Himmies ravishers...meowing all the way to glory

Eugenia Birkine Energetic, playful, chirpy, loyal... words will definitely fall short for our sweethearts’ description - Himalayan kitties. When best come together, the result is always stunning...so is the gorgeous Persian with a beautiful Siamese colouring, i.e. our Himmies. Here’s little more about these stunners...better known as colorpoint Persian.

Looking like an angel!

The Himalayan is a medium-to-large sized, heavily boned and well-balanced cat. Her coat is long, rich and flowing, and varies from fine silky to thick cotton and colour varies from blue, flame (red), cream, chocolate, lilac, blue - cream , chocolate-tortie, and lilac-cream. Her sapphire eyes give her an angelic look, which completes her eternal beauty.

Sweet ‘n’ playful

“Himmies,” as we call them, are very gentle, calm, sweet-natured and social cats. They are not boring cats but very active and funny, too! The Himalayans are slowly maturing cats, so you can enjoy their kittenlike personality for a long time. Healthy, beautiful, lovable and playful, the Himmy is a perfect indoor feline companion and adjusts to most environments easily, which makes her an excellent apartment cat.

Looking great... all the time

Known for their rarity and fluffy fur, they are stunningly beautiful and require a lot of attention. Grooming is essential for them. They should be brushed daily, nails should be clipped and eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly, failing which would result in a “greasy” kitty with lots of mats in fur and stained eyes. Grooming on a regular basis will not only help avoid these problems, but your fluffy friend will also enjoy it as a form of quality interaction with you. (Eugenia Birkine is an active Himalayan breeder and owner of FELINART Himalayan cattery in USA, California. For more info about these loving kitties, log on to: http://www.geocities.com/felinart)

 
Dont hate but love me as i love you

If the cats can... they would have whispered these words to everyone. The mindset of people is different from one another. Some may love cats, some may be indifferent to them, while a few may be scared or even hate them. Most of the fear and hate, that cats have to face from humans, come from baseless superstitions that associate them with bad luck and evil. Your heart breaks when you witness your beloved ones to be chased, shouted at or abused by somebody. So it is important for the cat lovers to take the responsibility for spreading good things about cats - their love, companionship and cat-human relationship. They are independent but unobtrusive. They should not be discriminated but be loved.

As a cat owner, I have realized that when confronted by negative behaviour towards my pets, getting on the defensive does not help. One needs to gently change attitudes and get more people converted into the catfold! I have eight felines and I try and allow as many people, especially children to interact with them. The children learn that if they are gentle and still, the cats come up to them to make friends. Even their mothers treat them with respect and dignity. Sure, love dilutes hatred!
– Reena Puri
 
Loving amber eyes



I love your eyes, those twinkling amber eyes,
They speak of a thousand things.
It glows and I drown in its intensity,
I would love to stay there forever, my kitty.
It evokes myriad memories, and leaves an imprint on me.
I consider myself lucky enough,
to have experienced purring gaiety.

The world seems appareled
in celestial light,
Like the glory and freshness of your amber eyes, shining bright.
Just like the morning dew Exotic and beautiful, like a few.
I wouldn’t expect much,
Than just being the Apple of your eyes.
– Anonymous
 
Ask the expert..

Dr. K. G. Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for south Asia.


Q : Which are the common feline zoonotic diseases and how can they be prevented? – Lt Col DV Nehra, Jaipur

Dr. K G Umesh : Ringworm is probably the most common zoonosis of cats and causes scaly, itchy patches on skin. Other diseases include toxoplasmosis; viral infections like rabies, cowpox; bacterial diseases like cat scratch disease, DF-2 infections, lyme disease, plague, salmonellosis, shigellosis etc. Besides, there are parasitic diseases like amebiasis, cryptospororidosis, giardiasis, creeping eruption, scabies, etc. Most cases of human infections can be prevented by practicing good personal hygiene, eliminating parasites through regular deworming and regular vaccination and by providing them clean environment. Keep cats off kitchen surfaces and wash your hands regularly. Make sure your cat’s litter box always has enough litter in it. Remove the soiled litter immediately and change the litter completely at least once a week. Wash the box thoroughly with water and some dishwashing liquid. Generally, cats do their grooming alone but you can also participate by combing their coat with a fine comb and brush that help to prevent tangles and hairballs. Also, make sure that your cat has regular check-ups.

