Cats, Chaos and Confusion

Make A Cat Bed!

2017-01-29T11:52:00.000+00:00

Have a sweater/jumper that you don't wear any more?

If you have been trying to work out what to do with old sweaters that haven't been worn in years, but are still very good condition, why not make them into a cat bed or a pet bed for a puppy/small dog depending on the sweater size.

This is a great idea for recycling old clothes and makes a great and inexpensive gift! It would make a nice present for friends and family members who love their pets (whether they be cats or dogs) as much you do!

Pets love lying our clothes and with a few quick stitches you can make this tailored pet bed out of an old sweater.

A Guide to Cat Vaccinations

2017-01-29T11:46:00.000+00:00

Vaccines work by fooling the body into thinking it is threatened and stimulating the defence system of the body into producing antibodies to fight off the disease.
Vaccinating your cat is very important as it protects them against common and deadly diseases, some of which have no cure.

Vaccinations are given from 9 weeks old, and require annual boosters.

What are the vaccines?

Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine (also called "Feline Distemper")
Panleukopenia is caused by a feline parvovirus (FPV), and is capable of being spread rapidly, with a high mortality rate, especially in younger cats.
Feline Calicivirus - This virus, along with the Feline Herpes virus, causes the majority of upper respiratory infections (URI) in cats, and can be spread by "carrier" cats for years.
Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus) - It has been estimated that 70% of kittens with severe Rhinotracheitis infections will die, and it can also cause permanent neurological damage to kittens.

These vaccines will not provide total clinical immunity to the diseases, but will minimize the severity of upper respiratory infection.

In certain situations, vaccines may be withheld or delayed:

Cats in Very Poor Health
Senior Cats
Cats With Compromised Immune Systems

Your veterinarian will know your cat best, and should be your source of information.

If your cat is sick, do NOT let them have ANY kind of vaccination until they are well. As with children - they should not have vaccinations while they're sick - the same goes for our pets too!

British Shorthair

2017-01-29T11:44:00.000+00:00

The British Shorthairs, known to be the oldest English cat breed, are perfect family pets.
If you are thinking of bringing home a British Shorthair you will find it to be a loyal and affectionate companion.
British Shorthairs were developed by the interbreeding of Roman cats and the English wild cats. Later, the breed from this union was bred with the Persian cat to enhance the look of the coat. They are usually heavy and are loving animals that are very energetic.

Physical Appearance

A fully grown British Shorthair has a long and compact body, which often looks like a stuffed teddy bear.
Its main feature is the thick and plush coat that adorns its beauty.
This graceful animal has a round face, with perfect and beautiful round eyes.
The British Shorthair is usually known for its splendid blue colour, but it is also found in various other colours like blue, red, cinnamon, chocolate, white, fawn, black, lilac and cream. These colours can appear in various patterns including, tabby, colour print, smoke, tortoiseshell, shaded, bicolour, etc.
This breed is said to have a permanent smile on its face.
The eye colour of the British Shorthair depends on the colour of the body.

Nature and Temperament

British Shorthairs love to be around people, especially children and also in the company of other pets in the house. Although they like to run and jump around, when they grow up, they tend to laze around a lot, supervising the ongoing activities in the house, while lying in a very comfortable position.
They do not need to be given too much attention, and are peace loving creatures.
British Shorthairs do not like to be picked up, but love to sit beside the owner and be petted occasionally.

Training and Grooming

Training the British Shorthairs is interesting and a very easy task as they are calm and intelligent animals.
Due to their short hair, they also do not need constant grooming. Their thick fur coat only needs to be brushed once in a while.

Health Care

British Shorthairs are very healthy and live for 14 - 20 years and not many of them are found with genetic disorders. However, British Shorthairs can be affected by the diseases that normally affect all feline breeds.
One major problem found in the British Shorthairs is obesity, especially during the adolescent period. So take extra care with their food as obesity in the cat can give rise to health problems and even an early death of the cat.

Stop Your Cat Scratching

2017-01-29T11:42:00.000+00:00

Scratching is a completely natural behaviour and you won't be able to stop your cat from scratching completely.
It allows your cat to mark their territory and maintain their claws. Also, many cats seem to simply enjoy it.

It is very important to make sure that your cat has at least one scratching post so that you can redirect their scratching away from your furniture and onto their post. They need something that they are allowed and encouraged to scratch.

