American Short Hair Cats

The American shorthair cat is in the feline popularity top ten of breeds according to the Cat Fanciers Association of America. It is totally understandable because they are beautiful animals. More athletic, larger and leaner than most cats they have wonderfully soft and touchable fur in eye-catching patterns. Descended from the British short hair cat and brought to the New World in the ships of the pioneers and settlers they got the name American short hair cat in 1966 without even applying for a green card. They are the most welcome of immigrant workers ever to come to America and they do not agitate for the vote or drain the social security system. For American short hair cats are republican through and through, independent, self-reliant survivors that are evolving in a symbiotic relationship with their American human pets.

American short hair cats are an extremely healthy breed that requires little or no maintenance. They get whatever they do need by being attractive, easy-going and affectionate. The male American short hair cat is quite a bit bigger than the female, coming in at ten to fifteen pounds when mature. Mature females only weigh eight to twelve pounds when they get to adulthood at three years of age. American short hair cats can live fifteen to twenty years, like most felines, and often only needing only yearly vaccination boosts, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and it goes without saying plenty of TLC. These cats have long tails and incredibly lithe slender bodies.

The American short hair cat is not defined by color or a distinct pattern because they come in more than eighty different colors and patterns. These range from the rich brown-patched tabby to the sleek blue-eyed white version. The breed also has wonderfully shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van. Probably the most recognized American short hair color is the silver tabby, with its dense black markings set on a sterling silver background. It’s the specimen that gets to eat all the good meaty food on the commercials and get all the girls in the movies.

The American short hair cat is a superb example of present day evolution since they first came to America as working cats. They were needed on board ship to control the vermin population. So their instincts for hunting remain sharp to this day. This despite of being provided for by humans with food, shelter and tick collars. They are not owned by people, but retain the ability to fend for them selves come what may. American short hair cats are, beautiful to look at, unquestioning loving companions to humans and independent sentient creatures in their own right.

Pet health care draws up images of trips to the veterinarian’s office and fighting with your pet to take medications, but every day traditional pet health care is far more simplistic than that. And it is less painful for you and your cat.  Generally, pet health begins with the food you give them. If you offer your cat a diet high in fat and preservatives, or even worse, people food, they will not develop a healthy internal system and chances are that they will develop a terminal medical condition. So pet health begins with what is in their food bowl. Provide a balanced diet that is high in protein; remember, in the wild, they eat raw meat and tissue, so provide them a diet that is high in protein relatively similar to a diet they would receive in the wild. However, just providing raw meat to your cat, while they may be satisfied, will not satisfy their nutritional needs. They need additional vitamins and nutrients that raw meat alone cannot provide, so pick a cat food that is a well rounded meal.

The second most important thing in traditional pet health is exercise. It is very important to engage your cat in some sort of physical activity, whether it is providing toys for their exercise entertainment, or by playing with your feline. Cats love to play hide and seek. It is indicative of their wild natural behavior, so playing a game of cat and mouse in your living room can get their heart rate going and help keep them young and spry. There are lots of toys available which can provide exercise for your feline, from balls which they can bat around, to feathers which can be whipped around in the air, taunting your cat. Cats need mental stimulus such as these toys can provide, so make sure that your cat has plenty of different toys to ensure strong mental health.

Thirdly, and something most pet owners do not consider a potential problem for pet health is poison and this can be anything from anti-freeze to drain cleaner. Anything you would not want to put in your body should not go inside your pet’s. Many pets are lost each year to accidental exposure to lethal and toxic chemicals. Keep all cleaning products, medicines and poisons out of sight and in an area which your cat cannot access. Cats are clever, they can figure out how to get into spaces you would not think to consider, so make sure that your products are locked away.

By taking these small steps to providing general pet health care you can ensure that your cat is healthy and happy for many years. There are so many things that can be done as preventive measures to help ensure the health of your pet, just a few moments can mean the difference to a healthy pet. Many of us consider our pets extensions of our family, so why not take the steps to protect their health and safety too?

If your cat is scratching uncontrollably at her ears or rubbing his head on the furniture continuously, there might be an ear problem that needs your attention. Since pet health, particularly cat health, can quickly fail, if your cat is making repetitive motions, it is best to get treatment for their issues before they become sicker. If your cat is diagnosis with ear mites, it is important that you get her to the vet immediately, as ear mites can lead to further infections and permanent hearing loss.

