CuteCatSite - The World of Cute Cats!

Egyptian Mau

2008-02-04T10:33:00.001-08:00

Images of Egyptian Maus, a very ancient breed, appeared on papyrus scrolls and temple walls as early as 1400 B.C.E. They originally lived in communities along the Nile River and may have been regarded as god-like beings. Ra, the sun god, has been depicted as an Egyptian Mau. These cats competed In European and Canadian shows during the 19th century, and arrived in the United States in the 1950s.

The breed name "mau" simply means cat. A British re-creation of the breed using Siamese cats is now called the Oriental Spotted Tabby, a type of Oriental Short hair. The Egyptian Mau coat appears in only three colors- silver, bronze and a shaded black smoke.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Medium-sized, lively cat with "wild" markings.
Head: Gently wedged, rounded head with a medium-length, slightly tapered muzzle; large, almond shaped, green eyes; medium to large, and gently pointed wide-set ears.
Body: Medium, balanced, strong.
Coat Texture: Medium-length, fine, shiny, silky and dense.
Tail: Medium-length, thick, tapered.
Disqualifications: Blue eyes, lack of spots or incorrect white patches on the coat, abnormal tall.

Devon Rex

2008-01-29T08:38:00.001-08:00

In 1960, a feral cat living near a deserted tin mine in Devon, England mated with an adopted stray living nearby. The offspring, named Kiriee, displayed a unique, tightly-curled coat. Kirlee eventually mated with Kallibunker, the original curly-coated Cornish Rex, but produced straight haired kittens. This litter confirmed that the Devon Rex mutation constituted a new genetic pattern.

The breed's very curly coat can display any color or pattern appropriate to an American Shorthair or British Shorthair cat. While a white coat with gold eyes remains the most popular show pattern, many solid, shaded, tabby and spotted patterns also exist.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Fine boned, alert cat with large eyes and ears.
Head: Flat, wedged head with a short, well-developed muzzle; large, oval, wide-set eyes; very large, low, broad, tapered, rounded ears.
Body: Firm, thin, medium-length and muscular with a broad chest and strong, fine bones.
Coat Texture: Soft, fine and dense with a rippled waviness.
Tail: Long, thin, tapered.
Disqualifications: Baldness on the coat, abnormal tail, crossed eyes.

Cornish Rex

2008-01-29T08:35:00.001-08:00

The spontaneous mutation that created the curly-coated Cornish Rex occurred twice: In Germany in 1946 and England in 1950. While the German Rex was largely ignored by breeders, British efforts to mate the original English Rex named "Kallibunker" with his mother encouraged a new genetic line. Export of Kallibunker's offspring to the United States established the rex line there.

The breed derives its name from Kallibunker's hometown of Cornwall, England and the term "rex," which refers to a similar coat pattern in rabbits. The coat's unusual hairs are short and wavy, existing in nearly thirty colors including solid, shaded, tabby and particolor patterns.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Small, yet heavy, cat with a distinct wavy coat.
Head: Small, narrow head with a tapered, rounded muzzle; medium to large, oval, clear, wide-set eyes; large, erect, high-set ears.
Body: Small to medium in size with a long, slender shape, fine bones and arched back.
Coat Texture: Short, silky, very soft, wavy, thick and tight to the body.
Tail: Long, thin, tapered and flexible.
Disqualifications: Abnormal tail, presence of long, outer guard hairs.

Lost Kitten Found in Owner's Suitcase

2008-01-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

I read an amazing piece of news from Yahoo just now and I felt that I should share it with my fellow blog readers. A 10 months old tabby named Gracie Mae jumped into her owner’s suitcase without anyone realizing it. The suitcase when through the airport x-ray machine, got loaded into the plane, thrown onto the baggage bag and got picked up by a stranger by a mistake away in Texas.

The owner, Kelly Levy said she couldn’t find Gracie after she got back from sending her husband to the airport. She searched high and low for the kitty and practically tore her house apart. And then, she got a phone call from a stranger, Rob Carter, saying that he mistakenly picked up her husband’s suitcase and found a cat in it.

Rob Carter was about to unpack when he realized that the clothes in the suitcase wasn’t his. He was about to close the luggage back when a kitten jumped out! Imagine that!

When he finally got close enough to the frighten kitty, he saw her collar and the owner’s phone number on it.

