHMA (see coughs)

BLEEDING
For a small cut then usually just clean the wound with some warm water and a cotton wad then just keep an eye on it to make sure it is healing.
For a larger wound, apply pressure...keep a wad of cotton wool or lint on the wound and if the blood begins to soak through..DO NOT remove the pressure, just ad another clean wad on the top of the one already there. (see accidents and injuries)
take the cat to the vet asap.
ONLY in urgent cases should a tourniquet be used.
For a serious leg wound...tie a bandage securely around the top of the injured leg..above the wound. The tourniquet MUST be released then re applied every 10 minutes until the veterinary surgery is reached.
THIS IS ONLY A LAST RESORT FOR VERY SERIOUS BLEEDING LEG WOUNDS.

POISON
Signs are normally, blood in the urine (see bladder) also in the faeces and small red patches in the mouth. The cat may also be sick. (see VOMITTING)
The poison is reversable if treated straight away, in a lot of cases.

CANKER (see EAR MITES)

BURNS
Try to soak the burn or scald asap in cold water. Then even if the area doesnt look bad, it`s best to see the vet, as there could still be a burn under the fur or the cat could be suffering from shock.

CONJUNCTIVITIS
This shows the eyes becoming inflamed and red. Usually with a greeny coloured or pus like discharge. (see cat flu) . Sometimes this is caused by a simple bacterial infection, scratch or small ulcer on the surface of the eye or a grass seed or other foreign body.
(see eye)
See a vet as soon as possible.
Persistant conjunctivitis can be caused by an organism called Chlamydia Psittaci, this normally affects both eyes. If left untreated it can cause ulceration.

KEY-GASKELL SYNDROME (see also constipation)
(feline dysautonomia)
Signs are constipation and slightly prominent nictitating membrane (3rd eyelid). In more serious cases these symptoms may also be accompanied by, one or both of the pupils becoming bigger and not reacting to light, the mouth and nose become dry and there may be vomitting or regurgitation of food and possible problems urninating.
Depending on how much damage has been done to the oesophagus will depend on how well the cat may recover. Severe cases may mean the cat will not recover, although the death rate with this illness is now dropping as medications improve.

FITS
(see also heatstroke, poison, FIP and kidney)
Signs are, falling over, rolling, eyes rolling and sometimes frothing at the mouth.
The most common cause of fits is probably liver or kidney failure. Normally t this stage the cat will have been ill for some time and little can be done.
Sudden fits could be caused by poisoning or FIP, toxoplasmosis or a brain tumour.
Other possibilities are that the cat may have been knocked by a vehicle whilst out and about, or have developed epilepsy.
Immediate veterinary treatment should be sought in any cases of fits.

FUR BALL (see coughing)
The worst time for fur balls is at the times of the moult, which is 2 times a year. As the cat then swallows more fur whilst grooming, the fur will be sick on a more regular basis to eject the fur. This sometimes causes the cat to cough as if something is stuck in the throat, normally this is nothing to worry about as the fur ball will be ejected eventually. Sometimes giving the cat some fish will help remove the problem. If the coughing persists, consult a vet.

GINGIVITIS
Inflamation or infection of the gums.
Sometimes the only cure is for the teeth to be removed, although usually antibiotics will be used to treat the condition first. Or a general clean up of the teeth at the vets will sometimes help the condition.

GRASS EATING(see vomitting and worms and kidney)

HALITOSIS(see also kidney and ulcers)
Sometimes bad breath in cats is simply due to the diet.
Young cats of 5 or 6 months will sometimes have halitosis due to the new teeth coming thrrough.
Sometimes allowing the cats to eat a little grass will help.
All cases of severe bad breath should be checked by a vet as sometimes this can also be a sign of kidney disease.

HARVEST MITE(see fleas, mites and ticks)

HYPERTHYROIDISM
Older cats may suffer from this normally over 9 years. Signs are often, dull greasy or matted coat and also tends to eat a lot.
Sometimes dandruff and a change in the `voice`.
If an older cat is still eating normally but losing weight, this can be a sign of a thyroid problem.
This is caused by a non malignant growth on the gland called theThyroid (in the neck).
The hormones produced by the thyroid can affect, heart and liver causing deterioration.
The heart rate can increase and a jaundice like look will show due to the liver damage.
Veterinary advice should be sought. The growth can normally be removed and a good recovery follows.

ITCHING (see dandruff, mites, fleas and pox)

JAUNDICE (see hyperthyroidism, FIA, FELV and FIP)

JAW
Dislocation - of the jaw shows when the cats mouth appears to be stuck open. General anaesthetic is normally used to push the jaw back into position.
Fracture - caused in general by road accidents or falls. The signs are an abnrmal shape the the jaw line...the fangs look unaligned. The cat will have to be anaesthetised and the jaw wired to hold the bones in the correct place until healed, normally 3 or 4 weeks.

