CATS ENSYCLOPEDIA

A HEALTHY CAT

DETECTING PROBLEMS ROUTINE CHECKS
Cats are notorious for hiding any signs of
pain, illness, or injury (see pp. 300–01). In Eyes
the wild, their survival would depend on not Check that the eyes are moist and clean. Gently pull the
showing weakness to avoid attracting the eyelids away from the eye; the conjunctiva (inner lining)
attention of predators. This ruse also means, should be pale pink.
however, that owners might not notice
problems until they have become severe.

If your cat seems more hungry or thirsty
than usual, refuses to eat, or loses weight,
you need to consult a vet. If your cat cries or
strains when passing urine or feces, or has
accidents in the home, it could signify an
internal disorder and may require the
immediate attention of a vet.

Changes in behavior could also indicate
problems. Your cat may be reluctant to
come to you or may hide himself away.
He may be less active or may sleep more
than usual. He may become abnormally
timid or aggressive. Consult the vet
immediately if you notice any of these signs.

ANNUAL CHECK-UPS
Your cat should have a regular health check
at least once a year. The vet will assess his
condition by checking the cat from head to
tail, feeling for any tenderness or lumps. A
booster vaccination may be given. The vet
will also inspect your cat for parasites and
give you advice on administering worming
and flea treatments. Your vet may clip your
cat’s claws, if necessary, especially if he is
a house cat or elderly.

Ears Teeth and gums
Look in the ears. The interior should be clean and pink, Gently lift the lips to check the teeth and gums, and
with no wounds, soreness, discharge, parasites, or dark look inside the mouth. The teeth should be intact
wax. There should be no bad smell. and the gums pale pink.

Cat being weighed Claws Weight
It is important to keep accurate records of a cat’s weight, Press each paw gently to expose the claws; look for Assess your cat’s weight by gently running your hands
since this is a good indicator of general health. Consult the any damaged or missing claws and then check the around his back, ribs, and belly. You should be able
vet if your cat is overweight or loses weight suddenly. skin between the toes for any wounds. to feel your cat’s ribs easily but not see them.

299

CARING FOR YOUR CAT | SIGNS OF ILLNESS

Signs of illness

Cats instinctively hide signs of pain or illness because in the wild signs of
weakness attract the attention of predators. With domestic cats, however,
this behavior can make it hard for owners to recognize problems until
they are severe. Regularly monitor your cat for changes in appearance
or behavior so that you can spot health issues early on.

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS RECOGNIZING HEALTH PROBLEMS
Every cat will experience health problems
during his lifetime. Some complaints, ■ Lethargy, hiding away ■ Change in appetite—eating less, walking away
such as a one-time incident of vomiting or ■ Unusually fast, slow, or difficult breathing from food, voraciously hungry, or having
diarrhea, are not a major cause for concern ■ Sneezing or coughing difficulty eating
and do not require treatment by a vet. Other ■ Open wound, swelling, bleeding ■ Vomiting, or unexplained regurgitation
problems, such as intestinal worms or fleas, ■ Blood in feces, urine, or vomit of undigested food shortly after eating
can be treated easily enough at home, ■ Limping, stiffness, inability to jump ■ Increased thirst
following instructions from your vet. More on to furniture ■ Diarrhea, or difficulty passing a motion
serious disorders requiring urgent veterinary ■ Unintentional weight loss ■ Difficulty passing urine, crying
attention include: repeated vomiting or ■ Unexpected weight gain, especially with ■ Itchiness
diarrhea—often a sign of an underlying a bloated abdomen ■ Abnormal discharge from any orifice
disorder; urinary tract infections or ■ Coat changes, excessive loss of fur
obstructions, which can cause painful
urination; eye problems, such as responsibilities as an owner is to be vigilant, or in pain. Lethargy is also often linked
conjunctivitis or a visible third eyelid; keeping an eye out for any changes in your to obesity, so it may disappear when a cat
abscesses from fights with other cats; cat’s routines and behavior that might loses his excess weight.
and dental problems that prevent eating. suggest he needs veterinary attention.
Changes in appetite are usually a sign of
WARNING SIGNS Lethargy is difficult to spot because cats an underlying condition. Loss of appetite
Cats tend to suffer in silence and do not generally spend much of their time sleeping may be due to mouth pain, such as toothache,
draw attention to themselves when they or resting, but decreased levels of activity, or a more serious illness, such as kidney
are feeling vulnerable. One of your including a reluctance to jump, and reduced failure. Weight loss despite an increased
alertness are often signs that your cat is sick appetite, together with increased urination
and increased thirst, may be the result of an
overactive thyroid or diabetes mellitus.

Abnormal or labored breathing may
occur after a chest injury or as a result
of an obstruction in the airway, an upper
respiratory tract infection, or shock.
Wheezing may be due to asthma or
bronchitis. Breathing difficulties always
require an emergency trip to the vet.

Dehydration is life-threatening and
has various causes, including vomiting,
diarrhea, increased urination, and
heatstroke. You can perform a simple
test to check if your cat is dehydrated.
Gently lift up the skin on the back of

Not hungry
It is a cause for concern when a cat that normally
has a good appetite loses interest in food. He may
be in pain or have an illness requiring prompt
veterinary attention.

300

SIGNS OF ILLNESS

Changes in behavior
Illness in a cat may not be immediately obvious, but you
can pick up clues from his behavior. If an active cat
becomes lethargic, or a lazy one is less responsive than
usual to attention, there may be a health problem.

his neck. If the skin springs back into (see pp. 276–79). Neglect of self-grooming, Time for the vet
position, your cat is healthy, but if it changes in coat texture, fur loss, and a If you are worried about your cat’s health, do not hesitate
returns slowly this is a sign of dehydration. refusal to use the litter box can also be to get in touch with a vet. In the event of sudden severe
Feel the gums with a finger—dry, tacky signs that all is not well with your cat. illness or a serious injury, call the practice immediately so
gums also indicate dehydration. Emergency that the staff can be ready when you bring the cat in.
rehydration involves a vet injecting fluids RECOGNIZING AN EMERGENCY
under the skin or directly into a vein. If you suspect your cat has a serious health ■ Seizures
problem, acting quickly can mean the ■ Rapid breathing, panting, or struggling
The color of a cat’s gums can indicate difference between life and death. Keep for breath
good health or one of several serious the telephone numbers for your vet and the ■ Fast or weak pulse—feel the inner side
disorders. A healthy cat has pink gums. emergency vet service where you can easily of a back leg, near the groin area (a normal
Pale or white gums indicate shock, anemia, find them. Call a vet immediately if your pulse is 110–180 beats per minute)
or blood loss; yellow gums are a sign of cat has any of the following signs: ■ Hot or cold temperature—feel the ears
jaundice; red gums are caused by carbon- ■ Loss of consciousness (always check to and pads of the paws
monoxide poisoning, fever, or bleeding make sure the airway is not obstructed) ■ Pale gums
in the mouth; blue gums suggest poor ■ Limping, difficulty in walking, or paralysis
oxygenation of the blood. ■ Difficulty in standing, or collapse
■ Serious injuries—a cat that has had an
Other indicators of poor health include accident should be seen by a vet even if there
lumps on the skin, which you can check are no visible injuries, since there could be
for regularly during grooming sessions internal bleeding

Checking gums
Changes in gum color indicate changes in health. Ask
your vet to explain the correct way to examine a cat’s
gums and teeth, and make regular mouth checks part
of your pet’s normal care and hygiene routine.

301

CARING FOR YOUR CAT | HEALTH AND CARE

Health and care

Your greatest responsibility as a cat owner is the health of your pet. It is
up to you to ensure that your pet has regular vaccinations and check-ups
with a vet and recognize any changes in his body or behavior that may
require a trip to the vet. Educate yourself about common disorders and
learn how to care for your cat when he is ill, recovering from surgery,
or in the case of an emergency.

Every cat will experience health problems PARASITES AND DISEASES Some parasites live in a cat’s internal body
during his lifetime. However, cats tend to Some health issues—such as external tissues, usually in the intestines, but also in
suffer in silence and do not draw attention and internal parasites, infectious diseases, other areas, such as the lungs. Your vet will
to themselves when feeling vulnerable. and tooth and gum disorders—are easily prescribe medicine or suggest a treatment
Keep an eye out for any changes in your dealt with if caught early. for external or internal parasites, and may
cat’s routines and behavior, such as also advise on preventative medication.
lethargy or changes in appetite, which External parasites, also called
might suggest he needs veterinary attention. ectoparasites, are tiny creatures—such Your cat may catch infectious diseases
Regular home checks (see pp. 300–01) will as fleas, ticks, and a variety of mites— from the environment or from other cats.
help you spot common signs of illness or that infest a cat’s skin. Saliva from their Although these diseases can be serious,
discomfort, but your cat will also need bites can irritate the skin, and some especially in older cats or kittens,
annual check-ups from a vet, and some parasites, such as tapeworm, can also vaccinations will help to protect your pet.
conditions will require additional tests. transmit infections. Ticks are sometimes Cats kept in large groups or those that come
carriers of Lyme disease. into contact with other cats can pick up
infections from fighting, mutual grooming,
or from sharing litter boxes and food bowls.

Cats use their mouths for eating and for
grooming themselves. The mouth usually
keeps itself healthy by producing saliva, but
regular checks and even brushing the teeth will
prevent problems such as a buildup of plaque.

DISORDERS AND INJURIES
If you notice any signs of injury or illness,
contact your vet. Only give your cat medicine
prescribed by a vet and follow instructions
carefully. Serious disorders that require
urgent veterinary attention include repeated
vomiting or diarrhea; urinary tract infections;
eye problems, such as conjunctivitis or a
visible third eyelid; skin abscesses; and dental
problems that prevent your cat from eating.

Disorders and injuries may affect the
structures of the eye or the eyelids, or both.
All eye problems in a cat need prompt
investigation by a vet, since even minor
disorders can become sight threatening
if left untreated.

Excessive scratching
If your cat excessively scratches or licks himself, it may
be an indication of a skin or coat disorder. Scratching
may further aggravate itchy skin, and bacteria on the
cat’s claws can infect the affected area.

302

HEALTH AND CARE

Parasites FLEA TICK EAR MITE HARVEST MITE
Cats can easily pick
up parasites from their
environment or from
other cats. The four most
common external parasites
are shown here.

A wide range of ear problems can affect CHECK-UPS AND TESTS Blood tests
cats, from external injuries to disorders It is good practice to ensure The vet may take blood samples to detect an
of the inner ear that can cause issues with that your cat has routine underlying illness for a range of symptoms—for
balance. Cats can also suffer from deafness check-ups, possibly twice a example, seizures as a result of epilepsy—or to
due to genetic disorders. year in his old age. The vet diagnose diabetes.
will assess his condition by
Cats by nature keep their coat and skin checking his ears, eyes, teeth, Hormones are body chemicals that control
healthy by grooming themselves. However, gums, heartbeat, breathing, particular functions. They are produced
skin disorders can still affect them. Symptoms and weight, and feel all over by glands and carried in the bloodstream.
such as flaky skin or greasy coat are usually for abnormalities. The vet may Any over- or underproduction of hormones
easy to spot, and will need prompt attention recommend additional tests may cause disorders, such as diabetes
from a vet. to diagnose some disorders. mellitus and hyperthyroidism.

The digestive system of a cat breaks down Inherited disorders (see
food, releasing nutrients to be converted into pp. 296–97) may be
energy by the body’s cells. Any problem with associated with certain
the cat’s eating, digestion, or waste elimination breeds. Screening tests may be
can have an overall impact on his health. available for some genetic disorders.

Abnormal or labored breathing may Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
occur after a chest injury or as a result of include injuries such as fractures and torn
an obstruction in the airway, an upper ligaments, but cats may also develop arthritis.
respiratory tract infection, or shock. If your vet suspects the presence of a
Wheezing may be due to asthma or musculoskeletal problem, your cat may
bronchitis. Breathing difficulties always be sent for a scan or an X-ray.
require an emergency trip to the vet.
Problems with a cat’s heart, blood vessels,
If your cat is injured, you may need to or red blood cells can cause weakness or
administer first aid (see pp. 304–05) as an even make the cat collapse.
emergency measure before seeing the vet.

