4-H MEMBER MANUAL

YOUR 'S HEALTH Suggested for Year 5

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Washington State ~ University

- EM4290

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments ...... 1

Lesson 1 ...... 2

Lesson 2 ...... 4

Lesson 3 ...... )...... 6

Lesson 4 ...... 8

Lesson 5 ...... 10

Lesson 6 ...... 13

Lesson 7 ...... 16

The Cat Associations ...... 18

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to give our sincerest thanks to the Purina Cat Care Center for allowing us the privilege of using their Handbook of Cat Care in our 4-H cat project.

We extend our thanks to 1 ohn and Sandy Edminster, now in Olympia, for starting the cat project and getting us excited enough to continue and get our 4-H books printed.

Our thanks also go to Mary Smith in Auburn, who took over the Edminster's club and took the time and effort to write the leader's guide and to compile the necessary materials.

We are also indebted to Sue Hall of Renton, and her club, who wrote the study questions for the leader's guide.

Our thanks also to Shirly Reed, Renton, and Jo Brown, Buckley, for their invaluable advice and guidance in putting the information together.

Also, we wish to thank the author, J.J. McCoy, for permission to use information from the Complete Book of and Care (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1968).

Compiled by_Mary C. Smith, Auburn 4-H leader. Contents reviewed by Roy I. Hostetler, Extension Veterinarian. 2

LESSON. I The Sick or Injured Cat

Very few go through life without some kind Once you learn to recognize the signs of a of ailment or injury. Unfortunately, your cat healthy cat, those of the sick or injured cat will cannot tell you when it is ailing or injured. It is stand out by contrast, and, although you wi ll up to you to detect when the animal is ailing, have to train yourself to be observant, you will whether it is merely "off its feed" or is seriously be armed with a standard of comparison. ill or injured and in need of veterinary care. The sick cat will lie around listlessly or sit in a The Healthy Cat hunched position, staring into space. Or it may slump down with its head hanging over the Before you can decide whether your cat is water pan. Perhap-s the cat will lie still with its injured or ill, or how severe its ailment may be, head sunk on its chest, eyes closed. An ailing you should know the signs of a healthy cat. cat has a poor appetite or none at all. Remember- a refusal to eat one or two meals A cat in good health is alert, active, playful, does not mean a cat is ill , but a prolonged fast bright-eyed, and responsive. It will show does indicate that all is not well. considerable curiosity about everything around it. A dull, dry, and listless coat also indicates that something is wrong. Metabolic dysfunctions, When properly fed , a cat should be sleek and poor diet, internal or external parasites, skin well-muscled, but no fat. Its coat should be diseases, and allergies- all these affect the glossy and soft to the touch, with no excessive condition of the eat's skin and coat. shedding except in spring. And when groomed regularly, it will have no matted hair or Soft bowel movements, diarrhea, or bloody parasites. The eat's skin also will be clear and stools are symptoms of disorders or disease, free of sores, rashes, and eczema. as is a straining movement while trying to urinate. Cats suffering from cystitis or urinary The cat 's bowel movements are regular and stones urinate frequently and wih difficu I ty. formed. One solid movement a day- will The urine may be tinged with blood and the cat have more. The normal rectal temperature will may cry out with pain. If the urinary tract is range from 10 1 to 102 degrees F. blocked, the eat's abdomen will be distended and painful. Cats with urinary trouble may A well cat usually has no breath odor except vomit. Vomiting also is a sign of certain other after eating fish or other aromatic foods. It will diseases and of poisoning. be free from chronic coughs or sneezing, although it may do them occasionally when A rise in temperature means that something is exposed to dust, smoke, soot, or other foreign wrong. Although it isn't necessary to take a eat's matter in the air. temperature every day, it should be checked when you suspect that the cat is ill. The eyes of a healthy cat are bright and free of redness or discharge. Its nose also is clean and The sick cat may have an offensive breath. free of discharge except for the normal, colorless Mouth odors may be caused by certain foods, mucus. Its mouth will have no sores, ulcers, or but urinary ailments and decayed teeth also other irritations. Finally, the healthy cat has an cause bad breath. If your cat has a persistent air of contentment which shows through the breath odor and you have eliminated offensive animal's aloofness. foods as the cause, it is time to consult your veterinarian. 3

Chronic coughing and sneezing, particularly What Should Be Done About the Sick or Injured when accompanied with a heavy nasal discharge Cat or eye discharge, are symptoms of serious respiratory diseases. Continued redness of the The chances are your cat will need treatment eyeballs, conjuctiva, or nictitating membrane all some time during its lifetime. There will be point to some ailment. minor ailments which you can treat at home, but more serious conditions should be referred What to Look For in the Ailing Cat to the veterinarian. It is your responsibility to learn to distinguish one from the other and to Following is a list of symptoms that may be act accordingly. caused by disease. We will discuss the diseases in more detail in the next few lessons. Familiarize yourself with the causes, symptoms, mode of transmission and treatment of the • Refusal to eat or half-hearted eating for various diseases (see the next four or five more than one or two meals. lessons), as well as the symptoms of injuries and • Inactivity, listlessness, or a tendency to lie first-aid measures required. You should have a around more than usual. working knowledge of the various cat diseases • Dull, dry, lifeless coat. and injuries and be able to judge whether your • Excessive shedding of hair, bare spots, and cat should be taken to the veterinarian. You sores on skin. should also be able to describe the eat's • Constipation, diarrhea, bloody stool, or condition intelligently. Also you may, in many difficult bowel movements. cases, have to nurse the cat back to health, • Frequent urination, straining while reporting symptoms and progress to the urinating, and dark or blood-tinged urine. veterinarian. You will also better understand the • Inability to urinate. veterinarian's objectives and be able to follow • Temperature above or below the normal his instructions. When in doubt or a minor range. condition persists, take your cat to the veteri­ • Persistent breath odor, after offensive foods narian! have been eliminated. • Excessive sneezing and coughing. How Cat Diseases Are Transmitted • Heavy, thick, and discolored mucus from eyes and nose. The major cat diseases are caused by bacteria, • Bleeding. viruses, fungi, and rickettsiae. (The latter are • Anemia or pale gums. bacteria-like organisms.) Before your cat can • Pawing or scratching at the head and ears. contract a disease, it must be exposed to the • Vomiting between meals, especially a yellow organism causing that disease. This exposure fluid. Cats have a quick reverse action and may consist of direct contact with an infected may vomit for a variety of harmless reasons. animal, eating infected foods or inhaling air But prolonged vomiting with a yellowish infected by organisms. Also, minute droplets of discharge is indicative of serious trouble. water or rnucus from a sick cat may contain Vomiting may be caused by poison. types of viruses or bacteria which find their way • Excessive intake of water. into the respiratory systc;In of another cat. • Sitting with the head hanging over the water , a virus disease, is transmitted through bowl. the bite of a rabid animal, and fungus infections • Swellings or abscesses on the face, legs, or are spread by direct contact, wind, or water. tail. Cats contact ringworm and favus, both fungus • Wounds, cuts, or contusions. diseases, by rubbing against infected dogs, cats, • Stiffness or inability to use a leg or paw. or human beings. • Fractures. 4

