Like all cats, the Burmese cat is elegant and self-assured. It ranks high on many cat lovers’ favorite list because of its playfulness, intelligence and willingness to interact with its human companions. Learn more about this beautiful cat and find out what makes it such a wonderful addition to your family.

History
The Thai name for the Burmese cat is Suphalak. It means beautiful, splendid-looking and fortunate. The term is clearly appropriate name for this breed. Most Burmese cats in the U.S. today are likely to be descendants of a cat named Wong Mau who was brought to America from Burma in 1930. Wong Mau herself was half-Burmese and half-Siamese, a breed that is nearly similar.

Although Wong Mau was from Burma, early records indicate that cats resembling the breed originally came from Siam, now known as Thailand. After the invasion by Burma, the cat was brought by soldiers to their home country. From there, it was only a matter of time before the Burmese traveled the world.

Physical characteristics
Burmese cats have glossy, satiny short coats, with a body size that ranges from small to medium build. They weigh about 4 to 6 kgs. as adults. The eye color of the true Burmese is yellow or gold.

In the past, Burmese cats had dark brown or sable coats but with breeding practices, modern cats of this breed have begun to appear in different coat colors, including chocolate or champagne, lilac or platinum, red, tortoiseshell, cream and blue. In competitions, the sables were judged differently from the rest of the colors, which were categorized in what was then called ‘dilute division’. These divisions were eliminated in 2010.

Burmese cats are long-lived, so pet owners are assured of their company for as long as 16 or even 18 years.

Personality traits
The Burmese cat is not known for being lazy, so be prepared to keep yourself active because this breed likes to play. If there ever was a breed of cat that remained ‘kittenish’ even in adulthood, this is it. They are energetic and smart companions, quite attuned to their human’s moods. Females tend to be very active and curious. Your Burmese companion will always want to know what you are doing and why. New objects will fascinate her endlessly and she does not bore easily. Males, however, are much more relaxed but also like to be involved, particularly if new things and opportunities for play present themselves.

With a Burmese cat, be prepared to have your very own feline shadow. He will follow you around, content in your presence. However, if he needs anything, you can be sure that he will let you know. Burmese are not very vocal but they will insist that you pay attention to them until their needs and wants are met. His vocalization is quite distinct – soft, sweet and slightly hoarse. This works for him, though because it makes it nearly impossible to say no to this cat.

Burmese integrate easily into a home and are excellent as indoor cats. They are no-fuss travelers and can be wonderful companions to children and even dogs. This is one cat who likes its human, so if you give it unquestioning love and loyalty, it will respond in kind quite readily.

Do you think that your cat may have a cold? Cats do not get the same cold virus as humans do, it simply cannot spread from one species to another. However, they can get a very similar upper respiratory infection. For a minor infection, they will show some of these symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Clear mucus around nose or eyes
• Wheezing

More severe symptoms, which may require a trip to the vet, include: a fever, green mucus, lack of appetite.

There are several viruses which can cause an upper respiratory infection in a cat, they are:

Feline Calicivirus
Feline Herpesvirus
Chalmydophila felis (eye infection)
Bordetella bronchisceptica
Secondary opportunist bacteria
Reovirus
Mycoplasma of dubious significance

Cats get upper respiratory infections via particles in the air. This means that even cats who never have contact with another cat can get a cold. Unless you filter every air particle that gets into your home, your cat can catch a cold. So, the best way to prevent your cat from getting and suffering from a cold is to simply keep him healthy. Bring him to the vet regualrly (once or twice a year), make sure he eats high quality food, and make sure he gets plenty of play time.

A cold will usually clear itself up in a week or two, so there is generally no need to go to the vet. However, if the cat seems to have trouble breathing, or there are any other severe problems, you should bring the cat. Also, if your cat has a suppressed immune system or other issues, you may wish to bring him to the vet. An upper respiratory infection can turn into something worse in rare cases, like pneumonia.

While your cat is sick, you will want to make sure that he is still eating and drinking well. Many cats will refuse food when they have a cold. This is usually because they cannot smell the food. Try giving them a very stinky wet food, this may entice them to eat. Plus, wet food will hydrate them.