Top Ten Tips

Make sure there are multiple scratching opportunities. Cats often like to scratch after eating and sleeping, so be sure there is something to scratch near where they eat and sleep.
A scratching post is an excellent investment for your cat. It will allow them to scratch, stretch and exercise all at once.
If you want to provide your cat not only with scratching surface, but and places where they can climb, perch and sleep you should consider cat tree.
Cover the furniture with something your cat does not like: double sided tape, some plastic or aluminium foil. Some cats dislike the feeling and sound of foil, and most cats hate things that stick to their fur.
Keep your cat mentally stimulated and offer plenty of opportunity for exercise. If your cat is frustrated and bored, they may scratch your furniture or tear your curtains.
Give your cat enough play time. Cats are motivated by smell, sound, texture and movement. The toys you use should aim to cover all these aspects.
Cutting the nails regularly may help keep a cat from scratching the furniture, or at least reduce the damage done by its scratching. Get your kitten used to having its nails clipped while it is young, praise them while you clip the nail and reward her with a treat.
Consider a window perch for your feline friend. It will give your cat hours of entertainment - especially if you place a bird or squirrel feeder in the garden outside the window. Be sure the window is closed so your pet won’t fall out.
If your cat is gaining access to a high bookcase by leaping from a nearby chair, move the chair. Without a launch pad, your cat will no longer be able to reach.
There are training devices that keep cats off forbidden areas by making annoying sounds. They are available at pet supply stores, catalogues and websites.
If your cat still scratches in appropriate places, spray those places with scents like bitter apple or orange peel, which are good deterrents.

All forms of physical punishment should be avoided since they can cause fear or aggression toward the owner, and at best, the cat will only learn to stop the scratching while the owner is around.

Please do NOT declaw your cat. The last joint in each toe is severed. How would you feel if someone literally chopped off the ends of your fingers so that your nails were completely removed?
It is a painful procedure that can result in a variety of complications, such as continual bleeding or ongoing pain. Some animal behaviourists report that it can also lead to behavioural problems, such as aggression and anxiety. Cats need their claws for climbing, defence, balancing and grasping, so please leave them be.

How To Read Your Cat's Body Language

2014-09-19T16:27:00.000+01:00

How can you tell what your cat is thinking or what its mood is?
Cats are huge on body language, so the first thing you can look at is your cat's eyes. If they are wide and staring, that can mean that they are about to be aggressive or they are focusing on something and they are getting ready to pounce.

If their eyes are narrow and blinking, that usually means they are very happy and content and comfortable.

In the second video cat expert Dr Katherine Miller of the ASPCA tells how to understand your cat's mood.

The next thing, would be to look at a cat's tail. If a cat's tail is swishing back and forth in a very repetitive soft motion, that usually means that they are happy and all is well in the world. If the tail is flickering in a very aggressive manner, that usually precedes an attack so be careful. Cat's tails can also quiver, and sometimes cat's tails do that when they are marking. They can also do that when you rub the back of their back. And that can mean that they like you, it is a sign of affection.

If a cat rubs up against you, they are actually marking you as their territory so it is actually a sign of affection. And the other interesting thing is, I do not know if you have ever noticed that when a cat walks into a room full of people that the cat does not know, it usually goes over to the person that is either scared of them, or does not like cats because that person is not making eye contact. So if you were making eye contact at a cat, they can potentially think that you are being aggressive so they will avoid you.

Cats Are Great Therapy For Depression

2014-09-19T16:15:00.000+01:00

If you share your home with a cat, I'm sure you'll know that they are great companions.

They unknowingly offer therapy to us on many levels - but could a cat or kitten's purr help with your depression? - It might. Studies show that animals can reduce tension and improve mood.

Along with treatment, pets can help some people with mild to moderate depression feel better.

A Cat's Guide To Taking Care Of Your Human

If you're depressed here are some ways that pets could help.

Unconditional Friendship Cats don't ask for anything, they don't judge us or make demands. There's nothing complicated about a relationship with a cat. This is reassuring for children who sometimes feel afraid or anxious about making or maintaining friendships at school.
Responsibility And Routine Cats need to be fed at certain times each day and the litter box requires scooping. The sense of feeling needed is another benefit to taking care of cats. Having a daily schedule helps people with depression. An animal's natural routine, waking you in the morning, demanding food or walks can help you stay on track.
Companionship. Depression can isolate you. It can make you pull back from your friends and loved ones. If you have a pet, you're never alone. That can really make a difference.
Social interaction. Having a pet can gently push you to get more social contact. Pets are natural icebreakers and other pet owners love to talk about their animals.
Touch. Studies show that people feel better when they have physical contact with others. Pets offer something similar. There's something naturally soothing about petting a cat on your lap.

Multiple studies show that a pet can help reduce stress and even lower blood pressure. For those who live with depression or anxiety, pets can truly be an integral part of getting through the day and overcoming challenges. This is true for both adults and children.

