CaTs Of CHRiSTMaS

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Diseases & Sickness from Cats

Handling a cat is very safe but there are several kinds of diseases that a cat can carry.
Some of these diseases could be transmitted to humans. By following simple health tips,
you can be even safe-against cat-related diseases.

There are some common cat related sicknesses that can make a person sick, such as cat
scratch disease (or cat scratch fever), and others such as plague (play-g), are rare.
Toxoplasmosis (TOX-o-plaz-MO-sis) is a disease that can come from cats, but people are
more likely to get it from eating raw meat or from gardening. Be careful of rabies, cats
can carry this deadly viral disease.

There are other diseases that an individual is more likely to catch. A person's age and
health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
People who are more likely to get diseases from cats include infants, children younger
than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people being
treated for cancer. Below there is some special advice for individuals who are at greater
risk than others of getting diseases from animals.

To protect yourself from cat-related sickness & diseases,

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water after touching cat feces (stool)
* Avoid cat scratches and bites
* If you are scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and running water right
away
* Vaccinate your cat against rabies.
* Many organizations support the health benefits of pets. These groups provide
information on the healthy benefits of animal companionship for people.

~CaTs GaMeS~

Cats Claws Interchangeable Cat Activity Toy System Cat Toys

Get your cat buzzing with this interchangeable cat activity toy system. An assortment of feathery, furry toys tease your cat as they dangle and dance from the end of the super long rods

Paw Pals Cage Ball Cat Toy

Your cat will spend hours trying to capture the belled toy that's trapped inside the wire cage ball. Fun and durable intrigues even the coolest cat

Mews Ments Faux Fur Mouse

This adorable little mouse is the perfect playmate for any kitty. This tiny powerhouse of fun is covered in paw pleasing fur (faux, of course) and finished with cat safe felt decorations. It's so cute, no cat will want just one. Assorted colors-- let us choos

Catnip Sock Mice Catnip Cat Toys

Cats can't resist the paw-soft knitted sock covering on our Sock Mice. These little playthings are stuffed with premium catnip and feature great detailing and colorful tails. They're great everyday playmates to get your cat up and off the couch.

~ Cat PreGnanCy~

Special Care During Pregnancy

A young and healthy pregnant cat usually needs little special care other than extra attention to her nutrition.

She may experience nausea and morning sickness for a few days during mid-pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. She may also show a decrease in appetite and may even go off her food entirely a few days before the birth. If she stops eating for more than a couple of days, or if you notice a decrease in appetite for more than 3-4 days, consult your vet.

You should never medicate a cat unless your vet instructs to do so. This is especially important during pregnancy, where relatively safe and common drugs can be harmful. Let your vet know even if you only suspect your cat may be pregnant before any drugs are prescribed.

Please remember - unless you're a professional breeder and the cat is a part of a breeding program - spay your cat at 4-6 months of age to prevent pregnancy!

~GeT YouR DeSkToP WaLLPaPeR~

~CaTs ReCiPe~ YumMyy!!

**KiTTy PuDDiNG**

This pudding is rich in calcium and can be fed as a supplement for weaning kittens, lactating queens, or sick cats. It can also be used to put weight on show cats.

• 0.35oz (10 grams) unflavored gelatin
• 8.45oz (250ml) boiling water
• 8.45 oz (250ml) evaporated milk (or goat's milk)
• 2 egg yolks (discard the whites)
• 2 tablespoons high calorie mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 capsule acidophilus (or use acidophilus yogurt)
• Cat vitamins

Cat Food Recipe Directions:

Dissolve gelatin in 8.45oz (250ml) boiling water and leave to cool. Add all remaining ingredients to cooled gelatin. Place the mixture in the refrigerator. The mixture will gel as it cools and can be scooped out as required.

Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave before serving. Do not return heated mixture to the main supply. Mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for seven days or frozen until needed.

**Sassy Cat's Special Dinner**

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon minced, cooked green beans
• 1 teaspoon shredded carrot (if you substitute other vegetables, avoid the ones with a lot of natural sugars)
• 2 tablespoons baked chicken breast (no skin) minced
• 1/3 Cup cooked brown rice (unrefined; wild rice is good)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (good for preventing hair balls and constipation - common to diabetics)
  

Cat Food Recipe Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon or in a blender/food processor. It's important to get the rice mixed in well so that it can't be picked out. (Diabetics need fiber and cats with kidney failure problems need to limit their protein intake so this serves two purposes.)