Giving ear drops
Ear drops may be prescribed to treat an infection.
To administer the drops, hold the cat’s head so that
the ear that is to be treated faces upward. Squeeze
in the drops, then massage the base of the ear.

Medicine for constipation
Laxatives, which relieve constipation, may be supplied
as a paste, gel, or liquid, which you feed to your cat on
your finger or by syringe. Only vet-prescribed medicine
should be given to the cat.

303

CARING FOR YOUR CAT | HEALTH AND CARE

HANDLING AN INJURED CAT To stop bleeding, apply pressure on the Overheating
Check the cat for broken bones and open wound with a gauze pad or clean cloth A greenhouse, sun room, or a room with big windows can
wounds or bleeding, but try not to move soaked in clean, cold water. Do not use get very hot in direct sunlight. A cat trapped in a room like
him. Take care—even the most loving pet tissue because it will stick to the wound. this will be at risk of heat stroke.
may bite or lash out if it is in severe pain. If the bleeding does not stop after two
minutes, cover the wound with a clean, it in place for your vet to treat. For an eye
If the cat has a fracture or severe wound, dry pad (or cloth) and bandage in place. wound, cover the eye with a gauze pad and
lay him on a blanket with the injury tape in place.
uppermost and wrap the wound up gently. For very heavy bleeding or a severe
Do not try to splint broken bones yourself. wound, keep the material in place, even if If you find your cat unconscious, make
it becomes soaked with blood, until you see sure his airway is not obstructed, listen
If your cat has a hemorrhage (severe the vet. Removing an object embedded in and look for breathing, and feel for a pulse
bleeding), raise the bleeding area above the a wound could cause more bleeding—leave with a finger on one of the femoral arteries,
level of the cat’s heart, if possible, and apply which can be found on the inner side of
direct pressure with a pad of cloth to stem his hind legs, where they meet the groin.
the blood flow. If there is no breathing, attempt artificial
respiration by gently blowing air into your
Lift the cat carefully, with one hand under cat’s lungs down the nostrils. If there is no
the shoulders and the other under the hips, heartbeat, alternate two breaths of artificial
and place him in a carrier. respiration with 30 chest compressions at
two compressions per second. Keep this
FIRST AID up for 10 minutes, after which time it is
If your cat is injured, you may need to unlikely to be successful.
administer first aid before he has a chance to
be seen by a vet. Wounds that are bleeding MINOR WOUNDS
profusely need prompt veterinary attention, Small cuts and grazes can be treated at
as do bites and scratches from other animals home. Look for bleeding, moist fur, or a
(since these could become infected). scab, or the cat licking an area intensely.
Remember to call the vet before leaving.

Treating shock
A cat in shock may suffer
from heat loss. Wrap him
loosely in a blanket or fleece
until he is assessed by a vet.

HEALTH AND CARE

NORMAL VITAL SIGNS Bandaged leg
A leg wound should be bandaged by a vet.
Temperature 100.5–102.5°F (38–39°C) Keep your cat inside if he has a bandaged
Pulse 110–180 beats per minute limb. If the dressing becomes dirty, wet,
Respirations 20–30 per minute loose, or uncomfortable, take your cat
Capillary Less than two seconds back to the vet for it to be changed.
refill time*
*Time for gum to regain pink becomes unsteady on his feet.
color after being blanched by If your cat goes into shock,
gentle pressure with finger take him to the vet immediately.

Gently wipe away blood and dirt using For a bee sting, bathe the problems in the intestines. A
a cotton ball moistened in saline solution— area in baking soda choking cat will cough, drool,
a teaspoon of salt stirred into 2 cups mixed in warm water. A and gag, and paw frantically at
(500ml) of clean, warm water. Cut wasp sting should be bathed its mouth. If the airway is blocked, the cat
away hair around the wound using with vinegar diluted in water. will struggle to breathe and may pass out.
blunt-ended scissors.
Most cats will suffer only minor irritation Call the vet and take the cat in. Wrap the cat
Small skin wounds can sometimes occur from small biting insects, such as mosquitoes in a towel. Holding the top of the head with
with more extensive internal damage. and gnats. However, some cats may suffer a one hand, open the lower jaw with the other.
Check for heat, swelling, or discolored severe allergic reaction to mosquitoes. If Look inside the mouth. If the object is easy
skin around the wound, and watch for your cat is hypersensitive to mosquito bites, to dislodge, try to remove it with tweezers.
signs of pain or shock. Small wounds can prevent exposure to these flying insects by
also become infected, so look for signs of keeping the cat indoors at dawn and dusk. Cats may ingest poisons from prey animals,
abscess formation, such as swelling and pus. toxic plants, household chemicals, medicines,
VENOMOUS ANIMALS or even some human foods. If you think your
BURNS Cats may be bitten by other cats, but cat has been poisoned, even if he is showing
Cats may suffer burns from fires, hot surfaces, bites from venomous animals can be no signs, contact your vet. If you see any signs
scalding liquids, electrical appliances, or more serious. Dangers from snakes, of poisoning, take the cat to the vet, together
chemicals. These injuries can be very serious, toads, scorpions, and spiders vary between with a sample of what he has swallowed.
with damage to deep tissues, and they countries. Venomous snakes found in the US
require urgent veterinary attention. include rattlesnakes, copperheads, water INJURIES AND SHOCK
moccasins, and coral snakes. Captive exotic
For a burn or scald, remove the cat from reptiles can also be a hazard. A cat that has had an accident, such as being hit
the heat source without endangering yourself. by a car, should be seen by a vet even if he has
Flood the affected area with clean, cold Snake bites can cause serious swelling, no visible injuries, since there could be internal
water for at least 10 minutes, then cover nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, and are bleeding, which can lead to shock. Shock is a
it with a moist sterile dressing. Keep the potentially fatal; your cat may lick the area, life-threatening condition in which there is
cat warm during the journey to the vet. and you may see two puncture wounds in reduced blood flow, and tissues become starved
the skin. Some snake vaccines are available, of nutrients. Symptoms of shock include irregular
If your cat has been electrocuted (for although even if your cat has been breathing, anxiety, pale or blue gums, and a
example, by chewing through a power vaccinated a snake bite is an emergency. lowered body temperature. A cat in shock
cord), turn off the power first, or use a should be kept warm and the hindquarters
wooden broom handle to move the power Some toad species secrete toxins on to elevated to increase blood flow to the brain
source away from the cat. Perform first their skin, which can cause inflammation while you take him to a vet.
aid and take the cat to the vet immediately. in a cat’s mouth and perhaps retching.
X-RAY OF A CAT’S
For chemical burns, call the vet at once If your cat has been affected, call the HIND LIMB
and say which chemical is responsible. If the vet immediately and report what kind
vet advises rinsing, put on rubber gloves to of animal was involved (or take a photo
avoid contaminating yourself, and flush the if you can) so that the vet can obtain
area carefully with water. the correct antivenom. The cat should
be taken to the vet as soon as possible.
STINGS AND BITES
If your cat has been stung, move him away CHOKING AND POISONING
from any other bees or wasps to avoid further Cats can choke on a variety of objects. Some
stings. Call the vet for advice, and take the objects, such as bird bones, may get wedged
cat in if he develops breathing difficulties or in the mouth; others, such as pebbles, may
block the throat (airway). Items such as
ribbon, string, or thread can get tangled
around the tongue or, if swallowed, cause

305

CARING FOR YOUR CAT | HEALTH AND CARE

CREATING A SICK ROOM Safe space while you insert the pill (see panel, opposite).
You will need to keep a sick or injured cat A wire crate should be large enough to let the cat walk If you are on your own, immobilize your
indoors so that you can easily monitor him. around. Line it with newspaper, and add food, a water cat by wrapping him in a towel, leaving
Keep your cat confined in a warm, quiet bowl, a bed, and a litter box. his head exposed.
room or even in a wire crate. Provide food
and water, and a litter box in an area away likely not enjoy being handled in the early Liquid medicines are also widely available
from the food. Make up a warm bed on stages of convalescence. Stroke or pet your and should be instilled into the mouth,
the floor for easy access; you can use a cat only if he clearly wants the attention. between the back teeth and cheek, using a
cardboard box, which can easily be replaced Provide him with a warm bed, where he plastic medicine dropper or a plastic syringe
if soiled. Cut one side away, line the bottom can be left in peace to recuperate. without a needle. Drops for the eyes or
with newspaper, and add cozy blankets and ears can be administered while gently
perhaps a hot-water bottle. ADMINISTERING MEDICINE immobilizing your cat’s head. Make sure
Only give your cat medicine that has been that the dropper does not ever come into
Check on your cat regularly and change prescribed by a vet. It is also essential contact with his eyes or ears.
the bedding if it becomes soiled. If you have both to follow your vet’s directions on
an outdoor cat, make sure he is kept indoors giving medication and to complete the full If your cat is completely resistant to
during his recovery and has easy access to course, especially with antibiotics. If you are being given any kind of medicine at home,
bowls of water and a litter box. unsure, ask your vet to demonstrate how take him to your veterinarian each day
to administer eye or ear drops or dose the or have him kept at the practice until the
HANDLING YOUR CAT cat with a syringe (see p. 303). course of treatment is over.
A sick or injured cat may want to hide himself
away and try to avoid the extra stress of You can try hiding a pill in a ball of meat FOOD AND CARE
having medicine or other treatment. Handle or mold a sticky treat around it, but A cat may lose interest in food when sick
your cat gently and in a calm, unhurried, only if your cat is allowed or if his sense of smell is impaired. Call a
and confident way—any anxiety on your part to take food with his vet if your cat has gone for more than
could make him stressed and uncooperative. medicine. If not, or if a day without eating, especially if he is
Your cat may feel comforted if you spend he rejects or coughs overweight, since lack of food can harm the
time just talking quietly to him and petting up the pill, you will liver. Let food come to room temperature,
him (if he will accept this), so that he does not need to place it in his or warm it slightly in the oven, to increase
associate you solely with receiving medicine. mouth. This is best its smell and make it more appetizing.
done with a helper In addition, offer small pieces of strong-
If your cat is ill or recovering from surgery to hold your cat smelling, tasty foods. If your cat is
or an accident, you must resist the temptation struggling to eat properly, you may
to stroke and cuddle him. He will most Caring for a need to feed him by hand.
convalescing cat
Provide a cozy bed, in If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea,
a quiet location, with a call your vet. To prevent your cat from
microwavable heating becoming dehydrated, offer a teaspoon
pad or a hot-water bottle every hour of bland food such as poached
wrapped in a towel. skinned chicken or an appropriate
prescription diet. Once the gastric upset
ceases, you can gradually increase portion
size and keep your cat on this diet for three
or four days, before weaning back to normal
meals. Provide your cat with cooled, boiled
drinking water at all times.

Your cat may need help with grooming.
In particular, wipe away discharge from
the eyes, keep the nose and mouth clean
to help the cat breathe and smell food, and
clean under the tail if the cat has diarrhea.
Use a cotton wool ball moistened in clean,
warm water. For itchy skin or minor wounds,
bathe the area with saline solution—a
teaspoon of salt dissolved in 2 cups (500ml)
of warm water. If the cat resists, wrap him
in a towel, leaving the sore part exposed.

306

HEALTH AND CARE

Elizabethan collar GIVING A PILL Medication should always be given by a responsible adult. Give the pill
After surgery your cat may have to wear an cone collar for by hand to make sure the cat swallows it and that other pets do not take it. It may help
several days to prevent him from licking or chewing a wound to crush the pill into a small amount of tasty food. Do not let your cat feel cornered during
that may have been stitched. the process, and reward him with praise and a treat once he has taken the medication.

