Dogs & Pups | Bi-Monthly Magazine for People who love Dogs

Beautiful brown coat with striking emerald green eyes…Havana Brown is an intelligent cat… a perfect kitty for your home!

My gracious Havana Browns are the best buddies I have; she often helps me while I’m at my computer (they are quite gifted) and you won’t have to worry about getting cold while lying on the couch, as they are excellent substitutes for a blanket. However, they consider ‘me’ their favourite pillow…nevertheless they are the best companions I have. This is a perfect breed for someone who is looking for an interactive, intelligent, and extraordinarily beautiful cat to love and admire.

Beautiful me

The most striking characteristics of Havana Brown are their beautiful brown fur and their brilliant emerald green eyes. The head of the English ‘Havana Brown’ has a long straight line from the top of the head to the tip of the nose whereas the head of the American ‘Havana Brown’ has a distinctive “stop” at the level of the eyes. The English Havana Brown has ears that are strikingly large, pointed, and set wide at the base as opposed to the ears of the American Havana Brown which are large, round-tipped, cupped at the base, and tilted forward. The English Havana also has a long neck and a tubular body like a Siamese or Oriental Shorthair whereas the American Havana Brown has a medium neck and a medium muscular body type.

My persona…the best

This gentle breed has a charming personality and they quietly demand attention and affection from their people. One of my Havanas likes to play fetch and their inquisitive nature makes them so pleasurable to watch. Their favourite place is your lap or close by as this breed does not like to be left alone. The best way to describe their personality would be as “dog like” because they are very interactive with people and truly depend on human companionship. If you are a busy professional who spends lots of time away from home for days at a time, perhaps you should consider a different breed. I cannot overemphasize how dependant they are on their people for companionship and they will not thrive if left alone for extended periods of time.

They are moderately active which is a definite plus and means you won’t have to child-proof your home or put away all your breakables. Their voice is softer than a Siamese yet has a deeper resonance than most breeds which is very pleasing to the ear and they usually aren’t talkative unless it’s dinner time.

Having a second cat is highly recommended for this breed. By having a feline companion, it helps to ensure they are never lonely and they get the proper exercise and play.

I am low-maintenance

Havana Browns are very low maintenance. All they need are their humans for love and companionship and the company of a second feline. Very little grooming is needed because this is a shorthair breed. A weekly brushing will do very well.

Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behaviour of scratching (we disapprove of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.

The Cat’s Out of the Bag

Meaning ‘disclosing a secret’ there are several origins of the phrase: The Cat’s Out of the Bag. The origin relates to the story of open market places in Medieval England where people used to sell piglets usually kept in a bag. Deceitful sellers often tried to deceive their customers by putting huge cats instead of piglets in the bag. But the cheating was caught when some clever buyers untied the sacks to let the cat out of the bag. Interesting! Isn’t it?

Water: your kitty needs it!

Your kitty needs plenty of fresh water at all time. Water is very important to your cat’s health. It helps digest food, absorb nutrients and flush out waste and control body temperature.

Next to oxygen, water is the most important nutrient in your cat’s body. If a cat loses ten percent of his body’s water, he can become seriously ill and if he loses fifteen percent of his body’s water, it could kill the cat. On an average, a cat requires about 60-80ml of water per kilogram of body weight. If the cat is very active he will require more water. Cats have to drink more water in hot weather. Water requirements are even higher for cats with kidney failure, urinary tract disease or bladder infections. In general, a cat should drink 2.5 times the amount of food they eat. Kittens should start drinking water on their own at 4-5 weeks of age.

Keep fresh water available at all times. Wash the bowl everyday and change water several times a day.
Watch for signs of dehydration. Grasp skin at the nape of your cat’s neck and pull and let go the skin. If the skin springs back, your cat is sufficiently hydrated; if the skin is slow to recede, your cat is dehydrated. Give your cat water and take him to a veterinarian immediately.

If your cat suddenly goes off water or starts drinking excessive water, take him to a veterinarian. This could be a sign of illness.

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: My cat Krishna, who is two years old, ate a cockroach recently and had some digestive problem thereafter. Please advice if the problem was due to the cockroach or any other factor. How should I prevent my cat from doing the same in the future? z - Ajesh. V, Malappuram

Dr. K. G. Umesh:

Pogo

Cats are true carnivores (meat eaters) and their diet consisting of small preys such as rodents, birds, fish, reptiles and insects. They generally prey items which are rich in water, protein & fat and low in carbohydrate & ash (minerals) and they have no requirement for plant materials. Hunting is entirely natural for cats and takes place even when they are well fed at home.