Cook in a small Pyrex skillet over low heat, stirring and "chopping" constantly, until the egg is at least soft-set but done. Refrigerate in air-tight containers, such as Tupperware, RubberMaid, or Zip-Lock baggies. Use within 36 hours (refrigerated). Stores well in the freezer in Zip-Lock Baggies and can be thawed and warmed simultaneously in boiling water in the bag.

Cat Food Recipe courtesy of I-Love-Cats.com

~My CaTs~ mUaaaHHhh....

~~~~~~~~~~meowwww~~~~~~~~~

~Buying A Kitten From A Pet Shop~

Sometimes kittens are available in pet shops. These kittens are unlikely to have come from a reputable show breeder and are most likely to have come from a pet owner with an unplanned pregnancy or from commercial kitten farms. There is some risk as to whether these kittens will be of good temperament or health as the parents cannot be seen and often little or no information can be given about their background or breeding.

It is no fun buying a unhealthy, weakly kitten and then dealing with the problems this presents afterwards - it can cause a lot of heartache so it is essential to find a good healthy kitten. Should any pet shop or the health of the kittens for sale cause concern they can be reported to an Animal Welfare organisation or local authority if the conditions warrant it.

~ CAT CARE ~

Feeding

• An adult cat should be fed one large or two or three smaller meals each day.
• Kittens from 6 to 12 weeks must eat four times a day.
• Kittens from three to six months need to be fed three times a day.

You can either feed specific meals, throwing away any leftover canned food after 30 minutes, or keep dry food available at all times. We recommend a high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food; avoid generic brands. You will need to provide fresh, clean water at all times, and wash and refill water bowls daily.

Although cat owners of old were told to give their pets a saucer of milk, cats do not easily digest cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea in kittens and cats. Treats are yummy for cats, but don't go overboard. Most packaged treats contain lots of sugar and fat, which can pack on the pounds. Some cats like fresh fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, corn or cantaloupe. You can offer these once in awhile.

If your kitten is refusing food or isn’t eating enough, try soaking her kitten food in warm water. If that doesn’t work, kittens can be fed human baby food for a short time. Use turkey or chicken baby food made for children six months and older. Gradually mix with her regular food.

Grooming

Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs.

Handling
To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Housing

Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to sleep and rest. Line your cat's bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Cats who are allowed outdoors can contract diseases, get ticks or parasites, become lost or get hit by a car, or get into fights with other free-roaming cats and dogs. Also, cats may prey on native wildlife.

TURKISH ANGORA

|History|

There is no authentic account regarding the origin of Turkey Angora. They probably originated from the Manul cat domesticated by the Tartars. The Angora was introduced in Europe in early 17th century and in America in the late 18th century. In 1962, the Angora was rediscovered by American servicemen in the Ankara Zoo in Ankara, Turkey. In 1970 the CFA accepted the Turkish Angora for registration. In 1973 the CFA gave Championship status to Angora.

|Appearance|

Turkish Angora is a medium-sized cat. It is finely boned with firm muscular structure. They have large, almond shaped eyes with color ranging from green, gold, green-gold, copper, blue, or odd-eyed. While pure white is the main color of Turkish Angora, they come in other colors too. They have a kinked or abnormal tail.

|Personality|

Turkish Angora are very devoted to their humans and have a strong bonding with them. An Angora is totally involved with what the owner is doing. They are very intelligent and are renowned for their swimming prowess.

NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT

|History|

Norwegian Forest Cat is an ancient cat known for centuries. It is a natural breed that probably arrived in Norway from Europe, descendants of domestic cats introduced to northern Europe by the Romans. The first efforts to have the Forest Cat recognized as a distinct breed began in the 1930s. The first Norwegian cat club was founded in 1934, and in 1938 the first Forest Cat was exhibited at a show in Oslo, Norway. World War II, however, hindered these efforts. Interbreeding with Norway's shorthaired domestic cat (called the hauskatt) threatened the Forest Cat's existence as a pure breed. In 1970s, the cat fanciers of Norway started a serious breeding program to preserve the Norwegian Forest Cat. TICA, was the first to recognize the breed in 1984. The breed attained CFA Championship status in 1993 and got recognition from ACA in 1985.

