Clear Answers for Common Questions

The most popular cat breeds are ranked by organizations like the Cat Fanciers Association, which is International in basis, or groups like the Governing Council of The Cat Fancy, a respected group in the UK that is similar to groups for dogs like the Kennel Club. These organizations do not ...

Contrary to popular belief, a calico cat is not a specific breed of cat. It is instead a pattern of coloring that can occur in many breeds, including manx, Persian and domestic short-hair cats. To be considered a calico cat, a cat must be tri-colored, with patches of ...

The Siamese cat is a breed of domestic cat known for its two-tone coloring, or points, on its ears, face, tail and feet. Early, or traditional, Siamese had more of a stocky build almost like the Burmese, while show, or modern, Siamese have a more elongated, sleek look. The ...

The Siberian cat is a medium to long-haired breed of cat native to Russia. It's also called the Russian Siberian Cat or the Russian Forest Cat, and is Russia's national cat. The Siberian breed is at least 100 years old, but it wasn't imported to the ...

A Savannah cat is an exotic-looking new breed of domestic cat. It has large ears, long legs and striking markings that can resemble those of a leopard. The Savannah breed was developed by mating domestic cats with African servals. A serval is a wild cat that lives in open ...

The Persian cat is a very popular breed of domestic cat and is an especially popular show cat. Persian cats are large-bodied with a wide head, widely spaced ears, a short muzzle, rounded cheeks, large eyes and fairly short legs. The Persian cat originated in the Iranian plateau, but ...

The Burmese is a breed of cat that originated in Thailand, once called Siam. There are two types of Burmese breeds: the British and the American. The American Burmese cat has a shorter nose and bulkier shape than the British Burmese. The British Burmese's face is also more angular ...

The Himalayan cat is a mix of Persian and Siamese. It has the Siamese's color points and the Persian's long hair. The Himalayan is considered a type of Persian cat rather than a separate breed. Outside the United States, the Himalayan cat, or "Himmy," is known as a ...

The Hemingway Cats are a colony of polydactyl cats maintained at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida. Many visitors to the museum enjoy interacting with the cats, a living legacy of Hemingway's cat-loving personality, and the staff at the museum are responsible for maintaining ...

Manx cats, named for the Isle of Man where they originated, are a breed of felines that have a natural spinal mutation. This mutation yields a stubby tail or the complete absence of a tail. While Manx cats are known for being completely tailless, many of them do actually have ...

The Sphynx is a rare cat breed that is either hairless or nearly hairless. Some Sphynx cats have more hair than others, but often the only hair this breed has is an almost invisible downy layer of fur and maybe whiskers. The Sphynx cat has a barrel-shaped chest, long ...

The Cornish Rex is a domestic cat breed which is famous for its extremely unusual coat. Cornish Rex cats are highly prized by their owners for their intelligence and affectionate attitudes, and they are widely bred throughout Europe and the United States. Many cat shows feature a Cornish Rex division ...

A Russian Blue is a rare, medium-sized silver-blue colored cat breed. Unlike most breeds of cats, the Russian Blue occurred naturally. It is thought to have originated in the Archangel Island area of Russia and Russian Blues are sometimes called Archangel Cats. The breed is said to have ...

There are a number of humane ways for dealing with stray cats which will keep them out of your yard, ranging from establishing plants which cats generally do not like to working with your neighbors on a stray cat trapping program. In any case, it is important to remember that ...

Male cats spray urine for a variety of reasons, but by and large, they usually merely are trying to communicate with their owners and other cats. The message they want to convey might be about their sexual availability, territory and dominance status or a fight they won. It sometimes occurs ...

It is true that some cats like water, although any individual cat may have a differing opinion. Individual domestic cats may take a shining to water, and several cat breeds are actually famous for enjoying getting wet. Among the big cats, many species also enjoy water, sometimes actively playing with ...

Allergies to cats are widespread and are often cited as some of the most common allergies, with six million Americans suffering from them at some level. Allergies to cats are caused by a protein present in the cats' saliva and dander. This protein is airborne and is inhaled by those ...

Cats shed a great deal, and when the dander in the cat fur becomes airborne, it increasingly bothers people with allergies. There is no single way to eliminate shedding, but there are ways to minimize and manage it. Minimizing shedding will not only help reduce the amount of cat hair ...

