Author: Cynthia

I became interested in behaviour as I have been around animals all of my life. I cannot remember a time when there was not a dog and a cat in the home. In hindsight, I should have pursued a career with animals from an early age but this was not to be and I worked in publishing and marketing for many years before making a career change. However, during that time, I became involved in a cat charity and offered my services as a cat fosterer. My husband and I are fortunate in that we live in the countryside and, for the two of us, we have a relatively roomy house with a large garden.

All You Need to Know About Calico Maine Coon Cat

by CynthiaJuly 5, 2020July 5, 2020Breed's Facts / Maine CoonLeave a Comment

Main coon cats, a very intriguing feline with a very exceptional history and background, the center of many myths and tails. Not only that, but these cats have some very impressive characteristics and beautiful physic. Let’s not be surprised seeing its biggest records and Guinness listings! However, the most attractive part of this breed is their personality. Those gentle giants are so affectionate and adorable that it makes it hard to just ignore them.

Then do you actually realize that the Main Coon Cats come in 84 colors and patterns variations? Amazing right? One of those beautiful species is the Calico Main Coon cats. These felines have a vibrant tri-colored coat that is so attractive and fancy. The Calico Maine Coon cats have unique markings, each cat is different than the others, this is certainly because of their unique breeding. Due to the complex genetics that produces calico, a Calico Maine Coon is considered the rarest, yet the most attractive among this breed.

Depending on a lot of breeders who specialize in this pattern, Calico Maine Coon cats are which originated from the New England region, but they‘re a US-based breed and referred to as “money cats”; who knows maybe it might be the sigh of a fortune!

Seeing that Maine Coons are surrounded by myths, the Calico ones are not an exception. In the Netherlands, they are considered as good luck especially males. In the Southeast Asia Japanese fishermen says that this breed brings protection and serenity because they are originally from «the blood of a young goddess born of a lotus flower”

Since everyone wants a special cat, they might end up taking the fake one. Don’t be surprised! It’s quite common for a lot of owners to be wrong about the right breed of their Calico Maine Coon cats. Well, with all the range of colors and similarities, especially with tortoiseshell and tabby Maine Coons, it is hard to distinguish between them.

What characterizes a Calico Maine Coon cat?

Those beautiful rare cats are bred in different colors, from the white base with patches of cream and orange or red, to many other different color spectrums. And because of his amazing colors on his coat, this breed is called Calico. So let’s cheer out to the genes, they made a miraculous work!

Because Calico Maine Coon cats are so special, you will never be able to find two cats with exact similar physical marks; even if they are twins. As much as the feature patterns, even the gender patterns are insanely unique. These big felines are almost always female, Even males are nearly always sterile. And here you can imagine yourself being in a kingdom surrounded just by female cats, no males included.

And for those who confuse Calicos with tortoiseshell Maine coon cats, well here is the thing. The tortoiseshells have an additional genetic pattern, known as piebald; which is having patches of a white fur in their coat. The colors that are present in their coat tend to be more mixed up, contrarily to the distinct patches that are in the Calico Maine Coon cats. So pay attention! No more complicity next time.

Common Variants of the Calico Pattern

Well, we know it now; Calico Maine Coon cats are very unique and special. But as an owner, it is a duty to dive into all the characteristics that are related to this feline. Because knowing your pet that is now your life partner, or will be in the nearest future, is as much important as knowing yourself. One of the initials is to differentiate between the Calico’s patterns, in order to know the genetics of your cat.

Dense Calico pattern

this variety of patterns is the most common and spread type. And that’s because this type consists of a mix of white, red and black; the triangle of colors that are the most dominant between all of the other patterns. And the spreading proportions differ from a cat to another depending on the genes. Some have more white fur and less red and black mix, others have the opposite, but it is certain that the white fur is always placed on the cat’s belly, bib and legs. After all, they’re all beautiful and elegant.

Those colors come in a different color spectrum, from red to orange to cinnamon to grey and black but all of those shades are concentrated. Of course, every coat is unique for its piebald.

Dilute Calico pattern

in this type, you are going to find the colors less intense and concentrated than the first case. This fact is not coming from anywhere, but the reason behind is of course nothing but the genes. So there are mostly three combinations:

White, Lilac, and Cream
White, Blue, and Cream
White, Fawn, and Cream

Basically, the red color becomes creamy and blue or grey instead of black, blue replaces the smoky gray and the cream becomes light red or yellow. Those beautiful combinations found in the dilute Calico Maine Coon cats are rare. And the magical genes spell who makes this miracle come true.

Personality of a Calico Maine Coon cat

We all know how Maine Coon cats are so adorable; they are known for the “gentle giants”. Well, they are sociable, friendly, and really different than the other cats that tend to have that aloof and independent character. And because of that, a lot of owners say that they have a dog-like personality. As soon as a Main Coon notices you on the couch, he will jump over to get some cuddles and a lot of affection. And the Calico Maine Coons don’t make the exception.

As unique as their beauty, Calico Maine Coon cats have a very special character in terms of personality traits. They are so playful and friendly, with children or adults, you are always going to find him jumping around the house, being all energetic and active with butterflies, toys, whatever. This breed is so intelligent and tends to learn very fast how to play, to swim, to hunt, or even to talk. Yes! They can more so wonder around you, watching you carefully and yet, answering you.

Because they belong to a family with a dog-like trait, Calico Maine Coon cats are too loyal. Those felines stick to their owners to death. In ups and downs, you will always find your cat next to you.

Calico Maine Coon size, and how they are rare

To begin with, there is no major difference, after all, Calico belongs to the big Maine Coon cat’s family. It is obvious that it will seem like having a big feline at home.

Weight: Calico Maine Coon cats hoover between 8 to 18 pounds generally talking, because the Maine Coons are usually in the range of 11 to 25 pounds. But if we are talking about gender differences, females are between 8 to 13 pounds, while males can arrive till 18 pounds. Still, watch out with your cat diet, it can develop obesity issues.

Length: for Calico’s females Maine Coons as for the male ones, they all do have the same length. It is usually between 19 to 30 inches from the head to the tail. However, to let you know, that often the tail of this breed takes half of the body length. Yes! It can go from 12 to 18 inches. This can allow them to maintain a good balance and a very beautiful look.

Height: well here let’s cheer for tall males, in terms of height they are the winners. Female’s Calico Maine Coons are between 10 to 14 inches. In the other hand, males can go to 16 inches. From head to shoulder, they are pretty tough!