The tabby returned home by plane, back in her owner’s arms. Robert was considering keeping the kitten before he knew that she had a home. “We’re going to name it Suitcase.”

Tatiana was Provoked

2008-01-18T00:34:00.000-08:00

Pic: Tatiana and Tony

Today in yahoo news, it was mentioned that one of the three victims of San Francisco Zoo tiger attack was intoxicated and admitted to yelling and waving at the animal while standing atop the railing of the big cat enclosure. Paul Dhaliwal, 19, told the father of Carlos Sousa Jr. who was killed, that the three yelled and waved at the tiger. As a result, the tiger might have bee taunted and agitated by this, causing her to leaped out of her enclosure and went after these boys.

Toxicology results for Dhaliwal showed that his blood alcohol level was 0.16 — twice the legal limit for driving, according to the affidavit. His 24-year-old brother, Kulbir, and Sousa also had alcohol in their blood but within the legal limit.

According to the affidavit, all three also had marijuana in their systems, Matthews said. Kulbir Dhaliwal told police that the three had smoked pot and each had "a couple shots of vodka" before leaving San Jose for the zoo on Christmas Day.

Reading this news, I was angry. Some people just don't seem to understand that animals have feelings too and they need to be respected as much as human, if not more. And these kids were treating the tiger disrespectfully, causing her to be angry. And because of these intoxicated kids, the tiger had to pay with her dear life. She was an innocent kitty!

To think about it, Tatiana was a very smart tiger. Even when she got out, she didn't attack anybody else except those brothers which proves that she didn't become violent just because she felt like it. Those kids messed with her and although this may sound a bot cold, they asked for it.

I hope they won't let these kids get away easily. They have to be hold responsible. Just because Tatiana was an animal, doesn't mean she doesn't deserve any justice.

I could only take comfort in thinking that Tatiana is in a better place now.

Chartreux

2008-01-14T11:14:00.001-08:00

Legend describes battling knights returning from the Crusades and bringing cats back to France. These cats arrived in the care of Carthusian monks at Le Grande Chartreux monastery as early as the 14th century. The Chartreux domestic still holds a reputation for being one of the oldest natural breeds in Europe. Although very few pure bloodlines existed after World War II, selective breeding eventually rescued the breed, which began a worldwide exodus in the 1970's.

The Carthusian monks are probably responsible for assigning the breed name. Similar in body shape to the British Shorthair, the Chartreux always wears a silvery, blue-gray colored coat.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Hearty, husky cat with agility and a thick coat.
Head: Broad, rounded head with a small, narrow muzzle; rounded, wide, coppery to golden orange eyes; medium-sized, erect, high-set ears.
Body: Sturdy, hearty and powerful.
Coat Texture: Medium-length and woolly (silkier texture on females) with a weather-resistant undercoat.
Tail: Thick, tapered and flexible.
Disqualifications: Kinked tail, green eyes, Inappropriate white areas.

California Spangled

2008-01-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Although the California Spangled Cat debuted in 1986, its development began in California about fifteen years earlier. Created in an effort to mimic the coat pattern of wild cats, this breed mixed Manx, Persian, Siamese, American and British Shorthair, Egyptian and Asian street cats. The domestic cats were designed to draw attention to the endangered status of the wild cats they resembled.

Today the coat can appear in approximately ten different colors including blue, gold and silver. Although the colors may differ from cat to cat, each California Spangled Cat must display the unique spotted coat pattern which always contrasts with the background color.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Well-balanced cat with a distinct, spotted coat.
Head: Rounded head with a wide, gently tapered muzzle; medium-sized, oval eyes; medium-sized triangular, wide-set ears.
Body: Medium-sized, muscular and balanced.
Coat Texture: Short and smooth, with finer fur under the belly.
Tail: Long, gently tapered and rounded with dark rings near the tip.
Disqualifications: Universal cat show disqualifications apply.

Burmese / Tiffany

2008-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

Cats resembling the modern Burmese appeared in the Cat-Book Poems, printed in Thailand in 1350 C.E. The modern breed, however, traces its origins to a breeding effort in the United States during the 1930s. Wong Mau, a brown female from Burma, was imported by an American doctor. The cat mated with a Siamese and produced kittens with many different color patterns, including a dark, solid brown. The brown cats became the core breeding stock of the new breed; each Burmese cat traces its heritage to these felines.