So what are ear mites exactly and how do they affect pet health? Ear mites are tiny, spider like insects which crawl into the warm, darkness of your cat’s ear and set up shop. While they are small, they are visible to the naked eye, so pet owners can actually check their pet’s ears to ensure there is not an ear mite infestation. Ear mites will look like tiny white specks against the dark color of the ear wax. Your cat might even give you signals that there is something going on. If they are heavily scratching at their ears or shaking their head, there might be an ear mite infection. You may even see them crawling out of the ear, or in some of the bedding your cat frequents. Believe it or not, your cat will let you know if there is something wrong, particularly if you are attentive to their pet health needs.

While ear mites are not fatal, it is important to pet health that they are immediately remedied. Ear mites are contagious, so if you have a household with multiple cats and one has ear mites, chances are very good that the other are infected too. Treating ear mites is simple. A vet can prescribe eardrops which will kill of the ear mites. It is also advisable to use flea powder on your cat, as flea powder will kill off any eggs which are attached to your cat’s fur. While you have the flea powder out, treat your home and your pet’s bedding to make sure that any and all eggs are abolished.

 Other things to consider when managing your pet health care are protecting your cat from sunburns. Cats are not immune to sun burn, particularly light colored cats can get severely burned on their ears, causing cancers and eventual amputation of the ears. Use non toxic sun screen. If you are unsure, ask your vet. Also, regularly check the ears for debris, as trash in the ear can draw bacterial and fungal infections. Whether your cat remains indoors or outdoors, debris can always find its way into their ears, so it is wise to step up a schedule to monitoring your cat’s ear health. Perhaps when you apply the monthly flea control, you can inspect your cat’s ear health. Including it with another scheduled pet health care will help you remember to check. The inner ear of a cat is just as fragile and important as your inner ear, so maintaining a health environment for that ear drum is clear.

If you are planning on declawing your cat, is it for your pet’s health, or for the health of your furniture? Most people believe that declawing a cat is the best way to train a cat not to destroy your household items, but many people do not understand the circumstance they are putting their cat’s in by declawing them.

Declawing a cat is best if your cat will never be going outside. If your cat even has the inkling of going outside, do not declaw them. This is their first line of defense and can affect your pet health by injury and infection. But not only is declawing your cat a physical change for them, but it can also leave them vulnerable to medical conditions later in life.

First, let’s examine what exactly declawing a cat entails. It is not just trimming back the nails. It is not a trip to the nail salon to have them filed down. It is a surgical procedure in which the cat’s bones are removed from their paw so that the nail bed does not grow anymore. Think of it this way, declawing a cat is the equivalent of having your fingers surgically removed up to the second knuckle. This procedure not only physically scars your cat, but can have long lasting affects on the pet health emotionally. How would you feel if you lost all of your fingers?

Secondly, most cats develop lasting medical conditions which deteriorate pet health. They can develop painful arthritic conditions, as well as aggressive behaviors due to psychological duress. Since claws are natural to pet health, cats can become quite confused on what is going on once their claws are gone. They will be unable to properly dig to cover their waste, so they may begin to urinate and defecate in odd places. This displacement is due to the fact that their natural behavior pattern is disrupted by being declawed.

Declawing is basically a procedure for pet owners and do not benefit their four legged friends at all. It is understandable for pet health to spay and neuter an animal, but declawing a cat serves no purpose other than to relieve owners from any destructive behaviors. If at all possible, avoid this act and develop over techniques to distract your cat or kitten from scratching. There are plenty of scratching posts and furniture designed for this case. Utilizing a water gun to stop a cat from scratching can be productive. You can also wrap furniture in aluminum to distract your cat. They will respond to the noise made by the foil and be confused by this. It also a good tip for cats that jump up on counters. Placing foil on counters will unnerve cats that jump on counters and scare them into changing their behavior. There are plenty of alternatives to declawing that are less damaging physically and emotionally to your feline, so before jumping into surgery, please try other alternatives. Your cat will definitely thank you.

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a breed that came into being around 30 years ago.  They are a cross between the Persian Longhair and the British Shorthair.  The resulting breed is a lovely cat with man of the distinctive features of the Persian but obviously with shorter hair.  Although their hair is short, it is every bit as thick as the Persian Longhairs coat and is very dense and soft.  They are attractive cats with wide set eyes and distinctive faces.  The Exotic Shorthair kittens are probably some of the prettiest kittens that you will see.