|Appearance|

Norwegian Forest Cat is a relatively large cat, with hind legs longer than front legs. It has a double coat. It is solidly muscled and well-balanced. It has high bone density. It has large almond shaped eyes. The eyes may be blue or green colored.

|Personality|

Norwegian Forest Cats are natural athletes. They are active and playful. They are sweet, friendly, and family-oriented, and they love their human companions. They adapt easily to new people and new environment.

MAINE COONS

|History|

Maine Coon is the native of the state of Maine. It is one of the oldest breeds of North America. There are many myths and stories surrounding Maine Coon. A popular belief is that it originated from matings between semi-wild, domestic cats and raccoons. Maine Coons were first recorded in cat literature in 1861. Their popularity declined with the arrival of Persian cats. In 1950s their popularity began to rise. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) to preserve and protect the breed. By 1980 Maine Coon was recognized by all the registries.

|Appearance|

Maine Coons have a long, rectangular body, large bones, square muzzles, high cheekbones, large oval eyes, tufted ears and toes with an extra-long flowing tail. One of the distinctive features of Maine Coon is a long, smooth, silky and shaggy coat that is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the belly and tail. They come in variety of colors and patterns including solid, tabby, bicolor, tortoiseshells, tabby-torties, smoke and shaded colors.

|Personality|

Maine Coons are renowned for their loving nature and intelligence. They are very loyal and enjoy the company of both humans and other pet animals. They are very easy to train and adapt themselves easily to new environment.

HIMALAYAN

|History|

The longhaired Himalayan is very similar to the Persian, with a large, short and heavy body. They developed as a result of cross between Persians and Siamese to combine the Siamese point coloring with Persian type. The CFA and the ACFA recognized the breed in 1957 under the name Himalayan, named for the color pattern found in other animals, such as the Himalayan rabbit. By 1961 all major U.S. cat associations recognized the Himalayan. In 1984 the CFA united the Himalayan and the Persian breeds, arguing that the body type was the same for both breeds.

|Appearance|

Himalayan Cat is large to medium sized and is heavily boned. Himalayans have well-rounded cobby bodies and short, thick legs with a short, bushy tail. They also have a short, strong neck supporting a very large and round head. They have deep vivid blue eyes.

|Personality|

They are gentle, calm, and sweet-tempered. They are extremely playful and express themselves with a melodius voice. Himalayans are devoted and dependent upon their owners for companionship and protection.

EXOTIC SHORTHAIR

|History|

Exotic Shorthair is shorthaired version of the Persian and originated from the crossing of a Persian with an American Shorthair. In1960s American short hair breeders in an attempt to improve the color of their breed crossed American Short hair with Persians and thus Exotic Short hair was born. In 1967 CFA gave formal recognition to the Exotic Shorthair as a breed. By the late 1960s, the Exotic was recognized by most cat associations.

|Appearance|

Exotic Shorthair has high bone density and is well-balanced. They are round headed with large, round eyes that are set wide apart. They have a thick, dense, plush and soft coat. Their eyes are large, full and round. They come in various colors such as black, bi-colors, pointed colors, smokes, tortoiseshell , tabbies and all the Persian colors.

|Personality|

Exotic Shorthairs have a quiet and calm nature. They are very loyal, affectionate and easy going. They are very sensitive to human emotions. They have a tame and docile Personality.

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CYMRIC

|History|

The Cymric is a longhaired, tailless version of the shorthaired, tailless Manx. It originated in the Isle, located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. It is believed to have been introduced to the Isle of Man by human settlers and explorers. Earlier it was named - Longhaired Manx, the name was changed to Cymric in 1970s.

|Appearance|

The Cymric is a tailless cat, round headed, and has large, round and full eyes. It is compact and stout in Appearance. It has a short, thick neck and a solid, muscular, medium-size body.

|Personality|

Cymrics are intelligent, fun-loving cats, and mingle easily with other pets. They are very loyal to their owners, are quick learners, and are gentle and non-aggressive in nature.

