VMD 513: Pet animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

CHOOSING A CAT

Advantage of cat as pet

• Cats are independent and self-sufficient and make excellent companions for old people and it require less care than dog.
• Cats fit well into apartment living and the less active lifestyle of the elderly person.
• The initial purchase price and the cost of feeding and keeping a cat is usually less than that for a dog.
• Cats are clean, generally requiring very little or no house-training. Depending on the circumstances, cats can be used to control mice and other rodents.

Young or adult cat to be purchased

• For the busy family or elderly person, it may be best to purchase an adult cat.
• It will not require as much time to care for as a young kitten.
• Adult cats should be taken to a veterinarian soon after obtaining them, because they may have parasites.
• This is especially true if the cat is a stray.
• Older cats may not live as long, which could be emotionally upsetting.
• Young kittens adapt quickly to a new family; they can be fun to watch as they grow.
• The more attention a kitten receives, the closer it becomes attached to the family.

  

Male or female

• If one does not intend to breed the cat, it is best to have the animal spayed or neutered.
• It makes very little difference if the pet cat is male or female; both are equally intelligent, affectionate, and playful.
• A male kitten reaches sexual maturity at about six or eight months of age; even if the owner lets it outside, it will start spraying areas to mark its territory.
• The smell is very strong and unpleasant; if one decides to keep a male cat, special housing may need to be provided.
• A female kitten becomes sexually mature as early as five months of age.
• She usually comes in heat about every three weeks; unwanted litters may be expected by keeping an unspayed female cat.

Breed of choice

• If one is just looking for a pet, the common domestic, mixed –breed house cat will probably make a suitable selection.
• These animals have traits from several breeds and make affectionate, friendly pets.
• Pedigree animals usually have both good and bad characteristics; one needs to be aware of these traits before purchasing a particular breed.
• Some breeds are basically inactive, solitary animals, whereas others are more active, playful, and demanding.
• Long haired cats require more time for grooming.
• Also, the climate of the area is important; unless they have air conditioning, long haired cats may become uncomfortable in high temperatures.
• Mixed-breed animals can usually be obtained free from neighbors or friends or by checking advertisements in newspapers.
• To obtain some of the specialty breeds, one may have to contact local or state cat fancier clubs.

Cat purchase 

• Pet stores also offer cats, but it is important to make sure the animal has received vaccinations, because diseases may be a problem in some pet stores.
• Cats may also be obtained from animal shelters.

A healthy cat  

• When selecting individual animals, one should be alert to signs of illness.
• Gums should be pale pink and the teeth white; older cats may show some yellowing of the teeth because of tartar buildup.

• The eyes should be bright and clear. Animals that have discharges emanating from the eyes or nose should be avoided.
• An extended, red third eyelid is usually a sign of illness.
• The nose should be cool and slightly damp.
• One should check the ears for a buildup of wax, which may indicate ear mites.
• The coat should be clean, glossy, and free of mats; one should check for traces of fleas and other parasites.
• A potbellied condition may indicate an animal with worms.
• One should feel the animal to check for lumps, abscesses, or other abnormalities.
• The rear area of the animal should be checked for signs of diarrhoea or worms.
• The area and surrounding fur should be clean and free of mats.

Healthy kitten

• Kittens are best purchased at eight to twelve weeks of age.
• One should select a kitten that is playful, alert and lively and that does not shy away.
• When selecting animals for breeding and show, one also needs to check for correct marking, eye color, coat colour, and conformation.
• Be aware that adult colourings may not develop for several months.