Tuxedo Cats - Black And White Feline Beauties

2013-11-16T13:39:00.000+00:00

Tuxedo cats are not a cat breed. They just have a very unique coat pattern and colouring.

In fact, tuxedo cats are bi-colour cats. They are true black and white feline beauties.

What is a Tuxedo Cat?

The term refers to those cats with a specific colour pattern on their coat, which appears like a tuxedo. In order to be considered a tuxedo cat, the feline must have a solid black coat with white patches on the paws, belly, chest, throat and chin. The white patches must be limited to those regions.
These cats can be easily identified with their special coat pattern and the white-collared 'V' on their chest. Tuxedo cats are also known as black mask cats, as they have black colouration around their eyes that looks like a mask. In some regions, these cats are known as 'Jellicle' cats or 'Billicat'.
Many cat breeds have tuxedos, which are commonly seen in both domestic short hair and long hair varieties. Some of those cat breeds which have tuxedos are American Short hair, British Short hair, Manx, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Scottish Fold, Persian and Bombay. You can find tuxedo cats in mixed breeds too.

Tuxedo cats have the following characteristics:

Solid black throughout the entire body (except for a few white patches).
The white patches must be on the chin, chest, belly, and paws.
Must have more black than white.
Tuxedo cats look as if they're wearing a tuxedo. That's why they are called tuxedo cats.

It is important to note that not all black and white cats are tuxedos. There are some bi-colour, black and white cats that are not tuxedos. Some of these cats, for example, may have more white than black, or be half black and half white, or have solid white throughout their bodies and just have a few small patches of black. They are not considered to be tuxedos.

Personality It is a common belief that tuxedo cats are more friendly, smart, affectionate, vocal and intelligent. They are very popular and can be seen in movies, as cartoon characters and even in literature.

Some well-known tuxedo cats.

Tuxedos were immortalized in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, a poem by T.S. Eliot in which a tribe of black and white cats are the protagonists.
It is said that famous personalities like William Shakespeare, Beethoven and Sir Isaac Newton owned tuxedo cats.
It was a tuxedo cat (named Sparky), that inherited over 6.3 million dollars in 1998. This was the largest inheritance ever left for a cat.
The only cat that climbed Mt. Everest was a tuxedo named Roderick.
Other famous tuxedos include Sylvester the Cat (of Looney Toons fame), Felix the Cat (that wonderful, wonderful cat who became a star of the silent era and beyond), and of course Socks, former President Clinton's cat. Socks joined the list of the many cats who have called the White House their home.
During the World War II, the military officers awarded a medal to Simon, a tuxedo cat. The award was for protecting the soldiers' food from pests, like mice, lizards, and insects.

Tuxedos make wonderful and loving companions.

Urinary Tract Blockage in Cats - Four Ways to Nurse Your Cat Back to Health

2013-08-22T11:51:00.001+01:00

Urinary tract blockage in cats can be a painful ordeal for your pet.

There are many causes for this condition; it can be caused by stones (similar to us humans), or inflammatory debris and crystals which may develop in the urinary tract. Male cats are more prone to developing this condition, and there are more long-haired breeds affected by it compared to their short-haired cousins.

It's important to get the urinary tract blockage out first. The vet will then run various tests to further look into your animal's condition. Once the test results are out, and the probable cause determined, your vet will start your cat on treatments. Depending on your cat's condition, the doctor may ask that your pet stay in the hospital for a few days for continuous treatment and observation. But when it's time for you to take your pet home, what can you do to ensure that kitty gets well under your watch?

The doctor may have given you specific instructions on administering medication, what kind of food to give your cat, and all the other basic 'medical' stuff you need to look out for. But as your cat's most trusted friend, what should you do to nurse your cat back to health?

Follow doctor's orders. This is crucial, and will help prevent relapses. If your cat is on medication or antibiotics, be mindful of the time of administration, and the dosage. If your cat needs to go on a special diet, make sure you follow the special diet. Don't give in to the urge of giving your cat a treat that deviates from the diet prescribed by the doctor. If need be, you'll have to 'force feed' your cat to take in more liquids. This can be done by using a dropper, and don't stop any medication or diet unless the doctor tells you to. Urinary tract infections in cats can recur, and if you're not providing the right kind of care to your recovering cat, you may find yourself back at the vet within two weeks.
Provide a stress-free environment. This means leaving your cat alone if it wants to be left alone. Explain to younger family members that your cat is still 'sick' and in recovery, and strenuous activities should be suspended until your kitty is back in perfect shape. Allow your cat to have a quiet place to rest, free from noise and other disturbances. It would be wise not to introduce new pets in the home at this time, as your cat is more susceptible to new diseases at this weakened state. New pets may also provide agitation to kitty, so wait until your cat is back to its old active self before bringing in a new companion.
Keep things clean and sanitized. There's a reason why hospitals keep everything around their patients 'clean' and 'sanitized.' The same should be true in a home with a recovering kitty. Make sure that there's fresh, clean water available to your cat at all times. And keep the litter box clean.
Go back for checkups. It's great to see your cat slowly coming back to its old happy and healthy self. That means the treatment that your vet prescribed works, and that you've fulfilled your role as responsible cat owner.

