Charlie ShortTail, Author at lovecats

Charlie’s furriends and Pawtraits – introducing Mz. Chaos

January 21, 2017 Charlie ShortTail

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Charlie’s furriends and pawtraits

Introducing Mz. Chaos

Chaos is a little tortoiseshell cat. She is gentle and loving and likes nothing better than a big cuddle up with her small human brother.

Mz. Chaos has to have a special diet because she is allergic to many things and her Mama spent a lot of time researching and reading up on how to help with her problems.

She cannot eat foods with grains in, and she is also allergic to flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis), so she becomes itchy and scratches a lot.

When she is bad she can have loss of fur and many lumps.

She left her old home because she was unhappy and adopted her new Mama and brother.

She is now much loved and cared for and her allergies are under control.

Her only bad habits are sneaking inside beds and drooling!

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Why do female cats screech after mating and attack the male?

January 15, 2017 Charlie ShortTail

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Why do female cats scream during mating?

It is well observed that a female cat will scream, screech or become very aggressive during or just after mating with the tomcat. When cats mate they caterwaul and it can be quite loud.

The reason for this aggressive behaviour is that the tom cat’s penis has little barbs or spines on it.

When the penis is inserted the spines lay flat, but when withdrawing the penis, the spines cause a raking action on the female’s cat’s vagina, causing pain, and so the female reacts by attacking the male.

Why does the tom cat’s penis have spines?

Female (virgin) cats who have not mated do not ovulate. The pain caused the first time the female cat mates causes shock, initiating the ovulation cycle (this will take a little over 24 hours to actually begin).

The female is then ‘on intense heat’ for around 3 days. A queen may mate as quickly as 30 minutes after the first copulation.

Why does the male (tomcat) bite the female on the neck during mating?

This all explains why the female cat is so angry and tries to swipe the male, and also why the male has to be very careful not to get injured – hence why he holds the female by the neck (scruff of the neck).

How does the male cat know when the female is ready to mate?

When the female cat calls (this means she is in ‘oestrus’) she will roll over and cry out, especially if there is a male around. She will hold her tail up and at one side, she may also take on a crouching position. The male can then grasp her by the scruff of the neck and mount the female. The number of times a cat comes into oestrus varies dependant upon the breed and whether the cat is an indoor or outdoor cat. In outdoor cats the season usually lasts between January and August, indoor cats may ‘call’ throughout the year without the natural stimulus of the outdoor environment.

It is unusual for cats to refuse to mate. Female cats normally reach puberty at around 5 – 6 months old, although this can be up to a year old for some breeds.

What is the ‘brotherhood’ in cat mating?

Cats can mate several or more times, up to ten times in one hour.

The female cat may mate with more than one tomcat.

The successful male may have other hopeful tomcats waiting to mate with the female cat when the first male cat becomes exhausted.

Waiting male cats hoping to mate are known as the ‘brotherhood’.

The female cat will display signs (provocative behaviour) to another male and then allow him to mate.

Mating does not last long and can be over in a minute or less.

You may also like why is my cat aggressive?

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Images and photos of beautiful cats

November 11, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

Charlie and cats

Images of beautiful cats:

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Abyssinian Cats – all about this beautiful and intelligent breed.

November 9, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

Origins of the Abyssinian Cat – breed history

Abyssinian cats are thought to have been the direct descendants of the scared Temple cats of ancient Egypt.

Modern cats have been compared to the mummified remains of cats from the tombs and also to the painted frescoes in the tombs and the evidence seems to support this belief.

Soldiers are said to have brought over the cats to Great Britain in the 1860’s on returning from Abyssinia; the popularity of the breed grew quickly.

During the two world wars lack of suitable food and feline leukaemia reduced the numbers severely in the UK.

Abyssinian cats are particularly popular in the United States.

Characteristics of the Abyssinian cat

Abyssinian cats have a long, lithe and slender and natural cat body shape.

They have large, very beautiful eyes which are almond-shaped, in a clear deep shade of amber, green or hazel.

The ears are prominent, erect and set wide apart, well cupped, and furry on their inner edges; ear tufts are desirable.