You may also wish to use a humidifier in the room where the cat sleeps. This will help clear up his congestion. You will want to regularly wipe the mucus from your cats eyes and nose. This will prevent it from hardeining into a crust.

If you have other cats, you should keep them separated from the sick one. They may still get sick, but they are less likely too if they are separated.

Although many cat owners are fastidious about their cat’s health, it can be easy to let dental care slide. Unfortunately, this can cause major problems. For example, did you know that 85% of adult cats suffer from periodontal disease?

There are quite a few conditions that your cat may suffer from due to poor dental hygiene: Periodontal disease, Feline Stomatitis, Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption Lesions, Malocclusion.

Periodontal disease is the most common one of these. It is caused when a buildup of plaque hardens into tartar. This enables food bacteria to get under the gumline, which infects the teeth. This is extremely common is humans as well. Treatments usually include extensive cleaning, antibiotics, and extraction in severe cases.

Feline Stomatitis is also known as Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis, or LPS. This disease is severe, and not very well understood. It is thought to be an immune disorder, and often presents with other immune disorders, like FIV or FeLV. This causes an inflamed throat and may cause red lesions on the mouth or neck. Cats with this disease are often seen pawing at their mouths.

Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption Lesions (FORL) are shallow pits in the tooth. If left untreated, then can grow and kill the infected tooth. The best treatment for this is extraction.

So, how do you prevent all of these terrible things from happening to your kitty? With regular dental care, of course! Make sure your kitty is getting dental exams every time he goes to the vet. She or he will look for plaque and cavities. If needed, the vet will clean and scale the cat’s teeth.

At home, you should also be taking care of your cat’s teeth. You should be brushing your cat’s teeth. It is best if you can do this daily, but you should try to do it at least twice a week. There are special cat-sized toothbrushes available which should make this easier for you. There are also cat flavored toothpastes, which will taste like beef, chicken, or fish, which will make it much easier to get your cat to accept the brushing.

Many people have asked me if I have any advice for keeping cats away. Although I love cats, even when they trample my garden, I do understand that some people do not want stray cats wandering into their yards. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to guarantee that cats will not come into your yard. This is simply the nature of cats. However, there are various cat repellents which may be used to attempt to keep cats away.

If you have not yet planted your garden, but know that you will want to keep cats away from it, you should purchase some chicken wire. Prior to planting, lay the chicken wire down over the soil. Cats do not like walking on chicken wire and will stay away from your garden.

If you have already planted your garden, no need to worry. We have some ideas to protect your garden from cats. The first is to spread something ‘stinky’ to the cats on the ground. Great options are mothballs, dried blood fertilizer, or cayenne pepper flakes. Mothballs are toxic, so if you do use them, make sure to put them in a sealed jar or something similar. The cayenne may be dangerous as well. If you are a true animal lover, you may want to simply try the dried blood fertilizer.

Some plants give off a smell that cats will avoid, the most common is the Coleus canina also known as the ‘Scaredy cat plant’. Other plants which may work are Rue, Pennyroyal, and Lavender.

There are some commercial cat repellents available. A popular one is called Shake Away. This contains the scent of cat’s predators: coyote, fox, etc. This will scare the cats away.

It is pretty common knowledge that cats are not fond of water. A very common traning techniques involves spraying cats with water as a punishment. This can work to keep cats out of your garden too. When cats enter the area that is forbidden, you can try squirting water at them. Another, more high tech option is Scarecrow Sprinklers. These detect a stranger’s presence and turn on the sprinklers.

There are some great ultrasound devices such as CatStop. These give off a high frequency sound which will scare away the cats, but you will not be able to hear. It is activated by a motion sensor.

A great option for people like me- cat lovers who still don’t want their plants ruined- is to strike a compromise. You can make a sandbox for cats and plant catnip nearby. This way the cats will hang out around this area, and leave your other plants alone.

[Source: Today I Found Out]

Cats can get an ear infection at any age and this can cause mild to severe discomfort and pain. Most ear infections do not resolve on their own and will require immediate treatment by a veterinarian. Learn how to recognize cat ear infection so you can get your pet the help he needs.

What is an ear infection?

