Cats Felis Catus History First cat appeared 35

Cats Felis Catus

History • First cat appeared 35 million years ago. • Cats were domesticated about 4000 years ago. Much later than dogs! • This is probably due to its independent and solitary nature.

• All modern cats can be traced to one of these types of cats. – African Wild Cat – Jungle Cat – European Wild Cat

Skeleton and Muscles • Skeleton developed for speed and flexibility. • Their skeleton contains 244 bones – 40 more than humans – Extras found in spine and tail

• 500 separate muscles, largest in rear for running and jumping. – 150 less than humans – 30 in ears – Large muscles found in hind legs

• Ears for hunting and are much more sensitive than a humans. • Cochlea-is an organ within the ear that allows the cat to detect and locate sounds very efficiently. • Nose is especially sensitive, used to investigate food, water, or unfamiliar objects. • Nose receptor- located in the lining of the nose- lets them pick up smell of airborne items. • Olfactory mucosa- this area is almost twice the size of humans.

Eyes • Cats have 3 dimensional vision • THREE eyelids! – Nictating Membrane- it moves diagonally across eye under eyelid to help lubricate cornea. • Kittens’ eyes stay closed for about 10 -12 days after birth! • But it takes about 3 months for them to be fully developed!

• Cats can be divided into two categories: – Long haired – Short haired • The average cat lives around 12 -18 years but healthy, indoor cats are known to live as long as 30 years. • The cat's front paw has 5 toes and the back paws have 4.

Interesting Facts • A cat's hearing is much more sensitive than humans and dogs. • The cat's tail is used to maintain balance. • Cats see six times better in the dark and at night than humans • On average, a cat will sleep for 16 hours a day. • A domestic cat can run at speeds of 30 mph.

Reproduction • The female cat reaches sexual maturity at around 6 to 10 months and the male cat between 9 and 12 months. • Cats are pregnant for about 63 days. They can have multiple litters in a year. • They typically have 2 -6 kittens per litter but can have more. • Kittens nurse for about 6 weeks before being weaned from their mother.

Nutrition • Cats are carnivores- eat small birds, mice, and other small prey. • Average cat eats commercial mixed food that is composed of animal and plant products. • All cats need taurine in their diet to avoid blindness. • Cats must also have fat in their diet as they are unable to produce it on their own. • Cats require about twice as much protein as dogs do. • The best source of protein is found in animal products • Should feed a commercial cat food.

3 Types of Cat food • Canned food – More protein – higher water content. – Higher fat levels • Semi-moist food – less expensive – only 30% water – added chemicals added to – keep from spoiling or drying out!

• Dry food – 10% water less fat, but also less protein – Cats on dry food need additional water all the time! – May develop bladder problems- due to not enough water in diet – Keeps teeth clean

Exercise/training • Depends on breed and home life (apartment vs. farm) • Apartment cats may need “toys” to keep active • Train cat to use scratch post instead of drapes/ furniture • Toilet training is easier with cats because the naturally cover up their urine and feces. • Cats can be trained to do tricks, such as jumping through hoops, sitting, begging, and others.

Grooming/Care • Long - haired cats – Need daily care or hair will get tangled and matted – Equipment needed: • Comb • nail clippers • grooming brush made with natural bristles • grooming powder • Comb all areas with a wide-toothed comb – after coat is free of tangles use fine part of comb – brush fur out in opposite direction hair grows – Sprinkle grooming powder in while brushing

• Short-haired cats – grooming not necessary every day – Equipment includes: • fine toothed or flea comb • rubber grooming brush • Grooming – comb through hair gently watching for burs, mats, or other foreign objects – avoid over brushing

• Ears – check for mites (dark, crumbly residue in ear). This can be treated with ear drops from a vet. • Eyes – should be bright and clear, if staining occurs, gently wash • Teeth and Gums – check for soreness, tartar build up must be treated by a vet • Claws – require trimming, careful not to trim to the pink area as this will cause pain and bleeding. – Cats using a scratching post don’t need trimming very often.

Independent and self-sufficient. Make excellent companions. Less care than dogs. Fit well in most apartment settings. Total cost is less, compared to a dog! (vet, feed, etc. ) • They are clean, very little house training! • • •

• Be alert for signs of illness: – Gums should be pale pink. – Eyes bright and clear. – Clean and shiny coat. • Purchase kittens at 8 -12 weeks of age.

Breeds

American Shorthair • Brought to U. S. from England • Affectionate, great lap cat, easily disciplined and trained • Very large cat, 14 lbs • 34 recognized color patterns

Abyssinian • One of the oldest breeds known • Descendant of Egypt and worshiped as sacred • Extremely affectionate, quiet, highly intelligent, and alert. • Very active and can be taught to retrieve!

Bombay • Cross between Burmese and American Short-hair • graceful, charming, gets along well with others • Medium size • Jet black with copper colored eyes

Burmese • Originated in the U. S. - 1930’s by crossing a Siamese and Burma • sweet disposition, stubborn, bossy. Like to be held • Upper respiratory diseases are common in kittens especially if inbred

Devon Rex • Crossed domestic cat with a feral (wild) • medium size • wide based ears are set low; very characteristic of breed • likes people and can be taught to retrieve • Excellent climber

Japanese Bobtail • Japanese origin; sign of good luck • affectionate, sweet, and loves people • medium to large size • distinctive “short” (bob) tail is kinked and hair forms a “pom” • Care must be taken not to hurt the sensitive tail area.

Maine Coon • Origin unknown- possibly descendents of Marie Antoinette’s Turkish Angoras • Very large and long. Bushy tail, often tufts of fur on ear-tips. • Long hair, helps in Northeastern climate • Prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis • Above average intelligence, affectionate, easy to train

Oriental Shorthair • Multiple colors • vocal, intelligent, witty, elegant, dependent upon people, playful • medium size, can be mistaken for Siamese • Good health, except some respiratory problems

Persian • Oldest and most popular breed • well-mannered, easygoing, quiet, excellent apartment cats • divided into 6 groups for showing purposes, depending on eye and coat color • Some white are born deaf if blue eyed or odd eyed (one blue/one green) • Require daily grooming, often experience breathing problems and clogged tear ducts

Ragdoll • Originated in U. S. in 1960’s • Named for its floppy posture when handled • They have little fear or pain, docile, quiet, and composed • Large and heavy breed

Siamese • One person cat, even within a family • vocal, loyal, fearless, unpredictable • medium size, very long, refined • very little pigmentation; mask, ear, foot and tail tips • Always has blue eyes • Sensitive to vaccinations

Turkish Angora • Polite, intelligent, and very responsive. • Prefers a clean, almost spotless environment • small to medium size • use to be only white, now many colors • Persian cousin

Scottish Fold • Ears are folded downward and forward- Natural Mutation • Excellent family cat, gets along well with other cats or dogs • medium size

Sphynx • Canadian origination- 1960’s • Hairless, indoor cat • Very dependent upon people for survival • Constant purr, affectionate, body contact • Needs to eat frequent meals because of its lack to store body fat • Body temperature is higher than normal