Cat Grooming

Taking Care of an Older Cat

Cats are not turtles. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, people aren’t turtles, either. However, when you really think about it, people are a lot closer to turtles than cats in the sense that turtles, as well as people, can live to be 100 years or more. Not so for cats. In fact, in human terms, a cat who’s surpassed twelve years would be applying for their old age pension. Certainly cats can live longer than twelve years and, in fact, thanks to many factors, cats really are living much longer these days.

Dedicated care from their human companions plus advances in veterinary medicine are the main reasons. Most experts consider a cat’s “senior years” to begin on her 10th birthday. After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most playful feline. Yet, with a little extra attention from her resident human, a cat could enjoy another 5-10 years of life and love.

As with humans, cats often lose the ability to hear as they get older. This often goes unnoticed by their human companion because they think their cat’s lack of response is just typical feline aloofness. Unfortunately, without keen hearing and vision, an older cat becomes more vulnerable to threats from cars and dogs on the street, so it’s probably a good idea to keep an older cat indoors. If she loves the fresh air, then make sure you supervise her in a protected area when she is allowed outdoors.

Even the most easygoing cat can become a finicky eater in her later years. As an older cat’s senses of smell and taste begin to diminish, she becomes less interested in her food. Try adding moist food and warming her meals to amplify the scent and make her dinner more tantalizing.

Also, it’s important to keep fresh water available for your older cat, and to monitor her drinking habits. Her natural thirst drive can fade with age, causing her to become dangerously dehydrated rather quickly. Pay attention to about how much water your cat drinks each day. If the amount suddenly drops, and you know she is not getting water from any other source, you should consider contacting your veterinarian.

Common problems people see their older cats develop include difficulties swallowing due to decreased saliva production, less tolerance to extreme heat and/or cold, gum disease and tooth loss, a change in litter habits, and difficulty sleeping well.

Recent studies have uncovered a problem with potassium balance in many older cats. Poor coat condition, loss of appetite and lethargy have been linked to a mild form of hypokalemia, or low blood potassium. Low blood potassium damages the cat’s kidneys, which, in an older cat, are already weakening. This leads to a vicious cycle because declining kidney function increases the loss of potassium in the blood, which in turn causes further deterioration of the kidneys.

Arthritis and stiffness is fairly common in older cats as well and as it becomes more difficult to move, a geriatric cat spends more time sleeping. If her diet stays the same, she’ll begin to put on a lot of extra weight. This can add to her discomfort which makes her more inclined not to move. Without exercise her muscles will weaken, so it’s important to encourage an older cat to take part in some activity every day. Physical movement will help with digestion and bowel function, as well as keep her sharp mentally.

As a cat gets older, it spends less time grooming itself which may result in her hair becoming dry and matted. Regular grooming is required to keep her coat healthy and beautiful, so it’s best to schedule daily brushing to remove loose hair that can form uncomfortable hairballs in her stomach.

So, as I said, cats aren’t turtles. However, with love and care they can live for fifteen years or more. But remember, just as senior humans require special care, so does your feline friend. Pay attention to their needs and help make them as comfortable as possible.

Why You Should Be Concerned with Your Cat Health Care

The more fully you educate yourself about the ins and outs of cat care, the more able you will be to create an ideal care regimen for your pet. The better your cat care, the longer your cat will live, and the higher the quality of life it will have. In case that isn’t reason enough for you to invest a bit of time and energy in learning to offer your feline pet the best possible cat care, here is a quick breakdown of a few of the many benefits to outstanding cat care.

Great cat care means that when your cat needs medical treatment, you will recognize the signs early, possibly even long before invasive or costly procedures or drugs are necessary. Conscientious cat care will help you notice any health problems as soon as they manifest in even minor symptoms. This can help you catch issues early, when they are at their most easily treatable. By providing great cat care, you are helping to stop diseases and other health problems in their tracks by getting your cat the medical attention he or she needs as early as possible.

Regular, excellent cat care means that you will be able to be more efficient and save time in your cat care regimen. If you take a bit of time each day to complete a few simple cat care tasks, you will be sure that nothing builds up until it gets out of hand. In fact, you can spend less time overall by making efficient cat care a part of every day. Habitual and thorough cat care can actually be less work than taking care of a cat who you have ignored even a little bit. After all, grooming a slightly scruffy cat once every week is easier overall than grooming an utterly filthy cat once a month.

