Natural Way to Feed a Cat : Cat Health Care & Behavior

Pets and your health: the good and the bad

Source: http://www.latimes.com
( Getty Images )

Cat litter: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that can be transmitted through the feces of infected cats. Cats can only get infected if they hunt and eat rodents or if their owners feed them raw meat. And as a rule, even an infected cat can only transmit the disease for two weeks in its entire life. 

It's rare for people to get toxoplasmosis from their cats, but the disease is very dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to birth defects or miscarriages. Have someone else clean your cat's litter box, or wear rubber gloves while you do it, and wash your hands very well after you're done. Change the litter every day (the protozoa in cat feces can't infect anyone until the feces are at least a day old). 

Still, remember: The most common way for people to get toxoplasmosis is by eating undercooked meat.

10 unusual cat breeds

10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

Source:http://www.smashinglists.com/10-most-popular-cat-breeds/

Cats are the most wonderful creatures in the world. They are the beloved pets in most households and neighborhoods. The cat, also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felines and felids, is a small carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and its ability to hunt vermin and household pests. Cats have been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years, and are currently the most popular pet in the world.When making the decision to own a pet, first you decide on which kind you want. They are fun-loving, good natured, and are considered safe around children. Actually, cats are the easiest pets to own. Cats are the perfect companions. They do not require much from the owner. They only have to be regularly fed. They also need a shelter. Cats can be toilet trained too. A simple tray and a few training sessions can dispense with the problem of dealing with their dirt, especially for indoor cats. Even though purebred pedigree cats can be attractive, there are so many homeless cats that are just as adorable, and are in need of good homes. Most any cat will be a wonderful addition to your home. However, avoid the ones that hiss at you off the bat.

1. Persian cat The Persian is a longhaired cat characterized by its round face and shortened muzzle. Universally rated as number one most popular breed because it is so loving and devoted. One of the oldest cat breeds, it takes its name from its place of origin, Persia (Iran). Recognized by the cat fancy since the late 19th century, it was developed first by the English, and then mainly by American breeders after the Second World War. In Britain, it is called the Longhair or Persian Longhair. Although Persians are high-maintenance and need grooming every day, this is more than compensated for by their affectionate and loyal personality.This breed of cat is devoted and laid back, but its’ hair can be nightmare for maintaining, sometimes growing up to 3 inches long! Persians need a comfortable environment to feel safe.

2. Siamese cat The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognised breeds of Oriental cat. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is believed to be from Southeast Asia. The breed standard of the Modern Siamese indicates an elegant, slim, stylish, flexible and well muscled body. Its head is triangular shaped, with a thin snout. The eyes are almond-shaped and oblique. The hair is short, glossy, fine, soft, tight and adhered to the body. The Siamese is characterized by its typical pointed color scheme. A Siamese cat always wants to be the center of attention. They want to be cared for. These cats are very communicative, yowling in a rasping voice for attention or just to chat! They tend to get too noisy or cry a lot if you ignore them. They are slim and athletic with large ears. Their fur is short and lies close to their skin. They love to be stroked, and are extremely loyal and close to one person. They are very intelligent and loving.

3. The Maine Coon cat The Maine Coon is noted for its large bone structure, its rectangular body shape, and a long, flowing coat. The breed can be seen in a variety of colors and are known for their intelligence. Maine Coons are one of the biggest domestic breeds. Males average 12 to 18 pounds in weight and females are usually 10-14. They are hardy, gentle and loving with long fur but don’t need as much grooming as a Persian. Their good-natured personality will make them very safe with kids. One will be a very loyal addition to the family.

4. Abyssinian cat The Abyssinian is a breed of domesticated cat with a distinctive ticked coat. There are many stories about its origins, often revolving around Egypt, but the actual origins are uncertain. The Abyssinian has become one of the most popular breeds of shorthair cat in the USA. The coat is medium-length, dense, and silky to the touch. The Abyssinian have coats that are unusual enough to catch attention. Each hair has a base color with three or four darker-colored bands; the hair is the lighter color at the root, and the darker “ticking” color at the tip. Abyssinians are very active, busy and playful, and they love people.

5. Ragdoll cat The Ragdoll is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds with a sturdy body, large frame and proportionate legs. It is a breed with blue eyes and a distinct colorpoint coat. It is a large and muscular semi-longhair cat with a soft and silky coat. Developed by controversial American breeder Ann Baker, it is best known for its docile and placid temperament and affectionate nature. The name “Ragdoll” is derived from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up. They are very gentle, easy-going and affectionate. They are perfect for any household. They are so docile that it can be dangerous for them to go out as they wouldn’t defend themselves if another animal attacked them.

6. The Exotic Cat Breeders crossed the American Shorthair with the Persian in the United States around 1960. Thus were born shorthaired Persians, called Exotic Shorthairs. The Exotic Shorthair has a gentle and calm personality reminiscent of the Persian, but it is livelier than his longhaired ancestor. Curious and playful, it is friendly to other cats and dogs. It rarely meows. It doesn’t like being left alone, and needs the presence of its owner (or of voices or smells reminiscent of its master-such as a radio kept on). They tend to show more affection and loyalty than most breeds and make excellent lap cats. Their calm and steady nature makes them ideal apartment cats for city dwellers. Nonetheless, Exotics retain some of the energetic spark of their American Shorthair forebears and they are often capable mouse hunters.