Winged cats were first spotted centuries ago, and over the years, many people have thought they could actually fly. Others thought they were merely mythical creatures. The fact is, however, that winged cats really do exist, but they cannot fly and they do not have any kind of magical abilities ...

The Maine Coon cat is a large breed of domestic cat easily recognized by its puffy, squirrel-like tail, tufts of fur at its cheeks and large size. These cats are usually long-haired with a white chest and they have large, rounded paws with tufts of hair between the ...

Mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has many people concerned for their own health. Some have stopped eating beef and sheep altogether in the hopes of not contracting the disease. Though the US government feels reasonably certain that mad cow disease is not currently a problem with US ...

Tortoiseshell cats are cats with coats in which red, black, and cinnamon colorations are all present. They are sometimes referred to as “tri-colors,” referencing the three colors which appear in their coats. When a tortoiseshell also has a great deal of white coloring, it is better known as a ...

A simple formula for measuring dog years is to consider each year as equivalent to seven years of human life. This would make a dog seven at the age of one, in human years, and fourteen at the age of two. There is some dispute regarding how to calculate dog ...

Whether one likes or dislikes cats, it is generally agreed that they are often a nuisance in the garden. While cats do not mean to be harmful, they can uproot plantings and cause other damage by digging or rolling in the garden. Fortunately, there are a number of humane and ...

Some cats seem to be attracted to furniture with a peculiar malice and pleasure. At least it appears that way when a cat is clawing your furniture, or ripping up your carpet with great spirit. As much as you may detest the results of the cat scratching, cats really don ...

A number of vaccines are available to cats, ranging from rabies vaccines to vaccinations against infections like giardia and ringworm. Because cats lead very diverse lives, vaccination schedules for feline vaccines can vary widely, and it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian about the vaccines which would be ...

Most people are familiar with the sound of a cat's purr, and the sound is often referenced as an indicator of contentment or well being. However, as most cat owners are aware, the purr is not restricted to periods of contentment, but will also manifest during times of stress ...

In many English speaking areas of the world, heavy weather is sometimes described “raining cats and dogs,” suggesting that the rain is extremely heavy and rather unpleasant to be out in. A related saying from some parts of England is “raining stair-rods.” There are a number of explanations for ...

Many people think that cats are aloof and believe that they do not care about their owners or miss household humans if they die. This is not the case. These animals form bonds with their owners, and when a human in the home dies, they will mourn his or her ...

Many pet owners wonder if it is possible to train a cat beyond the basics of using a litter box and a car door. Much like cats themselves, the answer is widely varied and depends on the individual. Some cats take readily to learning tricks, while others will obstinately resist ...

Cats have whiskers to help them gather information about the natural world around them. The extremely sensitive tactile hairs are able to detect subtle vibrations and wind currents, and can also be used as a measuring tool to determine whether or not a cat will fit into an opening. Studies ...

There are many types of cat illnesses. One of the most common cat illnesses is arthritis. Arthritis usually affects older cats and causes stiffness and decreased range and fluidity of movement. Unfortunately, no one has discovered a cure for arthritis in cats or in humans, but there are some prescription ...

The Turkish Van is a rare cat breed which originates from the Lake Van area of Turkey. These cats have become famous for their unusual behavior around water: unlike many cat breeds, Turkish Vans actually like water, and some of these cats even enjoy swimming. In Turkey, the Turkish Van ...

The Devon Rex is a very striking and dramatic looking breed of curly haired domestic cat. It has an angular face with large eyes and ears and is sometimes called an alien cat. The cat's build is slender but sturdy. The breed was originated by Beryl Cox of Devonshire ...

In 1987, Suzanna Goodin of Hydro, Oklahoma, decided that she needed an easier way to feed her two cats, Cinnamon and Ginger. They enjoyed canned wet cat food, but Suzanna did not like the mess of feeding them, especially the messy, smelly spoon that has to be washed off after ...

FIV is an acronym for feline immunodeficiency virus, a disease affecting domestic cats and other members of the feline family. FIV is similar to the HIV virus that affects human beings, however FIV only affects cats and cannot be transmitted to people. Unlike feline leukemia, another feline immune disease which ...

Cat toys are a must for every cat. When buying cat toys, your cat's personality and your budget are the two main considerations. The pet industry has all kinds of cat toys to suit every human's finances as well as every feline's fantasy. Mouse toys range from ...

