by Nomi Berger
 
There’s long been a stereotypical depiction of cats by diehard dog lovers, who consider canines social and eager to please while finding felines aloof and openly independent.
 
There are, however, several pussycat breeds that defy ALL stereotypes, causing both puzzled dog devotees and cat caretakers to pose the question, “What do you think you are: a dog?”
 
Strangely enough, these kitties possess traits more often associated with doggies, such as sociability and an increased need for affection, an affinity for water and playing fetch, greeting their owners and even learning basic canine commands. And six of these “dog like” breeds are:
 
Turkish Angora: Instantly recognizable by their luxurious white coats, these lavishly furred felines crave attention and affection from everyone. They’re extremely friendly towards strangers, yet remain fiercely loyal to their owners. Famous for being fun loving, they thrive on playing games like fetch, love going swimming, and require frequent social interactions to keep them hap-hap-happy.
 
Maine Coon: The largest and lushest of domestic cats, they often reach the size of a small dog. But their size pales in comparison to their smarts! Thanks to their high intelligence, they’re easy to train and exceptionally good at games. Due to their dexterity, they’re capable of opening doors, turning on lights, and getting food for themselves. And should they ever run out of steam, they morph into the cuddliest teddy bear wannabes.
 
Siamese: These chatty “catties” vocalize even more than the average dog. They possess a vocabulary of sounds that suit their every mood: be it a purr or a growl, a mewl or a meow. And they’re sassy! Tell them “No!” and they’ll promptly respond with the kitty equivalent of “Oh, really?” Besides their ability to banter, they’re also one of the most affectionate breeds and form deep, loving bonds with their owners.
 
Manx: Having originated on the Isle of Man, they’re known for having no tail (the result of a dominant genetic mutation) almost as much as for their ability to bond firmly and fur-ever with their people. Like puppies, they’ll faithfully follow their owners everywhere, never wanting them to be out of sight. They’re also one of the few breeds that enjoy car rides, that are easily leash trained, and that actually growl at intruders, making them fairly effective “guard” cats.
 
Ragdoll: Named for their flip-floppy demeanor when they’re picked up, these cats are remarkably easy to train by using the twin reinforcements of praise and treats. Calm and quiet and adoringly attached to their owners, they cherish being in their company as much as paws-ible, and due to their oh-so-cuddly nature, they’re just naturally compared to a snuggly, cuddly lap dog.
 
Abyssinian: Assigned the title “Athlete” of the feline world, and arrayed in their trademark “ticked” tabby coats, these lithe acrobats LOVE heights and will effortlessly make their way to the highest part of any room. Affectionately called “Aby-grabbys” because of their propensity for taking things that catch their eye, they also love playing with toys, learning tricks, and being the focus of their owners’ universe.
 
 
 

by Nomi Berger
 
As cat owners everywhere can attest, their kitty cat companions are often happiest when engrossed in the satisfying “task” of self-grooming.
 
As a result, they are exceptionally clean and don’t require regular baths. Typically, they have little odor except, perhaps, for a subtle, warm fur smell, which is far from unpleasant.
 
Generally kitties dislike water, and some may be sensitive to the chemicals found in shampoos. And yet, there may be times when you MUST give your finicky feline a bath. Examples: if her coat has come into contact with a toxic substance; if she has rolled in something “suspicious”; if it’s a medical necessity, e.g. if she has ringworm or one of many, other skin conditions.
 
Even “geriatric” cats continue to groom although arthritis may make their joints stiff and sore, making them less efficient at grooming than they once were. Owners of seniors usually find regular brushing sufficient, but in some cases, their kitties’ genital region may not be adequately maintained, and a bath may be needed to keep that area scrupulously clean.
 
Hairless breeds like the Sphynx, Peterbald and Donsky have no fur to absorb the natural oils from their skin, causing their skin to become oily. Regular bathing – at least once a week – is therefore essential to remove that oil, thereby keeping them dry and clean. Daily rubdowns with soft cloths or pet wipes will both help to absorb some of the oil and encourage these cats to begin grooming on their own.
 
Anyone allergic to their kitty companions can also benefit from bathing them on a regular basis.
 
To bathe YOUR best furry friend, always use a shampoo specifically designed for use on cats. Some experts also recommend trimming her claws a day or two ahead of time – for both your sakes!
 
Fill your bathtub or a large laundry tub with approximately 6 inches of WARM water. Carefully wet your cat, apply the shampoo according to the instructions, taking care not to get any in her eyes (it’s wiser to wipe down her face with a dampened washcloth), then rinse her thoroughly with clean water.
 
Remove her from the bath and wrap her in a large, soft towel. Dry her well in a warm room or – if she’ll allow it -- use a hairdryer, taking great care to keep the heat from getting too near her skin. Never allow a freshly bathed and wet cat to go outside; always ensure she’s completely dry first.
 
