Any cat owner is more than aware of their pet’s propensity for hairballs, and hairball control is a topmost priority for the benefit of the cat as well as their human companions. It’s never pleasant to slip out of bed for a late night snack only to step on a cool, hairball cluster right next to the bed, and anyone who has watched their cat retch up a hairball feels the utmost sympathy for their condition. Dealing with hairballs is both reactionary and proactive, and taking a positive and productive approach to your cat’s overall health is a priority for cat owners world-wide. It’s impossible to prevent a cat from cleaning and grooming themselves. With that in mind, what can cat owners do to control or prevent hairballs as much as possible?

1) One of the simplest and effective tricks to hairball control should be obvious. The more often you groom your cat, the less loose hair they are able to swallow when they clean up behind you and groom themselves. Brushing your cat regularly can remove a lot of the fur that could be ingested by your feline companion, and it makes the possibility of a hairball less likely. Contrary to popular opinion, cats do love to be brushed regularly, and as an added benefit it can be a fun bonding experience between you and your feline. Expect them to nuzzle the brush and purr like crazy, but use caution. You don’t want to use a brush with sharp-ended bristles or you could cause irritation on your cat’s sensitive skin, and you don’t want them to see regular grooming as a painful or stressful process.

2) A lot of hairballs can also be prevented by a change in your cat’s regular diet. A lot of cat foods have adopted a special, indoor formula specifically designed to limit or reduce the likelihood of hairballs. These dietary formulas are high in fiber which encourages a strong, healthy digestive system which allows swallowed hair to pass safely through without accumulating in the stomach. They also serve to strengthen your cat’s healthy coat which minimizes shedding on the surface and leaves less loose hair to be swallowed initially.

If store-bought brands don’t seem to be effective with your cat (especially if you have a long-haired breed that is naturally prone to hairballs in the first place) special, holistic blends are available. A lot of vets are recommending pet owners to adopt a more natural approach and guiding their patients away from cat foods that contain grains like wheat, barley, rice, corn or gluten. These blends are a lot milder on your cat’s digestive system, and they still provide all of the essential nutrients to make sure they have a well-balanced, healthy diet free from fillers that aren’t really effective overall.

3) If your cat is already susceptible to hairballs, there are a lot of products on the market specifically designed for hairball control. Most of these products act as a mild laxative for your cat, and it encourages digested balls of fur to be passed through their systems rather than being vomited back up. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and use only as instructed to reduce the chance of dehydration and diarrhea. You don’t want to act so proactively that you give your cat an additional digestive system issue rather than preventing one completely.

If your cat seems to experience frequent hairballs regardless of your efforts to prevent or limit them, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem like IBD or intestinal lymphoma (which is a cancer) so you are certainly advised to take your pet to the vet for a full checkup. You want to make sure that there is not something more serious in play before trying a mix of alternate solutions, and the last thing that you want to do is to take a gamble with your favorite feline’s overall health.

While hairballs are typically harmless, they’re still unpleasant for both the cat and their owners. It may not be possible to prevent all hairballs initially, but these remedies and ideas can work to improve the overall health of your pet, in addition to providing them all of the essentials needed for a well-balanced diet and a healthy life. Hairballs can be a symptom of something worse, so don’t avoid a trip to the vet if their hairballs appear more frequent than normal.

The Norwegian Forest cat is a brilliant Feline species native to Northern Europe. They are well-suited to their environment and thrive in cooler temperatures and have an ancient lineage that can be traced back to the Vikings (and beyond). This strong, sturdy and intelligent breed is similar to the Northern American Maine Coon. They are bigger than the average house cat and are built for endurance in often-harsh climates. The breed is said to trace its roots back to the Vikings around 1000 AD. They also may have ties to Crusaders returning from Jerusalem. As the breed interbred with feral cats, they morphed into the Norwegian Forest cat primarily seen today. It’s possible that these remarkable animals served on Viking war ships hunting mice and keeping often deadly diseases away from the crew. They have an amazing hunting ability, and served on farms for hunting rodents as well. The breed suffered near extinction due to the incursions of World War II but has flourished ever since an official breeding program was started in 1938. This cat was only known in Norway until mid-1970 when it gained official recognition. Norwegian Forest cats are now flourishing in Europe and North America, and in a typical year over 400 births to the breed are celebrated.