The tail is long and tapered and the paws are egg-shaped, the head is rounded with medium sized nose. Abyssinans are beautiful and regal cats.

The cats have a rich, golden brown coat (known as ‘usuals’) with a dark brown or black ticking; the tip of the tail is also dark brown or black, the hind legs also being darker, the paw pads are black.

Abyssinians may also have a ruddy, red or blue tinged coat.

In more recent years many other new colours have been introduced to the breed. These include fawn, chocolate, lilac, sex-linked red and cream, many new silver combinations, and even torties, although at present most of these do not have Championship status.

Common faults in the breed include: stocky body, spots and markings on the body and white upon the neck.

Personality of Abyssinian cats

Intelligent, gentle, inquisitive, very active and agile these cats make lovely companions.

Abyssinians often attach themselves to one member of the family and may take more time than some cats to form bonds with people.

They need a lot of stimulation and benefit from daily play and access to the outdoors. The cats love to climb and need to be able to jump and play; they need attention and may become sullen if they feel neglected.

Care of Abyssinian cats

Daily grooming i.e. rubbing the coat with a gloved hand should be sufficeint.

Pregnant females may need additional care as they remain very active; a litter of three to four kittens is usual. The kittens start life with darker markings which disappear after a few months.

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Turkish Van cat

October 30, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

Characteristics of the Turkish Van cat

This cat originated from the Lake Van region of Turkey. The cat is sometimes known as the swimming cat due to its love of water.

Turkish Van cats are a rare breed of the domestic cat. The cats are handsome, semi-long-haired, gentle, and affectionate, strong, active, curious and healthy. They have brave personalities and show great intelligence. Turkish Van cats will fetch and can be taught to walk on a lead, they often enjoy carrying soft toys around. They enjoy water play, are surprisingly good swimmers and will often bathe quite happily. These cats have a hearty appetite and are not picky eaters; the cats are large and can weigh up to 18 pounds for a male. There are no known genetic diseases with this breed.

Origin of Turkish Vans

Turkish Van cats hail from the Lake Van area of Turkey, a south-east cold region. The cats have a triangular face, small and rounded eyes, and the ears are large, rounded and pink on the inside. Vans have a muscular body structure with legs that look thicker due to the fur and small feet. The cat has a white body with the colour restricted mainly to the tail and head. Turkish Van’s have a beautiful long-haired plumed and coloured tail. The Turkish Van will take up to five years to reach full maturity. Turkish Vans usually only have small litters of around four kittens. The kittens begin with a short coat, which gradually gets longer as the cat matures.

Appearance

The fur is white with red chestnut patches between the eyes and ears and also on the tail, sometimes with lighter and darker alternating red colours. A Turkish Van cat may have blue or amber eyes or odd coloured eyes. Originally called the “Turkish cat” it was renamed to distinguish it from the Turkish Angora cat. The Van and the Angora cat are distinct breeds that developed in geographically different regions of Turkey. When seen together the cats have different body shapes and characteristics.

Breed standards

Breed standards allow for one or more body spots as long as there is no more than twenty percent colour and the cat does not give the appearance of a bicolour. A few random spots are acceptable, but they should not detract from the pattern; the rest of the cat is white. Although red tabby and white is the classic van colour, the colour on a Van’s head and tail can be one of the following: red, cream, black, blue, red tabby, cream tabby, brown tabby, tortoiseshell, and also other tabby colours. The white spotting gene or piebald gene is why the cats have a random pattern of colour. Common standard faults in the breed include a fully rounded head, markings on the body and underdeveloped musculature.

Grooming

The coat has a very soft and silky ‘cashmere’ like feel and there is no undercoat, so matting is not usually a problem with this breed. The coat is quite water-repellent and will, therefore, dry quickly. The cats have a winter coat, and then moult to have a shorter, lighter coat in summer. The cats do not need a lot of grooming; although a daily brush with a soft-haired brush will probably be enjoyed by the cat and help prevent knots. They will lose a lot of fur though during the summer months when moulting.

Status of Turkish Van Cats

In 1969 the Turkish Van was given full pedigree status by The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. The Van began to be imported into America in the 1970s.

