How to Care For Your Ragdoll Cat By Ava Gilmore

Ragdolls are exceptional animals who demand unique care and consideration. Their characteristic fur, character, and medical needs mean different methods of care. Let?s investigate all of these three things specific to Ragdolls and how to care appropriately for your cat.

Ragdolls have long, soft, rabbit-like fur. As their fur does not mat, the Ragdoll doesn?t need a lot of grooming. However, it?s a good to groom your Ragdoll at least every few days. This alleviates hairballs and aids in bonding.

Many folks think that Ragdolls don?t shed. This is not always true. It actually depends on the specific cat. For example, I have two Ragdolls. One sheds gigantic masses of fur, and the second sheds not one hair. Because it?s hard to know if your cat will shed, it?s a good practice have a vacuum and lint roller ready just in case.

The Ragdoll character can be defined as: respectful, outgoing, perceptive, needy, and passive. Due to these distinctive characteristics, special care should be reserved for Ragdolls.

Due to the their sociable and friendly character, we shouldn?t let these cats outside unless they are supervised. The Ragdoll breed does not grasp self-defense. They probably won?t recognize danger or comprehend the occasion to battle or flea from a risky situation.

The perceptive and needy aspects of the Ragdoll character may present challenges if leaving the cat home a long for a large part of the day. Usually, a couple hours home by alone is the longest time you should leave them alone.

If responsibilities such as work or school have you away from the home for greater than a couple hours, it preferable to adopt another pet to stay home and keep your cat company. Usually, Ragdolls are welcoming of other pets, including dogs.

Generally speaking, there are no health problems associated with the Ragdoll breed. Nevertheless, be aware of the disease called HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a genetic disease found in some Ragdoll lines. Disappointingly, a cure has not been found for HCM and there are no treatment options available. The survival rate is very low. HCM typically claims the life of the Ragdoll when they are still a kitten ? sometimes younger than one year old.

Ragdoll groups have donated tons of money to research and find the HCM gene. In the end it payed off: the Ragdoll HCM gene was isolated.

Now that genetic testing for HCM is available, a good breeder will test the parents for HCM before breeding a cat. If you are breed a Ragdoll, it?s tremendously important to test the cats for the HCM gene. If you want to purchase a Ragdoll, be certain to ask for the medical paperwork indicating that both parents tested negative for the HCM gene.

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Information About Chlamydia in Cats By Darrin Swain

Both bacteria and viruses can cause conjunctivitis in cats. This condition is known as pink eye, the same thing that can affect dogs, humans, and other animals. Feline chlamydia results from a bacterial infection. Cats are usually infected with other viruses along with this disease like herpes virus and calicivirus.

Chlamydia in cats usually affects those at the younger or older end of the spectrum. Those with damaged immune systems or other illness of some sort have an increased risk too. However, the bacterial infection can cause symptoms in any cat.

There is an assortment of ways that feline chlamydia can be transmitted. The bacteria can be passed via eye discharge, nose secretions, or saliva from infected cats. Mothers are also capable of transmitting the disease to their kittens while giving birth.

You should also know that it's possible chlamydia in cats to be transmitted in indirect ways. The bacteria can live in bedding, food dishes, and other places and can infect your cat if he comes into contact with them. Owners can also harbor the bacteria on their hands and pass it along to their felines.

Seeing the white of your cat's eyes turn red is one of the primary signs of feline chlamydia. The eye may also swell, with the third eyelid closing partially. Discharge that's very watery may also appear from the eyes. All of this will irritate your cat's eye, causing him to paw at it frequently. This illness may only cause symptoms in one eye at first. Eventually though, both eyes will likely experience problems. As mentioned, chlamydia in cats usually occurs at the same time as other respiratory conditions. Cats may have a fever, discharge from the nose, coughing, and sneezing if this occurs.

Feline chlamydia doesn't usually prove difficult to treat as long as it's mild. Antibiotics can get rid of the bacteria. They may be given orally or placed directly in the affected eyes. The condition can get more problematic though if there are other problems at the same time. Your cat may have an upper respiratory illness that requires hospitalization.

Whenever giving your cat antibiotics to treat any condition, it's vital to go through the entire regimen. If you don't, then the bacteria you're trying to get rid of may mutate and grow stronger. If this happens, they may become resistant to the antibiotics.

If you have multiple cats in your household, then you'll especially need to be careful with feline chlamydia. It can easily be transmitted to other cats. Keep infected cats in seclusion. Disinfect bedding, food dishes, and other places that can harbor the bacteria. Also, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after you touch the infected cat so that you don't spread it to your other felines.

