Use information specific to each breed to select the best cat for a given use. Essential Standard 8.00

Discuss the major breeds of cats. Objective 8.01

General Info Cat breeds differ in color and color patterns, length of hair, shape and length of ears, shape and color of eyes, head shape, body conformation, size, and disposition

Shorthair Breeds 1. American Shorthair (Domestic Shorthair) – came to U.S. with English settlers a. 34 recognized color patterns with tabby the most common color b. Medium to large sized cat that is affectionate and makes great lap cat. Bombay (1958) – Relatively new breed resulting from Burmese x American Shorthair a. Medium sized cat is a jet black color with copper or gold colored eyes. b. Bombay’s are graceful, charming, and get along well with others, even strangers.  3. Cornish Rex –  a. Small to medium sized cat oval eyes and curves or rippling hair coat Must be kept indoors because it lacks guard hairs to protect it from the elements 4. Siamese are known for one-­‐on-­‐one devotion to one person even within the family.  a. Eye color is always deep blue and head forms an equilateral triangle from the nose to the tips of the ears. b. Siamese cats are particularly sensitive to vaccinations and anesthetics.  5. Some other Shorthair breeds of cats include: Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Burmese, Devon Rex, Japanese Bobtail, Korat, Manx, Singapura, Snowshoe Breed, Sphynx, etc.

Longhair Breeds 1. Birman -­‐ Sturdy cat of medium to large size with a long, silky coat that does not mat and require little care.  a. Very sociable cat that needs the company of others. b. White paws are characteristic of the Birman breed. 2. Maine Coon – Oldest natural breed in North America, native American origin a. Large-­‐sized cats that reaches 12 -­‐18 pounds b. Brown tabby is the best known color  3. Persian -­‐ one of the oldest and most popular breeds  a. Persians are well mannered, easy going, quiet cats that make good apartment cats and are excellent companions. b. Persians require daily grooming to avoid tangles and knots in their fur and regular bathing to remove excess oil from the coat.  4. Ragdoll (originated in the US during the 1960’s)  a. Exceptionally large and heavy breed with blue eyes. b. Ragdoll cats are docile, quiet, composed, and get their name because they show little signs of fear or pain and take a floppy posture when handled.  5. Some other Longhair breeds of cats include: Balinese, Javanese, Cymric Longhaired Manx, Himalayan and Kashmir, Tiffany, Turkish Angora, etc.

Choose a healthy cat regardless of the type of cat. 1. Look for signs of health. Gums should be pale pink and teeth white. b. Eyes should be clear and bright. Nose should be cool and slightly damp. Clean, glossy coat that is free of mats. Look for signs of illness – Avoid these cats. a. Discharges from the eyes or nose. b. Buildup of wax in the ears can indicate mites. Fleas and parasites such as worms should not be present. Potbellied cats may have infestation of worms.

Use care techniques that improve the well-­‐being of cats. Objective 8.02

Grooming All cats benefit from regular grooming 1. Grooming removes old, dead hair. 2. Grooming gives the opportunity to check the cat for parasites, skin disorders, eye, and ear problems.

Longhaired cats 1. Need daily grooming to keep hair free of tangles and mats and reduces the risk of hairballs.  2. Equipment for longhaired cats include combs, blunt-­‐ended scissors, nail clippers, grooming brush, and grooming powder. a. Combs should include one comb with teeth of two sizes and another fine-­‐toothed comb called a flea comb. b. A grooming brush should have natural bristles because nylon bristles cause excessive static. c. Grooming powder may be baby powder, talcum powder, or cornstarch.  3. Procedure for grooming longhaired cats a. Use a wide-­‐toothed comb to comb all areas of the cat to remove most tangles, being careful around sensitive areas of the stomach, under the tail, and inside the legs. Use blunt-­‐ended scissors to avoid injury to the cat and cut out tangled or matted hair. c. Once the coat is free of tangles and mats use fine-­‐toothed comb to comb down to the skin. d. Brush in the opposite direction of natural hair growth and sprinkle grooming powder onto the cat’s skin. e. Final brushing is done with a soft bristle brush in the direction of hair growth.

Shorthaired cats 1. Usually done with a fine-­‐toothed comb (flea comb). 2. A soft chamois, silk, or nylon pad may be used to help the hair cling tightly to the body.  3. A rubber grooming brush is used sometimes, but care must be taken to avoid removing good hair when brushing.

Bathing Bathing cats is performed more often for show animals than any other.  1. Start bathing cats early at about four months of age.  Avoid splashing or running the water while cat is present. 3. Use about 4" of warm water in a tub.  4. Gently lower the cat into the water and wet the entire cat.  5. Water should be kept out of the cat’s eye and ears. 6. Apply shampoo to the wet coat, lather the coat, and then rinse all shampoo away. Medicated shampoo helps control fleas, but baby shampoo will work for bathing. 7. Towel dry or use a hair dryer on the warm setting.

Other Grooming 1. Check ears for mites and apply ear drops if mites are present. Dark, crumbly, waxy residue inside the ear are an indication mites are present. 2. Check teeth and gums during grooming. Regular feeding of dry food helps clean the teeth.  3. Use clippers when claws need trimming, but do not cut into the pink area of the claw to avoid excessive bleeding and pain. 4. Most cats that use a scratching post do not need claws trimmed.