The Burmese coat still exists in a dark sable-brown color. The rare Tiffany breed is essentially a long haired Burmese.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Muscled, agile cat with expressive eyes and face.
Head: Full, round head with a short, rounded muzzle; slightly tapered, large, wide-set eyes; medium-sized, broad, rounded, wide-set ears.
Body: Medium-sized and compact with a level back and round chest.
Coat Texture: Shiny, glossy, short and tight to the body.
Tail: Medium-length and straight.
Disqualifications: Abnormal tail, blue eyes, over or underbite, distorted jaw, spots on the coat.

Getting A Cat as Your Pet

2008-01-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

There are many advantages to owning a cat. Clean, easy to care for and independent, they require little living space, adapt to an indoor lifestyle and often cost less to maintain than other pets. You should be prepared for a lengthy commitment, however, since cats generally live for about fifteen years. As territorial animals, they dislike travel and moving from home to home; mobile people should seriously consider their decision before buying a cat.

After you decide to adopt a cat, you must make several important decisions, including the pedigree, age and sex of your prospective pet. In theory, pedigreed cats have predictable personality traits and maintain a physical type. People interested in showing a cat must select a high quality pedigreed cat. Non-pedigreed cats, on the other hand, generally cost less, make healthy pets and often need to find good homes.

When considering the sex of your new cat, remember that both neutered males and spayed females make excellent pets; neither sex has a particular advantage over the other. Unspayed females, however, go into heat throughout the spring and summer months and may become accidentally pregnant. Unneutered males are prone to spraying urine, fighting and wandering.

Young kittens have great appeal and will become quickly adjusted to your home, but they require more attention than adult cats. An adult cat usually requires more time to become comfortable in a new environment, but requires less care, training and attention than a kitten. Kittens should arrive in your home when they reach eight to ten weeks of age. Cats that leave the social environment of the litter too early may develop shy or aggressive personalities later in life.

For people who spend a lot of time out of the house, adopting two or more cats can prevent loneliness. Consult with a professional breeder, animal society or veterinarian to discuss the health and cost issues involved in owning multiple cats.

Take plenty of time to select a specific cat before you bring it into your home. Contact a breed society or visit a cat show to give you insight into the breeds you prefer. Professional breeders produce the best pedigreed animals, while humane societies, animal clinics and shelters remain excellent resources for non-pedigreed pets.

Look for an alert, energetic, friendly, playful animal, but avoid shy, sickly or aggressive cats. Bring a friend or professional to help you evaluate the cats and try to meet their parents. Healthy cats have smooth, unmatted, parasite-free coats, bright eyes, damp noses, clean ears and white teeth. There should be no signs of disease or illness, especially diarrhea. Obtain vaccination certificates and registration papers (if any) at the time of sale, and work out a return policy in case of problems.

Prepare your home and family for the introduction a new cat. Place breakable, valuable, toxic and sharp objects in a safe place. Remove small rubber objects, plastic bags and other items that a cat may chew or swallow. Windows and doors to the outdoors should be closed and latched until the cat becomes adjusted to your home. Purchase a litter box, feeding supplies (food and bowls), a grooming kit, bed, scratching post and toys. Depending on your lifestyle, a carrying crate may also be necessary. Schedule a visit to the veterinarian for a check-up and any needed vaccines. Young children many need explanations and demonstrations of the proper way to behave with animals.

With careful research and preparation, you will find that cats make loving and entertaining additions to your home.

Little Joe Joe

2007-12-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

I found this clip of a 3 weeks old kitten looking so adorable. His name is Joe Joe. I thought I'd share it with all my readers.

Leopard - The Survivor

2007-12-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Leopard, a solitary "Big Cat," lives in regions of Africa and Asia. They survive in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, mountains and grasslands. They prefer a solitary lifestyle, finding cover in trees and on land. As nocturnal creatures, they sleep on trees during the day and spend the night looking for food. They are adept hunters, using sensitive whiskers and camouflaged color to sneak up on potential prey.

Leopards are extremely versatile athletes, possessing the agility to run, jump and climb. In addition, they have excellent sight, smell and hearing. However, they are being hunted by humans for their fur causing their population remains threatened.