 
Fostering purrfect bond between Infants and Cats

The bond between children and animals is unique. Children experience and understand love, loyalty, responsibility, companionship, humanity, compassion, sadness and loss - all with their kitty. The sheer delight this furry pet can bring is just an added bonus!
If you are expecting a new baby in the family and you are unsure how your cat will react to the new member, here are a few tips for bringing a new baby home that already has a cat:

  • Try and see the impending arrival of your baby from your cat’s point of view. This will help avoid or at least minimise her insecurity or jealousy. Continue to make time for her, introduce her to other babies, and make any changes in her sleep or other habits well before the arrival of the baby.

  • When you return from the hospital, spend a few minutes alone with your cat. Depending on your level of comfort, do allow her to examine your baby, although it’s not a good idea to leave your cat alone with her.

  • Allow your cat to be a part of baby activities as much as possible. It’s stimulating for both and helps create a special relationship between them.

  • Contrary to popular belief, there is mounting evidence to prove that children exposed to cats in the first year of their lives are less likely than others to develop animal allergies, and additionally, have reduced chances of developing other forms of allergies and asthma later in life.

  • Keep the baby away from the litter box and cat food (it’s not poisonous, but choking is a danger) and always make sure cat play is supervised.

  • Give your cat a place to retreat when she’s had enough stimulation, to help maintain her sense of well-being.
 
Sterilize to live !

Sterilization is the best way to control the ever-increasing population of stray and abandoned cats. It is the easiest and safest measure of providing improved quality life to our felines. Unsterilized female felines are susceptible to many risks, which include risks of pyometra, breast cancer, miscarriages, nutritional deficiency and the problem of multiplication of kittens. Moreover, neutered male cats are less prone to testicular cancer and other health problems. It also reduces the risk of injury due to territorial fights with other ‘toms’. These little efforts can make big difference to our furry felines, so let’s act to make our kitties healthier and happier.

(Sudhersena is a volunteer at Blue Cross since 1998, an avid animal lover; she has 9 cats and 3 dogs. She is associated with a number of animal welfare campaigns and programmes. For further info contact : Blue Cross of India, 72 Velachary Road, Chennai - 32, or email - bci@bluecross.org.in)

 
Rottweiler pup gets kitty mum!

Those who think that cats and dogs do not get along well...just give it another thought. Recently at the Meriden Humane Society, US, the workers were filled with gratitude on seeing a mother cat wh o ha d adopted a 6-da y-old R o ttweiler pup p y wh o wa s rejected by his mother.

Charlie - a newborn Ro ttweiler pup was a sole survivor of litter. His mother refused to accept him and v olunteers were having tough time bottle-feeding him. Satin - a shorthaired m other cat proved to be angel for him, as she adopted him and literally given h im a new life...and a healthy one too.

 
Cats @ office

One of the most popular cats in office was Humphrey, a longhaired black and white stray cat. He worked as a mouser for eight years at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of British premiers. His primary duty was to catch mice and rats. He joined the cabinet office of Prime Minister Margeret Thatcher at the age of one in 1988 and served John Major and Tony Blair, before he retired from his office at 1997.
 
You know who loves me?

Have you seen me in the 2007 Dabboo Ratnani much talked about calendar? I (Persian cat) am there with my heartthrob Bobby Deol at our house. Bobby has put his head into the fish aquarium and seems to be very happy. Actually, this was lens-man Dabboo’s idea. And he says that people have loved that picture. I wish I had the chance to put my paw into that oh...so yummy...fish aquarium! Those who have not been lucky enough to get a copy of Dabboo Ratnani’s calendar can check it out at www.dabbooratnani.com
 
Wanna know my (human) age?

Well, all those who think that your kitty is younger to you, must think again....

In human years, a oneyear- old cat is equivalent to 15 human years while a two-year-old cat is equal to a 24-year-old human counterpart. From third year onwards, each cat year accounts for four years of human life. So, if you have a five-year-old kitty, she is equal to a 36-year-old human.

So, how many of you still think that your kitty is younger?
 