When you fully understand the different aspects of cat care, you can be sure that you aren’t neglecting any part of the cat care equation. Cat care is a multifaceted process that includes everything from stern training to playful snuggling, and an inexperienced or uneducated cat owner may not be aware of all of these different sides to having a cat. When a cat doesn’t have all of its needs fulfilled, it can develop behavior or health problems that could have been avoided through simple, responsible care on the part of the owner.

Last but not least, one great reason to improve your cat care is simply that there is no good reason not to. Learning how to care for your cat more fully and completely is easy, so you might as well give it a try. Even if you think that you already know everything under the sun about cat care, it never hurts to double check. Take some time to skim a book or a few websites on the subject, and you just may discover your own reasons to improve the way you care for your pet.

Why Learn About Cat Care?

A Few Simple Reasons To Improve Your Cat Care

The more fully you educate yourself about the ins and outs of cat care, the more able you will be to create an ideal care regimen for your pet. The better your cat care, the longer your cat will live, and the higher the quality of life it will have. In case that isn’t reason enough for you to invest a bit of time and energy in learning to offer your feline pet the best possible cat care, here is a quick breakdown of a few of the many benefits to outstanding cat care.

Great cat care means that when your cat needs medical treatment, you will recognize the signs early, possibly even long before invasive or costly procedures or drugs are necessary. Conscientious cat care will help you notice any health problems as soon as they manifest in even minor symptoms. This can help you catch issues early, when they are at their most easily treatable. By providing great cat care, you are helping to stop diseases and other health problems in their tracks by getting your cat the medical attention he or she needs as early as possible.

Regular, excellent cat care means that you will be able to be more efficient and save time in your cat care regimen. If you take a bit of time each day to complete a few simple cat care tasks, you will be sure that nothing builds up until it gets out of hand. In fact, you can spend less time overall by making efficient cat care a part of every day. Habitual and thorough cat care can actually be less work than taking care of a cat who you have ignored even a little bit. After all, grooming a slightly scruffy cat once every week is easier overall than grooming an utterly filthy cat once a month.

When you fully understand the different aspects of cat care, you can be sure that you aren’t neglecting any part of the cat care equation. Cat care is a multifaceted process that includes everything from stern training to playful snuggling, and an inexperienced or uneducated cat owner may not be aware of all of these different sides to having a cat. When a cat doesn’t have all of its needs fulfilled, it can develop behavior or health problems that could have been avoided through simple, responsible care on the part of the owner.

Last but not least, one great reason to improve your cat care is simply that there is no good reason not to. Learning how to care for your cat more fully and completely is easy, so you might as well give it a try. Even if you think that you already know everything under the sun about cat care, it never hurts to double check. Take some time to skim a book or a few websites on the subject, and you just may discover your own reasons to improve the way you care for your pet.

Care For Your Cat And Save Money

Cat care consists of making sure that you do everything you can to keep your feline pet in great health. This means everything from feeding your cat a balanced diet to grooming your cat to keeping its environment fresh and clean. The rewards of taking a little bit of time and energy to offer your cat the very best care are wide and varied, but one of the most exciting incentives that will make you want to learn how to give the best cat care is financial. Great cat care can help you save money in a number of ways, and the effort that you put into cat care can really pay off when it comes to keeping your household budget low.

One of the primary costs associated with keeping a cat is the high price of veterinary medicine. Learning about and providing optimum cat care can help you save a pretty penny on your pet’s medical bills in two important ways. Many uneducated cat owners end up making pricy trips to the vet when nothing is wrong. By educating yourself about basic cat care, you will be able to reduce unnecessary trips to the vet by a dramatic margin. If a problem like a virus does arise, if you’ve provided great cat care your pet will be in strong shape to recover in a minimum time frame, which means less treatment and less expense. By giving your cat the best possible care at home, you will keep your pet strong and healthy so that it will be well equipped to battle illness and avoid injuries that can require costly procedures and medications.

By offering your pet conscientious cat care on a daily basis, you will grow familiar with what your cat’s normal habits are, and will be quick to notice any changes in behavior patterns. When you know a lot about cat care, you will be more likely to understand what these changes mean and whether there is cause for concern. To the uneducated owner, even a slight alteration in eating patterns or activity can cause a panicked trip to the vet, only to discover that there is nothing wrong. If you are well informed about cat care you will be sure that you only head for the doctor if there is a definite reason for alarm. This can help you save hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills. The more you know about cat care, the less you will have to rely on outside professionals to tend to the needs of your cat.