Feral Facts

Scientific Name: Panthers pardus
Size: Averaging about five feet in length with a two foot tail and weighing around 100 to 150 pounds.
Color and Coat Pattern: Yellow-brown with black spots all over the body, or solid black.
Diet: Large and small mammals, and insects.
Range: Southern Asia and Africa. Endangered Status: ENDANGERED
Fascinating Fact: No two Leopards have exactly the same coat pattern.

A Siberian Tiger was Killed at the San Francisco Zoo

2007-12-29T09:40:00.001-08:00

I am deeply saddened by the tragic event of a 4 year-old female Siberian Tiger being shot and killed. Tatiana, escaped her cage at the San Francisco zoo and attacked Carlos Sousa Jr. He died at the scene while she proceeded to injuring another 2 visitors.

They had no choice, still, I can’t help feeling sad over the fact that another tiger has been killed, not that we have much of them anymore in this earth.

However, I would like to extend my condolences to the Sousa’s family and those who were injured.

British Shorthair

2007-12-29T09:27:00.001-08:00

One of the oldest European breeds, the British Shorthair traces its ancestry back to Roman times, when the cats arrived with Roman soldiers and quickly spread across the English and European countryside. Also known as European Shorthairs, these working cats hunted rodents before becoming one of the first recognized breeds and show animals in the late 19th century. Although nearly extinct after World War II, the British Shorthair re-emerged as a popular pet during the late 1940's and 1950’s.

Originally the cats wore only a solid blue-gray colored coat that remains popular today, but many other solid, shaded, tabby and spotted patterns now exist.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Balanced, solid cat with a round head and thick tail.
Head: Large, round head with a well developed muzzle; round, large, wide-set eyes; medium-sized, broad, rounded, wide-set ears.
Body: Medium to large, muscular, compact shape with a level back and broad chest.
Coat Texture: Short, very thick, firm and weather-resistant.
Tail: Medium-length, thick, tapered.
Disqualifications: Abnormal tail, long or fluffy coat.

Bombay

2007-12-29T09:14:00.001-08:00

In 1958, a Kentucky (United States) breeder deliberately bred a black American Shorthair and a sable-brown Burmese in an effort to create a domestic cat that resembled the wild Panther. This novel combination successfully produced offspring that resembled the Black Leopard of India. The Bombay name, taken from the Indian city of Bombay, honors the native country of the wild cousin.

Despite its distinct and beautiful appearance, the Bombay breed's international acceptance has grown slowly. It always displays a thick, shiny, solid black coat; no other colors or patterns are permitted. The eyes shine in a coppery or golden shade.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Balanced, muscular cat with a deep black coat.
Head: Rounded, wide head with a short, tapered muzzle; round, wide-set, golden to copper colored eyes; medium-sized, broad, slightly rounded, wide-set ears.
Body: Medium-sized, muscular, strong and dense.
Coat Texture: Fine, short, satiny and tight to the body.
Tail: Medium-length, straight.
Disqualifications: Abnormal tail, spots on the coat, green eyes.

Birman

2007-12-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

Inhabitants of underground temples, Birmans were once called the Sacred Cats of Burma (now Myanmar). A fascinating legend tells that enemy raiders attacked the head priest Mun-Ha as he prayed. A yellow-eyed cat named Sinh leapt upon the dying holy man; this act of dedication turned the cat's eyes blue and its feet white.

Exported to France in the early 20th century as gifts from Burman priests, a consistent breed became established there. Nearly extinct after World War II, they eventually spread across Europe and North America. Most Birmans are creamy white with seal or blue points, but many clubs also recognize red, lilac, chocolate, tortie or lynx points.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Strong, stocky cat with distinctive all-white feet.
Head: Wide, rounded head with a rounded muzzle; nearly round, wide set, deep blue eyes; medium-sized, broad, rounded, wide-set ears.
Body: Long, stocky and strong.
Coat Texture: Medium to long, silky, smooth with a "ruff" around the neck and pure white feet.
Tall: Medium-length, proportional.
Disqualifications: Improper or missing coloring on the paws, abnormal tail, crossed eyes.