CHARTREUX

|History|

The Chartreux is a natural French breed of great antiquity. Legend has it that they were raised as a companion by the Carthusian monks. However, in all likelihood due to the woolly character of their fur, Chartreux were given the same name as that of the well-known Spanish wool of the early 18th century. Its documented History is as early as 16th century.

|Appearance|

The Chartreux is characterized by large, sturdy, and muscular physique. It is known for its beautiful grey-blue colour, woolly double coat, quiet voice, and smiling expression. The woolly double coat is very soft and lush. The Chartreux has large eyes that are copper to gold with deep, brilliant orange as the preferred eye colour.

|Personality|

Chartreux are calm attentive, gentle, and adaptable cats. They enjoy the company of people. They have a mild temperament. Chatreux are highly intelligent and are quick learners. They are extremely agile as per their size and are natural hunters.

BURMESE CAT

|History|

The modern History of Burmese cat dates back to 1930 when a female cat named Wong Mau was brought to San Fransisco, USA by a naval doctor Joseph C. Thompson from Yangon, Myanmar (previously known as Burma). Dr. Thompson mated Wong Mau to a cat most similar to her type - the Seal Point Siamese. The CFA accepted the Burmese in 1936. In 1947 CFA withdrew the recognition as many hybrid Burmese/Siamese cats were being sold as purebred Burmese. The CFA reinstated the Burmese for recognition in 1953, and for Championship in 1957. The renewed recognition was based on a new standard that permitted only solid coat colors without markings.

|Appearance|

Burmese are small to medium sized cats with a muscular frame. Their paws are neat and oval shaped with slender legs and neck. The tail is medium in length, with a slight taper to a rounded tip. The most characteristic feature of the Burmese is their wonderful coats. Their coats are short, fine, sleek and glossy, lying close to the body, and satin-like in feel and texture. The Burmese cat has ten main recognised colours - six fully coloured (brown, chocolate, blue, red, lilac and cream) and four mixed coloured (Seal tortieshell, Chocolate tortieshell, Blue tortieshell and Lilac tortieshell)

|Personality|

Burmese are intelligent, boisterous, lively and alert in nature. They are gregarious and love the company of adults, children and pet. They are very affectionate and are interested in everything that humans do.

BRITISH SHORTHAIR

|History|

The British Shorthair is the British counterpart of American shorthair. It is probably the oldest English breed of cat, and can trace its ancestry back to the domestic cat of Rome. In the late 1800s cat fancier Harrison Weir was instrumental in establishing the British Shorthair as an officially recognized breed. World War II resulted in their near extinction but dedicated efforts afterwards saved this species.

|Appearance|

The British Short hair is a compact, well-balanced, and powerful cat, with a short, very dense coat. They are round headed, broad chested, have short and strong legs and a thick tail. One of the most appealing features of the British Shorthair is their built-in smile caused by their round whisker pads. The British Shorthair comes in various colours with blue being the most popular one.

|Personality|

British Shorthairs are quiet, even-tempered, intelligent, alert and affectionate cats. They are extremely loyal, gel easily with people and are especially good with children and other pets. They are low-profile and tend to be independent.

BENGAL

|History|

The Bengal cat is a distinct, unique breed of spotted domestic cat originated from the ancestral crossing of a domestic cat such as an Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese or Egyptian Mau with an Asian Leopard Cat. The main credit for this breed goes to Jean Sudgen of the USA. Jean Sudgen crossed a black shorthaired domestic cat with a female Asian Leopard Cat in 1963. Offspring were produced proving that a second generation was possible. Jean carried further crossing and finally in 1984 Bengal cat was recognized by the International Cat Association.

|Appearance|

Bengal are usually short haired . They come in six colours - the Brown (Black) Spotted, the Brown (Black) Marbled, the Blue-Eyed or AOC-Eyed (any other coloured) Snow Spotted Bengals, and the Blue-Eyed or AOC-Eyed Snow Marble Bengals.

|Personality|

The Bengals are very mischievous and boisterous. They are also very vocal, intelligent, loving and people oriented cats. They are very affectionate and mix well with children and other animals.

BALINESE

|History|

The Balinese breed originated in early 1900s as a spontaneous longhaired mutation of the Siamese cat. A Siamese with long hair was registered with CFF in 1928, but it wasn't until 1940's that the long-haired version was promoted as a breed.

