Small AnimalCats- Unit F

Competency 15.00

Use information specific to each breed to choose the best cat for a

given use.

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

Objective 15.01

• Describe major shorthaired and longhaired breeds of cats

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

Shorthair Breeds

Abyssinian• Ruddy (orange-brown), red and blue, all

ticked with darker colors at tips of each hair

• Medium sized– Muscular cat

• Almond shaped eyes• Very active

– Fond of water– Can be taught to retrieve

Abyssinian

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

British Shorthair

• Oldest Natural English breed– Larger and taller than American Shorthair– Large rounded head– Big, round copper or gold eyes– Quiet, easy going, docile nature

• likes to sleep a lot

British Shorthair

Burmese

• Originated in the Unites States• 1930’s • Cross between Siamese x Burma

– Medium-sized– Sable-brown in color with gold eyes– Good disposition, enjoy being held

• Can become bossy, stubborn, and angry

Burmese

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

Devon Rex

• Resulted from feral (wild) domestic cat x cared-for stray– Medium sized cat with wavy hair coat– Large, wide-based ears are set low and

distinctive to this breed

Devon Rex

Japanese Bobtail

• Known for calico (tortoiseshell or 3 colors)– Calico is some shade of black, orange

(red), and white.

• Distinctive short (bob) tail– Is kinked to form a “pom” or “bunny tail”

• The tail is sensitive– Care must be taken to prevent injury and

pain when handling the cat

Japanese Bobtail

Korat

• Highly prized, rare cat of Thailand– Protective of family members, and

reserved with strangers

• Medium-sized cat – Silver blue fur tipped with silver

• Produces a halo effect

Korat

Manx

• Among earliest European breeds– result of a genetic mutation

• Medium-sized– affectionate cat – tends to be better in one-to-one relationships

• The BEST show Manx cats do not have a tail (rumpy)– others have a short tail (stumpy)– some have a long tail (longy)

Manx

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

Singapura

• Small breed• Known for its’ quiet, shy disposition• Males weigh at most 6 pounds• Females usually weigh less than 4

pounds

Singapura

Crossed with Abyssinian recessive carriers for long hair

Friendly, affectionate, prefers company, playful, very active

medium size

usually orange-brown ticked with black or red ticked with brown coat

gold or green eyes

Snowshoe Breed

• Medium to large size – Similar to American Shorthair

• white feet– Bright blue eyes are large, oval– Ears are large and broad at base– Wedgeshaped head

• The mask, tail, ears, and legs are usually defined seal or blue with the masking colors covering the entire face, except for inverted white V-shaped pattern over mouth and nose

Snowshoe Breed

Sphynx

• Canadian origin in the late 1960’s• Known for its tough, wrinkled hairless skin• Indoor cat

– cannot survive outdoors – depends upon people for survival– Constantly purrs

• Adores body contact and is very affectionate• Normal body temperature is 4°F higher than

most other breeds– unable to store body fat– must eat more frequently to maintain its body

temperature

Sphynx

Longhair Breeds

Balinese and Javanese

• Body style of Siamese, but long hair• Warm• Vocal• Persistent• Eyes are deep vivid blue

Balinese and Javanese

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 - trait– Eyes are round– Ears are medium with rounded tips

Birman

Cymric Longhaired Manx

• Alert and sweet natured• Excellent with other pets and children• Large cat that is tailless

Cymric Longhaired Manx

Himalayan and Kashmir

• (Siamese x Persian x Birman)• Medium to large size• Persian type cat• Long, flowing hair coat with Siamese

patterns

Himalayan and Kashmir

Maine Coon

• Oldest natural breed in North America– native American origin

• Large-sized– reaches 12 -18 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

Tiffany

• Himalayan x Burmese• Medium size• Oriental style

– essentially a long-haired Burmese

• Follows owner like a puppy• Few exist in the United States

Tiffany

Turkish Angora

• Small to medium-sized cat• Polite• Intelligent

– very responsive– easily trained to perform tricks

• Prefers a clean, almost spotless environment

Turkish Angora

Objective 15.02

• Select a cat based on qualifying characteristics

Selecting a Pet Cat

The Cat vs. The Dog

• Requires less care– independent nature

• Lower feeding cost– smaller

• Initial purchase price is less

Qualities to consider

• Adult cats are better for elderly or busy owners

• Kittens adapt quickly• Females reach sexual maturity at 5

months– estrus cycle every three weeks

• Friendly affectionate pets– “they don’t usually kill or injure small

children”

Qualities to consider

• Pedigree animals have certain characteristics– most cats are mixed breeds

• Long haired breeds require frequent grooming– require air conditioned facilities

• Mixed breeds are cheaper to purchase.