Physical Characteristics
The Norwegian Forest cat does not contain a lot of the sleek and smaller characteristics that are commonly found in domesticated housecats. They’re built a lot sturdier and have incredibly thick, water repellant coats that allow them to survive in incredibly cold climates. They also have characteristically bushy tails. The body is longer than the typical house-cat, and they have markedly long legs as well that contribute to their out-of-the-ordinary climbing ability. They have a remarkably long head/face shape that is often compared to a triangle. The ears have a noted tuft at the tip and are wide at the base. They are fabled to be able to climb cliffs by the strength of their claws alone, and many legends have been built upon this cat’s ability to climb impossible seeming surfaces. They are even able to scale rocks that normal cats would not be able to conquer.

Behavior and Temperament
Norwegian Forest cats are incredibly compatible with human companionship. Usually soft-spoken, they may become more vocal when sharing a house with a dog. They are extremely intelligent and love to play and demonstrate their hunting abilities. While these cats are usually found outdoors, they can adapt to a primarily indoor life, given the correct amount of attention, affection and enrichment. Expect to feed a Norwegian Forest cat more than the average breed. Their larger bone structure and musculature requires more nutrition than the average cat, and this need for nourishment can cause an unexpected strain on the owner’s finances if it comes as a surprise. This is a breed that is full of notable energy. They also require a lot of attention in order to be considered stable, healthy and happy.

Health Concerns
Norwegian Forest cats have a moderate but average lifespan and typically live to be between 14-16 years when properly cared for. They are notorious for certain genetic dispositions such as kidney and/or heart disease due to certain genetic markers within the breed. Norwegian Forest cats are also genetically predisposed to Glycogen Storage Disease type IV, which can be fatal if not treated properly. This disease can be detected in DNA testing – and a lot of reputable breeders require DNA testing before an animal is free to breed. Due to their large bone structure, they may also be susceptible to hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will check for these genetic dispositions prior to breeding and will often test the litter for health issues prior to their release for sale or adoption.

The Norwegian Forest cat is a companionable and intelligent breed. By giving them the proper amount of attention and affection these beautiful cats can be guaranteed to enjoy a long and happy life.

Pets are a source of joy, comfort and security in a hectic and fast-paced life. We let these furry creatures into our homes, into our lives and into our hearts and we treat them like members of the family – because they are. It’s easy to peruse the stocks of feline food available on any supermarket shelf anywhere in the country and believe that you are giving your cat adequate nutrition in order to encourage and support a long and healthy life – but does this diet really support their dietary needs sufficiently? Are there requirements that are often overlooked? When it comes to the best cat food to feed your beloved pet, experts disagree. One thing is certain. Giving your pet adequate cat food to suit their unique dietary requirements should not be overlooked if you want to maintain a long, happy and prosperous life with your feline companion.

Dry cat food is often the go-to substance. It’s easy, it’s quick and it’s tidy. But is it sufficiently nutritious to provide a happy and healthy life? Cats dietary needs have been examined for years, and a lot of veterinarians are turning away from the standard dry-food varieties for several reasons. Dry cat food often is not well-balanced, and it lacks in several nutrients that are required for a healthy and long life. Cats are predators at heart – they are hunters, and they require a very specific diet if their lives are going to be prolonged and enjoyable. Many dry cat foods lack in several key elements for a balanced and healthy diet. While there are proteins associated with dry cat food, the majority of the protein is derived from plants – not from animals. This deprives a cat of their natural, normal diet and can lead to health problems if the diet is not adequately corrected.

The cat’s dietary system is designed to be carnivorous. They simply are unable to digest plant-based proteins as well as they are able to digest animal proteins. Not all protein is identical, and if you unknowingly deny your cat the nutrition that their bodies require (as designed by nature and natural instincts), you may ultimately dictate that their nutritional needs remain unmet, and they’re far more likely to succumb to many natural diseases that may otherwise be kept at bay.

Additionally, the prolonged use of dry cat food has been irrecoverably linked with several common health problems like diabetes, hairballs, unnecessary obesity (a particular concern with indoor cats), kidney disease and more. Transitioning a cat away from dry cat food to canned or homemade cat food can act as a preventative measure to ward off a lot of these common – and often fatal – diseases before they ever appear. Because dry cat food is lacking in sufficient water levels, urinary diseases are far more prevalent in felines that subside on a solely dry diet. A cat’s instinct to drink is much lower than their instinct to eat. In nature, cats derive most of their water from their diet – and a diet of dry food alone does not provide adequate water levels to sustain a cat’s well-balanced nutrition.