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What to expect as your cat gets older

October 25, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

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Health and behavioural changes in ageing cat

Ageing is a normal process and most cats live long and healthy lives. You can help keep your cat well by understanding how getting older can affect your cat. As your get gets older you may observe some of the symptoms and behaviours below:

Changes in usual appetite
Drinking more or less
Muscle loss, losing weight
Change in sleep patterns
Hearing and sight may be impaired
Stiffness and arthritic problems
Less grooming and cleaning
Tooth decay and gum disease
Less physically active
Personality changes

How old is old? Senior and Geriatric cats

A cat is considered older (middle-aged) at around 7-8 years of age, at 11-12 years old your cat will be considered a ‘senior’ cat and at 15 years onwards your cat is termed ’geriatric’.

What happens as your cat ages

Your cat may have a poorer appetite due to tooth or gum problems, and also due to the fact that older cats have less sense of taste and smell.
As eyesight deteriorates your cat may be less confident to go out and may become more easily frightened by noises and new situations.
Loss of muscle tone and stiff joints may mean that your cat will jump and run less. The majority of senior cats (12 years and older) will have some degree of arthritis.
As in people, a less efficient immune system means they can pick up infections more easily and may find fighting off disease more difficult.
Old cats can often drink more water due to kidney and urinary tract problems.
Your elderly cat is likely to sleep a lot more, but may not sleep so soundly. Some elderly cats with dementia may have changed sleep patterns.
Older cats may find grooming more difficult and their coat may lose shine and condition, also the skin becomes less elastic. Grey/ white hairs will appear as part of a normal ageing process.
Some elderly cats may become over-weight as they slow down, but eat the same size portions.
Teeth and gum problems are more likely, ask your vet to check your cat. Smelly breath can be an indicator of gum disease (but also other conditions).
Your cat’s personality may change – they could become grumpy, although some older cats become more friendly and prefer to be in company and so demand more attention.
Older cats may have memory problems –dementia is becoming more common in cats as they live longer. The symptoms can be very similar to humans. * see more detailed post on dementia.
Sometimes swallowing can become more difficult for your cat as the mouth gets drier.
The internal organs, heart, liver and kidneys may start to deteriorate.
Claws can grow if your cat does not go out or use a scratching post; if left they can cause pain by sticking into the paw pads.
Hair balls can be a problem as hair ingested during grooming may cause chronic vomiting or constipation due to your cat’s digestive system being less efficient.

Helping to care for elderly cats

Older cats can lead happy and active lives – your vet can help with regular checks and there are many good treatments and medicines available to help your cat.
You can help by providing a suitable diet, lots of interaction and play and ensuring that your cat has easy access to beds, hiding places and also provide a litter tray with shallow sides.
Keep up vaccinations, flea treatments and worming.

Weight loss and gain in senior cats

How do I know if my cat is gaining or losing weight?

Weigh your elderly cat every couple of months (weigh yourself and then hold your cat and weigh again is one possible solution if your cat is not co-operative). Weight loss can be a sign of illness, so it may be a good idea to keep a record. A sore mouth due to gum disease or infected teeth could be another reason for poor eating. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat has a poor appetite feeding small amounts more often may help.
If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible so you can rule out any possible health issues. Should your cat have a disease or illness, if diagnosed early swift treatment will help to alleviate symptoms, pain and manage the issues more easily than if it has developed over a longer period of time.
Overweight cats are unlikely to live as long as their slimmer friends and they are more prone to serious illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes and arthritis- again very similar to us humans. Get advice from your vet and try to avoid giving too many treats. Older cats may forget they have just eaten.
Never put your cat on a strict diet as this can be dangerous for cats – gentle and slower changes are more sensible and in the long term more effective.
It may be better to follow one of the many senior diets, as they are lower in calories and reduce the likelihood of weight gain. Choose a good quality product without too much carbohydrate. Protein restriction has not been proven to be beneficial for healthy cats, however is helpful for cats with kidney problems. Ask your vet for advice on a suitable diet.