Some Safeguards for Your Cat's Health 5. What is your responsibility to learn?

The most important safeguard for the cat is 6. Name the four things you should be familiar immunization against those diseases for which with. there are vaccines. At the present time there are vaccines for feline enteritis, rabies, and 7. When should you take your cat to the pneumonitis. Immunization is also achieved if veterinarian? the cat recovers from one of these diseases with the exception of rabies which is always fatal. 8. Name the four causes of major cat diseases. The buildup of natural immunity is a gradual process and requires the presence of disease 9. What is rickettsiae? organisms. A cat that has been medicated, especially with antibiotics, may not develop I 0. How is a cat immunized against a disease? sufficient antibodies to protect it against the same disease later on. Also the inherited 11. Is there any reason for delaying having your immunity of kittens sometimes interferes with cat inoculated? the development of antibodies when a young is vaccinated, so they sometimes fail to LESSON 2: MAJOR CAT DISEASES-FELINE take. Usually the natural immunity from the ENTERITIS mother wears off in about six weeks. Around eight weeks, the kitten should be able to be Great strides have been made in the fight against inoculated and have it take. major viral, bacterial, fungus, and rickettsial diseases of cats. Inoculations have reduced Inoculations mortality from the major cat diseases, and new drugs have also been effective in combating Since you have no way of knowing whether bacterial, fungal, and rickettsial diseases. your cat has recovered from a major disease and Unfortunately, however, virus diseases continue thus established immunity, you should have it to kill large numbers of cats every year. We are immunized against the major diseases. Also, going to look at these diseases, their cause, and since you have no way of telling just when a cures. kitten's inherited immunity will wear off, you should not delay its immunizations. Discuss Feline Enteritis your eat's immunization program with your veterinarian and have him immunize them as The most insidious of all the cat diseases is feline soon as it can be done. Inoculations may be enteritis, or panleukopenia. It is also called delayed if the kitten is too young or the cat is v distemper. Feline enteritis is a highly infectious sick. and quick-killing disease. All breeds of cats are susceptible, including wildcats. Feline enteritis is Questions: Lesson 1 caused by a filterable virus, one that is capable of passing through fine china. Your cat can I. Name five appearances of a healthy cat. become infected by coming in direct con tact with infected cats, or by entering a room, cage, 2. Name five appearances of a sick cat. box, or other place where infected cats have been kept. Just how long the enteritis virus can 3. What type of ailments do you treat at home? live outside the eat's body has not been determined. When one cat dies from the disease, 4. What type of ailments do you take to the it is imperative that any new ones brought into veterinarian? the home be protected with enteritis serum or 5 vaccii4C. All toys, dishes, pans, beds, and other infections, such as bacteria, fungi, and equipment used by a cat dead from enteritis rickettsiae. should be discarded. Are Feline Enteritis Vaccinations Permanent? The incubation period-the time elapsing between initial contact with the virus and Fortunately, your cat can be vaccinated against appearance of the typical symptoms-is from this disease: however, it is important to four to ten days. The disease comes on quickly understand that vaccines and immunization and is dispersed tl1roughout the eat's body. The programs vary among different veterinarians. first stages of enteritis resemble those of other diseases, such as, coccidiosis and acute It should be clearly understood that while poisoning, which begin with vomiting. If your high-quality, feline enteritis vaccines confer cat shows any of the symptoms that are long-lasting immunity, there is no such thing as a described below, take it to the vet immediately. permanent vaccination. Therefore, it is best to consult with the veterinarian as to the frequency One of the most noticeable signs of feline of any "booster" shots. enteritis is that of a cat sitting with its head hanging over the water pan. It may or may not Unfortunately, some cats and kittens fail to attempt to drink. As the disease progresses, the respond to the vaccination and no antibodies are cat becomes thin and emaciated. Its tail los~s produced. There are three reasons or hair and the body fur becomes dull and lifeless, combinations for the vaccination failure. usually standing on end. The cat is listless and dull-eyed, with none of its usual animation, and 1. If a cat already has the virus in its body the has little or no appetite. vaccine will not provide immunity or cure.