Many cat owners are transitioning away from store-bought cat food brands altogether and focusing on a purely homemade diet for their loyal feline companions. While making cat food at home can be a time-consuming and intricate process, it also ensures (when practiced correctly) that your cat is receiving the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that they need to sustain a long and healthy life, while avoiding much of the filler associated with store-bought brands. Packaged cat food contains unknown ingredients, while a homemade diet ensures that you know exactly what your cat is consuming – and you can strive to provide a well-balanced, thoughtful diet.

Natural cat foods can be purchased from holistic sites and are loaded with the nutrients that are required for a long, healthy and balanced life. These products provide exceptional levels of protein as well as vitamins not often found in dry, canned or processed brands.

It’s only natural that you would want your pet to live a happy and long life so that they can remain with you as long as possible. Taking appropriate steps to ensure that their dietary and nutritional needs are met is the first step towards overall health. It can provide you with peace of mind, which simultaneously ensuring that your cat is receiving exactly what they need to achieve optimal health. Adequate diet plays a vital role in overall health. When combined with regular checkups, lots of love and affection, your feline can enjoy a life full of fun and health.

Known for its distinctive fur and its country-wide popularity, the Abyssinian cat has become a happy addition to many homes, and seems to be poised to arrive at many more.

Origins
While rumors of the Abyssinian commonly trace back to Ethiopia, this cat’s origins remain unclear. Genetic and DNA testing have traced this popular breed to the Indian Ocean or even Egypt, although its name originates from Ethiopia. Although its origins remain uncertain, the breed was developed over time in Egypt, where it is believed the British colonists purchased the distinct animal from traders. Wild versions of the Abyssinian cat still roam the northern parts of Africa, and this breed is said to date back potentially thousands of years.

Features and Characteristics
The Abyssinian cat is most notable for its coat. This distinctive coat can be traced back to a single mutant gene known as the “ta”. To the touch, the hair is dense and extremely silky. Appearance, however, is what set this cat’s fur apart from the others. Each hair on their bodies has multicolored bands surrounding it that compliment and accentuate the single base color. There are many different color variations within the Abyssinian community, and Abyssinian kittens usually begin darker at birth before growing into their lighter, final color as they mature.

The Abyssinian is also known for its large and prominent ears, which always seem to be on high alert. The rest of the head is wide and shaped like a wedge. The Abyssinian’s tail is longer than most other cat breeds as well, and it tapers to a very narrow point at the end. Abyssinian cats are also surprisingly strong and nimble which takes some owners by surprise since their bone structure appears incredibly fine and dainty. They also commonly have “frown lines” appearing above the bridge of the nose and the eyes which most notably forms a very distinctive “m” shape.

Behavior and Temperament
You couldn’t ask for a more intelligent and interactive breed. Abyssinian cats are well-known for their curiosity and their playful spirit, and they’re very apt to learn quickly and easily. These cats are not known for serious snuggle time – they’re more often than not up and about, constantly exploring their surroundings with a curiosity that is usually breed-wide. Many Abyssinians are even known to play fetch when given the opportunity.

These cats spend so much time interacting and exploring their environment that they often don’t receive the affection and attention from their human companions that they need. They can slip into depression when the interaction with humans is limited and they need a lot of positive reinforcement and encouragement to remain happy and stable inside their surroundings.

Health Concerns
Because Abyssinian cats are short-haired cats, they require very little in terms of grooming so they are easily cared for. While they may occasionally require a bath, it is not the norm. Brushing semi-regularly may be advisable, and a regular brushing can accentuate their unusual coats even further. Their teeth, however, need to receive special care and it is highly suggested by veterinarians that they are brushed more regularly than they are bathed. Although rare, Renal Amyloidosis has also been found in certain Abyssinian cats, so having their health (especially their kidney functions) checked regularly is also advisable.

The Abyssinian cat is the perfectly suited cat to practically any environment. By maintaining external stimulation and engaging these intelligent and beautiful cats, you can guarantee a world of entertainment for your cat and for your family.

If you’re a content cat owner, you’re already aware that your cat seems to enjoy jumping up on anything above their typical position on the floor or couch. They like having a high vantage point from which they can survey their surroundings like the king or queen of the castle. If your cats are continually jumping up on your tables or counter-tops and you’re hoping to find a solution to nixing the problem in the bud, there are a wide variety of options available to you.