|Appearance|

Balinese is dainty and aristocratic in Appearance with a long body, head, legs, and tail. The Balinese has a fine and silky, single coat lying close to the body, with hair length between half an inch to two inches on the body. They are characterized by their long, plume tail. Balinese come in variety of colors like blue, chocolate, lilac, seal, lynx, cream and red.

|Personality|

Balinese cats are demonstrative, affectionate and extremely intelligent cats with a healthy curiosity. They are known for their ability to communicate vocally. Balinese are agile leapers. They also seek attention.

AMERICAN CURL

|History|

The American Curl has a very short history. The breed originated in June 1981 as a spontaneous genetic mutation in the domestic cat population. By 1986 it was recognized by two of the largest cat registries. American Curl history began June 1981 in Lakewood, California. Two curled cats wandered up to the doorstep of cat lovers Joe and Grace Ruga. One disappeared soon after arriving. The other, a longhaired black cat that Ruga named Shulamith stayed . In December 1981, Shulamith delivered her first litter of four kittens. Of the four, two had ears that curled. A geneticist was contacted to study this phenomenon and he confirmed that this unusual ear was a genetic trait and was inherited in every case, causing it to be labelled a dominant gene, with no deformities attached to it. Referred to as a spontaneous mutation, the gene that causes the ear to curl appeared to be following a single dominant pattern.

|Appearance|

The ideal American Curl is a medium sized, alert cat with an elegant appearance and a sweet, open expression complimented by their remarkable ears. At birth, Curl kittens look like any other kitten, but between one and seven days the ears get firmer and start to plump up and curve back. American Curls come in both longhair and shorthair with both varieties having soft, silky, lustrous, flat-lying coats.

|Personality|

American Curls are very people-oriented, faithful, and affectionate cats. They love companionship and adjust remarkably fast to other pet animals, children, and new situations. Curls are even-tempered and intelligent. They are known for their affinity with children.

AMERICAN BOBTAIL

|History|
American Bobtail cat breed is the descendant of naturally occurring bobtail cats found in the wild. The American Bobtail originated in late 1960s. The original Bobtail bloodline came from a mating between a short-tailed brown tabby male and a seal point Siamese female. Birman, Himalayan and a Himalayan/Siamese cross were then added to the bloodline by the breeders. American Bobtail was accepted for championship status by TICA in 2002 and as Provisional in CFA.

|Appearance|

American Bobtail is medium to large sized, sturdy, rugged-looking breed. They are short-tailed cats. They have either short dense coat or a longer, shaggy-appearing coat. American Bobtails have large, oval shaped eyes. The color of the eyes depends upon color of the coat. American Bobtails come in all colors and patterns.

|Personality|

Contrary to its rugged appearance, the American Bobtail is not a wild cat. American Bobtails are playful, energetic, friendly, and intelligent cats. They are very people-oriented and demand human attention.

ABYSSINIAN

|History|

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds of pedigree cat. It is believed to be descended from a cat called Zula, brought to England by Captain Barrett Leonard at the conclusion of the Abyssinian war in 1868. There are no verifiable, written records tracing early Abyssinians to Zula, but Abyssinians were exhibited at Crystal Palace in 1871 so it is certain that all Abyssinians are descended from cats bred in the United Kingdom. Recent genetic studies indicate that today's Abyssinian may have descended from a breed found in Southeast Asia and the coast of the Indian Ocean. Abyssinians do resemble the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) - the progenitor of all domestic cats.

|Appearance|

The Abyssinian is a ticked or agouti breed. The distinctive coat appearance comes from the combination of colors on each hair shaft. Abyssinians are medium in size, lithe and muscular. Abyssinians come in several colours. Usually, sorrel, fawn and blue are the most widely accepted colours in the UK, while the American colour terms are ruddy, red, fawn and blue. In Australia, the popular colours are tawny, cinnamon, blue and fawn. The Abyssinian's eyes are oval shaped usually green, hazel or gold and eye lined.

|Personality|

Abyssinian cats have lively personalities showing interest in all activities around them. Temperamentally they are well balanced. They enjoy the company of human beings and are very intelligent, affectionate and loyal.