Lifespan: the average lifespan of a Calico Maine Coon cat ranges anywhere from 9 to 20. And both genders are common. That’s insane, right! But let’s be a little bit realistic. A cat can’t live all this lifespan if they don’t have the proper care. The owner should really look after his cat’s health, by sticking to a good diet and paying attention to his condition.

Up till now, we’ve been repeating how much Calico Maine Coon cats are rare to be found and breaded. From their unique genetic that result in beautiful patterns, to their big size and physical characteristic, to their joyful personality and even the fact that they are considered a lucky sign. Because, for every 3000 Maine Coon kittens born with a calico coat, 2999 are females and just one is male. Apparently, you are already admiring Mother Nature and the beauty of its creatures.

Now that you realize that a Calico Maine Coon, is a first a Maine coon, with all that needs to integrate the family of big felines. However, if you have this tri-colored tiger or lion at home, consider yourself lucky, moreover if it is a male. It’s like you were chosen to lead a special life with a special companion.

Nevertheless, if you are searching for a Calico Maine Coon cat, pay attention. You should choose a very trustful breeder, and yet with very good knowledge and experience in this breed. This issue is very sensitive, but the adventure for searching for a particular cat is worth it. Try it, and you will never regret choosing the Calico Maine Coon cat.

Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic? Cat Allergies

by CynthiaApril 29, 2020April 29, 2020Health & Behavior / Maine CoonLeave a Comment

Having a cat under the same roof brings a stress-relieving company that keeps you entertained all the time. However, some people may have cat allergies that prevent them from living the same experience. Therefore, many cat lovers with allergies tend to adopt hypoallergenic cat breeds such as Maine Coon. The question is, are Maine Coon cats hypoallergenic? Here, we will talk about this so you can have a better idea of the topic.

What Causes Cat Allergies

Cats produce certain types of allergens such as the Fel D1 protein. This allergen can be found in the cat’s saliva, skin, dander, and urine. There is a common belief that allergens are mainly found in the cat’s hair and once they’re touched, they get released. Well, that’s not true, what happens is that when the cat grooms itself, it transfers the allergen from its saliva to fur. That dried saliva is now in the air and once it gets touched, it triggers the allergic reaction.

In general, allergic reactions are not dangerous. They can vary from light to mild, however, they can get severe in certain cases. If so, it’s highly recommended rushing to the nearest hospital right away.

Why do some people have allergic reactions while others don’t?

The most obvious answer is because of their immune systems. For some reason, some people’s immune systems get highly activated and send vibes to the mind as if there is a deadly danger. They start to produce antibodies to attack the enemy known as the allergen.

Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?

No, they are not. Hypoallergenic does not mean that they do not cause allergic at all. It means that their breed is less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The Most Common Cat Allergy Symptoms

Here’s a list of the most common cat allergy symptoms that people with cat allergies may face:

Itchy and/or runny nose
Sneezing
Massive rashes especially on the chest and face
Hives
Red, itchy and/or swollen eyes
Coughing
Difficulties in breath

If you, by anyhow, are sensitive to cat allergies you may experience either one or more of the mentioned symptoms. If you are not that much sensitive towards cat allergies, the symptoms will start to appear after 4 to 8 hours of contact with the cat.

Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?

As a matter of fact, Maine Coon cats do not shed that much. The length of their hair may create a concern in your mind. They produce more amounts of unwanted hair compared to other cat breeds. Keep in mind that a good combing, smooth brushing, is highly recommended in order to keep their fur silky and beautiful the way it is.

How to Reduce Cat Allergies? What Procedures Should You Follow?

Loving your Maine Coon but having to deal with allergic reactions seems a little bit challenging. A lovely Maine Coon cat will bring sweetness to your home and joy to your life. They are known for their joyful nature; they love to snuggle and play with their humans. They surely can bring the sweetest vibes even to your worst day ever. I bet you have been thinking if there’s a way to help you better handle the situation at your home. The good news is you can actually follow some procedures in order to reduce the effect of allergic reactions.

Here are some tips of the instructions you should follow to reduce the allergic reaction:

Get a female cat; female cats are believed to release fewer amounts of the allergens compared to the male ones.
Prevent your Maine Coon cat from entering certain places in the house such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Wash your hands frequently especially after touching the cat or dealing with its litter box. On top of that, DO NOT touch your face by anyhow, and make sure you wear gloves.
Cover the furniture with washable covers to reduce the spread of allergen through the cat’s dander, saliva, and fur.
Wash your cat’s blanket, bed, bedding, and toys with hot water
Make sure you change their litter box daily, if possible, or every two days while wearing gloves. This is highly important because every time the cat uses its litter box, it releases allergens.
Wash clothes on a daily base
Consider immunotherapy; which involves regular shots that help to form gradual resistance over several years.
Vacuum daily, get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that will catch dander, and keep it in.
Get a HEPA air filter in order to prevent airborne from spreading in your home.
Do not allow your cat to lick or scratch you
Consider using anti-allergen sprays

Is there available Medicine that helps prevent Allergic Reactions?

First things first, talk with your doctor and consult allergy medicines. These medicines might be the ones over the corner that will provide you with relief. In addition, you may also take allergy pills and/or inhalers according to your case. However, severe allergic reactions will need more serious medications that your doctor will prescribe for you. Besides, natural medicines can also work to protect your body from allergens such as herbs.

Caring for Your Maine Coon Cat

There is a possibility that you may keep your cat’s allergen spread at a lower rate by following these tips:

Brush your cat gradually, every day
Bathe your cat frequently
Comb their hair every day

All cat breeds reduce the protein Fel D1 which transfers the allergen to the cat’s dander, urine, saliva, hair, and skin. The good news is that some cat breeds such as Maine Coon produce this allergen in fewer amounts. This does not mean that people with cat allergies will not face allergic reactions while dealing with a Maine Coon cat. It means that they will be more tolerant of those cats.

Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat 101 – Are They Twins?

by CynthiaApril 13, 2020April 13, 2020Breed's Facts / Maine CoonLeave a Comment

Can you distinguish between a Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat? Don’t be frustrated, more than 90% can’t make the call for the first time.

As you may know already, that Maine Coon Cat is one of the most famous cat breeds in New England and the United States. His owners call him ‘’the dog of the cat family’’. While the Norwegian Forest Cat is the official cat of Norway, Scandinavia, he is also known by ‘’Skogkatt’’, which means “Forest Cat” in the Norwegian language, and ‘’The Viking’’ referred to Scandinavian people who traveled by sea with their Forest Cats.

Maybe you are thinking now that they are the same! Same cats with different names! Why not? They look alike, they are both the biggest cats, long-haired, and they adapt to the cold and snowy climate.