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

Competency 16.00

Use techniques that improve the well being of cats.

Objective 16.01

• Discuss grooming practices for 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

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

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.

Shorthair Grooming

• Rubber grooming brush• Fine-toothed/ flea comb• Soft chamois, silk, nylon pad• Rubber grooming brush

– Avoid removing good hair

Flea Combs

Bathing Cats1. Start bathing as early as 4 months2. Avoid splashing or running water when cat

is present3. Use ~4 inches of warm water4. Gently lower cat into the water until the

entire cat is wet5. Keep water our of eyes and ears6. 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

Objective 16.02

• Describe major health concerns for cats.

Diseases

• Infectious– Cat Distemper (FPV)– Feline herpes virus (FHV)– Feline calicivirus (FCV)– Feline Rhinotracheitis (FVR)– Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)– Feline Leukemia (FeLV)– Feline Enteric Corona virus (FECV)– Rabies

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

• Feline distemper– caused by a parvo virus or DNA virus– Abnormally low white blood cell count– Affects young cats– 75% death rate

• Spread by direct contact but also from food and water, bedding, litter boxes, etc.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

• Symptoms:– Depression– loss of appetite– high fever– lethargy– vomiting– diarrhea– dehydration

Feline herpes virus (FHV)

• Caused by respiratory virus infection– Shed in discharges from the nose, eyes,

throat– transmitted through direct contact

• Can remain dormant for years

Feline herpes virus (FHV)

• Symptoms– depression– sneezing– coughing– severe eye and nasal discharges – increase in temperature

Feline Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

• Widespread disease• Caused by the Herpes virus infection

– confined to the upper respiratory tract

• Symptoms:– sneezing– discharges from eyes and nasal

passages.

Feline Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

• Respiratory virus infection• Discharges from the nose, eyes,

throat– transmitted from direct contact.

• Symptoms- Depression, sneezing, coughing, severe eye and nasal discharges with an increase in temperature

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

• Severely limits the cat’s immune systems – virus is excreted primarily in the cat’s salivary

excretions – also present in respiratory, fecal and urine

secretions

• Spread through direct contact and by sharing litter, food, water, etc.

• Symptoms:– low grade fever, vomiting, soft or watery diarrhea,

blood in the feces and dehydration

Feline Enteris Corona virus (FECV)

• Ingestion of contaminated feces in kittens between four and twelve weeks of age.

• Symptoms: low grade fever, vomiting, soft or watery diarrhea, blood in the feces and dehydration.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis virus (FIP)

• FIP occurs when FECV mutates

• Affect those with weak immune systems

• Leads to organ failure

• Symptoms:– fever

– loss of appetite

– depression

– weight loss

Rabies

• Fatal viral disease

• Spread by the saliva of an infected warm blooded animal

• Cat become highly agitated and possibly aggressive

• Feline panleukopenia– Cat Distemper (FPV) Low White Cell Count and high

death rate

• Feline herpes virus (FHV)• Feline calicivirus (FCV)• Feline Rhinotracheitis (FVR)• Feline Leukemia (FeLV)• Feline Enteric Corona virus (FECV)• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)• Rabies

Cat Disease Review

Respiratory

Suggested Feline Vaccination Schedule

• 5 Weeks– Panleukopenia (distemper)-Killed,

Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus

• 9 Weeks– Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis,

Calicivirus, Chlamydia, Leukemia

Suggested Feline Vaccination Schedule

• 12 to 15 Weeks* – Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis,

Calicivirus, Chlamydia, Leukemia

• 16 to 19 Weeks*– Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Ringworm,

First rabies

*Follow label directions for booster shots

Diseases

• Non-infectious– Feline Urological syndrome (fus)– Entropion– Wet eye

Noninfectious

• Entropion– eyeball sinks into socket and the eyelid

spasms with discomfort.

Noninfectious

• Wet Eye– excessive tear production– blockage of drainage canal causing the

tears to overflow at the inner corner of the eyes

Feline Urologic syndrome (fus)

• A feline urinary tract disease also referred to as FLUTD

• May range from mild inflammation to blockage of the urethra

• uremic poisoning and death can occur

Internal Parasites

• Toxoplasmosis- prtozoan parasite Toxoplasm gondii infection

• Ascarids-Toxocara cati• Hookworm-Ancylostoma tubaeforme• Tapeworm-Dipylidium caninum

External Parasites

• Lice- Felicola subrostratus• Mites-denidex cati• Feline Scabies-Notoedres cati• Feline Mites-ear mites, walking

dandruff mites, chiggers, fleas and ticks.

Fungal Diseases and Poisonings

• Cats and dogs share the same concerns for fungal diseases and poisonings– Insecticides– Plants– Household cleaners– Rodenticides– Antifreeze