GERMAN SHEPHERD- THE GUARD DOG

 GERMAN SHEPHERD- THE GUARD DOG

 

 

 

 

 German Shepherd has achieved a legendary status as the ideal working dog due to his acute intelligence, courage and amazing versatility. This athletic and fearless breed excels almost anything he is trained to do like police and military service, search and rescue, competitive obedience, drug detection and, last but not least, faithful companion.
German shepherd’s abilities go far beyond its origin as a herding dog, as they have done extremely well in every canine sport, including obedience, agility, rally, tracking and, of course, herding. These protective but loving dogs are great choice for families with children, as well as singles and couples who love the outdoors. If you also want to be a proud owner of this amazing dog breed, then this article is a must read for you as it explains all important information about this energetic dog breed.

 

Other names	German Shepherd Dog Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund
Common nicknames	Alsatian DSH GSD Shepherd Schäferhund
Origin	Germany

 

 

 

 

 HISTORY:

• In Europe during the 1850s, attempts were being made to standardise breeds. The dogs were bred to preserve traits that assisted in their job of herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators.
  

•  In Germany this was practiced within local communities, where shepherds selected and bred dogs that they believed had the skills necessary for herding sheep, such as intelligence, speed, strength, and keen senses of smell. The results were dogs that were able to do such things, but that differed significantly, both in appearance and ability, from one locality to another.
  

• To combat these differences, the Phylax Society was formed in 1891 with the intention of creating standardised dog breeds in Germany. 
  

• Max von Stephanitz, an ex-cavalry captain and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College, was one such ex-member. He believed strongly that dogs should be bred for working.
  

• In 1899, Von Stephanitz was attending a dog show when he was shown a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. 
  

• Hektor was the product of few generations of selective breeding and completely fulfilled what Von Stephanitz believed a working dog should be. 
  

• He was pleased with the strength of the dog and was so taken by the animal’s intelligence, loyalty, and beauty, that he purchased him immediately. 
  

• After purchasing the dog he changed his name to Horand von Grafrath and Von Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
  

•  Horand was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog and was the first dog added to the society’s breed register.

Height	Dogs	60–65 cm (24–26 in)[1]
	Bitches	55–60 cm (22–24 in)[1]
Weight	Dogs	30–40 kg (66–88 lb)[1]
	Bitches	22–32 kg (49–71 lb)[1]
Coat	Double coat
Color	Tan with black saddle, sable, solid black or bi-color
Litter size	4–9
Life span	9–13

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :

• German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs
  

•  They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle with strong jaws and a black nose. 
  

• The eyes are medium-sized and brown. 
  

• The ears are large and stand erect, open at the front and parallel, but they often are pulled back during movement. 
  

• A German Shepherd has a long neck, which is raised when excited and lowered when moving at a fast pace as well as stalking.
  

•  The tail is bushy and reaches to the hock. 

• German Shepherds have a double coat which is close and dense with a thick undercoat.
  

•  The coat is accepted in two variants: medium and long. The gene for long hair is recessive, and therefore the long-haired variety is rarer.  

• Most commonly, German Shepherds are either tan/black or red/black. Most color varieties have black masks and black body markings which can range from a classic "saddle" to an overall "blanket". Rarer color variations include the sable, pure-black, pure-white, liver, silver, blue, and panda varieties. 

 

Variants:

East-European Shepherd

East-European Shepherd

The East-European Shepherd is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in the former Soviet Union with the purpose of creating a larger, more cold resistant version of the German Shepherd; it lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types.

King Shepherd

 

The King Shepherd is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in the United States, its breeders hoping to rectify the physical deformities that have been bred into the original breed.

Shiloh Shepherd

Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in the United States. It was developed in the 1970s and 1980s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for large size, length of their back, temperament and soundness of hips.It has been recognized by the American Rare Breed Association since 1990.

White Shepherd

White Shepherd

The White Shepherd is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in the United States. White coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the colouration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white coloured German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club.

White Swiss Shepherd Dog

White Swiss Shepherd Dog

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog (French: Berger Blanc Suisse, German: Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund, Italian: Pastore Svizzero Bianco) is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in Switzerland. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what became the breed was an American dog born in 1966 and imported to Switzerland. The variety was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as a separate breed in 2003, and it is now recognised by a number of national kennel clubs.

Personality and Temperament:

•  The German Shepherd is very protective and devoted to its family and home, maintaining a suspicious and aloof demeanor around strangers. It can be dominating and assertive towards dogs, though it is normally friendly with other pets in the home.

  The German Shepherd is an immensely versatile dog, displaying a keen intelligence while dutifully performing its tasks.

Care:

• The German Shepherd can live outdoors in cool or temperate climates, but enjoys living indoors too. 