AFTER AN OPERATION 1 Hold your cat’s head with 2 Grip your cat’s head with 3 Place the pill as far back
A cat that has had a general anesthetic may your forefinger and thumb one hand, and with the other as possible on his tongue
be groggy for a while. Stay with him until on either side of his mouth. hand keep his jaws open. If the to trigger swallowing. Give
he is fully alert. Keep him indoors until any Gently tilt his head back and cat resists, get a helper to hold him gentle encouragement
surgical wound has healed and dressings or ease open his jaws. the head while you give the pill. while doing so.
stitches have been removed. Your vet may fit
a cone to prevent your cat from worrying at
a wound, and you may have to remove this
to let the cat eat. For small wounds on the
limbs, the vet may cover the area with
“anti-lick” strips impregnated with a taste
that cats dislike. Check a dressing or a plaster
cast several times a day to ensure it is clean
and dry. If the cat seems in pain, or if the
wound looks sore or has a discharge when
you change the dressing, contact your vet.

307

CARING FOR YOUR CAT | THE AGING CAT

The aging cat

Most well-cared-for pet cats can live to age 14 or 15, with some
occasionally reaching 20. Life expectancy is increasing due to
advances in disease prevention, a better understanding of diet,
improved drugs and treatments, and more cats being kept
indoors away from traffic hazards.

SENIOR YEARS Catering for a smaller appetite day. If he seems less interested in eating,
By about age 10, your cat may begin to Many older cats lose the robust appetite of their youth. try warmer or tastier foods to tempt him.
show signs of aging: weight loss (or gain), To ensure that your senior maintains a healthy intake of It is also helpful to weigh your cat every
deteriorating eyesight, dental disease, nutrients, you may have to tempt him to eat by offering two weeks; older cats can gain excess
a decrease in mobility, less fastidious frequent small meals and a few extra tasty treats. weight due to inactivity, or lose weight due
grooming, and a thinner, less shiny coat. to difficulty with eating or conditions such
His personality may change, too, with your will supply the correct nutrients for the as hyperthyroidism, a common hormonal
cat becoming easily irritated and noisier, changes in your cat’s metabolism and disorder in seniors.
especially at night. As a senior, he may digestive processes. Your cat may prefer
occasionally feel disorientated and relieve to eat smaller meals more often during the As your cat’s body becomes less supple, he
himself outside the litter box. may need help with grooming hard-to-reach
places. Gentle brushing a few times a week
The older cat will need more frequent will keep him clean and make him more
health checks. You may want to start comfortable. His claws can grow harder
increasing his routine visits to the vet to with age and become overgrown if he is not
twice a year. Many veterinary practices very active, so clip them regularly or ask
now offer clinics for older cats, to detect and your vet to do it for you.
deal with age-related problems. There are
many treatments now available to help If your cat is not as agile as he used to be,
manage chronic conditions—even senility. make sure he doesn’t have to jump up to
reach his food and water bowls. Keep bowls
HOME CARE and litter boxes on each floor of the house,
You may need to make adaptations to your in quiet places where he won’t be disturbed.
cat’s diet and living conditions to maximize Use boxes or furniture to make “stepping-
his comfort and well-being as he ages. Your stones,” so that he can still reach his favorite
vet may recommend a “senior” diet, which perches or windowsills.

COMPARING LIFESPANS Have several warm, comfortable cat
beds around your home, in places where
It is popularly said that one year of a cat’s life kittens, which is a far more advanced stage of your cat already enjoys sleeping, so that he
equates to seven years of a human’s. But this is maturity than that of a seven-year-old child. By does not have to go far to find a cozy corner.
not a reliable comparison, particularly since life about three years of age, a cat is roughly equivalent If your cat is having trouble with soiling, use
expectancy for pet cats has risen in recent years. to a person in their early 40s. Each cat year from washable beds or cardboard boxes lined
It also does not take into account the very different then on corresponds to about three human years. with newspaper that can be thrown away.
rates at which cats and humans develop into Use the chart below to find an approximate
adulthood: a one-year-old cat can breed and raise “human age” for your cat. Even if your cat still prefers to urinate
and defecate outdoors, it is wise to have
CAT YEARS litter boxes in the house. Older cats are
often less willing to go outdoors, either
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 because they want to avoid confrontation
with other cats or because they no longer
0 24 36 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75 78 81 84 87 90 93 have the urge to hunt and explore.

HUMAN YEARS Even an old cat still likes to have fun, so
provide him with toys. Playing with your cat
helps to keep his mind active and lets him
express his natural instincts, although you
will have to play more gently than before.

308

THE AGING CAT

Getting around
Going up and down stairs can be a big
effort for an elderly cat whose joints are
beginning to stiffen. Make sure your
senior pet has access to bowls, beds,
and keep litter boxes on all floors.

WARNING SIGNS In contrast, if your cat is obviously hungry climb stairs. Elderly cats may also lose
You need to keep a closer eye on an older but turns away from certain foods vision, causing them to bump into things
cat to detect any alterations in his normal (especially hard foods), or paws at his or misjudge heights.
habits. In particular, let your vet know if mouth, he may have problems with loose
you notice any of the following changes. or painful teeth or difficulty swallowing. A cat that is feeling very sick or showing
signs of dementia may become more
Watch for any increase in appetite, with Increased thirst may cause your cat to use withdrawn or aggressive, hide away,
your cat seeming ravenously hungry but the litter box more than usual and to start or meow more than usual.
losing weight even with regular meals. drinking from odd places such as ponds and
bathroom faucets. An elderly cat may also EUTHANASIA
become dehydrated. Check by grasping the For a very old or sick cat, sometimes the
scruff of the neck and letting go. The skin kindest thing to do is to give him a dignified,
should fall back instantly; if it does not, peaceful ending. Euthanasia is usually
the cat may not be getting enough liquid. carried out in a veterinary practice, but
it can be done at home (you will need to
Alert your vet promptly if your cat is book in advance). The vet will give an
straining or crying when he passes feces injection of anesthetic—in effect, an
or urine, or if he starts having “accidents” overdose—into a front leg vein. The
in the home. He may need investigations procedure is painless and the cat will
for bowel or bladder disorders. become unconscious before passing away.
There may be involuntary movements, and
Many older cats develop stiff joints or the bladder or bowels may empty.
arthritis that cause difficulty with running
and jumping, and your cat may struggle to You can ask for your cat to be cremated,
or take the body home. Many owners wish
Unusual drinking habits to bury their pet in the yard, perhaps in one
Let your vet know if your cat is drinking more water of his favorite places, while others opt for
than usual, including from puddles or dripping faucets. burial in a pet cemetery.
Excessive thirst may be due to any one of various
disorders commonly found in older cats.

309

GLOSSARY

Glossary

Familiar shape Pinna (external CHOCOLATE—Pale to medium-brown
All cats have the same basic body design, part of ear) coat color.
although some natural variations do occur.
Selective breeding has further developed Back Cheek CHROMOSOME—Threadlike structure
some variations, such as short-legged Neck within a cell nucleus, containing genes arranged
breeds and bobtails. along a strand of DNA. Domestic cats have
38 chromosomes arranged in 19 corresponding
Base of tail pairs (humans have 46, arranged in 23 pairs).

CLASSIC TABBY—see Tabby

COBBY—UK term to describe compact,
muscular, heavy-boned body type.

COLORPOINT—see Pointed

Whisker CROSSBREED—see Hybrid, also cross of
pad two different breeds.

Chest CURLED EARS—Ears that curve backward,
as in the American Curl.

Abdomen Foreleg DILUTE/DILUTION—Paler version of a
Paw color caused by the dilution gene, for example,
when black becomes blue and red becomes cream.

DOMESTIC CAT—Any member of Felis
silvestris catus, pedigree or mixed breed. Also
commonly known as a housecat.

ALBINISM—Lack of the pigment that gives BREAK—see Stop DOMINANT—Describes a gene inherited from
color to skin, hair, and eyes. In cats, true one parent that overrides the effect of a recessive
albinism is very rare, but partial albinism gives BREECHES—In longhaired cats, extra-long gene inherited from the other parent. For example,
rise to pointed coat patterns, as in the Siamese, hair on the upper back part of the hind legs. the gene for a tabby coat is dominant.
and color variations such as silver tabby.
BREED STANDARD—Detailed description DOWN—Short, soft, fine hairs that form
ALMOND-SHAPED EYES—Oval eyes produced by a cat registry that defines the an undercoat in some breeds.
with flattened corners, seen in breeds such required standards for a pedigree cat’s
as the Abyssinian and Siamese. conformation, coat, and color. DOUBLE COAT—Fur consisting of a thick,
soft undercoat covered by a protective topcoat
AWN HAIRS—Slightly longer bristly hairs CALICO—Tortoiseshell with a high proportion of longer guard hairs.
that, together with the soft down hairs, of white fur; known as tortie and white in the UK.
constitute the undercoat. FAMILY—The taxonomic rank Family, as
CAMEO—Red, or its dilute form cream, where in Family Felidae, belongs to Order Carnivora
BICOLOR—Coat pattern combining white white covers two-thirds of the hair shaft. and Class Mammalia. All animals fit into a
with another color. taxonomic hierarchy that becomes more exclusive
CARNIVORE—Meat-eating animal. as you move from class to order, then family,
BLOTCHED TABBY—Alternative term for genus, and species level.
Classic Tabby. CAT FANCIER—Enthusiast for breeding
and showing pedigree cats. FEATHERING—Longer hair on areas such
BLUE—Light to medium-gray coat color, as legs, feet, and tail.
a dilute form of black. Blue-only cat CAT REGISTRY—Organization that sets breed
breeds include the Russian Blue, Korat, standards and registers the pedigrees of cats. FERAL—Describing a domesticated species
and Chartreux. that has reverted to a wild state.
CFA—The Cat Fanciers’ Association, the
BRACELETS—Dark horizontal bands on world’s largest registry of pedigree cats, FIFe—Fédération Internationale Féline, the
the legs of a tabby cat. based in North America. leading European federation of cat registries.

310

GLOSSARY

FOLDED EARS—Ears that fold forward PATCHED TABBY—Tortoiseshell with STOP—Indentation between the muzzle and
and downward, seen in breeds such as the tabby markings. the top of the head; also known as a break.
Scottish Fold.
PEDIGREE—Purebred. TABBY—Genetically dominant coat pattern
GCCF—The Governing Council of the that comes in four types: Classic tabby has a
Cat Fancy, the leading organization for the POINTED—Coat pattern in which a cat has blotched or whorled pattern; Mackerel tabby
registration of cats in the UK. pale body fur with darker extremities (head, has “fishbone” stripes; Spotted tabby has spots
tail, and legs); typically seen in the Siamese. or rosettes; Ticked tabby has a faint pattern
GENE POOL—The complete collection of on a ticked coat.
genes within an interbreeding population. POLYDACTYLY—Extra toes produced
by a genetic mutation; polydactyly, or TEMPERAMENT—The character of a cat.
GHOST MARKINGS—Faint tabby markings polydactylism, is common in certain breeds,
on the coat of a self-colored cat that show up but only in the Pixiebob is the trait accepted in TICA—The International Cat Association,
in certain lights. the breed standard. a genetic registry for pedigree cats worldwide.