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Why Do Cats Like To Sleep So Much By Emilija Spirkoska

One thing is for sure: cats know how to sleep. And they sleep a lot. However, so far nobody knows why they sleep so much, but you gotta admit that they are the most adorable creatures when asleep.

As they choose the weirdest place to sleep. Either on top of a dog or in a pot. You name a place and they are there :)

Well, it's a known fact that cats evolved from a long line of hunters and predators and that probably has an effect on their sleeping pattern. Their diet may also play an important role. Since they are on protein rich diet that doesn't take them a lot of time of the day, they have plenty of time to sleep.
And sometimes all they do is sleep, since they don't have things to do. Of course this applies for indoor cats. But there is always something you can find for your cat to do and stay awake and entertained.

While newborn cats, well they sleep most of the time, but believe it or not this actually keeps them safe. As they don't attract attention and by that I mean, they don't attract predators.
As for the cats in the wild, well they are constantly on alert in order to survive.

While indoor cats are sleeping, they are still active and ready to go into action. And you can see that as all cats while sleeping have their ears rotating and as soon as they hear a noise or sense that someone is coming they open their eyes to check out the situation and if safe they go back to sleep again.

And as I've already said at the beginning cats sleep basically anywhere. At the table, on a top of a piano, on the edge, anywhere.
As long as it safe and comfortable enough for it to stretch that body. :) For example when it's cold it tries to find a shaded place where it can stretch out. While during the cool winter days a cat will try to find a place warm enough, like warm sunshine or next to a heat source.

Another interesting fact is that cats like to sleep in their owners' beds. And people who use this method actually benefit from it, as it strengthens the human-feline bond and let's not forget all the warmth and the comfort your cat gives you.

And one last thing. Cats dream, too. But, unfortunately for now we can only guess what they dream about.

By Emilija Spirkoska

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Puppy for sale: look for certain things before you buy! By Kyle Bolton

Okay, so you have decided to buy a new puppy but you don?t know how to proceed in this regard? If this is your situation, there are certain things you need to know, especially if you are buying a puppy for sale for the very first time. Having pets, especially dogs is the most common activity today not just because dogs are the most loyal forms of pets, but also because owning a dog is associated with a status symbol now. Many people just love to have dogs and it is better if you have a pet dog in the form of a puppy. A puppy that grows with you will know you well and will be more loyal towards you. So let us have a look at the things you should consider while having a puppy for sale and where you can begin your search for such a puppy.

Decide the dog breed

The first step in having a puppy for sale is to decide its breed. You need to find out the breed that you want to most. Different people have different needs and demands. While some of you might be looking for a dog just to represent your social status, others of you might be looking for a puppy that grows up to provide protection for your home. Therefore, you can first find out your requirements and then decide the breed of a puppy you need.

Begin your search

Now, for this step, you have more than one sources of searching the perfect puppy for sale. Either you can begin your search from the home on the Internet, or can also start searching for the puppy for sale from the nearest pet shops. However, in order to save time, it is preferable if you begin your search from the home on the Internet. At the Family Pet Classifieds, you can find several puppies for sale, some of which might be new and some of which can be old. To make your search extremely simple, you can select a breed and your state and click search. A minute later, you will find several puppies and you can choose from the one you desire.

Never rely on pet shops that obtain animals from "puppy millers"

Now you need to be aware that there is a term called "puppy millers." As a matter of fact, "puppy millers" are someone who are interested in just one thing and that is making money. It is for this reason that pet stores that get puppy for sale from the pet millers will never have healthy puppies. Puppy millers will most often never check the good health of the animals and they will rely more on quantity than the quality. This can be a loss for you and you should therefore take ample care regarding this issue. Check the pet store from which you want to obtain puppy for sale.

While taking care of certain things such as checking the health of the puppies for sale, whether they are fit or not, about their vaccine and everything else, you can get a good quality puppy for sale!