There is really no point in trying to punish/correct your cat for hunting as it is part of his nature that is so deeply rooted that to try and eliminate it may cause him a lot of confusion. Playing ‘catching games’ with your cat using toys may help to relieve some of his urge to hunt. It is important to worm your cat regularly, particularly if he hunts. Consult your veterinary surgeon for more advice on worming. As cat’s nutritional needs are different to that of a dog or man, and feeding a high quality, well-balanced commercial cat food (Whiskas) help maintain optimum body weight and condition.

Don’t let curiosity kill your cat
- by Sandhya Gorthi

Cats are unique…they will follow scents and odours, play with the strangest objects and get into places you would never dream of venturing into; in short, go where no man (or pet) has gone before. And as a responsible cat parent, it’s time we saw our homes through our feline’s eyes, and cat-proofed our homes.

Ideally, the best time to cat-proof your home is before your cat comes home. Here are the potential dangers your kitty can face:

Dangers within home

Beware of hideaways: Beware of uncovered drains, nooks, drawers and cupboards that your cat can crawl into and get trapped in. It’s best to keep these closed off and to regularly check to make sure you know where your kitty is hiding.

Cleaners - a poison for kitties: Laundry and household cleaning products also pose deadly risks. Keeping these atop a cupboard will not make them out of reach for your cat, so make sure these are securely closed.

Other traps: Doors, recliners, pot pourri, medicine cabinets and garbage cans are other household traps.

Electricity dangers: Plug points, power cords and wires are very tempting to playful cats but can cause serious shocks, burns and even death. Install baby guards on the former and roll away or hide wires under carpets or tape them down. Mobile chargers are particularly tempting, so don’t leave them plugged in. Use Tabasco or citrus scents to dissuade your cat.

Plants: Indoor plants (like mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, Christmas trees and hydrangea) are poisonous, as are certain seeds like apple, apricot, cherry, plum, peach and castor.

Foods to watch: Certain foods that humans enjoy are harmful for cats – onion and garlic cause anaemia, baking powder, soda and yeast cause serious physiological and heart problems. Fatty foods (include dairy products) could cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chocolate, coffee, nutmeg and grapes are other danger foods.

Small objects: Unsafe toys include yarn, wool and any toy dangling from a long string, small shiny objects (like Christmas decorations or pins) and candle flames (yes!).

Dangers outside home

Outdoor hazards: If your cat is going to have access to the outdoors, hazards include toxic plants, vehicles, predators (dogs, feral cats and snakes), prey (insects and reptiles), parasites (fleas, ticks and worms) and diseases (like feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency syndromes which are spread through saliva).

Unwanted pregnancies: There is also the risk of unwanted pregnancies in your queen and your pet could run into trouble with the law by breaking into a home for a tasty treat.

A word of caution: Also, make sure that your pet has a collar with identification and has a way to get back into the house, or at least a place where he can find shelter from the elements and predators. Try and limit his territory to your compound wall and take care to avoid toxic plants (like oleander, ivy, mushroom, tomato, bean plants and cactus) in your garden. Some grasses and leaves like bamboo and lemongrass may not be poisonous but will cause vomiting and bleeding because of their sharp edges.

So, if you must allow your cat access to the outdoors, make sure he is neutered, vaccinated and dewormed regularly and has regular check ups to check for cuts, diseases and infections. A little caution and vigilance is all it takes to keep your pet protected. We know that they are worth the effort so don’t delay in making your home a safe place for your cat!

Why do cats have whiskers?
For navigation, mood indication and measuring an opening
- by Joan Henderson

Also known as ‘tactile hairs’ or ‘vibrissae’, whiskers are long, thick, flexible hairs on a cat’s face. They are located in horizontal rows on the whisker pads, the puffy area between the top corners of cat’s mouth and the outer edge of her nose. Whiskers, like hair and nails, do fall out and are replaced.

Navigation

Whiskers help the cat feel her way around. Whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest directional change in a breeze. At night, for example, this helps a cat slink its way through a room and not bump into anything. How? The air currents in the room change depending on where pieces of furniture are located. As the cat walks through the room and approaches the couch, she’ll know which direction to turn based on the change in air current around the couch.