KIDNEY (Nephritis)
Fairly common due to the high protein diet of most cats. Also as cats tend to drink less than most animals, the urine is very acidic.
Signs are that the cats, normally older ones, tend to go off food and seem depressed, may drink more than usual, or generally change their drinking habit.
Weight loss is often quite rapid.
Treatment may be the use of antibiotics, steroids or both.
If the disease is sever then the cat my show ulcers on the tongue and vomit. Often a meaty smell is on the breath. The cat may drool as it is painful to try to swallow. sometimes fits may start.
The second form of kidney disease is known as Nephrotic Syndrome.
This causes a fluid build up in the legs, abdomen and face. The cat looks puffed up.
This can be treated by a vet but will often return.
Sometimes the vet will advise a diet of white meat such as chicken. Also drinking plenty of fluids is essential, water, gravy, milk and cream.
Supplying a constant water supply and moist food can often prevent kiddney disease.

LUNGWORM(see COUGH)

DERMATITIS(see FLEAS, TICKS, MITES)
Usually noticable along the spine although it can extend over the whole body.
This is often an allergy to flea bites.
In a few cases this is due to an allergy to something els, possibly in the diet.
Vets advice should be sought.

POX
A cat will show several itchy, red, moist areas on the skin. These can go septic, ulcerated or scabby. Seek veterinary advice.

PREGNANCY
A female cat is around the age of 5 or 6 months when she is first able to become pregnant. This is not a safe time to allow it and the young Queen should be at least 9 months but preferaby at least a year old before conceiving.
Pregnancy last around 9 weeks. Feed extra in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Most cats will begin to seek a quite safe place to give birth as the time gets near. Often this can be an open drawer, wardrobe or some other secluded corner.
A kitten should normally take no more than 20 minutes to be born, although a couple of hours is also know otherwise the female may be having some problems. Watch for the cat seeming to strain too much for a long time.
Do NOT interfere with the birth process, but do keep peeping i to see that all is well.
Check that each kitten is followed by its afterbirth, which the mother will eat. this is normal behaviour.
If after 10 minutes however the mother has not bitten through the cord, then tie it off with some sterile cotton thread about 3 inches from the body.
Be sure that all kittens are suckling well and that there are no problems then leave the mother and newborns to rest and get to know one another.

PYOMETRA
A serious infection of the uterus in un spayed feamles.
Often occuring after a problem birth, but sometimes after another illness that has caused the cats umune system to become lowered.
Signs are that the cat may become lethargic, vomitting, higher temperature, off food, drink more and discharging from the back end.
Normally the cat loses weight but appears pot bellied, which is due to the build up of pus.
A complete hysterectomy should be done as soon as possible.

RINGWORM
Not actually a worm but a fungus. Often caught directly from contact with another animal that has it.
Signs are small round areas of hairloss.
The vet can show ringworm using a flourescent lamp or skin scraping.
This is treatable, but often tends to be quite a long process. If the areas become red and weepy this is often a sign that the area has become infected and the vet will treat it with antibiotics.

SALIVATING(see also TEETH, ULCERS, POISON and KIDNEY)
Some cats drool with excitement when being petted, nothing to worry about there though.
Bad teeth, foreign body or an ulcer in the mouth or throat may cause drooling.
If unsure, seek veterinary advice.

SHOCK
Shock can kill!
Keep the cat warm and calm them down by talking and petting them...
Seek medical advice asap.

STINGS
Any noticable swelling on paws, mouth etc after the cat has come in from playing or hunting.
If the sting is in the mouth you should seek veterinary advice immediately as the sting may swell and block the airways.
If any part of the cat is swollen with no apparent injury, then seek medical advice.

TEMPERATURE-high
This could be caused by any number of things and should be checked by a vet.

THIRD EYELID - nictitating membrane.
If this is protruding it can mean the cat is generally off colour or has a more serious underlying problem.
Seek medical advice if it lasts more than a day.

TOXOPLASMOSIS
An infection caused by the cat eating raw meat. Often there are no symtoms in a healthy cat.
If the cat vomits, has diarrhoea etc, get a vet to check it out.

ULCERS
Signs for ulcers in the mouth are that the cat will have difficulty eating, may drool or have halitosis.
Ulcers in the eye are more obvious as the area may look swollen or discoloured.
In either case seek medical advice from your vet.

WAXY EARS (see EAR MITE and CANKER)

WEIGHT LOSS (see KIDNEY, FELV and HYPERTHYROIDISM) Sometimes in very old cats the digestive system doent do the job as it used to and cats may become thinner, this alone is nothing to worry over as long as the cats general health is fine. If you are worried at all, consult your vet.

8 Disease and illness

salyummz — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:40:09 CDT

FOR ANY ILLNESS, OR IF YOUR CAT IS NOT ACTING NORMAL OR LOOKING ILL IN ANY WAY ALWAYS CONSULT A VET.
To tell first signs that any animal is off colour or unwell, always check the gums. If gums seem paler than normal then there could be a problem...consult a vet if you are at all unsure.
I will include as much as i can here, of course more will be added as i go along.