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Siberian and Neva Masquerade cats By Scott Waldon

Domesticated cats have been in America for many centuries (which are believed to have originated from Britain and Europe), but Siberian, and Siberian "Seal Tabby Point" (Neva Masquerade), an offspring of cross breeding Siberian, Siamese and Birman cats are still rare in America. The Siberian cat has a long history which dates back to the 17th century, living on the tree tops in the dense Siberian forest. Over the centuries this breed adapted to Siberia?s harsh climates which no other breeds could do. Siberians have a triple fur coat; guard hairs, awn hairs, and down, which enabled them to withstand the harsh climates of Siberia. Siberians, and in particular, Siberian Neva Masquerade cats, are known to be one of the most intelligent cats in the world, although they have very humble beginnings. With a long history of survival in the harsh climates of Siberia, these cats have proven their endurance and worth many times over and now have reached championship status with many feline clubs around the world. In the 1930s, Siberians were discovered in the south central area of Russia, living on the streets of Novosibirsk and nearby small towns. Breeding with Siamese and Birman cats (whether naturally, or with man?s interaction) the Siberians offspring is known as a Seal Tabby Point, due to its color. Soon after, this breed was transported to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and announced as a "New Breed" called Neva Masquerade. This name was derived from the nearby Neva River, and the masquerade parties so prevalent among the wealthy people living near the river. My source, and the owner of Cattery is an expert with Siberians who has owned, handled, and bred this breed of feline for more than 40 years in her native Novosibirsk, Russia and is very familiar with Siberian?s and the later arrival of Siberian Neva Masquerade?s. My source also told me that she first begun seeing the Siberian Seal-tabby-point (Neva Masquerade) long before 1993 and it was first born in her home town of Novosibirsk.

The Neva?s traits are pointed coloring (different coloring on their feet, nose and tops of the ears), with much white fur and blue eyes. The origins of the color point is obviously met with some dispute, but as long as proper records have been kept (1980?s), color points are noted to have been produced, although to this day the jury is still out on its true origins.

Siberians take five years to fully mature physically, but keep their kitten-like personalities throughout their life. The first Siberian was imported to America in 1991, and the first "Neva Masquerade" was imported in 1996. Although Neva Masquerades (Seal-tabby-point) where imported later to America and became quite popular with cat fanciers, they are still rare in the United States, and many breeders have waiting lists for their kittens. The Siberian was accepted into TICA (The International Cat Association) New Breed program in 1992 and given championship status in 1996.

In the world of cat show competition, all standards that apply to the Siberian Cat, apply to the Color point (Neva Masquerade) variety, according to TICA. In January 2009, the Neva Masquerade was accepted into the Fife registry (F?d?ration Internationale F?line) as a new breed known as "Siberian Color Point". Siberian cats were accepted for registration by CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) in February 2000 and advanced to championship status in February 2006, although some countries still do not accept color point Siberians as a variety of the Siberian cat breed.

Although Siberians do shed and require regular grooming, the coat is not inclined to mat which makes grooming easier and quicker than most longhaired cats. Siberian and Siberian Neva Masquerade?s, are considered hypoallergenic due to the lower levels of a protein in their system (Fel d 1). Most cats have approximately 63,000 microns while Siberians have a mere 200 microns of this protein in their systems, which is a source of allergies with all cat breeds. Although Siberians are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, its best to spend some time around one before considering adoption.

Neva Masquerade?s, as well as all Siberians, adjust easily to their lifestyle surroundings and make a very good house pet. Siberians are very sociable cats and want to be near their owners. They will usually greet you at the door when you come home, not unlike the family dog. Often described as dog-like, the Siberian is loyal and not shy around guests, they are intelligent animals and quick to learn. Their meow is sweet, and when they come to greet you, they make a unique chirping sound. Many Siberians find water fascinating and like to be around it and watch running water, it?s said that some like to bring their toys and drop them in their water bowls. They also will not only monitor your shower or bath, but possibly join you, too. This affectionate breed makes an ideal lap cat and a wonderful companion who will bring their owner years of happiness, as their lifespan can exceed 16 years. Siberians and Neva Masquerade?s are completely trusting of humans, making it quite a responsibility when placing these kittens in new homes, according to the owner of siberianking.org nursery.

A social breed which loves the company of humans, and enjoys other animals, along with all the other fascinating traits the Neva Masquerade has, let it not go without saying, this breed is so intelligent it learns different languages very fast too. Since the Neva?s of, my sources cattery, are transported directly from the south center of Siberia and then raised in a multi-lingual household, they understand both Russian and English languages, according to this nursery?s owner. She also went on to say that this cat really understands different languages, and not just the tone of a person?s voice. The fact is, she said, is that no matter what tone is used with Neva Masquerades (Siberian Seal-tabby-points), they understand the language and respond better than most dogs.

The following are some fascinating facts about all domestic cats as well as Siberians, which you may not have known:

?Domestic cats can run about 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour.

?The cat's tail is an extension of its backbone, and the flexible tail helps a cat keep its balance and land on its feet when it falls.

?A cat can move each ear independently, and improve its hearing by aiming the cup of its ears in the direction a sound is coming from.