• Frequent training or exercise sessions are essential for keeping its mind and body active, and because the German Shepherd sheds throughout the year, its coat should be brushed once or twice a week to encourage turnover as well as to minimize buildup in the home.

 

 

Health:

• The German Shepherd has an average lifespan of between 10 to 12 years. 

• It is, however, susceptible to some serious health conditions like elbow dysplasia and canine hip dysplasia (CHD), as well as problems like cardiomyopathy, hemangiosarcoma, von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), degenerative myelopathy, cauda equina, malignant neoplasms, pannus, hot spots, skin allergies, gastric torsion, cataract, and perianal fistulas. 

• This breed is also prone to a fatal fungal infection due to the Aspergillus mold. Because of these susceptibilities German Shepherds, like most other dogs, need to be seen by a veterinarian for routine checkups. There they will undergo hip, elbow blood, eye and other tests.

 

UTILITY: 

 

 

 

• German Shepherds are a very popular selection for use as working dogs. 
  

• They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas, and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. 
  

• The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most widely used breeds in a wide variety of scent-work roles. 

• These include search andrescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection, and mine detection dog, among others. 
  

• They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions.

Pros:

• Intelligent 

• Easy to train 

•  Loyalty

• Great guard dogs 

• Beauty 

CONS :

•  Require lot of exercise 

• health problems

• expensive

• shedding

• nervous around strangers
  

 

 

Why do cats meow?

 

 

The cat’s meow is her way of communicating with people. Cats meow for many reasons—to say hello, to ask for things, and to tell us when something’s wrong. Meowing is an interesting vocalization in that adult cats don’t actually meow at each other, just at people. Kittens meow to let their mother know they’re cold or hungry, but once they get a bit older, cats no longer meow to other cats. But they continue to meow to people throughout their lives, probably because meowing gets people to do what they want. Cats also yowl—a sound similar to the meow but more drawn out and melodic. Unlike meowing, adult cats do yowl at one another, specifically during breeding season.

When does meowing become excessive? That’s a tough call to make, as it’s really a personal issue. All cats are going to meow to some extent—this is normal communication behavior. But some cats meow more than their pet parents would like. Bear in mind that some breeds of cats, notably the Siamese, are prone to excessive meowing and yowling.

Why Cats Meow ?

 

 

These are the most common reasons why cats meow:

• To greet people. Your cat can be expected to meow in greeting when you come home, when she meets up with you in the house and when you speak to her.
  

• To solicit attention. Cats enjoy social contact with people, and some will be quite vocal in their requests for attention. The cat may want to be stroked, played with or simply talked to. Cats who are left alone for long periods of time each day may be more likely to meow for attention.
  

• To ask for food. Most cats like to eat, and they can be quite demanding around mealtimes. Some cats learn to meow whenever anyone enters the kitchen, just in case food might be forthcoming. Others meow to wake you up to serve them breakfast. Cats also learn to beg for human food by meowing.
  

• To ask to be let in or out. Meowing is the cat’s primary way to let you know what she wants. If she wants to go outside, she’ll likely learn to meow at the door. Likewise, if she’s outdoors and wants in, she’ll meow to get you to let her back inside. If you’re trying to transition a cat from being indoor-outdoor to living exclusively indoors, you may be in for a period of incessant meowing at doors and windows. This is a difficult change for a cat to make, and it will very likely take weeks or even months for the meowing to stop.
  

• Elderly cats suffering from mental confusion, or cognitive dysfunction, may meow if they become disoriented—a frequent symptom of this feline version of Alzheimer’s Disease. 
  

• To find a mate. Reproductively intact cats are more likely to yowl. Females yowl to advertise their receptivity to males, and males yowl to gain access to females.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do different kinds of meows mean?

No two meows are the same. It’s important to know what your cat is trying to convey with their meowing.

According to cat food company Whiskas, as a general understanding, the following meows have these meanings:

• Short meow – a short, high-pitched meow is a standard greeting
  

• Multiple meows – this is an excited greeting – feel honoured if you receive this
  

• Mid-pitch meow – asking you for food
  

• Drawn-out ‘mrrroooow’ – demanding something else, like opening the door
  

• Low-pitch ‘MRRRooooowww’ – complaining about something
  

• High-pitch ‘RRRROWW! ‘– pain or anger, such as stepping on their tail. If this persists, it’s best to check with a vet

 

 

 

 

 

Take Your Cat to the Veterinarian:

A cat who meows a lot should be checked thoroughly by a veterinarian to ensure a medical condition is not the cause of the cat’s distress. Numerous diseases can cause cats to feel unusually hungry, thirsty, restless or irritable—any of which is likely to prompt meowing. Even if your cat has a history of meowing for food, you should still have her checked by your veterinarian. As cats age, they’re prone to developing an overactive thyroid and kidney disease, and either one may result in excessive meowing.