Giving your feline friend great cat care means that your cat will be as healthy as possible at all times. A balanced diet, consistent affection, and attention to your cat’s grooming and environment will help you keep your cat fit, trim, and strong. This boosts your pet’s immune system, making it less susceptible to diseases and health problems that can require extensive and costly treatment. Keeping your cat in the pink is a great way to keep medical bills low so that your cat doesn’t become a financial burden.

Cats Questions and Answers

How to hang on to cats absent from the Christmas tree?
I have three cats that are about 18 months old. Much as I’d similar to to put up an artificial tree this year I’m very leery about it because I’m sure they will be constantly playing near it and the ornaments. Does anyone…

How long does it bring a cat’s eye color to return to regular after an eye infection?
Last week my five month old kitten got spayed and within a few days she developed an eye infection, probably because she wasn’t blinking while beneath anesthetic.Her eyes were squinted shut and filled with pus and goop to the point where on earth she couldn’t even open…

How long does it generally embezzle to retrain a cat to use the litter?
We had a friend move into our house after his divorce for awhile. When he moved in he took over the cats bathroom (and we moved their litter boxes) but this caused our cats to hike to the door and when they found it closed they…

How long does it help yourself to for frontline top spot for cats, to completely destroy adjectives the fleas on my cat?
i just applied the first application today… i wonder if he’s still itchy and borthered by these little bastards…fleas suck~!

How long does it help yourself to to cats to mate?
I recently found a stray female cat, who I am caring for until she can be adopt. I also have boy cat, Moe, who is to be, but not yet neutered. He have apparently been trying to talk the female into doing the dirty, but she hasn’t…

How long does it lug for cats to bequeath birth?
I need to know how long it takes and when the kittens are born if she dosent want 1 or them what do i nurture them? !

How long does it pilfer for a cat to grant birth?
My neighbor’s cat gave birth to 1 kitten last night around 8pm. Then the moment one came around 10am and after a short while the third. its almost 5pm here and she still looks pregnant! Do you think near are more on the way and is this…

How long does it run for anesthesia to wear rotten on a cat?
my cat was spayed today and it was at 9:00 and we have picked her up at 3:00 and she now is still dizzy from the anesthesia and she cant do anything, walk, stand, eat, or drink we literally have to pour a spoon of water down…

How long does my cat own vanished?
My cat Starbucks is about 14 or 15 years old and I’m getting worried that she doesn’t have much longer. She’s really grumpy adjectives the time and sometimes I think that when I pick her up she’s in pain because she other meows at me. …

Is it true that you cant mix dry food together for your cat?
I was at my local pet warehouse and the guy working there told me that I should mix the dry food I give to my kitten. I ws giving him science diet mixed beside advance and he seems to eat it but not adjectives of it.I feed…

Is it typical for a cat to approaching playing in/with hose down?
My new cat comes running when you turn on a faucet! gets in the shower beside me! is this a crazy cat or what? I’ve never heard of cats liking water and wondered whether any of you have heard of such a thing?(she’s an American…

Is it typical for eight-week mature kittens to be really hush?
We got two new lovely kittens today… two months after my beloved Puss died. Ever since they’ve be here, I’ve only heard each of them mieow just about once or twice.Is that normal?

Is it typical for my cat to be doing this?
Whenever I sit down she will jump up on my lap and lick my face A LOT and she meows loudly while doing this. And whenever I take up she will attack my butt. Lol is she trying to be a dog or something?She is about 4…

Is it typical to lick your cat as whether you be grooming her because it feel protective?
I got a pet kitten a few weeks ago. I’ve grown very close to her. I sometimes even feel as whether she’s my child. I was wondering if it is normal to want to lick her as whether I am grooming her. My cousin feels she wants…

Two cats, One house, paw of fury. How to produce them approaching respectively other?
My girl-friend and I have moved in together, Each of us have a cat, hers is spaded and front claws removed, she is also afraid of allot of things. while my cat is not spaded and have claws, she is also as a social cat….

Two kittens have a turf warfare.When will they stop.?
I will bring her back to the other kittens house in like 1 week. Will they spar again.

Two masculine kittens – suddenly turned blood thirsty for respectively other ?
Well,I have two male kittens nearly 4months old, brought-up together and are brothers.. (Non-neutered and are indoor cats)Now, they be always together and were infact licking each other yesterday morning..At dark I steped out of the house for a few hours and when I returned they both…

Two of my kittens are sick!! please abet?
They were taking from there mother to early.They are a moment or two older but both have bald spots on at hand head(were the fur is missing, the area, is very soft,and flaky) They hold been snezzing, and one of them is puking most of his…

More Cats and Pets Q&A Please visit : PetsAsk.com

Tips of How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

Scratching posts should be a staple item for every household with pet cats and cat catteries as well.  The scratching post should be sturdy so it does not fall over when the cat uses it.  It should be tall enough so the cat can stretch upward to scratch and made of material the cat likes.

