Savanna Cats

By Elsa Albro

Savanna Cats are the result of breeding of an African Serval wild cat with a domestic cat. This produces a large, tall and slim, wild looking cat with a playful personality and dog-like loyalty.

Charecteristics

Savannah Cats are one of the larger breeds of domestic cats. The markings of the coat tend to be that of an exotic looking spotted tabby. The face of Savannah cats have a tear-stain marking from the inner point of the eye downward. The tall, erect ears have ocelli, a central light band bordered by black, dark grey or brown. The tail is short with black rings and a black tip. The eyes may be green, brown, or gold and are slightly hooded. Early generations were known for a light coat and dark spots. Today the breed standard identifies four color variations:

• Brown spotted tabby, shades of brown coat with dark spots
• Silver spotted tabby, silver coat with black or dark gray spots
• Black, black with black spots
• Black smoke, black tipped silver with black spots.

Temperament

Savannah Cats are playful and social, interested in dogs and children. They possess a dog-like loyalty and will follow their owners around the house and can also be trained to walk with a leash. They frequently greet people with head-butts or an unexpected pounce. Savannah Cats are known for their ability to jump from a standing position as high as eight feet to the tops of refrigerators and high cabinets. They have no fear of water, in fact, they may play in it.

History

In 1986, Judee Frank crossbred an African Serval with a domestic cat producing the first Savannah. In 1989 Patrick Kelly purchased one of Franks kittens and started pursuing other cat breeders in an attempt to develop this new breed. Finally Kelly convinced Joyce Sroufe to join him in founding the Savannah Cats breed and in 1996, they wrote the original version of the breed standard.

Early generations of Savannah Cats weighed from 10 - 25 lbs, while some breeders report Savannahs weighing in at 30 lbs. More recent generations are usually between 8 - 17 lbs. It was relatively common in the early generations for these cats to chirp and hiss, like their wildcat fathers, and meow, like their domestic mothers. The wildcat hissing sounds like a very loud snake hiss. However you don't hear the chirping and wildcat hissing as often in recent generations.

Some breeders recommended a diet which includes raw feeding of 32% protein and no grains or by-products. Otherwise, care and grooming of Savannah Cats ought to be kept up as with any other housecat; good nutrition, regular play and veterinary visits.

For more information on the care and feeding of our favorite furry pets, visit: lovefatcats.com lovefatcats.com

10 Reasons to Get a Cat

By Duncan Kelly

Your kids would like a cat. Especially your girl kids. They've told you that how many times. But you don't want to. What use is a cat, you think. But cats are great for building character, like suffering is.

There's lots of great reasons to get a cat. Here's 10 just to start with.

1. Cats help to get all that nasty, stuck on varnish off the legs of your furniture. It looked disgusting anyway, all yucky and brown. Bare wood is more natural, and splinters give it that rustic, homely look.

2. Cats protect your comfy chairs and couches by covering them with a thick layer of hair, and sometimes sticks, dust and small stones. This also gets to protect your gucchi pants, when it all sticks to them when you sit there. This is great, as it protects your fabrics from acid rain, nuclear radiation and the suns Xenta rays.

3. Cats prevent you from sleeping too much, by singing outside your window, or in your room, when they reckon you have overslept. This could be at 2am, but cats know best.

4. Cats help to keep a whole industry of cat food manufactures going. They use your money to do this. Doesn't this make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!! Of course it does Dad!

5. Cats keep dogs fit. If it wasn't for cats, dogs would be fat, lazy bums with no recreational outlet. It also helps them to develop endurance barking talents.

6. Cats are a good gauge of how much frustration you can endure. When you can't get them off the roof just before going to a school parents evening, you really get to know yourself.

7. Cats teach you about nature. What kind of parasites drink blood, what the contents of an animal stomach look like on a clean carpet, what a dead rat looks like, and the makeup of hairballs. Fascinating stuff.

8. Cats help you to get to know your neighbours. Happy hours are spent shouting over the fence about the cat being in the neighbours house, shredding his curtains, terrifying his Pug dog and pleasantries like this.

9. Cats get rid of left overs, like the roast you took out to defrost, the fish you caught and were filleting when the phone rang, and the steak you had on the barbeque.

10. Cats keep you humble, by totally ignoring you when you call them, walking over you when you're sleeping and generally treating you like dirt.

Well, maybe these reasons are a bit thin, but cats are still good to have around. Watching them curl up and sleep in almost any place imaginable is quite an education. "How to Relax 101."

You have to admit, life would be a little boring without a cat in your life!

Like surprizes? visit the WrinklyO Web Node at http://wrinklyo.googlepages.com A lot of items are there that you may just be interested in. Check out the Promotions and Special Offers Page! May you have a successful day! Duncan Kelly

Getting the Right Cat Flap

By Derek Rogers

If you own a cat then you may have noticed that letting them in and out all of the time can be a nightmare. It is not always as simple as letting your cat out during the day and keeping them in at night. Your cat will meow when they want to go in and out and this can occur throughout the day and night.