Although your first instinct may be to just sweep them off of the counter every time they jump up on it, this method is ineffective at best. Realistically, you can only control your cat’s behavior in this manner when you’re at home and awake – and what your cat does when you’re out of the house, sleeping or engrossed in something else is equally as important as what they do directly in front of you.

One of the best methods to deterring your cat from jumping up on counter-tops or on your kitchen table in the middle of dinner is easy, free and continually tested. Since most cats detest water, getting a spray bottle full of water and keeping it near you at all times is an easy and effective tool. Spraying your cat when they exhibit any behavior that you want to discourage will quickly teach them that, if they continually exhibit unwanted behavior, they will immediately receive an unwanted result. Since practically every cat dislikes water, they will not want to continue to act in a manner that will garner a squirt of it.

Another relatively inexpensive solution can be found at your nearest hardware store. A lot of cat owners fail to realize that cats have a distinct and predictable tactile response. They typically dislike surfaces that are cold or slippery. They also dislike surfaces that are sticky. Double-sided tape wrapped on a piece of cardboard can quickly and easily teach your cat that jumping up on the table comes with a negative tactile experience, and they will very quickly start to second-guess their instinct to jump up and get a bird’s eye view of the family as they enjoy their meals.

Cats for whatever reason also dislike the smell of citrus. Squeezing a fresh lemon, lime or orange into a spray-bottle full of water and using that solution to wipe down your counter tops after use can go a long way towards getting your cat to equate counter-surfing to an unpleasant odor. Additionally, aluminum foil is an unpleasant sensation to cat’s sensitive paws – and the noise when they jump up on it is a double-whammy that makes aluminum one of the most effective solutions to retraining your cat to avoid certain high-flying perches.

Several electronic cat deterrent alternatives can also be found in pet stores worldwide in an effort to curtail this very problem. While certain spray-deterrents are on the market, a simple spray doesn’t last for long and requires continual reapplication in order for it to be effective. Some devises approach the problem of counter-jumping in multiple fashions. A product called Sccccat includes a sensor that indicates when the cat has jumped on a counter where they’re unwanted. Secondly, a high-pitched alarm goes off, which most likely startles the cat into jumping off the counter. Thirdly, a harmless spray of gas accompanies the alarm and offers a harm-free solution to the problem in a safe and reliable manner.

If you’re going to start making certain high surfaces off-limits to your cat, make sure that you offer them an alternative instead. Leave the shades of the windows open just a crack in order to invite your cat to jump on the window-sill and do a bit of squirrel or bird-watching while you’re out of the house. Buy them a perch of their very own in the form of a cat-condo or scratching post that has a platform on top. You can easily get your cat to realize that, although they’re unwelcome on certain surfaces, they’re more than welcome on others. Giving them an alternative perch will allow them to feel a sense of security as they relearn the rules of the household, and they also realize that they’re a valuable addition to the family – not just an animal that doesn’t get to have any fun.

If you’re looking for an affectionate, caring and beautiful breed of cat to add to your family, look no further than the Scottish Fold. With a prestigious heritage and a lifetime of pleasure for your family, this breed is a perfect addition to a cat-loving household and it easily provides a lifetime of enjoyment, fulfillment and affection.

Breed History
The Scottish Fold, named for its peculiar yet adorable folded ears, was first noticed in 1961 by a Scottish Shepherd. He took notice of a cat on a neighboring farm because of its “folded” ears – a birth trait that is made possible by a dominant gene within the cartilage of the ears – creating a folded, shortened appearance. As the shepherd continued to investigate, he realized that the breed was not formerly known. When he adopted a “folded” cat from his neighbor’s litter and later produced two “folded” kittens himself, he attempted to gain recognition for the breed but encountered resistance. The breed was officially recognized by the CFA in 1973, later receiving the coveted champion status in 1978.

Characteristics
The ears of a Scottish Fold cat fold down and forwards but the ears remain fully functional. They’re able to tilt and swivel in a typical feline fashion – and can even be laid flat against the head when expressing anger. The gene that causes this unique fold is a dominant trait. In order to produce Scottish Fold offspring, at least one parent must have the unique folded ear. Scottish Fold interbreeding leads to an increased chance of skeletal deformities. Like all other breeds of cat, continually inbreeding produces a higher chance of genetic problems that can lead to more serious medical conditions throughout the life of the cat.