Location of scratching posts:

They should be placed next to an area where the cat already scratches Put scratching posts near sleeping areas, entrances to rooms and long routes to food and litter box (I might add a little note here about the three silver Persians I have now.  They must be pure angels or I am just accommodating them very well.  They are all three very well behaved.  I am having no behavior problems from them.  They seem at peace and full of contentment.)

Another important aspect of making your cat feel at home, welcome or happy during the day is providing adequate resting areas.  Resting areas must be:

Safe Secure Private Away from people and other animals

Cats especially need opportunities for privacy and quiet time.  They sometimes are willing to use a cat tent and other special made items for them, however, many cats enjoy just a cardboard box with a nice soft blanket placed in a quiet spot for them.  Cats also find their own very secluded places for private time that includes:

Under your bed In a spare room In a closet

And what about perching needs for the cat?  Cats love to perch in areas way up high, on a window sill looking outside to the rest of the world while they are quiet, secluded and safe inside.  Cats are curious and vigilant by nature.  Sitting in high places allows them to observe their environment.  They like to see, hear and smell what is going on from a safe distance.

Cats make good use of their vertical space and value this as much or more than floor space.  They may even find their own high perching spots on top of a bookcase, kitchen cupboards or a refrigerator.  Spots near a window are especially desirable.  Try to provide places for birds to gather near the cat’s window perch.  They love to watch the birds fly around.  There are many types of cat furniture that accommodates the cat’s need to climb and perch.  Cat towers, trees or condos are dearly loved.  Place them near a window if possible.

The need for play is unique to each cat.  Some cats like to play more than others.  Play activities are closely related to hunting activities.  Watch the types of games your cat likes to play.  Recently I bought a little bird toy for my cats.  Each time the bird is rolled around it makes a bird-like noise.  I thought how cute this would be for them.  They will just love this toy.  It is the only toy so far they all stay away from.  They seem to be startled by the sound, so they do not go near that toy bird.  Other cats, by contrast, may love it.  All of them are amazed at jumping feathers and love to run after them (the hunt), then catch them with their hands and try to “eat” the prey of feathers.  I play this game often with them using the fishing poles with feathers attached on the end.  Cats have a need to stalk and pounce.  They stalk the feather and pounce on it.  There are many other types of cat toys that dangle and move.  I am staying away from toys that make noise as my cats are startled by the noise makers. 

I notice my Persians have their eyes half closed a lot.  They look a bit lazy and sleepy eyed.  Their environment is extremely quiet.  I put on the Van Morrison music one day to see their reaction.  Their eyes popped open very wide as if to say:  “What is that?”  “I never heard such as this.”  Taz ran in behind something to hide.  Diamond was the perkiest.  I concluded Diamond really liked Van Morrison’s song of “Brown-eyed Girl.”

When you purchase cat toys, be sure most of them provide opportunity for the cat to play by itself.  Cats are easily bored (sounds like me), so keep a selection of toys you can rotate occasionally.  When I clean their area, I put all their toys in a basket.  After cleaning, I get them out and they act as if they have found “new” toys.  In a few hours, the toys just lay on the floor untouched.  The cats returned to sleepy-eyed look!

Diamond and Fairy like the low-tech items like ping-pong balls and different shapes of little balls.  They roll them over their floor using their paws.  I have also noticed these two girls as if playing “roll the ball over the floor to each other.”  This is real cute to watch and I never have my video camera out in time to catch these little games.

Taz is still not old enough to mate, but he spends a fair amount of his time following around after Fairy during her season times.  When he is not doing this, he desires to sit next to me or in my lap.  He is more of a lap cat than Fairy and Diamond.  They all learn very quickly and as I said before, I am so very pleased with this threesome.  I have heard that Persians were very hard to groom.  This is not true of my three.  Their coats are silky texture.  The most trouble I have had is at bath time and keeping their faces clean.  I won’t give away all my secrets in these articles.  I have found a miracle routine for cleaning their faces.  All who purchase kittens from me will receive the “miracle routine” grooming instructions I have learned and established with my particular lines.  Follow the link in this article to learn more about us, to sign up for a free newsletter and add your name to our waiting list for some very exquisite silver Persian kittens.  If you like silver Persians, you will not be disappointed in the kittens we produce for you.  We will be having only a few litters per year, so you will need to express your interest early and fill out our contact form to be added to our list.

