🐱 Feline Companions: Cats

Cat Breed Categories

Mutation Breeds:

• Sphynx: Hairless cat due to genetic mutation
  • Requires special skin care and protection from sun
  • Higher body temperature than other cats
  • Needs regular bathing to remove oil buildup
• Scottish Fold: Distinctive folded ears
  • Caused by cartilage mutation affecting ear structure
  • Can develop arthritis due to same cartilage issues
  • Not all kittens in litter will have folded ears
• American Curl: Ears curl backward
  • Different genetic mutation than Scottish Fold
  • Ears begin curling at 3-5 days old
  • Cartilage in ears is firm, not soft

Hybrid Breeds:

• Bengal: Cross with Asian Leopard Cat
  • Highly active and intelligent
  • Distinctive spotted or marbled coat pattern
  • Requires extensive environmental enrichment
• Savannah: Cross with African Serval
  • One of the largest domestic cat breeds
  • Can leap up to 8 feet vertically
  • F1-F3 generations may have special permit requirements
• Chausie: Cross with Jungle Cat
  • Athletic build with long legs
  • Requires high-protein diet
  • Very social and bonds strongly with owners

Feline Health and Vital Signs

Normal Vital Signs:

• Body Temperature: 100.5-102.5°F (38.1-39.2°C)
• Heart Rate: 140-220 beats per minute
  • Faster when stressed or at veterinary visits
  • Can be felt at femoral artery inside hind leg
• Respiratory Rate: 20-30 breaths per minute

Common Health Issues:

• FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease):
  • Includes cystitis, urinary stones, and blockages
  • More serious in male cats due to narrower urethra
  • Can become life-threatening within 24-48 hours if blocked
  • Prevention: adequate water intake, stress reduction
• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper):
  • Caused by feline parvovirus
  • Highly contagious and often fatal
  • Attacks rapidly dividing cells (intestines, bone marrow)
  • Prevented by core vaccination
• Dental Disease:
  • Affects 70% of cats by age 3
  • Can lead to kidney and heart problems
  • Prevention: regular dental cleanings and care

Development and Reproduction:

• Sexual Maturity: 5-9 months of age
  • Can vary by breed (earlier in Siamese, later in Maine Coons)
  • Females called "queens" when intact
  • Males called "toms" when intact
• Kitten Development:
  • Eyes open: 7-10 days
  • Baby teeth emerge: 2-3 weeks
  • Adult teeth: 3.5-6 months
  • Weaning: 8-10 weeks

Lifespan Factors:

• Indoor-only cats: Average 12-18 years
  • Protected from traffic, predators, diseases
  • Some live into their 20s with proper care
• Outdoor cats: Average 2-5 years
  • Higher risk of trauma, infectious diseases
  • Exposure to toxins and parasites

Feline Nutrition and Care

Dietary Requirements:

• Obligate Carnivores: Cats must eat meat
  • Cannot synthesize taurine (essential amino acid)
  • Require pre-formed vitamin A from animal tissue
  • Need arachidonic acid from animal fats
• Water Needs:
  • Naturally low thirst drive (desert ancestry)
  • Wet food provides additional hydration
  • Fountains encourage drinking

Unique Feline Characteristics:

• Grooming: Spend 30-50% of waking hours grooming
• Sleep: Average 12-16 hours per day
• Territorial Marking: Facial pheromone glands for scent marking
• Whiskers: Used for spatial navigation and mood indication