Therefore, you might say that telling apart from them would be an impossible mission! Especially when you remember that they are entirely similar, yes, they have an identical appearance and it is normal to be confused. Therefore, you would be forgiven for mistaking a Maine Coon Cat for a Norwegian Forest and vice versa.

However, Can you realize that there are many differences as well as similarities between these two lovely breeds? There are some small details that make each breed unique and charming. And to choose one over the other as a pet, you need to explore the characteristics of each breed.

After reading the full article, you will be not be forgiven for mistaking between the two again. And be sure that you’ll enjoy the fact that you’re one of the rare people who can distinguish the Main Coon from a Viking cat!

First, let’s dive into the history and the characteristics of the Maine Coon Cat and the Norwegian Forest Cat!

The History of Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats

Do you like stories? Good! Cause when it comes to the origin of the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cats we find many ones. Ones that are close to reality and others that are close to being myths than real events.

Maine coon’s origins

To start with the ancestral origins of Maine Coons, we should say that the stories are quite mysterious and are folk tales more than history.

The first story happened in the 1793’s, when the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough’s ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite cat, which was Turkish Angora or Siberian. Although she did not reach the USA, but her pets safely reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short-haired breeds developed into the modern breed of the Maine Coon.

Another story took place in the 1800s, when a ship Captain named Charles Coon wanted to anchor in the ports along the New England coast, including Maine, and he brings his long-haired cats with him as mousers. So when they were at land, the local feral cats mated the long-haired cats, which gives birth of kitten that was called Coon’s Cats because they looked so much like the Captain’s own cats.

The last theory considers that Maine coons are the hybrid of cross-breeding of domestic cat with Raccoon or Bobcat, the mating with Raccoon is genetically impossible but it may happen with Bobcat. Furthermore, look to their resemblance then you may affirm it!

Finally, the Maine Coon cat was recognized in the early 19th century and start to be awarded since 1861 as the best cats on New York City show.

Norwegian Forest Cats origins

The most popular story confirms that the Norwegian forest cat originated in Norway. He served as a mouser and kept the Norwegian Vikings ships and farms free of vermin. There are other theories about its ancestors, The first one is about a cross-breeding of black and white short-hair cats brought from Great Britain with long-haired cats brought by Crusaders. The second theory claims that the ancestors are Siberian Forest cats brought from Russia and Turkish Angoras from Turkey.

The breed was finally registered in 1994 by Carl Fredrik Nordane, a Norwegian cat fancier who first initiated these beautiful felines. Then they were registered as an official cat breed in the American Cat Fanciers Association.

Did you notice how the two breeds are similar even when we check their ancestors? Nonetheless, there are also many theories that suspect that the Norwegian Forest cats are the ancestors of the Main Coons cats.

What is the difference between the two: Physical Features, Personality, Health, Life span

instagram: @mainecoonqueens – @aslantheforestcat

When it comes to the appearance of the two breeds, They almost look like twins and it’s hard to distinguish between them with the first try.

As this title shows, the difference between Maine Coon Cat and the Norwegian Forest Cat is not only their appearance, but there are plenty of dissimilarities such as the character of each breed, suspect diseases that they may face and their life expectancy.

Physical Features

Size & Weight

Talking about our charming breeds’ appearance cannot go on without mentioning their exceptional size & weight. They are both big cats with big hearts. Even if the Norwegian Forest cat is also big but Main Coon cats still awarded for the biggest and largest cats of the world.

Let’s talk numbers:

The cat breed		Weight	Height
Maine Coon Cat	Male	7-12 kg (15-26 lb)	10-16 inches (25-40cm)
	Femelle	5-8 kg (11-18 lb)	8-14 inches (20-35cm)
Norwegian Forest Cat	Male	6-9 kg (13-20 lb)	12 to 18(30-46 cm)
	Femelle	4-6 kg ( 9-13 lb)	12 to 18(30-46 cm)

Shape and structure

maine coon vs norwegian forest cat shape

As a pet lover, we are too excited about every single detail related to our fascinating cats. This is an amazing part where our guests undergo some accurate observations.

Head shape: Maine Coons have a quite wedged head shape with a wide muzzle and a rounded curve on its forehead which makes them looks like a ‘’lion’’ while the Norwegian Forest Cat has an equilateral triangular muzzle with a flat forehead, similar to the majority of the other cat breeds.

Let me guess! You are trying to imagine that! These pictures are showing clearly those differences!

Eyes shape

If you back to the picture, you will notice that Maine Coon’s eyes are large and slightly oval; they sometimes appear round when they are wide-open.

Instead, The Norwegian has large, almond-shaped eyes, and set oblique with an alert expression.

Ear shape

They both have large and wide ears with lynx tips. The Maine Coon’s ears are set high on the head. Norwegian’s ears’ outer line follows the triangular line of the face and the muzzle.

Nose shape

Maine Coon’s nose shape is more gently curved than that of a Norwegian Forest Cat that has a straight bridge to its nose.

Body

Maine Coon cat has a long body which makes him seem quite large when he sits on the hind legs especially as they have quite a broad thick furred chest. The Norwegian Forest Cat is smaller in length and squarer in shape but they both have quite large chests.

Tail

The Norwegian Forest cat has a bushy and long-tail when compared to the Maine Coon. It is wider and fluffier, and of the same length as their body. In comparison, the hair on the Maine Coon’s tail is bushier long and flowing especially at its end.

Coat

Their size is not the only thing that they have in common, but they both have thick fur, fluffy, smooth and long heard which keep them warm during cold weather and make them able to adapt to the snowy climate. But sometimes owners like to give their fluffy cat a Lion cut.

Do you agree that this is the most attractive thing, responsible for how our glamorous cats are gorgeous and fluffy?

Color

Here we have fantastic news for you! Coons has nearly 80 accepted colors as described by the CFA, whilst the Viking cat isn’t far behind and has approximately 60 recognized colors. Such as:

White,
Black and black-blue
Red- cream
Smoky
Amber
Silver
Abby
Cinnamon

You can’t deny that each one of our fabulous cat breeds has his own physical features?! Do you still unable to distinguish between them?! Let’s dig deep and discover their personality and character.

Personality & Character: (sociability, trainability, vocality, loyalty)

Main coons and Norwegian Forest cats exhibit very friendly traits. They are extroverted and playful. They socialize greatly with other animals as well as with people. Also, they are too curious and intelligent, and they love hunting. You can train both of them easily! Comparing to the Vikings cats, Maine coons are highly trainable and well known for their intelligence and their ability to quickly learning new things.