Kidney disease and cats

Cats’ kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products from their blood into their urine. Older cats may be affected by kidney disease caused by infections, blockages, tumours or toxins as well as age-related changes. Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidney function deteriorates gradually over a period of time. Treatment depends on the cause and the extent of damage, but usually begins by flushing the kidneys using fluids, followed by special diets and medications. Unfortunately, kidney disease is irreversible, but with the right support many cats can enjoy a pretty normal life.
Anti-freeze is well-known for causing many kidney/ poisoning problems in cats.
Get your cat checked by a vet if they are drinking a lot more than usual.

Grooming and the older cat

If your cat is looking unkempt or developing matted fur, go to the vet for a check-up. There may be dental disease or joint problems that are affecting his or her ability to groom. Regular grooming is important for your cat. Help your cat by daily brushing and grooming. This will also help keep a strong bond between you and your cat.
If your cat is longhaired and is having difficulties keeping itself clean, it may be helpful to trim the fur around its anus, underside of the tail and back legs to avoid soiling or matting.
Also check your cat’s ears as some older cats produce a lot of ear wax. Clean with cooled boiled water, but never poke into the ear canal.

Dementia in older cats

Cats can suffer from reduced brain function as they age. With dementia your cat may seem confused, change personality, sleep poorly, meow more and have accidents. A blood test is required and similar drugs to those used with Alzheimer’s disease have been used in cats – and for some patients they work very well.
*Other medical disorders also produce these symptoms, so your vet needs to examine your pet.
Older cats can also suffer from diabetes. Symptoms may be difficult to interpret so always get expert advice.

Cat flaps and outdoor spaces

Some elderly cats may stop going out as a result of difficulty negotiating the cat flap. It may be helpful to build a step or leave objects they can use, both inside and outside to make it easier for your pet to remain independent. Eventually you may need to escort your cat in and out of the garden.
There are a number of reasons why your cat may stop going outside as it gets older. A significant influence could be other cats in the neighbourhood – your older cat will not be able to defend his or her ‘patch’ and therefore may be nervous. Spending time outside with you may alleviate this problem.

Caring for your cat’s teeth and gums as they get older

The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys.
If your cat is willing, brush the teeth and also feed some dry food to try to limit the build-up of plaque. Tooth or gum problems become common as a cat gets older, so they may not be able to chew harder foods which is why senior dry foods often have smaller, softer pellets.
Take your cat for regular check-ups; if your cat does need treatment, with modern anaesthetics, age itself, is not necessarily a problem. Dental care under anaesthetic is now commonly carried out on older cats, once they have been checked out for any underlying diseases.

Things to look out for in an older cat

Go to the vet if your cat:

is eating less
not drinking
is drinking more than normal
has smelly breath
has lost weight
is stiff, limping, or having difficulty in jumping up onto things
you find any lumps or bumps
has become a lot less active
is having trouble passing urine or faeces, or is soiling or passing water indoors
is disorientated or is having trouble with balance
seems confused or starts getting lost

If you feel something is not right –consult your vet. You know your cat best.

Older cats love comfort

Older cats love their creature comforts, and will spend a lot of time sleeping in a warm and comfy spots. Beds that can be hung off radiators are often very popular; and if your cat is used to using a higher sleeping area he/she may appreciate some sort of step to enable them to climb up more easily. Cats like to hide away and a nice warm, safe place will always be appreciated.
They can also enjoy more time spent with you and the stimulation of playing with new toys and activities.

Finally: Don’t forget to keep up vaccinations, flea treatments and worming.

Routine checks for older cats

Blood tests: haematology, biochemistry, electrolytes and thyroid hormones. This is to assess the function of internal organs – in older cats is it wise to have your cat checked every 6 months if possible so that any problems can be picked up early
Urine tests: to look for kidney problems, bladder infections and diabetes – all these health issues are much more common in senior cats
Blood pressure: to check for high or low blood pressure

Charlie says ‘Older cats make lovely companions’.

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Dementia in older cats – symptoms, care and treatment

October 21, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

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Dementia in older cats is becoming more common as our pets live longer

Do cats get Alzheimers?

Cat dementia (feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome)

As cats start to reach an old age they often become susceptible to both mental and physical problems.

Physical changes can be easier to spot; however mental changes may be a little less obvious.