A cat with enteritis runs a high temperature, 2. Cats in poor health, malnourished, or often as high as 104 degrees F. It may cry out in infested with internal parasites will have pain, vomit a yellowish or greenish fluid and difficulty in building up immunity. have severe diarrhea. In the later stages of the disease, the cat becomes dehydrated and soon 3. A young kitten may still have some inherited dies. Enteritis produces a marked decrease in the immunity from its mother, which interferes white blood cells. All of these symptoms with the effects of the vaccine as the increase steadily in severity. vaccination does not fortify any immunity present at the time of injection. The speed with which the disease progresses is amazing. A cat may be lively and playful one What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat Has Feline day and be dead a few days later. Death ensues Enteritis within forty-eight hours of the appearance of the symptoms in some cases; older cats may Remember, enteritis works quickly. Get your linger for a week or ten days. cat to the veterinarian without delay! If he has an isolation ward he may hospitalize ybur cat. Until effective drugs are developed to fight Treatment for enteritis in the hospital may be viruses, there is little that can be done for the costly, and the outcome is doubtful. Also it cat with enteritis. None of the known drugs are could start an epidemic in the hospital; therefore of much use against enteritis. Antibiotics are the veterinarian may insist on home treatment useful, however, in preventing secondary of the cat. He will instruct you how to treat the cat at home under his supervision. ' 6

Home Care 5. Can you keep anything used by the infected cat? Your main objective in nursing a cat sick with enteritis is to stave off secondary infections and 6. What is the incubation period of feline hope it will survice the main disease. But be enteritis? prepared for the worst. 7. What are some symptoms of feline enteritis? Make the cat comfortable, try to build up its strength, and keep it w.arm. Select a roon1 with a 8. How high a fever may the cat run? constant temperature. If the temperature must fluctuate or be kept low for some reason, cover 9. What happens to the white blood cells? the cat with a blanket. Kind words and soft affectionate pats now and then will help the 10. Is there any cure for feline enteritis? eat's morale. 11. Is feline enteritis vaccinations permanent? The cat desperately ill with enteritis needs fluids. If it refuses to drink or is too weak, give 12. Give three reasons a cat 's vaccination might it liquids with an eyedropper. A stock of fail. formula: 4 tablespoons of com syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda, 1/2 teaspoon of 13. What is the first thing to do if your cat is salt, and 1 quart of water, prepared in advance suspected of having feline enteritis? and warmed, should be fed every two hours as much as you can get the cat to swallow. 14. What good results from using antibiotics?

If your cat survives and later shows signs of 15. What should you do for the cat that has wanting to eat and drink by itself, switch to feline enteritis? solid foods and warm milk or water. You may have to cater to your cat 's tastes during the 16. What three things does nursing a sick cat call convalescent period, even to the extent of for? breaking some of the general feeding rules. It must eat to recover. LESSON 3: MAJOR CAT DISEASES-RABIES

Nursing a cat sick with enteritis calls for Rabies is one of the oldest diseases known to con~iderable patience and devotion. It also man. It is relatively rare in cats, chiefly because demands work. But most cat owners will not they usually manage to escape from rabid hesitate to do anything they can to save the lives animals by climbing to places of safety. It can be of their . transmitted to cats and other animals, including man. Questions: Lesson 2 The disease is caused by a virus which enters the 1. What is another name for feline enteritis? central nervous system. The virus usually gains entry to the body through the bite of a rabid 2. What is feline enteritis caused by? animal. However it has been learned that animals can con tract rabies by mere exposure to the 3. What are two ways a cat can be infected? virus.

4. How can you protect a new cat being The incubation period of rabies runs from brought in? fifteen to fifty days in animals. Humans may 7 take tas long as three months. Not every cat symptoms appear. Rabies is also called bitten contracts rabies. Several factors are hydrophobia, which means fear of water. involved: among them, the depth of the wound, Actually a victim of rabies has no fear of water the amount of bleeding, and the location of the but is merely unable to drink because of the bite. Wounds near the face, legs, and nose paralysis of the throat. present the greatest danger. Since rabies can spread rapidly and reach The symptoms of rabies are complex and its epidemic proportions, most communities, states, pre_sence can be determined only by close and countries have laws aimed at its prevention observation. A positive objective diagnosis of and control. Cats entering them must be rabies can be accomplished only by microscopic accompanied by a certificate stating that they examination of the brain. When the virus reaches have been vaccinated against rabies, usually the brain, small oval bodies known as Negri within a specified state of time. Any cat that has bodies are formed in the brain and nerve cells. bitten a human being is usually kept under These are visible under a microscope and are observation for a period ranging frotn seven to positive indication of rabies. fourteen days.

One of the first signs of rabies in a cat is a What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat Has Rabies defmite change in its behavior. A eat's disposition and behavior are changeable and you If you detect symptoms of rabies in your cat, should not jump to conclusions just because it don't panic; proceed with caution and keep out hisses or snarls. But be careful when an of its way. Call your veterinarian, police, health ordinarily friendly cat suddenly turns wild and department, or local humane society. If possible, ferocious, clawing, biting at everyone and keep the cat confined to one room or everything in its path, or suddenly becomes very escape-proof area without endangering yourself. quiet and hides under a bureau or bed and refuses to come out. A rabid cat usually cries in If anyone is bitten by the cat, call a physician a deep-pitched hoarse voice entirely unlike its immediately. Then report the bite to the police normal tone. or health department. Surrender the cat to the proper authorities without argument. Someone's There are two kinds of rabies- a dumb or life, perhaps your own, may rely upon it. Give paralytic form and a furious one. While cats authorities complete information about the cat, rarely get the dumb or paralytic form, a cat with especially as to whether it has had a rabies a furious form of rabies becomes highly nervous vaccination, and when. and excited. Its pupils dilate, it experiences difficulty in swallowing, and it runs about biting In the event you are bitten by a strange cat, have and scratching. Cats with the dumb form of the wound attended by a doctor. You can first rabies rarely try to attack a person or animal. wash the wound with warm water and a strong Their throat muscles are paralyzed and they soap. Work up a good lather and keep it in the cannot swallow, although they drool profusely. wound twenty or thirty minutes at the ]east. Next, go to the doctor. Later as the disease progresses, the cat loses its appetite, becomes paralyzed, has difficulty It is important to find the cat that bit you so it drinking water, and finally goes into can be examined. If it does not belong to a convulsions. Once these symptoms appear the friend or neighbor, give a complete description course of the disease is rapid. The cat usually to the police, health authorities, humane dies in from · three co seven days after the society, and other municipal organizations. Circulate the description in the newspapers, radio stations,c and other public communication 9. What are two kinds of rabies? media. Finding the cat may save you a series of injections. 10. Does a cat with dumb rabies try to bite?

Immunization of the Cat 11. What are some symptoms of furious rabies?