Diet chart for an adult kitty

As cats are natural carnivores and are unlikely to willingly forego meat from their diet, it is advisable not to feed cat on vegetarian diet alone. In addition to Taurine, Arachidonic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Thiamin and protein are the critical nutrients that should be ensured at adequate level in the diet of cat. Whilst cats may enjoy certain plant foods, vegetarian diets high in fibre and polyunsaturated fatty acids may be detrimental to a cat’s health. High fibre foods can fill the cat’s digestive system without providing the necessary nutrients in sufficient concentrations. Following is the diet chart for an adult cat :
Liver 50 g
Milk 100 ml
Fish 50
Chicken/Beef 150 g
Rice 50
Vitamin A, D & B complex +
Minerals +
Salt iodized 1 g
Taurine +
Dr. V. Balakrishnan

 
My territory smells of me.. better keep off!

Spraying is a cat’s way of marking her territory. It is a natural and common behaviour in kitties, and also different from urination (relieving full bladder). But incase our fastidious kitties are spraying highly inside the house, then there’s a problem.

Kitty cause!

Kitties are just like kids; they want our attention and care all the time and hate sharing these with anyone. Seeing a stranger or a new pet in home causes anxiety or stress in kitties, which eventually increases spraying. Schedule changes, like moving to new home or place, spending less time with cats, or lack of proper care also cause spraying. Besides these, one has to closely observe the activities going around, so as to find out what’s bothering our feline friends.

Cure ‘n’ control!

To control spraying, the best approach would be to avoid all such conditions, which trigger fear, anxiety or stress in cats, as it is natural response of cats to spray to reaffirm their dominance.

If cats are spayed or neutered before 6-months, there are very bleak chances of spraying, it is an effective measure in stopping this behavior (90% in male cats and 95% in female cats). If your cat repeatedly sprays at one spot, clean up the area with 10% solution of washing powder, rinse and then dry to remove urine odour. Do not expose cats to loud noises or too many activities, instead pat and comfort her. Most importantly, consult your vet for proper treatment.

 
Mews...I know, how you are feelin

We all admire our kitties’ cattitude, well they are simply awesome and the smartest. Love, anger, compassion, gratitude, hatred...no matter, in what mood you are, your kitty knows it all. Yes, it’s a proven feline fact that they can interpret human behaviour. Well I guess, there is no rocket science to it...as when we share a compassionate bond, we can easily understand the feelings... see the unseen and hear the untold emotions...it’s just a feline bond, but above all we all must agree that these furry felines are angels sent from the heaven... just for us.

 
Purrfect felines in show ring in Australia

The warmth and friendship of the people involved in the cat world is wonderful. Cat shows throughout the world are fascinating and it is a feast for the cat lovers. Here’s some info about Australian cat shows:

  • Most Australian shows are held on one day.

  • Cats are placed in their cages and remain there for the rest of the day.

  • The cages are set in bays of about 14 cages and the judges go to them.

  • The cages are not decorated until judging is finished although some Clubs now allow coloured curtains during judging but with nothing in the cage that can identify the cat.

  • In the Closed Show format, the cages are set up in rows and once the cats are cleared through the veterinary inspection and settled into their cages, the owners leave the show hall until the judging is finished.

  • In the Open Style show format, the judging is done in front of the owners.

  • Any cat or kitten who bites or scratches a judge is marked U.T.H. (unable to handle) and wins no awards and cannot be judged by any other judge on the day.

  • Cats are judged on the basis of both point and Challenge system. To become a Champion, a cat must receive 4 Challenges from 4 different judges and then 4 more to become a Grand Champion. Extra Challenges are needed to become a Double Grand Champion or a Gold Grand Champion.

  • The most exciting part is the top 10 placings where the judge starts with the 10th Best Cat or Kitten and then moves up to the Best in that particular section.

  • Some clubs have an award for Supreme Cat in Show. This award is for the cat who is the Best of the Best from every entry in the show.

  • Most of the Clubs give trophies as well as sashes or rosettes. Trophies are often beautiful crystal and pottery pieces or very nice cat items such as carry cages, scratching poles or lovely cat ornaments.

The most important thing when entering a show is - win or lose, you always take the best cat home.

(Joan E. Henderson of Melbourne, Australia has judged furry felines in Australia, USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand. She can be contacted at felines@hotkey.net.au)