4th HHP Malaysia Cat Show @ 3rd July 2011

4th HHP Malaysia Cat Show
Date: 3rd July 2011
Venue: The Atria Damansara

check it out what mistakes u has made as a pet's owner

Adopting in Haste

If you "impulse-buy" a new purse or a new t-shirt, you can almost always return it if it turns out to be the wrong color or the fit isn't right. No harm, no foul; the purse certainly doesn't suffer from its rejection. But adopting a living, sentient creature such as a cat and kitten, to become a family member, is entirely a different matter. Adopting a new cat should be for keeps, so consider carefully before you make that decision.
 
Ignorance of the Costs of Responsible Cat Care

Adopting a cat can almost be compared with adopting a child. No responsible adoption agency would release a precious child to someone who was not financially prepared to give him or her the best possible care. While some shelters and cat adoption groups make no such investigation, you owe it to your cat to take care of his basic needs, as well as being prepared for emergencies.

Failure to Spay or Neuter a New Cat

Every day I read pleas for help from people who failed to spay or neuter their cats: male cats spraying every available surface of the house or escaping outdoors to fight other male cats; female cats who keep the household awake with their loud yowling during estrus; and worse yet, "surprise" litters of unwanted kittens. The overwhelming cat population problem society faces is reason alone to spay and neuter. Add the medical problems averted by S/N and there is no reason not to do so.

Neglecting Needed Veterinary Treatment

Although cats may quickly recover from minor illnesses, they can just as quickly die if an emergency isn't recognized. Cats need certain vaccinations, they need annual examinations, and they definitely need and deserve immediate veterinary care when they become sick or injured. Don't delay in choosing (and using) a good veterinarian.

False Economy in Cat Food Choices

Money saved by buying cheap cat food will be spent hundreds of times over on veterinary care. Cats are obligate carnivores, and need a good source of meat protein. They do not need large amounts of grain fillers, especially corn, which is a cheap source of protein used by many cat food manufacturers. Learn how to choose cat food and select the best brands you can afford. You'll find your cat may eat less of the high quality food because they don't have to gorge to get the nutrients they need.

Declawing Without All the Facts

Many an innocent new cat owner has been led down the declaw path when a veterinarian asks, "Do you want your kitten declawed when we spay her?" Some veterinarians consider declawing a "routine" surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary in almost every case. Learn the facts so that you can make an informed decision.

Allowing a Cat to Roam Free Outdoors

Many people believe cats deserve the freedom, fresh air, and sunshine of an outdoor life, while many others can offer proof that cats can be very happy and healthy living totally indoors. That the outdoors offers dangers not found inside simply cannot be debated. Fortunately, there are a number of compromises that will give you and your cat the best of both worlds, while keeping him safe and happy.

Neglecting Litter Box Maintenance

Cats will consistently use a litter box, if it is kept scrupulously clean, and if the litter is not scented or unpleasant to the cats' feet. Carefully maintaining your cat's litter box will almost guarantee you that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems. Caveat: If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the box despite your careful maintenance, you should immediately suspect a urinary tract problem, which is a veterinary emergency.

Considering a Cat Property

When you join the ranks of cat lovers, you'll soon find that we commonly refer to our cats as family members, rather than "pets." While cats may legally be considered "property" in some jurisdictions, the term ends there. You can no more "own" a cat than you can own another human being. If you haven't figured out the distinction by now, your new cat will let you know in quick order. In fact, many cat lovers describe themselves as being owned by their cats!

Not Allowing a Cat to Be a Cat

A cat is not a child, and a cat is not a dog. Cats' unique ways make them the endearing creatures they are. On the other hand, some of their traits may cause frustration because we don't understand their needs. Cats instinctively seek out high places and sharpen their claws because they are cats, not because they are stubborn and disobedient. Our job is to accommodate those needs in acceptable ways.

 

#learn from mistake, have a nice day......