 

 

 

Helping Your Cat Be Less Vocal:

Before you try to curb your cat’s excessive vocalizing, you need to determine the cause. Look at the circumstances around her meowing and make note of what seems to get her to stop. It may help to keep a log book so you can look for any patterns in when she becomes especially vocal. Once you identify when she’s likely to meow excessively, try these suggestions to help her control her vocalizations:

• If your cat meows to say hello, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to do much to change things—you have an especially vocal cat who is telling you how glad she is to see you!
  

• If your cat is meowing for attention, teach her that you’ll only pay attention to her when she’s quiet. Resist the urge to shout at her or give her any form of attention, even angry attention. Instead, be patient and wait for a brief moment of silence. Immediately give her the attention she craves. If she starts to meow again, walk away, and only return to her when she’s quiet. If you’re consistent, she will catch on.
  

• If you believe your cat cries out of loneliness because you spend too much time out of the house, consider having a pet sitter come partway through the day to visit and play with her.
  

• If your cat meows at you for food, stop feeding her when she cries! Feed her at prescribed times so she learns that it’s futile to ask for food at other times. If that doesn’t work, buy an automatic feeder that you can schedule to open at specific times. At least then she’s more likely to meow at the feeder than at you! This is especially useful if your cat wakes you up in the morning to be fed—she’ll switch from bothering you to sitting and watching the feeder, waiting for it to open.
  

• If you’ve recently placed your cat on a diet, consult with your veterinarian about high-fiber diet foods or supplements that can help your cat feel satisfied with her reduced intake.
  

• If your cat isn’t prone to gaining weight, consider leaving dry food out for her all the time so she never has to feel hungry. If you feed a high-fiber diet food, your cat can feel full without taking in too many calories. Check with your veterinarian before trying this.
  

• If your cat is meowing to get you to let her inside/outside, consider installing a cat door so you don’t have to serve as her butler. The ASPCA recommends that cats be kept exclusively indoors to protect them from danger and disease. If you have a cat who’s accustomed to going outside and you want to keep her in, she’s likely to go through a period of meowing at doors and windows. There’s no easy way to get through this, but as long as she never gets outside again, she will eventually adjust to her life indoors and stop meowing so much. Another option is to build an outdoor cat enclosure so she can spend time outside but remain safe.

• If your female cat isn’t spayed and she periodically meows excessively, she may be in heat at those times. Female cats in heat typically become increasingly affectionate, rub against you more, purr, roll around on the floor—and meow a lot. This lasts four to ten days. An unspayed female cat who isn’t bred by a male cat will continue to come into heat every 18 to 24 days throughout the breeding season (roughly February through September in the Northern Hemisphere). Indoor cats may continue to come into heat all year round. The best way to reduce excessive meowing caused by the heat cycle is to have your cat spayed.
  

• If your male cat isn’t neutered and he periodically meows excessively, he may be hearing or smelling a female cat in heat. He is likely to pace and meow relentlessly throughout the time the female stays in heat. Unless you can completely prevent him from being able to detect females in heat, the best way to reduce excessive meowing in an intact male cat is to have him neutered.
  

• If your cat is elderly and has just started meowing excessively, make sure to have her evaluated by your veterinarian for medical conditions, sensory deficits and cognitive dysfunction. Medication may alleviate her discomfort.

 

 

What NOT to Do:

• Do not ignore your cat when she meows.
  

•  The one exception is if you know for certain that she’s meowing to get you to do something she wants. In every other instance, it’s safest to assume that something’s wrong—she may not have access to her litter box, or her water bowl may be empty, or she may be locked in a closet. Always make sure that her needs are met before assuming that she’s just being demanding by meowing at you.
  

• Do not scold or hit your cat for meowing too much. While these punishments may send her scurrying at first, they are unlikely to have a lasting effect on her meowing behavior. They may, however, cause her to become fearful of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANT BITCH

 

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANT BITCH

 

 

• Dogs are the “man’s best friend” because they provide companionship, security, services and stress free environment which is beneficial for improving human health status.
  

•  Bitch attains her sexual maturity at the age of 10-12 months. 
  

• Proper time of service (mating) is about 10-15 days after first bleeding (sanguineous vulvar discharge) starts. 
  

• After the successful mating (conception), pregnancy (gestation period) is started which is normally completed in 63 days ± 2 days. 
  

• Generally small breeds produce 1-5 pups, medium breeds producing 2-10 pups and large breeds producing 3-15 pups in her single pregnancy.
  

• Management of pregnant bitch as well as new born puppies is most valuable with extra care and attention for prevention of metabolic, managemental, nutritional and gynecological problems.