FELINE CALICI VIRUS AND FELINE RHINOTRACHEITIS (both now commonly as cat `flu`)
FCV is a herpes virus that can cause mouth, throat and node ulcers.
Both affect the upper respiratory tract, causing snuffles and sneezes.
It can be a killer especially in young cats or kittens or in ageing cats.
A combined vaccine is usually available to prevent this.

FELINE INFECTIOUS ENTERITIS (FIE)
This is a highly infectious virus and can be fatal, it attacks the bowels and central nervous system.
It should be vaccinated against and is usually incorporated into the same vaccine as FCV and FVR.

FELINE IMMUNO DEFICIENCY
This attacks the immune system and as yet there is no vaccine for it although the virus is quite rare.

FELINE INFECTIOUS LEUKAEMIA (FELV)
again this attacks the immune system, which in turn makes the cat prone to all other infections.
The virus is normally transmitted via blood.
Some cats are carriers and so show no signs of illness as they are naturally immune, but can still pass it on to other cats.

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP)
This too can be fatal. Signs are that the abdomen will become very distended in the `wet` form. However there is a `dry` form of the disease which is harder to spot as it affects the nervous system.

PARASITES(see dermatitis)
Some obvious sign are, scratching, black specks in the coat.
The best treatment is from a vet as most flea powders, collars etc bought from pet stores are a waste of money and don`t really work.
Some flea collars can cause an allergic reaction around the neck as the chemicals are rubbing against the skin while the collar is on.
The whole house should be treated with a good house spray as well, also any other pets will need treatment.
Cats who are allergic to fleas will show hair loss, normally along the spine are to start with.

EAR MITES (see also ear problems)
Usually noticeable by inspection of the inside of the ear. You would notice a build up of brown wax which also has a smell to it. Also if the cat scratches its ears and shakes it head or hold the ear at an odd angle.
This is easily treated with ear drops from your vet.

FUR MITES or MANGE (see dermatitis)
Noticeable by balding patches often with scabby areas.
This can be confused as ringworm and so should be diagnosed by your vet who can give appropriate treatment.

TICKS
May show up with signs of dermatitis.
These have to be removed entirely. They have a mouth hook which embeds into the animals skin and so you can`t just pull the tick off.

The easiest way is to anaesthetise the tick first. Use a small amount of alcohol. This should work...then a pair of tweezers placed right under the head, should remove the pest.
Other wise seek the vets advice.

ROUND WORMS and TAPE WORMS
These are both internal parasites. Often the cat looks off colour, the coat may be out of condition and the stomach may be enlarged.
Diarrhoea or constipation may also be a sign.
Eggs of the worms are passed out in the cat faeces.
Tape worm eggs look like grains of rice.
Both types of worm can be treated by a vet, but it`s a lot easier to worm the kitten as soon as they are old enough to prevent infestation from the start. Afterwards, regular worming will keep them at bay.

CANCER
As with a lot of human cancers, this is sometimes hard to spot from the offset.
Breast cancer can be recognised b small lumps appearing in or around the nipple areas. If these are felt, then best get to a vet immediately, just in case.
The treatment is a mammary removal, normally preceded by a scan to check how far the cancer has spread.
Depending on how much is affected will depend on how much of the mammary tissue needs to be removed. If the vet is unsure about some lumps then a full mammary strip will be done to remove all suspect lumps, in some cases both sides will need to be removed.

ABSCESS
(see also Anal Glands)
Often they will appear after a cat fight or from an infected tooth etc..
Easy enough to spot as they are usually swollen, tender and full of pus.
Normally a vet will treat either with an injection of an antibiotic followed by a course of antibiotic liquid or tablets.
Although left untreated they can result in septicaemia.

ANAEMIA
Lethargy, pale gums and tiredness..(more than normal).
As with humans, this is a lack of iron in the diet.
There is also an infectious form known as feline infectious anaemia (FIA).
The vet can treat either condition,

ANAL GLANDS
These are situated each side of the anus. They can become infected or blocked.
They can be cleared by gently squeezing them with a wad of cotton wool soaked in warm water. Although unless you are sure of how to do this best let the vet take care of the problem. Also be aware that what comes out has a rather potent smell!!
Sometimes the glands get impacted and can cause an anal abscess, this can normally be cleared with a course of antibiotics.
If the problem is severe and recurring, the vet can recommend the glands be surgically removed.

ANAL PROLAPSE
The best way to describe this is that it looks like a raspberry coming from the cats anus. Sometimes caused by a lack of roughage in the diet.
Immediate veterinary treatment should be sought.

ALLERGIES
Skin, eye and breathing problems can all be signs of an allergy.
Hard to detect in a lot of cases so veterinary advice is the first port of call.

ARTHRITIS
Stiffened joins, sometimes lameness or swollen joints.
In mild cases a change of diet will help, but in more serious cases a course of steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs may help.

CONSTIPATION
If your cat is constantly straining, then this is probably the cause.
Mild cases can be treated with a simple change of diet with more fibre included.
Fur balls can also cause this if they have travelled that far down. The vet can suggest a good laxative or similar to help shift it.
If the constipation is more persistent and regular, then there could be an intestinal blockage or other condition and it should be investigated by a vet. Sometimes surgery can be the only treatment for a very serious blockage.
Constipation can also be a sign of Key-Gaskell Syndrome....affecting various parts of the nervous system.