 

Cat Feline Viruses

Feline Calici Virus (FCV)

Feline Calici virus is an upper respiratory cat virus that produces flu-like symptoms in cats. It’s usually spread through contact with saliva or eye and nasal discharge of infected cats. Sometimes it is spread through contact with feces.
Symptoms include lack of appetite, discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, and stiff and painful joints and muscles. Difficulty breathing may occur and cats may develop pneumonia. Calicivirus can resemble feline rhinotracheitis, but the main symptom that differentiates the two is sores in the mouth, on the lips or tongue, or on the tip of the nose. Some strains of feline calici ivirus also cause sores on the feet.
Usually supportive care is all that’s needed to treat calcivirus. Antibiotics may be required if secondary bacterial infections set in. Pain medication may also be needed for joint pain.
There is a vaccine for calcivirus. Cats should be vaccinated as kittens and receive annual booster shots.

Feline Corona Virus (FCV)

Feline corona virus is a virus that causes a serious medical condition called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). It does not cause FIP in all cats, and no one knows why it causes it in some cats but not in others.
Cats exposed to feline corona virus often show no symptoms at all. Others have mild respiratory symptoms. Once they get the virus, they carry it forever, and can pass it to other cats through their saliva or feces.
Like other feline viruses, there is no cure or treatment for feline corona virus. There is also no vaccine.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline infectious peritonitis is triggered by another one of the feline viruses - coronavirus. It isn't clear why 5% to 10% of cats get FIP, but it is believed that either the virus is caused by an immune response to the coronavirus or the virus itself mutates into FIP. The virus can appear weeks or years after the coronavirus appears and is almost always fatal. There is a new treatment out of Europe using feline interferon omega that has helped to either drive the virus into remission or cure a small number of cats.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Despite the name, feline leukemia is not a form of cancer. It is a feline virus that is similar to the HIV virus in people. It affects the immune system, making cats very vulnerable to infections. It is spread through contact with saliva and nasal secretions of infected cats, and also through contact with urine and feces. It is highly contagious.
In the early stages of the disease, there may be few symptoms. In the later stages, there may be many symptoms, including loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Cats may have multiple infections, such as skin infections, bladder infections, and upper respiratory infections. Seizures may occur.
There is no cure for feline leukemia. Cats usually live about two years from the time of diagnosis.
Your cat should be vaccinated for feline leukemia as a kitten and should receive annual booster shots.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

Feline panleukopenia is also known as feline distemper. It is transmitted through contact with urine or feces of an infected cat. Mother cats can also spread the disease to their kittens
Older cats may not show many symptoms but kittens can become severely ill. Symptoms include severe vomiting and severe, bloody diarrhea. Seizures may also occur. Symptoms usually come on very suddenly.
There is no cure for panleukopenia, and it is often fatal. Treatment involves supportive care, which includes subcutaneous fluids, medication for vomiting and diarrhea, and medication for seizures.
Cats should be vaccinated for panleukopenia as kittens and yearly thereafter.

Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus Infection)

Rhinotracheitis is a virus of the upper respiratory system. It’s spread by contact with secretions from an infected cat’s mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms are similar to calcivirus but are usually less severe.
Medical treatment is usually not required. Symptoms generally go away on their own within a week. Sometimes secondary infections set in and antibiotics are required.
Symptoms include loss of appetite, coughing (a cat coughing sounds a lot like a cat trying to bring up a hairball), sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and fever.
There is a vaccine for rhinotracheitis. Some cats will get the virus even if they have been vaccinated, but we still recommend you vaccinate your cat.

Cat Avian Influenza

Cat avian influenza is a rare virus. Like it's name implies it is caught when your cat bites into an infected bird. Symptoms are common to many viruses including weakness, fever, and redness in the eyes (conjunctivitis).
Feline

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

This virus is transmitted through a cat bite. The problem with feline immunodeficiency virus is that your cat can be asymptomatic for years (without symptoms) and then the virus gradually weakens the immune system.

Cat Swine Flu Virus (H1N1)

The first case of cat swine flu has been confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The cat was 13 years old and is the first time the disease has been confirmed in a cat.  For the first time the disease has been passed from a human to a pet.  This was confirmed as a new addition to the list of feline viruses by the University of Iowa.
Symptoms of Cat Swine Flu include lethargy, difficulty breathing and loss of appetite.  To prevent the spread of swine flu to your dog or cat, it is suggested that the same approach used it protect humans is used to protect cats.  This includes humans in the household getting the H1N1 vaccine, frequent hand washing and coughing or sneezing into the bend of the arm.

