In the world of cat breeds, Siamese are interesting. They can be docile one moment, and racing around the house like a mad-cat the next. Typically, people either love Siamese or hate them. They are generally acknowledged to be a unique breed, even by those people with no interest in cats.
The Siamese is thought to have originated in Siam, which is called Thailand today. This is just a theory, however, with no real proof to support it. Though they likely originated in and around this area of the world, no one knows for sure.
The Siamese has a cream-colored coat with dark tips on the ears, feet, face, and tail. Kittens, however, are born without these points, which begin to show at approximately four weeks of age. There are several color variations available for the Siamese, including lilac point, seal point, chocolate point, and blue point. Some cat associations even recognize additional colors, such as lynx point, particolor point, and solid point, but these are considered ‘new’ colors for the Siamese. All Siamese should have bright blue eyes.
Despite their reputation, the Siamese is actually less dependent than most other breeds of cat, and so they tend to become very attached to their owners. If you want a cat who enjoys cuddling, this might be the breed for you. They are highly intelligent and easily trained, but they can also be incredibly stubborn, and they definately have their own minds.
The coat of the Siamese is short and smooth, and so doesn’t require much grooming. However, it is a good idea to run a brush over their coat approximately once a week, as this will help remove any excess hair. In this way, you might be able to reduce the shedding associated with the Siamese, and it will help with the hairballs all cats are prone to as well.
One of the most unique and entertaining traits of the Siamese is their voice. They are very talkative creatures, sometimes to the point of being annoying. Some people compare the mewling of a Siamese to the cry of a baby, and when a Siamese wants to make itself heard, it will. The voice of a Siamese can reach a similar decibel level as an ambulance siren. For Siamese lovers, this only makes the cats more endearing.
The Siamese, if kept indoors and with standard veterinary care, can live for fourteen years or more. They are not a commitment to be made lightly. For those who take the time to get to know them, however, they can be among the greatest companions and most loving of felines.
Maine Coon Cats make lovely companions for people of all ages. They have long, silky hair and large, bright eyes. They are sweet tempered and loving, among the smartest of breeds, and would make a great addition to any home. However, before searching out breeders and purchasing a kitten, consider adopting a Maine Coon Cat who might not have anywhere else to go. Adopting a Maine Coon Cat, either an adult or a kitten, can be an enjoyable experience, but it important to know something about the breed first.
Maine Coon Cats are a naturally occurring breed whose origins are shrouded in mystery. However, in its modern incarnation, it can be considered to be a native of the state of Maine in the United States. There are some who believe that the Maine Coon Cat is a cross between raccoons and the cats first brought to Maine by European settlers, but this belief is entirely mistaken. Another common belief is that Maine Coon Cats come in only brown, and no other colors. In truth, there are many color variations available, each just as lovely as the next. If you are considering adopting a Maine Coon Cat, be aware that a variation in color does not mean that the cat in question isn't a Maine Coon Cat.
Since these cats are considered to be the largest of the domestic cats, a prospective owner of one of these beauties should expect that a Maine Coon Cat will stand quite tall compared to other domestic breeds. Their long coat will mat if they are totally neglected, but it does remain generally mat-free with minimal effort. A quick brushing once or twice a week is sufficient for most Maine Coon Cats. Their beautiful tails form a plume, and the ears are tufted and unique. Any cat without a full and lush tail may have been the victim of neglect or abuse. However, it is important to realize that kittens sometimes lack a full coat, as it can take up to three years for these cats to reach maturity.
There are Maine Coon rescue organizations all over the world, most notably in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These can sometimes be found in your local paper, but are easier to locate with a quick internet search. Visit these rescue orgnanizations before you adopt a cat or kitten, and if you have to travel with your new companion, ensure you are complying with all regulations. Importing a cat into another country can be especially problematic, so check everything out before you attempt to board a plane wth your new friend, or you might find your cat thrown into quarantine or even confiscated.
Consider consulting Maine Coon Adoptions, which is a division of Preventing Euthanasia Through Rescue (PET Rescue). They specialize in the adoption of Maine Coon Cats, and have assisted many people in the purchase of their new best friend. Some cats here have registration papers, some do not, but they would all make loving companions. Though they do not ship their cats out of the state of California, they can provide much needed information for those wishing to adopt a Maine Coon Cat.
You can also check out your local animal shelter, but be wary and know what you’re looking for. Many animal shelters will label any large tabby as a Maine Coon Cat with no reason to do so. In fact, a Maine Coon Cat can be of many colors, including solids, tabbies, and particolors. Most shelter employees do not know the difference between any large cat and a Maine Coon, so check each cat out carefully before you consider adopting one which may not be a Maine Coon Cat.
Sometimes, breeders will have older cats or kittens that can be adopted at a reduced cost. Usually, these are cats who are too old to breed or kittens that have been returned for a variety of reasons. Regardless of where you find the Maine Coon Cat, you will want to ask many questions regarding its past, and certainly ask why that particular cat was returned to the breeder or brought to the adoption agency. The answers to these questions might influence your decision to adopt, and will certainly prove useful in getting to know your new family member.
When you do eventually find the right Maine Coon Cat for you, you’ll need to take it home. The cat should be transported in a carrier large enough for it to turn around and stand up. Purely for safety reasons. It’s never a good idea to transport a new cat, regardless of breed, without a carrier, because you simply do not know how the cat will react to the car. Remember that Maine Coon Cats are larger than other breeds, and so generally require a carrier designed for dogs, as cat carriers tend to be too small for Maine Coon Cats.