GROUND COLOR—Background RANDOM-BRED—Cat of mixed parentage. TICKED—Coat pattern in which each hair shaft
color in tabbies; there are many variants: has alternate bands of pale and darker colors;
brown, red, and silver are among the RECESSIVE—A gene that can produce an also known as agouti. See also Tabby.
most common. effect only when inherited from both parents.
If a recessive gene from one parent is paired with TIPPED—Coat pattern in which just the
GUARD HAIRS—Longer, tapering hairs that a dominant gene from the other parent, its effect tip of each hair is strongly colored.
form a cat’s topcoat and provide weatherproofing. will be overridden. The genes for certain eye
colors and long fur in cats are recessive. TOPCOAT—Outer coat of guard hairs.
HYBRID—Offspring of two different
species—for example, the Bengal, which RED—Reddish brown, used to describe TORTIE – Common abbreviation for tortoiseshell.
is a cross between the domestic cat (Felis a coat color in Abyssinian and Somali cats;
silvestris catus) and the Asian leopard cat also known as sorrel. TORTIE AND WHITE— Alternative term
(Felis bengalensis). used for calico in the UK.
REX COAT—Curly or wavy coat, as seen in
LEATHER—Hairless area at the end of the Devon and Cornish Rex cats. TORTIE-TABBY—Tortoiseshell with tabby
nose. Color varies according to coat color markings; term used in the UK.
and is defined in the breed standards for RUDDY—A color of Abyssinian cats—
pedigree cats. known as usual in the UK. TORTOISESHELL—Coat pattern in which
black and red hairs, or their dilute forms, are
LILAC—Warm pink-gray color, a dilute RUFF—Frill of longer hair around the neck mixed in patches.
form of brown. and chest.
TRICOLOR—Term sometimes used to
MACKEREL TABBY—see Tabby SELECTIVE BREEDING—Mating of animals describe a coat of two colors plus white.
that possess desired traits, such as a particular
“M” MARK—Typical “M”-shaped mark on coat color or pattern. TUFTS—Clusters of longer hairs that
the forehead of tabby cats; also known as a are seen, for example, between the toes or
“frown” mark. SEMI-LONGHAIR—Medium-long coat, on the ears.
usually with a minimal undercoat.
MARBLED—Variation of the Classic tabby, UNDERCOAT—Layer of hair beneath the
mostly seen in wildcat hybrids such as the Bengal. SEPIA—Dark brown ticking on a paler topcoat, usually short and often woolly.
ground color.
MASCARA LINES—Dark lines running from VAN PATTERN—Pointed coat pattern in
the outer corners of the eyes, or encircling the eyes. SHADED—Coat pattern in which the final which the color is restricted to the head and
quarter of each hair is colored. tail only, as in the Turkish Van.
MASK—Dark coloration on the face, usually
around the muzzle and eyes. SINGLE COAT—Coat with just one layer, WEDGE—Triangular facial conformation
usually the topcoat of guard hairs, seen in seen in most cats except the flat-faced Persian;
MITTED—Color pattern in which the paws such cats as the Balinese and Turkish Angora. the shape is elongated in breeds such as the
are white. Also called mittens or socks. Siamese and Orientals.
SMOKE—Coat pattern in which each hair
MUTATION—Change in a cell’s DNA, arising shaft is pale at the base and colored for about WHISKER PADS—Fleshy pads on either
by chance; effects of genetic mutations in cats half of its length. side of a cat’s muzzle where the whiskers
include hairlessness, folded or curled ears, are placed in rows.
curly coats, and short tails. SOLID—Coat in which a single color is
distributed evenly along the hair shaft; also WIREHAIR—Rare coat type, caused by a
PARTI-COLOR—General term for a coat known as self. genetic mutation, in which the hairs are twisted
pattern that has two or more colors; often or bent at the tips, giving a coarse, springy
one being white. SPOTTED TABBY—see Tabby texture; seen in the American Wirehair cat.

311

INDEX

Index

Main entries in bold American Burmese 88 Balinese 185, 206 Blake, Sir William 25
American Curl grooming 277 bleeding 300, 304
A inherited disorders 297
longhair 238–39 disorders 297
abscesses 300, 302, 304 shorthair 159 Balinese-Javanese 207 heavy 304, 305
Abyssinian 49, 64, 66, 70, American Ringtail 49, 167 ballet, cats in 39 internal 301
American Shorthair 71, 113 balls 285 blood 59
132–3, 185 American Wirehair 67, 181 Balthus 34–35 disorders 297, 303
inherited disorders 297 amino acids 270 Bambino 66, 154–55 loss 301
see also Somali Anatolian 128 bandages 305, 307 tests 303
accidents anatomy 42–63 barn cats 21 types 58
bowel/bladder 309 anemia 269, 297, 301 Bartolo, Domenico di 32 vessels 58, 59, 303
emergencies 301 anesthetics 307 Bastet 24, 37 blotched tabby 199
road traffic 21, 257, 260, 305 Angora 33, 65, 185, 229 bathing 277, 279 Blue Chinchilla 192
acclimatization 264–65 antiplaque solutions 278–79 blue color 52, 116–17, 182,
activity centers 285 antibiotics 306 hairless cats 170, 171 188, 192
activity levels, changes in 298, antibodies 62, 63 bay cat group 12 boarding kennels 269
299, 300 antihistamines 63 beds and bedding 262, 263, 264, bobcats 59, 64, 244
Adam 29 antioxidants 271 Bobtail 19, 49, 185
adders 305 aorta 59 265 American 163, 247
adoption fees 67 appetite for elderly cats 308 Japanese 160, 241
adrenal gland 43 changes in 299, 300, 302, 309 for pregnancy and birth 292–93 Kurilian 161, 242–43
adrenalin 62 in elderly cats 308 for sick or injured cats 306 Mekong 162
adult cats Arabian Mau 131 bee stings 305 body language 275, 280–81
diet and feeding 273 archeology 14–15 behavior body shapes 48–49, 49
and new kitten 283 Arctic Curl 65 changes in 290, 298, 299, 300, Bombay 66, 82, 84–85
socialization 282–83 art, cats in 32–7 bones
versus kittens 67, 256 arteries 58 301, 302 broken 303, 304
advertising 39 arthritis 301, 303 healthy 298 eating 271
Aesop’s Fables 28 artificial respiration 304 problems 257, 258, 259, 265, skeleton 48–49
Africa, cat species in 12 Asia, cat species in 12 Bonnard, Pierre 34
African wildcat (Felis silvestris Asian 281, 282, 290–91 boredom 258, 284, 290
lybica) 13, 14, 65, 145 Burmilla 78, 79, 80–81 see also training Bosch, Hieronymus 32, 33
age inherited disorders 297 bells 260, 263 bowels 60, 61, 309
and choice of cat 256 Longhair see Tiffanie belly, presentation of 275 bowls, food and water 262, 263
elderly cats 308–09 Self and Tortie 82 Benedictine 65 hygiene 271, 272
aggression 282, 290, 299 Smoke 79 Bengal 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 142–43 sharing 259, 262, 302
agility 26–27, 48, 57, 64 Tabby 83 Beresford, Lady Marcus 187 brain 42–43, 59
reduced 308 Tortie 53 Bering land bridge 11, 12 breakages 257
agouti fur 51, 52 Asian Leopard Cat 9, 65, 70, 143 bibs 53 breathing
airway, obstructed 30, 300, Assyrians 15 bicolors 53, 101, 188, 197, artificial respiration 304
301, 303, 305 asthma 62, 300 big cats 8, 12, 59 difficulties 300, 301, 303, 305
Akbar, Emperor 15 athleticism 258 domesticating 15 irregular 301, 305
albinism 70 Atlantic Ocean 19 bile 61 respiratory system 58–59
alertness, reduced 300 Australia 19 biofeedback loop 43 breed registry 67
Alice’s Adventures in Australian Mist 134–35 biology, feline 40–67 breeders
Wonderland (Carroll) 30, 39, autoimmune disorders 62, 63 bird feeders/tables 261 choice of 67
automatic feeding stations 262 birds and genetics 296
123 awn hair 50, 51 catching 55 questions to ask 67
allergies chasing 260–61 recommendation of vets by 268
B endangered 21 reputable 66, 67
in cats 62–63, 305 pet 258 breeding
food 273 B-lymphocytes 62 Birman 67, 212–13 responsible 292–93, 296
to cats 256 babies, cats and 282–83 inherited disorders 297 selective 19
almond-shaped eyes 45 bacteria 272 birth, giving 292 see also reproduction
aluminum foil 257, 291 bad habits 290–91 bites, animal/insect 305 breeds
alveoli 58, 59 balance 45 biting 257, 258, 265, 275, 282, characteristics 64
American Bobtail 284, 290 choice of 66–67
longhair 247 problems with 303 “The Black Cat” (Poe) 31
shorthair 163 black color 26, 52
bladder 61, 309
stones 270

312

INDEX

creation of 64 cardiovascular disease 296, Ceylon 136 grooming 276–79
definition of 64 297, 303 CFA see Cat Fanciers Association health checks 298
development of 64 Chantilly/Tiffany 211 heat-sensitive enzyme and
guide to 68–253 cardiovascular system 58–59 Chartreux 64, 65, 66, 115 point coloration 53, 107
and health problems 296–97 carnassial teeth 61 chasing 284 single 71
hybrid and future 65 carnivores 8, 10, 60, 64, 270 Chausie 49, 64, 65, 67, 149 types of 50–51
longhairs 184–253 carriers 263, 264, 268, 282 check-ups undercoats 71, 185
outcrossing 65 Carroll, Lewis 30 see also curly coats; longhairs;
shorthairs 70–183 carrying position 274 annual 268, 269, 299, 303
understanding 64–65 cars, traveling in 263, 264 first vet 268–69 shorthairs
Britanica 220 cartilage 48 cheetah 12, 15, 59 collars 260, 263
British Angora see Oriental cartoon cats 38–39 chemical burns 305
Longhair Casey, Paul 140 chemicals cone-shaped 307
British Longhair 220 The Cat Book Poems 100, 104 garden 260, 261 colonies, feral cat 20–21
British Shorthair 66, 67, 71, Cat Club of England 187 household 258, 259, 291 colonization 19
122–23 cat clubs 19, 67 Cheshire Cat 30, 39, 123 color 52–53
Bicolor 121 cat family 64–65 chewing 257, 259, 265, 285, 290 Colorpoint Shorthair 110, 120
body shape 49 cat fanciers 19, 64 children combs 276
coat 53, 64, 123 Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) 64 involvement with cat 283 coming when called 288
Colorpointed 120 cat flu 269 learning how to handle cat commercial foods 271, 272, 273
inherited disorders 297 cat foods 271, 272, 273 communication 280–81
Smoke 124 cat grass 258, 260 265, 274, 283 companionship
Solid 118–19 The Cat in the Hat (Seuss) 31 meeting new cat 264, 265, 283
Tabby 125 “cat mysteries” 31 playtime 290 human 256
Tipped 126 cat registries 64, 65 China 15, 19, 27 of other cats 258, 259, 283
Tortie 53, 127 cat repellent sprays 258 chinchilla fur 52 compass, directional 43
bronchi 58 cat shelters 67 Chinchilla Shorthair see British condition, assessing 272
bronchioles 58, 59 cat shows 64, 67, 119 Shorthair, Tipped congenital hypotrichosis 297
brushes cat welfare organizations 20, 21 Chinese Li Hua 77 conjunctivitis 269, 300, 302
grooming 276, 277 catching 284 Chlamydophila felis 269 consciousness, loss of 301
tooth 278 caterwauls 281 chocolate, eating 271 conservation, wildlife 140
Buddhism 25 catflaps 256, 259, 260, 261, 288, chocolate color 208 constipation 303
Bulgakov, Mikhail 31 choking 257, 305 convalescence 306–07
Burmese 66, 71 290 Choupette 213 Cornish Rex 19, 66, 71, 168,
American 88 catnip 260, 284, 285, 291 Christianity 25 176–77, 178, 180
European 87 cats Chulalongkorn (Rama V), King coat 51, 178, 277
inherited disorders 297 of Thailand 75 two types of 176
Lilac 78 aggression to/from other 260, Cimolestes 10, 11 cortical folding 42, 43
Burmilla see Asian Burmilla 261, 290 cinnamon color 52, 95 cortisol 43, 62
Burmoire 79 circuses, cat 39 cost, of cat ownership 262
burns 305 ancestors of 10–12 classic tabby 53, 123 cougar 59
biology 40–67 claws coughing 300
C breeds 64–65, 68–253 checking 298, 299 crates 306
caring for 254–309 elderly cats 308 cream, drinking 271
cabbits 165 choice of 66–67, 256 retractable 8, 54, 64 cremation 309
Cadoc, St 27 in culture 22–39 showing 281 creodonts 10, 11
cages 263, 306 domestication 14–15 sinking in 275 Cretaceous period 10, 11
calcium 270–71 evolution 8, 10–12 trimming 278 crossbreeds 19, 65
calico color 53, 127 feral 20–21 clay litter 262 culture, cats in 22–39
calicoes 53, 182, 202–03 genetics 64–65 clicker training 288, 289 cupboards 257, 258
California Spangled 67, 140 health 296–309 climate curiosity 257, 264
calories 273 legendary origin of 29 and body shape 49 curled ears 185
cameo color 52, 126, 189, 193 longhairs 184–253 and long coats 184, 185 American Curl 159, 238–39
cancer 63 meeting other 265, 281, 283 climbing 55, 257, 284, 285, 288 Highlander 158
neighborhood 257, 260, 261 clippers, nail 276, 278 Kinkalow 152
and neutering 269 shorthairs 70–183 clock, internal 43 see also folded ears
canine teeth 8 species around the world 8–9 cloning 214 curly coats 51, 71, 185
capillaries 58, 59 spread of domestic 18–19 clouded leopard 8 American Wirehair 181
caracal 9, 12, 64 understanding 280–81 coats Cornish Rex 176–77
Caracat 64 Cats (musical) 39 changes to 300 Devon Rex 178–79
carbon dioxide 58, 59 catteries 269 color and pattern 51, 52–53, 64 German Rex 180
carbon monoxide poisoning 301 cave lions 12 double-layered 71 Kinkalow 152, 234
Carbonel (Sleigh) 31 cemeteries, pet 309 in elderly cats 308 LaPerm 173, 250–51
cardiac muscle 54 central nervous system (CNS) 43 foreign bodies in 298 Skookum 103
cerebellum 42 genetics 64–65 Slekirk Rex 174–75, 248
cerebral cortex 43 Ural Rex 172, 249
cerebrum 42