In cats, an ear infection may be caused by the proliferation of bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms in any part of the animal’s ear. The infection may start to manifest as mild symptoms and later progress to more severe issues. A cat ear infection should not be ignored, particularly since the condition could worsen and affect other parts of the cat’s head.

What are the symptoms of cat ear infection?

The most common symptoms that are readily observable are those that affect your cat’s behavior. He may scratch or paw at the affected ear or shake his head from time to time. He may also flinch or cry out in pain if petted or touched in the affected area.

Infections frequently cause pain and inflammation, so there may be some tenderness in the ear, which may also appear red and swollen. Some discharge may be present which may contain fluids, pus or even blood. In most cases, this discharge will have an offensive odor.

The problem with frequent scratching and rubbing is that these could result in scarring and loss of fur in the affected area. Frequent scratching could also break the skin and introduce more bacteria into the cat’s body. Without proper and immediate treatment, an infection could take both a physical and an emotional toll on the animal. He may appear distant, restless and irritable. Cats with a troublesome condition are also often stressed, particularly if they are in a lot of pain.

If the ear infection goes deeper into the ear and nerves are damaged as a result, your cat may experience nausea and may have difficulty maintaining his balance. He may also appear cross-eyed and even walk in circles. In case the infection affects the ear drum, it could also lead to hearing loss.

Diagnosis

At the first sign of a possible infection, bring your pet to a veterinarian right away for proper checkup and diagnosis. Keep in mind that some ear infections may not be readily apparent and that obvious signs may already point to the problem at mid-phase. Once the vet has examined the cat, he or she may then prescribe the right course of treatment. Depending on the symptoms, certain tests may be ordered as well, usually to determine which type of microorganism caused the infection.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause as determined by the veterinarian during diagnosis. For ear mites, ticks and foreign objects, your pet may be put under sedation and any debris removed. An anti-tick and flea solution may also be applied if parasites are detected.

In cases of infection where the root cause is bacteria or fungi, the veterinarian may prescribe a course of treatment involving the proper antibiotic or anti-fungal medication. Care must be taken when giving these medications to the cat since incomplete treatments will fail to kill the microorganisms completely.

Another critical aspect of a successful treatment for cat ear infection is the treatment of any underlying disease that may be present. Once the root cause is targeted, symptoms caused by the infection will disappear. With the proper treatment, the prognosis for most cats is usually very good.

The Manx cat is one of the most distinctive looking cat breeds, known for its stocky build and very short, often absent tail. Manx cats are the subject of folklore, particularly in Britain and Siam. In Wales, the sturdy, beautiful cat was even considered sacred. Is it time to welcome the Manx cat into your home? Find out more about the breed and its characteristics.

History

The Manx cat, once referred to as the Manks, has its roots in the Isle of Man in Great Britain. It shares the same ancestry as cats that were bred from the British Shorthair cat. A mutation changed the anatomy of the cat we now know and love as the Manx, creating kittens that had no extended vertebrae that would become the tail.

The fancy Manx

This breed has the characteristic stub tail (some are completely tailless and are considered ideal for show), round head, wide chest, big bones and long rear legs. Seen from the back, this cat’s ears form the shape of a cradle. Adult males usually weigh from 10 to 12 lbs. while females may range from 8 to 10 lbs.

These cats come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from red and brown to black and white to cream and even blue. They may also appear in many different patterns, so it is possible to find a calico, mackerel or tortoiseshell Manx. They may also be longhaired or shorthaired. In the past, longhaired cats were called the Cymric and were considered as another breed.

Personality and characteristics

Manx cats are a very active cat breed and their skills as dedicated hunters are well known. In fact, the breed is often used by farmers and sailors to hunt down rats and mice. These cats also make excellent companions because they are friendly, social, even-tempered and once you have earned their trust, quite affectionate. These characteristics have actually earned this breed the term ‘dog cat’ because of their affinity for humans. They also like to climb and are likely to take a nap on elevated areas such as chairs, tables, windows and bookcases.

The Manx can be trained and is nice enough not to be offended when taught dog tricks such as playing fetch. They also love water, so bathing time should not be a problem. They will interact with their humans and will not hesitate to show some love and gratitude.

