Some Facts to Consider Before Taking on the Responsibility of Being a Cat Owner

The only way to determine if a breed will be hard to manage is by looking at your own lifestyle and how much time you plan on training and playing with your cat. Certain cats need more attention and mental stimulation than others. Some breeds are more vocal than others and some breeds require a lot of maintenance. These are all factors to consider when taking on the responsibility of being a cat owner.

Abyssinians

This is an energetic cat that can get into trouble when unsupervised. They are very inquisitive and climb on just about everything. They require a lot of attention from their owners because of their playful nature. So, if you’re the type of person who likes to come home and relax at night and read a book, this rambunctious breed might be too high octane for your lifestyle.

Tonkinese

This man-made breed is as cross between the Siamese and the Burmese. While this breed can make a great pet, it requires a lot of patience. They have a lot of energy and need a lot of attention. They are adventurous and will jump onto things. If you own this cat it’s important that you inspect every part of your house to make it safe for your cat and it’s important not to have fragile objects that could easily be knocked down from a shelf or table. This cat will get into trouble if left alone or ignored for too long so unless you have time to play with your cat or have another cat to entertain them this might not be the best breed for you.

White Turkish Angora

This breed is one of the most vocal and while it may not be hard to groom it’s alpha male tendencies may make it hard to cuddle with. If you’re looking for a lap cat this is probably not the breed for you. They are rather independent but like to stay in the same room as humans. It might be hard to get them to be very affectionate as other breeds naturally are. This is a very old cat breed and many people do like to have this beautiful cat as a pet. In this instance, just keep in mind that they will probably not give you the affection that a dog would and you won’t be disappointed. They do shed in the summer months so brushing their coat is a necessary part of care to keep their coat from matting.

Turkish Van

This unique looking breed has a white body and a colored tail and forehead. They also have unique eyes, sometimes gold in color. They can be a difficult breed as they are one of the few who love water. They will play in water and try to turn on faucets. They love to jump up on things and attack like a wild cat. If you’re looking for a mellow and laid back pet, this is not the breed for you but if you can cat proof your home and want to be entertained, this ancient breed might just be suitable. They won’t shed too much beyond the seasonal shedding and will require some brushing with their longer coat.

Persian

This is a lovable cat but not the cat for you if you don’t have time for daily grooming. They have a lot of fur and if it’s not groomed it will develop painful mats. This is one of the most popular cat breeds but it is also one of the most high maintenance.

Siberian

This cat was bred in very cold weather so it has a triple-layered fur coat. They will shed more than other breeds and require brushing about 3 times per week and if you don’t like hair in the house this might not be the breed for you. They need regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and eye wiping as well. They are highly energetic and acrobatic so if you have lots of fragile items in your house as a part of your decor, you may want a cat that is less inclined to launch from one high place to the next.

Himalayan

The Himalayan cat breed is another breed with a very high-maintenance grooming schedule as it is one of the few breeds that require daily brushing. Their fur will mat if it’s not taken care of so it’s important to seriously consider the time commitment required for this breed. 

They are sensitive to a dirty litter box and if you don’t keep it very clean they are likely to find another place to use the bathroom. They also need their eyes cleaned a lot because they tear. Finally, they will need regular teeth brushing and a monthly bath. They are beautiful but if you are already very busy, they are not the breed for you.

Siamese

There are 2 reasons that this breed can be very difficult for pet owners: first, they are one of the most vocal breeds and require a lot of your attention. They are known to be demanding and will talk to you quite a bit; the second is that they are curious and adventurous so they will get into everything. They have so much energy and need to be played with so they don’t destroy the house. If you are enticed by their looks but not willing to commit to playing with your cat on a daily basis, this is not the breed for you.

Sphynx

This cat needs attention and even when you’re gone during the day they would like someone to play with. They can play with dogs well but will get into mischief if you ignore them. They also want to cuddle up with you while you sleep so they don’t get cold; so if you’re not wanting your cat to sleep in the bed, this is not a great breed for you.

Keep an open mind with these breeds and realize they can make great pets as long as you have time to give them. Some of these cat breeds make excellent therapy animals and companions so just take some time to consider what it is you’re looking for in a pet before choosing your breed. As always, to avoid health complications and expensive vet bills do your homework about the breeder before you take your kitty home.

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Lymphoma in Cats

Lymphoma (cancer that originates in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell) is one of the more common cancers in cats. Male cats, and cats in the Northeast in general, have an increased risk-probably related to an increased risk of feline leukemia virus. Cats who test positive for FeLV have a 60-fold increased risk of developing lymphoma, while cats who are positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) have a 5-fold increased risk for developing this type of cancer. Cats who are positive for both viruses have an 80-fold increase in their risk of developing lymphoma. Whether these viruses have a direct effect in causing the cancer or act primarily by interfering with the cat’s normal immunity is not known for certain.