313

INDEX

Cymric 165, 246 dryers 257, 258 exercise Felis species 10, 12
see also Manx dry food 271 for elderly cats 308 Felix the Cat 38
dry shampoos 279 for indoor cats 259 femoral arteries 304
Cyprus 14–15 dust baths 279 feral cats 20–21, 247, 261
dwarf cats Exotic Shorthair 71, 72–73
D inherited disorders 297 handling 275
Bambino 154–55 Fertile Crescent 14, 15, 18
da Vinci, Leonardo 32 Kinkalow 152 exploring 284, 285 fertility 147
dairy products 271 Lambkin Dwarf 153 external parasites 302, 303 fibre 271
dark, going out after 260 extinction 11–12 fights 257, 280, 281, 290
deafness 91, 303 E eyelids, visible third 298, 300, 302
dehydration 300–01, 306, 309 eyes and infection 259, 261, 302
dementia 309 ear mites 278 injuries from 300
dental care/problems 300, 301, 302 ears checking 298, 299 film, cats in 38–39, 168
dermis 50 cleaning 277, 278, 306 fireworks 39, 261
designer cats 67, 140, 152, 154–55 cleaning 277, 278 color and shape 45, 292 first aid 30, 300, 302, 304
destructive behavior 290–91 drops 303, 306 drops 306 fish
the Devil 25, 27 examining 298, 299 large 8, 44, 64 in diet 271
Devon Rex 71, 168, 178–79, 185 hearing 44–45 night vision 44 eating raw 271
independent rotation 45 problems 269, 300, 302–03, 305 garden 261
blood group 58 problems with 303 signals from 280 flat faces 49
inherited disorders 297 shape 45, 67, 185 vision 44 flats, living in 259
diabetes 300, 303 signals from 45, 280 fleas 62, 63, 268, 292, 299, 300,
diaphragm 58 see also curled ears; folded ears F 302, 303
diarrhea 273, 300, 302, 306 Eastern colors 52 flehman response 45
Dickens, Charles 31 eggs, raw 271 face flexibility 48–49, 54, 55
diet 270–73 Egypt, Ancient 14, 15, 18–19, 24, cleaning 278 folded ears 185
balanced 272 32, 36–37, 130, 132, 168 facial expressions 280 Scottish Fold 156–57, 237
carnivorous 8, 270 Egyptian Mau 66, 67, 130 shapes 49 see also curled ears
changes through life 272–73 elderly cats folklore 28–29
for elderly cats 308 caring for 308–09 faeces food
and lifestyle 273 diet for 273 blood in 300 allergies 62–63, 273
for pregnant cats 292 from rescue centers 67 burying 261 commercial 271, 272, 273
special 273 grooming 276 digestive system 61 in convalescence 306
and weight problems 272–73 vet’s check-ups 303 infected 269 dangerous 271, 305
digestive system 60–61, 270, 303 electrical flexes 257, 258, 305 normal passing of 298 for elderly cats 273, 308
digging 257, 261 electrocution 305 pain passing 299, 309 and feeding 270–73
disabled cats 67 Elf 19 fussy eaters 270, 272
discharges, abnormal 278, 300, Eliot, T.S. 31, 39 fairy tales 28–29 and health problems 298, 299
307 Elizabethan collars 307 falls 55 for kittens 272
disease see health; inherited emergencies, recognizing 301 farm cats 15, 21 and learning tricks 285
disorders endocrine system 42 fat, dietary 273 as motivation 285
disks, ID 263 endorphins 62 fatty acids 270 for pregnant cats 273, 292
dog food 272 energy 58 fawn color 52, 95 refusing 300
dogs entertainment, cats in 38–39 feeding 270–73 regular mealtimes 256, 257, 272
contact with 29, 290 environmental problems 21 for sick cats 306
meeting resident 265, 283 enzymes automatic feeding stations 262 special diets 273
socialization 283 deficiencies 297 difficulties 300 stealing 258
threat from 261 heat sensitive 56, 107 kittens 293 and training 288
doll faces 49 Eocene epoch 10 routine 256, 257, 265 types 271
domestic cats 8, 65, 71 eosinophils 62 unwell cats 306 food bowls 263, 265, 271, 272,
crossing with wildcats 64–65 epidermis 50 see also diet; food 291
evolution of 12 epilepsy 303 Felidae 8, 12, 64 Foreign 99
spread of 18–19 epinephrine 62 Felinae 8, 11, 12 foreign bodies
domestication 14–15, 71 equipment feline calcivirus (FCV) 63, 269 in skin or coats 298
dominant genes 64, 65 essential 262–63 feline coronavirus 269 in wounds 304
Donskoy (Don Sphynx) 170 grooming 276 feline enteritis 63 fossils 11, 12
doors, and safety 259 escape routes 257, 259, 260, 261 feline herpes virus (FHV) 63, 269 founder effect 64
down 50, 51 eumelanin 51 feline immunodeficiency virus foxes 257, 261
Dragon Li 77 Eurasian lynx 9 (FIV) 63 fractures 303, 304
dressings 305, 307 Europe, cat species in 12 feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) Fragonard, Jean-Honoré 33
drinking 271, 298 European Burmese 87 269 freedom, limits to 260
increased 299, 300, 309 European Shorthair 114 feline leukemia virus (FeLV) 63, French Revolution 214
dropper feeding 293 euthanasia 309 269 Freud, Lucian 35
drops, eye and ear 303, 306 evolution 8, 10–12 feline panleukopenia 269 Freya 24–25
Felis attica 10, 12
Felis lunensis 10, 12
Felis manul 10
Felis silvestris 9, 12, 14–15, 16–17

314

INDEX

friends, looking after cat 282 gums Hinds-Daugherty, Dorothy 112 inherited disorders 91, 129, 203,
Fritz the Cat 39 blue 301, 305 Hinduism 25 292, 296–97, 303
fur see coats checking 278, 298, 299, 301 hissing 281 and outcrossing 65
fur balls 276, 277 disorders 302 Hockney, David 35
furniture 256, 257, 284, 290–91 pale or white 301, 305 Hodge 31 injuries 261, 300, 301, 302, 303
fussy eaters 270, 272 red 301 Hogarth, William 33 insect bites 305
yellow 301 home-cooked food 270, 271 interactive toys 284
G homes internal parasites 302
H The International Cat
gaits 54, 55 cat-proofing 257, 258
gall bladder 61 hair establishing a routine 256–57 Association (TICA) 64, 150
garages 261 disorders 297 first days in 264–65 international cat registries 64
garbage bags 261 follicles 51 for kittens 292, 293 internet cats 35, 38, 39
gardens, cat-friendly 257, 260–61 loosening old 276 preparing for cats 256–57, 258 intestines 60, 61
garlic 271 shafts 51 homing instinct 43 Islam 25
gastroenteritis 269 shedding 71, 185 hormones 42, 62 itchiness 300
Gauguin, Paul 34 types of 50–51 disorders 303, 308
gender, and choice of cat 256 Horner, Nikki 84 J
genealogy 10 hair dryers 279 hot-water bottles 306
genetic analysis 12 hairless cats 67, 71 house-training 256 Jacobson’s organ 45
genetic disorders see inherited Housecat jaguar 8
Bambino 154–55 Longhair 252–53 Japan 26, 32, 33
disorders Donskoy 170 Shorthair 182–83 Japanese Bobtail
genetic screening 296–97, 303 grooming 277 household chemicals 258, 259,
genetics 64–65, 292 Peterbald 71, 171 291 longhair 241
Gérard, Marguerite 33 Sphynx 71, 168–69 houseplants 258 shorthair 160
German Rex 180 hammock-style beds 262 human age, equivalent 308 jaws 8
Gertrude, St. 25 hand rearing 293 hunting 8, 20, 43, 54, 55, 64, 71, jealousy 282, 283
Gethers, Peter 156 handling 274–75, 282 256, 259, 270, 284, 288 Johnson, Samuel 31
glands feral cats 275 hybrids 65, 67, 147 joints
in pregnancy 292 hygiene disorders 297
hormone-producing 303 sick or injured cats 304, 306 food and water bowls 271, 272 flexible 48–49, 55
scent-producing 50 Havana 66, 94, 95, 99, 102 grooming and 276–79 stiff 309
sebaceous 50, 51 Havana Brown 94, 102 litter boxes 298 Judaism 29
sweat 50 hazards hyoid bone 48, 59 jumping 55, 284, 285, 288
glucose, inability to metabolize home 256, 257, 258, 259, 285 hyperthyroidism 303, 308 reluctance/inability 300
297 outdoor 260–61 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy jungle cat 65, 149
glycogenosis 297 head shapes 49 297 Just So Stories (Kipling) 31
The Gods and their Creators health 296–309 hypokalemic polymyopathy
(Long) 36–37 caring for older cats 308–09 297 K
Golden Siamese 90 common problems 300, 302 hypothalmus 42
grain 15 feral cats 21 Kallibunker 176
grapes, eating 271 first aid 300 I Kanaani 144–45
grass, eating 270, 272 giving medicine 306, 307 kangaroo cats 150
Gray, Thomas 31 home checks 298–99 ice age 12 Keats, John 31
grazes 304 inherited disorders 296–97 ID tags 256, 263 keratin 50, 51
Greeks, ancient 18 looking after sick/injured cats immune system 50, 62–63, 269 Khao Manee 74–75
greenhouses 257, 261 immunization see vaccinations kidneys 60, 61
greetings cards 35 306–07 immunodeficiency 63
Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm 28 recognizing an emergency 301 Impressionism 34 disorders 296, 297, 300
grooming 276–79 routine checks 298–99 in season 61 Kinkalow
change in habits 301 signs of ill health 273, 299, inbreeding 64
in elderly cats 308 Incas 25 longhair 234
and flexibility 48, 55 300–01 incisors 61 shorthair 67, 152
hairless cats 155 weight problems 273 India 15 Kipling, Rudyard 31
longhairs 185, 277 hearing 8, 44–45, 47 Indian Desert Cats 16–17 kitchens, hazards in 258
mutual 259, 302 heart indoor cats kittening boxes 292–93
regular time for 256, 257, 265 cardiovascular system 58–59 kittens
self- 276, 279, 303 disorders 296, 297, 303 choice of 256 birth of 293
shorthairs 71, 276 heatstroke 261, 300, 304 going outdoors 258–59, 260–61 breeding 292–93
for sick/injured cats 306 Hemingway, Ernest 31 living indoors 258–59 choice of 67
time required for 67 hemorrhage 304 stimulation and play 284 feeding 272–73, 293, 295
ground rules, establishing 265 hiding 285, 299 infectious diseases 62, 63, 259, 302 feral 20, 21
growling 281 Highlander and handling cats 275 finding homes for 256, 292, 293
guard hairs 50–51, 277 longhair 240 in heat 61 first weeks 293
shorthair 49, 66, 158 handling 274
Himalayan 205 health checks 268
hunting 43

