HISTORY BEHIND CATS n First cat appeared 35
HISTORY BEHIND CATS n First cat appeared 35 million years ago. n Cats were domesticated about 4000 years ago. Much later than dogs! n This is probably due to its independent and solitary nature.
HISTORY OF CATS n All modern cats can be traced to one of these types of cats. – African Wild Cat – Jungle Cat – European Wild Cat
HISTORY OF CATS Did you know? Cats are found on every continent except Antarctica! n Cats are divided into 2 main groups: n – Short-haired breeds – Long-haired breeds
CHARACTERISTICS OF CATS
SKELETON Developed for speed and flexibility. n Their skeleton contains 244 bones n – 40 more than humans – Extras found in spine and tail
MUSCLES n 500 separate muscles, largest in rear for running and jumping. – 150 less than humans – 30 in ears – Large muscles found in hind legs
CAT MUSCLES
THE COAT – WHAT IS ITS FUNCTION? Protects against cold, heat, sunlight, water loss, injuries, and even parasites! n Also allows them look beautiful n
EARS They are all used to investigate food, water, or unfamiliar objects. n Ears for hunting and are much more sensitive than a humans. n Cochlea? -is an organ within the ear that allows the cat to detect and locate sounds very efficiently. n
IS THIS POSSIBLE? WHY?
NOSE Nose is especially sensitive! n They are all used to investigate food, water, or unfamiliar objects. n
NOSE RECEPTOR n Loctated in the lining of the nose- lets them pick up smell of airborne items. n Olfactory mucosa- this area is almost twice the size of humans.
PAWS Paws are especially sensitive! n They are all used to investigate food, water, or unfamiliar objects. n
CAN CATS BE DEAF? n Due to genetics, this can happens to white cats with blue eyes!!
EYES 3 dimensional vision n similar to other animals, but has some extra features! n Has three eyelids! Yes 3 eyelids!! n
EYE CONTINUED n This Eyelid is the Nictating Membrane- it moves diagonally across eye under eyelid to help lubricate cornea.
HOW LONG BEFORE KITTENS EYES OPEN? They stay closed for about 10 -12 days after birth! n But it takes about 3 months for them to be fully developed! n
MOUTH n Receptor in mouth. – And on the tongue n n Papillae- knobs on the tongue used to hold, lick and scrape meat off bones. Also is where the taste buds are located.
ADVANTAGES! n n n 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!
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A CAT n Be alert for signs of illness: – Gums should be pale pink. – Eyes bright and clear. – Clean and shiny coat. n Purchase kittens at 8 -12 weeks of age. Periodontal disease
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAT The more attention you give it, the closer it will be to you! n If you do not intend on breeding it, have them spayed or neutered! n Female kittens reach sexual maturity at 5 months, and will come in heat every 3 weeks! n
FEEDING YOUR CAT Cats require about twice as much protein as dogs do!! n The best source of protein is found in animal products! n Should feed a commercial cat food. n
Three Types of Cat Food -
Canned food: More protein n higher water content. n Higher fat levels n
Semi-moist food: less expensive n only 30% water n added chemicals added to keep from spoiling or drying out! n
Dry food: n 10% water less fat, but also less protein! n Cats on dry food need additional water all the time! n May develop bladder problems- due to not enough water in diet! n Keeps teeth clean!
Tips to remember!! Never give your cat “dog” food- Why? n Amount given depends on size and age! n Lactating and pregnant cats need more to eat. n
E. ) Exercise • depends on breed and home life (apartment vs. farm) • Apartment cats may need “toys” to keep active
F. ) Training Train cat to use scratch post instead of drapery and furniture n Toilet training is easier with cats because the naturally cover up their urine and feces. n Cats can be trained to do tricks, such as jumping through hoops, sitting, begging, and others. n
VI. Grooming and Care A. ) Long - haired cats n 1. ) Need daily care or hair will get tangled and matted n 2. ) Equipment needed: n a. ) comb n b. ) nail clippers n c. ) grooming brush made with natural bristles n d. ) grooming powder
3. ) Grooming a. ) comb all areas with a wide-toothed comb b. ) after coat is free of tangles use fine part of c. ) brush fur out in opposite direction hair grows d. ) Sprinkle grooming powder in while brushing
B. ) Short-haired cats 1. ) grooming not necessary every day 2. ) Equipment includes: a. ) fine toothed or flea comb b. ) rubber grooming brush 3. ) Grooming a. ) comb through hair gently watching for burs, mats, or other foreign objects
C. ) Bathing • not necessary, except show cats must be bathed often. • Mild shampoo, or baby shampoo should be used
D. ) Regular Grooming 1. ) Ears • check for mites (dark, crumbly residue in ear). This can be treated with ear drops from a vet. 2. ) Eyes • should be bright and clear, if staining occurs, gently wash
3. ) Teeth and Gums • check for soreness, tartar build up must be treated by a vet • 4. ) 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
The End!!!
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