Best Cat Carriers for Air Travel

Travel is stressful on people and cats alike. In order to reduce this stress and ensure your feline companion is safe and comfortable, you’ll have to spend some time picking the best cat carrier for your needs. There are hundreds of different cat carriers on the market, many of which are suitable for air travel. However, before you purchase one, there are several factors to take into consideration.

Your primary consideration when selecting a carrier for air travel will always be the airlines. If you purchase the wrong carrier, you may find yourself stuck at the airport with a carrier the airline will not allow. Most airlines have similar requirements, but check your airline beforehand. Make sure the carrier you select meets their standards. And always check that the carrier has been certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Most adequate carriers will have a sticker to prove that the carrier is Live Animal Regulation recognized. If not, the manual should say so. This certification ensures that the carrier is suitable for both cabin and cargo usage.

You’ll need a carrier that is the correct size for your cat. This doesn’t mean selecting the first carrier that your cat fits into. In fact, many airlines have specific requirements when it comes to the appropriate size. A carrier that is too small will result in a cat that feels cramped and confined. Your cat may even be injured trying to move. On the other hand, a carrier that is too large will not only cost you more but endanger your cat. In the event of an accident, your cat might be injured as it is tossed around the too-large carrier.

To choose the correct size, place your cat in the carrier before purchase. Your cat must be able to sit up, lie down, roll over, and turn around with no difficulty. The carrier should be just large enough to allow these movements. If it’s any larger, choose the next size down.

When selecting a carrier, purchase the best you can afford. Look for a carrier that is sturdy and durable, preferably with hard sides (tough polypropylene plastic is the best choice). Cardboard or fabric carriers are not usually allowed by the airlines, and they do nothing to ensure the safety of your cat. Some airlines will allow fabric carriers if your car carrying your cat in the cabin, but always check this with your individual airline first.

When examining the construction of your carrier, check the ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, your cat could become ill or overheat. Some cats have died on airlines due to improper air circulation, so always be sure your carrier makes the grade. There should be ventilation on three sides of the carrier, preferably four, as well as the top. Ventilation is generally provided through slits in the sides of the carrier and through the door, so make sure these slits are large enough to allow air but not large enough for your cat to stick its head into.

Check the handle before you buy, placing your cat inside the carrier and carrying the entire thing around the store for several minutes. You want to make sure that the handled won’t snap or otherwise break when you’re carrying your cat around the airport. Ensure that there is no warping of any plastic parts when the carrier is lifted. This includes examining the handle, plastic bolts, and even the sides of the carrier. If there is any warping, choose a different model.

Perhaps the most important point on your carrier is the door. Every year, countless pets escape their carriers and are lost or killed. Don’t let your cat be one of them. Examine the door carefully. The best doors will always be steel mesh, allowing for security and ventilation. Make sure the door closes snugly and that the hinge operates the way it’s designed to. You’ll also need to be confident that your cat can’t open the door. To evaluate this, take the carrier home and set it up as you would for a long plane ride. Then lock the cat in the carrier. If he gets out, take the carrier back. The last thing you need is for your cat to be escaping while locked in the cargo hold.

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you cat will be safe and secure during air travel. Taking the time to select the right carrier for you and your feline companion will result in a relaxed and happy plane ride.

Common Health Problems in Siberian Forest Cats

Siberian cats, also called Siberian Forest Cats, are quite popular throughout the world of cat fancy. Originally from Russia, these cats are sweet, loving, and loyal. They also make excellent pets for families with children and other animals, as they get along with almost everyone. In addition, they are low-allergen (though not truly hypoallergenic), so many people who are allergic to most cats may be able to tolerate a Siberian cat. However, the unique origins of this breed have led to some common health problems such as heart and kidney issues that the potential owner should be aware of before purchasing a Siberian Forest Cat.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Recent research has shown that FLUTD is present in most lines of Siberian cats as a heredity disease. Though there has been a call to remove cats with FLUTD from breeding programs, this has not yet been done. The good news is that FLUTD, which covers a range of problems from urinary tract infections, blockages, and kidney stones, is often not fatal. A qualified veterinarian can treat most of the problems associated with FLUTD.