Potential Breed Problems
When Scottish Folds are interbred, they have a high likelihood of skeletal problems as well as an increased risk for congenital osteodystrophy which enlarges and distorts the underlying bone structure. If your cat exhibits difficulty in moving or unusual density of the bones, you will need to have your cat checked by a certified veterinarian. This often presents itself as an unusual thickness in the tail or the legs.

While all Fold cats eventually acquire the trait-specific folded ear, they are not born that way. Scottish Fold kittens are originally born with straight ears. The fold appears about 3-4 weeks after birth. The unusual and characteristic fold can also lead to almost-inevitable ear problems such as increased wax buildup or dirt. The cats are also just as likely to have problems with ear mites as other cat breeds, and owners should watch carefully for signs of an ear infection due to improper or irregular cleaning. While early cat bred studies led researchers to believe that Fold cats were susceptible to deafness, this is no longer thought to be true.

Personality
Scottish Folds are easily adaptable to new or changing environments. They are typically very sweet, affectionate and loving. They are not very vocal, and tend to be extremely quiet and observant animals. While they will demonstrate affection towards multiple people, they do have a tendency to single out one family member and bond with them exclusively on a deeper level. They love attention, but don’t want to be forced into it. They want to choose when to receive attention, and they will often go to their “chosen” human to receive it – becoming almost like a shadow to the one person that they uniquely bond with. Scottish Folds are highly intelligent and curious animals that like to explore in a safe environment where they feel loved and protected.

While they appreciate a close relationship with their family and others, they aren’t incredibly fond of being held and they certainly can’t be classified as “clingy” or “whiny”. They’d much prefer to sit next to you while you go about your daily activities rather than being held on a lap or in your arms. They are also incredibly playful and can easily learn to play fetch or play with other cat toys. Their playful and inquisitive nature will continue throughout their lifetimes, and it’s not likely to dissipate once they reach adulthood.

Caring for the Scottish Fold
Folds, especially long-haired breeds need to be regularly maintained in order to achieve maximum health. They need to be regularly brushed – at least once a week. Their ears also need to be regularly cleaned and examined for wax build up or ear mites. Scottish Fold cats need to be washed occasionally with a good, high-quality cat shampoo. Their diet needs to be high in nutrients like vitamins and protein. The most important aspect of caring for a Scottish Fold is to be sure to shower them with lots and lots of love, exercise and playful affection.

All cat owners dread bath time, just like parents with toddlers do. Bathing a cat can be a traumatic and life-endangering prospect for you and your beloved pet. While Fluffy may seem sweet and demure 99% of the time, all bets go out the window when you hold them in your arms and approach a tub, a sink or other body of water. The unfortunate reality for pets and owners alike is that your cat will occasionally need to be bathed in order to maximize health and reduce the likelihood for potential problems. While it may not be an idea that you enjoy, it’s one that will eventually need to be done.

In order to minimize harm to you and your animal, the following tips and suggestions are helpful to make bath time a success – if not a pleasure for all parties involved.

1. Trim nails prior to bathing
Cat claws can be deadly weapons. If you’ve ever held your loving pet in your arms and then dumped out a glass of water or turned on a faucet, you’re probably aware of the dangers. It behooves you to trim your cats nails (all of them, not just the front ones) prior to addressing the issue of a bath. Not only can you avoid having your arms ripped to pieces, you can calm your cat as well. Don’t go straight from the claw-trimming to the bathtub, either. Let your cat relax before showering water over them. Some cats respond to nail-clipping calmly, and others see it as an act of war.

2. Plan your bath time accordingly
Bath time should not immediately follow playtime. If your cat is calm, they’re likely to respond to the prospect of bathing better than if they’re hyped up on catnip or have just played run and dash with their siblings.

3. Start with a calm brushing
Chances are you don’t want a huge mess of hair all over your sink or tub. Before approaching the bath, make sure to remove any loose fur. Brushing a cat also calms them and makes them feel safe and loved – and they’re much more likely to approach the situation calmly.

4. Give them a leg to stand on
Wet surfaces can easily become slippery, and if your cat doesn’t have something steady to stand on, they can become even more freaked out by the process. Put a slip-proof mat or cloth in the bathtub or the sink to allow them the ability to feel secure in a situation that they definitely don’t like.

5. Avoid sensitive areas
You probably wouldn’t want someone to just dump a cup of water over your head, carelessly ignoring the fact that water and soap in the eyes is unpleasant. When initially moistening your pet, take care to avoid getting water directly in their eyes, ears or nose. They will appreciate your sensitivity and will become less likely to try to bite or claw their way free – especially since you’ve already trimmed their nails (right?).