A cat becomes a senior citizen around the age of 11 or 12 years.

Although older cats don’t get Alzheimer’s disease as such, they can suffer from feline dementia, also known as feline cognitive dysfunction (CDS).

Advancing age in cats often leads to more diseases and disorders, although cats are generally healthier than dogs.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (dementia) is a condition that is directly related to the ageing of a cat’s brain.

When the brain is not working normally this can lead to changes in awareness of the surroundings, problems in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli – such as play and interaction with the family. Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually worsen over time, also known as “cognitive decline.”

Symptoms of dementia in senior/ ageing cats

Your cat may have some or most of these symptoms if he or she is suffering from dementia.

Confusion or disorientation
Anxiety and restlessness
Increased irritability
Change in personality or character
Changes in sleeping patterns
Less desire to play
Slow to learn new tasks
Inability to follow familiar routines
Getting lost
Lack of self-grooming
Faecal and urinary incontinence
The apparent disregard for previously learned house rules
Loss of appetite
Excessive licking

According to an article in the Telegraph newspaper “By Laura Donnelly, Health Correspondent (2008)

“Conditions like Alzheimer’s are becoming increasingly common and now affect one million felines.

Vets have reported seeing an increase of cases but fear that many owners do not pick up on the symptoms because they do not associate the condition with their pets.

As in humans, dementia leaves the animals confused and distressed. The progressive condition, caused by degeneration of the brain, can cause them to get lost more often or become reclusive.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh now believe half of all cats over the age of 15 and a quarter aged 11 to 14, are suffering from “geriatric onset behavioural problems”.

Dr Danielle Gunn-Moore, professor of feline medicine at the university, said: “When we look at cats of all ages, we believe about 10 per cent will be affected, which represents about one million cats in Britain.”

Why are cats getting Dementia?

Just like people cats are living longer, and, as in people they have better diets and have better medical care than in the past so are reaching longer lifespans.

The longer we or cats live the higher the risk of suffering from dementia.

Cats with dementia show the same amyloid protein present in their brains as is found in human dementia suffers. Symptoms may be mild or more concerning.

What are amyloid proteins?

Amyloid proteins and dementia:

Plaques form when protein pieces called beta-amyloid clump together.

Beta-amyloid comes from a larger protein found in the fatty membrane surrounding nerve cells. Beta-amyloid is chemically “sticky” and gradually builds up into plaques.

The most damaging form of beta-amyloid may be groups of a few pieces rather than the plaques themselves. The small clumps may block cell-to-cell signalling at synapses. They may also activate immune system cells that trigger inflammation and devour disabled cells.

Source: Alzheimer’s Association

What age might cats get dementia?

Just as in people, old age in cats doesn’t always mean dementia.

Cats between ages 11 and 14 may show some signs of cognitive dysfunction – changes in behaviour or personality.

In cats 15 and older it is much more common.

However, some medical conditions or behavioural problems unrelated to dementia might show the same signs as dementia, so your vet must exclude these possibilities beforehand.

You may also like what to expect as my cat gets older

Symptoms of dementia in senior/ ageing cats

Confusion or disorientation in ageing cats

Is your cat may be behaving oddly?

Does your cat seem disoriented or confused? just like people, cats with dementia may not understand familiar settings or may start to get lost when they go out. Your cat may start to stay indoors more.

Is she/ he behaving strangely – staring at walls, forgetting there is food in the dish or perhaps interacting differently with a cat mate that she or he knows well?

Does your cat appear to forget where familiar things are – the cat flap, litter tray, food for instance; this can all lead to stress for your cat.

Anxiety/restlessness in cats

Is your cat pacing around, wandering aimlessly, staring at a wall for no apparent reason?

Your cat may also demand a lot more attention to try to alleviate feelings of anxiety.

Change in personality in cats

A cat’s personality could change from sweet, friendly and loving to become more aggressive, less likely to want to be cuddled or just plain grumpy.

Cats that usually like to cuddle up or love being stroked tend to keep this behaviour throughout their lives. Therefore if your older cat begins to back away from being stroked and starts to become easily irritated, then this may be a sign of cognitive deterioration; with severe cases of dementia a cat may, at times, not recognise you.