Bengal

2007-12-27T13:56:00.001-08:00

The Bengal breed resulted from an effort to combine the markings of a wild cat with the body and temperament of a domestic breed. Although wild/domestic crosses have occurred sporadically for hundreds of years, the first deliberate effort occurred in 1963. A geneticist working in the United States crossed a male domestic cat with a female Asian Leopard Cat, producing a varied litter. One of the kittens then mated with her father, producing a litter of spotted and solid kittens.

The large spots on the coat line up in horizontal rows, giving the coat a distinct appearance. It displays colors in the brown and black family, including sorrel and mink.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Muscular cat with a uniquely spotted coat.
Head: Wide, strong, rounded head with a tapered muzzle; medium-sized, oval, greenish-yellow eyes; large, triangular, gently rounded, wide-set ears.
Body: Long, powerful and balanced.
Coat Texture: Short, coarse and smooth.
Tail: Long, gently tapered and rounded with dark rings near the tip.
Disqualifications: Universal cat show disqualifications apply.

Balinese / Javanese

2007-12-24T00:54:00.000-08:00

When a longhaired kitten first appeared in a litter of shorthaired Siamese cats, cat enthusiasts realized that a mutation or recessive gene had emerged. A California breeder's dedicated efforts in the 1940s and 50's insured the stability of this new breed, which has since been recognized as the Balinese by nearly every cat club.

The cat's elegant shape and graceful motion inspired the breed name, which honors the graceful dancers from Indonesia. The Balinese looks like a longhaired Siamese, sporting a light cream body with chocolate, seal, blue or lilac points on the tail, legs, feet, face and ears. Balinese cats with tortie, lynx or red points make up the Javanese breed.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Long, thin, lean lithe, balanced cat.
Head: Long, wedged-shaped head with a fine, tapered muzzle; almond shaped, medium-sized, slanted, blue eyes; large, pointed, wide-set ears.
Body: Long, medium-sized, fine, "svelte" shape with strong musculature and sleek lines.
Coat Texture: Fine, long and silky.
Tail: Long, thin, tapered and covered with a plume of hair.
Disqualifications: Kinked tail, white feet or toes, distinct undercoat.

Jaguar - The killer who defeats with a single leap

2007-12-24T00:35:00.001-08:00

Of all the wild cats living on the American continents, Jaguars rank as the largest felines. Considered 'Big Cats’ because of their ability to roar, they also swim and climb trees with ease. They are noted for their incredible fishing skill and some people believe that they cleverly flick their tails in an effort to attract fish. Occasionally, they will bury their prey after capturing it.

Jaguars prefer to live alone in thick forests and swamps, calling to each other to find a mate or communicate. They once lived across a wide range of land, but habitat destruction and hunting have limited their range to Central and South America. Often killed for their fur, Jaguars remain an endangered species.

Feral Facts

Scientific Name: Panthera onca
Size: About five to six feet in length and weighing 100 to 250 pounds.
Color and Coat Pattern: Golden with black spots, solid black with black spots or nearly solid white.
Diet: Large and small mammals, fish, birds and reptiles.
Range: Central and South America.
Endangered Status: ENDANGERED
Fascinating Fact: The Jaguar name derives from words meaning "killer who defeats prey with a single leap."

Cougar - The one with many names

2007-12-22T15:15:00.001-08:00

Of all the different types of wild cats, Cougars claim the widest selection of popular aliases. Since they have lived in many habitats across North and South America, they have become known by many names, including Puma, Panther and Mountain Lion.

Cougars are very solitary animals that shun contact with other creatures. They will roam far and wide across the countryside, building dens in hidden spaces. While they may be spotted during the day or night, their primary active period falls during twilight, when they search for food. Once common across the Americas, Cougars have become increasingly rare due to habitat destruction and hunting.

Feral Facts

Scientific Name: Felis concolor

Size: Averaging about 3 1/2 to six feet in length with a two foot tail and weighing around 100 to 200 pounds.

Color and Coat Pattern: Yellow-brown, red-brown or gray coat with dark tail tips and green-gold eyes.

Diet: Deer, small mammals and birds.

Range: North, Central and South America.

Endangered Status: ENDANGERED

Fascinating Fact: Cougar kittens are born blind, and covered with fur.

