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
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
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?
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
- 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
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?
- 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?
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.
Why Does Cat Urine Smell So Bad?
Anybody who shares their home with a cat who uses a litter tray or who has experienced a cat spraying knows that cat urine has a unique and pungent odour compared to that of our canine companions.
Urine is produced by the kidneys which filter waste products out of the blood, which pass through the ureters and into the bladder, which is then expelled during urination. Urinary waste products include urea (a waste product of protein metabolism), creatinine, uric acid, sodium and other electrolytes.
How to Treat Nasal Congestion in Cats
Nasal congestion is a manifestation of nasal inflammation (medically termed rhinitis) which leads to excess mucus. The type of discharge will vary depending on the underlying cause but may be watery, mucoid (thick), purulent or bloody. Discharge can lead to congestion in which the nose becomes partially or fully blocked. This affects the cat’s ability to smell, which can impact the cat’s appetite.