Manx cats prefer the stillness and quietness of things, so it may take them a while to adjust to noises, particularly those made by strangers or new members of the family. They can be playful with people they are accustomed to, which means that having a Manx around a young child should not be a problem provided they were introduced at a fairly young age. This breed also tends to be quite protective and territorial if threatened.

Special needs and medical issues

The very gene that gives this breed its distinctive taillessness is also the same gene that causes a life-threatening defect known as Manx syndrome. This condition is characterized by a severe shortening of the spine which could later lead to mobility issues and dysfunctions of the bladder and/or bowel. This condition is usually not obvious in newborns but it could manifest itself during the kitten’s first weeks or months.

Caring for a pregnant cat does not need to be difficult if you know what you are doing. However, you should absolutely know everything you can about it, so that if there are complications, you can help out as best as you can.

How Can I Tell If My Cat is Pregnant?

First, how can you tell if your cat is pregnant? Well, if your cat has never been in contact with another cat, or is not female, or is spayed, then they are very likely NOT pregnant. However, if you do believe that your cat could have gotten pregnant, then these are the signs you should look out for:

• Nipples will become swollen, pinker, and softer
• Weight gain around midsection
• Cat may become more affectionate
• Increase in appetite
• Some cats get morning sickness

It can be difficult to tell that your cat is pregnant, since you will likely not notice a bulge until a few weeks before birth. If you do think she is pregnant, you should bring her to the vet to get tested. The vet will be able to confirm pregnancy around the fourth week by feeling the abdomen.

How Many Kittens Will My Cat Have?

The average is between one and six, though the record is 19!

How Long is a Cat Pregnant For?

A cat is pregnant for 58-65 days. So, about nine weeks.

How to Take Care of the Pregnant Cat

First of all, take the pregnant cat to the vet for a prenatal checkup. The vet will check to make sure she is healthy enough to have kittens and will check for things which may harm the kittens-like worms, fleas, or parasites.

Feeding

You will want to make sure the pregnant cat gets lots of nutrients as well as lots of fresh water. Three weeks before she is due, you will want to add a bit of premium kitten food to her diet. Once she has the kittens, keep feeding her only kitten food and keep her on it until the kittens are weaned.  feed her small and infrequent meals, about three to four times a day. Once the pregnant cat is lactating, you may notice that she is eating nearly twice as much food as she used to. As long as she is not gaining too much weight and becoming obese, this is fine, let her eat as much as she wants.

Attention

Pay lots of attention to the pregnant cat and make sure she feels loved. Also, try to keep her indoors, since there are many diseases and parasites she can get by being outside.

Creating a Nesting Area

When your cat nears delivery, she will begin searching for a nesting area. You can try to create one for her. Make sure it is located in an area which is quiet and away from distractions. You can use a cardboard box filled with paper and towels. An old laundry basket works well too. Cover the box so it is dark. Make a place for the mother to climb in. Please note that on the day of delivery the cat may not choose to use this box, and that is okay, you simply want her to have that option.

Delivery Day

You may start noticing a few things which will let you know that delivery is close:

• Calling as if in heat
• Nesting
• Pacing, panting, or restlessness
• Milk leakage
• Licking vaginal area

Once she is ready to give birth, she will begin panting very heavily. You can leave her be at this point, but keep an eye on her just in case. She might purr, which helps calm her and also helps relieve the pain. After the first kitten is delivered, she will lick it vigorously to help the circulatory system begin working. She will also eat the afterbirth-this is okay, it contains nutrients she needs. Between kittens she might get up and take a drink, or she may just lay there. Kittens may arrive within a few minutes or within hours. Let the mother take her time.

The kittens may arrive normally (head first), or breech (tail first). About 40% of all kittens are born breech and this is fine. If a kitten is stillborn, then you should just remove it from the nesting area.

The only time that you should interfere is if the mother fails to clean the fluid filled sac. If this happens, then you should simply puncture the sac and clean the fluid from the kittens face and nostrils. Tie a sterile string around the umbilical cord about one inch away from the body. Cut the cord away from the kittens body on the side of the knot. Dip the cord in a bit of iodine. Give the baby kitten to the mother to lick. If the mother does not lick the baby, then you should rub it vigorously, yet gently, with a towel.