Cheetah - The fast and furious

2007-12-22T13:42:00.000-08:00

Of all the land animals In the world, the Cheetah holds the record for the fastest speed, often reaching nearly seventy miles per hour. These large cats use their speed, as well as rapid acceleration, to stalk and chase prey across the African plains. Unlike most wild cats, Cheetahs become active during the day, hunting in the early morning and late afternoon. Close relatives of the "Big Cats," Cheetahs probably descend from an ancient cross between Lions and Panthers.

Although their coat patterns provide camouflage, Cheetahs have been hunted nearly to extinction by people who desire their fur for clothing and display. Some varieties have already disappeared entirely.

Feral Facts

Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus

Size: Averaging live feet in length with a two to three foot tail and weighing 100 to 150 pounds.

Color and Coat Pattern: Light yellow to ochre with a white underbelly and dark brown or
black spots and rings.

Diet: Large and small mammals.

Range: Sub-saharan Africa.

Endangered Status: ENDANGERED

Fascinating Fact: Cheetah babies have long manes that shrink during the first year of life.

American Wirehair

2007-12-18T11:04:00.001-08:00

The American Wirehair breed traces its origin to a single cat named Adam. Sired by American Shorthairs and born with a mutation that created a wiry coat, Adam was the only wirehaired survivor in a litter decimated by an opportunistic weasel. Discovered in upstate New York in 1966, he later mated with many other cats, including a female IKtermate, to continue the line.

Matings of two American Wirehairs rarely produce successful litters, therefore they are bred from a Wirehair and an American Shorthair. The tips of the hair are hooked, creating a texture that is unique. The same colors are accepted for Wirehairs as their Shorthair cousins, but solids remain the most common.

Ideal Breed Characteristic

Overall Appearance: Active cat with a balanced body and wiry coat.

Head: Medium-sized, tapered head with a gently rounded muzzle; round, large, bright, wide-set eyes; medium Sized, gently rounded, wide-set ears.

Body: Medium to large body with a level back and rounded torso.

Coat Texture: Coarse, thick, hard, springy, medium-length, weather-resistant; cat's predominant feature.

Tail: Long, tapered, rounded.

Disqualifications: Abnormal coat texture or tail, improper coat color.

American Shorthair

2007-12-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

Before European settlers emigrated to North America, no native cats lived there. Perhaps brought to America on the original Mayflower passage, the early cats protected homes and food supplies by hunting a variety of rodents. They evolved without human interference during the 19th century, developing tough, sturdy bodies and protective coats.

Once known as Shorthairs and then Domestic Shorthairs, this breed became officially established in 1904 with the registration of "Buster Brown." Today, American Shorthairs exist in over thirty recognized colors, but tabby, solid and shaded patterns remain the most common.

Ideal Breed Characteristics

Overall Appearance: Strong, proportional, agile, fit cat.

Head: Large, full-faced head with a square muzzle (jowls in adult males); almond shaped, large, bright eyes; medium-sized, slightly rounded ears.

Body: Solid, strong, muscular, powerful, level body.

Coat Texture: Short, thick, hard and weather-resistant.

Tail: Thick, tapered, medium-length.

Disqualifications: Long, puffy coat, abnormal tail, white spots of color, too heavy or thin, bulging eyes.

Selecting an Abyssinian

2007-12-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Abyssinian is a beautiful looking cat. If you decide to get an Abyssinian cat as your pets, here are some points that you could help:

Find a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your Abyssinian is in good health and doesn't have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Expect to pay $200 to $500 for your Aby.

Pick up and hold the cat or kitten to check for good muscle tone.

Make sure that the cat isn't sneezing or sniffling, that the eyes have no discharge and that the ears are clean and pink inside.

Examine the cat's fur, which should be short and thick and have no bald patches or signs of dry or flaky skin.

Check for fleas behind the ears and at the base of the tail - flea dirt, which looks like black sand, is a sure sign.

Get a written sales agreement from the breeder that provides the breeder's health guarantee.

Take your Aby to your veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm that the cat is healthy.

Take home a kitten no younger than 12 weeks of age.

Plan to keep your Abyssinian inside and to have the cat neutered or spayed. Vets say it's the best way to keep cats happy and disease-free.

Also, keep in mind that..

Abyssinians love people, but if you're looking for cat to cuddle and to sit on your lap, the Abyssinian is not the ideal cat for you. They remain playful even as they get older. They like to be in the same room as you, but usually in a high place, such as the top of a bookcase or the refrigerator.