315

INDEX long tails 49 meat 270, 271 neighbors
longhairs medicine, giving 306, 307 attitude to cats 261
kittens continued Mediterranean 18 feeding cats 273
immune system 62 bathing 279 Mekong Bobtail 162 introducing cats to 282
neutering 269 breeds 184–253 melanin 51 looking after cats 282
and older cats 283 and choice of cat 68 meowing 59, 281
playtime 284 coats 51 Neolithic Period 14
sleep 266 genetics 65 on cue 288 nerves 43, 50
socialization 66, 282, 283 grooming 185, 277 miacids 10 nervous system 42, 43
sources of 67 origins of 185 miacines 11 neurons 42, 43
stages of development 292–93 types of 185 mice, toy 285 neutering 261, 268–69
training 288 lookout points 260 microchipping 256, 261, 263,
vaccinations 268, 269 Lowlander 220 and behavior and temperament
versus adult cats 67 luck, good 26 268, 269 256
lumps 298, 299, 301 Middle Ages 19, 25, 26, 32 and docility 290
Klee, Paul 34 lungs 58–59 migrations 11, 12 of feral cats 21
Korat 76, 297 Lyme disease 302 milk and health 269
Kuniyoshi, Utagawa 32 lymphatic system 62, 63 and playfulness 284
Kurilian Bobtail lynx 9, 12, 65 drinking 271 and spraying 268–69, 291
Lynx Colorpoint 108 immunity and mother’s 62 neutrophils 62
longhair 67, 242–43 lysosomal storage disease 297 for kittens 292, 293 Neva Masquerade 232
pom-pom tail 243 minerals 270 New World 19
shorthair 161 M Minskin 150, 155 night vision 44
Miocene epoch 10, 11 nimravids 10, 11
L Machairodontinae 11 mites 268, 278, 302, 303 nine lives 26–27
mackerel tabby 53, 199 mittens 53 noises 281
Lagerfeld, Karl 213 macrophages 62 Moche people 25 Norse mythology 24–25
Lambkin Dwarf 66, 67, 153 McSorley, Paul 155 molting 71, 185 North America, cat species in
LaPerm “mad moments” 265, 284 Morland, George 33 11, 12
magic 26–27 mosquitoes 305 Norton 156
longhair 67, 185, 250–51 Maine Coon 19, 64, 66, 185, mothers Norwegian Forest Cat 24, 67,
shorthair 173 pregnancy and birth 292–93 184, 222–25
whiskers and curls 251 214–15 and socialization 282 inherited disorders 297
larynx 48, 59 coat color and pattern 51, 52, mousers see rodents nose
laxatives 303 53, 64 mouth, checking 298, 299 checking 298
Lear, Edward 31 grooming 277 movement 54–55 cleaning 278
leopard cat 9, 12, 65, 70, 143 inherited disorders 296, 297 mucus 278, 298 and senses 45
Leopardette see Bengal Mandalay 89 Muhammed, the Prophet 25 nutrition 270–73
leopards 8, 140 Maneki Neko 26 mummification 15, 24, 27 feral cats 21
lethargy 300, 302 Manet, Edouard 34 Munchkin 64, 66, 67
leucocytes 62 Manx 29, 49, 64, 164–65, 246 longhair 49, 233 O
leukemia see feline leukemia inherited disorders 297 shorthair 49, 150–51
Li Hua 77 tail types 49, 64, 164, 165 muscle fibres 54–5 obesity 273, 299, 300
licking, excessive 298, 302, 304 see also Cymric muscles 48, 54–55, 57, 59 diet for 273
lifespan 256, 308 Manx syndrome 297 muscular disorders 296, 297
feral cats 21 marbled cat 9 musculoskeletal problems 303 obstructions, urinary 300
lifestyle 256 Marc, Franz 34 The Musicians of Bremen 28–29 ocelots 8, 12, 64, 140
ligaments 48, 303 Marie Antoinette, Queen of mutations 64, 156, 185, 239 Ocicat 137
lilac color 78 France 214 myopathy, Devon Rex 297
limbs Mary, the Virgin 25 myths and legends 26, 27, 28, Classic 138
back 49, 55 The Master and Margarita 104, 165, 223 odd-colored eyes 45, 188
front 48–9, 55 (Bulgakov) 31 “Ode on the Death of a Favorite
injured 305, 307 mating N
limping 300, 301 choice of mate 292 Cat Drowned in a Tub of Gold
lions 8, 25, 29, 59 noises made during 61, 281 nails, clipping 278 Fishes” (Gray) 31
literature, cats in 30–31 reproduction 61 names oils, body 277
litter material, choice of 262, matriarchal societies 20–21 Ojos Azules 129
265, 291 Mau choosing 288 Old Possum’s Book of Practical
litter boxes 262, 263, 264, 265 Arabian 131 recognizing 288 Cats (Eliot) 31, 39
accidents 308 Egyptian 130 Nanus Rex see Lambkin Dwarf Oligocene epoch 11
problems with 258, 291 Mayans 25 Napoleon 236 onions, eating 271
regular cleaning 298 Meadow, Hal 86 natural breeds 64 operations 307
training 256 mealtimes natural mutations 239 oral antiseptics 278
litters 61, 269 number of 272 natural selection 64 Oriental
Little Nicky 214 regular 256, 257, 272 navigation 45 Bicolor 101
liver 61 Nebelung 221 Cinnamon and Fawn 95
Lloyd Webber, Andrew 39 neck 48 Foreign White 91, 99
Long, Edwin 36–37 inherited disorders 297

316

INDEX

Longhair 209 Tabby Tricolor 199 prenatal care 292–93 Romans, ancient 19, 25
Shaded 97 Tortie and Calico 202–03 prey 256, 270, 305 rough play 275, 282, 290
Shorthair 71, 94, 95, 102 personality, and choice of cat 256 primary seborrhea 297 round eyes 45
Smoke 96 pet quality 67 Prionailurus bengalensis 9 rounded faces 49
Solid 94, 100 Peterbald 67, 71, 171 Proailurus 11 rounded-tip ears 45
Tabby 98–99 pets progressive retinal atrophy 297 Rousseau, Henri 34
Tortie 100 meeting other 265, 283 protein 270, 272, 273 routine
osteochondrodysplasia 297 small 258, 283 Pseudailuris 10, 11
Our Cats (Weir) 119 petting 274–75 pulse 301, 304, 305 changes to 282, 283, 300, 302
outcrossing 65 phaeomelanin 51 puma 8, 12 establishing a 256–57, 265
outdoor cats 256, 258–59, pheromone treatment 259 puma gods 25 Russian Blue 67, 71, 116–17
260–61, 284 Phoenicians 18 punishment 288, 290 Russian Shorthair 117
“The Owl and the Pussycat” phosphorus 270 pupils 44, 298
(Lear) 31 Picasso, Pablo 34 purring 8, 59, 281 S
owner responsibilities 256, 302 picking up 274, 275 puss 304
oxygen 58, 59 pigment/pigmentation 51–53, 65 Puss in Boots 28–29, 39 saber-toothed cats 10, 11–12
pills, giving 306, 307 puzzle feeders 285 safety
PQ pineal glands 42 pyloric sphincter 61
pinnae 45 pyruvate kinase deficiency 297 in the home 257, 258
Paleocene epoch 10 pituitary gland 42, 43 queens 269 outdoors 257, 260–61
Panamanian land bridge 12 Pixie Cat see Devon Rex road 260
pancreas 61 Pixiebob R saliva 60, 302
Panthera spelaea 12 longhair 244–45 sandpits 261
Pantherinae 8, 11, 12 shorthair 166 rabies 269, 275 Savannah 66, 146–47
paralysis 301 plants Ragamuffin 67, 217 creation of 49, 65, 67
parasites 268, 276, 279, 298, cats’ favorite 260 Ragdoll 67, 185, 216 scalds 305
dangerous 258, 261, 305 scavenging 20, 270
302, 303 plaster casts 307 body shape 49 scent marking 45, 281, 290, 291
Pardofelis marmorata 9 plastic bags 285 coat color 53 scent-producing glands 50
particolors 53 plastic sheeting 257 inherited disorders 296, 297 scoops, plastic 263
patched tabby 53, 198 platelets 59 raisins 271 scorpions 305
pathogens 50 play stations 285 Realism 34 Scottish Fold
patterns 52–53 playtime 265, 275, 287, 288 recessive genes 64, 65, 178 ear shape 64, 65, 67
paws 43, 45, 278 biting and scratching during red blood cells 58, 59, 269, 303 inherited disorders 65, 297
pedigree cats 66, 67 reflex, righting 55 longhair 237
275, 282, 290 refuges 282 shorthair 156–57
breeding 292 for elderly cats 308 registration fees 292 Scottish Straight 156
peke-faced cats 203 importance of 284–85, 290 rehydration, emergency 301 scratching
pelvis 49 kittens 293 religion 15, 24–25 during handling/play 265, 275,
pemphigus complex 63 regular 256, 257, 258, 259 Renaissance art 32–33
penis 61 Pliocene period 12 Renoir, Pierre August 34 282
peripheral nervous system (PNS) Poe, Edgar Allan 31 reproduction 60, 61 in the home 256, 257, 259, 263,
poetry 31 rescue centers 26, 67, 256, 268,
43 pointed patterns 53, 104–05, 282 288, 290–91
Perrault, Charles 28 107, 108, 109, 110, 120, 205 respiratory system 58 of skin 302
persecution, of cats 25, 26 pointed-tip ears 45 respiratory tract infections 269, scratching posts 257, 259, 263,
Persian 64, 67, 185, 186–205, 197 poisoning 305 300, 303 264, 285, 288, 290–91
Pollatschek, Doris 145 retina 44 seafarers 26
Bicolor 205 polycystic kidney disease 296, 297 rewards 288, 289 sebaceous glands 50, 51
Blue- and Odd-Eyed Bicolor polydactylism 19, 166, 245 rexed coats 67, 71, 178 seizures 301, 303
and Tricolor 188 pom-pom tails 243 Cornish Rex 176–77 selective breeding 19
Cameo 189 ponds 261 Devon Rex 178–79 selenium 270
Cameo Bicolor 193 portraits 33, 34, 35 German Rex 180 Selkirk Rex 65
Chinchilla 190, 194 post-Impressionism 34 LaPerm 173, 250–51 longhair 185, 248
coat color and pattern 52, 53 posters 35 Selkirk Rex 174–75, 248 shorthair 174–75
Colorpoint 53, 205 posture, signals from 280, 281 Ural Rex 172, 249 senses 42, 43, 44–45, 47, 50
face shape 203 potatoes, green 271 rib cage 48, 272 sensory hairs 50, 51
Golden 191 Potter, Beatrix 30 righting reflex 55 Serengeti 148
grooming 186 pouncing 284 Ringtail Sing-a-Ling see serval 64, 65, 147
inherited disorders 186, 296, 297 praise 282, 288 American Ringtail Seuss, Dr. (Theodor Giesel) 31
Pewter 192 pre-Columbian civilzations 25 road traffic accidents 21, 257, sexual maturity 269, 292
Shaded Silver 194 pregnancy 61, 292–93 260, 305 sexually transmitted
Silver Tabby 195 diet in 273 roaring 8, 59 infections 269
Smoke 196 unplanned 269 rodents 14, 15, 19, 118, 161, 214 Seychellois 111
Smoke Bicolor and Tricolor 197 shaded fur 51, 52
Solid 186–87 Shakespeare, William 26
Tabby and Patched Tabby 198 shampoos 279