It really can drive you insane having to constantly get up and open the door. However, there is an easier way and that is to install a cat flap.

What is a Cat Flap?

A cat flap is installed at the bottom of your outside door and it allows your cat to come in and out whenever it feels like it. There are a number of different designs available so you should easily be able to find one to suit your needs. However, there are some concerns regarding cat flaps and one of them is that many allow not only your cat to enter your home, but other cats too!

Luckily, there are alternatives available to stop stray cats from wandering into your house.

So just what options are available to you and how do you choose the best one to suit you?

How to Choose a Cat Flap

The main points to keep in mind when shopping for a cat flap include:

• Are there many other cats in your area?
• Do you want a basic flap or would you like added features?
• Do you want to be able to control the flap yourself?
• Do you want a particular style?
• What is your budget?

The above are just a few things that you should think about before purchasing a cat flap. Your budget will play a big part in the one you end up with. So before you do start looking, decide how much you can realistically afford to spend and then stick to it. Obviously if you want a flap which has many different features, you will have to expect to pay a little more than you would if you just bought a basic flap.

The features that you can choose from include a locking fixture, cat flaps which only allow your pet to activate the flap. Locking cat flaps allow you to close the flap whenever you need to. You can choose from 2 way or 4 way locking method. 2 way flaps allow you to simply lock from both ways; ensuring that your cat stays either in or out of the home when it is locked. 4 way locking cat flaps allow you to manually select whether you want it to stay locked from the inside, the outside or both. If you lock the flap from the inside then your cat will not be able to go back outside. However if you own more than two cats then your other cat will still be able to get in from the outside.

Overall, there are many options that you can choose from. Basic ones do work well, but obviously the more advanced options will allow you to control your cat's movements more.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For information on pet supplies, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Cat Flaps.

Purrfect Home For Cats in Transition

By Debbie Foster

Have you ever gone to a humane society where the cats are treated like royalty? Me neither. Most (shelters~humane societies} have stacks of cat carriers as well as a playroom with cat beds and cat furniture. The playrooms are crowded with cats, some of which don't get along with each other. I thought this was pretty much the way they all were until I read about the Washington Animal Rescue League.

This place is a true utopia for cats who have been left behind. Their philosophy focuses on recovery and adoptions. Each cat has their own living area made of bacteria resistant material and no metal bars. Instead, tempered glass doors are used. This not only promotes recovery for the cats, but also allows great viewing for the people who pass by. Each space also has a couple of perches so the cat can have different vantage points. Additionally, each has a separate area for their litter box. What I thought was the most extraordinary feature was the ventilation system. They pump fresh air into each space every four minutes. Pretty sweet!

Of course there is a playroom, but not just your run of the mill cat playroom. This one has a ceiling high waterfall! Can I come stay there? There are various levels on both sides for cats to climb and play. Did I mention that only cats that get along with each other are put in the playroom at one time, and then only eight per play shift? These people thought of everything. They have big tree branches running throughout the playroom that get replaced a couple of times a year. Volunteers spend time with them in the playroom to acclimate them to humans. If I were a cat guest, which is what they really are, I might not want to leave this place!

The calming environment has paid off in numerous ways. They state the cats are less stressed. Also, with their high-tech ventilation system, they have seen a 95% reduction in airborne diseases. This goes hand in hand with their philosophy of recovery and well-being. The facility also reported a substantial growth in the number of adoptions. It seems people like to spend a few hours there as well ... no wonder.

It looks to me this place is a great model for other facilities to copy. We all want to promote a healthy environment and caring atmosphere for cats in shelters and this seems to be a great one.

An animal lover and advocate, Debbie Foster owns http://www.petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet strollers and more.

The Life Expectancy of Cats

By David Braybrooke

Of course none of us wants to face the reality of our beloved cat's mortality and contrary to folklore our feline friends do not have the legendary nine lives attributed to them. So how long will your lovable fur-ball live for?

The average age is between 10-16 years, with a few maybe reaching 20 or beyond. One exception was a cat named "Puss" who was said to have lived to 36! The particular breed of the animal may influence its final age, Siamese reputed to be one of the longest living varieties.

In recent times, advances in the control and treating of infectious diseases in felines, coupled with a greater understanding of nutritional requirements, has lead to an increased lifespan.

It seems a curious fact that cats are considered to be geriatrics between 10-13 years; in later life many cats benefit from specially designed diets to combat ailments (especially chronic kidney failure) thus extending their life expectancies by a bit. Cancer, Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and an inflamed bowel are other conditions that a responsible owner should be on the lookout for.

