A cat door not only benefits the cat, it brings peace of mind to the cat owner.
The hole should be cut in the bottom of the door on the lock- side so any framing will not interfere with the normal door operation. The door needs to be approximately 250x 250 mm or smaller, depending on the size of your cat. (more…)
Its hearing is the first sense that alerts the cat to potential prey when it is out hunting and, due to its genetic inheritance, the sounds that are most likely to signal the proximity of rodents, its favourite meal, are the ones to which it is the most attuned. And because rodents utter high- pitched squeaks, the upper frequencies of the sound range are those that the cat’s ears are especially adept at detecting, exceeding both dogs and humans in their sensitivity. Indeed, when you think that our detection of acoustic vibrations rises to around 20,000 hertz, and a cat’s to 50,000, we must be deaf to a cacophony of interesting sounds. (more…)
As well as offering considerable advantages, the cat’s body does, however, have its drawbacks, the inevitable consequence of the compromises that nature was forced to make when designing Fells catus. Because the wildcat was — and remains — an opportunistic predator that could not rely on a regular supply of food, for example, the stomach that its descendants have inherited takes up a disproportionately large amount of room at the expense of its heart and lungs. (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…)
At the same time as cats were hard at work controlling European rodents, their Oriental brethren were providing a similar service in the paddy fields and silk farms of China and Japan. In the Far East, however, cats were as much admired for their sleek feline beauty as for their hunting skills. (more…)
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…)
Vaccination is the process of preventing disease in animals or people by exposing them to the same disease in a ’safe’ form. This controlled exposure allows the immune system to learn to recognise the disease so that if encountered in its real, dangerous form in the future, a rapid immune response can be mounted before serious effects of the disease are seen. (more…)
Food will be one of your puppy’s main interests in life. Have you remembered to check with the breeder what your puppy has been fed on? A new house and a different type of food can easily upset a young puppy. A six-week-old puppy should be provided with five meals a day. If your ,puppy has come from a reliable and conscientious breeder you will have been supplied with a diet sheet with the type of food and quantities he will require, although a few useful hints may help you. I have often found diet sheets from breeders contained too milky or sloppy feeds for a puppy. This can often give diarrhoea. If you have this problem, replace milky or sloppy feeds with meat meals. (more…)
