Cat-World | Cat Health, Cat Care & Cat Information

Famciclovir (Famvir) for Cats

Drug Name: Famciclovir
Common names: Famvir, Ezovir, Fambir, Famcino, Famcir, Fanclomax, Fanle, Microvir, Oravir, Pentavir, Penvir, Pixin and Virovir
Drug Type: Virostatic agent
Used For: Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
Species: Humans, cats, horses
Administered: Tablet

Famciclovir (fam-sye-clow-veer) is a prescription antiviral medication used in the treatment of feline herpesvirus, a common viral infection which produces upper respiratory infections (URI’s). The drug is not approved for use in cats by the Food and Drug Administration but is routinely prescribed extra-label.

What is the Cat Loaf?

by Julia Wilson

The cat loaf is a common position in which the cat sits with its paws tucked underneath the body and the tail wrapped around the side. The name comes from shape which resembles a loaf of bread. When asked on the Cat-World Facebook group, other terms members used to describe the cat loaf include bread loafing, loafing, legless, kitty loaf, the log, hovercat and roast chicken.

Should Cats Have a Dry or a Wet Nose?

by Julia Wilson

Most people expect a cat’s nose to be cool and wet, and this is true in most cases, but a dry nose on its own is not a sign of sickness. The cool, moist hairless portion of the nose is known as the planum, nose pad or nose leather, and is covered in bumps and ridges that are unique to each cat.

How to Find and Identify a Reputable Cat Breeder

by Julia Wilson

At a glance

A reputable cat breeder will be:

Registered with a cat association
Willing to let you visit the cattery and meet the parents and kittens
Ask you a lot of questions
Answer your questions
Screen their cats for inherited diseases
Guarantee the health of their kittens

Every day there is a new story in the news about the purchase of cat or dog going wrong, due to sickness or the death of an animal or being ripped off. Purebred cats and dogs can cost several thousand dollars, which can be an attractive prospect to the ill-informed or the unethical, but when a breeder does tick all of the boxes and breed ethically, it is far from a money-making scheme, but it is rewarding, which is why they do it.

How to Administer Eye Medication to a Cat

by Julia Wilson

From time to time it will be necessary to administer medications to your cat’s eyes which have multiple purposes including. Eye medications are typically drops or ointments.

Cat Hanging Around-What Should You Do?

by Julia Wilson

What should you do if a cat is hanging around your home?

Why is a cat hanging around?

There are several reasons a cat may appear at your doorstep. It is lost, it is a stray, or it is a local cat who is exploring the neighbourhood. There are clues to evaluate if the cat has a home or is living on the streets. This can help to determine what to do next.

Colourpoint Shorthair Breed Profile

by Julia Wilson

Origins: England
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Eyes: Blue
Energy: Medium to high
Temperament: Talkative, intelligent, affectionate, dog-like
Weight: Males 4-6 kg (8.8 – 13.2 lbs), females 3.5-5 kg (7.8 – 11 lbs)
Coat: Short
Grooming: Weekly
Talkative: Very
Cost: $900 – $1,500

What is a Colourpoint Shorthair?

The Colourpoint Shorthair is a man-made breed which was created by crossing Siamese cats with domestic shorthairs with a goal to create a Siamese type in new colours. Traditionally, the Siamese occurred in four colours, seal, chocolate, lilac and blue. The Colourpoint Shorthair extended those colours, to include reds, creams, torties in pointed and lynx (tabby) point.

Most cat councils recognise the Colourpoint Shorthair as a Siamese, however, the Cat Fanciers Association and the World Cat Federation recognise them as a standalone breed.

Entropion in Cats

by Julia Wilson

What is entropion?

Entropion (en-TROH-pee-on) is an inward rolling of the eyelid which causes irritation and discomfort as the eyelashes and facial hair rub against the delicate cornea. Most cases involve the lower eyelid and can affect one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) eyes.

Are Daffodils and Jonquils Toxic to Cats?

by Julia Wilson

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Botanical name: Narcissus spp.
Common names: Daffodil, Jonquil, Paperwhite
Toxicity: Toxic to cats
Toxic properties: Lycorine (also known as narcissine) and other alkaloids

About

Daffodils and jonquils are a common spring-flowering bulb with orange, yellow, or cream trumpet-shaped flowers which are popular in ornamental gardens, public parks and as a cut flower. Narcissus spp., is native to southern Europe and Northern Africa but are now widespread throughout the globe.

What is a Tomcat?

by Julia Wilson

A tomcat is a sexually mature entire (un-neutered) male cat. The name tomcat is derived from an eighteenth-century work of fiction titled The Life and Adventures of a Cat authored by Willoughby Mynors. The main character was Tom the Cat, a promiscuous male cat. Prior to the publication of The Life and Adventures of a Cat, males were known as rams, boars or gibs.