7. Savannah Cat Savannahs are considered one of the larger breeds of domesticated cats. The savannah’s tall and slim build gives the appearance of greater size than their actual weight. It is a cross between the serval and a domestic cat. Savannahs are commonly compared to dogs in their loyalty, and they will follow their owners around the house like a canine. They can also be trained to walk on a leash, and even fetch. Savannahs are reported as being very social and friendly with new people, and other cats and dogs, while others may run and hide or revert to hissing and growling when seeing a stranger. Exposure to other people and pets is most likely the key factor in sociability as the Savannah kitten grows up. Savannahs have not had temperament issues that would be associated with foundation cats of a more shy and/or aggressive exotic cat hybrid.Owners are very impressed with the intelligence of this breed of cat. An often noted trait of the Savannah is its jumping ability. Savannahs are very inquisitive, and have been known to get into all sorts of things. They often learn how to open doors and cupboards, and anyone buying a Savannah will likely need to take special precautions to prevent the cat from getting into things.Savannah cats do not fear water; many will play or even immerse themselves in water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah cats.

8. Burmese Cat The Burmese is considered a foreign shorthair in the United States. Accepted eye colour for the breed is gold or yellow, although interbreeding with Siamese may lead to blue or green. Blue eyes or teal (“aqua”) eyes, are genetically impossible in a pure Burmese cat.[2] The coat is known for being glossy, with a satin-like finish. As with most short-hairs, it requires no additional grooming. Burmese cats tend to be vocal like the Siamese. They can get really bonded and trusting with their owners.

9. Manx Cat The Manx is a breed of cat with a naturally occurring mutation of the spine. This mutation shortens the tail, resulting in a range of tail lengths from normal to tail-less. Many Manx have a small “stub” of a tail, but Manx cats are best known as being entirely tail-less; this is the distinguishing characteristic of the breed and a cat body type genetic mutation. The Manx are said to be skilled hunters, known to take down larger prey even when they are young. They are often sought by farmers with rodent problems. The hind legs of a Manx are longer than the front legs, creating a continuous arch from shoulders to rump giving the cat a rounded appearance. Ears are smaller than most cat breeds and Manx can come in any color, including Tortoise-shell, Tabby, Calico, and all solid coat colors. Heads are round in shape, and often very expressive, with cute eyes and small nose. 

10. Sphynx Cat The Sphynx (also known as Canadian Hairless or Mexican Hairless) is a breed of cat known for its lack of a coat. The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, but it is not truly hairless. The skin texture resembles that of Chamois leather. It may be covered with very short, fine hair, not unlike a peach. Because the sphynx cats have no pelt to keep them warm they huddle up against other animals and people. They even tend to cuddle up and sleep with their owners under the covers. Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch.The skin is the color their fur would be, and all the usual cat marking patterns (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc) may be found on Sphynx skin. Owing to the lack of fur, Sphynxes require regular washing because there is no fur to soak up the natural oils in their skin. Sphynxes are known for their extrovert behavior. They display a high level of energy, intelligence, curiosity, and affection for their owners.They have unusually large eyes.

Ideal Companion: Balinese

Balinese Cat Fact Sheet

Source: http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au

Temperament: active, friendly 
Cost: $300 
Lifespan: 13-15 years 
Maintenance: medium 
Recommended for: families

While many cat breeds are named after their country of origin - such as the Maine Coon or Siamese - the Balinese isn't one of them. Said to be long-haired mutants of Siamese litters, Balinese are now recognised in their own right, although sometimes confused with other Siamese-influenced breeds such as the Birman, Ragdoll, or Himalayan.

Appearance: Although silky-coated, the Balinese has a slim, sleek body type with typical Siamese-dark markings on the mask, tail and feet. Like Siamese they have four main colours, seal, chocolate, lilac and blue. The eyes are blue.

Temperament: An animated cat, the Balinese is said to be less vocal and demanding than a Siamese, although still full of energy and mischief.

Health: A healthy cat with no serious problems. Fur balls can form when the silky coat is shedding. Ask your vet for an appropriate dietary additive if this is a recurring problem.

Ideal owner/housepet potential: Balinese are suited to people who want a pet which is actively involved with the family, not a breathing doorstop. They enjoy having people around and may "visit" neighbours if left alone for long periods of time. They seem well-suited to families with school-age children, although many are contented pets of single and retired people. They seem satisfied with a life indoors, although the silky coat can shed surprising amounts of hair on clothing and furniture, especially coming out of winter! Many can - and will - climb curtains and furniture.

Grooming: Although considered a longhair, the coat is silky and doesn't usually matt. Regular grooming isn't really necessary although it will minimise loose hairs being dropped around the house.

For further information

Alcira Coppin-Crosby
Penny Lane Cattery
Phone: (03) 5424 1623

Alcira can refer people to breeders throughout Australia.