 

 

 

Pregnancy diagnosis-

 

 

 

• Abdominal palpation after 28-35 days of mating and radiograph (X-ray) after 44 days may be performed for diagnosing the pregnancy. 
  

• Ultrasound (USG) examination for pregnancy diagnosis should be best performed between 28-30 days. 
  

• USG examination is better predictor for the litter size, fetal viability or abnormal pregnancy. 
  

• It is better to get pregnancy diagnosed after about 1 month to provide better caring practices to pregnant animal.

Feeding of the pregnant bitch-

 

 

• It is advisable to keep pregnant bitch on high quality diet (adult maintenance type diet) started well before the bitch enters in proestrus and then continued up to 5 weeks of pregnancy. 
  

• However in the last 3 weeks of pregnancy intensive growth of the foetuses and it will also compress the stomach of bitch, to accommodate this bitch will require high density, easily digestible diet (growth or puppy type diet).
  

•  Energetically and nutritionally well-balanced diet is usually maintained throughout gestation and weaning period. 
  

• Increase the amount of food by about 10 per cent per week and multiple feeding with smaller quantity is recommended. 
  

• Supplementation of vitamins and minerals is hardly required. Excess of some minerals and vitamins like Vit. A & D impairs the absorption of other vitamins or minerals.
  

• Both underfeeding and overfeeding exert negative effects on pregnancy. Underfeeding will result in metabolic disturbances during the pregnancy (gestational ketosis), abnormal hormonal balance, faulty placentation, pups with low birth weight and poor survivability, eclampsia in bitch with insufficient milk production. 
  

• On the other hand, obese bitches can have difficult whelping (act of giving birth), particularly if they are not getting proper exercise.
  

• During pregnancy sufficient exercise is required (not encouraged to jump and fighting) to normal whelping. 
  

• Calcium is required after the 35th day of gestation for the development of teeth and fetal bones properly but during late pregnancy it may cause difficulty in birth (dystocia), puerperal tetany (eclampsia), soft tissue calcification etc. 
  

• To avoid frequent problem of cleft palate, bitch must be supplemented with folic acid (vitamin B9) during the pregnancy. 
  

• Other than carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins pregnant bitch requires fat and omega-3/omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids to fulfill her energy needs. 
  

• For the development of fetal nervous system, immune system stimulation and retinal function Omega-3 fatty acid is recommended @ dose of 1000 mg/20 kg body weight of the bitch.

 

 

Medication-

• No any supplements or drugs should be given during pregnancy unless required to maintain the bitch’s health and until not adviced by veterinarian.
  

• Any type of parasites (Ecto or endoparasites) are responsible for inadequate utilisation of nutrients from neonates, could induced digestive disorders, loss of electrolytes and anemia, ocular or neurological diseases. 
  

• If it is necessary, Use of antiparasitic drug is recommended after 43rd day of pregnancy. Some parasiticide drugs are considered to be safe in pregnancy like pyrantel, praziquantel, fenbendazole, ivermectin etc. 
  

• Generally vaccinations should be given well before the bitch enters proestrus, and not during pregnancy.

Management of bitch during pregnancy and whelping –

• At least one week before the expected date of whelping, pregnant bitch should be provided with quiet, clean, dry and ventilated whelping box (place of birth).

• Whelping box must have proper bedding (by using clean newspapers, gunny bags, folded blankets or bed sheets). A heat lamp over one corner may be provided for warmth.

•   Mild luxative diet is advisable in the last 2-3 days of pregnancy to avoid problem of constipation at the time of whelping.

•   She should be given balanced diet and quality water.

• Fighting, jumping and running should be prohibited.

• Hairs around vulva and mammary gland may be clipped/trimmed cautiously well before whelping.

•   Rectal temperature (RT) should be observed twice daily. 1-2 ºF drop 24 hours before whelping is normal.

•   Signs of labor like straining, anorexia (not eating that day), flaccid swollen vulva, dark green vaginal discharge, presence of milk in mammary glands and increased digging or pacing activity etc should be observed.
  

 

 

Management of bitch after whelping to weaning –

• Rectal temperature (RT) should be examined daily for the first 3 days after whelping. It may go up to 103˚F on the day after birth and then become normal.

• Checking general health, rectal temperature, appetite pattern, milk quantity, vulvar discharge and other abnormality should be done regularly.

 • The bitch will require increased food intake (2 to 4 times) for at least 3 weeks during the period that pups are nursing and rapidly gaining weight.