317

INDEX

shape dead 276 strangers, introduction to 282 cleaning 61, 276, 277, 278–79,
body 49 disorders 62, 63, 279, 297, 298, stress 302
ear 45 disorders 302
eye 45 303, 306 in cats 62, 258, 259, 265, 284, in elderly cats 309
face 49 hairless cats 170, 171 290, 291 toothache 300
head 49 lumps on 301 and weight loss 273
structure 50 cats good for 274 temperaments, breeds and 66
Shashthi 25 wounds 304–05 striated muscle see skeletal temperature, body 301, 305
sheds 257, 261 Skogkatt 223 tendons 54
Shell Cameo 126 Skookum 67, 235 muscle Tenniel, John 30
shell fur 52 skull 48, 49 stripes 53 territory
ship’s cats 19 deformities 129 Stripey 19 disputes over 261, 280, 281
shock 304, 305 slanted eyes 45 stroking 274–75 home as 258, 283
short-legged cats sleep 43, 266 Stubbs, George 33 marking 45, 269, 281, 290, 291
Sleigh, Barbara 31 studs 292 tests, medical 303
Bambino 154–55 slicker brushes 276, 277 suffocation 285 Thai 103
Kinkalow 152 smell, sense of 45, 47, 280 sunburn 261 theater cats 39
Lambkin Dwarf 153 Smilodon 11 superstition 26–27 theft, cat 260
Minskin 155 smoked coats 51, 52, 79, 96, 124, swallowing thirst, increased 300, 309
Munchkin 49, 150–51, 233 196, 197 Through the Looking-glass
Napoleon 236 smooth muscle 54 difficulty in 309 (Carroll) 30
Skookum 235 snakes 257, 261, 305 foreign bodies 257, 285 thyroid problems 300
short-tailed cats 49 sneezing 62, 300 sweat glands 50 TICA see International Cat
American Bobtail 163, 247 Snow Bengal 70 swimming 55 Association
Japanese Bobtail 160, 241 snow leopards 8 swirling patterns 53 tick removers 276
Kurilian Bobtail 161, 242–43 Snowshoe 112 Sylvester 38 ticked fur 51, 52, 53
Mekong Bobtail 162 socialization 20, 256, 282–83, 290 systemic lupus erythematosus ticks 302, 303
Pixiebob 166, 244–45 sodium 270 (SLE) 63 Tiffanie 210
see also tailless cats Sokoke 67, 139 tigers 8, 59
shorthairs solid coats 51, 52, 82, 94, T tipped fur 51, 52
bathing 279 104–05, 118–19, 186–87 toads 305
breeds 70–183 solid colors 52 T-cells 62, 63 toes, polydactylism 166, 245
and choice of cat 68 solid-white coats 52 tabby coats 25, 51, 53, 64, 83, Tom and Jerry 38
coats 51 solitary nature 282 tomatoes, green 271
developing 71 Somali 185, 218–19 98–99, 108, 125, 182, 195, tongue 45
grooming 71, 276, 277 inherited disorders 297 198–99 Tonkinese Shorthair 66, 90,
maintenance 71 see also Abyssinian tags 21, 263 92–93
shoulder blades 48–49 “Sonnet to a Cat” (Keats) 31 tailless cats toothpaste 278
Siamese 19, 29, 64, 65, 66, 67, South America, cat species in 12 Cymric 246 torties 27, 53, 100, 109, 127,
71, 104–09 species 8–9 Manx 49, 165 202–03
blood group 58 speed 48, 54, 55 see also short-tailed cats tortoiseshells see torties
body shape 49, 104 Sphynx 64, 67, 71, 168–69 The Tailor of Gloucester touch, sense of 45, 51
coat pattern / color 52, 53, grooming 168, 277 (Potter) 30 Toyger 141
107 hairlessness 50, 51 tails toys 284–85, 290
face shape 104 spiders 305 and balance 49 for kittens 293
Golden 90 spinal cord 42, 43 bones 48 and socialization 282
inherited disorders 296, 297 spinal disorders 165, 297 checking under 298 and stimulation 259
kittens 105, 106–07 spinal muscular atrophy 297 cleaning under 279 trachea 58, 59
longhaired 206, 209 spine 42, 48, 55 signals from 49, 280, 281 traffic accidents 21, 257, 260, 305
seal points 104 spotting 53 types 49 training 288–89
Solid-Pointed 53, 104–05 spraying 259, 268–69, 281, talcum powder 277 length of sessions 285, 288, 289
semi-longhair version 185 291, 292 The Tale of Samuel Whiskers tricks 285
Tabby-Pointed 108 stalking 55, 284 (Potter) 30 unacceptable behavior 281
Tortie-Pointed 109 Steinlen, Theophile 35 The Tale of Tom Kitten (Potter) transportation 263, 264
Siberian 67, 230–31, 232 sterility 127 30 treats
signals, body 280–81 sterilization see neutering tangles 276, 277 as rewards 285, 288, 289
silk production 27 stiches, surgical 269, 307 tape, double-sided 257, 291 role of 273
Silk Road 18 stimulation tapetum lucidum 44 and socialization 283
Simon’s Cat 39 of elderly cats 308 tapeworm 302 tricolors 53, 188, 197
Singapura 49, 66, 86 importance of 256, 284, 285, 288 taste, sense of 45 Troubetskoy, Natalie 130
size 66 stings 305 taurine 60, 270 Turkish Angora 19, 128, 185,
skeletal muscle 54 stomach 60–61 Tchaikovsky, Pyotr 39 229
skeleton 48–49, 54 upsets 272, 273, 306 tear overflow 278 Turkish Shorthair 128
skin Straede, Dr. Truda 135 Ted Nude-Gent 168
color of 52–53 teddy bear cat 73
teeth 61, 64
carnivorous 60
checking 298, 299

318

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Turkish Van 19, 53, 66, 128, verbal cues 288 W wildcats
226–67 Veronese, Paolo 33 coat length 71, 185
vertebrae 48 wading pools 261 crossing domestic cats with
Turkish Vankedisi 228 veterinary surgeons Wain, Louis 35 64–65
tylotrichs 51 Warhol, Andy 34
administering medicines 306 washing machines 257, 258 wildcat (Felis silvestris) 9, 12
U advice on breeders 67 waste, elimination of 59, 61, 303 domestication 14–15
advice on diet 273 water, drinking 271, 306 kittens 16–17
unconsciousness 304, 305 annual check-ups 269, water bowls 262, 263, 271, 272
undercoats 71, 185, 277 299, 303 wavy coats see curly coats windows
unneutered cats 261, 268–69 and breeding 292 weaning 292, 293 escaping through 259
Ural Rex check-ups for elderly cats 303, wedge faces 49 falling from 258, 259
weight screens 258
longhair 249 308
shorthair 172 choice of 268 assessing/checking 272–73, witchcraft 25, 26
urinary tract infections 300, emergencies 301, 305 299 Wordsworth, William 31
302 first check-ups 268–69 worming 67, 268, 292, 299
urine introducing kittens to 282 and body form 49 worms, intestinal 298, 300, 302
digestive system 60, 61 visiting 302–03 and diet 272, 273 wounds 298, 300, 304
and neutering 261 vibrissae see whiskers gain 273, 300, 308
normal passing of 298 Vikings 214 loss 273, 299, 300, 308 checking 307
pain passing 299, 300, viruses 269 in pregnancy 292 treatment of 304–05, 306
309 vision 43, 44 problems 299, 300, 308
increased amounts of 300 color 44 Weir, Harrison 119 XYZ
scent marking 281 loss of 309 Western colors 52
night 44, 47 wet food 271 X-rays 303
V sensitive to movement 44 wheezing 300 York Chocolate 208
vital signs, normal 305 whiskers 44, 45, 47, 51 Zula 132
vaccinations 63, 67, 261, 269, vitamins and micronutrients 60, signals from 280
293, 302 270–71, 273 white blood cells 59, 62, 269
viverravines 10, 11 white coats 26, 91, 261
vagina 61 vocal cords 59 white spotting 53
Vans 226–28 vocalizations 8, 59, 281 Whittington, Dick 29
vegetable matter 270 vomeronasal organ 45 wild animals, encounters with
venomous animals 305 vomiting 300, 302, 306 260, 261
Venus 28

Acknowledgments

Dorling Kindersley would like to uk); Chrissy Russell, Ayshazen: 2-3 Getty Images: o-che / Vetta. com/: (br). 20 Alamy Images: Sorge /
thank the following people for Burmese and Khao Manee cats 4-5 Alamy Images: Vincenzo
their assistance with this book: (www.ayshazencats.co.uk); Anthony Iacovoni. 6-7 Corbis: Mother Image / Caro (crb); Terry Harris (bl).
Suparna Sengupta, Vibha Malhotra Nichols, Quincunx: LaPerm cats SuperStock. 8 Dreamstime.com: 21 Alamy Images: Larry Lefever /
for editorial assistance; Jacqui Swan, (www.quincunxcats.co.uk); Karen Grant Heilman Photography (tr);
Chhaya Sajwan, Ganesh Sharma, Toner: Munchkin Longhair and Nico Smit / Jeff Grabert (br). ZUMA Press, Inc. (cr). Photoshot:
Narender Kumar, Niyati Gosain, Shorthair, Kinkalow, and Pixibob 9 Dreamstime.com: Mirekphoto (tl). NHPA (bl). 22-23 SuperStock:
Rakesh Khundongbam, Cybermedia cats ([email protected]); Fiona Peek, FLPA: Terry Whittaker (cr). Getty Robert Harding Picture Library.
for design assistance; Saloni Talwar Nordligdrom: Norwegian Forest cats Images: Daryl Balfour / Gallo Images 24 Dorling Kindersley: Christy
for work on the Jacket; Photographer (www.nordligdrom.co.uk); Russell (ca). Science Photo Library: Art Graham / The Trustees of the British
Tracy Morgan, Animal Photography, and Wendy Foskett, Bulgari Cats: Wolfe (crb). 10 Science Photo Museum (r). 25 Alamy Images:
and her assistants Susi Addiscot and Savannah cats (www.bulgaricats.co.uk); Library: Natural History Museum, BonkersAboutAsia (br). The
Jemma Yates; Anthony Nichols, Maria Bunina, Musrafy Cats: Kurilian London (cr). 11 Dorling Kindersley: Bridgeman Art Library: Walker Art
Quincunx LaPerms, for help and Bobtail – Longhair and Shorthair, and Gallery, National Museums Liverpool
advice on some of the cat breeds. Siberian cats (www.musrafy.co.uk); Jon Hughes and Russell Gooday (br); (tr). Dorling Kindersley: Museo
Caroline Hunt for proofreading; Suzann Lloyd, Tansdale Pedigree Cats: Tumbas Reales de Sipan (c). 27 Alamy
and Helen Peters for the index. Turkish Van and Vankedisi cats Natural History Museum, London Images: Mary Evans Picture Library
(www.tansdale.co.uk). (tc). 12 Science Photo Library: Mark (bl). Mary Evans Picture Library: (r).
The publisher would like to thank Hallett Paleoart (tr). 13 FLPA: 28 Getty Images: Universal History
the following owners for allowing PICTURE CREDITS Ariadne Van Zandbergen. 14 Corbis: Archive / Universal Images Group (bl).
us to photograph their cats: The publisher would like to thank the 29 123RF.com: Neftali77 (tc). Getty
Valerie and Rose King, Katsacute following for their kind permission Brooklyn Museum (tr); The Gallery Images: British Library / Robana /
Burmese and Rose Valley: Australian to reproduce their photographs: Collection (b). 15 Alamy Images: Hulton Fine Art Collection (br).
Mist Cats (www.katsacute.co.uk); 30 Alamy Images: Mary Evans
Liucija Januskeviciute, Sphynx Bastet: (Key: a-above; b-below/bottom; World History Archive / Image Asset Picture Library (tr); Pictorial Press
Bambino cats (www.sphynxbastet.co. c-center; f-far; l-left; r-right; t-top) Management Ltd. (tr). Getty Images: Ltd (bl). 31 Alamy Images: Mark
Lucas (br). Getty Images: Tore
Gustavo Di Mario / The Image Bank
(bl). 16-17 Corbis: Terry Whittaker /

Frank Lane Picture Agency.
19 Corbis: Hulton-Deutsch
Collection (cl). http://nocoatkitty.

