🐈⬛ Feline Friends: Cats
Comprehensive Feline Science Module
🐾 Types of Cats and Breed Groups
Cats come in many breeds with unique characteristics. Breed groups help categorize them based on traits, origins, and care needs.
The most common type of cat, not a formal breed but a category of mixed-breed cats with short coats. Known for adaptability, friendly nature, and wide variety in appearance.
Mixed-breed cats with long, flowing coats. They require regular grooming and often have calm, affectionate temperaments.
Sleek, vocal cats known for intelligence and social behavior. Famous for distinctive color points and striking blue eyes.
Long, luxurious coats with flat faces. Persians are calm, gentle, but require intense grooming.
One of the largest domestic breeds, they have tufted ears and bushy tails, noted for friendly and playful nature.
💡 Fun Fact
The Domestic Shorthair is often called the “moggie” and represents a majority of pet cats worldwide.
🔍 Breed Comparisons
| Group | Size | Temperament | Grooming Needs | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Shorthair | Medium | Adaptable, friendly | Low | Moderate |
| Domestic Longhair | Medium | Calm, affectionate | High | Low to Moderate |
| Siamese | Medium | Vocal, social, intelligent | Low | High |
| Persian | Medium | Gentle, quiet | Very high | Low |
| Maine Coon | Large | Friendly, playful | Moderate | Moderate |
📈 Feline Life Cycle and Development
| Stage | Age Range | Key Developments | Care Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neonatal | 0-2 weeks | Eyes and ears closed, limited mobility, dependent on mother | Constant warmth, feeding every 2-3 hours |
| Transitional | 2-3 weeks | Eyes and ears open, beginning to walk | Introduction to soft food, gentle socialization |
| Socialization | 3-9 weeks | Learning social and environmental cues | Exposure to varied stimuli, human interaction |
| Juvenile | 9 weeks - 6 months | Increased play, teething, independence | Vaccinations, training, diet adjustment |
| Adult | 1-7 years | Physical and behavioral maturity | Maintenance diet, regular veterinary checkups |
| Senior | 7+ years | Decreased activity, potential health issues | Adjusted diet and increased veterinary care |
💡 Important Note
Early socialization between 3-9 weeks is critical for behavior and temperament development in cats.
🍽️ Feline Feeding and Nutrition
| Life Stage | Protein % | Fat % | Calories/kg/day | Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten (0-4 months) | 30-35% | 20-25% | 250-300 | 4 times daily |
| Young Cat (4 months - 1 year) | 28-32% | 18-22% | 200-250 | 3 times daily |
| Adult (1-7 years) | 26-30% | 15-20% | 50-70 | 2 times daily |
| Senior (7+ years) | 24-28% | 12-18% | 40-60 | 2 small meals daily |
| Pregnant/Lactating | 35-40% | 20-25% | 300-350 | Free feeding or 4 times daily |
💡 Feeding Tips
- Always provide fresh water alongside meals.
- Cats are obligate carnivores: high protein diet is essential.
- Avoid toxic foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes.
- Feed portion-controlled meals to prevent obesity.
🛁 Feline Care Essentials
- Grooming: Short-haired cats require weekly brushing, long-haired cats need daily grooming to prevent mats.
- Litter Box: Keep clean and accessible, scoop daily, clean with mild detergent weekly.
- Dental Care: Regular checkups, brushing with feline toothpaste, dental treats.
- Exercise & Enrichment: Provide interactive toys, climbing structures, and playtime.
- Health Monitoring: Watch for changes in appetite, litter habits, grooming behavior, and activity.
🏥 Common Feline Diseases
- Symptoms: Straining to urinate, blood in urine, frequent urination
- Causes: Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, stress
- Treatment: Veterinary diagnosis, diet adjustment, medication
- Cause: Mutation of feline coronavirus
- Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, fluid accumulation in abdomen/chest
- Prognosis: Usually fatal; experimental treatments ongoing
- Transmission: Blood, saliva, and close contact
- Symptoms: Anemia, immune suppression, lymphoma
- Prevention: Vaccination and testing
- Symptoms: Bad breath, drooling, tooth loss
- Prevention: Regular dental care and veterinary cleanings
🎥 Educational Video
❓ Cat Care Quiz
Test your knowledge about feline care!