Care about cat hair

Cat hair care changes based on the length and type of hair. Long hair requires combing while short hair needs less care. Combing and brushing will help avoid hairballs. Diet such as the proper amount of protein intake and vitamins contribute to maintaining a healthy coat.

Care for Different Cat Hair Types

It is a good idea to begin brushing your cat's hair from the time it is a kitten so that your cat gets used to it. This will help remove hair that has been shed that can cause the coat to mat. Brushing contributes to a clean look by stimulating the release of protective oils. It also keeps your cat from ingesting any hairs which leads to hairballs.

Different breeds have different types of hair such as:

Requires long hair brushing with a  (7.5 x 1 inch coarse/fine) to avoid having the hair mat. Groom as frequently as every day to keep the hair from shedding, but not falling off. The teeth of the comb should reach all the way to the skin. You might also want to consider a cat lion cut which keeps the hair short with exception of the face and the mane.

If the hair mats, try gently picking at it with the teeth of the comb. Do not cut the mat out since it is very easy to injure the skin.

You can start buy combing the hair and then finish with a brush. 

• Close Coated: You can care for short or close-coated cat hair by lightly moving a soft chamois over the coat. 
• Short Hair: requires little combing or bathing. Use a bristle brush or a 4 inch fine/medium (also called a greyhound style brush). Brush against the direction of the coat at first and then finish by reversing and brush in the direction of the coat.
  
  Harder brushes help to avoid knows. Softer brushes are good for sleek coats. 
• Mutant - short curly hair or coats that are woolly (eg; require wire pin brushes that are with or without rubber tips. Wire-pin brushes are the preferred choice for cats with medium to long hair and those with curly or woolly coats, such as the Rex breed. Combs also work well for curly coats.
  
  A Flea comb can work well for delicate areas such as the face.

Alternative Cat Hair Brushes

If you cat does not like it when you brush its hair, there are some alternatives.  Each can be purchased by following the links below for approximately $5.

• Grooming Glove This glove is worn on your hand. It has prongs that work as a brush as you stroke your cat. Gentle way to remove lose hair, particularly if your cat sheds.
• Rubber Curry Brush The palm brush is hidden in your palm. The rubber bristles are soft and lets you brush your cat without your cat really knowing. Helps add a sheen to the coat.
• Wall Grooming Comb You can buy a brush that attaches to the wall. Your cat will rub up against the wall and and brush itself. It has a small compartment for catnip which encourages cats to rub against the comb's teeth. Great to catch hair before it sheds.
  
  Another trick is to store brushes in a bag with a few pieces of catnip.

Cat Hair Shedding

All cats shed hair throughout the year. The amount of shedding depends on where the cat lives, nutrition and health. Sunlight and artificial indoor light affects when cats shed with outdoor cats shedding more in the spring and fall and indoor cats shed throughout the year.
Cat hair grows quickly and then slows until it stops. New hair growth then starts pushing out the older hair, causing shedding.
Check your cat's health with a veterinarian if you notice excess shedding.

Cat Hair Health and Nutrition

Protein and Cat Hair Care
The hair itself is made of protein. If your cat's diet doesn't contain enough protein from animal (chicken fat) and plant sources (vegetable oils such as corn and soy), then the hair could be too dry, fall out or feel brittle to the touch.
Most commercial cat foods contain adequate amounts of two fatty omega-6 fatty acids are important for coat health in cats. Linoleic acid helps the coat from becoming dull and dry. It also helps avoid hair loss and greasy skin. Cats also need arachidonic acid for normal skin and coat health.
Kittens require that 30% of the diet be protein and adult cats should have 25-30%. If your cat is getting a balanced diet and you still see problems with his or her coat, then consider a fish oil based fatty acid supplement such as Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet - Gel Caps

Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Cat Hair Care

Vitamins that metabolize protein and contribute to health skin and coats. Most premium commercial cat foods contain adequate amounts of these vitamins:

 * Vitamin A: For growth and repair of skin

*  Vitamin E: Protects skin cells from oxidant damage

*  Vitamin C: Helps heal wounds

* Biotin: Helps the body use protein

* Riboflavin(B2): For fat and protein metabolism

* Zinc: For fat and protein metabolism

* Copper: Part of tissue pigment and protein synthesis

Many owners and holistic veterinarians prefer that the vitamins come from herbal and natural sources. These are some of the herbs to look for:

* Equisetum arvense (Horsetail): Has high silica content essential in the maintenance of healthy and strong skin and fur.

* Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion): Source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese.

* Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina): Has nutritive properties, protein, vitamins (including B12 and folic acid) and carotenoids.

* Fucus vesiculosis: contains minerals, iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Regular use will also promote skin and coat condition.
* Kalium sulphate (Kali. Sulph.): helps cell membranes, and maintain balance in the skin and underlying tissue.

A supplement made for this purpose and that is worth exploring is Skin and Coat Tonic. It has a reputation for helping cats maintain a healthy skin and a glossy coat using a combination of the ingredients listed above.

Cat Hair Loss

Cat hair loss has multiple causes including parasites, illness, allergy and in 10% of cases due to stress. To diagnose feline hair loss your veterinarian will first do an examination to look for a parasitic cause such as fleas or mites (mange). Once these are ruled out they will look for allergies such as from foods or something in your cat's environment.
Feline hair loss can also can be attributed to diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, tyriod disease, and Cushing's disease of the pituitary or endocrine system. Other symptoms that are clues to the reasons for hair loss in cats include excessive urination, excessive appetite and other changes in behavior.

 

add your info about bengal cat!!!!

The Bengal cat breed that is registered today with The International Cat Association, or TICA, had its start in 1963 when a domesticated cat was bred with an Asian leopard cat. For the next 20 years, the offspring of that litter were bred to create a hybrid cat that led to the first Bengal cat litter that was born in the 1980s.

• The Bengal cat has a very dramatic appearance with a short coat that offers clear and distinct rosettes and spots similar to that of a leopard or jaguar. Some Bengal cats may have more of a marbled pattern, though the spots will still be quite prominent throughout the body as well. Bengal cats are larger than most domesticated cats, with some of the male cats weighing more than 15 pounds.

 

Socialization

• Bengal cats are typically very social, always wanting to be with their owners and family.They are usually very good with other pets, provided they are introduced to those pets early in their life.

 

Personality

• The Bengal cat breed is considered to be very affectionate, enjoying the companionship of their owners and family. They are active cats that enjoy being on the go and can be quite rambunctious when in full "play" mode.

 

Considerations

• Bengal cats love to climb and explore their environment, often spending hours jumping from perch to perch and never touching the floor. To keep your Bengal and your belongings safe, you will need to "Bengal" proof your home to ensure nothing gets broken while they are climbing, playing, and exploring.

 

Fun Fact

• Unlike most domesticated cats, many Bengal cats love water and enjoy splashing through puddles or even joining you in the bathtub or shower.

Food you shoudn't FEED your cat

Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Baby food Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats fed baby food for an extended period of time. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts. Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Canned tuna (for human consumption) Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency (see 'Fish' below). Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and nervous system. Citrus oil extracts Can cause vomiting. Dog food If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Fat trimmings Can cause pancreatitis. Fish (raw, canned or cooked) If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Grapes, raisins and currants Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Human vitamin supplements containing iron Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Marijuana Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate. Milk and other dairy products Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products. Moldy or spoiled food, garbage Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Persimmons Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Raw meat May contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Rhubarb leaves Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Salt If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. String Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps (in large amounts) Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Tobacco Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death. Yeast dough Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Petz PowWow 16th & 17th April 2011(Saturday & Sunday) @ The Mines

Login www.petzunleashed.com/blog/articles/events/petz-powwow-16th-17th-april-2011saturday-sunday-program/index.php for the activities' program

Asian Leopard Cat

The Asian leopard cat is a small wild cat found in Southeast Asia. Many experts consider this cat to be an endangered species, though some disagree because there are more than 50,000 left. However, since this number is declining, the Asian leopard cat, is a protected species in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170.

