About: Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae that can be spread from cats to humans. Infection occurs via bite wounds or scratches from cats or other objects such as thorns and splinters. |
General Cat Articles
Buying a Pet as a Gift
It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas spirit. We all want to buy presents for our family and friends which will they will love. But before you do go ahead and buy a cat (or any pet for that matter) as a gift, please take the time to honestly answer these questions.
Cats and Holidays – Options For Cat Owners
What are the options of care for my cat when I go on holidays?
There are several options for your cat when you go on holiday. Each option has its pros and cons and needs to be weighed up carefully. There are many factors involved, including the length of time you are going away, cost, your cat’s personality and your own comfort level. Listed below are several options cat owners can investigate.
Common Myths About Cats
If a cat urinates/defecates in the wrong spot, rub his nose in it Misguided owners think they are teaching the cat a lesson by rubbing a cat’s nose in his or her urine/feces and then placing the cat in the litter tray. This has the opposite result; a cat will start to associate punishment with … Read more
Choosing A Litter Tray
Visit any pet store and you will see a vast array of litter trays. From the simple rectangular type (pictured left) to the elaborate. From personal experience, I have found the simpler the litter tray, the better.
Cat Vital Signs-Respiration, Heartbeat and More
Normal Health Ranges in Cats at a Glance
Respiration | 20 to 30 breaths per minute in a cat at rest |
Pulse | 130 to 240 beats per minute |
Temperature | 100 to 103 F (37.7-39.4C) |
Capillary refill time | 1 to 2 seconds |
Gestation period | 61 to 63 days |
Cat Trivia, Facts and Information
Normal cat health values
- A cat’s pulse is between 130 – 240 beats per minute.
- A cat’s gestation is between 61 – 70 days.
- The normal body temperature is 102 degrees F.
- Like humans, kittens have baby teeth, which are replaced with their adult teeth from around six months of age.
- Cats sweat through their paws.
- Cats breathe at a rate of 20 – 30 breaths per minute.
- A female cat is pregnant for approximately 63 days.
Calico and Ginger Cats-Why Are Calicos Female?
Are all tortie and calico cats female?
No, but the vast majority of them are. To understand why we need to look at genetics.
In each cell of the body is a nucleus and within the nucleus is the chromosomes. Cats have 19 pairs of chromosomes, one inherited from the mother, the other inherited from the father.
When Do Kittens Lose Their Baby Teeth?
The kitten’s baby teeth are the cat’s first set of teeth which erupt around the third week. Kittens begin to lose their baby teeth around 3 – 4 months of age to make room for the larger adult (or permanent) teeth.
Bones of the Cat-All About The Cat’s Skeleton
How many bones does a cat have?
The average cat has between 240 – 245 in its body, this may vary a fraction as some cats have slightly more or fewer bones in their tail and, or additional toes (polydactyl). Male cats also have a bone in their penis.