• Most cases of hypocalcemia (low serum calcium) occur within 3 weeks after giving birth showing different clinical signs like trembling of the muscles and stiff limbs

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 POPULAR CAT BREEDS IN INDIA

 10 POPULAR CAT BREEDS IN INDIA

 

 

People say it is not possible to “own a cat” and it is not completely wrong. Cats are territorial – they attach themselves more to territory than to humans. Thus, cats are fundamentally different from dogs. Cats are so intelligent, affectionate and warm, that having a cat as a pet helps to elevate bad mood or cure depression, and is often associated with positive psychological benefits. They are low- maintenance, mostly keep to themselves, don’t stink, and are quieter creatures when compared to dogs. As with any other pet, they become family members. Every time a cat meows and rubs itself against your leg, looking with those soulful eyes, it is bound to warm your heart away.

 If you are planning to adopt or but a cat as pet in India, getting information about different breeds allows easy selection. It also makes it easy to understand the right nourishment and care that requires to be provided.

 

So, what are the most popular cat breeds in India?

1. Indian Billi [Spotted Cat] 
2. Persian Cats 
3. Bombay Cat
4. Himalayan Cat
5. Maine Coon Cat
6. Siamese cat
7. American Bobtail Cat
8. Singapura Cat
9. Bengal Cat
10. British Shorthair Cat

 

 A. Indian Billi [Spotted Cat]:

 

 

 

 

 Indian Billi is a shy and affectionate cat breed that originated in Sri Lanka and India as per historical records.

They are also called spotted cats and are mostly preferred by people for their appearance as they have an unusual beauty.

They adapt well to the Indian climate having originated from the same country and are among the wild ones that avoid human contact. They have a rectangular frame with medium build, strong muscles and bones and a long tail that reaches the shoulder.

Indian Billi has shoulders and hips of even length and legs of medium length with oval shaped paws.

They have grey spots all over the body and a dark skin compared to the appearance of the body colour. The female cats are smaller and more graceful than the male cats.

 

 

 

It has reddish great fur over most of the body and rusty spots on the back and flanks. There are four blackish lines running over the eyes with two of them extending over the neck.

 

The chin, throat, inner sides of the limbs and belly of this breed are whitish and have tiny brownish spots.

"Indian Cat Federation (ICF) is working to get this breed recognized internationally to raise chances of adoption by cat lovers across the globe and a better life for the cats."

In India, there is a natural drift towards foreign breeds which has kept Indian Billi away from the right treatment and acceptance.

These feisty cats are beautiful and can be tamed easily as a house pet as they are shy and affectionate. As a stray, their life is shortened to just about 10 years due to unpleasant factors such as accidents, untreated illness and fights with dogs.

However, with proper care and a comfortable environment, these cats can live up to 18 years.

ICF has collaborated with veterinary colleges across India for carrying out research programmes of this breed and gather information of its unique traits to be able to offer deeper understanding of these cats.

 

B. Persian Cats :

 

The early Persian type cats likely reached us via European trade
originating in Iran (formerly Persia) during the 1600s. The
Himalayan was the result of crossing Persian with Siamese later in
breed development (1920s-1930s) to add the colorpoint pattern,
and is a division of Persian

They were mostly preferred due to their doll faces and were even popular among the nobility including Queen Victoria of England.

This breed has long coat and are characterised by their sweet temperament but they limit their affection to humans they are closest to.

They are praised for their glamorous good looks and calm behaviour. They soon became popular in North America as loving pets and as show pets.

 WEIGHT:  3.5- 7 kg

SIZE : 14- 18 inches long

LIFE SPAN: 10-15 yrs

 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :

•  COAT : The thick soft undercoat is overlain by a profuse standoff
  outer coat of long soft hairs. Well-developed ruff and frill, and tail
  is heavily haired. Coat texture should not be wooly.
  

•  EYES : The large wide-set eyes are copper or orange. In shaded
  silver, golden and chinchilla, they are blue-green or emerald green.
  In Europe, a copper-eyed shaded silver is termed Pewter. Variable
  colored eyes are present in Persian white cats.

• POINTS OF CONFIRMATION: 

 Persians have a heavy cobby build, small ears with rounded tips. A very short upturned nose and muzzle, with a well defined stop or break between the eyes is present. 

Persian cats have a large rounded broad head. 

Paws are rounded, tufted, and large. Tail is short, and carried low. The neck is short. 

 

PERSIAN CAT KITTEN

 

Peke-faced is a subtype that is extremely foreshortened, similar to a Pekingese dog,while doll-faced cats are more moderate in their brachycephalic head conformation. 

The Peke subtype is specifically described in only certain registries. In ACFA for example, the Peke-faced is recognized as a head indented between eyes, creases following cheekbone; forehead, nose and chin form a perpendicular line.

