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Pet Care & Advice: Feline Friends

Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message

and get back to you later. --Mary Bly

Types of Breeds

People have been breeding and domesticating cats since ancient times. In fact, in Ancient Egypt, mummies of cats were prepared and dedicated to the cat-goddess "Bastet," whose worship attracted such fanatical devotion that living cats were treated with extraordinary reverence!

It's no wonder agricultural based societies liked having cats around either--cats ate the rats who ate the grain that was the main food supply! So early on, people depended upon the cat's natural hunting instincts to help preserve their food sources. Of course, the cat's natural instinct to be "cute and cuddly" didn't hurt its popularity either.

There are many breeds of cats including, Abyssian, Persian, Somali and others. Check out this Feline Breeds Database that includes everything you need to know about origin, temperment/character, genetic base, heritable conditions, etc. Also shows photos of each type of breed. (Ever seen a a "Thai Korat" cat?)

Your New Kitten & Kitty Issues

Spaying & Neutering

Cat Health Care

Weight Management

Vaccines

Issues to discuss with your vet include ear mites, feline acne, feline distemper, Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and parasite control (roundworms, tapeworms, ringworms) and, of course, flea and tick control.

Dental Care *Hint: Pet Dental Care Months are February and September. Receive 10% off any dental-related treatment or procedure.

Cats need regular, professional dental care too. Just like people, cats are susceptible to plaque and bacteria. Plaque turns into tartar that can destroy gums and result in the loss of the tissue and bone that supports the teeth.

Certain cat breeds, such as Abyssinians and Somalis are at greater risk as well as older cats. Ask your vet or veterinary technician to give you instructions on how to brush your animals teeth and about pet food formulations designed to maintain good oral health.

If you find it impossible to brush your cat's teeth (some tolerate it, others don't), you can have your cat's teeth professionally cleaned. We've provided more extensive information and advice for you on our "Pet Dental Care" page. For more extensive information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association's Pet Dental Health Page. Below are some signs your cat may be at risk for or have periodontal disease

Bad breath
Yellow-brown crust around the gum line
Bleeding gums
Pain when eating or pawing at the mouth
Change of chewing or eating habits
Tooth loss
Subdued behavior
Excessive drooling

Your Senior Cat

When is an animal considered a "senior?" Of course, the aging process varies with species and individuals. Middle age in humans is defined as around 45-59 years old. Elderly is considered around 60 and above. But we all know people who re-define these terms and don't seem "elderly." The same applies for animals. In animals, most animal care professionals usually talk about senior care during the last 25-40% of the animal's expected life span. We generally consider animals as being "senior" when they are around 7 years old. However, In reality, "old age" isn't just a chronological measurement of years. Aging is affected by factors such as genetics, size, nutrition, environment, and preventive health over the years. Below are two charts that will give you a general idea of your pet's age.

cat age

Comparative Ages of Cats to Humans

3 months = 5 years

6 months = 10 years

1 year = 15 years

2 years = 24 years

4 years = 32 years

6 years = 40 years

8 years = 48 years

10 years= 56 years

12 years = 64 years

14 years = 72 years

16 years = 80 years

18 years= 88 years

20 years = 96 years

21 years = 106 years

Information contained herein is provided as a service to our visitors and as a general guide for pet care.

It should not be substituted for professional veterinary care. You should always consult a licensed

veterinary professional with questions or concerns about your animal's health.

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Archer Animal Hospital, LLC

16105 SW Archer Road. , Archer, FL 32618-5619
352-495-2910

We're A Proud Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Florida Veterinary Association (FVA), and the Alachua County Veterinary Association (ACVA).

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Updated 01/21/2008 01:31:49 PM