Urinary tract infections in cats can be easily addressed especially if detected early. Nurse your cat back to health by following the doctor's orders.

Article by Puneet Aggarwal who is a regular writer on Pet problems.

Siamese Cats

2013-08-22T11:46:00.000+01:00

To those of you who are familiar with traditional Siamese cats from the 60s and 70s, this may come as a shock: many Siamese have changed their appearance in the past 40 years!

The Siamese always was an elegant cat but now some of its sleek lines have become very extreme indeed. Known as the Modern style Siamese, it has very large ears (sometimes called bat ears by detractors) placed lower on the head, a narrow elongated body and thin whip -like tail. As a result, the typical Siamese of years past has been reinvented.

Why tell you this?

First, to make you aware that this different-shaped Siamese even exists.
Second, to help you decide whether you're leaning towards traditional Siamese cats or their modern counterparts before you buy.
Third, to share some of the debate with you. In fact, a number of people insist that the old-style Siamese is more robust, has fewer health issues and lives longer than the Modern but this is hotly contested within the breed clubs.

From personal experience, and generally speaking, I have found the Traditionals more easygoing and easier to live with. A few personal experiences do not replace solid research so rather than take anyone's word about which is the better feline, take your time and research this properly.

How to find Traditional Siamese Cats

If after researching you're still leaning towards traditional Siamese cats, then read on.

These cats are known by many names - Classic, Thai, Applehead or Apple Head, Old Style or Wichienmaat in their original home of Thailand. There are differences in body shape among them but they clearly still look traditional as opposed to Modern.

There are also other traditional Siamese cats.

The Traditional Balinese, for example, is a long-haired Siamese. Unlike many long-haired cats their coats don't require excessive care and are all Siamese but with a generally more laid back attitude to life.

Why do all these different names matter?

They give you more search terms when finding local breeders, who might describe their cats as Thai Style rather than Traditional so knowing the different names might help you not only find a breeder but improve your research into Siamese murky history.
Finding a good Traditional Siamese breeder does require homework. Don't assume that all breeders are professionals and have the highest standards. Personal recommendations are a great start but failing that, try to visit breeders and make up your own mind about their cats and their breeding ethics during your visit.
Here's a tip: visit them when they have nothing to sell, for example before the main birthing season in spring. This way you won't be tempted into a rush decision, because all kittens are cute, whether they come from a good breeder or a backstreet charlatan. Buying a kitten for whom you feel sorry perpetuates bad breeding practices.
To get the Traditional Siamese cat of your dreams, you might have to travel some distance to find a breeder you trust. And, don't be too upset if you have to join a waiting list for your kitten. Where would you rather eat, in a bustling restaurant or in an empty one? The same with breeders. A popular one with fewer quality kittens available at any one time is a good sign. Please don't be put out if the breeder asks you lots of questions! The breeder cares about where the kittens are going to live.

Good luck in your search, you know the wait will be worth it!

Article by Anne Sterck, 'The Siamese Cat Lady', who has never been without a cat or two or three! She is presently owned by Cumin, the cutest and naughtiest Siamese cat in France.

How to Clean Your Cat's Eyes

2013-05-19T15:44:00.001+01:00

Cleaning your cat's eyes properly requires a few key things, like lukewarm salty water.

This video shows you how to clean your cat's eyes.

'The Great Catsby'

2013-05-14T18:37:00.003+01:00

How do you improve on The Great Gatsby movie to make it better for the modern Internet?

Add some cats!

This is a mix-up of The Great Gatsby trailer and Disney classic The Aristocats.

Mixing the sound of one with the visuals of the other, the result is a treat - due in no small part to Duchess uttering Carey Mulligan's lines with lipsync perfection (and Thomas O'Malley doing the same with Leonardo DiCaprio's); and the sight of the cat jazz band every time the music gets ramped up.

Looking After Your Cat’s Teeth

2013-05-02T18:19:00.000+01:00

Tooth and gum problems occur in eight out of every ten cats over the age of three.

This is a really good reason to establish a routine of brushing your cat's teeth early on. Cats tend to accumulate plaque (food debris and bacteria) on the outside of their teeth, but not on the inside. This hardens to form tartar, irritating the gums and causing gingivitis and loss of teeth. The bacteria can even potentially enter the bloodstream and damage internal organs.