Loud meowing and howling behaviour in old cats

Is your cat meowing or howling a lot for no particular reason?

Loud crying at night may be a possible indication of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).

Altered sleeping patterns in cats

Instead of sleeping most of the night, your cat may be wandering around the house, often meowing.

Is your cat aimlessly wandering around your home?

Does your cat seem unsettled at night?

Has their usual routine changed?

Sleepy white older cat — sleepy white cat

Loss of appetite in cats

Cats suffering from senile dementia may “forget” to eat. Of course, there are many reasons why a cat could have a decrease in appetite or discontinue eating all together.

You will need to take your cat to see a vet to have other physical problems rules out first.

Not going out/ getting lost

If you have had to go out to find your cat, or neighbours are finding your cat you may be wise to keep your cat confined to your own garden (cat run) or home.

Your cat may alternately be unwilling to go out.

A word of caution though – your cat may just be getting lazier or less tolerant of cold weather; arthritis or joint problems might discourage your cat from outdoor adventures. Kidney disease, brain tumours, deafness and blindness can also cause similar symptoms.

Always consult your vet for advice.

House Soiling by older cats

Your cat may urinate or defecate outside of their litter box or exhibit incontinence.

Your cat may be having accidents outside of the litter box, or even just relieving him or herself wherever the cat happens to be such as on a bed or near food areas.

Your cat may forget where the litter tray is; you may need to provide more than one, especially if your cat has access to more than one floor level.

Lack of grooming or excessive licking in older cats

Your cat may no longer wash and groom him or herself well.

Try to brush your cat each day to help keep their coat in good condition. Brushing may also help maintain a good bond with your cat.

Excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety and stress.

What can I do to help my cat – care of cats with dementia.

If your cat does have dementia, you can do some things to make life easier for him or her and your family.

Feeding your cat – stick to a regular routine so they know what to expect and when.
Increase the number of food bowls, water dishes and litter trays to make them more accessible from wherever the cat may be in the house.
Litter trays should be wide with shallow rims to allow easier access. Keep more than one litter tray if your cats has problems finding the tray.
Try to keep their environment unchanged (especially for those cats who may also be blind or deaf) as change creates confusion, which in turn increases anxiety and stress.
If changes do need to be made, try to introduce them slowly and gradually.
If you have visitors your cat may feel safer being in a different room.
A Pet Remedy plug-in or spray can help an anxious cat cope with daily life.
Provide several nicely padded and comfortable resting/hiding places throughout the house and again make them easy for your cat to get to.
Give your cat the attention and reassurance they seek, but do not fuss too much as they also appreciate time to themselves.
Like people, cats need to be stimulated to keep using their brains- play games with your cat, this will also help to keep their impulses sharp. Activities can include new toys, exercise, and training for new skills – this can all help to improve your cat’s memory and brain function.

Getting the symptoms of dementia diagnosed in ageing cats

For a vet to diagnose dementia symptoms in cat, a full examination will be needed; this includes blood tests, X-rays, hormone level testing and urinalysis.

There is though, the possibility of good news in that your vet might discover a treatable condition, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.

Some of the dementia type symptoms might be caused by hearing or vision loss.

Treatment of dementia in cats (felines)

Medication for dementia

Your vet might prescribe medication which aids in combating cognitive dysfunction, such as psychoactive drugs.

Certain supplements, such as vitamin E capsules, might also help, as can prescription anti-anxiety medications.

Never attempt to diagnose or give over the counter medicines yourself – always consult a vet.

Do not buy drugs on the internet and administer them yourself as this could be dangerous for your cat.

Diet Change to help dementia in cats

Your vet will be able to provide recommendations for foods and dietary supplements that promote brain health. They will most likely include the following ingredients, which are all great for cognitive function: antioxidants, vitamins C and E, beta carotene, carnitine, carotenoids, Omega-3, flavonoids, and selenium. As with all supplements the correct dosage is vital as too much of some vitamins can cause adverse reactions.

If you are concerned about your cat always seek professional help from your vet.

