American and British Shorthairs are two of the most popular breeds of cat and both come from humble beginnings. Both breeds are known for their stocky appearance and plush, dense coat. Yet, there are quite a few distinguishing factors that make the American Shorthair and British Shorthair unique.
Julia Wilson, 'Cat World' Founder
Can Cats Catch Parvovirus From Dogs
When it comes to the health and well-being of our pets, understanding the risks of infectious diseases is crucial to ensure our animals remain healthy and well. One valid concern for pet owners who share their homes with both dogs and cats is cross-species transmission, where a pathogen capable of infecting one species manages to jump to another species and establish infection.
The Top 6 Skinny-Faced Cat Breeds
From the well-known Siamese to the hairless Peterbald, skinny-faced cats have an exotic elegant and slender appearance. Some may look unusual, but all have quirky and affectionate personalities which makes the popular in a range of households. If you’re considering adding a skinny-faced breed to your home, it’s important to do your homework and ensure you choose the breed that’s right for you and your circumstances. In this guide, we take a look at some of the most popular skinny-faced breeds to help you choose the perfect companion.
Can Humans Give Cats Cold Sores?
What are cold sores?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters are small fluid-filled blisters that develop on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which is transmitted by direct contact. Eventually, the blisters erupt, scab over and finally heal. After an initial outbreak, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells near the site of infection. Periodically, the virus can reactivate and cause new outbreaks. The frequency of these outbreaks can vary from person to person and can be influenced by a number of factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
Calico vs. Caliby: Spot the Difference
Calico and caliby are both coat colours and patterns that are widespread among random-bred as well as purebred cats. Both the caliby and the calico coat pattern/colour combination occur almost exclusively in female cats, which we will go into later.
Calico and caliby cats share some similarities that may lead to confusion. Both patterns are characterized by a tri-colour coat consisting of white and red, with the addition of a third colour that can vary between black, grey, brown, cinnamon, lilac, or fawn.
Easter Lily Alert: The Hidden Danger for Your Feline Friend
What is Easter lily?
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is a flowering perennial bulb native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Its white, highly-fragrant trumped-shaped flower is highly valued for its beauty. Easter lilies were first introduced to the United States in the 1800s and are now grown commercially around the world.
Post Spay Care For Cats and Kittens: Tips For a Smooth Recovery
Also known as desexing or ovariohysterectomy, spay is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove the uterus and ovaries of a female kitten or cat. Its purpose is to eliminate the chance of unwanted pregnancy and reduce or remove the risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, and pyometra.
Most kittens are spayed before they reach six months, which is when most kittens reach sexual maturity and are capable of becoming pregnant. Most rescue organisations and cat breeders spay their kittens before they go to their new home.
Can Cats Eat Onions?
Cats cannot eat onions (Allium cepa) or any other members of the Allium family. Allium spp., which includes onion, garlic, chives and leeks contain sulfur-containing oxidants (thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates). Sulfur-containing oxidants are metabolised into reactive oxidants which can lead to Heinz body hemolytic anemia.
Heinz bodies are abnormal structures that form as a result of the denaturation of hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Normally, hemoglobin is tightly folded and structured, but when exposed to sulfur-containing oxidants, becomes denatured and forms a clump, which is called a Heinz body. Heinz bodies appear as small, round or irregularly shaped inclusions within the red blood cell when viewed under a microscope. The presence of Heinz bodies can interfere with the normal function of red blood cells, such as oxygen transport, and may cause the cells to become more fragile and prone to hemolysis (rupture).
Why Do Kittens Have Blue Eyes?
Why do kittens have blue eyes?
Kittens are born with blue eyes because the melanin, which gives colour to the iris, is not present at birth. Once the eyelids open and the eyes are exposed to light, melanin production increases, causing their eye colour to darken. The final eye colour may not be determined until 6 to 18 months after birth. This is similar to skin darkening from sun exposure. Skin darkens in the sun due to the production of melanin, a pigment that provides protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes increase the production of melanin to protect the skin, resulting in a tanned appearance.
A kitten’s eyes are closed at birth because they are developing and need time to grow and mature, which helps protect the eyes from environmental light. The eyelids remain closed until 7 – 10 days after birth. Once the eyes open, they are a pale blue in colour. Some kittens will maintain their blue eyes for life, while the eye colour of other kittens will gradually change from blue to yellow, copper or green.
Why Do Cats Kill Their Kittens?
All placental animals are hardwired to protect the lives of their offspring, to guarantee the next generation reaches adulthood. Mother cats (known as a queen) have a high maternal instinct and will nurture and raise her kittens until they have reached an age where they can safely care for themselves. But sometimes an adult cat will kill an individual or litter of kittens, which is termed infanticide. There are two types of infanticide, nonkin infanticide, which relates to the killing of unrelated young, and kin infanticide, which is the killing of related young (usually offspring).
There are a number of reasons an adult cat will kill a kitten or kittens, which vary depending on the gender of the cat.