GROOMING:

High grooming requirements are typical for Persian cats. Once to twice daily grooming to prevent matting is helpful allow 15 minutes minimum daily. Regular baths are also used to help maintain the coat in excellent condition. Daily removal of tears to prevent staining and dermatitis in medical canthus area and facial folds may be required

"Persian cats are high maintenance pets and require regular grooming to avoid tangled and matted fur which can be painful for them."

BEHAVIOUR: 

They are not very energetic or playful and like a warm spot to relax but sometimes get a burst of energy which is followed by a long nap or no activity. They cannot be trained easily as they are slow learners and do not take interest in learning tricks.

 HEALTH ISSUES:

Persian cats are prone to common health issues like kidney disease, respiratory distress, eye conditions, excessive eye watering, bladder infections, heat sensitivity and others due to selective breeding techniques and general illness. Keen observation and quick treatment can cure them easily.

 

C.Bombay Cat:

 

 

 

Bombay Cat is a result of the breeding of long-time cat breeder and exhibitor, Nikki Horner of Kentucky. They were named Bombay because they have the distinction of being the blackest cat and look like Indian Black Panthers.

After they mature, these cats have black coats that are short, tight and extremely shiny.

 

They have black paw pads and shiny black coat with golden eyes which is a striking combination. These cats are small, muscular and deceptively heavy in weight.

"Bombay cats are fully domestic, man-made breed which is a cross between a black American short hair and a sable Burmese."

It can be trained to perform tricks, fetch items and heel on command. This cat breed has been accepted by different cat associations since 1976.

They have wonderful characteristics and make amazing companions. They take time to mature and may not display all of their characteristics until 18 months of age.

They love attention from their human caregivers and like to be carried on the shoulders and sit on laps.

These cats are affectionate and most likely to bond with one family member and follow them everywhere.

 

BOMBAY CAT KITTEN

 

If Bombay cats are left alone at home, they may suffer from lack of attention. They are great with welcoming strangers and do not act aloof.

Bombay cats adapt well to living with people and other pets. These cats love heat sources and sleep near heating vents whenever they get a chance to. They have short coats that require little brushing about once a week and rarely needs to be bathed.

These intelligent and trainable cats are active and always like to play fetch. They can be easily trained to walk on a leash.

They must be taken for regular veterinary check-ups to detect common health issues like sinus problems, runny noses and head deformity at birth.

 Regular vaccinations in early years are important and decision for neutering or spaying must be taken at 5 to 9 months of age as they reach sexual maturity as early as 5 months.

Maintaining dental hygiene and keeping a check on the weight for obesity is also important for their health.

It is better to keep this cat as an indoor-only cat to prevent diseases and injuries.

It is recommended to provide high quality wet food and some dry food as well in their diet. Special diet may be needed for cats with health conditions, kittens and elderly cats.

D.  Himalayan Cat :

Himalayan cats, also known as Himmies, are a hybrid breed of Persian and Siamese cats. After creating and crossing several litters, two medical researchers from Harvard finally produced the first true Himalayan cat.

They are beautiful with long silky coats like Persian cats and pointed colouring with bright blue eyes like Siamese cats.

They have a medium to large size with stocky, thick body and wide, deep chest, a rounded abdomen and sturdy bones.

A healthy Himalayan cat will feel muscular and solid and is not very chubby.

They like attention and affection of their owners and have sweet, playful personalities. This breed is officially recognized by many cat associations since 1957.

"Himalayan cats have long, silky hair that tangles easily and requires brushing with a sturdy, wide-toothed comb every day."

It is important to dedicate some time for their grooming and remove dirt, debris and dust to prevent tangling.

Visiting a professional groomer every few months is also recommended to ensure their coat stays healthy and clean. Trimming their nails keeps them safe, injury-free and also protects the owner’s furniture.

 

 

HIMALAYAN CAT KITTEN

 

Himalayan cats are extremely playful and become mischievous when bored but have low exercise needs.

They can be kept entertained with plenty of cat toys and playtime with their human caregivers.

These cats are susceptible to certain health conditions like kidney disease, respiratory issues and ringworm infections. The nutritional needs of the cat depend on its age, weight and activity levels.

The vet may be able to suggest food that helps in preventing and reducing hairballs which is a common issue in Himalayan cats.

Overfeeding of meals and treats may lead to weight gain which may affect the lifespan of the cats.

E. Maine Coon Cat :

Maine Coon Cat is a natural breed that resembles Norwegian forest cats and is one of the largest  domesticated cats. It has a medium to large, muscular body with broad chest and well balanced rectangular appearance.

It has a heavy, shaggy coat that goes shorter on the shoulder and longer on the britches and stomach. This breed sports a good looking front ruff, ear tufts, foot tufts and has a long flowing tail.

Maine Coon cats have served as barn cats and mousers throughout New England and one has even won Best in Show at the first North American cat show in 1895.