For tomcats, neutering them may increase their lifespan as fewer territorial fights will keep them in better shape for longer. Spaying a queen (female cat) appears to have a lesser effect on how long they live.

If you consider that one cat year is roughly equal to about seven human years, then a 10-16 year lifespan is quite respectable really; look after your special friend well over a lifetime and you may have a healthy, thriving puss well into its vintage years.

Improving the quality and length of your beloved pet's life is quite possible if you pay attention to a healthy diet, sensible exercise regime and have regular check-ups at the Veterinarian. Protect your cat from unnecessary dangers, fighting and other types of cat-related violence and who knows, they may even outlive you!

Nine lives? Maybe not, but one long, happy life is definitely possible.

For more great cat articles, please visit: http://fatherspirit-catablog.blogspot.com/

How to Trim Your Cat's Claws

By David Braybrooke

In order to save your beloved furniture or even yourself from damage, it is important to clip your cat's claws on a regular basis; aim for at least once a month unless your pet has been surgically de-clawed by a vet.

Although cats who spend a lot of time outdoors will naturally 'strop' their nails against posts and trees, indoor cats will need greater attention.

One must take great care when trimming a cat's claws in order not to unduly harm the poor animal. It is strongly advisable to get your vet to show you how to best clip your pet's claws before you yourself attempt it at home.

Although most Pet stores sell purpose made claw clippers, ordinary human nail clippers are probably just as effective and cheaper. However, some people insist that only special pet clippers should be selected so use your own discretion on this.

Follow these steps when clipping:

(1) Hold the cat firmly, without hurting it, or even get a friend to assist in this.

(2) As cats' claws are retractable, you need to push each individual pad, on top ot the toe, to reveal the unsheathed claw, one at a time.

(3) Take note of the two different colors of the claw, a pink middle section next to a whitish covering that extends to the pointed end of the claw.

(4) ONLY cut the clear, white section, where the dead cells are and never the pink section, or quick; this is where the blood vessels and nerves are; if you draw blood, keep free from any germs. If your cat has black claws only remove the section that curls under.

If the procedure is started at the kitten stage, your pet will soon become used to having its claws trimmed.

If easier, only cut a couple of nails at a time or wait until your cat is napping before clipping. Remain calm and collected as your cat will likely sense any anxiety in you and become restless.

Occasionally, some cats are born with more than five nails on each foot, (and four on each back foot); this condition is called 'Polydactyl' and great care must be taken to keep nails trimmed in order to prevent ingrown toenails.

Keep your cat's claws regularly trimmed and you'll save on furniture and clothing repair bills; a scratching post kept indoors may also help with claw maintenance, and help keep your home in ship-shape.

For more great cat articles please visit: http://fatherspirit-catablog.blogspot.com/

Guide to Spaying and Neutering Cats

By David Braybrooke

When it comes to de-sexing one's cat many owners have a crisis of conscience; should I have my lovable puss spayed or my gregarious tom neutered? Rest assured, a sterilized cat lives a happier, healthier life and often makes a much better pet than an intact animal.

Be aware that if you don't have your beloved pet 'fixed-up' it may be prone to a host of feline diseases and ailments, and if you've ever smelt the pervasive odor of an intact tomcat's urine you'll be straight off to the vet without a moments hesitation!

With a male cat (neutering or castration), both testicles are surgically removed. The procedure is done under general anesthetic and for the testes to be removed only tiny incisions are needed, usually with no stitches required. Kittens and adult cats can be neutered starting as young as six months old before puberty strikes, however some claim that the operation can occur at an even younger age than this; consult your vet. Your post-op infertile cat should become less aggressive and territorial, will roam less and, thankfully, won't spray that horrid scented urine! An added benefit is that your tom will not develop testicular cancer and will have a lesser chance of suffering prostate problems.

For female cats (queens), renowned for being very efficient breeders, it is wise to have them spayed by six months of age. In springtime and in households with more than one cat, reproduction can actually occur earlier than this. A cat in heat often displays strange behavior, with distinct howls and pained writhing so be alert to these signs. Spaying or 'ovariohysterectomy', surgically removing the uterus and ovaries, is performed under general anesthesia. The incision in the cat's abdomen is closed up with stitches often needing removal after 10 days. As with toms, de-sexed queens are less likely to develop certain diseases; the chances of having malignant breast cancer or 'pyometra' (uterine infection) are greatly reduced.

Although neutering and spaying are irreversible procedures it is worth reminding that tens of thousands of unwanted cats are put to death each year in the United States alone. Considering this alarming statistic it may be a wise idea to seriously consider having your beloved pet neutered. The procedures are safe, affordable and if any post operative complaints occur it is a simple matter of returning to the Vet for further advice.

Be responsible and have your cat de-sexed and be content in knowing that none of your beloved companion's positive personality traits will be affected.

For more great cat articles, please visit: http://fatherspirit-catablog.blogspot.com/