Detailed Notes on Cat Husbandry

Cat Husbandry Overview

Introduction to Cat Ownership

  • The speaker begins by asking the audience how many have cats, confirming that most do.

  • Discussion aimed at various aspects of cat husbandry and care.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the size, structure, and function of cats.

  • Learn about the handling, housing, grooming, and disease prevention for cats.

  • Identify key responsibilities of cat owners.

  • Recognize common breeds of cats.

  • Explain how to identify and sex cats.

  • Describe uses for common equipment in care and handling of cats.

Taxonomy of Domestic Cats

  • Cats belong to the family Felidae; the domestic cat's scientific name is Felis domesticus.

  • Cats are classified under the general term feline.

  • Behavior and characteristics of cats are informed by their taxonomic classification, which groups animals exhibiting similar characteristics together.

Examples of Big and Small Cats

  • The family Felidae includes both large cats (like lions) and domestic cats (smaller species).

Importance of Taxonomy

  • Understanding taxonomy aids in predicting behavior and treatment for cats, highlighting similarities in behavior across different species.

  • Cats, despite their varied appearances, often display similar behaviors due to their classification.

Prevalence of Cats

  • In the UK, there are approximately 8,000,000 cats, representing about 10% of the population.

  • In the UAE, there are an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 stray cats with pets (cats and dogs) totaling over 2,000,000; with cats being more prevalent.

Cat Organizations

  • The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognizes 40 pedigree breeds:

    • Focus: Breeds, breed standards, and pedigree registration.

  • International Cat Care (ICAR) manages health and welfare issues, offering certifications (e.g., fair free practice).

Responsibilities of the Cat Owner

  • Responsibilities include:

    • Provision of food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.

    • Understand the five freedoms:

    1. Freedom from hunger and thirst.

    2. Freedom from discomfort.

    3. Freedom from pain, injury, or disease.

    4. Freedom to express normal behavior.

    5. Freedom from fear and distress.

  • Legally responsible for the wellbeing of their feline companions.

Semi-Owners

  • Refers to individuals who care for stray cats without full ownership responsibilities, like feeding but not providing medical care.

  • In the UK, even semi-owners can be held legally responsible for cats in their care.

Common Breeds of Cats

  • Unofficial counts of recognized breeds vary:

    • Purina: 46 breeds

    • International Cat Association: 71 breeds

    • Progressive Cat Breeders: 40 breeds

  • Presence of mixed breeds complicates accurate counting.

  • Common breeds encountered include:

    • Persian

    • Maine Coon

    • Siamese

    • Burmese

    • Domestic long-haired and short-haired cats.

Special Considerations for Breeds

  • White cats with two blue eyes have a higher likelihood of being deaf (70-80%).

    • The gene responsible is named the W gene (white inhibitor gene), affecting melanocytes that are essential for hearing.

Cat Behavior and Handling

  • Cats can be unpredictable; cues include body posture, tail position, and vocalization.

  • Important not to scrub cats; appropriate handling involves being gentle, as improper handling can lead to fear and aggression.

  • Use minimal restraint and techniques like the burrito wrap to ensure a cat feels safe and secure.

Health Issues Related to Cats

  • Common health issues for cats include:

    • Bite wounds can lead to infections from bacteria within the cat's mouth (e.g., Pasteurella multocida).

    • Cat Scratch Fever, often caused by flea dirt, can induce body aches and fever, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

    • Notable zoonotic risks such as ringworm (fungal infection) and rabies.

Housing and Environmental Needs

  • Cats are territorial; therefore, food and water bowls should be separated.

  • Litter boxes should be kept clean to prevent inappropriate urination outside of them.

  • Provide scratching areas and toys to facilitate natural instincts.

Social Interaction

  • Positive interactions should be consistent and predictable to establish trust.

Grooming Essentials

  • Grooming is crucial; if a cat refuses to groom, it may be a sign of health issues such as pain or arthritis.

Vaccination Schedule

  • Annually, cats receive core vaccinations (e.g., Tricat for Feline Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis) and rabies.

  • Initial vaccinations for kittens are given starting at 8 weeks old.

Neutering and Reproductive Cycle

  • Female cats experience a gestation period of about 60 days.

  • Cats are induced ovulators needing mating to stimulate ovulation.

  • Recommendations for neutering include castrating males around 4 months and delaying spaying females until they reach 6-8 months for health benefits.

Conclusion

  • A comprehensive understanding of cat breeding, behavior, care, and health forms the foundation of responsible cat ownership and husbandry practices.

  • Encouraged students to continue exploring topics in cat husbandry to ensure proper care for their feline companions.