EYE
Any abnormalities, such as weeping or the cat rubbing at the the eye could be an infection, or may have been a minor injury in a cat fight,
Anyway this should be checked by a vet as there could be a more serious infection, first sign of cat flu, chlamydia or Key Gaskell Syndrome. (see Key Gaskell Syndrome)
If a cats eyes are not reacting to light as normal, this can also be a sign of Key Gaskell Syndrome.

COUGHS AND COLDS
This can also be a sign the cat has lung worm and should be treated by a vet.
Sneezing, weeping eyes and coughing could mean the cat has contracted one of the cat flu viruses. Consult a vet straight away.
However, just a cough can mean that there is a fur ball waiting to come out.
If the cough is persistent, let the vet check it out as it could be a foreign body lodged in the throat.

BLADDER (see also kidney)
Cystitis can be contracted by male and female cats.
The most common sign is the cat straining when trying to urinate, often accompanied by a small amount of blood tinged urine.
Antibiotics should clear the problem.
Sometime Cystitis can be caused by the urine being too alkaline and the vet can suggest a suitable change of diet.
Also there could be an underlying kidney problem, so in any case a vet should be consulted.

DANDRUFF
Sometimes a change of diet to include more oily foods with do the trick.
Sometimes over grooming can cause this as it can make the skin over produce cells.
If there is a rash or an raw patches a vet should be seen as there could be mites.

DIARRHOEA
Sometimes a sign of toxoplasmosis.
If the cat seems healthy in all other ways try starving it for 24 hours, allowing only water.
If the problem still persists, consult a vet.

EAR PROBLEMS
Constant scratching of the ears can be a sign of mites, check for a dark coloured wax in there which is usually accompanied by a smell. This can be treated with ear drops.
There could also be a foreign body such as grass seed lodged deep in the ear, so consult a vet.

HAIR LOSS
This can be due to stress, mites, fleas or mange (which are also a type of mite). Treatment is nowadays quick and simple and reasonably inexpensive. Ask your vet for advice.

HAEMATOMA
A haematoma is a blood filled lump unlike an abscess which is pus filled.
often appearing on the ears after a fight. This should be treated by a vet.

HEART DISEASE AND STROKES
Most heart problems can start as the cat moves into old age although in some cases it can be a congenital condition, and so affect a younger cat.
Strokes can be triggered by shock. As with humans the degree of damage a stroke leaves, varies.
Depending on how severe the stroke is will depend on how well the cat recovers and as long as it is not left too disabled, should still be able to handle day to day living.

HEATSTROKE AND SUNBURN
Heat stroke can leave a cat with a slight twitching or even a more serious fit.
If you think the cat has had a little too much sun and showing signs of heatstroke, you should try to cool the cats paws down in cold water, to lower the blood temperature.
Sunburn can lead to skin cancer. Cats with less fur are more prone or pale and white furred cats are also prone to sunburn.
A sunblock for cats that regularly go out in full sun can be used. Ask the vet.

TEETH
Most cat teeth problems can be prevented by feeding the cat hard food as well as the moist stuff.
Giving the cat a harder food such as cat biscuits will help to clean the teeth and keep them plaque free.
There is also feline toothpastes on the market with can be used, but be prepared for a few scratches unless your cat actually enjoys it!

VOMITING
Cats often chew grass as a natural emetic, which makes it vomit and clean out the digestive system. This is normal and nothing to worry about, just like us taking a tonic.
Persistent vomiting could have an underlying cause for instance toxoplasmosis and should be checked out by a vet.
Vomiting can also be the result of eating or chewing a poisonous plants, a lot of plants are poisonous to cats that are safe for humans.
and toxic plants ( page 11)vomiting

vomiting see page 8

FUN STUFF..poems and silly bits

salyummz — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:55:29 CDT

Please do not try these ideas in reality..its just a fun peice...and as cat owners will know...not that far from the truth anyway...........

.HOW TO GIVE A CAT A PILL. ........
1) Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position the right forefinger and thumb on either side of the cats mouth and gently apply pressure while holding the pill in the right hand. As cat opens mouth pop the pill into the mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2) retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3) retrieve cat from bedroom floor and throw soggy pill away.
4)Take new pill out, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly this time with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10.
5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse in from the garden.
6) Kneel on floor with cat firmly wedged between the knees. Hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get souse to hold the cats head firmly while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cats throat vigorously.
7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill. Make note to buy a new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth for glueing later.
8) Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw. Force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
9)Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans. Drink one beer to take taste away. Apply bandade to spouses forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
10) Retrieve cat from neighbours shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with desert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
11) Fetch screwdriver and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Throw shredded t shirt away and fetch fresh one from bedroom. 12) Ring fire brigade to retrieve the bloody cat from tree accross the road. Apologise to neighbour who crashed while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill out.
13) Tie the little buggers front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of table. Find heavy duty gloves from shed . Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head and pour water down throat to wash pill down.
14) Consume the remainder of whiskey. Get spouse to drive you to emergency room. Wait for doctor to stitch finger and forearm and remove pill remnants from eye. Call in at furniture shop on way home to order new table.
15) Arrange for RSPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and ring pet shop to see of the have any hamsters!!
HOW TO GIVE A DOG A PILL.....Wrap it in bacon!!!!!