Brushing
Despite popular opinion, it is possible to train a cat to accept teeth cleaning with time and patience. Home teeth-cleaning is easier if introduced to a cat early in life, preferably as a kitten.

The following tips will help you start brushing your cat’s teeth:

Obtain a toothbrush designed for cats from your vet, one per cat to prevent disease transmission.
Obtain special pet toothpaste in flavours that you cat will find tasty, like malt or chicken. Never use toothpaste made for humans!
Choose a time that you can stick to each day to make it a routine event.
Finger brushes should be used with caution as they can be accidentally bitten with your finger inside!
Start by putting tasty toothpaste on your finger and offering it to your cat to lick. Do this daily for a few days.
Have your cats back to you when you start brushing as they may try and reverse; this is also a less confrontational approach.
If your cat tries to push you away with their paws, you may need someone to help you hold them, but it is better to try to slowly acclimatise your cat by repeatedly touching their mouth and head and offering rewards daily for many days.
Move on to slowly retracting the lips and touching the teeth with the toothbrush, then stop and reward your cat. Again repeat this daily for several days.
If this is tolerated well, then you can start gently brushing the teeth by applying the bristles to the teeth at a 45-degree angle, reaching both the tooth surface and just beneath the gum margin, but not directly on the gums.
Start by doing this very briefly (10 seconds or so) before rewarding.

If your cat is still very young, do not attempt to brush milk teeth, but get your kitten used to having its teeth touched from a very early age as a precursor to daily dental care.

Dental care products
Some cats will not tolerate tooth brushing, however hard you try. Rather than continue to cause them stress, talk to your vet about other products you can use, such as oral hygiene gels containing enzymes that inhibit the bacteria responsible for plaque formation. You can give them to your cat directly or mix them with food. Dental chews are also available, as well as special dry food diets that contain fibre and exert a scraping action as your cat chews. Home dental care is a good idea to reduce the amount of dental problems your cat may suffer in their lifetime. With patience and persistence most cats will learn to tolerate tooth cleaning.

Purrdey

2013-04-27T09:28:00.000+01:00

Purrdey went OTRB yesterday. For 15 years she has been a friend and a loving companion. We will miss her.

Cat Breeds for People with Allergies

2013-04-26T15:12:00.000+01:00

Unlike certain breeds of dogs, there are no hypoallergenic cats for those that have bad allergies.

In this video, learn some tips and tricks on how to live with cats.

There Are No Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
Unfortunately there are no good breeds for people with allergies. There's one company that makes genetically engineered cats that are supposed to be allergen free. These are very expensive cats. They have genetically knocked out one gene in those cats for the one major allergen and there are at least four of them, so they don't knock them all out.

Allergens Exist in Cat Saliva and Glands
The main cat allergen, which is called Fel D1 is not in the hair or the skin, it's in the saliva and in the hair oil glands and those types of things. So even hairless cats like the sphinx have that, probably the same amount of allergen. And if you're truly allergic to that allergen, and many people are, then it doesn't take much of that allergen to breach that threshold.

How to Live with Cats
Perhaps the best thing you can do would be to bathe them more regularly. Some cats tolerate baths very well; some cats don't tolerate baths very well. Bathing them, just actually rinsing them in water is reasonably helpful whether you use shampoos or not.

Brush Your Cat Often
Brush your cat using the right kind of combs for instance, those kinds of combs that strip out the undercoats because you take out some of the dead hair. That can also help the cats in their normal grooming process and so you'll get a lot of the allergen off that way.

Vacuum and Clean Your House
Cleaning your house more regularly and changing the mattress pads and covers and getting the impervious mattress covers that are advertised for house dust mites, those types of things can potentially help some. HEPA filtration can also potentially help.

Eye Problems - What to Watch Out For

2013-04-17T16:33:00.000+01:00

Certain types of body language will alert you to possible eye distress.

If your cat is constantly squinting or pawing at their eye area, give their eyes a good inspection.

If you find any of the symptoms listed below, you should immediately call your vet. Look out for the following:

Discharge
Watering
Red or white eyelid linings
Crusty build-up in the corners of the eye
Tear-stained fur
Closed eye(s)
Cloudiness or change in eye colour
Visible third eyelid

Wipe away any discharge from your cat’s eyes with a damp cotton ball. Always wipe away from the corner of the eye, and use a fresh cotton ball for each eye. Try not to use eye washes or eye drops unless they’ve been prescribed by your vet. If you notice unnatural discharge during your grooming session, consult your vet.