They communicate differently, Maine Coons tend to be very vocal chatty and are known for their chirping sound. In contrast, Norwegian Forest cats tend to be calm and quieter unless they need something.

Maine Coons are extremely loyal and very affectionate even if they don’t get attention from their owners. The Norwegian Forest cats are loyal to their owners only if they are giving them attention.

And of course, Their playfulness and energy are referred to as how you care about their health!

Health (Common diseases and different ones)

When it comes to Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cat’s health, both can face some common diseases that any cat may have. They are prone to:

Hip Dysplasia that is a genetic malformation of the cat’s hip joint and causes arthritis and crippling lameness.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that can result in heart failure and paralysis of the lower limbs.

There are also some diseases related to each breed.

Maine Coon Health

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Which is one of the most diseases that Main coons can have. It causes an awkward posture and manifests in obvious aggravation when walking. The muscles in the back of their legs become weak over time. But, despite it, the cat can continue relatively its normal life.

Norwegian Forest Cat Health

Glycogen storage: The Vikings are prone to this disease, it causes a deficiency of an enzyme needed for the metabolism of glycogen. This one may unfortunately fatal in some cases.

Life span of Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat

You may ask if these health diseases may affect the life expectancy of Maine Coons or the Norwegian Forest Cats?

The average lifespan for a Maine Coon is between 12 and 15 years. However, the oldest reported Maine Coon was 26. On the other hand, the average lifespan for a Norwegian Forest cat is between 14 and 16 years.

Which one is easier to care for? A Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat?

Grooming Maine Coon female cat, Serafin, with a brush

If you think about getting a Main Coon or a Norwegian Forest cat, surely you are aware that every cat will have its own set of needs for daily care, nutrition, housing, and grooming.

High quality of food

Maine Coon cats need high quality of food, containing high levels of protein, low carbohydrates, and Omega 3 and 6 fat and fatty acids.

For Norwegian Forest Cats, cat food that contains Taurine is usually ideal. It’s basically an important amino acid that your feline requires for good heart health and vision.

And don’t forget that both the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat require access to a water source at all times, to prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

Grooming

As you know, breeds with long fur coats like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats need a lot of grooming at least weekly, if not daily. Keep in mind that cats need to be washed by specific shampoos that suit their silky fur coat, and doesn’t affect their health.

Entertainment

When it comes to playing time, Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cat need to be well entertained. Try to create an environment with plenty of room, litter boxes, food, water, scratching posts, and toy. Provide also access to elevated places makes, cats like to be up high.

Costs of keeping a Maine Conn vs Norwegian Forest Cat

Do you know that the costs of bringing a pet into your home go far beyond any initial adoption fee or purchasing price? This can vary from nothing at all to hundreds and thousands of dollars. They are costs related to their food, insurance, grooming, and other basics elements.

You prefer numbers Ok! We got it! Look at these tables below to find out details:

These are the purchasing prices:

	Maine Coon Cat	Norwegian Forest Cat
Kitten	800$-1200$	300$-900$
Senior Cat	800$	600$
Rescue Cat	200$ to 400$	250$-350$

Did you compare their prices? Then there are the annual costs related to their food, insurance, grooming, and other basics elements.

Annual costs	Maine Coon Cat	Norwegian Forest Cat
Feeding	700$ to 1300$	200$-800$
Insurance	350$	350$
Vaccination	50$ to 150$	50$to 150$
Veterinary exams	80$ and 160$	100$ to 200$
Litter box	10$ to 70$	10$ to 70$
Toys	10$ to 60$	10$ to 60
shampoo	7$ to 15$ bottle	7$ to 15$ bottle
Grooming and boarding	70$ to 200$	100$ to 200 $

Which is the better pet?

Maine Coon Cats are a great choice if you look for a cat with a beautiful appearance and endearing personality. They are curious and extremely loyal. They treat every human or pet in their household as their family. Maine Coon Cats are also wonderful with children and other pets. They are intelligent and love hunting, which makes them too playful.

If you decide to own it then be ready to sacrifice your time and energy to respond to their social needs and give him love and affection.

Int the other hand, the Norwegian Forest Cat is an athletic, active cat and likes to have something to do at all times. This cat is ideal for active households and families with children. These cats are loyal to their owners if they are giving them attention. They like to socialize and are independent at the same time. Only some toys for your Norwegian Forest Cat keep it happy and engaged. Sometimes they become lazy, and they prefer to keep to themselves, when they need to, they become proficient at finding the best hiding places.

Which breed suits you? A Maine coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat?

After all the information you learned, have you decided which breed to choose? Actually, we wish you good luck with that! Because, despite all the differences between the Main Coon Cats and The Norwegian Forest Cat, they are alike, and choosing the right breed is not an easy task. Personally I recommend you consider each cat’s specific needs and characteristics so that you can match them with your lifestyle.

If needed, you can check another comparison of another spectacular breed that you will find it in this article’’’ Maine Coon vs Ragdoll’’.

If you had chosen a Maine Coon Cat instead of Norwegian Forest Cat or vice versa, then we will be glad that you share with us what pushes you to choose it as companionship.

+25 iPhone Siamese Cat Wallpapers

by CynthiaMarch 8, 2020March 8, 2020Pictures & Videos / Siamese Cat1 Comment

Seeking for astonishing iPhone Siamese Cat Wallpapers? Here we present more than 25 amazing background images and wallpapers carefully picked by our community. If you want to share one of yours, just contact us and send the image and we will post it on our website. Also feel free to share, comment and download any wallpaper you like the most.

+40 Amazing Desktop Maine Coon Wallpaper

by CynthiaMarch 5, 2020March 5, 2020Maine Coon / Pictures & VideosLeave a Comment

Seeking for astonishing Desktop Maine Coon Wallpaper? Here we present more than 40 amazing background images and wallpapers carefully picked by our community. If you want to share one of yours, just contact us and send the image, and we will post it on our website. Also feel free to share, comment and download any wallpaper you like the most.

The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed. It has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.

No records of the Maine Coon’s exact origins and date of introduction to the United States exist, so several competing hypotheses have been suggested, the most credible suggestion is that it is closely related to the Norwegian Forest cat and the Siberian. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States.

The Maine Coon is a large and sociable cat, hence its nickname, “the gentle giant”. It is characterized by a prominent ruff along its chest, robust bone structure, rectangular body shape, an uneven two layered coat with longer guard hairs over a silky satin undercoat, and a long, bushy tail. The breed’s colors vary widely, with only lilac and chocolate disallowed for pedigree. Reputed for its intelligence and playful, gentle personality, the Maine Coon is often cited as having “dog-like” characteristics. Professionals notice certain health problems recurring in the breed, including feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, but reputable breeders use modern screening methods to minimize the frequency of these problems.