Disclaimer:  The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat.  You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.

Source:  The Winn Feline Foundation Online

Crucial Health Oversight Procedures and Maintenance For Dogs and Cats

Regular health care for pets is a crucial part of their ongoing development, health and well-being. Outside regular exercise and a healthy diet, your pet needs routine health care to ensure it has a long and happy life. Regular, routine health care should include proper grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular visits to the veterinarian’s office. To learn more, read on.

Ongoing Veterinarian Visits

Your adult cat or dog should see the veterinarian at least annually. Puppies and kittens should have a vet visit at least once a month for the first 4 months and then as needed until they’re ready for annual check-ups. Cats and dogs over 7 or 8 years old should see the veterinarian every six months.

During your veterinarian visit, you can expect your veterinarian to look for signs of possible illness, disease or injury. They may also prescribe blood work, prescription drugs, vaccinations or a health care program such as hydrotherapy or physiotherapy.

Parasite Control

The primary intestinal parasites of dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. These worms damage the digestive tract or interfere with absorption of essential nutrients. Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed after finding worm eggs or actual worms in your pet’s feces.

Fecal samples should be tested periodically – this is typically done at your annual veterinarian checkup or on an as-needed basis.

Heartworm is another type of internal parasite that is almost always deadly. The worms are contracted by mosquito bites, then the eggs later hatch and live in the blood vessels around the lungs and heart. It is painful and deadly, but also preventable. During mosquito season and sometimes year-round, your veterinarian will prescribe preventive heartworm health care for pets in the form of a pill.

Other external parasites include mites, ticks and fleas. These pests cannot only irritate your pet, but also cause infection. So, check your animal regularly for signs of flea bites, and treat for it accordingly.

Regular Tooth Maintenance

Cats and dogs need regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup and tooth decay. Typically, dogs require ongoing dental care, like a light, daily tooth brushing. Cats are typically fine with a few dental treats and the occasional vet visit.

You can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums in good condition by brushing their teeth regularly and providing them with certain toys like flossies or dental bones.

Good Grooming

Loose or shed hair cannot only mat and cause problems, but it can also be inhaled and lead to digestive issues or hair balls. Keep your pet well groomed to avoid skin irritation, which can also lead to bacterial or parasite infection.

Health care for pets is about more than an occasional visit to the vet or treating specific problems. Additionally, it includes ongoing maintenance and a regular health care routine. So, give your pet a long and happy life by practicing good grooming, regular dental care, parasite prevention and appropriate trips to the vet. It’s an investment well worth the time and cost for your beloved pet.

Some Popular Cat Breeds

Cats are playful and lovable and different breeds have their own characteristics. We will consider some breed of cats that give them their names:

Persian

Persian is the type of cat that you can groom and fawn over and is one of the most well liked pet around. With their regal hairs, these cats are absolutely stunning and they are loyal and affectionate cats too. Persian is furry and comes in almost every color that you can imagine. Such cat is docile and will accompany you to watch TV and you can pet it all you like.

Siamese

Siamese is a popular breed and almost everyone recognize it. Besides being stunning with big blue eyes and elegant coat, they require little amount of grooming. They are a smart feline but can be quite annoying when they try to attract your attention with their yowling voice. If you are a passive person, do not get a Siamese as they are active as well as playful which is more suitable for those who have a lively lifestyle and personality.

Manx

Manx is a unique breed of cat that has no tail but aside from that they are a muscular and solid breed. Their looks are enhanced by their short glossy coat and they are intelligence as well as a great character. Being playful and lively, they are adaptable and get along well with all family members.

Burmese

Burmese is medium size but muscular and affectionate but not to the extent of freaking you out. They are a stunning cat with short glossy coat and Burmese are generally categorized into traditional, contemporary and European. The traditional is sturdy and muscular with a rounded head while the contemporary has a stocky body and prominent round and space eyes with stunning color such as sable, champagne, platinum and blue. European as the name implied takes on a more foreign look. They are graceful with slimmer body and they come in many colors. Burmese is great companion as well as a loving and smart cat.

Himalayan

The Himalayan in addition to being popular breed is a sweet and demonstrative cat but need plenty of grooming. It is heavily boned with round body and the coat makes it even expansive. Himalayan exists in two facial varieties and they are extreme and traditional. Both varieties have small and rounded ears with full cheeks and a prominent chin. If you prefer to deal with fewer health problems then choose traditional. Himalayan is a great indoor cat with streak of liveliness in them.