Eye Disorders The following eye-related disorders are commonly seen in cats:

Conjunctivitis: One or both of your cat’s eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge.
Third eyelid protrusion: If the third eyelid becomes visible or crosses your cat’s eye, they may have a wound or may be suffering from diarrhoea, worms or a virus.
Keratitis: If your cat’s cornea becomes inflamed, the eye will look cloudy and watery.
Cataracts: This opacity on the eye is often seen in elderly and diabetic cats.
Glaucoma: The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to an increased pressure in the eyeball.
Bulging eye: Bulging can occur because of accident or trauma or an eye tumour.
Retinal disease: Partial or total vision loss can happen when light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye degenerate.
Watery eyes: The fur around your cat’s eyes may be stained with tears because of blocked tear ducts or an overproduction of tears.

Treating Eye Conditions Many feline eye disorders can be treated with vet-prescribed drops or ointments-your vet will show you how to apply eye and ear drops at home.

Preventing Eye Problems The best way to prevent eye conditions is to make sure your cat gets all their vaccinations and has thorough check-ups. Please examine their eyes regularly and consult a vet if you find any abnormalities. Eye conditions that are left untreated can lead to impaired sight or even blindness.

"Pet" African Serval Rescued

2013-04-14T17:29:00.000+01:00

Nala is an African Serval, she was kept as a "pet" for the first three years of her life, until her owner died and she needed a new home.....

Fortunately Big Cat Rescue was in a postion to take her in and give her a permanent home in a more natural environment.

Unfortunately it's legal in over half of the USA to own wild animals like tigers, lions, leopards and other big cats. Of course they never make good pets and often end up spending their lives languishing in tiny backyard cages or enter back in to the exotic animal trade where they are killed for their body parts.

Who Is That?

2013-04-10T16:02:00.000+01:00

You spot someone in the distance - but you're not sure if it's another person, or your own reflection.

So what do you do? You move. And see if the 'reflection' moves in the same way. Simples!

So simples, in fact, that even cats do it. At least, Sox - the cat - did it.

Click play to watch our feline friend looking very flummoxed indeed.

Singapura - Smallest Cat Breed

2013-04-10T15:31:00.001+01:00

There are many small-sized cat breeds in the world, but the Singapura is considered the smallest among them.

Read on for more information about the smallest cat breed.

There are many different cat breeds that differ in size, features, behaviour and a host of various other aspects. While, some people opt for large and medium-sized cats, small cat breeds are also equally in demand. Even small cat breeds are numerous and include some of the popular ones across the globe. Some of the smallest domestic cats are Russian blue, Cornish Rex, Modern Siamese, Nebelung, Devon Rex and Singapura. These cat breeds vary slightly in body weight, but all are small-sized ones.

Which is the Smallest Cat Breed?
Even though, there are various small cat breeds, the Singapura is considered the smallest among them. This cat breed is listed as the world's smallest domesticated cat breed in the Guinness Book of World Records. These cats are believed to originate in the streets of Singapore and are also known as drain cats. It is said that this smallest cat breed was found in the drains and streets of Singapore in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 1975, three of these cats were brought to the United States, by Tommy and Hal Meadow. It was Tommy (an Abyssinian and Burmese breeder), who started breeding these local cats from Singapore. This breeding program was successful in discarding the undesired traits and retaining a consistency in the coat colour, pattern and disposition of these cats. This cat breed was named Singapura and was widely promoted. Now, this cat is popular across the globe and is recognized by almost all registration authorities.

More About Singapura Cats
Now, you know that Singapura cats are the world’s smallest cat breed and are very popular as pets, due to their gentle and affectionate nature. The Singapura females weigh between five to six pounds and the body weight of males range between six to eight pounds. The females may have a low body weight of four pounds too. They are very slow-growing cats and take around sixteen months to two years to grow full size. The characteristic features of this small cat are their large eyes and ears and the silky, short-haired and ticked sepia coat. The coat colour could be brownish or beige. The eye colour of this cat breed can be green, hazel or yellow. They have short, muscular legs and a stocky body. They have a regular tail with normal length. Singapura cats have a playful and lively nature and they love to live in human company.

In short, Singapura cats are perfect as pets and the only grooming they need is an occasional combing of the short-haired sepia coat. This smallest cat breed is hugely popular for their affectionate nature, short stature and other features.

Cat Helps With The Laundry

2013-04-08T15:30:00.000+01:00

We all know that cats like to be where the action is - well this is one helpful cat who likes to give a paw with the laundry!

And then there's poor old Cupcake - snooping around on top of the laundry hamper when...

Well, we won't spoil it for you.

Russian Blue Cats

2013-04-03T17:36:00.000+01:00

The Russian Blue is a cat that can charm even dog lovers with its affectionate and loyal character.