Your cat can be given a vaccination against 12. How soon does a cat die after symptoms rabies, usually given when the cat is six months appear? old. There are several kin'ds of rabies vaccines. Until recently, rabies vaccines were of the killed 13. What is another name for rabies? tissue type. Now there is a live virus vaccine, a specially prepared, modified live virus that is 14. Does a rabid cat fear water? bolstered by an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant which provides more effective immunizing 15. When moving, what must accompany your power against rabies. cat?

Consult your veterinarian for the best rabies 16. What should you do if bitten by a cat? vaccination program for your cat. If he advises a yearly vaccination, mark the date on your 17. What are the two kinds of rabies vaccine? calender and see to it that your cat is revaccinated each year especially if the animal 18. How often should your cat be vaccinated? goes outdoors! LESSON 4: OTHER MAJOR CAT DISEASES Questions: Lesson 3 After studying lesson three, you should be able to answer these questions. If not, discuss with Toxoplasmosis can involve any or all of the your leader the questions and answers and get following parts of the body: nervous system, them down before the next lesson. brain, blood, and eyes.

1. Is rabies a new disease? Toxoplasmosis is a serious disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma godii. It occurs in all 2. Why do cats not often have rabies? parts of the world, and may be acquired or congenital in cats and other small animals. 3. What is rabies caused by? Infection may be transmitted by eating contaminated food left by infected animals and 4. How is the disease transmitted? by contact with infected nasal discharge, saliva, and feces of carrier animals. Young cats are the · 5. What part of the system does rabies affect? most susceptible to toxoplasmosis.

6. What is the incubation period of rabies in The symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, cats? loss of appetite, cough, jaundice, emaciation, difficult or labored breathing, and nervous 7. How is a positive diagnosis made?. system disturbances; paralysis may occur. Positive diagnosis can be made only by a veteri­ 8. What is one of the first signs of rabies? narian after demonstration of antibodies and isolation of the toxoplasmosis organism. 9

Pneumonitis Pneumonia is a serious disease. Keep the cat warm until you can get it to the veterinarian. Pneumonitis is a feline disease which resembles Cover it with a blanket or sweater. Cats rarely the common head cold in human beings. It is survive an attack of viral or bacterial pneumonia caused by a virus and is highly contagious, often without proper medication; uncomplicated cases sweeping through a cattery or neighborhood usually respond quickly to antibiotic therapy. with astonishing rapidity. The incubation period ranges from six to ten days. Pneumonitis is not On the other hand, complicated cases of usually fatal, although secondary infections may pneumonia, such as those followed by pleurisy, cause death. The course of the disease may run may require a long time to cure. Pleurisy causes as long as six weeks. the lungs to break down into pockets, forcing the cat to breathe heavily and laboriously. This The symptoms of pneumonitis include running condition is known as emphysema or, in popular eyes, nasal discharge, sneezing fits, and terminology, the "heaves." Cats with salivation. The cafs temperature may or may emphysema lack stamina and are short of not rise. breath. There is no cure for emphysema.

Though pneumonitis is rarely fatal, it is serious Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis enough to warrent the attention of a veterinarian, who will probably perscribe an Feline viral rhinotracheitis, or FVR, as it is antihistamine and antibiotics. You can help by called, is a respiratory disease with symptoms cleaning the eat's nose, bathing its eyes, and similar to those of pneumonitis. In fact, the two applying an eye ointment. diseases were considered to be the same until the FVR virus was isolated about ten years ago. The A pneumonitis vaccine is available, but is not diagnosis should be left to the veterinarian. Cats highly effective. At most, it protects the cat for usually recover within a few weeks. Recovery about six months. If there is an outbreak of from FVR, however, does not confer immunity. pneumonitis in your neighborhood, however, an inoculation may protect your cat for the Cancer duration of the epidemic. Almost all types of cancer are found in the cat. Pneumonia The most common are those of the skin, mammary glands, bones, blood, and blood Pneumonia (not to be confused with tissues. Leukemia and other blood cancers, pneumonitis) may be caused by a virus or a which cause a very high mortality among cats, bacteria. (There also is a type of pneumonia often go undetected until it is too late. As is the caused by foreign matter in the lungs.) The case with cancer in man, when detected early disease usually follows exposure to cold and enough, some forms of cat cancer can be cured. dampness. Pneumonia takes various forms, but Usually, however, the cancer is not discovered in the one most commonly found in the cat is time and treatment can give only a certain bronchopneumonia. It may occur as a primary degree of relief from suffering. infection or as the sequela of another disease, such as enteritis. A cancer. is an excessive growth of tissue. Lumps on the skin, bleeding from the rectum or A heavy, harsh cough is perhaps the first reproductive organs (other than the usual noticeable symptom of pneumonia. As the bleeding during the female's heat period) should disease progresses, the cat will have a thick nasal be regarded with suspicion. Internal cancers discharge, perhaps bloody, breathe abnormally offer even fewer clues that might lead to early with labored, rasping sounds, and run a high temperature, well above the normal range. 10

detection. Older cats should receive regular 15. What types of cancer are found in cats? examinations by a veterinarian, who can watch for signs and symptoms of an early cancer. 16. What is cancer?

Tuberculosis 17. What are some warning signs?

