Cats Felis Catus

History First cat appeared 35 million years ago. Cats were domesticated about 4000 years ago. Much later than dogs! This is probably due to its independent and solitary nature.

All modern cats can be traced to one of these types of cats. – African Wild Cat – Jungle Cat – European Wild Cat

Skeleton and Muscles Skeleton developed for speed and flexibility. Their skeleton contains 244 bones – 40 more than humans – Extras found in spine and tail

500 separate muscles, largest in rear for running and jumping. – 150 less than humans – 30 in ears – Large muscles found in hind legs

Ears for hunting and are much more sensitive than a humans. Cochlea-is an organ within the ear that allows the cat to detect and locate sounds very efficiently. Nose is especially sensitive, used to investigate food, water, or unfamiliar objects. Nose receptor- located in the lining of the nose- lets them pick up smell of airborne items. Olfactory mucosa- this area is almost twice the size of humans.

Eyes Cats have 3 dimensional vision THREE eyelids! – Nictating Membrane- it moves diagonally across eye under eyelid to help lubricate cornea. Kittens’ eyes stay closed for about days after birth! But it takes about 3 months for them to be fully developed!

Cats can be divided into two categories: – Long haired – Short haired The average cat lives around years but healthy, indoor cats are known to live as long as 30 years. The cat's front paw has 5 toes and the back paws have 4.

Interesting Facts A cat's hearing is much more sensitive than humans and dogs. The cat's tail is used to maintain balance. Cats see six times better in the dark and at night than humans On average, a cat will sleep for 16 hours a day. A domestic cat can run at speeds of 30 mph.

Reproduction The female cat reaches sexual maturity at around 6 to 10 months and the male cat between 9 and 12 months. Cats are pregnant for about 63 days. They can have multiple litters in a year. They typically have 2-6 kittens per litter but can have more. Kittens nurse for about 6 weeks before being weaned from their mother.

Nutrition Cats are carnivores- eat small birds, mice, and other small prey. Average cat eats commercial mixed food that is composed of animal and plant products. All cats need taurine in their diet to avoid blindness. Cats must also have fat in their diet as they are unable to produce it on their own. Cats require about twice as much protein as dogs do. The best source of protein is found in animal products Should feed a commercial cat food.

3 Types of Cat food Canned food – More protein – higher water content. – Higher fat levels Semi-moist food – less expensive – only 30% water – added chemicals added to – keep from spoiling or drying out!

Dry food – 10% water less fat, but also less protein – Cats on dry food need additional water all the time! – May develop bladder problems- due to not enough water in diet – Keeps teeth clean

Exercise/training Depends on breed and home life (apartment vs. farm) Apartment cats may need “toys” to keep active Train cat to use scratch post instead of drapes/ furniture Toilet training is easier with cats because the naturally cover up their urine and feces. Cats can be trained to do tricks, such as jumping through hoops, sitting, begging, and others.

Grooming/Care Long - haired cats – Need daily care or hair will get tangled and matted – Equipment needed: Comb nail clippers grooming brush made with natural bristles grooming powder Comb all areas with a wide-toothed comb – after coat is free of tangles use fine part of comb – brush fur out in opposite direction hair grows – Sprinkle grooming powder in while brushing

Short-haired cats – grooming not necessary every day – Equipment includes: fine toothed or flea comb rubber grooming brush Grooming – comb through hair gently watching for burs, mats, or other foreign objects – avoid over brushing

Ears – check for mites (dark, crumbly residue in ear). This can be treated with ear drops from a vet. Eyes – should be bright and clear, if staining occurs, gently wash Teeth and Gums – check for soreness, tartar build up must be treated by a vet Claws – require trimming, careful not to trim to the pink area as this will cause pain and bleeding. – Cats using a scratching post don’t need trimming very often.

Independent and self-sufficient. Make excellent companions. Less care than dogs. Fit well in most apartment settings. Total cost is less, compared to a dog! (vet, feed, etc.) They are clean, very little house training!

Be alert for signs of illness: – Gums should be pale pink. – Eyes bright and clear. – Clean and shiny coat. Purchase kittens at 8-12 weeks of age.

Breeds

American Shorthair Brought to U.S. from England Affectionate, great lap cat, easily disciplined and trained Very large cat, 14 lbs 34 recognized color patterns

Abyssinian One of the oldest breeds known Descendant of Egypt and worshiped as sacred Extremely affectionate, quiet, highly intelligent, and alert. Very active and can be taught to retrieve!

Bombay Cross between Burmese and American Short-hair graceful, charming, gets along well with others Medium size Jet black with copper colored eyes

Burmese Originated in the U.S ’s by crossing a Siamese and Burma sweet disposition, stubborn, bossy. Like to be held Upper respiratory diseases are common in kittens especially if inbred

Devon Rex Crossed domestic cat with a feral (wild) medium size wide based ears are set low; very characteristic of breed likes people and can be taught to retrieve Excellent climber

Japanese Bobtail Japanese origin; sign of good luck affectionate, sweet, and loves people medium to large size distinctive “short” (bob) tail is kinked and hair forms a “pom” Care must be taken not to hurt the sensitive tail area.

Maine Coon Origin unknown- possibly descendents of Marie Antoinette’s Turkish Angoras Very large and long. Bushy tail, often tufts of fur on ear-tips. Long hair, helps in Northeastern climate Prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis Above average intelligence, affectionate, easy to train

Oriental Shorthair Multiple colors vocal, intelligent, witty, elegant, dependent upon people, playful medium size, can be mistaken for Siamese Good health, except some respiratory problems

Persian Oldest and most popular breed well-mannered, easygoing, quiet, excellent apartment cats divided into 6 groups for showing purposes, depending on eye and coat color Some white are born deaf if blue eyed or odd eyed (one blue/one green) Require daily grooming, often experience breathing problems and clogged tear ducts

Ragdoll Originated in U.S. in 1960’s Named for its floppy posture when handled They have little fear or pain, docile, quiet, and composed Large and heavy breed

Siamese One person cat, even within a family vocal, loyal, fearless, unpredictable medium size, very long, refined very little pigmentation; mask, ear, foot and tail tips Always has blue eyes Sensitive to vaccinations

Turkish Angora Polite, intelligent, and very responsive. Prefers a clean, almost spotless environment small to medium size use to be only white, now many colors Persian cousin

Scottish Fold Ears are folded downward and forward- Natural Mutation Excellent family cat, gets along well with other cats or dogs medium size

Sphynx Canadian origination- 1960’s Hairless, indoor cat Very dependent upon people for survival Constant purr, affectionate, body contact Needs to eat frequent meals because of its lack to store body fat Body temperature is higher than normal