It is often found in brown but comes in a many colours and patterns. It holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest act in the world.

"It is an easy going, loyal, and an affectionate cat breed that are not cling to their human caregivers. They like their independence and will climb onto laps only when they are ready."

Their glorious coat only requires standard amount of grooming. To avoid hairballs it is important to comb their hair weekly to remove dead hair.

Trimming their nails every couple of weeks and providing a scratching post ensures injury-free safety.

Maintaining dental hygiene is as important as regular grooming and may require cleaning from the veterinarian as well. They can be kept busy with toys and can also be trained to fetch and chase laser pointers.

These cats are sociable with other breeds and cat-friendly dogs. These cats are reserved around strangers.

They do well in cold weather and are recommended to be kept as an indoor cat to protect them from diseases, fights, attacks by predators and vehicle accidents.

 

 

 

MAINE COON CAT KITTEN

 

Apart from receiving usual vaccinations and preventative veterinary treatments, they must be checked for inherited heart conditions, muscle weakness disease and hip dysplasia. Some cats are known for a defect of extra toes but that does not affect the cat’s health.

They only need regular diet which is healthy for all cats and must be fed with the right balance of dry and wet food.

Checking the cat’s weight and keeping it under check is necessary to avoid obesity that lowers lifespan.

F. SIAMESE CAT: 

 

 

Siamese cats are medium-sized, muscular cats that originated from Thailand. King of Siam, in 1880, gave two pairs of Siamese cats to an English man who took them home to England and the cats started gaining popularity since then.

These cats have points of darker colour patterns on the ears, face, tail, legs and feet which is their most striking characteristic. It is one of the original breeds of pedigreed cats and came to be officially recognised by Cat Fanciers’ association in 1906.

"Siamese cats have short coat and only require the standard care of weekly brushing session to lessen the risk of hair falls."

Their point pattern comes from recessive genes where dark melanin pigments are produced in cooler areas of the skin.

Their cat claws may need regular trimming every 10 to 14 days and providing a scratching post will keep the cats safe from injuries.

Maintaining good dental hygiene with regular brushing of teeth and regular dental cleaning from veterinarian is also important.

Siamese cats are active, playful, curious and can be trained easily. They like to climb and should be provided with a cat tree or a similar structure. They like chase-toys and will end up doing mischief if left without a source of entertainment.

They bond easily with humans, sit on laps and may get depressed if left alone without attention for a long time. They are one of the most vocal cats and will keep talking till you pay attention to them.

They blend well in families with children and with cat-friendly dog breeds. Young children need to be taught how to treat the cat properly.

 

 

SIAMESE CAT KITTEN

 

They live longer as indoor-only cats and it also prevents exposure to various diseases.

In Siamese cats, apart from the most prevalent health concern of eye conditions, there are other common health problems. Respiratory diseases, liver problems, disrupted kidney function disease and heart defects are some major issues.

Siamese cats may overeat if there is free access to food which may lead to obesity with shortened lifespan or unhealthy old age.

It is important to provide them with a balance of wet and dry food and a modified diet with advancing age by discussing with a veterinarian.

 F. AMERICAN BOBTAIL CAT :

 

 

The American Bobtail Cats are a result of a natural, harmless mutation of cats with bobtails. In 1960s, the American Bobtail cat became an official breed. It is best known for its shortened tails and unique, wild appearances.

They have a sweet, affectionate and docile temperament which makes them an ideal pet for families with older kids and other pets at home.

They have an adaptable, friendly personality that suits any home type and are perfect to be employed as therapy cats.

They are friendly towards extreme strangers and prove great companions to long distance truckers as they travel extremely well. They are playful, love to play fetch with their owners and can be easily trained at leash walking.

"American Bobtail cats are relatively low maintenance and require brushing once or twice a week to remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny and healthy."

It is important to maintain dental hygiene by brushing teeth at least once a week and supplementing plaque-controlling treats.

Trim their nails regularly to keep their paws healthy and avoid injuries, furniture tears and boredom-induced scratching. They have lower exercise requirements but little playtime will keep them happy and active.

 

 

AMERICAN BOBTAIL KITTEN

 

 

American Bobtail cats have a massive gene pool and are generally healthy cats with no predispositions to inherited health conditions. Spinal issues, kidney diseases and heart issues may affect their health and may need quick preventative measures or cure from veterinarian.

The intake and diet balance largely depends on the age, activity levels and general heath of the cats.

For variation in taste and texture, wet and dry food can be mixed for a change of diet a few times per week.

 G. SINGAPURA CAT

 

 

 

Singapura cat, also known as Pura, is the smallest domestic cat breed and has unique looks with a loving personality. It originated on the streets of Singapore and is now bought as prized pets around the world.