Estimate your cats age...chart

salyummz — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:18:22 CDT

The best way to estimate a cats age is like this:
In the first year of cats growth they age rapidly and become about human age 15.
After that a rough guide is to add 4 years for each human year.

Cats ages dont seem to be an exact science, so this is only a guide. An average lifespan of a cat is normally between 15 and 19 human years, so the following should be sufficient. I think you can work it out from there on in if your pal is older than 20!

HUMAN/ CAT
I

Estimate the age of your cat..chart

salyummz — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:56:57 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

KITTY TRIVIA

salyummz — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:17:24 CDT

Did you know...... the average amount of whiskers on a cats face is 24.
The oldest cat on record was aged 38 in 2005.
The smallest cat recorded was just 7 1/2 inches long and 2 3/4 inches tall to the shoulder and weighed just 1lb 8oz..
Normally cats have 18 toes, one was recorded to have 27, thats an extra 9!
The most kittens to have been born at one time is 19, the most to be born to one female in her lifetime is 420.
Heres one for cat lovers! A couple in Australia owned 689 cats.
The recorded richest cat ever was a moggie loved so much by the owner that when he died he left 15 million to the cat!
The best mouser ever recorded caught 28,899 in his lifetime..he was the offical mouse catcher in a distillery.
The heaviest cat weighed in at an amazing 46.8 lb but sadly died only aged 10.

6 KITTEN CARE

salyummz — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:48:42 CDT

The best way to acquire a `moggy` (non pedigree), is from someone you know, a cats home, the RSPCA, or cats protection. Sometimes a local vet will advertise for homes wanted also.
For a pedigree, word of mouth is best or go to a place you can check thoroughly before purchasing your cat. See the mother in a ll cases if at all possible, also look at any other siblings. Check for signs of fleas, worms or any other disorders. All kittens should be lively and full of fun by the time they are ready to leave their mothers, so make sure they are.
If you do find a kitten or take one in from an unknown source, then its best to take them straight to a vet for a health check.
Even fleas and worms can be serious at a young age.
You must be sure to be ready for the new arrival.
There should be a feeding dish and separate water dish, a litter tray and a comfortable bed or beds to snuggle down in.
Kittens should be handled regularly but not forced into it.
Let them sleep when they want to, cats don't like to be disturbed.
Plenty of toys should be supplied, as its a kittens natural instinct to practice hunting and chasing, which domestic indoor cats use toys for although cats which are allowed out will often bring home offerings of some kind, alive or ready killed.
New kittens will investigate everything, so be sure to make things secure as it wont take long for it to start to climb and jump.
Hide wires as these can be chewed.
Keep paint and dangerous chemicals away safely too.
Things you don't want broken should be at least for the time being placed somewhere secure and out of reach.
Close cupboards, doors and drawers after you as kittens love to climb in and fall asleep, leaving an upset owner thinking they have lost the new `baby`.
Start using the kittens name as soon as possible so the cat will begin to get used to it and soon start to come when called.
Always watch where you walk as the kitten may just pop out from nowhere.
Close tumble driers, washing machines, fridges, ovens and freezers after checking inside.
Don't leave anything around that the kitten may find interesting and is likely to eat, such as laces, wool, cotton and needles etc...these can be very harmful if they swallow them.
Check any house plants you own, aren`t poisonous to cats as once again the kitten may chew them.
Finally keep windows on a latch small enough so as not to allow the kitten to get out, not for a few months at least and even then only under supervision to start with.

Never put the litter tray too close to the feeding bowls, cats don`t like to feed near to the loo!...well would you?
Unless you intend to allow your cat free run of your home, close doors from the start where the `no go` areas are. Especially the bedroom, if you don't want the kitten to take over the bed when he/she grows up.

Don't hold kittens by the scruff, just because their mums do it doesn`t mean its safe for a human to.
Cradle a kitten, make them feel secure and that way it doesn't hurt them either.

Kittens like to feed often. So supply plenty of food at regular times.
Dried food is OK, but for kittens moist meat is better. Plenty of water. Milk can be given but a lot of cats find this too rich and it can cause stomach upsets, however if you want to give it a try then start now. the kitten doesn`t seem to tolerate it then stop straight away and stick to just water.