Most cat owners deal with the introduction of new cats into their homes at some point, and many find the event to be accompanied by stress for both people and the new cat. Especially in houses where there is already an existing cat population, introducing a new member of the ...

The black cat, for those who are not superstitious, can only be viewed as the victim of several millennia of smear campaigns. Many cultures have viewed the animal as an unlucky beast, and there are dozens of different superstitious thoughts regarding black cats. The poor ebony furred animal seldom gets ...

Cat worms are intestinal worms which can affect cats. In addition to being a problem for cats, many feline worms can also affect dogs, humans, and other animals. Treating cat worms is important, as worms can cause general ill health and interfere with the function of the cat's immune ...

Many cat owners have struggled with cats that stay awake at night, especially kittens. Since cats are naturally nocturnal animals, this behavior is not unusual, but it can be frustrating. There are a number of ways to encourage a cat to adopt a diurnal sleeping schedule, so that he or ...

A tabby cat is a cat with a tabby coat pattern. This coat pattern can manifest in several ways, depending on the genetics of the individual cat, ranging from the familiar striped tabby to the more exotic agouti tabby. The tabby pattern is accepted in a wide range of breed ...

FeLV is an acronym for Feline Leukemia Virus, a terminal illness affecting all members of the cat family including domestic house pets. Unlike leukemia that affects humans, FeLV is a contagious virus that is spread through cat to cat contact. This condition affects the cat’s immune system by causing ...

A cat carrier is a very useful thing for transporting cats and other small animals in a secure space. Allowing animals to be loose while being moved can result in greater stress for both animals and people, and may allow the animal to escape as well. There are several things ...

From buckles, to break-aways, to bling, there is no shortage of cat collar styles to meet every need! You can get one that matches your kitty's personality or one that is purely utilitarian, a collar that protects your pet from climbing accidents or one that is personalized. Traditional ...

There are a variety of ways to make catnip toys, ranging from simply hand-sewing toys to knitting and felting toys for cats. Hand made catnip toys can make great gifts for cat owners, and they can also save money for people with cats, as they can be made from ...

Is your home a little empty? Are you looking for some excitement? Entertainment? Have you ever thought about adopting a cat? Felines are generally quiet animals, but provide a great deal of laughter and love in their homes. Adopting a cat is one of the best ways to bring one ...

Cat collars are helpful, safe, and decorative bands that clip around a cat's neck. Unlike dog collars, which are used for training and walking on a leash, cat collars are designed to hold identification tags in case your cat gets lost or injured. Of course, they are also fashion ...

Feline acne is a form of acne which occurs in some cats; dogs can also get their own version, known as canine acne. Just like human acne, feline acne has a variety of causes and treatment options, and it may appear only once, or it may plague a cat for ...

If you are planning to adopt a cat, there are several preparatory steps which can help the cat smoothly transition from a shelter to home. One should develop a list of questions to ask the shelter about the cat, and be prepared to spend some time inspecting several cats and ...

A pixie bob is a breed of cat that is very rare and unique, as it is thought to have wild bobcat heritage. Carol Ann Brewer of Washington State is credited with developing the pixie bob breed through mating domestic cats with wild bobcats. In 1995, the pixie bob breed ...

A scratching post is an excellent purchase for both your cat's health and your general level of sanity. Cats with a good scratching post will use the post to condition their claws, rather than doors and furniture, especially if you introduce your cat to a scratching post early. Scratching ...

Cat trees may be the ultimate luxury item for indoor kitties. While the outdoor cat has access to real trees, the indoor cat may miss the ability to climb, to sharpen their claws or to roost high above traffic-congested areas on the floor of the house. An indoor cat ...

Cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease is a relatively rare illness caused by bacteria that cats may carry. The bacteria, Bartonella henselae, is carried by about 40% of cats at some point in their lifetimes, and is transmitted to humans through the scratch or bite of an infected cat ...

Feline urinary blockage is a serious medical problem affecting male cats. It is a urinary tract disorder that falls under the general medical condition known as Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS). A cat that has this condition has an obstruction in his urethra that causes him to be unable to urinate ...

Vaccine-related sarcoma is a very malignant cancer which appears mostly in cats, although it has been documented in dogs and ferrets, as well. This condition is also known as vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS), and a number of nations have set up task forces to monitor cases of vaccine-associated ...