In the past the general ruling for breeding of Exotic Shorthair kittens was to mate a British Shorthair to a Persian Longhair.  As the breed have grown in numbers, however, it is now more normal to breed using two Exotics.  Occasionally breeders will revert to original to perhaps breed new colours etc, but this is no longer necessary to swell the gene pool. 

There are still only a few hundred Exotic Shorthair kittens being born each year so they are not always easy to source.  There are, however, websites full of information including details of how to find a breeder.  Always use a reputable breeder and make sure that you have details of the parents.  Whenever possible ask to see both mother and father.  Often it is not so easy to see the father as he may not be kept at the same home, but make sure that all the paperwork is in place and you have all the information that you can get. 

Exotic Shorthair kittens are robust little animals and very playful.  They are bright and easily trained.  By the time you get your kitten they should have been litter trained by their mother and be vaccinated.  There should be no signs or history of disease or parasite and they should be happy and lively.  They are naturally inquisitive and affectionate and love to be cuddled and handled.  If the kitten is not keen on contact from humans then it may not have been handled sufficiently and may not have learned to interact with people properly.  A happy and healthy Exotic kitten will love to be with people and you will be able to establish a loving and affectionate relationship with it as it grows into an adult.

Buying a kitten is never a straightforward business.  There are many things which you must consider prior to actually bringing your pet home.  You will need to research the best food for example.  This is something that you should talk to the breeder about.  They will have been providing a particular kind of food and feeding pattern which you should stick to, at least to begin with.  If you do want to change the feeding structure and diet it must be done over a period of time so as not to upset the kitten’s digestion.  The Exotic Shorthair kitten is a lovely pet and given care and love will be an affectionate family member.

If you have decided that you like to have a cat as part of your family, either to show, breed or just as a pet, careful attention must be taken of the many different breeds and the characteristics of each one.  There are a great many considerations when choosing a cat breed and they are not all concerned just with the physical appearance of your new friend.

If you wish to show your cat, you will need to research the shows that will accept particular breeds and the popularity of the breed.  Also you may wish to consider the breeding aspect.  The cost of some breeds can be much higher than that of some of the more usual ones and this must be thought about when it comes to buying your breeding stock as well as adding up the financial benefits when you come to sell the offspring.  If you are breeding as a business then choosing a cat breed is all important.

Cats in general make very good family pets, but there are some breeds that are characteristically more suitable than others.  Some cross breeds have proved themselves to be more robust and less prone to infections and illnesses and also many cross breeds have a more relaxed temperament.  This is not always the case, however, and each cat, regardless of its breed, will have its own way about it.  It is not possible to generalise too much.  If you are choosing a cat breed as a family pet, however, you may be wise to have a look at one of the websites where owners have posted reviews about their pets.  Some valuable information can be found regarding the personalities of individual breeds and it is always better to learn from someone else’s mistakes rather than making your own.

Cats have fur… well most of them do.  Some people will find that they are intolerant to cat fur to some extent.  If this is just a minor intolerance then you may still be able to have a cat as a pet.  You will be able to do some research and discover which cats have short fur and which would be the most aggravating to your intolerance by having lots of fluffy long fur.  Also, a long haired cat will need much more attention as it will require grooming on a regular basis.  You must also bear in mind that our feline friends also come in different sizes.  Admittedly the difference is not as much as it is with dogs for example, but if you are choosing a cat breed, you would definitely notice the difference between a large Norwegian Forest and a much smaller Rag doll. 

You will find that some cats require a little more attention than others.  The Bengal cat, for example, is a very energetic and demanding cat.  They are very loving and affectionate, but they do like to be the centre of attention and are great ones for climbing the curtains and knocking ornaments off shelves.  Possibly they are not the best pet for an elderly person with limited space and a lot of knick knacks of sentimental value.  I am sure that you will have a great time in choosing a cat breed and a little research before hand will mean that when you bring your new pet home you will hopefully have no nasty surprises.

Cats has been closely associated with humans for thousands of years. Today cats are the second most popular pet, with dogs being first. If you are away from your house for a extended period of time, either at work or at school cats are good pet for you.