There is no need to cut a cats claws as long as you supply a good scratching post. If however you do want to clip them, then unless you have the right cutters and know what you are doing, you should ask a vet to do it.
Ears should be checked regularly, as ear mites can be a nuisance and irritate. (see disease and illness).
Normally cats should not be bathed as they do the job well enough for themselves. Cats don`t like water anyway and you could have a battle on your hands!
Finally don`t forget those all important vaccinations. Check with your vet for the best time for them to be given, and then keep up with the boosters each year.
Kittens are renowned for being mischievious and playful. Make sure they have plenty of toys etc to play with that way it might save some of your furniture. Scratching posts are essential although most cats will still find the sofa irresistable!
At around 5 to 6 months of age, unless you want to breed from your cat, the kitten should be neutered as this is usually the time when they will begin with their first `season`.

fun stuff (cont`d)

salyummz — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:04:05 CDT

CATS.....Cats sleep anywhere, on a table, on a chair. Top of piano, window ledge, in the middle, on the edge. Open drawer, empty shoe, anybodies lap will do. Fitted in a cardboard box, in the cupboard with your frocks- Anywhere, they don`t care, cats sleep anywhere!

11 TOXIC PLANTS (to cats)

salyummz — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:24:45 CDT

vomitting click then go to page 8

The following plants have been known to cause sickeness, stomach upsets and even death to cats.
Often by the time you realise the cat has eaten some of the plant, it may be too late. However if you do suspect that some has been eaten, see a vet immediately.

Aloe
- Amaryllis
- Andromeda Japonica
- Asian Lily (Liliaceae)
- Asparagus Fern
- Australian Nut
- Autumn Crocus
- Avocado
- Azalea

B
- Bird of Paradise
- American Bittersweet
- European Bittersweet
- Branching Ivy
- Buckeye
- Buddist Pine

C
- Caladium
- Calla Lily
- Castor Bean
- Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)
- Charming
- Diffenbachia
- Chinaberry Tree
- Chinese Evergreen
- Christmas Rose
- Clematis
- Cordatum
- Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)
- Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)
- Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)
- Cycads
- Cyclamen

D
- Daffodil
- Day Lily
- Devil's Ivy
- Dumb Cane
- Deadly Nightshade (See Nightshade)

E
- Easter Lily
- Elephant Ears
- Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)
- Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)
- English Ivy

F
- Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
- Flamingo Plant
- Florida Beauty
- Foxglove
- Fruit Salad Plant

G
- Glacier Ivy
- Gladiolas
- Glory Lily
- Gold Dieffenbachia
- Gold Dust Dracaena
- Golden Pothos
- Green Gold Nephthysis

H
- Hahn's self branching English Ivy
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Heavenly Bamboo
- Holly
- Horsehead Philodendron
- Hurricane Plant
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea

I
- Iris

J
- Japanese Show Lily
- Japanese Yew (aka Yew)
- Jerusalem Cherry Back to Top

K
- Kalanchoe

L
- Lace Fern
- Lacy Tree
- Lily of the Valley

M
- Macadamia Nut
- Madagascar Dragon Tree
- Marble Queen
- Marijuana
- Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)
- Mexican Breadfruit
- Mistletoe "American"
- Morning Glory
- Mother-in-Law

N
- Narcissus
- Needlepoint Ivy
- Nephthytis
- Nightshade

O
- Oleander
- Onion
- Orange Day Lily

P
- Panda
- Peace Lily (aka Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
- Philodendron Pertusum
- Plumosa Fern
- Precatory Bean

Q
- Queensland Nut

R
- Red Emerald
- Red Lily
- Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)
- Red Princess
- Rhododendron
- Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)
- Rubrum Lily

S
- Saddle Leaf Philodendron
- Sago Palm
- Satin Pothos
- Schefflera
- Spotted Dumb Cane
- Stargazer Lily
- Striped Dracaena
- Sweetheart Ivy
- Swiss Cheese Plant

T
- Taro Vine
- Tiger Lily
- Tomato Plant
- Tree Philodendron
- Tropic Snow Dumbcane
- Tulip

V
- Variable Dieffenbachia
- Variegated Philodendron

W
- Warneckei Dracaena
- Wood Lily

Y
- Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
- Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
- Yucca
Back to Top

CAT PICS

salyummz — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:35:25 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

4 MY OWN CAT FAMILY (cont`d)

salyummz — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:49:14 CDT

CLYDE (August 3rd 1995)

This is the big `baby` of the family.
He`s 12 now and brother to Trixie, Diesel and Bonnie (who is to follow after this)
Very affection and also very vocal when he`s giving his opinion, which is a regular occurance!
He`s a Mummy`s boy. Constantly asking me for attention and in no uncertain terms lets me know when he`s not getting it fully.
He sings and talks to me all the time. Always wants a cuddle and snuggles up at night.
Diesel and Clyde have their disagreements on a regular basis though. Nothing too harsh just a squabble as they pass each other, but for the most part they are fine.

BONNIE (August 3rd 1995)
The last of the 4 of Pixies kittens.
The last to be born.
A real little girl, quite dainty and very timid with strangers.
Again very affectionate and vocal.
Another one that demands affection from me all the time.

