Small AnimalCats- Unit D

Competency 8.01

Use information specific to each breed to choose the best cat for a

given use.

Cat Breeds

• Differ in color, patterns, length of hair, shape and length of ears, shape and color of eyes, head shape, body conformation, size, and disposition

• For our discussions we will focus on the two major types of hair:– Shorthaired Breeds– Longhaired Breeds

Objective 8.01

• Describe major shorthaired and longhaired breeds of cats

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

Shorthair Breeds

American Shorthair(Domestic Shorthair)

• Came to US with English settlers• 34 recognized color patterns

– tabby is the most common color

• Medium to large sized• Affectionate

– makes great lap cat

American Shorthair(Domestic Shorthair)

Bombay (1958)

• Relatively new breed resulting from Burmese x American Shorthair– Medium sized cat – Jet black – Copper or gold colored eyes

• Disposition– Graceful, charming, and get along well

with others, even strangers

Bombay

Cornish Rex

• Small to medium size• Oval eyes and curves or rippling hair

coat• Must be kept indoors

– lacks guard hairs to protect it from the elements

Cornish Rex

Siamese• Known for one-on-one devotion to one

person• Eye color is always deep blue• Head forms an equilateral triangle

from the nose to the tips of the ears– Very little pigmentation in color pattern– Pigmentation is darker at the points– Color is restricted to the points: mask,

ear, foot and tip of tail

Siamese

• Medium-sized – very long and refined

• Siamese cats are very unpredictable; however, they are described as talkative, loyal

• Fearless cats of extraordinary intelligence.• Siamese cats are particularly sensitive to

vaccinations and anesthetics

Siamese

Other Short Haired Breeds include:

• Please fill in some of their names:

Abyssinian

British Shorthair

Burmese

Devon Rex

Japanese Bobtail

Korat• Rare • From Thailand• Protective of

Family

Manx

• Genetic Mutation= No Tail

Singapura

Crossed with Abyssinian recessive carriers for long hair

Friendly, affectionate, prefers company, playful, very active

medium size

usually orange-brown ticked with black or red ticked with brown coat

gold or green eyes

Snowshoe Breed

Snowshoe Breed

Sphynx• He's Canadian!• No fat on this cat!

Longhair Breeds

Birman

• Sturdy cat of medium to large size• Long, silky coat that does not mat

– requires little care

• Very sociable– needs the company of others

• White paws - trait– Eyes are round– Ears are medium with rounded tips

Birman

Maine Coon

• Oldest natural breed in North America– native American origin

• Large-sized– reaches 12 -18 pounds

• Brown tabby is the best known color• Lovable and friendly

– has a tiny voice that squeaks and chirps

Maine Coon

Persian

• One of the oldest and most popular breeds• Medium to large size

– short, compact body– large head– small rounded ears

• Well mannered– easy going– quiet cats

• Make good apartment cats and excellent companions• Require daily grooming

– removes and knots • Requires regular bathing

– removes excess oil from the coat

Persian

Ragdoll

• Originated in the US during the 1960’s

• Exceptionally large • Heavy breed • Blue eyes• Docile, quiet, and composed

– named because they show little signs of fear or pain

– take a floppy posture when handled

Ragdoll

Other Long Hair Breeds!!• Write Their Names Here:

Balinese and Javanese

Cymric Longhaired Manx

Himalayan and Kashmir• (Siamese x

Persian x Birman)• Medium to large

size• Persian type cat• Long, flowing hair

coat with Siamese patterns

Tiffany• Himalayan x Burmese• Medium size• Oriental style

– essentially a long-haired Burmese

• Follows owner like a puppy

• Few exist in the United States

Turkish Angora• Small to medium-sized

cat• Polite• Intelligent

– very responsive– easily trained to

perform tricks

• Prefers a clean, almost spotless environment

Choosing a healthy cat

1. Look for signs of health– Pale pink gums– White teeth– Nose should be cool and slightly damp– Clean glossy coat– Free of mats

Proper teeth cleaning can prevent the absorption of toxins and bacteria present in the mouth which can damage internal organs.

Most veterinarians can clean teeth and do so regularly for most cat owners

Choosing a healthy cat

2. Look for signs of illness– Discharge from the eyes or nose– Buildup of wax in the ears

• ear mites– External Parasites

• Fleas– Internal Parasites

• Potbellied cats may indicate worm infestation

Competency 8.02

Use techniques that improve the well being of cats.

Grooming Cats

• Removes old and dead hair• Provides opportunity to check for:

– Parasites– Skin disorders– Eye problems– Ear problems

Longhaired Cats

• Need daily care to keep free of tangles and mat.

• Equipment– Combs– Blunt end scissors– Nail clippers– Grooming brush– Grooming powder

Longhair Grooming

• Comb with two sizes of teeth (fine toothed and a flea comb).

• Nail Clippers• Grooming brush natural bristles

(nylon causes static)• Grooming powder such as baby

powder, talcum, or cornstarch.

Grooming Longhaired Cats

• Procedures for longhair cats– 1st-Use a wide tooth comb to remove most

tangles– 2nd- Use Blunt end ( not sharp pointed)

scissors to cut out matted hair– 3rd- Use Fine tooth comb & comb down the skin– 4th Brush in the opposite direction of natural

hair growth and sprinkle with grooming powder– 5th- use soft bristle brush in direction of hair

growth

Shorthair GroomingEquipment Needed

• Rubber grooming brush• Fine-toothed/ flea comb• Soft chamois, silk, nylon pad• Rubber grooming brush

– Avoid removing good hair

Flea Combs

Bathing Cats- usually only for show cats!

1. Start bathing as early as 4 months2. Avoid splashing or running water when cat is

present3. Use ~4 inches of warm water4. Gently lower cat into the water until the entire

cat is wet5. Keep water out of eyes and ears6. Apply a baby shampoo to the wet coat, lather

and rinse• Medicated shampoo for fleas

7. Towel dry or use a hairdryer

Other Grooming• Check teeth and gums

– Dry food helps to clean the teeth

• Check for ear mites– Dark, crumbly wax indicates mites– Use ear drops to treat

• Used special clippers to trim claws– Do not cut into pink area of claw, it will bleed– Scratching post helps to reduce claw trimming