Once home, you should introduce the cat to its new surroundings gradually, as Maine Coon Cats can be rather shy. However, with a little patience, you will find that your new family member can bring you years of joy and happiness.
The American Wirehair grew out of a spontaneous mutation. This unique breed has a vastly different coat than any other type of cat. Every hair is crimped, coiled, and springy, even the whiskers. These cats, related to the American Shorthair, make delightful companions.
The Development of the American Wirehair
In 1966, a litter of kittens was born in Verona, New York. One of these kittens, a red-and-white male, had sparse, wiry hair. This kitten, named Adam, was bred to a calico cat. This mating produced four kittens, two of which were wirehaired females.
This wirehaired coat was tested to determine if it was related to either of the Rex mutations. It was discovered that all three types of hairs — down, awn, and guard — were twisted, and the awn hairs were hooked at the tip. This was unlike either the Cornish or Devon Rex. Eventually, a great variance among Wirehaired coats developed. Some were sparse, some close lying and tight. However, the most desirable Wirehaired coat was thick and springy. This is still true today.
The breed was accepted into the CFA for registration in 1967. In 1978, the first American Wirehair achieved championship status. Though closely related to the American Shorthair, from which the original coat mutation sprang, American Wirehairs are registered as a separate and distinct breed. The American Shorthair is still an allowable outcross breed for the American Wirehair.
The wirehair mutation is a dominant gene. However, it is entirely possible to breed a Wirehair to a Wirehair and end up with a litter of all straight-coated kittens. This can be disheartening to the novice breeder, and all breeders of American Wirehairs must be prepared for this eventuality.
Some Breed Standards for the American Wirehair
The standards for the American Wirehair, as with many other breeds, are quite strict. It is quite easy to have a cat that is penalized or even disqualified, so those picking a show or breeding kitten should do so with care.
General: The American Wirehair is the result of a spontaneous mutation. The coat is springy, dense, and resilient, and also hard and coarse to the touch. These cats are agile and have a keen interest in their surroundings.
Head: The head should be in proportion to the body, and the underlying bone structure should be round with a well-developed muzzle and chin. A slight whisker break is allowed.
Ears: Medium sized and slightly rounded at the tips. The ears should be set wide and not unduly open at the base.
Eyes: Should be medium to large, bright, and clear. The eyes should be set well apart.
Body: The American Wirehair should have a medium to large body, with males larger than females. The torso should be well rounded and in proportion. Legs should be well muscled, paws should be oval and compact.
Tail: The tail of the American Wirehair should be in proportion to the body. It should be slightly tapering, but neither blunt nor pointed.
Coat: The coat of the American Wirehair is springy, tight, and medium in length. Each hair should be crimped, hooked, or bent in some fashion, including the hair inside the ears. The overall appearance of the coat is more important than the crimping of each individual hair. The most desirable coat is dense, resilient, crimped, and very coarse.
Penalties: Any cat displaying a deep nose break or long and fluffy fur will be assessed a penalty.
Disqualifications: The most common reason for disqualification for American Wirehairs is an incorrect coat. Also, a kinked or abnormal tail, the incorrect number of toes, or any evidence of hybridization will result in a cat being disqualified from competition.
The American Wirehair is a unique and loving breed. It is also one of the few breeds that is truly native to North America. Its sweet and open disposition makes it a wonderful pet for any cat-lover.
Anyone who knows me knows that my cat Magick gets himself into a lot of trouble. This past summer was no exception. He stuck his head into the BBQ and has no whiskers (and is missing a fair bit of hair). He fell off the roof and fractured a couple ribs (no, he hasn't figured out how to land on all fours). And he got himself bit by a black widow spider.
Black widows are black spiders with a red hourglass on the belly ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. They tend to like the warmer areas of North America, but they can be found as far north as Canada (unfortunately, at least for my poor Magick). They like to make their homes in dark crevice-like holes such as woodpiles, which is where Magick found one. They are not aggressive, but they will bite when threatened, or when an unsuspecting cat steps into a nest. As a result, a cat is more likely to be bitted on the leg than anywhere else. And the black widow spider has a poisonous bite.
So, what do you do if your cat has been bitten by a black widow spider? To start with, don't think you can treat it yourself. Keep the cat quiet and calm and head to your veterinarian immediately. Do not place a tourniquet above the bite. Doing this will not prevent the vemon from spreading and you may cut off necessary circulation to the affected area.
There is currently no blood test to detect the venom of the black widow spider, so your vet will make an assessment based on symptoms. Some of the signs to look for will include:
- Extreme pain in the area around the bite
- Nausea or vomitting
- Swelling in the affected area
- Muscule tremors
- Rigid muscles
- Paralysis
- Spasms
- Difficulty breathing
The bite of a black widow can kill, usually by paralysing the muscles that control your cat's ability to breathe. Luckily, your vet can administer medication that can relax the muscles and allow the cat to breathe, just as my own vet did for Magick. Your vet may also want to give your cat IV fluids and keep him or her for observation. While there is an antidote available for humans, it is very expensive, so expensive that most people cannot afford to have their vet obtain a dose suitable for a cat.
I was lucky. Magick survived his bite, though a full recovery took quite some time. Many cats do not fare so well, even with treatment. Their small size makes them more likely to die from a black widow bite than a large dog.
Your best bet is to prevent a bite in the first place. Examine your yard for any evidence of black widow spiders. If you find any, hire an exterminator to eliminate them. You can take care of the problem yourself, but be careful. Remember that black widow vemon is toxic to humans as well.