A Maine Coon Polydactyl is a Maine Coon cat with polydactyly. This variation is acceptable within general judging standards for the breed, and is even separately certified by some organizations like TICA.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Cat Allergies – Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?

by CynthiaFebruary 19, 2020February 19, 2020Bengal / Breed's FactsLeave a Comment

There are many people thinking of getting a Bengal cat to join their family. However, due to the idea that they are hypoallergenic they hesitate. Some people are allergic to cats and bringing a cat is not an easy decision.

What is Hypoallergenic?

Before getting into deeper details about Bengal cats, we will start by showing you what hypoallergenic means. Hypoallergenic cats are appointed to the breeds that are most unlikely to cause any kind of allergy in vulnerable people. In other words, there is no cat that’s totally hypoallergenic. On the other hand, some cat breeds can cause allergic reactions and that person should be rushed to the hospital right away. These breeds are rare and Bengals are among them.

Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?

Bengal cats are considered to be among the list of hypoallergenic cat breeds. However, they tend to produce fewer allergens than other cats on the same list.

The reason why some people are allergic to cats is because of the pet dander they produce. The pet dander has a protein called Fel-D1 and can be found in the cat saliva. The good news is that Bengal cats produce less of that protein in their saliva, making it easier for people to adopt them.

So What makes Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic in the First Place?

Here are the main reasons behind this:

Minimal Shedding

Bengal cats do not shed much, thus their pet dander does not go all over the place. Luckily, this does not cause allergic attacks.

Producing Fewer Amounts of Fel-D1 Protein

As a matter of fact, Bengal cats do not produce many amounts of Fel-D1 protein. Making the protein transferred to the cat’s coat and its grooming is minimal.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

Cat allergies are twice as frequent among people than dogs. In general, people think that the fur is what causes the allergy, however, this is not true. As a matter of fact, people get an allergic reaction to the protein in their saliva, urine, and dander.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Allergies?

The most common symptoms for cat allergies include the following:

Having rashes on the chest and or the face
Sneezing, coughing and wheezing
Some people can also have runny or itchy noses
If the cat scratched or bitten somebody part, that part would become red and itchy

In general, the symptoms of cat allergies start to develop whether in a short time or could take hours to appear. Luckily, only 25% of people with cat allergic reactions could have severe situations after contact with the cat.

Signs You’re Allergic to Cats Without Knowing

If you feel exhausted for a day-long: Cat allergies can make you feel less energetic and exhausted all the time. This is the main common symptom of having an allergy to cats.
If your eyes are red and feel itchy: this is another common symptom for cat allergy you should pay attention to. This could happen if you hold or touch the cat and touch your eyes before washing your hands.

How to Diagnose Cat Allergies?

In general, there are two ways that people can use to test for allergies; skin test and blood test. Both tests can give results quickly and accurately, and here we’ll talk in details about each type of allergy test:

Skin Test

Before running a skin test, talk with your doctor to learn more about the medications that could interfere with the skin test. Skin tests are usually done by an allergist because people may have severe reactions during the test, so it’s better to be extra cautious.

The doctor will use a clean needle and pick your skin’s surface and place a small amount of the allergen and in most cases, there will be several tests at the same time. Your doctor will keep an eye to observe your reactions and whether there is something wrong happening and so.

The test takes 15 to 25 minutes maximum; the picked skin spot may become red or swollen; which is a totally normal reaction. If the reaction confirms you are having an allergy; the pick will cause itchy bumps that will disappear after 30 minutes later.

Blood Test

If you have a skin condition that won’t let you run the skin test; another alternative shows up. A blood test is a good solution also for children who have difficulties getting a skin test. So basically, a blood test sample will be drawn either at the doctor’s clinic or at the hospital then the sample will be sent to the laboratory to get tested.

The blood sample gets examined for antibodies to cat allergens such as dander. The result could need a longer time but it gives an accurate result without causing any side effect or allergic reaction.

How to Treat Cat Allergies?

You may consider the following treatments after consulting your doctor:

Leukotriene inhibitors such as Montelukast
Cromolyn sodium which reduces the symptoms and prevents the release of immune system chemicals
Home remedies such as rinsing your nasal passage with salt water to reduce congestion and sneezing.

How to Reduce Cat Allergies?

If by any chance you have an allergy to your Bengal cat, try the following tips to reduce the symptoms:

Do not let them enter your own bedroom
Wash your hands after contacting with or touching the cat
Cover heating vents with cheesecloth
Install air purifier or air cleaner
Change the filters frequently
Make sure you vacuum your house at least twice per week

Cat allergies can cause all the symptoms we have mentioned earlier. You should make sure to get yourself and your loved ones checked and tested. On top of that, make sure to follow the tips regarding your home and what to do after touching your cat, that would be much better for your health so you can enjoy every time you spend with your precious furry friend.

How to Help a Pregnant Cat Give Birth

by CynthiaFebruary 17, 2020February 17, 2020Care / Healthy CatLeave a Comment

We did cover before on how to find a stud and recognizing pregnancy for your cat queen, and how to keep her in health for the whole pregnancy period. Now, we’ll find out what are the main steps you need to follow to help your cat give birth and take care of her newborn kittens.

Most queens prefer to have a box of some kind, with a lid on it and a small opening to get in and out. You can either make something for her out of a cardboard box or, if she is in a metal pan, you can peg old sheets around the outside to give her the security that she needs and protect her kittens from any draughts.

If the box has a lid or top, then it needs to be high enough for mum to stand up inside. She needs plenty of room to walk around and stretch out when giving birth and when feeding babies.

Mum’s food and water need to be very close to the kittening box, other-wise she may not eat or drink, as she will want to keep her kittens in view.

Her litter tray must be at least four feet away – otherwise, she may not use it and will become constipated. The room needs to be warm for the birth and until the kittens are three weeks old, as they cannot control their body temperature. Ideally, keep the room at around 70F (21 C).

Bedding

Do not use a cushion or loose blankets as newborn babies can fall down the sides of a cushion or get tangled in blankets.

You need a soft, flat, absorbent surface that the queen can give birth on, where the surface will not stay wet. You should be able to leave it for a couple of days after the birth as the smell of the birthing liquids helps mum bond to her babies.

We line our kittening box with layers of newspaper and put fleece over the top. The birthing liquid soaks through the fleece into the newspaper and after the birth, the newspaper can be slid out without disturbing mum or her kitties too much. The mum and kittens can then be left undisturbed on the fleece for a couple of days.