Unlike other pets cats do not need much time, they only need to be given food and a little attention, for example dogs need to be walked on a regular basis and this can be very exhausting and time consuming. Cats can be a great pet for anyone because they are very adaptable and can live almost anywhere and would even live happily, healthy and comfortably in a small apartment. Cats are very affectionate, playful and loyal to people of all ages, to many people a cat makes the perfect pet.

Most domestic cats that people own are not pedigree cats, meaning that they are a mix of different breeds. Only 3 percent of domestic cats are purebred, there are no distinct advantages or disadvantages of buying a purebred cat and they can be very expensive. Different groups from around the globe have classified just over 100 different purebred cats.

The differences in breeds consist of the shape of the body, the size, length of coat, colour of coat, colour of eyes, personality and more. Today, there are two main categories that cats are grouped in, short hair and long hair. The most common out of the two being short hair cats.

Long hair cats are harder to care for because they need daily grooming, they are at a higher risk of having hairballs, it is much harder to get rid of fleas and when they cut or graze their skin it is harder to care for.

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Some cat breeds are low maintenance, while others require frequent brushing. Cat breeds are not as different from each other as different dog breeds but there are still some mighty different types of cats out there. Some cat breeds are people-pets and there are other cat’s breeds that prefer to be aloof and independent. Some cat breeds are more prone to spells of silence, but sometimes individual cats of the more vocal breeds are also not very talkative.

Cats Are Unique

Cats have amazing abilities to hear, see and smell. Cats will also turn their ears back when they are playing or to listen to a sound coming from behind them. Felines will also use contact to communicate urgency, from gentle reminders of feeding time to a demanding insistent rub. Cats involved in a conflict may extend their fully bristled tail straight into the air and turn their body sideways to appear larger.

Traits of the Cat Breeds

Some cat breeds require a great deal of brushing and maintenance to keep them happy and healthy and others only shed twice a year. Breeds are more often differentiated by their bodies and faces, and sometimes distinctive physical characteristics such as tailless or folded ears. Remember that no kitten is alike but, much like purebred dogs, different breeds of cats tend to have their own unique traits that may or may not affect your decision. Some cat breeds tend to be better with children or other pets, while other breeds of cat are commonly more aloof and prefer a more solitary existence.

What to Expect In Domestic Cats

Domesticated felines eat fairly little vegetable matter. Domestic cats are usually white, black, yellow, or grey and sometimes have markings of a different color. Domestic mixed-breed cats are generally characterized by long, thin tails, straight ears, and short hair of a variety of colorations. While most domestic felines are not purebreds (only 3% belong to a certain cat breed), there is a wide variety of breeds and most house cats reflect the traits of one or more of the different cat breeds.

Feline Behavior

Knowing what normal cat behaviour is will help in training felines and treating problem cat behaviour. Play-motivated aggressive behaviours are commonly observed in young, active felines less than two years of age. Play incorporates a variety of behaviours, such as exploratory, investigative and predatory, and provides young cats with opportunities to practice skills they would normally need for survival. Treats can help during playtime, but try to limit their use as positive rewards for behaviour modification. Felines are highly social; a primary difference in social behaviour between cats and dogs (to which they are often compared) is that felines do not have a social survival strategy, or a “pack mentality”, however this only means that cats take care of their basic needs on their own. With proper training and reinforcement of social behaviour, poorly socialized cats can become more social over time. Hunting has likewise become central to their behavior patterns, even to their predilection for short bursts of intense exercise punctuating long periods of rest. Scratching behaviour seems enjoyable to the cat, and even declawed cats will go through elaborate scratching routines with every evidence of great satisfaction, despite the total lack of results.

Conclusion

Some of the most popular cat breeds are Persians, Himalayans, Ragdolls, Siamese and Maine Coon. The more aloof cat breeds are: Norwegian Forest, Russian Shorthair and Nebelung. Although it is true that most cat breeds are known to have certain traits, felines are very much individuals and a cat of a breed noted for its independence could be in fact very dependent. With a little research, however, you are sure to determine which cat breeds are suited to your own situation.

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Choosing a pet can be a momentous decision; there are space considerations, time commitments, and a general overall dedication to the daily love and care of another living thing. It is not a decision to take lightly. Of course, there is also the equally significant choice between varieties of pets. Pet owners are often split down the middle between dog lovers and cat lovers – with owners of both thrown in for spice. Cats may seem like the simpler of the animals from which to choose. But the truth is that there are a variety of cat breeds to explore – each of which has its own look and personality.