6. Use the correct products
When bathing a cat, don’t make the assumption that your shampoo will work just as well as shampoo especially designed for cats. Human shampoo can dry out your cat’s skin and make it more sensitive, and you wouldn’t want to use a product that could potentially harm them. Make sure to follow the directions for the shampoo that you’re using as well – most cat shampoos require dilution prior to use. Using a solution that is too highly concentrated could have potentially harmful effects.

7. Thoroughly clean the face
Instead of dousing your cats’ face with lukewarm (never hot) water, use a washcloth to gently clean the area. If your cat’s face is particularly dirty, you may have to use shampoo that is even more diluted, but generally regular water works just fine.

8. Rinse thoroughly
You’ll want to make sure that you get all of the shampoo off of your pet before you can call your bath a success. A good rule of thumb is to rinse twice as long as you have shampooed. If shampoo is left on the skin or fur to dry, it attracts dirt and dust and makes the entire point of the bath a failure. Dried shampoo can also hurt and dry your cat’s skin and make it uncomfortable for them – and you definitely don’t want them to ingest it unintentionally as they try to lick the remnants of the bath (and the memory of it) away for good.

9. Dry down
Don’t allow your cat to run away as soon as the water part is over. If they’re left sopping wet in an area that is cold or drafty, it’s easy for them to get sick. Wrap them in a clean towel and remove as much of the excess water as possible. This is also a good time for you to hold them close and reassure them that the hard part is over.

10. Reward for a job well done
If you’ve successfully completed the process, you may be ready for a strong drink – but your cat deserves a reward too. While they may never associate a bath with fun, make sure that they’re aware of how appreciative you are to still be (mostly) intact. Speak calmly to them, reassure them – and as soon as they trust you enough to be within arms’ reach of you again, give them a lot of reassuring petting as well. Leave a treat for them in their bowl or near you and let them know that they did a good job.

Perhaps the world’s most bizarre feline, the Sphynx cat has a unique hairless look that sets it apart from other cats. But that’s not all. It’s a rather rare and unusual breed of cat, and has been described to feel like a warm suede hot water bottle. These cats need special care, but all the extra time and effort you dedicate to taking care of this cat will be well worth it. Their loving, playful and inquisitive nature makes them a wonderful cat to have around and call your own.

Breed History
Although it gets its name from the ancient Great Sphinx of Giza, Sphynx cats are a relatively new breed. There have been a number of occurrences of these hairless cats being born throughout history. But the Sphnyx cat first came to be well-recognized in the year 1966 in Canada when a domestic cat in Toronto gave birth to a hairless kitten. This was considered to be the result of a natural genetic mutation. From there, cats with the mutation were bred to give rise to the Sphynx breed. In 1970 the line became extinct due to the belief that the mutation caused health issues and breathing difficulties in the cats. But this did not spell the end to this breed. Before long, in 1975, a cat in Minnesota, named Jezebel, gave birth to a hairless kitten. The kitten was sold to a local breeder who revived the Sphynx breed by expanding and strengthening the gene pool. After many years of careful breeding, now Sphynx cats are a varied and genetically sound breed, though still rare. In 2002, the Cat Fancier’s Association accepted the cat breed for competition in the Championship Class.

Physical Characteristics
The most obvious feature of the Sphynx cat is its lack of hair. Although they are known as the “hairless” cats, they actually have warm peach fuzz fur on their bodies, especially on their nose, toes and tail. They may or may not have whiskers and eyebrows. They have long, lean bodies and a rounded abdomen. They possess characteristically large triangular ears, large paw pads and their tail is long and slender. The skin of a Sphynx cat is wrinkled, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns, including Siamese point patterns. An adult Sphynx cat normally weighs around 8 to 15 pounds, and male cats can be up to 25% bigger than their female counterparts.

Personality & Temperament
Sphynx cats are an inquisitive breed that likes to be the center of attention and love being handled and cuddled. They are intelligent cats that are agile, playful and sweet-tempered. They have a sense of adventure and mischief that make them fun to be around. They love human companionship, and will follow humans around the house. Sphynx cats are not for people who want a quiet, docile cat. They fit in well in homes with children, dogs or other cats. Oh, and these extroverts like to show off with their acrobatic tricks as well. So it’s probably a good thing that these cheeky felines are kept indoors for the most part.