Although domestic cats have lived for centuries in Europe and America. The Siberian Neva Masquerade is still very new and unique to most Americans. From its wonderful personality to its incredible disposition, and dog like attitude, this is one breed that is sure to warm the hearts of cat lovers, and maybe make some Dog lovers (who never thought they would care for cats), into cat fanciers as well.

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The Important Stages in a Kitten's Life: How Fast Will Your Kitten Grow By Niall Kennedy

Just like having a child, it can be incredibly fulfilling bringing a kitten into your family and watching it grow up. It takes only a year for your cute little kitten to mature into a cat. It can seem hard to believe but it will happen fast. Being prepared is the goal here. So what are the key milestones for a young cat?

The First Moments

Kittens are born blind and they are completely dependant on their mother. The first stages will involve learning to eat and then growing. The kitten's eyes will open and he will want to explore. At four weeks old, he is romping around shakily with his siblings. At this time he can begin to learn to use the litter box and should start to become a social animal. In the wild, the kitten's mother will start to supplement his diet with dead mice and other small pretty. But, you may want to give him some soft kitten food or some dry food that is softened a little with water.

Six Weeks

He's now six weeks old and he is more than ready to explore the home. If he's indoors, he will move from room to room. A feral kitten will follow his mother when she goes to hang out with the other cats. These cats will still receive mice from their mother, but they aren't dead anymore. Instead, the kitten has to learn to hunt the animal. Those who are eight weeks old will be completely weaned from their mother and are ready to go to a new home.

The Next Months

Through the next several months, the cats will grow really fast. You'll need to get them in to be vaccinated at this time so that they are healthy and strong. They will begin to learn what they have to do to live with their families and learn which behaviors are okay. You can teach your kitten his name as well as a few simple commands now. If the cat has long hair, make sure to get him used to allowing you to groom him, although the cat's coat doesn't need to be brushed just yet.

Sometimes, cats will suddenly develop a bad attitude. Believe it or not this is an adolescent stage for them. This happens when the cat goes from being a kitten into being a mature cat. Sounds just like children, right? This will happen around the fifth to six month and may last until the cat reaches a year old. They will still be playful but may get carried away to play too aggressively. If your cat is not neutered at six months of age, he will be mature enough to reproduce now. Neutering the cat will help this stage of his development go more smoothly. At six months, the cat looks the way he will look as an adult even though he may still become larger.

Adulthood

Just like humans, adult cats will continue to go through stages. But, these stages can be dealt with quite easily. And, unlike that mid life crisis you may have, the cat isn't likely to go out to purchase a sports car at this age!

If you take care of your kitten's health as he grows into an adult cat you will have a fulfilling relationship that will bring both you and the cat great satisfaction.

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The Truth About Cat Endocrine Alopecia By Darrin Swain

There are many reasons why cats can experience problems with hair loss. A relatively rare reason for this to occur is because of feline endocrine alopecia. Vets don't exactly know why this rare skin condition occurs.

Whenever it does develop though, your cat's hair will start thinning. Various areas of the body will be affected by hair loss. You may notice that these areas appear to be the same on both sides of the body. Two areas that are most often affected include the rear legs and abdominal region.

Certain other medical conditions can mimic the signs caused by feline endocrine alopecia. To see if your cat is really suffering from this condition, the vet will have to rule out other possible causes of the hair loss first. Parasites and conditions like ringworm can cause similar signs.

In order to make a diagnosis of endocrine alopecia in cats, vets typically look at a sample of hairs under a microscope. Doing so can help determine at what stage of their growth the hair were broken. Skin scrapings around the affected area can also help determine what's causing hair loss in your cat. Fungal infections like ringworm can easily cause signs.

A blood sample may also be in order if your vet suspects feline endocrine alopecia to be the problem. The sample won't be tested in the office though. A laboratory will need to inspect it to see how the endocrine system is functioning as far as hormones go.

As mentioned earlier, vets don't know why cat endocrine alopecia develops. Hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid hormone are some of the leading suspects though. Cats with the condition may need to start a regimen of hormone therapy to deal with it.

Cats that are eating foods that they're allergic to may experience spontaneous hair loss. Therefore, you may need to start your cat on a food trial to see if it helps relieve the signs. You may need to start feeding your cat a different type of food.

Sometimes, feline endocrine alopecia is treated with medications that are designed to grow the hair back. This isn't always the preferred method of treatment in cats though. These medications can lead to serious side effects in some felines. They can be toxic to the liver over time and also cause cardiac problems.

Cats may even develop other conditions like diabetes mellitus after taking these medications. Some even experience changes in their behavior.

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