Tuberculosis is rare in cats. In the few cases that 18. Do cats often get tuberculosis? do occur, the victims more often than not are farm cats which come ihto contact with cows, 19. How is tuberculosis diagnosed? sheep, goats, and pigs, any of which may be carriers of tuberculosis. Also, raw milk may be 20. How is tuberculosis transmitted? infected with tuberculosis bacilli and farm cats drinking it may contact the disease. The LESSON 5: REVIEW OF CARING FOR YOUR diagnosis of tuberculosis calls for X-rays and CAT laboratory tests. These, of course, must be done by the veterinarian. There is no record thus far Your cat is unique with unique qualities. He of cats transmitting tuberculosis to human combines a strong sense of independence with a beings. deep affection for his owner. He is self-reliant, but can be trained in obedience. Sometimes Questions: Lesson 4 playful, sometimes dignified, the cat with his grace and beauty is always a joy to watch. I . Toxoplasmosis is caused by a _____ The personality of a cat is unique. He usually 2. How is toxoplasmosis transmitted? prefers to own his owner rather than vice versa. A cat seems to value its independence and would 3. How is a positive diagnosis made? rather not show any dependence upon his owner for food and shelter. 4. What parts of the body are involved? Once worshipped, later feared, today's cat is an 5. What disease does pneumonitis resemble? important part of the lives of many American families. He considers himself the equal of any 6. What is pneumonitis caused by? member of the family and sometimes more than equal. And you, if you are like most cat fanciers, 7. What is the incubation period? will have to admit that he has chosen you and will make you his. 8. What are some signs of pneumonitis? The first common ancestor of the cat lived 40 to 9. What is pneumonia caused by? 50 million years ago, followed 10 million years later by another that looked more like today's 10. What is the most common form? cats. He has been domesticated about four or five thousand years. 11. What is the first noticeable sign? Historically, we trace him back to Egypt, where 12. What are some symptoms of pneumonia? he was worshipped because of his association with the moon goddess. When their sacred cats 13. What is feline viral rhinotracheitis? died, the ancient Egyptian owners shaved their eyebrows in grief. At least one variety of the 14. Does recovery mean immunity? ancient Egyptian cat resembled the present day Abyssinian. 11

Scienfists classify the cat as carniverous insulation, and defends the cat by raising and (meat-eating) animals, of which all have making him look fierce. projecting teeth, two in each jaw, which are used to rip or tear their dinner from captured prey. His skin has two layers, the epidermis and the Members of this order also have a hairy or furry dermis, which is not impermeable, as certain coat and claws. medicines and oils can be absorbed through the skin. Also located in the skin are sweat glands, The cat has 230 bones in his body. Many of which are in the skin, paw pads, and nose. these bones are in) his tail, which is an indicator of the cat 's moods. The cats muscles are geared for walking, running, and jumping, also allowing him to twist What appears to be his elbow when he moves is when needed. really his heel, for the cat is a digitigrade, that is he walks and runs on his toes with his heels up. His nose is used for smelling and have small The normal number of toes for a cat is five in nerves located in them called the olfactory front and four in back, but some cats are nerves. polydactyl or have more toes than normal, usually six in front. The primary taste organ is called the tongue, which has rasplike protrusions that help him to A cat uses his teeth for grasping and holding and brush himself, these are called papillae. Also on breaking up his food. His lips are used only to the tongue are small bumps that react to keep foods and liquids in his mouth. His tongue chemical stimuli and produce sensations of is a sort of spoon and being rough also serves as acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and saltiness; these a brush and comb. are called taste buds.

The cat has a third eyelid known as the The cats skeleton contains 230 bones, the major nictitating membrane that closes horizontally ones being skull, ribs, spinal column, scapula, when he is sick. humerus, radius, ulna, carpus, metacarpus, femur, tibia, fibula, tarsus, metatarsus, and The eat's whiskers, or viorissae, serve as feelers digits. to help him find his way in the dark. The major systems inside the cats body are the Shedding is controlled basically by the amount respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and of light which your cat receives. Cats kept reproductive. indoors with artificial light shed more. Proper feeding and grooming will help insure your eat's The normal gestation period of the cat is handsome sleek coat. sixty-one to sixty-three days. After this period has passed, you may wait three or four days, A sick cat will have a dull, patchy coat that then check with the veterinarian. To tell if your sheds heavily ; loss of appetite for several days in cat is pregnant, gently feel her stomach for a row; severe, prolonged diarrhea; red, watery lumps, which are developing kittens. Quickly eyes; nasal discharge; acute swelling or small clear up any skin conditions or parasites. Before ~) lumps that increase gradually; repeated the kittens are born, clip the long hair around vomiting; and repeated coughing and sneezing. her breasts, anus, and vagina. All kittens should j be born within eight hours. If more than three The outermost part of the eat's body is called hours pass without another kitten being born the hair, which gives the cat protection, and you can feel one, call the veterinarian. After ' 12 the kittens are three or four weeks old, the Rabies, the oldest known disease, is caused by a mother will begin to wean them, and they vints which enters the central nervous system. should be completely weaned by eight weeks of There are two types of rabies, dumb and age. ferocious. Dumb rabies paralyzes the jaws; ferocious makes the animal attack anything near A eat's capability to learn and retain what has it. There are two vacCines that make the cat been learned is called intelligence. They also immune, the live and the dead. display a lot of courage when they are protecting their young or hunting. He has a lot Toxoplasmosis can involve all parts of the body. of affection for his family but will ask for its It is caused by the protozoan toxoplasma godii. return on his own terms. Positive diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian after demonstration of antibodies A good healthy cat should be sleek and and isolation of the toxoplasmosis organism. well-muscled, with a glossy coat, no mats, and no parasites. Pneumonitis is like a human's head cold, caused by a virus and is highly contagious. A The cat 's bowel movements should be regular pneumonitis vaccine is available but not highly and well-formed. The rectal temperature should effective. range from 101 to 102 degrees F. Pneumonia may be caused either by a virus or a If your cat is ailing he will be inactive, listless, bacteria. It usually follows exposure to cold and have a dull, lifeless coat, shed excessivly, be dampness. It responds to antibiotic therapy and either constipated or have diarrhea, urinate is usually uncomplicated. frequently with possible straining, have a temperature, breath odor, discharge from Feline viral rhinotracheitis or FVR is a respira­ the eyes or nose, possible bleeding, anemia, tory disease much like pneumonitis. Cats usually vomiting, excessive intake of water, swellings or recover, but do not acquire immunity. abcesses, fractures or stiffness, and inability to use a paw; any one or any combination of these Cancer is an excessive growth of tissue. All types symptoms should be checked out by a are found in cats. Usually cancer is not found in veterinarian. time for treatment.

Diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or Tuberculosis is rare in cats, found when a farm rickettsiae. cat drinks unpasteurized milk from infected cows. Your cat must be exposed to the organism that causes the disease; this exposure may consist of Words to Remember direct con tact, eating infected food, or inhaling infected air. Minute droplets of water or mucus Carniverous: Meat-eating animal. from a sick cat can find their way into the respiratory system of another cat, such as in Digitigrade: Walks on toes with his heels up. rabies. Polydactyl: More than the usual number of toes. The major cat diseases are feline enteritis or panleukopenia, also called feline distemper. It is Nictitating membrane: Third eyelid that closes highly infectious and a quick-killing disease, horizontally. caused by a filterable virus. There is a vaccine; no antibiotics that are effective yet. Viorssae: Whiskers. 13

Impermeable: Nothing can penetrate or be 12. What is a eat's normal temperature? absorbed. 13. What is bacteria? Bacteria: One-celled, microorganism, chiefly parasitic. 14. What is a virus?

Virus: Found in the fluids of an organism that 15. What is fungi? has an infectious disease. Smaller than bacteria, some can even go through fine china. 16. What is rickettsiae?

Fungi (plural): Combining form of fungus, 17. Name some of the major cat diseases. compri.>ed of the molds, dews, · rusts, smuts, etc. 18. What are the two kinds of rabies? Rickettsiae: Between bacteria and virus-it is not as complex as a bacteria or as simple as a virus. 19. What diseases are caused by a virus?

Protozoan: Single cell, mostly aquatic, some are 20. What is cancer? parasites. LESSON 6: SIAMESE Questions: Lesson 5 The Siamese are certainly the most "human" of I. What present-day cat resembles the ancient all the breeds of cats. They seem to depend on Egyptian cat? human contact, often demanding it loud and long. They use their paws to explore an object 2. How many bones does the cat have? rather than smelling it and have a wide range of expressions. They can easily be trained to a 3. What is shedding controlled by? collar and leash.

4. How long ago did the first ancestor of the The Siamese originated in Siam () cat live? where it was a royal cat but also was trained to perform work duties, and in this capacity it was 5. What does camiverous mean? trained for guard duty to assist the soldiers in guarding the palace walls. Tales of their royalty 6. What are the nerves in the nose called? probably originated because of this. Their love of riding on shoulders and attaining high places 7. Name some of the major bones in the eat's stems from more than 200 years of living in body. palaces and temples as guard cats. Its natural ability to jump and cling to the back of 8. What are the major systems in the eat's shoulders, biting in to the base of the neck much body? like wild animals do to kill, must have made him a formidable foe. Even in play, it is almost 9. What is the normal gestation period for a impossible to remove a cat from your back tl cat? without help.

I 0. What are some signs of a healthy cat? The Siamese as first seen by the public in 1900 was a sturdy, apple headed, domestic-bodied, 11. What are some things that cause disease? large animal. The eyes were round and deep 14

violet-blue, usually crossed, with small ears and a Body color: In judging older cats, allowances thick, heavy, kinked tail. should be made for darker coats, since Siamese generally darken with age, but there should be a Breeders bred the Siamese to become exotic, defmite contrast between body color and points. graceful, and effeminate, considering crossed Point allotment: proper color, 4; proper shading, eyes and tail deformities an unpleasant 4; evenness of color, 7; kittens lighter in color. disfiguring of a lovely cat. The Siamese today is attractive and decorative. They are so popular Points: Mask, ears, legs, feet, and tail dense and that fanciers have experimented in dilute colors; clearly defined, all of the same shade. Mask tortie, lynx, albino, seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, should be connected to the ears by tracings, and red-pointed color patterns. Each separate except in kittens. Point allotment: mask, 2; ears, color is bred true and is accompanied by the 2; legs, 2; feet, 2; tail, 2. same basic characteristics of the original Siamese. Coat: Short, fme in texture, glossy, lying close to the body. Point allotment: short coat, 3; fine They are the strangest, most beautiful, and coat, 2; glossy coat, 2; close coat, 3. certainly the most striking and fantastic cats. They are born pure white, changing color as Condition: Good physical condition, not fat, they grow . older. They have disquieting inclined to muscle. Judges to penalize for almond-shaped, pale blue eyes staring out of a emaciation. black-velvet mask on their face. They are rich, yellowish brown~bodied, their forepaws gloved Head: Head should be long and should taper in a almost to the shoulder like black kid gloves, over fme wedge from ears to muzzle, with no break the hind legs are tightly drawn, black, silk for whiskers. The skull is to be flat and the nose stockings. Their tails like tapering black serpents is to be a continuation of the forehead with no are endowed with a spasmatic and uneasy life of break. In profile, a straight line is to be seen their own, even when the cat is at repose. And from the center of the forehead to the tip of what strange voices they have-sounding like the nose. Allowance for jowls in a stud cat. complaining children, the noise of lambs, or like There should be the width of an eye between the agonized and furious howling of lost souls. the eyes. Ears rather large and pricked, wide at Between their expressive voices and the the base, and should continue the line of the emotional organ (the tail) there is no cat more wedge. Allotment points: long, flat profile, 6; human. fine muzzle, 4; nonreceding chin, 4; width between eyes, 2; ears, 4. Siamese Show Standards Body type: The body should be medium in size, Points dainty, long, and svelte. Males to be Color 25 proportionately larger than females. Neck long and slender. Legs proportionately long, and slim; Coat 10 hind legs slightly higher than front. Feet small Condition 5 and oval in shape, tail long and tapering with no Head (including eye set) 20 visible kink. Point allotment: body, 7; neck, 4; Type of shape, size, svelteness 20 legs and feet, 5; tail, 4. Color and shape of eyes 20 Eyes: Eye shape, almond and slanting toward Color: Siamese cats can be known as Seal Points, nose in true oriental fashion. Deep blue in color. Blue Points, Chocolate Points, Lilac Points, and Point allotment: color, 10 (clear, 5; deep blue, are developing Lynx Points. 5); shape, 10 (Oriental, 5; uncrossed, 5). 15