The most obvious characteristic of a Russian Blue cat breed would be its silvery-blue coat. The cat's body is slender, medium-sized and is covered with a lovely blue-grey silky coat. The fur is blue with silver edges, and these edges give the cat quite a shimmering look. It has deep green, almond-shaped eyes.
The Russian Blue can sometimes be confused with similar looking breeds, such as British Shorthair, Korat or Chartreux.
The British Shorthair resembles a cute little teddy bear. It has a rather round, chubby face and round copper eyes. And it also can come in more colours than the Russian Blue.
The Korat comes from Thailand and can be distinguished by its really big eyes and the fact that its head has the shape of a heart.
The Chartreux, a French breed, is a large and muscular cat with golden/copper eyes instead of deep green.
Despite these physical differences among the three breeds, they do have a lot of things in common in terms of cat behaviour. All of them are very clever, friendly, loving and loyal cats, who tend to grow fond of a certain person in their home, and to follow that person wherever he/she goes, always ready to lend a hand or just study every action and movement.
Russian Blues are notorious for their high level of intelligence and playful disposition. However, they seem to be quite shy around people they don't know. This type of cat can be trained very easily, as it is quite a fast learner.

These cats may appear to have the capacity to express themselves, even communicate with their owners. They seem to be able to suggest very clearly what their needs are at a certain moment, whether it is food, affection, litter-change. This type of cat is known to be quite receptive to human emotions. They can give us a feeling of reciprocity and can get very loyal to their beloved owners. Normally, they have a shy attitude towards unknown people.
Russian Blues love to find out new things, so they "study" any person or thing that appears in their life. They are generally quiet, respectful pets, unless they are bored, neglected or stressed. In this case, they are likely to make a mess of everything that comes in their way, so watch out!
They prefer to be handled with care, and so prefer adult owners to small children. One of the things they love most is to feel the safety of indoor life. So they can spend hours on end looking out of the window. Another great advantage of this type of cat, apart from its loveliness, is their being extremely clean pets. Blues are, in all, a very healthy breed. As compared to other rather modern breeds of cats, the Russian Blue is a natural breed.

Korat Cats

2013-03-30T15:51:00.000+00:00

Korats are blue-grey shorthair domestic cats with a small to medium build.

They are intelligent, playful, active cats and form strong bonds with people.

The Korat is a medium sized and compact cat with a lithe and supple body. It has a heart shaped face with a short nose and large ears. The Korat has arresting eyes - the newborn has blue eyes which change to amber with a green hue around the pupil during adolescence. The mature cat's eyes are a luminous green. The ears have rounded tips with a large flare at the base which give the cat a very alert expression.

It appears to be a light weight but when picked up is surprisingly heavy and firm. The bulk is carried at the front of the cat with well developed and muscular shoulders, a short and heavy neck and a broad chest.

Coat
The Korats coat is often compared to the Russian Blue with its short haired blue tinged coat but it is unique and not matched by any other breed. The hair roots are dark blue which darken and then become silver tipped at the ends.

Temperament
The Korat is known to be a gentle animal that prefers to move softly and dislikes sudden loud or harsh noises. In fact they are known to have extraordinary senses - hearing, sight and scent. They bond very closely to their owners and are exceptional as lap cats! They enjoy a good game but are also known to be gentle and tolerant of children. However their acute sense of hearing means they may not tolerate very young noisy children! They are in intelligent breed which adapts well to training. They are highly sociable and do best with constant companionship (either human or other animals). They can also be chatty and have a loud and demanding voice when they want attention.

Health
This is a breed that has evolved over the centuries through natural selection and as such is considered to be strong and healthy. Like any breed, keeping them indoors will improve their life expectancy and general health.

Possible Genetic Disorders
The breed has been associated with Gangliosidosis which is a neurological defect which appears in kittens. However this can be avoided by breeders using DNA testing before breeding and so is now rarely seen.

Best Suited - For people willing to keep their cats indoors and those able to provide a high level of companionship. Also suitable for people who are away at work during the day as long as other feline companionship is provided.

Not Suited - For families with young noisy children or for people who are unable to provide the companionship this breed needs.

LaPerm Cats

2013-03-28T18:12:00.000+00:00

The LaPerm's most striking feature is the coat.

It is soft, wavy, curly and even extending to ringlets in the long-haired variety. It can resemble a shaggy perm hence the name!

The long and short-haired variety can vary in length and fullness.

The LaPerm's most striking feature is the coat. It is soft, wavy, curly and even extending to ringlets in the long-haired variety. It can resemble a shaggy perm hence the name! The long and short-haired variety can vary in length and fullness depending on the maturity of the cat and the season.