Abyssinians love water. You're likely to find yours in the sink under a dripping faucet.

A kidney disease called renal amyloidosis is found in Abys, but contrary to popular belief, it's not exclusive to the breed.

Like many other cats, Abyssinians can be prone to gingivitis. Red gums and bad breath are symptoms. Weekly toothbrushings can prevent it.

What You Should Do Before Moving When You Have Cat

2007-12-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

When you’re moving to a new place, obviously adjustments need to be made not only for you or your kids alone but your cat also. So, here are a few basic things that you shouldn’t forget to do before you move.

You should obtain a copy of your cat's veterinary records to give to the vet in the new area.

Call the state veterinarian in the capital of the state you're moving to. Find out if you need to provide any paperwork to bring your cat into the state.

Call the town or village hall in the new locale. Ask about licensing requirements.

Make arrangements for your cat to travel with you in a car or by air. Don’t forget, cats are not allowed on trains or buses. And i f your cat will travel by air, purchase a carrier for her to travel in.

Get a health certificate from your vet. Some states require that this be presented at the border before entering the state, even if you're just passing through.

And most importantly, take time to reassure and love your cat. The move may cause some depression or nervousness.

During your moving day, you should:

Feed your cat five to six hours before you move. Let her drink two hours before you leave the house. Give the cat medication if she gets overly excited or nervous while traveling. Talk to your vet before you move about medication to calm the cat.

Bring food and water. Make frequent stops to exercise your cat and let her drink.

Finally, when you're at your new place, you should follow this tips:

Keep your cat confined while you move in. Release her when all doors and windows are closed so she can't escape. Take time to help her become used to the new house.

Use the same food and water bowls, bedding, litter box and toys, and put them in a location similar to where they used to be.

Take your cat out on a leash until she's familiar with the yard and neighborhood. After your cat is used to the area, release her for short periods of time and call her and reward her with a treat when she comes. This will teach your cat not to run away. Confine your cat to the house if she roams for too long.

Make an appointment with a local vet and take in your cat's records.

American Curl

2007-12-16T09:29:00.001-08:00

A 1981 litter in California (United States) contained kittens that eventually developed an unusual curl on their ears. This dominant mutation passed from one of these cats to its offspring, proving that the trait would reproduce. Today, an entire litter of kittens will be born with traditional ears and over the next six months half of those cats will develop the distinctive curl. Cats that possess this trait are now called American Curls.

The breed exists in both long and shorthaired varieties, although the curled ear trait originally developed in longhaired cats. The coat can be a combination of colors, but solid, particolor and tabby patterns are the most common.

Ideal Breed Characteristic

Although the American Curl is considered a pedigreed cat by many international organizations, it has been extremely difficult to standardize the breed. As the only pedigreed cat that must mate (be outcrossed") with non-pedigreed cats, American Curls have been unable to establish or maintain a rigid set of physical traits.

Every American Curl must have the uniquely shaped ears that distinguish the breed and result from a spontaneous mutation. Aside from the curled ears, a medium body shape and long tail, overall breed characteristics remain nearly impossible to specify.

Abyssinian

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AIthough the origin of the Abyssinian remains obscure, the cat bears a very strong resemblance to the ancient Sacred Cat of Egypt. Certainly a very old breed and perhaps a native of the Nile River communities, the cats first came to Europe with soldiers returning from the Abyssinian War in 1868. In Britain, they were crossed with British Shorthairs to create the modern version and quickly became recognized as a competitive breed.

Ticked hairs with two or more bands of color comprise the coat. The overall color Is usually ruddy, but recent crosses have also created red and blue varieties. Italian breeders have developed a similar breed called the Wild Abyssinian.

Ideal Breed Characteristic

Overall Appearance: Muscular, firm, agile, active cat with a ticked coat.

Head: Rounded, wedge-shaped head with a gently pointed muzzle; almond shaped, large eyes; large, mildly pointed, broad ears.

Body: Medium-sized, proportional, muscular, lean and long.

Coat Texture: Thick, soft, fine, silky, shiny, medium-length.

Tail: Thick, long and tapered.

Disqualifications: White color (except on the face), abnormal tail, gray undercoat or black hairs.

Sleppy Kitty

2007-12-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

Here's an adorable sleepy kitten video that never fails to make me smile!