319

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Johnson / TIME & LIFE Images (tr). Utekhina (c). 119 Image courtesy of Kindersley: Tracy Morgan. 184-185 Celso Diniz (b). SuperStock:
PENGUIN and the Penguin logo are Biodiversity Heritage Library. Dorling Kindersley: Tracy Biosphoto (tr). 261 Corbis: Michael
trademarks of Penguin Books Ltd: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org: Morgan-Animal Photography. 184 Kern / Visuals Unlimited (fbr).
(bl). 32 Alamy Images: Collection Alamy Images: Top-Pet-Pics. 187 Dorling Kindersley: Rough Guides
Taken from Our Cats and All About Image courtesy of Biodiversity (bc/Fireworks); Jerry Young (br).
Dagli Orti / The Art Archive (cr). Heritage Library. http://www. Getty Images: Imagewerks /
The Bridgeman Art Library: Them by Harrison Weir (tc). biodiversitylibrary.org: Taken from Imagewerks Japan (bc). 262 Dorling
122-123 Alamy Images: Juniors Kindersley: Kitten courtesy Of Betty
Utagawa Kuniyoshi / School of Bildarchiv GmbH. 128 Alamy Cats and All About Them, by Frances (tr). Dreamstime.com: Stuart Key (b).
Images: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH Simpson (tc). 188 Chanan 264 Alamy Images: Isobel Flynn (bl).
Oriental & African Studies Library, (cra); Tierfotoagentur (tr, b). 129 Photography: (b, tr, cla). 193 Alamy 265 Corbis: Image Source (tr).
Uni. of London (bl). Dorling Animal Photography: Tetsu Images: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (b). 266-267 Corbis: C.O.T /
Kindersley: (tr). 33 The Bridgeman Yamazaki (cra, tr, b). 131 Petra Dreamstime.com: Petr Jilek (cla, tr). a.collectionRF / amanaimages.
Art Library: Marguerite Gerard / Mueller: (cl, clb, br, tr). 133 195 Chanan Photography: (b, cla, 268 Getty Images: Fuse (bl).
SuperStock: Biosphoto. 136 tr). 197 Dreamstime.com: Isselee (cla, 269 Photoshot: Juniors Tierbildarchiv
Musee Fragonard, Grasse, France (tr). SuperStock: Marka (b, cl, cra, tr). 137 tr, b). 199 Chanan Photography: (cra). 270 Alamy Images: Juniors
Corbis: (bl); Blue Lantern Studio (crb). Alamy Images: Tierfotoagentur / R. (b, tr, cra). 200-201 Dreamstime. Bildarchiv GmbH (b). 271 Dreamstime.
34 akg-images: Franz Marc / North Richter (cl). 138 Chanan com: Stratum. 202 Alamy Images: com: Llareggub (tr). 272 Alamy
Photography: (cla, tr). Robert Fox: Petra Wegner. 203 123RF.com: Images: Tierfotoagentur / R. Richter
Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection (tl). (b). 139 Animal Photography: Helmi Vasiliy Koval (c). Getty Images: (tl). Corbis: Splash News (cra).
Getty Images: Henri J.F. Rousseau / Flick (cra, tr, c, b). 141 Animal 273 Alamy Images: Juniors Bildarchiv
Photography: Tetsu Yamazaki (cra, tr, Martin Harvey / Photodisc (cr). GmbH (crb). 274 Alamy Images: Bill
The Bridgeman Art Library (br). b). Dreamstime.com: Sarahthexton 208 Chanan Photography: (tr, cra, Bachman (bl). 275 Alamy Images:
35 Corbis: Found Image Press. (cl). 142 Alamy Images: Sergey b). 210 Alamy Images: Petographer Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (crb).
36-37 Getty Images: DEA Picture Komarov-Kohl (bc). 144 Alamy (clb). 212 Alamy Images: PhotoAlto. 280 Fotolia: Callalloo Candcy (bl).
Library. 38 Alamy Images: AF archive Images: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH. 213 Corbis: Maurizio Gambarini / 281 Alamy Images: Juniors
(crb, bl). 39 The Advertising Archives: 145 Alamy Images: Juniors epa (cra). 214 123RF.com: Aleksej Bildarchiv GmbH (bl). 282 Alamy
(cra). Alamy Images: AF archive (bc). Bildarchiv GmbH (cr, b). naturepl. Zhagunov (cra). Press Association Images: Tierfotoagentur / R. Richter
40-41 Alamy Images: Oberhaeuser / com: Ulrike Schanz (bl). Rex Images: Tony Gutierrez / AP (bl). (tr). 283 Alamy Images: Juniors
Caro. 46-47 Corbis: Tim Macpherson Features: David Heerde (fcr). 217 Animal Photography: Tetsu Bildarchiv GmbH (tr). Dorling
/ cultura. 49 Dorling Kindersley: 147 Bulgari Cats / www.bulgaricats. Yamazaki (cla, tr, b). 218 Dreamstime. Kindersley: Kitten courtesy of Betty
co.uk: (cla). 148 Animal Photography: com: Nataliya Kuznetsova (cr). (tl). 284 Dorling Kindersley: Kitten
Natural History Museum, London Helmi Flick (b, tr). SuperStock: Photoshot: MIXA (ca). 219 Getty courtesy of Helen (ca). Dreamstime.
(cla). Dave Woodward: (bc). 56-57 Juniors (cla). 149 Animal Images: Lisa Beattie / Flickr Open. com: Miradrozdowski (bl). 286-287
Alamy Images: Juniors Bildarchiv Photography: Helmi Flick (b). 220 Alamy Images: Petra Wegner Alamy Images: Arco Images / Steimer,
GmbH. 65 Alamy Images: Blickwinkel Ardea: Jean-Michel Labat (cra, tr). (cra, tr, b). 221 Animal Photography: C. 288 Getty Images: Les Hirondelles
(br). Dorling Kindersley: Jerry Young 150 Alamy Images: Idamini (cra). Tetsu Yamazaki (cla, tr, b). 223 Alamy Photography (bl). 289 Alamy Images:
(bl). 66 Getty Images: Mehmet Salih Barcroft Media Ltd: (bl). 152 Images: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (c). Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH. 290 Alamy
Guler / Photodisc (b). 67 Alamy Animal Photography: Helmi Flick Caters News Agency: (cra). 224-225 Images: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (b).
Images: ZUMA Press, Inc. (cb). (cra, b, tr). 153 Animal Photography: Corbis: Envision. 231 Image courtesy 291 Alamy Images: Juniors Bildarchiv
Dreamstime.com: Jura Vikulin (br). Helmi Flick (cra, tr, b). 155 Fred of Biodiversity Heritage Library. GmbH (tr); Rodger Tamblyn (tl).
68-69 Alamy Images: Phongdech Pappalardo / Paul McSorley: (cr). http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org: 294-295 Corbis: Mitsuaki Iwago /
Kraisriphop. 70 Alamy Images: 156 Alamy Images: Life on white Minden Pictures. 296 Alamy Images:
Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH. 72 Alamy (clb). The Random House Group Taken from Our Cats and All About Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (b).
Images: Arco Images / De Meester, J. Ltd: EBury press (bc). 158 Animal Them, by Harrison Weir (cr). 232 300 Fotolia: Callalloo Candcy (bl).
73 Dreamstime.com: Isselee (c). Photography: Helmi Flick (cla, tr, b). Animal Photography: Tetsu 301 Alamy Images: Graham Jepson
SuperStock: Biosphoto (cl). 75 Corbis: 159 Animal Photography: Tetsu Yamazaki (cra, b, tr). Dreamstime. (tl). Fotolia: Kirill Kedrinski (tr).
Yamazaki (cl, tr, b). 160 Animal com: Jagodka (cla). 235 Alamy 302 Alamy Images: FB-StockPhoto
Luca Tettoni / Robert Harding World Photography: Alan Robinson (cra). Images: Idamini (cra, tr, b). 236 (bl). 303 Alamy Images: Nigel Cattlin
Imagery (tc). 77 Larry Johnson: (cra, 161 Animal Photography: Helmi Animal Photography: Helmi Flick (tc/Tick); R. Richter / Tierfotoagentur
b, tr). 80-81 Animal Photography: Flick (cra, tr, b). 162 Dreamstime. (cra, tr, b). 239 Dreamstime.com: (bl). Corbis: Bill Beatty / Visuals
Alan Robinson. 84 Alamy Images: com: Elena Platonova (tr, b); Nelli Unlimited (tc); Dennis Kunkel
Shuyskaya (cla). 163 Animal Eugenesergeev (tr); Isselee (br). Microscopy, Inc. / Visuals Unlimited
Tierfotoagentur / R. Richter (ca). Photography: Helmi Flick (cla, b, tr). 240 Alamy Images: Idamini (cla, tr, (tc/Ear Mite). Dreamstime.com:
SuperStock: Biosphoto (cr). 85 164 Animal Photography: Sally Anne b). 241 Chanan Photography: (cla, Tyler Olson (tr). 304 Alamy Images:
Dreamstime.com: Sheila Bottoms. Thompson. 165 Alamy Images: tr, b). 245 www.ansonroad.co.uk: Brian Hoffman (tc). 306 Alamy
88 Ardea: Jean-Michel Labat (cla, tr); Creative Element Photos (ca). Taken (tr). 247 Animal Photography: Helmi Images: FLPA (tc). 307 Getty Images:
Jean Michel Labat (b). 89 Alamy from An Historical and Statistical Danielle Donders - Mothership
Images: Tierfotoagentur (cra, tr, b). Account Of The Isle Of Man: (cl). Flick (tr, b); Tetsu Yamazaki (cra). Photography / Flickr Open (t).
92-93 SuperStock: imagebroker.net. 167 Dave Woodward: (cla, b, tr). 248 Animal Photography: Tetsu 308 Dreamstime.com: Brenda
97 Animal Photography: Alan 168 Alamy Images: AF archive (bl). Yamazaki (cla, tr, b). 249 Olga Carson (ca). 309 Fotolia: Urso
Robinson (cra, tr, b). 98 Alamy 170 Fotolia: Artem Furman (cla, tr, Ivanova: (cla, tr, b). 251 Alamy Antonio (bl). Getty Images: Akimasa
Images: Top-Pet-Pics. 99 Alamy b). 171 Fotolia: eSchmidt (cla, tr, b). Images: Tierfotoagentur / L. West Harada / Flickr (t). 310 Animal
Images: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (c). 172 Alamy Images: Tierfotoagentur (ca). Corbis: Rachel McKenna / Photography: Tetsu Yamazaki
102 Animal Photography: Helmi (cla, tr, b). 173 FLPA: S. Schwerdtfeger / cultura (cra). 252 Dreamstime.com:
Flick (cl, tr, b). 103 Alamy Images: Tierfotoagentur (b, cla, tr). 176 Nataliya Kuznetsova (cr). 253 All other images © Dorling Kindersley
Animal Photography: Helmi Flick Dreamstime.com: Ijansempoi. For further information see:
Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH (cla, b, tr). (cl). Dreamstime.com: Oleg Kozlov 254-255 Corbis: Silke Klewitz- www.dkimages.com
104 Taken from The Book of the (cr). 177 Dreamstime.com: Sikth. 179 Seemann / / imagebroker. 256 Fotolia:
Cat by Frances Simpson (1903): (bl). Dreamstime.com: Jagodka (cla). 180 Tony Campbell (tr). 257 Alamy
106-107 Corbis: D. Sheldon / F1 Alamy Images: Juniors Bildarchiv Images: imagebroker (br). 258
Online. 110 Chanan Photography: Dorling Kindersley: Kitten courtesy
(cl, b, tr). 111 Animal Photography: GmbH (tr, b); Tierfotoagentur (cla).
Alan Robinson (cla, tr). Chanan 181 Animal Photography: Tetsu of The Mayhew Animal Home and
Photography: (b). 113 Animal Yamazaki (cla, tr, b). 183 Dorling
Photography: Tetsu Yamazaki (b). Humane Education Center (br).
Dreamstime.com: Vladyslav Dreamstime.com: Joyce Vincent (bl).
Starozhylov (cl, tr, cra). 115 Fotolia: 259 Getty Images: Marcel ter Bekke /
Callalloo Candcy (b). 116 123RF. Flickr (b). 260 Dreamstime.com:
com: Nailia Schwarz. 117 Animal
Photography: Sally Anne Thompson
(cr). Dreamstime.com: Anna

320