Happy Pets

Unless you are about to become the proud owner of a Sphynx, which has no hair at all, if you buy nothing else in the way of grooming equipment, you should at least invest in a comb that has been specially designed for felines (not a human one) to help your cat to keep its coat tangle-free. Human-assisted grooming is vital for longhaired cats to prevent their coats from becoming so drastically matted that the only solution is a trip to the vet’s to have the solid clumps of fur shaved away. (more…)

Unless you intend to breed from, or show, your cat, there is little that a pedigree feline can offer that a mongrel moggie can’t match. Just like people, every cat is a unique character, whether their lineage is uncertain or you can trace it back for many generations. Probably the only significant difference between purebreds like our Somali, Melchior, and crosspeds like his companion, Caspar, is that you can predict with reasonable accuracy how any kittens that a pedigree cat may have will look, especially if the other parent is of the some breed. And although it is often said that because moggies, unlike many pedigrees, aren’t inbred, their mixed gene pool makes them more resistant to disease and generally tougher, this claim hasn’t been scientifically substantiated (and in any case, many moggies are born into close-knit family groups). (more…)

A successful hunter needs to be fit, and cats keep themselves trim by strolling the perimeters of their territory on their regular inspection tours, climbing trees or other lofty vantage points from which cats can monitor any interesting goings-on and, of course, pouncing at potential prey. (The reason why many indoor cats occasionally career around the house at top speed is both to let off steam and to indulge in the type of hunting exercise that outdoor cats more regularly enjoy.) (more…)

As well as controlling the essential functions of eating, drinking and breeding, in many respects the feline sense of smell can be said to be the engine that keeps cat society running smoothly, defining as it does the individual cat’s place within its feline (or feline—human) community, its relationship with other cats (or, in the case of a human household, surrogate cats) and the boundaries of its personal territory. (more…)

A cat climbs like a monkey, walks as gracefully as a ballerina and balances with the effortless ease of a champion tightrope-walker. As we have seen, when a cat is hunting, its powerful back legs provide the momentum that launches it into a leap or pounce, while its front legs stretch out to grasp its prey. This pattern is repeated when a cat climbs a vertical object like a tree or fence, its hindquarters propelling it upwards — sometimes up to five times the cat’s height — and the hooked claws of its front paws sinking into the surface to act as grappling irons, thereby enabling the cat to get a firm enough hold to pull itself upwards with its strong front legs. (more…)

Despite such Far Eastern reservations, about the cat’s exact intentions towards humanity, it is considered wise to hedge one’s bets and to treat cats with respect, as in Persia (Iran), where black cats are said to be jinns (spirits that assume feline form) or hemzads (individuals’ guardian ‘angels’). The world over, the cat’s mysterious, far-seeing eyes are considered to reveal its clairvoyant powers, as well as its agility and cunning ingenuity, just some of the characteristics for which it is respected as a totemic animal by many African and Native American peoples. (more…)

Wheezing

Wheezing is noisy breathing (respiration) and may be accompanied by increased effort during breathing, noticeable by exaggerated movements of the abdomen or chest, and perhaps more rapid breathing than normal. True wheezing is often caused by allergic conditions, especially the quite common condition of feline ASTHMA, but most owners would be unable to differentiate this from similar breathing noises caused by other conditions such as PNEUMONIA. (more…)

Superficial skin wounds are treated by bathing with tepid saline to keep the area moist and clean. It is unnecessary to apply antiseptic creams or ointments if prompt attention (within 24 hours) is being sought. Simply bathe regularly (every 2 hours or so) and keep the cat indoors. Generally, only attempt to apply a bandage if severe or continued bleeding requires this; most wounds are best left uncovered initially as correct bandaging is a difficult task in the majority of cats and improperly applied bandages can do more harm than good. If the cat will allow, trim the hair around the edges of the wound to allow easier bathing. (more…)

List of temperament Puppy tests

Test One: Place puppy on the ground. Walk away, calling him. If the puppy follows and tries to bite shoes and shoelaces, or hang on to trousers as the breeder walks, he belongs in category number 1. If a puppy follows joyfully, jumps up and doesn’t bite, he belongs in category number 2. If he follows, but a little uncertain with tail down, put him under number 3. If he refuses to come at all, he’s a number 4 puppy.

Test Two: Place puppy on the ground. Sit down on the floor a little way away. Call him, pleasantly, clapping your hands. If he comes and bites hands, he belongs in group number 1. If he comes and licks, wagging his tail, put him under number 2. If he comes uncertainly, he belongs in group number 3. If he refuses to come at all, he’s a number 4. puppy. (more…)

The most important thing when choosing a puppy is that you must be honest with yourself in assessing not only your capabilities and physical fitness for dog ownership, but your character. The best ‘way I can describe to you how to match yourself to a dog is to explain how I match with Labradors, and how various friends I know match with their breeds of dogs. I am going to try and be as honest with you as I can about my own temperament. Firstly, I am basically idle, so if I chose a breed with a heavy coat I am sure I would occasionally miss the daily grooming sessions. Although I love walking and being out in the country, the faster type of breeds would not suit me. I need a slower-moving dog who I can keep within my sight-range. (more…)