Gum Disease

Over the years, many different breeds have been used to stabilize the Siberian Forest Cat, including the Persian, Maine Coon Cat, and Himalayan. Unfortunately, these breeds are all prone to gum disease, and the Siberian cat has inherited this problem. Most of the time, this disease requires the complete removal of all teeth for the comfort of the cat. However, after this has been done, the cat can lead a fairly normal life (though they’ll need soft cat food). It is only in rare cases that gum disease is fatal for Siberian cats.

Heredity Cancer

It is never easy to learn that the breed you’ve fallen in love with is prone to cancer. The good news is heredity cancer has only been documented in some lines of solid white Siberian cats in the United States. Cancer has not been reported in cats that are not white, and not all white cats have been diagnosed with cancer. In truth, there have only been a few cats in each generation who have died of cancer. But heredity cancer is still a valid concern for many breeders.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM, a heart muscle disease, is one of the most common problems encountered in most purebred cats, specifically the Siberian cat. Almost all Siberian cats will exhibit the symptoms of HCM at some time during their life as it seems to be heredity. Fortunately, it can be managed with the assistance of an experienced veterinarian. Before purchasing a Siberian Forest Cat, interview vets in the area to find one who can help you treat your Siberian cat. In many cases, this disease is fatal, killing cats sometimes as young as one year of age.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

A heredity condition affecting most Siberian cats, PKD does not usually begin to present until after seven years of age. It can, however, be anticipated. Cats affected by PKD will have cysts which were formed at birth or early in life and will usually have enlarged kidneys. They may even have kidney problems throughout their entire lives. At the onset of true PKD, your cat may begin to manifest symptoms such as reduced appetite, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. A quick loss of weight with no explanation may also occur immediately before diagnosis. PKD can be managed with the help of your veterinarian. However, the end of this disease is always kidney failure.

Even though Siberians are prone to several genetic diseases, they can still make excellent pets. With regular veterinary care and prompt treatment, most Siberians can lead full and healthy lives. Proper care and a healthy diet are still the best and most effective ways to manage health problems, regardless of breed.

Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant and Nursing Cats

Most cat owners are concerned with the health and well-being of their cat. This concern will naturally increase when your cat becomes pregnant or is nursing young kittens. Just as with people, a pregnant or nursing cat can pass certain substances to her kittens, either through the placenta or her breast milk. Some substances can harm or even kill the kittens. This is especially true of medications you might administer to the mother cat. Before giving your cat any drug, you should first consider the effect it may have on the kittens.

With very few exceptions, you should avoid all medication in pregnant or nursing cats. There may be instances where a medication that might prove harmful to the kittens may be necessary to save the mother, but this decision should always be made by a qualified veterinarian.

There are some drugs which must be absolutely avoided in all pregnant and nursing cats. Most of these will have adverse effects on the kittens and may also harm the mother. Some of these drugs include:

• Albuterol
• Amitraz
• All antacids
• Aspirin
• Buspirone
• Butorphanol
• Carprofen
• Cimetidine
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Diphehydramine (Benadryl)
• Famotidine (Pepcid)
• Natural Penicillins
• Ranitidine (Zantac)

These are not the only medications that may harm your feline companion when she is pregnant or nursing. Even the medications your cat takes regularly may be harmful to mother or kittens. Before continuing or beginning any medication, talk to your veterinarian.

Keep in mind that many items that you may administer to your cat regularly may present a danger to your cat or her kittens. Most flea and tick medications (and collars) are actually dangerous to kittens, so talk to your vet about possible alternatives. Some creams and shampoos than cat owners use frequently also carry warnings specific to pregnant and nursing cats, so read the packages carefully, and ever be afraid to ask your vet about specific ingredients.

Many cat owners are tempted to simply switch to a homeopathic or organic medication. Do this with caution and only after consulting a qualified veterinarian. A ‘natural’ remedy may also not be safe for consumption during pregnancy, and the effects of these medications on cats may not yet be known.

It is important to take the initiative when discovering what is or is not safe for your cat and her kittens. Don’t be afraid to call the manufacture of the medication in question and ask directly about any studies that may have been done regarding pregnant or nursing cats. Your vet may do this for you, but if he doesn’t, do it yourself. The manufacturer may have information that your vet is not yet privy to, or your vet may simply be too busy to spend an hour on the phone trying to get a straight answer from the manufacturer.