Common Medical Problems
Sphynx cats have few health or genetic problems, and have a normal lifespan. They are generally considered to be a very robust breed. But they do still face some problems unique to their physical nature, most of which have to do with their hairlessness. During their 1st few weeks of life, Sphynx kittens are susceptible to respiratory infections. Sphynx cat breeders usually don’t allow kittens to move to new homes until they are at least 12 weeks old so they’re ready to handle a new environment. These hairless cats are also prone to sunburn and skin cancer, so it’s important that their sun exposure is limited. They are also susceptible to the cold, so care needs to be taken to keep this indoor cat nice and warm.

Sphynx cats also have sensitive digestive systems, particularly in that they are small. They can develop severe diarrhea after using medication or being fed diets that contain less than 80% protein. They can also acquire common feline illnesses, and are immunized just as other cat breeds are.

Hereditary myopathy (spasticity) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are two genetic conditions that are found in this breed, with the latter being more common. HCM refers to a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart, and may not cause outward symptoms. Sphynx breeders are trying to eliminate this condition from the breed by scanning yearly and removing positive cats from their breeding program.

Special Care & Maintenance
Because they lack the protection of a fur coat, a hairless Sphynx cat requires special care. It’s recommended that you give them a weekly bath to remove the buildup of oil and dust on their skin. Their hair follicles give off oil, but unlike other cats, they have no hair to absorb the oil, and so their skin can easily become greasy. Because they have sensitive skin that burns easily, a very hot bath should be avoided. A sphynx cat’s eyes and ears should also be cleaned weekly to remove any eye discharge or earwax. As they lack hair around their ears, it’s easy for dirt to enter.

Sphynx cats are vulnerable to the sun and cold, and are meant to be indoor cats. So exposure to the outdoors should be limited. They may be taken outside on occasion if they are heavily supervised and the weather is right for them. Generally, the temperature inside your house should be kept around 70 to 80 degrees fahrenheit.  Consider the Sphynx cat to be “naked” – if you would be cold naked, chances are that your cat is going to be too. You may need to clothe them during the winter.

Also, as their bodies are constantly working to keep themselves warm, their metabolism is higher than other cats so they need to be fed more food at meal times. Always place dry food out for your cat and add one or two servings of wet food each day. They need to be fed high quality food with a good balance of fat and protein.

So if you think the intelligent and companionable Sphynx cat is for you, then you can purchase them from Sphynx cat breeders. Expect to pay more for a hairless Sphynx cat than you would for another cat breed. Sphynx cat adoption is also available, and costs less than buying a newborn kitten.

Most cat owners have accepted the notion that cats are untrainable and to even try is a waste of time and energy, but this is simply not true. There is a growing trend in the cat world called clicker training that is proving successful at training cats. It takes a bit of patience, but a cat can be trained using this method and the reason it works so well is a very simple matter of voice replacement.

A cat constantly hears the voice of their owners, so much so that they become desensitized to it. The cat doesn’t know what the owner is saying, just that the human is making noise again, and they really do not have any desire to learn to distinguish pertinent words and phrases from those that don’t concern them. This is a cat’s nature. By replacing the human voice with a completely distinct sound, the cat is able to learn that when they hear that distinct sound it’s time for them to listen, and this is where the clicker device comes into play.

The Clicker
The cat clicker device is a small plastic device with a piece of metal inside that puts off a distinct clicking sound each time the plastic piece is pressed. Once the cat learns this sound means they need to listen, promoting good behavior is accomplished quickly and easily.

Charging the Clicker
The first step in the cat training process is to give the cat a reason to listen to the clicker. This is where the treats come into play. By making a habit of clicking the device once and then giving the cat a treat, the cat begins to associate the clicking noise with the administration of a treat. It will eventually get to the point where the cat will come out of hiding running to find their owner at the sound of the clicker. This is the time period called charging the clicker.

The Real Training Begins
Once the clicker is charged, the real training begins. Promoting good behavior should always be the primary function of clicker training, rather than punishing for bad behavior. It may seem convenient to go to town with the clicker if the cat is doing something they shouldn’t be doing just to get their attention, but this should be completely avoided. The clicking sound needs to be associated with treats and goodness or the cat will cease to listen to it.

Each time the cat is displaying good behavior; the owner should click the clicker once (and only once) and then administer the treat. Timing is very crucial. It’s important to note that once the cat hears the click, they’ll probably stop whatever good behavior in which they are engaging and come running for their treat. In addition, if the cat owner waits too long to use the clicker, the cat may not understand for what they are being praised. Below are a few tips to get started.