Each cat breed is something very different from the next. It is important, therefore, that you consider the personality of your family and what cat breed would best integrate into your lifestyle. The biggest difference between each cat breed is generally the level of human contact they need or tolerate. Some cats are perfectly content to stay to themselves and only emerge when they need to be fed. This may be a good choice of cat breed for a busy professional couple with no children. For an active family who wants a participatory pet, however, a cat breed with a more social personality may be a better fit.

When considering a cat breed it is also important to consider their hair length. Long-haired cats require an enormous amount of grooming because of the possibility of mangled, knotted hair – an uncomfortable prospect for the cat and an equally aggravating prospect for the owner. A short haired cat breed requires far less grooming and may be a better choice for those owners with minimal time to dedicate.

When researching a particular cat breed, you have a number of different resource options. Chat with other cat owners about their favorite cat breed and the pros and cons of ownership; consult a trusted veterinarian about the temperament of a particular cat breed and how it would fit within your family; and speak with knowledgeable pet store employees about their experiences with each cat breed. Lastly, the Internet holds a vast amount of information on whichever cat breed most interests you.

If you do proper research regarding your cat breed of choice, you will find that you soon have another family member that will bring you a lifetime of love and joy.

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Which types of cats are right for you and your family? There is a large number of different cat breeds that one can choose from. Many of these breeds can easily adapt to home living, and make excellent pets for you and your children. So how do I find the best breed that is appropriate for me? Here is an excellent list of tips that you can use before making your final decision.

Quiet Or Noisy Cats

Some cat breeds can be very loud and noisy. You will want to consider this when choosing your pet cat. You and your family will need to determine if you can handle a vocal type of cat within your home, or would a quiet cat be more enjoyable. A number of cat owners don’t usually have any issues with a more vocal cat, although if you live in an apartment, then you might have to reconsider choosing a loud cat. Some of the more loud or vocal types of cats include: the Korat, Siamese Cats, or the Burmese. If you are in the market for a quiet cat, then the following breeds may be more to your liking: Scottish Fold, Somali, or the American Curl.

Cuddly Or Playful

The next decision that you will want to make is to determine whether you want a cat that is more of an aloof breed or one that is more affectionate and cuddly. Some of the considerations to keep in mind are the amount of free time that you can spare. If you have a lot of available time then a cuddly cat who craves attention may be a great choice. Affectionate cuddly cats are also a great choice for those with children.

Friendliest Cat Breeds:

Maine Coon
Snowshoe
Abyssinian
Ragdoll
Tonkinese
Himalayan Persian

Less Sociable Breeds

Nebelung
Russian Shorthair
Norwegian Forest

If you are looking for a cat breed that will not get into constant mischief, and ones that can amuse themselves, then the following breeds may be a bad choice:

Siamese
Rex
Sphynx
Balinese
British Angora

These cats have a lot of energy and can be very inquisitive. These breeds are an excellent choice for someone who has a lot of free time and is home-bound. They can be a great source of entertainment; in fact the Rex can be enjoyable and silly to watch as he attempts to amuse those around him.

Other Important Features

There are also other important features that you want to look at in addition to the right temperament of the cat. An important feature to consider when choosing the right cat is whether you want a long haired or short haired breed. This is especially important to those owners who do not have a great deal of time to devote to a pet. These owners may want to opt for a short haired breed. The attraction of a fuzzy ball of fluff may look great, but grooming adult long haired cats can be very time consuming. A cat’s coat of hair can tangle and matt up right down to its skin at an alarming rate if you do not provide proper grooming. If this should happen, your only choice is to have him completely shaved, which can be very traumatic. Your cat would need to be sedated, and this could pose some potential health risks.

Making The Final Choice

Having looked at the many different cat breeds and their unique features, you are now able to begin selecting your new cat. You should first ask yourself a few questions such as: should I get a baby kitten, or start with a feline that is somewhat older or even one that has been abandoned.

There are many new kittens available at various cat shows, and you might want to check out your local listings. There will more than likely be a number of cat exhibitors who are looking at selling some of their kitten litter. A great place to find an older feline would be at the humane society, or possibly the animal shelter in your town.

Susan Richards is the creater of http://www.onlinecatcare.com You can find a wealth of information pertaining to a variety of cat related items. Read comprehensive articles on a number of cat care needs from cat health to behavior training, cat breeds and more.

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