The most common lymphoma sites in cats are the gastrointestinal system, the spine, and the chest cavity. The gastrointestinal type is the most common of the three forms of lymphoma and is not as closely associated with FeLV as are the other two. This type appears in older cats as weight loss and a drop in appetite. Some cats will vomit and/or have diarrhea, depending on the exact location of the cancer. Stomach cancers tend to cause vomiting and intestinal cancers are more likely to cause diarrhea. Siamese and domestic shorthairs seem to have an increased risk of developing this type of lymphoma.

Mediastinal lymphoma occurs in the lymph nodes inside the chest cavity. Cats under 5 years of age who are FeLV positive are at risk for developing this type of cancer, especially if they are Siamese or one of the Oriental breeds. Fluid will build up and leads to difficulty breathing, along with regurgitation and loss of appetite.

Spinal lymphoma tends to show up in 3- to 4-year-old male cats, especially if they are FeLV positive. The first signs may be problems with their hind legs.

How is lymphoma in cats diagnosed?
Diagnosis of lymphoma in cats is based on results of a physical examination and microscopic examination of biopsies or cells taken from affected tissues. This will not only confirm the diagnosis, but help to determine how aggressive the cancer may be, and provide a basis for treatment and prognosis. A complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, radiographs (X-rays), and/or ultrasound examinations are generally performed to assess the health of the cat and determine which organ systems may be involved. Testing for FeLV and FIV may reveal that a cat is positive for one or both of these diseases, which will affect the prognosis. A PCR for Antigen Receptor Rearrangement (PARR) test can help differentiate lymphoma from other diseases. Examination of samples taken from the bone marrow may also be indicated in some cases.

How is lymphoma in cats treated?
Treatment for feline lymphoma usually consists of chemotherapy. In almost all cases a combination of different drugs is given over the course of many weeks. These drugs may include chlorambucil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, L-asparginase and prednisolone or prednisone. In some cases, such as cats with nasal lymphoma, radiation therapy may also be used. In general, cats tolerate chemotherapy very well. If side effects become severe, the treatment protocol can be modified to decrease the effects.

Treatment: Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have all been used to treat lymphomas, depending on the exact location and whether the cancer has spread. The prognosis is best for a cat with a single intestinal nodule and worst for a cat with a spinal growth.

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Did You Know that You Can Find the Perfect Cat at the Shelter?

There are advantages to adopting from a shelter, and saving money is one of them. Adult pets are usually spayed or neutered before they’re made available for adoption, and that’s a savings right there. The cats you see at the shelter have also usually been vet-checked, vaccinated and, in some shelters, evaluated for temperament before you meet them. In many shelters you’ll find staff members and volunteers who are familiar with each cat’s personality and can tell you which are lap-sitters, which are playful, which like kids and dogs, and which would prefer adults.

Another plus to the shelter is the variety of cats you can find: Longhaired, shorthaired, tabby, calico and sometimes even pedigreed cats, especially popular breeds such as Siamese and Persian. Yes, that’s right: If you’ve always dreamed of having a chatty Siamese, you may be able to find one in a shelter, especially if you broaden your search by using Petfinder.

Want more reasons to adopt from a shelter? Many shelter cats are already familiar with home life, because that's where they came from, often ending up in a shelter through no fault of their own, especially in this economy. They may be cool around kids or dogs, and they probably know the litter box routine. I’m no fan of declawing, but if you believe you must have a cat who is declawed, there’s a good chance you can find one at a shelter. I’d rather see you adopt a cat who has already been declawed if that's what you want, and they're out there!

Before you go to the shelter, get a picture in your head of what you want in a cat. Lap-sitter or lively? Outgoing or introverted? Chatty or quiet? Some shelters start with adoption counseling first, then introduce you to the cats who are the best matches. Other shelters give you a chance to look the cats over and visit with them first, then help you choose the one cat who’s right for you.

Choosing on Your Own
At a shelter that doesn’t offer adoption counseling? Look beyond the cute and think of the home you’re providing. If yours is a three-ring circus with boisterous children and lots of other animals, you’ll want to consider those bold, friendly cats who seem to be handling the shelter environment well. If you have a quiet home, look to the shy cats who may just need time to relax and look around in a new home. That cat can also be a good choice if you enjoy the feline presence but would prefer not to have one who’s “in your face” all the time.

Most important, look past appearance and "see" with your heart what's really there. Behind the plain-vanilla exterior of a cat who has been overlooked by many, you may discover a sweet pet with the perfect personality. Those cats are the keepers, no matter what they look like.

Which leads me to the best reason of all for adopting a cat from a shelter: that warm, fuzzy, tingly glow you get from giving a home to a cat in need and hearing him purr as he settles into his new digs,  after you get your veterinarian to check him over, of course!

                                                                                                    Persian

                                                                                                       Calico

                                                                                            Siamese

                                                                                              Tabby

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