Chapter 8

Small Animal Care

Describe nutritional needs of cats Describe difficulties encountered when

training cats. Describe equipment needed when

caring for cats. Describe how cats reproduce. If you read these objectives, write +5 at

the top of your paper.

True carnivores Require twice as much protein in diet as

dogs Best source is from animal products (30-

40% should be meat, meat by-products, fish, eggs, milk)

10% of diet should consist of fat Should be fed commercial cat food

If feeding fresh food, provide variety, if not may cause health problems & deficiency’s (bone disease, stunted growth, poor eyesight, vitamin ! poisoning, diarrhea, gas)

When feeding meat, remove all bones or chop Canned Foods

Contain more animal protein than othersHave higher fat content that makes them

more palatableContain 75% waterBecause of high amount of water, cats may

not drink as much water, but it should be available

Don’t feed straight from fridge, allow to warm

Semi-Moist FoodsLess expensiveContain some vegetable protein usually

supplemented with nutrients to make them complete

Have chemicals added to keep them from drying out of spoiling

Contain 30% waterMay not be complete especially for kittens

Dry Foods10% water Less fat and protein than semi-moistHave plenty of water availableSome cats develop bladder problemsMilk, water, or gravy can be added to endure

cats get adequate water intakeHelp with cleaning teeth and prevent tarter

buildup

Feed mixtures of the 3 types to maintain proper nutrition

Amount to feed --- depends on cat, activity, & age / kittens will not consume enough to last 24 hours / 2 meals recommended / young and pregnant or nursing require frequent feedings

Amount of exercise --- varies based on breed & where home is / apt cats may need to be furnished w/ toys to give them exercise

Sharpen claws --- to remove loose scales & fragments of dry skin / leave a mark for other cats

Toilet training --- easy b/c cats naturally cover

Training --- can be trained like dogs

Sleek, glossy hair coat is an indication of a cat’s general health & care

Grooming removes old, dead hair & lessens risk of hairballs

Shed: fall & spring Longhaired cats should receive daily

care

Equipment for longhaired catsComb w/ 2 sizes of teethFine-tooth or flea combNail clippersGrooming brush made w/ natural bristlesGrooming powder

With wide toothed comb,comb all areas of cat. Brush out fur, in opposite directions to which hair naturally lies. Occasionally sprinkle in powder. If bad tangles, use blunt end scissors to cut out.

Equipment for shorthaired catsFine toothed or flea combHand grooming is sufficient to remove

dead hair.

Baths may be necessary occasionally. Be careful not to splash and make a lot of noise to frighten cat.

Female cats are called queens Age queens come in heat varies Estrus is induced by lengthening daylight

and rising temps of spring Heat period = 9-10 days, if not bred will

come back into heat in 15-21 days Signs: restless, friendly, rubbing against

objects, decreased appetite, urinating frequently, repeated monotone howl or call is made while rolling on floor

Any touch on back of tail stimulates a crouch position, further stroking at back & base of tail exaggerated this receptive position

Toms emit courtship cries & spray urine to leave scent to attract females

Immediately after mating, female releases loud piercing cry, turns, & attacks male

Ovulation occurs 24 hrs after mating Pregnancy averages 65 days, range from

51-68 days

At 3 wks - nipples become pink & hair recedes slightly

At 6 wks - pregnancy obvious by looking @ abdomen

2 wks b/f kittens due - female becomes restless & searches for quiet place to give birth

1st stage female’s rate of

breathing increases

she breathes through mouth

clear discharge which becomes blood stained

2nd stagecontractions of

abdominal muscles

occur 1 an hour @ first, then every 30 seconds

Female repeatedly licks genital area & shows signs of agitation

Vaginal opening dilated & first amniotic sac appears

Sac & enclosed kitten expelled w/in 15-30 minutes

Female ruptures amniotic sac, cleans kitten by persistent licking

Female severs umbilical cord w/ teeth Placenta & afterbirth expelled, female eats

it (source of nutrients) Remaining litter follows at 15 min intervals

Female can go out of labor for up to 24 hrs, nursing first kittens b/f going back into labor

If female doesn’t remove sac from newborn, you need to do it!

First milk produced = colostrum