Cat Training Tips
1. Keep training sessions short.
2. Do not force the cat to perform a behavior just to give the reward. Be patient and wait for the cat to voluntarily engage in the behavior and then give praise by clicking and treating.
3. Start slow and simple by clicking and treating for a good behavior the cat engages in frequently. This will speed up the process of the cat associating good behavior with the reward.
4. Once a good behavior is learned, it doesn’t have to be rewarded with a treat, but praise should always follow.

For More Information
To get more information about cat clicker training, there are books and videos available online or at your local bookstore, or click here to learn more!

Cats have historically been thought of as independent and untrainable. A wise person once said, “A human doesn’t own a cat, but rather a cat owns a human.” Cat owners are a special group who accept this fact in exchange for the joy of watching their cat play and frolic around the house or snuggling with them at night. The benefits definitely outweigh the disadvantages in cat ownership, but even so it’s nice to know a tiny fragment of control has changed hands thanks to the cat clicker.

If a cat that appears as though it has walked straight out of the wilderness and into civilization is what you want, then the Bengal cat fills that order. The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed produced by crossing the domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat. The desire of such cross breeding is to produce a cat that looks wild, but has the temperament of a domestic cat.

Physical Body
The most distinct feature of the Bengal cat is its extremely soft, thick, and uniquely patterned coat. There are two distinct patterns recognized within the Bengal cat breed. Those are spotted and marbleized. The spotted coat is closest to its leopard ancestor, featuring leopard spots in varying shades of brown, rust, orange, sand, black, and gray. The marbleized coat is produced from the mixing of the Asian Leopard cat with a domestic tabby to produce splotches that look more like marble. In either case, the Bengal cat has a look that is both strikingly beautiful and wild.

Other than the coat, another distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other cats is its muscular body, more prominent in males than females. Bengal cats are very athletic, sleek, and muscular.

Temperament
The Bengal cat loves to be part of the family. They love to interact and play. This is not to say they will not seek out a soft chair or lap in which to lie for a nap, but for the majority of the day they are very active cats. Being a high energy cat, they are not for someone looking for a docile animal to lounge around the house and look pretty.

The exotic heritage of this cat makes it unique both in look and personality. Even though it takes five generations of Bengal-to-Bengal breeding to produce a line recognized as a Bengal cat, these felines have a wild ancestral heritage and some of those instincts can still be seen in late generations through their extreme intelligence, high energy, and innate curiosity. This is a cat that loves to play and will demand interaction with their owners but in a way that is most pleasant. Some Bengals can even be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch. It’s also reported by some owners that their Bengals love water and will shower with them.

Due to the wild ancestral line of the Bengal, careful selective breeding practices are implemented by high quality Bengal cat breeders to ensure that the docile temperament of the domesticated ancestors is dominant.

Common Medical Problems
As with any breed of cat or dog, certain medical problems seem to be more commonplace than others. For the Bengal, the most common health problems seen by veterinarians are as follows:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy – This problem eventually causes blindness. There is no way to screen for this problem, so there is no way for a breeder to tell if a kitten will have problems later on.

Cataracts – Thickening and clouding of the eye lens, causing loss of vision over a period of time and eventual blindness. This problem can be reversed since cataract surgery is available for cats.

Cardiomyopathy – This covers both thickening of the heart muscles and thinning of the heart muscles, both causing very poor circulation. Cats stricken with this condition can appear healthy for a very long time and then suddenly appear very ill.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – This is a condition in which an infection is present within the digestive tract. The symptoms of this condition are typically vomiting and diarrhea. Any Bengal showing symptoms should be taken to the veterinarian immediately to avoid dehydration.

Food Poisoning – Bengals have especially sensitive stomachs. For this reason, their diets should be carefully monitored and table scraps should never be on the menu.

One medical problem you’ll never have to worry about with the Bengal cat and possibly their most fascinating feature is they possess an apparent immunity to feline leukemia. This is an inherited trait that the Bengal cat received from its ancestor the Asian Leopard cat.

Bengal cats are one of the most interesting breeds in existence today. From their wild markings to their playful and loving demeanor, Bengal’s are an absolute joy to have around the house, especially in a household with children. If a cat who acts more like a family member is desired, the Bengal cat is a great choice.