TIGGER (May 1sr 1992-June 29th 2007)
Ah Tigger, sadly she`s gone now, just a month ago.
Tigger was the old matriach of the family.
She had breast cancer (health pages) the same as Pixie, but this time nothing could be done for her. She was too old and the cancer was too far advanced.
Tigger was fine for quite a long time, but eventually it was making her life un happy and her quality of life was being affected, so i had to make the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia. She was 15 when she finally left me, sadly missed and loved so much all of her life.
I bought her from a market, where she was being kept in a cage, with no food or water and no litter tray. I couldn`t leave her there, so i raked together enough money to buy her and a tin of food. Her first litter tray was a cardboard box, lined with a carrier bag and filled with soil from the garden.
She was to become a wonderful companion for both myself and my dog Dino.
I miss her every day and there will always be those times i look at where she used to lie in her favourite place, and tears will come into my eyes .

FELIX (October 25th 1996)
A tall Tom moggy. I found him being kept in a cage in a pub.
He was a mischievious 4 month old at the time and although the people had called him Felix, they thought it was a female!
He`s a big softy and follows me around a lot. He`s not one for getting into bother and tends to avoid the rest unless he gets in one of his more playful moods.
He`s low in the pecking order as he waits for the others to finish before he`ll go to his food.

SHEBA (April 25th 2007)
Last but by no means least.
This is my latest addition to the family. Shes about 5 months old now.
I got her from a pal who had found herself without a permanant home. I was asked to take care of the kitten until they found their new home.
As time went on, Sheba settled in and made herself at home. Tormenting Felix most of the time, but in who she found a firm friend.
After 2 months of her being with me i couldn`t let her go and as my friend had not yet found a place to live properly, it wouldn`t have been fair on the kitten to take her away from what she now counted as home.
So here she is, funny and amusing. Constantly getting into mischief.
Fascinated by water (waiting on the day she falls in the washing up bowl). The latest trick was to pull a tub of glue on herself. Its a latex glue and impossible to get out. After chopping what i could from her fur, the rest will have to come out naturally. Well if she falls in the bowl now at least she`ll be water proof!!!!
PEBBLES September 1st 2008
Well Sheba WAS to be the last in my collection, but along came Pebbles!
She was found dumped down at the local quarry. A friend found her there, wet through and freezing. He warmed her in his car then fetched her home. Even though his wife has a cat phobia, they did try to keep Pebbles but the youngest child pulled at her and wouldnt leave her alone and she also started to go after the parrot.
Well to cut it short i ended up with her.
She`s full of mischief, very cute and affectionate. Now she`s learnt that talking most likely gets her things, she uses it a lot of the time to her advantage.
Between the two of them, Sheba and Pebbles managed to destroy a Christmas tree about a week before the event, so all i could do was throw that one away and put another one up, then keep fingers crossed as that was the last spare one i had. All went well anyway and now she`s part of the family, part of my life and totally embedded in my heart...the others don`t have a problem with her and have all accepted her fully. So lets hope she has a long and happy life with me and me with her and the others.

3 MY OWN CAT FAMILY

salyummz — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:40:32 CDT

BLUE (November 25th 2000)
A pedigree shorthair, odd eye.

Sadly deaf and no one wanted a deaf cat....except me. He understands some sign language and is a very intelligent cat.
Most breeders have deaf or `faulty cats` put to sleep as they are of no use to them for breeding.
Blue is now a pet, much loved and very happy

Trixie(left) and Mitzi. Niece and Aunt.(August 3rd 1995 and September 1st 1994)
Both happy and healthy although getting on in years now. Trixie is 12 and Mitzi is 13.
Both different characters, with Mitzi being the quiet one, doesntlike to be confronted and tends to cry out if she is, before one of the others gets too near to her!
Trixie is...well is a little over weight to say the least...shes not a greedy cat though, just doesn`t like to excercise too much. Both are vocal although Trixie talks for the whole family at times.

PIXIE.(September 1st 1994)
This is my little hero!
Shes been through a lot in her 13 years.
Sister to Mitzi and Mother to 4 kittens, one of which is Trixie (above).
Giving birth wasnt`t easy. She was caught by a feral Tom that used to come to my home for a feed!
9 weeks later 4 kittens arrived. I hadnt the heart to give them away, as i would have been constantly wondering how they were and if they were being treated right.
Pixies labour was a difficult one. Trixie appeared first and she popped out fairly easily, next was Clyde who was again pretty easy to give birth to.
After that i noticed Pixie seemed to be in a lot of pain and struggling, this one wasn`t coming along easy.
There was just a tiny part of the head showing. This was over an hour now and still no more births.
In the end i had to assist the birth by gently easing the kitten out. He was dead, but i wont give up that easy on an animal!
I took the lifeless kitten down to the kitchen and submerged his tiny body in a dish of quite warm water, up to his neck. Then mouth to mouth.
It`s something you should know about before u attempt on such a tiny animal though so be warned.
It`s a matter of coveringthe whole mouth and nose with your own mout and using veery tiny short breaths, at the same time massaging the heart.
I felt a heart beat after a minute and he began to revive.
The only problem was that his tiny brain had been starved of oxygen for a time and so some damage had been done.
It`s ok though, hes fine really, just a little odd a times, but everything else is normal. He talks a lot and some of the time it`s to inanimate objects, he also teases the others or hits them on the head but with no malice.
Thats just Diesel though!
When i returned to put Pixies kitten back with her, Bonnie had made an appearance, so that was the 4 of them all alive.
As far as Pixie was concerned, that was her bit done and she walked away to clean herself up.
She would stay with the newborns for a short time but then walk away each time.
Mitzi came in and just took over, the kits accepted her as a surrogate mother and that was how it went from there on. Mitzi raised the kittens, they suckled, she got milk through and they grew up healthy.