Distribution

The Asian leopard cat has the largest distribution of all cats. They are found throughout forest areas in Taiwan, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Cambodia, Borneo, Laos, Malaysia, Mynamar and Thailand. This wild cat is also sometimes found in India, Korea and Pakistan. The Asian leopard cat's habitat and range varies greatly and includes semi-desert, tropical forest, second-growth woodland, pine forest, scrubland and agricultural regions, especially close to sources of water. These cats can be found in areas that rise up to 3,000 meters.

Behavior, Diet and Habitat

These wild cats are skillful, expert tree climbers. They can also swim quite well, but rarely do so. The Asian leopard cat is nocturnal and spends the daylight hours in caves, dens, cavities under roots and in hollow trees. This cat is also solitary and only interacts with other Asian leopard cats during mating season. These cats are carnivores, but they will often supplement their diet with aquatic prey, grass, poultry and eggs. These cats feed on a variety of several different types of small prey including, insects, small mammals, birds, amphibians and lizards. Asian leopard cats living in the more northern regions may also prey on hares.

Reproduction and Development

After sixty to seventy days of gestation, a female Asian leopard cat typically gives birth to two to three kittens. At birth the kittens weigh an average of 75 to 130 grams and their weight will double by their second week of life. By the time the kittens reach five weeks of age, their weight will be four times what it was at birth. They begin to eat solid food at about four weeks old when their permanent canines come in. Asian leopard cats usually stay together after mating and raise their kittens together for seven to ten months. Kittens reach full maturity at eighteen months.

Date changed!!! : International Cat Show 2011 by MCFA

MCFA has changed the show to new date!!!

New Date : 22, 23 & 24 July 2011

Datails info : http://www.mcfa.com.my/

CAT TRAINING

Cats can get into a cycle of regularly behaving some of the following common problems:

• Excessive meowing
• Aggression
• Destructive chewing
• Clawing at furniture
• Cat urination or avoidance of litter box

Do not try to correct all behavioral problems at the same time, as this is confusing for a cat. It's important to rule out any underlying physical cause of bad behavior before you rebuke your pet. Moreover, you will not attain better behavior by punishing your cat. It's necessary to be patient and persistent during the training period.

Tips to Encourage Good Habits

Consider the following suggestions for cat behavior modification:

• Regularly clean the litter box and replace with fresh litter as your cat might find it dirty and choose to urinate elsewhere. If the behavior still persists your cat might have a urinary tract infection that causes painful urination and requires medical help.
• Build cat scratching posts in places where your cat most frequently scratches. Use catnip to draw your cat to the post rather than your couch.
• Cats don't like sticky surfaces. Try two-sided tape on your furniture or Sticky Paws!® to discourage them from destructive behavior.
• Consider an indoor cat enclosure. Your cat will have exercise to prevent boredom and limited access to the outdoors.
• The key to train your pet is to constantly praise him when he exhibits good behavior. Give them their favorite treats immediately after they perform any praiseworthy actions. They will soon associate the treats to specific behavior and will repeat such behavior.

Commercially available products to help in cat training:

• M.A.X. Scratchers
• Organic Catnip which is pesticide free
• Clicker training to reinforce behavior with a clicker sound
• Soft Paws or caps for your cats claws
• Cat repellent spray to keep them away from select areas

Ensure Cat Has Stimulation to Prevent Boredom

Cats often engage in unpleasant behavior to ward off boredom. Create time to play with your pet and command your cat with a firm ‘NO' for aggressive actions or rough play. If you find your cat or kitten chewing on electric wires or cables, discourage these actions by spraying wires with cat repellent. Give them alternatives for the objects they target and reward them for playing with it. Pet Training Alarms are commercially available to train stubborn pets. However, if your pet suffers from stress or OCD, you should try another approach.
It's important for cat owners to understand normal cat tendencies and make provisions to accommodate habits like scratching, rather than to try and stop them completely. Your training attempts will be rewarded when you give your pet substitutes to pursue their natural activities. In order to gain your cat's attention or reward behavior, food or treats work best.
Do not attempt to battle with your cat's misbehavior as this only causes frustration. Once your vet determines that your cat is in good health, proceed with the handy tips and techniques to reinforce behavior in your cat.