The longhairs can have a full ruff on the neck once mature and both varieties have a ‘saddle' of shorter hair over the shoulder area and curly ear hair. The tightest curls are on the underside of the cat and at the base of the ears. The tail hair stands out like a bottle brush!

The coat feels textured and many have described it as like stroking velvet. The shorthairs have more texture to the coat than the longhairs. All colours and patterns are permissible by breed standards although tabbies, reds and tortoiseshell are the most common.

The coat is light and single (no undercoat) and is easily groomed by regular combing. Some kittens may be born hairless but most have short wavy hair at birth. For the first six months of a LaPerm's life it is a guessing game as to what sort of coat it has as the coat may grow, revert to baldness, and then grow back in!

Temperament
LaPerms have a great temperament. Gentle and affectionate, they seek human contact and love to be cuddled and held. They are intelligent and inquisitive and like to know what is going on around them. Being a farm cat they are excellent hunters so you need to protect local wildlife from them. This instinct to hunt will be easily diverted by providing toys and games. They are generally very adaptable cats that are not overly demanding but will become vocal if needing attention.

Health
This is a healthy and robust breed that just requires a weekly comb to keep the coat in top condition.

Possible Genetic Disorders
No known genetic disorders.

Best Suited
To those wanting companionship with an independent and extroverted cat. Best kept indoors due to their propensity to hunt. Being adaptable they will be a good breed to socialise with other pets and children.

Not Suited
To those wanting an independent outdoor type cat.

Tail Signals in Cats

2013-03-25T17:16:00.000+00:00

Almost everyone understands the wagging tail of the dog.

However the tail of the cat is still a big mystery to most.

A cat's tail is very expressive if you know what to look for.

Here are some basic tail signals and what they are generally thought to signify.

Tail lowered with just the tip curved up. This is a happy, relaxed cat.
Tail gently switching from side-to-side. This is a cat who has noticed something interesting like a bird at the window or the scratching sounds of a mouse. It can also signify indecision as to what to do next such as to climb a tree or stay on the ground.
Tail straight up. This is a friendly cat that is coming forward to greet you. If the tip is bent, this could mean he is a little insecure about his reception.
Tail tip swishing quickly and sharply from side-to-side. This cat is irritated or angry. If pushed, it could swipe with a paw or even bite.
Tail swishing quickly and violently from side-to-side. This is an angry or seriously frightened cat that could be getting ready to attack or flee. It's best to back off until he calms down. Staring at a cat is both threatening and provocative. It's best to look away and move away until the tail switching stops.
Tail fluffed up. If the tail is lowered it can mean fear. If the tail is up, it can mean an aggressive cat. Cats fluff up their tails and the fur on their bodies when they want to look larger than they are in an attempt to intimidate whatever is worrying or bothering them.
Tail held straight up and quivering as the cat is backed up against a vertical object like a bush or tree. This is a cat that is marking its territory with urine. If a cat is doing this inside your house, it's time to get out the cleaner and find your cat another hobby.

Meet The Six-Fingered Cats Of Ernest Hemingway

2013-03-20T18:47:00.001+00:00

The house owned by Ernest Hemingway in Key West, Florida is today a museum visited by devotees of the famous American writer.

Most tourists come to see how the Nobel Literature Prize writer lived and worked. Many also return to visit the six-fingered cats that live in the house and who are the descendants of 'Snowball' a cat which originally belonged to the author himself.

Why Don't Cats Like Sweets?

2013-03-18T14:55:00.003+00:00

Cats do not appear to like the taste of sugar either as cakes, biscuits or in sugar-laden drinks.

Those who live with cats have known this for quite some time but now it seems the gene which operates the receptor for the taste of sweetness is filled with 'errors.'

Mammals use taste buds on their tongues to taste sweetness. Sweet substances bind to two proteins on the cell surface.

A study of cat DNA showed that the gene to make one of those proteins is defective probably rendering the sense of 'sweetness' immaterial. Researchers laid out plain water and sugar water for domestic cats and found that they had no preference for either. Interestingly, cats did not prefer the plain water in which case it is likely that cats simply do not register, or are indifferent, to sweetness.

It is not so much that cats dislike sweets but that they cannot taste sweetness. As with so many things in the world of cats, the larger cousins to domestic felines also showed the same lack of interest. Wild cats, lions and tigers and their kin also displayed disinterest in sweets.

Cats are carnivorous animals and it is reasonable to speculate that carnivores do not need to taste sweetness in order to appreciate meat. Interestingly though cats do enjoy chewing on grass so they do have some interest in carbohydrates but they may simply prefer the bitterness in some grasses rather than the sweetness of others.