Change the bedding around day three or day four, when your queen has settled down and bonded with her babies. If you forget to change it, you may find mum is trying to move her kittens to somewhere cleaner and less smelly.

Other birthing essentials

Disinfectant hand gel to clean your hands every time you touch the babies
Kitchen towels for mopping up spills and for handling slippery newborn kittens.
Dental floss to tie around the cord before separating the placenta from the kitten (just in case mum doesn’t do it).
Small, blunt-nosed scissors, for cutting the cord (if required).

Colostrum replacement formula

The queen produces Colostrum (a type of milk) for the first 24 hours after the birth. It contains antibodies to protect your newborn kittens and extra fat and protein to give them a good start in life.

It is expensive with a short shelf life and you only need it if the queen cannot feed her kittens for the first day. So it may not be worth keeping any at home but you might try to find a supplier who can deliver it to you or one you can get to within two hours.

Kitten milk/formula

Keep at least one tub of replacement kitten milk in the house just in case mum does not, or cannot, feed her kittens. Kitten milk powder has a reasonable shelf life, so you can keep a stock in for when you need it.

Syringes

1ml syringes are essential if you need to hand feed tiny newborn kittens. Your vet may be able to supply you with some or you can get them from the internet.

You will also need 5ml size for feeding later on if you end up hand-rearing the kittens through to weaning.

Feeding bottles/equipment

Sitting three weeks old tabby kitten being hand-fed with a bottle of milk on a white fur background

If you are hand-feeding, you will also need:

Bottles and teats once the kittens are a bit older (approximately 2-3 weeks)
Measuring spoons and cups for mixing
Funnel for filling bottles
Bottle-brush for cleaning bottles
Sterilizing fluid for cleaning all the above

Lactulose for constipation

Lactulose is a double sugar that is available under various brand names and is available from your vets. It comes as a liquid and has a long shelf life, so it is useful to have in your kitten medicine cabinet.

Queens can sometimes suffer from constipation after giving birth, especially if they are so devoted to their kittens that they won’t leave the kittening box even to go to the litter tray.

Also, if you are hand feeding, many of the milk formulae cause constipation in kittens.

But be careful how much you give them – follow your vet’s advice, as too much can cause severe diarrhea.

Antibiotic

You need to have a very gentle anti-biotic on hand, such as Cephalexin, just in case you need to medicate the newborn kitten. If you can, get it from your vets in powder form as you only need the tiniest amount and once made up into a liquid, it only has a short shelf life. When required, mix a small tea-spoon and keep in the fridge for up to three days.

4 Common Summer Ailments in Cats and How to Manage Them

by CynthiaFebruary 7, 2020February 6, 2020Healthy Cat / LearnLeave a Comment

Probably the most common and worst summer ailments in cats are parasites. They are not only a cause of serious irritation but if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues. Luckily with the many products available on the market we, as responsible cat owners, can take matters into our own hands and ensure a healthy summer for our felines. Pet owners usually know how their cats are coping in warm weather. It is best to be aware of any potential discomfort.

Precaution

All cats are affected by worms, even kittens may become infected at a very young age. It is important to use products specifically formulated for cats and try to alternate between different brands, as worms can build up a resistance to products. Kittens need to be de-wormed for the first time between six and eight weeks, when they receive their first vaccinations. Then they need to be de-wormed again at 12 and 16 weeks and after that once a month until six months of age. Cats older than six months need to be de-wormed every three months for the rest of their lives.

Fleas

Fleas might seem like a tiny little irritation but can soon lead too much more serious health issues if left untreated. They multiply in no time and spread from pets and lay eggs all over your house. Getting rid of them once settled can be a severe headache, so prevention is surely better than treating the itchy end result.

Fleas have three life stages: eggs, larvae, and adults. Other health issues that they are associated with, apart from itchy bites, include skin allergies and tapeworm infestations. Fleas carry tapeworms and when a cat swallows a flea while grooming herself, she may become infected. They are best controlled with a combination of adulticides and insect growth regulators. This approach breaks the fleas’ life cycle and prevents them from multiplying.

Tapeworms

The tapeworm needs an intermediate host, like a flea, which passes the larval stage of the tapeworm and then to the final host, your cat, where the larvae can develop into an adult tapeworm. Once the tapeworm reaches maturity, in approximately two to three weeks, proglottids break off and leave the body via feces or crawl out of the anus. It has the appearance of rice grains. Once outside the body, the proglottids dry out, releasing the eggs which are eaten by flea larvae or ingested by a rodent and the cycle begins once again.

The most common tapeworm found in cats is Ipylidium Caninum. The proglottids are passed in feces and eaten by flea larvae. Once inside the flea larvae, the egg hatches and becomes Cysticercoid. The flea larvae develops into an adult flea, sucking blood from your cat. The cat ingests the flea during grooming. Once inside the stomach, the flea is broken down and the cystercoid is released. It hooks onto the lining of the small intestinal wall and develops into an adult tapeworm.

Unfortunately there are very few outward symptoms of tapeworm infection. It is usually seen when owners notice rice-like segments around the cat’s anus, feces or in the environment where the cat lives or sleeps. The fur may also take on a poor appearance and heavy infestation may cause your cat to lose weight. You should immediately use an effective de-worming tablet or injection and treat the cat and environment for fleas at the same time.

Bedding should be washed in hot water and all other pets in the household should be treated for fleas and tapeworm.

Ticks

Ticks, typically found in grassland or woodland, can also lead to health problems for your cat. One of the diseases transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease. It is a very serious illness and is caused by the Borrelia bacteria carried by the Ixodes ticks. Hotter summers can cause an increased incidence of the disease and is unfortunately often misdiagnosed by veterinarians.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, raised temperature, lethargy, lameness, painful joints, and enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms can easily be associated with many other diseases but a blood test can confirm Lyme disease. Treatment includes a course of antibiotics and is only really effective soon after infection, so speedy diagnosis is of the utmost importance.

Warm weather

Signs that your cat is not happy in the heat include heavy panting, bright pink or red tongue and gums, drooling, they may lie down more often or breathe heavily, sweaty palms, restlessness, excessive grooming as a way to cool off.

They may even lose their appetite in heat. It is not a cause for concern but if they eat very little or vomit after eating, you should contact your veterinarian.

Ensure that your cat always has access to clean, cool, freshwater. Brush them regularly to get rid of any extra hair that might be heating them up. Ensure there is always access to a cool and sheltered area inside and out. You can even consider keeping your cat indoors, especially between the hottest hours. Cats with light ears are prone to sunburn, so apply sun lotion to protect them.