The safety of your pregnant or nursing cat is ultimately your responsibility. You will have to ensure that she is safe and healthy, and this means understanding which medications or drugs might harm her or her kittens. Read labels, ask questions, and when in doubt, don’t give it to her.

Cat Breed Facts: British Shorthair

The ancestors of the British Shorthair were brought to Northern Europe by Roman soldiers almost two thousands years ago. Their origins are humble enough, as street cats that bred freely with no attempt to control their bloodlines or appearance. However, during the last quarter of the 19th century, British Shorthairs suddenly appeared in great numbers at various cat shows in London. Since then they have increased in popularity to become one of the most sought after breeds, both in Europe and the rest of the world.

The Development of the British Shorthair

When longhaired cats first appeared at cat shows in England after World War II, they attracted a great deal of interest mostly because they were quite different from the norm. In the early 1900s, longhaired cats outnumbered shorthaired cats at shows by at least four-to-one. Shorthaired cats of any breed were hardly valued in England, and it seemed that the British Shorthair was the victim of neglect and ignorance as it dwindled in popularity. And things only got worse for the British Shorthair in the aftermath of both World War I and World War II.

Cat fancy, in general, suffered in England after World War II. The British Shorthair itself became almost extinct as it was ignored by most of the population of Europe. Breeders had difficulty finding suitable studs, and were reduced to outcrossing in order to maintain the breed. British Shorthairs were crossed to Persians to maintain eye color, type, and coat texture. Most cat associations refused to recognize the breed at all due to the outcrossing that was occurring.

However, the longhaired crossing seemed to enhance the beauty and form of the British Shorthair. So much so, in fact, that once accepted as a breed, judges in England began awarding hybrids for their unusual beauty. Eventually, associations in North America and England both passed regulations disallowing hybridization, but by then, so much hybridization had occurred that the ruling made no difference to the breed itself. Of course, it did make it difficult to register cats with Persian blood.

Eventually, the Persian became an allowable outcross for the British Shorthair once again, but only in England. This caused difficulties for breeders in North America, since they could not use most British Shorthairs from England in their stud programs. North American associations required at least three generations of British-to-British breedings to register a cat, and most cats from England did not meet this requirement.

North American breeders were having enough trouble getting their cats accepted as a breed by local associations throughout most of the 20th century. They didn’t have time to worry about importing cats that they could not use in their breeding programs anyway. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that some North American breeders began importing English cats, but only those with pedigrees that would allow them to be accepted by associations in the United States

Finally, in 1970, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) became the first American registry to recognize British Shorthairs as a distinctive breed, but only in the colors of blue and black. It took much more time for other colors to become accepted, but today, a large variety of colors are seen at shows throughout the world, but the most popular colors are still blue and black.

Some Breed Standards for the British Shorthair

The Standards for the British Shorthair, 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 ideal British Shorthair is compact, well balanced, and powerful. There is much depth in the body, a full chest, and strong legs. The coat is short and very dense. This breed is slow to mature, with some cats taking as long as four years to reach maturity.

Head: Round and massive, the head should be set on a thick, short neck. The forehead should be rounded, but should not slope.

Ears: The ear set of the British Shorthair is very important in competition. Ears should be medium in size, broad at the base, and rounded at the tip. They should be set far apart, fitting into the rounded contour of the head without distorting the line of the head.

Eyes: Large, well opened, and round, the eyes of the British Shorthair should be set wide apart and level.

Body: The British Shorthair should be powerful and medium to large in size. These cats have a level back and a deep, broad chest. The legs are short to medium, the paws should be round and firm.

Tail: The ideal British Shorthair has a medium length tail that is in proportion to the body. It should be thicker at the base, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.

Coat: The coat is short and very dense, well bodied, resilient, and firm to the touch. However, the coat must not be double coated or woolly.

Penalties: Any cat with a definite nose stop, weak chin, or rangy body will be assessed a penalty. Also, a overlong or soft coat will receive a penalty.

Disqualifications: There are several reasons a British Shorthair might be disqualified. These include: incorrect eye color, tail defects, long of fluffy coat, locket or button, or any evidence of poor health.

The British Shorthair is a stocky and well-formed cat. Because they developed out of strong country stock and have very strong genes, they are free of known genetic problems. They are also sweet and loving, and so make wonderful companions for many cat lovers.