Abyssinian

Abyssinian is the kind with lots of energy and very active as well as playful. It has striking green and gold eyes and come in midsize with conspicuous tick pattern. Abyssinian is fun and entertaining and comes in 3 different breed colors.

• Ruddy, where it has orange and brown color
• Red, with warm fur color that is accompanied with chocolate brown spots
• Blue, which is a unique color.

The striking colors make Abyssinian a refined and regal cat with soft, silky coat that is medium in length.

Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau is a gorgeous and striking cat with natural spot and very muscular. They may be well built but not heavy and very fast with rounded head as well as almond shape eyes that is green in color. They are distinctive from other cats with their spots that differ in shape, size and location. They are smart, active and extremely loyal with beautiful coats of medium length.

Are You Considering Buying A Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls are large cats with pretty blue eyes and soft bushy tails. They do not have extreme features. A male ragdoll cat may reach over 20 pounds and a female cat reaches as high as 15 pounds. Their coats are soft and feel much like cashmere.

Ragdolls have four different types of coat patterns: van, bicolor, mitted, and pointed. Each of these patterns come in six different colors: blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and seal.

Pointed ragdoll cats have siamese type markings with dark ears, legs, and tails with a creamy colored body.

Mitted ragdoll cats look like pointed ragdolls except they have mittens and boots are soft, fluffy white, and so are their chins.

Bicolor ragdoll cats have white legs, a white underbelly, a white chest and an upside down V marking on their face are white. Only the tail, ears, and the outer part of their masks show darker markings.

Vans ragdoll cats have crystal white bodies that contrast with their point markings and blue eyes. Only the top of the maks, ears, and tail, and sometimes some spots on the body show darker markings.

Ragdoll cats are gentle cats which are careful not to scratch people and they are good with children, older people, and with dogs. They usually will not scratch or bite even when frightened or in pain. They are usually not jumpers. They like to stay on the floor. They do not speak very often and when they do speak they have a soft voice. They are people oriented cats that will often greet you when you get home from work. They will follow you around, sleep with you, and generally keep you company wherever you go in the house (even the bathroom!) Ragdolls love attention.

Ragdoll cats are calmer cats compared to some. They are less likely to be knocking stuff off your table or knocking a cup out of your hand than some other cats!

Ragdolls need little help when it comes to grooming. They groom and bath themselves. They rarely shed, have hairballs, or need any grooming at all unless they are a show cat. While Ragdolls do not normally need to be combed they actually do enjoy it!

Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are a friendly calm breed of cat. If you are on the look out for a new cat then a ragdoll is definitely a great choice!

Norwegian Forest Cat – the Facts Every Owner of This Cat Breed Should Know

Thought to date back to the time of the Vikings, the Norwegian Forest Cat is an old breed. References to this type of cat can be found in Norse mythology and Norwegian fairytales, but the true origins of his breed are unknown. Domestic breeding of the Norwegian Forest Cat, known as ‘skogkatt’ in Scandinavia, began in the 1930 by farmers, but it was not recognized as a breed until the 1970s, when breeding of ‘Wegies’ (a nickname derived from the word ‘Norwegian’) became popular.

Norwegian Forest Cats lived in a harsh and cold climate for most of the year, so their coats are adapted to this environment. It is long and thick to protect them from the hash winters and virtually waterproof. They get a summer coat in spring, resulting in shedding that needs to be attended to. Some say that grooming so not necessary, regular grooming of a Norwegian Forest Cat is a useful tool in combating shedding, though they shed far less than other longhairs. They require regular brushing to help deal with tangles and matting and may require a bath at times if they get too oily (the oil is what makes the coat water resistant). The coats themselves appear in many colors and patterns.

Adult male Norwegian Forest Cats will reach an average weight of thirteen to twenty-two pounds and females will be about half that size. They will live anywhere from fifteen to twenty years. Norwegian Forest Cats are intelligent, kind, and patient, making them a good family pet for those with children. They are also friendly and gentle, so they get along well with other family pets. This breed loves to climb, so a cat condo is a must.

If a Norwegian Forest Cat is not allowed to climb on a regular basis, he may become irritable or bored, which can result in destructive behaviors to alleviate the boredom. The meow of a Norwegian Forest Cat is described as not a meow, but as singing a soft melody. This is a hearty breed, though some may be prone to glycogen storage disease.

There is a website that has great information on Norwegian Forest Cats and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.