Color Specifications bright, reddish gold. Nose leather and paw pads should be the same color as the points (reddish Seal Point Siamese: Color: even, pale fawn to gold). Eyes a bright, vivid blue. cream, shading gradually into a lighter color on the stomach and chest. The coat color should Tor tie Point Siamese: Body color comes in all not be gray. Points all the same shade of deep colors. Points may be in all point colors and seal brown. Eyes shall be clear and a vivid, deep diluted by cream. Also accepted with black blue color. Foot pads and nose leather to be points with patches of red and cream. Some slate-colored. Eyes clear. associations call thetn Color Points. Most Tortie Points are female, but occasionally a male is Blue Point Siamese: Coat color to be a bluish born but is usually sterile. white, changing gradually to an oyster-white on the stomach and chest. Points should all be the Lynx Point (also called Tabby Point): Body same shade of definite blue, giving strong color is pale cream, free from any markings. contrast of divided color. There must be no Points are clearly defined and may be tabby, fawn color in the coat. Foot pads and nose color silver, cameo, brown, blue, red, or cream. The to be slate. Eyes clear and as deep blue as paw pads and nose leather should conform with possible within the breed. the coat color. He should have an "M" on his forehead and swirls on his cheeks. Unbroken Chocolate Point Siamese: Body color ivory all lines run almost to the forehead from the comer over. Points milk chocolate-colored. Gray or of his eyes. Tail is evenly ringed in unbroken dingy color on the body is a fault. Foot pads lines and is tipped with a solid color. Legs are and nose leather a cinnamon-pink color. Pale or evenly barred, and on his hind legs there is a slate-like eyes to be discouraged. solid color from heel to paw. The tail tip and back of hind legs should correspond in color. Lilac Point Siamese: Body color to be glacial white. Points frosty gray with pinkish tone. Albino Siamese: White coat, pink skin, and Foot pads and nose leather mauve. Pale or undertones, and a pink undertone to the eyes. slate-like eyes to be discouraged. Eye color deep Caused by complete lack of pigment, it is found blue and clear. only in the United States and are accepted by some associations for show. Undesirable for All Siamese: Rounded head, fat, thick-set specimen, hood (a continuation or Additional information: Some of the cat extension of the point coloring over the top of associations don't recognize the new Color the head, around the sides and under the throat. Points as Siamese because they originated by The mask instead of fading gradually away at crossing Siamese with . The the throat makes a distinct change in color so it Red Point, Lynx Point, and Torti Point all breed would appear that a hood was tied around the true and are accepted for championship, while head. Tracings to the ears are lost as the mask other colors tnay be accepted for show only. continues up between the ears.) Rough shaggy These will probably be accepted in the future. coats, odd eye color, gray or yellowish tinge in eyes, crossed eyes. Belly and hip spots. Tabby or Questions: Lesson 6 ticked markings, light hairs in the points. White feet or toes. Receding chin. Invisible kink. I. What kind of contact do Siamese depend on? Red Point Siamese: Body color is gleaming white, any shading should be apricot. Points a 2. How do Siamese explore an object? 16

3. Where did the Siamese originate? The Burmese is a tough, hardy, and healthy cat with a darling voice and has a dignified, prim, 4. What was the Siamese eat's duty in the and proper behavior. It is quietly affectionate, palaces? yet virile and active in play. They are slowly but surely emerging as a beautiful animal in its full 5. What year was the Siamese first seen by the glory. public? The Havanna Brown is a new, man-made beauty 6. What should tlie Siamese body type look originating in England. They have a charming like? disposition and a very soft rneow. It has an elfin ex pression, yet it can be both dignified and 7. Name five colors that associations allow. capricious. They love to climb and leap over and on top of things and use their paws when 8. What color is a new-born kitten? playing. Owners would do well to secure small valuables down or put them in a cabinet or other 9. What shape and color should the eyes be? place inaccessible to these beautiful brown cats.

I 0. Where are the color points located? Havanna Brown

11. Should there be a direct contrast between The Havanna Brown is such a new breed that it body and point colors? is not yet accepted by all associations. It is characterized by its short, tobacco-brown coat 12. What type of coat should the Siamese have? and chartreuse or green eyes.

13. Give the coat color, point color, nose Havanna Browns becam~ true-bred cats through leather, and paw pad color of a Seal Point. the efforts of two English won1en. They had seen odd brown cats at London cat shows (they 14. Give the coat color, point color, nose were not recognized for competition because of leathe~, and paw pad color of a Chocolate their color). These women first crossed a black Point. domestic and a Chocolate Point Siamese; then crossed a and a Seal Point Siamese. 15. Give the coat color, point color, nose The kittens of these matings were exchanged leather, and paw pad colors of a Lilac Point? and bred with a slight chance of a brown kitten. Meanwhile, another woman's Siamese mismated 16. Should a show-quality Siamese have a and produced a litter containing a Seal Point, a kinked tail? Chocolate Point, and a black kitten; one of these had turned brown. That kitten was a self-brown 17. Give the coat color, point color, nose and the ladies realized the mother Siamese who leather, and paw pad colors of a Blue Point. had mismated carried a "gene chance" of self-brown. They then came upon yet another LESSON 7: THE CONNOISSEUR CATS woman who had a self-brown produced from a black domestic female and unknown male. This These two breeds of cats, the Havanna Brown one appears in the background of all true and Burmese, are for the discriminating person Havannas now imported from England. who wants and likes his cats to be rare and These cats retain their coloring for their life unusual. span, and do not produce any in-between stages 17 of color or type when they are bred to a Coat: Any shade of rich, warm, brown- entire Siamese, as some breeds have a tendency to do. cat should be the same shade- smooth, short. They have the very soft like the domestic, Nose leather and paw pads should harmonize but are generally silent as the Russian Blue. with the body color, rosy tinge.