A less traumatic way to give kitty a bath is by using bran to remove oil and dirt from her coat instead of water. Put 1/2 cup of bran in the microwave or oven (low heat) until it’s JUST warm (about body temperature). Place your cat in a large sink or bathtub and rub/massage the bran into her coat, going AGAINST the direction of the hair growth to ensure it gets UNDER her fur. Leave the bran in for 10 -15 minutes and then brush it out.

by Nomi Berger
 
While most cat owners admit to kissing their cats, some wonder whether or not this passionate practice is, in fact, purr-fectly safe.
 
In the opinion of many vets and animal behaviorists, if your immune system is healthy and kitty is disease and parasite free, then the occasional pussycat peck shouldn’t harm you (there is, however, always a slight risk). That said, it’s never wise to either kiss a sick cat or kiss a healthy one on the mouth.
 
Various diseases can be transmitted from felines to humans, and both can become infected by such common bacteria as Pasteurella, staphylococcus, E. coli, and salmonella -- all of them highly contagious. Ringworm, a common fungal infection, can also spread easily from cats to cat owners and vice versa through direct contact. While not serious, it’s very frustrating to treat, and it can also be passed on to other people and pets.
 
Some research suggests that, like people, cats’ mouths contain certain bacteria that cause gum disease. Not only can gum disease lead to tooth loss, but it can negatively impact many of their internal organs.
 
A brief buss or a series of swift smooches on the top of your puss’s HEAD is the safest option, is just as enjoyable – both for you and your best furry friend -- and carries less risk for the transmission of disease. Fortuitously, felines have scent glands in their cheeks and lips which secrete “feel good” pheromones when they rub up against an object, be it a couch or a counter, the leg of a chair or the leg of a person. And so, KITTY’S version of a kiss -- rubbing her head and face back and forth against YOU -- is her way of transferring her scent markers to your skin, thereby claiming you as “hers.”
 
Always exercise caution when putting your face close to an unfamiliar cat or one who is clearly agitated. The most prudent pet parents will plant kisses only on their own cats, only on their heads, and only when they’re calm and relaxed. They will also ensure that their pets are treated regularly for parasites such as worms and fleas, and are kept up to date on their vaccinations.
 
One final word of caution: those with lowered immune systems, primary or secondary immunodeficiency disorders, pregnant women, and very young children should never kiss cats.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you noticed a change in the color of your cat’s eyes? Does her vision seem impaired? If so, cataracts may be the cause. Although sometimes considered a problem that affects only seniors, age often isn’t the main factor.
 
Others include inflammation from an injury or eye infection, diabetes mellitus (this, however, would be accompanied by increased thirst, frequent urination and weight loss), hypocalcemia (unusually low calcium in the bloodstream), and heredity, which predisposes some breeds -- Persians, Birmans, Himalayans and Domestic Shorthairs among them – to getting cataracts.
 
What, then, is a cataract? It’s a medical condition in which the lens of one or both eyes becomes progressively opaque, thereby preventing light from passing through to the retina. It results in blurred vision, and in many cases, complete loss of sight.
 
If you suspect that your kitty may be developing cataracts, check for the following:
A blue, gray or white layer in one or both eyes
Changes in eye color or the size and shape of pupils
Watery eyes
Clumsiness or unusual walking habits
Sudden reluctance to jump on furniture or climb stairs
Squinting
Trouble recognizing familiar people
Difficulty judging distance
Impaired ability to see in the dark or dimly lit areas
 
Any or several of these symptoms merit an immediate visit to your vet. If cataracts are confirmed, the treatment depends on the cause. Often the goal isn’t to restore any lost sight, but to prevent any secondary problems such as uveitis, glaucoma and retinal detachment. And while the only way to remove cataracts completely is through surgery, some other options can keep them from worsening.
 
Your vet may prescribe eye drops for your kitty to prevent further inflammation and the above-mentioned complications. If the cataracts are the result of a dietary deficiency, your vet may suggest what adjustments to make. Many pet parents, though, choose NOT to treat cataracts since most cats adjust well to impaired vision or blindness, relying on their other senses to “guide” them.
 
But should YOU opt for surgery, the procedures include phacoemulsification (a process where the eye lens is liquefied with ultrasonic waves and the fluids replaced with a balanced salt solution, it has a 90 percent success rate), extracapsular lens extraction and intracapsular lens extraction.
 
As with many conditions, however, prevention is sometimes the best medicine. Routine eye exams by your vet will often catch a problem before it gets worse. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations can help prevent viral infections that affect the lens of the eye. Maintaining kitty on a proper diet, avoiding exposure to toxic substances, and keeping her from fighting with other cats where eye injuries are paws-ible will also help.