Charlie says we all love our old cats…

Stories the big meow

Music for Cats

October 19, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

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New Music Album is released specifically designed for cats

I heard in the news that the album had been released. Music for cats.

This is a first for me and will probably be number one on my Christmas list…

I look forward to testing the music with my best friend Lando and my ‘huMum’.

For now here is a short summary about the album:

Music for cats by David Tele

Music for Cats is the first album not written and composed for people, but for cats.

This is the first music album written especially for cats and released by a major record label.

The ‘Music for Cats’ album has currently topped the charts.

The music is said to have a proven effect on cats

The music claims to have a ‘scientifically proven’ effect on my furry cat friends.

The album is composed of sounds which are cat-friendly and at a frequency level and range of our feline hearing.

The music was part of a scientific study by the University of Wisconsin, America.

The study demonstrated that us cats showed a significant preference for the ‘cat designed’ music.

The music is supposed to give relaxed and happy feelings to your cat.

The sounds include low strings and cat purrs.

Testing the cat music:

Have a look at some fellow cats testing out the cat Music album:

Music for cats by David Tele.

Try out the music on your cat and let Charlie know if you best friend approves.

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Healing power of your cats purr

October 18, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

All about your cat’s purr and how purring helps to heal

Cats don’t just purr when they are happy.

Cats also purr when they are injured, in pain or stressed too…

Cats purr at a ‘healing frequency” (25-150 Hz).

This frequency is therapeutic for:

bone growth and healing
pain relief
swelling reduction
wound healing
muscle growth and repair
tendon repair
joint mobility

This might explain why cats generally have better health than dogs and also why they suffer from fewer problems after bone injury.

In people a cats purr can:

reduce blood pressure
help with mental health problems such as mood.
may help with sleep

A cat’s purr also feels, as well as sounds lovely and relaxing…listen to this-

People with pets live longer!

This is only a very brief description of purring and how a cat’s purr can aid healing.

Charlie says high five to the power of cats.

ginger kittens purring — Ginger babies purring whilst napping

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Persian Cats

October 16, 2016 Charlie ShortTail

About Persian Cats

Persian cats are one of those instantly recognisable cat breeds that command both love and respect.

They are both pretty and beautiful, with long coats and expressive eyes.

The Persian is the most popular pedigreed cat in North America, if not the world.

Persian cats are thick-boned, short and cobby with a short back and legs and short, balanced tails.

They have wide-set, small ears and their big, bold eyes which are usually a stunning, orange colour.

Their wonderful, expressive eyes are also available in blue, green or bi-colour blue and orange, depending on their coat colour.

The Persian cat comes in two types: show and traditional. The show Persian has a round head enhanced with a thick ruff, small ears, a flat nose, big round copper eyes, a broad, short body on short tree-trunk legs, and a thick, flowing plume of a tail.

The traditional Persian, also known as the ‘Doll Face’, does not have the shorter features of the show Persian, and his/ her nose is of a normal length, giving a very sweet expression.

Persian Cats – personality

Persian cats have quiet, chilled-out personalities and sweet, slightly aloof facial expressions.

Persian cats are generally placid cats and very easy to live with.

They are lazy cats and are quite happy chilling out with you. Persian cats make great ‘lap cats’.

Don’t be fooled by the Persian’s docile character though. These gorgeous cats are far more intelligent than they’re often given credit for; they are very good at training and will pick new things up very quickly.

Persian cat – colours

Although the majority of Persians are solid blue, black or white, the breed is now available in a broad spectrum of colours and patterns, including cream, red, blue-cream, chinchilla, smoke, brown, colour points, tortoiseshells and tabbies.

Persian cats – grooming and bathing

These cats have beautiful coats which need daily grooming; although this should not take up more than about 5-10 minutes each day.

The Persian needs regular baths to stay clean and sweet-smelling.

Introduce your kitten to bathing as soon as you bring him/ her home so that the kitten will hopefully learn to accept baths without drama.

Persian cat- breed history

In 1871 Persians were exhibited at the world’s first all-breed cat show, and in 1887 official standards for longhaired cats were issued by the National Cat Club.

The Persian breed standard has always called for a short face, but early Persians had a much longer face than is seen today.