Small Animal Cats- Unit D

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

Objective 8.01 Discuss the major breeds of cats.

Cat Breeds Differ in color, patterns, length of hair, shape and length of ears, shape and color of eyes, head shape, body conformation, size, and disposition For our discussions we will focus on the two major types of hair: –Shorthaired Breeds –Longhaired Breeds

Shorthair Breeds

American Shorthair (Domestic Shorthair) Came to US with English settlers 34 recognized color patterns –tabby is the most common color Medium to large sized Affectionate –makes great lap cat

American Shorthair (Domestic Shorthair)

Bombay (1958) Relatively new breed resulting from Burmese x American Shorthair –Medium sized cat –Jet black –Copper or gold colored eyes Disposition –Graceful, charming, and get along well with others, even strangers

Bombay

Cornish Rex Small to medium size Oval eyes and curves or rippling hair coat Must be kept indoors –lacks guard hairs to protect it from the elements

Cornish Rex

Siamese Known for one-on-one devotion to one person Eye color is always deep blue Head forms an equilateral triangle from the nose to the tips of the ears –Very little pigmentation in color pattern –Pigmentation is darker at the points –Color is restricted to the points: mask, ear, foot and tip of tail

Siamese Medium-sized –very long and refined Siamese cats are very unpredictable; however, they are described as talkative, loyal Fearless cats of extraordinary intelligence. Siamese cats are particularly sensitive to vaccinations and anesthetics

Siamese

Other Shorthair Breeds Abyssinian British Shorthair Burmese Devon Rex Japanese Bobtail Korat Manx Singapura Snowshoe Sphinx

Manx

Longhair Breeds

Birman Sturdy cat of medium to large size Long, silky coat that does not mat –requires little care Very sociable –needs the company of others White paws –Eyes are round –Ears are medium with rounded tips

Birman

Maine Coon Oldest natural breed in North America –native American origin Large-sized –reaches pounds Brown tabby is the best known color Lovable and friendly –has a tiny voice that squeaks and chirps

Maine Coon

Persian One of the oldest and most popular breeds Medium to large size –short, compact body –large head –small rounded ears Well mannered –easy going –quiet cats Make good apartment cats and excellent companions Require daily grooming –removes and knots Requires regular bathing –removes excess oil from the coat

Persian

Ragdoll Originated in the US during the 1960’s Exceptionally large Heavy breed Blue eyes Docile, quiet, and composed –named because they show little signs of fear or pain –take a floppy posture when handled

Ragdoll

Other Longhair Breeds Balinese Javanese Cymric Longhaired Manx Himalayan and Kashmir Tiffany Turkish Angora

Choosing a healthy cat 1. Look for signs of health –Pale pink gums –White teeth –Nose should be cool and slightly damp –Clean glossy coat –Free of mats

Proper teeth cleaning can prevent the absorption of toxins and bacteria present in the mouth which can damage internal organs.

Most veterinarians can clean teeth and do so regularly for most cat owners

Choosing a healthy cat 2. Look for signs of illness –Discharge from the eyes or nose –Buildup of wax in the ears ear mites –External Parasites Fleas –Internal Parasites Potbellied cats may indicate worm infestation

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

Grooming Cats Removes old and dead hair Provides opportunity to check for: –Parasites –Skin disorders –Eye problems –Ear problems

Longhaired Cats Need daily care to keep free of tangles and mat. Equipment –Combs –Blunt end scissors –Nail clippers –Grooming brush –Grooming powder

Longhair Grooming Comb with two sizes of teeth (fine toothed and a flea comb). Nail Clippers Grooming brush natural bristles (nylon causes static) Grooming powder such as baby powder, talcum, or cornstarch.

Grooming Longhaired Cats Procedures for longhair cats –1st-Use a wide tooth comb for animal –2nd- Use a small toothed comb –Once all tangles are out, brush hair in opposite direction of growth occasionally and sprinkle grooming powder This removes old hair and reduces hairballs. –Check for parasites, skin disorders, eye and ear problems

Shorthair Grooming Rubber grooming brush Fine-toothed/ flea comb Soft chamois, silk, nylon pad Rubber grooming brush –Avoid removing good hair

Flea Combs

Bathing Cats 1.Start bathing as early as 4 months 2.Avoid splashing or running water when cat is present 3.Use ~4 inches of warm water 4.Gently lower cat into the water until the entire cat is wet 5.Keep water our of eyes and ears 6.Apply a baby shampoo to the wet coat, lather and rinse Medicated shampoo for fleas 7.Towel dry or use a hairdryer

Other Grooming Check teeth and gums –Dry food helps to clean the teeth Check for ear mites –Dark, crumbly wax indicates mites –Use ear drops to treat Used special clippers to trim claws –Do not cut into pink area of claw, it will bleed –Scratching post helps to reduce claw trimming