A fully grown Singapura cat weighs 4 to 8 pounds and sports large, round eyes and sepia-coloured coat. These social cats are full of affection and love with some mischievous behaviour and curiosity.

They are people oriented cats that love to be a part of the daily activities of their family and are happiest in company of humans and cat-friendly dogs as well. Their tiny body is sturdy and muscular well equipped for climbing and energetic activities.

Singapura cats can be kept entertained with cat trees, playgrounds, puzzles and toys and scratching post.

They have a short coat and low grooming needs of weekly brushing. Checking ears, trimming nails and maintaining dental hygiene is also necessary.

"Singapura cat is a highly intelligent breed and picks tricks quickly which makes training easier."

Some common health problems include obesity, ear infections and breed specific problems like Pyruvate kinase deficiency and uterine inertia for pregnant females.

 

 

SINGAPURA CAT KITTEN

 

Singapura cats must be given high quality cat food with an option of raw food diet according to cat’s nutrition needs. Consulting a veterinarian for diet courses according to the cat’s likes and dislikes is also an option.

It is an uncommon breed and may not be easily found in local shelters.

Checking with local rescue organisations may help and national and local breed organisations will help find reputable breeders who have this breed.

 H. BENGAL CAT:

 

 

 

Bengal cats are considered a hybrid breed but are accepted as a pure breed by several organisations due to its three-generation presence.

Though there have been many contributions in the past and future, the main credit of the Bengal cat hybrid goes to Jean Sudgen Mill.

She acquired hybrids of African leopard cats and domestic cats to study their genetics. She further bred these hybrids with domestic cats to produce a breed with personality of domestic cat and an exotic look.

Bengal cats are named after the Asian leopard cat and have been cross bred with domestic cats like Abyssinian, Egyptian mau or American shorthair.

"Bengal cats are beautiful, smart, wild looking cats with growing popularity due to its patterns and personalities."

Though their official markings are considered as either spotted or marbled, they have varying display of wild looking markings like rosettes, stripes and spots. The original coat is normally brown but is available in other coat colours as well.

They have white background fur on their whisker pads, chin, chest, abdomen and inner legs. They were first recognized as an experimental breed by TICA in 1983 and received full recognition in 1993.

Bengal cats are simple large house cats that require minimal grooming of weekly combing to remove dead cells, hair and prevent hairballs.

It is important to trim cat’s nails every couple of weeks, provide a scratching post and clean litter box regularly.

They are active cats that love to climb, chase lasers, play fetch and must be kept engaged with cat toys.

 

BENGAL CAT KITTEN

 

These cats love water but must be kept as indoor-only cats to prevent from catching diseases, injuries and getting into fights.

Bengal cats get along with dogs and other cat breeds but may have a prey-drive for smaller pets like hamsters and guinea pigs. They must be given immunizations and preventative health treatments but will still be prone to genetic diseases.

Autosomal recessive disorder, rolling of eyelids and other infections may be some of the commonly found health problems in Bengal cats.

It is practical to buy a formulated, grain-free diet or give them raw diet.

 I. BRITISH SHORTHAIR :

 

 

 

British Shorthair cat is one of the oldest English cat breeds that are known for their calm and quiet temperament. This breed has Roman roots and may have been brought to England when the Romans invaded England.

They became street dogs of Britain and with the help of breeding programs and cross breeding; today’s British Shorthair was created. They have been registered in many cat associations and clubs since 1967

British Shorthair cats have pleasant expressions, round features and have earned a special place as a household cat in Britain and around the world. They have a round head, bright round eyes, chubby cheeks, round paws and a tail with rounded tip.

They come in different coat colours but one of the most popular ones is a striking blue colour and hence this breed is sometimes referred as the British Blue.

"British shorthair cats are easy going cats that do not overly demand attention or grooming."

This breed is not very vocal. They have dense, plush short hair and require removing of loose hairs and dander several times a week to prevent hairballs. They may need more brushing during spring when they shed their winter coat.

They do not particularly like to be held or carried but enjoy the company of human family members and sending time with them in the same room.

 

BRITISH SHORTHAIR KITTEN

They have low exercise needs and cannot jump on high counters as they are vertically challenged.

It is important to engage the cat to play regularly to avoid inactivity and encourage good health and mental stimulation. They can tolerate being alone at home for extended time period without suffering social anxiety.

They have a vast genetic pool which makes them a healthy breed with less genetic problems. However, they may be at risk for Haemophilia B, which is a hereditary bleeding disorder and must also be kept in check to avoid obesity.

British Shorthair breed cats benefit from a balanced diet with quality ingredients. They must be fed according to their age, activity and energy levels.