Bengal cats 101: The bold, bright and beautiful breed

by CynthiaJanuary 24, 2020March 29, 2020Bengal / Breed's FactsLeave a Comment

If you are looking for a cat that has loads of character, endless energy yet is extremely affectionate too then consider a Bengal. These beautiful cats have fast become one of the most popular shorthaired breeds in the world, having only achieved Championship status with the GCCF in 2005.

Traces of the breed’s wild ancestry can still be found in their highly intelligent, alert and mischievous nature.

They are bouncy, boisterous and full of fun and definitely want to be noticed!

It is possible to tame their wilder instincts by teaching them clear boundaries and curbing unruly behavior while they are young. Any attempts to jump onto the kitchen worktop or climb your curtains should be met with a clear and firm “No!”. Bengal cats are intelligent cats and will soon learn not to do these things, leaving you with a playful, enthusiastic, yet well-behaved pet.

History of Bengal Cats

Bengal cats originate from Arizona, USA where, in 1963, Jean Mill was credited with the first mating between an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) and a domestic cat.

She was hoping to produce a sweet natured pet cat that resembled a mini leopard so that people would be less tempted to keep a real wild cat as a pet or be tempted to wear their fur.

At the time it was believed that ALCs had partial immunity to feline leukemia and research was undertaken with the aim of genetically transferring this immunity to the resulting hybrid cats.

Sadly, this wasn’t the case but these hybrids formed the basis of the Bengal breed.

Breeding programs continued around the world and are responsible for bringing us the beautiful Bengal cat we know today. Although they are lively and can be full of mischief, most modern-day Bengals are far removed from their wild ancestors, but they still maintain the exotic look. Their coats can be spotted or marbled, are glossy, sleek and as smooth as satin. The appearance of being ‘dusted’ with gold or pearly glitter (stunning when caught in sunlight) is the result of a lack of pigment in the hair tips.

Being a very active breed, they do need plenty of space – a cat-proof fence around your garden would be a worthwhile investment. They are quite vocal, ranging from a simple meow to a chirrup and a yowl. They have a more guttural, urgent-sounding noise to attract your attention when they want it.

Bengal cats have a fascination for water and will happily paddle in it and play for hours with a dripping tap so keep the toilet lid down!

As they are very intelligent animals, Bengal cats need communication with other creatures and with humans too – they aren’t very keen on being left alone.

In fact, they will follow you around the house and eagerly investigate whatever you are doing. A cat tower with platforms, scratching posts and activity toys are a must. Bengals are good at learning how to open doors, cupboards – even fridges! Yet when they are not being so mischievous, most will happily curl up next to you on the sofa and enjoy some affection.

Bengal Cat Coat Patterns

Spotted pattern: Can be random with a tendency to flow horizontally with either spotted, arrowhead or rosetted patterns. The stomach must be spotted (except on Blue-eyed Snow kittens). There are also wide, distinctive necklets on the throat, together with a strong, bold chin strap that may go from jaw to jaw. Light-colored ‘spectacles’ should preferably extend into vertical streaks which may be outlined by an ‘M” marking on the forehead.

Broken streaks or spots extend over the head, either side of a complex scarab mark.

Marble pattern: Bengal cats have a unique pattern of random, horizontally aligned swirls that are not found on other breeds of cat. No other cat displays the gold or pearl dusting effect of the Bengal cat.

Bengals Breed standards

Head & neck: A broad medium wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than it is wide, with high cheekbones. The head should be rather small in proportion to the body but not taken to extremes. The profile has a gentle curve from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.

The line of the bridge of the nose extends to the nose leather, making a very slight concave curve. The nose is large and broad with a rounded, strong chin that aligns with the tip of the nose in profile, and pronounced whisker pads created by the widely set canine teeth. The neck should be thick, muscular and in proportion to the body. Allowance should be made for jowls in adult males.

Ears: Medium to small, short with a wide base and rounded tip. Set as much on the side as on the top of the head, following the contour of the face in the front view and pointing forward in profile. There may be a light Colored ‘thumbprint’ on the back of each ear. Light horizontal furnishings are acceptable but ear tufts are undesirable.

Eyes: Almost round, oval preferred, large but not bold. Set on a slight slant towards the base of the ear. Eye color is independent of coat color. The richer and more depth of color, the better.

Body: Long, sleek and muscular (one of the most distinguishing features, particularly in males). Large to medium and robust with hindquarters slightly higher than the shoulders, showing a depth of flank. The frame is sturdy and firm – never delicate.

Legs & paws: Legs should be of medium length, strong and muscular. The hind legs should be a little longer than the front and be more robust. Paws are large and rounded.

Tail: Medium length, thick and even, with a rounded tip; may be tapered towards the end.

Coat: Short to medium length, very dense, luxurious and soft to the touch. Allowance should be made for a slightly longer coat in kittens.

Bengal Cat Colors

Brown Tabby

All variations are allowed but a high degree of reddish-brown (Rufus) color yielding a yellow, buff, golden or orange ground color is preferred. Markings may be black or various shades of brown. A very pale color, preferably white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Alternatively, the chest, underside, and inner legs may be pale in contrast to the ground color of the flanks and back. White or very light-colored spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red.

Paw pads and the tail tip must be black. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades; that is, ground color, markings and dark outlining of these markings. The overall appearance should be of gold dusting.

Eye color – gold, green or hazel; deep shades preferred.

Blue-eyed Snow

The ground Color should be ivory to cream. Pattern may vary in color from charcoal to dark or light brown with light Colored spectacles, whisker pads, and chin.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red.

Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones. Color may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible is preferred.

The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. The overall appearance should be of pearl dusting.

Eye Color – blue, deep shades preferred.

AOC-eyed Snow

Ground color should be ivory to tan, with the pattern clearly visible. Pattern may be charcoal or shades of brown with light Colored spectacles, whisker pads, and chin.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black and the center of nose leather should be brick red.

Paw pads should be dark brown with rosy undertones.

The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. The overall appearance should be of pearl dusting.

Eye color – gold, green or blue-green.

Black Silver Tabby

Markings should be black on a silvery-white ground, showing extreme contrast. The base of the hair should be glacial white. A very pale, preferably silvery-white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Silvery-White spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips, and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red, although a black nose leather is acceptable.

There should be no tarnish (brown pigmentation) present in the coat color. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.

Eye color – gold, green or hazel; deep shades preferred.

Blue-eyed Silver Snow

Markings may vary from charcoal or shades of brown on a silvery-white ground showing good contrast. The base of the hair should be glacial white. A very pale Color, preferably silvery-white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend to the chest, underside and inner legs. Silvery-white spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red, although a black nose leather is acceptable.

Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones.

The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. Color may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible between the points and the body is preferred.

There should be no tarnish present in the coat color. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.

Eye Color – blue; deep shades preferred.

AOC-eyes Silver Snow

Markings may vary from charcoal or shades of brown on a silvery-white ground with the pattern clearly visible. Base of the hair should be glacial white. A very pale color, preferably silvery-white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend to the chest, underside and inner legs. Silvery-white spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips, and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red, although a black nose leather is acceptable.

Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones. The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. Color may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible between the points and the body is preferred.

There should be no tarnish present in the coat color. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.

Eye Color – gold, green or blue-green.

Blue Spotted & Blue Marble

Markings should be pale blue to blue-gray on a pinkish-mushroom ground color. A very pale color, preferably pinkish-mushroom, is highly desirable on whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Alternatively, the chest, underside, and inner legs may be pale in contrast to the ground Color of flanks and back.

White or very light-colored spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in slate-gray; the center of nose leather should be dark pink. Paw pads should be mauve-blue.

The tail tip must be dark blue or blue-gray. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades; that is, ground color, markings and dark outlining of these markings. The overall appearance should be of bluish dusting, giving a platinum sheen.

Eye color – green or hazel, deep shades preferred.

Cat Breeding: Finding a stud and recognizing pregnancy

by CynthiaJanuary 23, 2020January 24, 2020Healthy Cat / LearnLeave a Comment

There are several problems associated with using studs from other catteries, the main ones being finding a stud that you like, that is available and that will give you the kittens that you want from your queen.

Having found a stud that you think might be suitable you should check out his cattery to check that you are happy that the cats there are healthy, kept in good condition and well looked after.

The owner of the stud should ask to see a copy of your queen’s paperwork, to check that she has been registered for breeding and her vaccinations are up to date. You need to confirm the same information about the stud.

The stud owner should also ask for your queen to be blood tested, no more than 24 hours before taking her to the stud, to check for certain transmittable diseases, such as FelV (Feline Leukaemia) and FIV (Feline HIV).

The stud owner cannot guarantee that your queen will get pregnant from her stud but most reputable breeders will have a stud contract that offers a second or even a third visit for which you do not have to pay an additional fee.

And don’t forget to check out the cost of using the stud. The fees vary considerably but you should at least expect to pay the price of one ‘pet’ kitten as a stud fee.

It is helpful to know what the jargon means when you see studs advertised:

Closed stud

This is where a stud cannot be used by anyone other than the owner. It may be that the owner has spent a great deal of money buying the stud, perhaps even importing him from overseas, and wants to limit who can have kittens from him. Alternatively, it may be that the owner does not want to risk infection from allowing the stud to mate with any cats from outside their own cattery.

Limited stud

Limited studs are those where the owner will only allow some queens in to use the stud. There are many things that may be considered by the owner of a boy at limited stud.

Queens will sometimes have to be ‘maidens’ (first mating) or may have to be queens that have not previously been to another cattery for a mating. Sometimes limited studs may only be allowed to mate to queens bought from the stud’s cattery or bought from a cattery that the stud’s owner knows to be free of infections.

This is where your reputation as a breeder also becomes important. If the stud owner knows that you care for your cats and have a clean cattery, with no infections, then you are far more likely to be allowed to use a boy at limited stud.

Open stud

Some studs are ‘open’, which means that anybody can use their services, though some breeders will reserve the right to refuse a girl if their boy needs a rest period.

Finding a stud for your queen in season

Your girl should be ‘calling’ or ‘in season’ when you put her in with your chosen stud cat.

It can be difficult deciding when is best to send your girl for her first mating. The first consideration is age – is she old enough, big enough and mature enough to get pregnant, to carry a litter to full term and then feed them successfully? The breeder who sold you the girl may be able to give you an idea of when this might be for your queen.

For some breeds you may need to consider pyometra – this is an infection of the uterus which is difficult to treat and can result in the girl having to be spayed. A contributing factor to getting pyometra is leaving your girl calling too many times without mating her. If the girl has had at least three adult seasons, you may decide to mate her, even if she is not as old as you would prefer.

There are various ways of recognizing when a girl is in season, but even some of those aren’t foolproof, as some girls show no signs at all when calling

The obvious one is when the girl ‘calls’ for a mate. Her normal meowing changes to a loud and very insistent yelling. This may be a couple of times a day or could go on for hours, both day and night.

Another clear sign is when she starts behaving in an extremely voluptuous way – stretching, rolling, rubbing against you and the furniture and then laying on the floor with her front legs stretched out in front of her and her bottom stuck up in the air (can be embarrassing if you have visitors of a sensitive disposition).

If none of that is obvious, then you can try a couple of tests of your own. Tickle the girl’s back, just in front of her tail, and if she puts her tail to one side she is in season. Alternatively, tickle her bottom, underneath her tail, between her back legs, and watch to see if the tail swishes to one side.

Now is the time to get her to the stud – but don’t leave it to long. There is nothing more frustrating to a stud owner than to have someone bring a girl to them, saying ‘she was in the season last week’. They may have other queens waiting to go in with the same stud and won’t want your girl living with him for weeks until she comes into season again. Get her to stud whilst she is in season and you are most likely going to have a litter of kittens two months later.

Pregnancy

The most common signs of pregnancy happen when the girl is three weeks pregnant. Her nipples will harden and will go pink. So start checking the nipples from three weeks after she was introduced to the stud.

However, you cannot always use this as a guide as some girls get pink nipples when in season.

To be absolutely sure, take your girl to the vets to get her scanned to see if she is carrying any kittens. If your vet wants to anesthetize your queen to scan her then I would recommend that you take her elsewhere, as you do not want to risk the kittens.

Also, some vets can palpate the queen’s abdomen, from three weeks of pregnancy, to see if they can feel developing kittens.

For some of your girls, once you get to know them well by observation, you will be able to tell whether they are pregnant just from changes in behavior. Some even get morning sickness!

Medication

My advice for medicating girls who are pregnant is very simple – DON’T, unless it is critical. And if it is critical, make sure that you check any medication thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to use during pregnancy. Make sure your vet knows the queen is pregnant if he is prescribing for her and check out the many articles on the internet.

Feeding pregnant queens

As her pregnancy progresses, don’t be surprised if your girl starts eating more than usual. After all, she is now eating for two or three… or four or more. If you are using a good quality cat food, then you shouldn’t need to feed any supplements as her normal food will contain everything that she needs.