Basics about Cats

History Descendants of Miacis Proailurus, appeared 35 million years ago Egypt, and the Middle East domesticated cats Romans introduced the cat to Europe Cat became valued by farmers

Genus Groups 1.Panthera – lion, leopard, tiger, and jaguar 2.Felis- cannot roar, including small domesticated cats 3.Acinonyx- includes only one member, the cheetah, because its claws do not fully retract.

Felis Division Long-Haired Short Haired

Terms Male- Tom Female- Queen Baby- Kitten

Characteristics Developed for speed and flexibility. The bones, muscles form together to give the animal its size, shape, speed, and strength Skeleton of the cat contains 244 bones, 40 more than humans. Cats coat provides cats with protection from excessive water loss, heat, cold, excessive sunlight, and physical injuries.

Characteristics Forearms grasp prey Whiskers and eyelashes are sensitive to touch. Noses and paws are sensitive Great sense of hearring – Some white cats with blue eyes may be deaf Cats eyes have three eyelids – Two close to protect the eye, third is known as the nictitating membrane, lubricate cornea

Kitten’s Characteristics Eyes closed for about 10 to 12 days after birth. It takes 3 months before the eye is completely developed.

Jacobson’s Organ They have a third set of receptors Located on the roof of the mouth. Stimulated by odors that are picked up by the tongue from the air and transferred to the organ when the cat presses its tongue against the roof of their mouth

Feeding Cats are true carnivores and require almost twice as much protein in their diet as dogs % of the cat’s diet should be animal-type protein. 10% fat Too much liver can cause vitamin A poisoning Milk is great but may cause gas and diarrhea in adult cats, supplement calcium with bone (not chopped or pieces that may get lodged) Raw egg white destroys Vitamin B, biotin

Training Amount of exercise varies Cat scratch to sharpen their claws, to remove loose scales and fragments of dry skin, and to leave a mark for other cats - Kittens should be trained to do so when weaned

Urination Marking territory Inappropriate urination is often a symptom of urinary disease and warrants a quick trip to the vet.

Common Infectious Diseases Feline Panleukopenia -Common in kittens -Adults create immunity and are less likely to die -Spreads through direct contact -Capable of spreading through placental barrier -Vaccines offer the safest and most effective means of protection.

Common Infectious Diseases Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus -Respiratory virus infections. -Both can be shed in discharge from nose, eyes, and throat -Direct Contact -Early signs: depression, sneezing, and coughing -Vaccines are available

Common Infectious Diseases Feline Rhinotracheitis -Respiratory -Vaccines Feline Infectious Peritonitis -Direct Contanct -Abdomen and chest or Specific organ Feline Leukemia Virus - HIV

Toxoplasmosis Internal Parasite Develops fever, jaundice, enlarged lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, anemia, eye inflammation, encephalitis, and intestinal disease. Transmitted to humans