Pixies next tough time was to come over 11 years after that.
I had noticed a large lump under her belly. Cancer!
Breast cancer to be precise. A very aggresive disease in cats. (i`ll explain more on the health pages)
It was to be touch n go for her during the operation, i knew that.
She had the first mammory strip done (re health pages).
She came through with flying colours, but i knew there had to be a second op done yet.
Again she came through it although this time she needed a little extra care and had to stop at the pet hospital for a night.
Things were going so great and she was eating a little again, then the blow hit a week or so after.
I noticed a discharge from her rear end. On taking her to the vets again, they told me it was Pyometra (health pages), a very dangerous and life threatening disease.
The vet didn`t seem to hold out much hope for her recovery and the feeling that this wasn`t fair rushed through me , even the vet had said, "no, not this little cat".
After normal antibiotic treatment, the only thing to do was a full Spey.
The op went well but she wouldn`t eat or get motivated, so the vet said she needed to stay in as she was still in danger.
I went to see her and she straight away wanted food and affection. the vet allowed her home when he saw how she was with me and that it seemed she would be better off and heal faster in her own surroundings and with me by her side. After each trial she had laid on my pillow and barely moved unless i did, putting all her trust in me and knowing i could never let her come to harm if i could help it.
Pixie is now only waiting for the stitches to come out in a few days, eats like a horse now and is back to her old self.
Once agin just before christmas 2008 my little treasure got cancer. She was operated on by my much trusted vet and again she pulled through, thanks to him and her fighting spirit.

DIESEL (August 3rd 1995)
This is him, the afore mentioned.
Sweet, loving and again vocal. Hes the miracle in the family.
Now 12 years old, but still a kitten at heart.
Such a character with his odd antics, loved so much.
It wouldn`t be him if he didn`t do the daft things he does. So although he has a so called `handicap`. To me he`s perfect.
Sadly my Diesel died on March 22nd 2009 aged 14 ..his kidneys and liver failed.
Very much missed my sweet little one.

GENERAL HEALTH ISSUES

salyummz — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:29:36 CST

STRESS

This is normally quite easily spotted.
Watch for your cat excessively washing itself, also hair loss. (see hair loss (disease and illness)
Not much can be done about general stress unless it is due to a house move or some changes in the household which have upset your cat. If this is the case, once everything is sorted and all is back to normal, the washing will lessen and the fur will regrow.

7 (disease and illness) INDEX

salyummz — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:19:10 CST

The following are on pages 8

FCV (cat flu)
FIE (feline infectious enteritis)
Feline immuno deficiency
Feline infectious peritonitis
Parasites
Ear mites
Fur mites
Mange
Ticks
Worms
Cancer
Abscess
Amaemia
Anal glands
Anal prolapse
Constipation
Eye
Coughs
Bladder
Dandruff
Diarrhoea
Ear (general)
Hair loss
Haematoma
Heart/Strokes
Sunburn
Heatstroke
Teeth
Vomitting

PAGE 9
Alopecia
Asthma
Bleeding
Poison
Canker
Burns
Conjunctivitus
Key-gaskel syndrom
Fits
Fur ball
Gingivitis
Grass eating
Harvest mite
Hyperthyroidism
Itching
Jaundice
Jaw
Kidney
Lungworm
Dermatitis
Pregnancy
Pyometra
Ringworm
Salivating
Stings
Shock
Temperature
3rd eyelid
Toxoplasmosis
Ulcers
Waxy ears
Weightloss

2 profile

salyummz — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:48:52 CDT

Welcome everyone who loves cats, is curious about them, or needs help with health or behaviour problems. I hope you find this site interesting and helpful.
Thank you for taking time out to visit.

10 CAT BREEDS

salyummz — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:00:44 CDT

PAGE 10

To me every cat is beautiful, but people have differing tastes. Here are some of the choices....
British Shorthair, one of the most popular cats. Available in various colours but the blue is most popular of all.

Burmese, available in 10 different colours now, but when they were first imported into the USA in the 1930`s they were only in brown.

The Birman. Known as a non persian type, longhair. This is a blue point.

Siamese, one of the most popular pedigree cats. This is a blue point although there are may differing types such as, seal, chocolate, lilac and red. Also the Balinese which is a long haired variety.

British short hair, odd eye. So called because of having one blue and one green eye. Sadly as in a lot of cases, with white cats, a lot are born deaf and breeds can`t use a deaf cat.
I have one of these cats myself and he is one of the most affectionate cats.

5 ASK THE VET

salyummz — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:54:52 CDT

Self explanitary...any queries or questions on cats...please feel free to ask....

Search this wiki

salyummz — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:33:48 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.