Cat Breed Identification and Production Management Study Notes

Evolutionary Origin: Cats descended from the wild cat species Felis catus, commonly known as the lion.
Physiology: Cats are endothermic mammals with a monogastric (single-stomach) digestive system.
Skeletal and Muscular Structure: - Contains an average of $250$ bones. - Consists of $500$ muscles, with the largest located in the rear legs for jumping and climbing.
Sensory Systems: Highly developed systems including a sensitive nose, specialized whiskers for balance, sensitive ears, 3-D vision, and night vision.
Anatomical Features: Each paw has five toes and a retractable claw. Some cats possess extra toes, a condition known as polydactyl.
Lifespan: The average lifespan ranges from $12$ to $18$ years, though some live into their late $20s$ or early $30s$ .

Common Terms: - Queen: Breeding female cat. - Tom: Breeding male cat. - Kitten: Young cat under $1$ year of age. - Gib: Neutered male cat. - Spay: Neutered female cat. - Bevy: A group of cats in a household. - Queening or Kittening: The labor process. - DLH/DSH: Domestic long hair and Domestic short hair.
Breed Classification: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes over $30$ breeds. Total known breeds exceed $75$ . - Shorthair: Includes Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese, Siamese, and Sphynx. - Longhair: Includes Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, and Turkish Angora. - Miscellaneous: Includes American Curl, LaPerm, and Siberian.

Dietary Essentials: Cats are obligate carnivores requiring high-protein and high-fat diets. Essential compounds include Taurine (development) and Thiamine (Vitamin B for healthy coats).
Feeding Kittens: - Require colostrum within the first $24$ hours of birth. - Weaning occurs by $6-8$ weeks of age. - Orphaned kittens require commercial formula (e.g., KMR) or goat's milk at $30\,mL$ per pound body weight daily. - Dietary requirements: Protein ( $35-50\%$ ) and Fat ( $17-35\%$ ).
Kitten Energy Needs: - 2 months: $175\,kcal/day$ - 3 months: $260\,kcal/day$ - 6 months: $280\,kcal/day$
Adult Nutrition: Healthy maintenance requires approximately $280\,kcal/day$ . Milk should be avoided as it causes diarrhea.

Distinct Behaviors: - Happy: Rubbing against objects, ears forward, tail high, purring. - Angry: Puffed hair, tail flicking, hissing, dilated pupils. - Fearful: Lowered body, tucked tail, ears flattened, hiding.
Aggression Types: Territorial, intermale (sexual dominance), defensive (self-protection), and redirected.
Restraint Tools: - Towel: Used for the "kitty taco" wrap to contain legs. - Cat Bag: Zipped enclosure allowing access to specific limbs. - Cat Muzzle: Covers eyes and mouth; caution is needed with brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. - Physical Techniques: The "scruff" (grasping loose neck skin) or the "stretch technique" (lateral recumbency). - Specialized Equipment: Squeeze chute for feral cats, anesthesia chamber for sedation, and leather welding gloves for protection.

Reproduction Cycle: Cats are seasonally polyestrus, with heat cycles occurring every $15-21$ days.
Breeding: Cats are induced ovulators; pregnancy occurs only after breeding.
Gestation: Lasts between $60-65$ days, averaging $63$ days.
Lordosis: The "prayer position" assumed by queens in heat.
Common Surgeries: - Spay (Ovariohysterectomy/OHE): Suggested at $6$ months to prevent population growth and mammary issues. - Castration (Orchidectomy): Removal of testicles in males to reduce spraying and wandering. No sutures are typically required. - Declaw (Onychectomy): Amputation of the distal digit. Owners must provide litter pellets or shredded newspaper post-op; declawed cats must stay indoors.

Health Maintenance: Annual physical exams, nail trimming, and dental monitoring are required.
SNAP Test: A blood test yielding results in $10$ minutes for antigens/antibodies of common diseases.
Vaccination Schedule: - FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia): Boosters at $6-8$ , $10-12$ , and $14-16$ weeks. - FeLV (Feline Leukemia): Given at $12$ and $16$ weeks. - RV (Rabies): Administered at $16$ weeks.
Infectious Diseases: - Panleukopenia: Feline distemper; decreases white blood cell count. - Rhinotracheitis: Upper respiratory virus; causes discharge and sneezing. - Calicivirus: Causes oral ulcers and permanent head tilt. - FIV: Feline AIDS; affects the immune system. - FIP: Feline Infectious Peritonitis; has "wet" or "dry" forms affecting lungs/chest. - Toxoplasmosis: Zoonotic protozoan parasite in feces; causes birth defects or miscarriage in pregnant women.