Emergency Issues

Generally, cats have very safe births. However, there are some things you shoudl watch out for. If any of the following happens when your cat is giving birth, then you should call the vet immediately:

• Placenta is not visible for each birth
• The mother is having a tough labor of over an hour with no sign of kittens
• Mother appears weak or sick
• Delay of more than three hours between kittens
• A kitten is lodged in the birth canal and cannot be gently removed
• Greenish discharge or excessive bright red bleeding

Every so often we have to move. Whether it is to simply a larger home, a new city, or a new country, we have to figure out the best way to not only get ourselves and our stuff there, but also our pets. Dogs are a little easier to move than cats, but with a bit of planning, you can easily  make your move with your cats be quite simple.

Moving will definitely cause a bit of anxiety in your cats. This is due to you disrupting not only their routine, but also their territory.

Pre-Move

Make sure that your cats are the last thing that you move. Ensure that all of your furniture is in the new house and set up as best as possible. This will give the cats a sense of familiarity and a good smell in the new house. Also make sure to keep the litter boxes in the old house until the very last minute.

Before you move, check the new home for dangerous things. Make sure all windows and screens are complete and not broken. Check for rat or insect bait on the ground. You may wish to treat the new home for fleas if the previous owner had pets.

If you have an outdoor cat, you will want to confine it inside for a couple days prior to the move. Do not leave without it and plan to come back. Make sure you have all of your animals with you when you move.

Moving Day

On the day of your move, confine the cats to a single room where people will not be moving in and out. Make sure that they have water, food, and a litter box as well as a blanket. I also place my cat carriers in here-often the cats hide in them, which makes it convenient for when we have to leave!

Once you are ready, place the cat carrier(s) into a vehicle (not in the back of a moving van/truck) and leave. If your cat tends to get feisty or very upset, then you may wish to ask your vet for a mild sedative for the trip.

After the Move

Once you have arrived at the new house, again confine the cats to a safe room. Make sure they have all of the necessary ameinities. Once they have come out and seem to be curious, you can let them explore the rest of the house. Some cats you can do this one the same day, others you may have to leave in the safe room for a week or so. Try to keep to the same feeding schedule as you have

always been on.

To keep a calm atmosphere in your new home, you may wish to use Feliway. These are plug-in pheromones which emit a calming scent to the cat. Humans cannot smell it.

Introducing a new cat to your current cats can be quite a difficult endeavor. But with planning and persistence, you can make it work and enlarge your happy cat family.

Cats are very territorial. Many people already know this about their cats due to marking issues and scratching. However, this is especially a problem when it comes to newcomers.

When you first bring a new cat into the home, the current cats can go into a ‘sensory overload’ mode. This is due to the new smells, sights, and sounds of a new cat in their home. This can cause your cat to become angry and activate his ‘fight or flight’ senses. This is one reason why separating cats at the start can help so much. You are at least getting rid of one sense-visual, which will make it slightly easier to integrate the new cat.

By placing the new cat in its own room at first will appease both the new cat and the old cat. Make sure that all the cat amenities are available in the confinement room- litter box, food, toys, etc. This lets the old cat know that his whole home hasn’t been taken over and also gives the new cat a safe place to hide.

You will want to keep the new cat in this room for at least a week, though you may want to wait two or three weeks, depending on the attitude of your old and new cat. Make sure to spend lots of time showing affection to and playing with all of the kitties. You may notice the cats pawing under the door, sniffing, and perhaps even hissing at one another. This is okay. Wait until the cats have done this and seem okay with one another before introducing them face to face.

Before you have all the cats meet each other, give the new cat a chance to explore the whole house. You may wish to enclose your current cats into an enclosed room during this time.

Make sure you have enough cat stuff for everyone. You should have one more litter box than you have cats. Make sure you have lots of toys, scratching posts, etc. Enough that the cats cannot fight over them. You will also want to place the litter boxes and food bowls in different places, so that one cat cannot guard the bowl and force another cat to not eat or use the toilet.

Once you are ready yo have them meet each other, just open the door and let them be. Make sure to supervise this and be ready with a towel for any physical altercations. Simply lay the towel over them to stop them. If they are hissing, but not attacking, then this is fine, let them be.