Mood indication

In addition to having sensory properties, a cat’s whiskers are also a good indicator of her mood. When a cat is angry or feels defensive, the whiskers will be pulled back. Otherwise, when the cat is happy, curious or content, the whiskers will be more relaxed and pushed forward.

Measuring an opening

Whiskers also help a cat to judge whether or not she’ll fit through an opening. The whiskers tips are sensitive to pressure. You’ll probably see a cat stick her head in and out of an opening before she puts her body in. She’s judging the width of the opening, and is determining if she can fit into it.

Do you know who loved me?

We kitties have been loved by one and all. Even the famous French astrologer and reputed seer Nostradamus (1503–1566) was a kitty lover. His cat was named Grimalkin, which later came to be defined as ‘A cat, especially an old female cat.’

Nostradamus published collections of prophecies that have since become famous worldwide. He is best known for his book Les Propheties (The Prophecies), the first edition of it appeared in 1555.

Caring for Your Cat: The Top Ten Essentials

Anthony Nicholas

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you’ll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments protects both cats and people in the community.
Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.
Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviours such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.
Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behaviour problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet’s behaviour, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS’s Pets for Life campaign information.

(This article is contributed by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization. Established in 1954, HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals; www.hsus.org)

Preventing common kitty problems
– Anthony Nichols
We all know that prevention is better than cure. Here are a few ways to prevent common problems in your furry felines.

Anthony Nicholas

We cannot keep our cats safe and well all the time, but a little forethought can help minimise the risks to which they are exposed. Our cats cannot understand what these are. So, it is up to us to think about how we take care of them and to keep them as healthy and well protected as we possibly can.

Acute renal failure

Some cases of acute renal failure can be prevented by removing the causes from your home. Easter lilies and some other similar plants are toxic to cats and even a sprinkling of pollen licked off the fur can be enough to cause problems. Make it known to your loved ones that you prefer to be given other types of flowers. Antifreeze can also cause renal failure and some cats seem attracted to its smell, so avoid having it in your house or garage if possible, or at least keep it safely shut away. If any antifreeze is spilled, then clean it up properly.

Urinary tract obstruction and bladder stones

These conditions may be triggered and can certainly be exacerbated by cats having an insufficient intake of liquids. So, ensure that there is always a plentiful supply of fresh, clean drinking water for your kitty. You can encourage cats to drink by putting additional water bowls around the house, using drinking fountains and adding ice cubes to the water bowls. Providing drinks other than water as occasional treats can also help increase the liquids intake, but these should only be suitable drinks, such as cat milk, spring water from a can of tuna (not brine as it is too salty), or a little homemade meat or fish stock with no salt. Adding water to their food can also be useful with cats who seem to dislike drinking.

Foreign body ingestion

Many cats become seriously ill or die each year from this but it can be avoided. Sharp objects may stick in the throat, but it is more common to find foreign bodies stuck in the stomach or small intestine. If an object such as a toy of teat from a baby’s bottle is swallowed and cannot pass through the cat’s digestive system, it can cause a blockage. Also pieces of thread, string or shoelaces can cause problems if they trail through the intestines and cause them to fold over or knot up. Be aware of such kind of things that could cause problems and do not allow them to be left lying around. Make sure sewing kits and small objects are not left in accessible places, especially when playful kittens are running about. Keep an eye on your cats’ behaviour and if they enjoy chewing toys, make sure you throw away any that come apart. If you see a cat swallow anything and then start vomiting, rush to a vet immediately.

Gingivitis and tooth loss

It is known that gingivitis in cats can be significantly exacerbated by other conditions, so keeping your cat generally healthy is a good first step in preventing it. However, any cat can be affected and avoiding dental plaque and tartar is an important preventative measure. Too much soft sticky food can lead to the development of plaque and tartar and this can be minimised by feeding dry food, especially large kibbles which need to be bitten before the cat swallows them. There are also treat foods available to help keep teeth clean, including special cat treats as well as foods such as jerky, or dried (unsalted) fish. Large chunks of meat such as ‘ham ends’ can also be given. Some owners give raw chicken wings, but cooked bones should never be given as they can splinter.

(Anthony Nichols has been showing cats for about 20 years, starting with non-pedigrees, and breeding for about ten years. He has bred Devon Rex and Singapuras, but mainly focuses on breeding LaPerms in a range of colours, particularly the reds, creams, torties, chocolates and colourpoints).