There are but a few breeders of Havanna Browns Condition: Hard and muscular. Coat glossy in the United States, but they are working hard (very); eyes clear. and hoping for an early acceptance of the breed by both the fancy and the general public. Objections: Over- or under-weight, weak chin, lack of stop at eyes, long neck, shading in coat. Havanna Brown Standard (Proposed Standard of the Burmese United Ca t Federation, Inc.) The origin of the Burmese is not proved, but Head 15 records indicate this is an East Asian animal. It Whiskers 5 was first introduced into the United States in Ears 5 1930 from Burma (or perhaps India). They were Eyes 10 bred with a Seal Point Siamese and through Body and neck 15 careful followup the breed was developed. The Coat 15 original brown cat was probably the result of Color 15 natural breeding. Such cats, not common, are Legs 10 known to exist in Burma and Thailand. The Tail 5 traditional Burmese is sable brown, though some Condition 10 cat fancy associations also recognize a Blue Burmese (a throwback or sport) and a Head: Should be longer than it is wide, with a Champagne Burmese (a dilute). A few breeders distinct "stop" at the eyes. The head narrows to are working on other colors. a fine muzzle, with a slight break behind the whiskers. Burmese Standard

Whiskers: Brown in color. Color 25 Body and tail 25 Ears: Large and round-tipped, with very little Head and ears 25 hair on the inside and outside. They should be Eyes 10 widely set but not flaring. Coat 10 Condition 5 Eyes: Color should be chartreuse to green, darker greens preferred, oval in shape. Head: Pleasingly rounded, without flat planes, whether viewed from front or side. Face full, Body and neck: The body should be medium considerable depth between the eyes, tapering long, firm, and muscular. The neck must not be slightly to a short, well-developed muzzle. In short. profile, there should be a visible nose break. Point allotment: roundness of head, 7; full face Legs: Slim and long with oval paws. Pink foot with proper profile, 8; width between eyes, 4; pads. ear size and placement, 6.

Tail: Medium length, in proportion to the body. 18

Ears: Medium in size, set well apart on a 6. When was the Burmese introduced into the rounded skull, alert, tilting forward, broad at United States? base, and slightly rounded tips. 7. What country did the Burmese originate in? Eyes: Set far apart with round aperture, color ranging from yellow to gold. The greater the 8. What is the natural color of the Burmese? depth and brilliance the better. Point allotment: placement and shape, 5; color, 5. 9. Name one other color the Burmese breeders are developing. Body: Medium in size, muscular in development, compact-looking. Ample rounded chest, with 10. What color is the 's eyes? level back between shoulder and tail. Point allotment: body, 15. 11. What shape is the Burmese eat's head?

Legs: Well-proportioned to body with round 12. What breed was the original brown cat bred feet. Point allotment: legs and feet, 5. to?

Tail: Straight, medium m length. Point 13. What kind of coat does the Burmese have? allotment: tail, 5. 14. What kind of coat does the Havanna Brown Coat: Fine, glossy satin-like texture, lying very have? close to body. Rich, sable brown, shading almost imperceptibly to a slightly lighter hue on the THE CAT ASSOCIATIONS underside. Point allotment: short, 4; texture, 4; close lying, 2. As we go into the study of the different breeds of cats, we will be using the abbreviations of the Condition: Medium size, rich solid color, cat associations. The following list of cat substantial bone structure, good .muscular associations give a brief account to familiarize development, surprising weight for its size. the cat owner with each one:

Objections: Kinked or abnormal tail, locket or American Cat Association (ACA). The American button, blue or green eyes. Cat Association Inc. is an Illinois company, incorporated in 1904, involved in the business of Questions: Lesson 7 maintaining the feline registry, as a service to cat owners and breeders throughout North America. 1. What country did the Havanna Brown originate in? Establishes and enforces rules and standards for the conduct of cat shows conducted under ACA 2. What two breeds did they cross to get the rules, including appointing judges and Havanna? maintaining approved judging lists for clubs to choose their judges from. 3. What color is the Havanna? Communicates with the individual cat owners 4. What color is the Havanna's eyes? and breeders who make the cat fancy, so that the ACA registry, standards, and shows can be 5. Can the Havanna be shaded or have any responsive to the wishes and needs of that fancy. other color on him? The following have been set as objectives and 19 they are a part of the ACA bylaws: the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF). Since 1919 the protection of cat breeders, owners, and fanciers, CFF has provided registration services, written and the education of the general public on the rules by which CFF shows are run and adopted care of all cats. standards of perfection -always bearing in mind that the welfare and betterment of the cat are American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA). The the ultimate goals. ACFA is now in its 20th year. It has added new breeds, provided for better judges, and has The federation maintains a panel of excellent become an in ten1ational organization. Members judges who are tested yearly for their awareness control the association through individual mail of changes in the show rules and standards; ballot. All changes in show rules, registration judges from other associations also supplement rules and bylaws must be ratified by this team of judges. membership vote. It is the only association in the fancy today that strives for pure breeding, Crown Cat Fanciers Federation (CCFF). In requiring six, fully registered generations in the 1965, a group of people at a show discussing the pedigree before the cat can be registered in the fact that exhibiting cats was becoming more Stud Book Registry. ex pensive and less enjoyable decided a more positive approach was needed. Before that show (CCA). The first was over the CCFF was born. Proclaiming the recorded meeting was on March 22, 1960. Its "new and better idea, " --saving the exhibitor first annual meeting was held on December 9, money-Crown allows you to show your cat 1961, with all ten members present. In 1975 with a registration number from any association there were over 100 members at the annual and claim wins without registering in Crown. general meeting and 20 active clubs. The Thus a cat may be shown to a multiple grant, registrar has registered in excess of 22,000 cats even to Cat of the Year without even registering (3,000 in 1975). in Crown.

Judges are exchanged with other associations. The crown system of judging is unique: on each The registration rules appear to be somewhat eat's rating slip, the judge checks the points he more strict than some other associations. They believes are excellent according to the standard. do not accept new breeds and/or colors until By showing in an association using a cut system, careful studies have been made of these new then showing in Crown, an exhibitor can get an varieties. overall view of his cat.

Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). The Cat Recently in an effort to encourage the Fanciers Association was organized in 1906 with and spaying of household pets, Crown began the following objectives: improvement of the registering altered cats free: otherwise the cost is breeds of cats, the registration of pedigrees of $1.00. A cat that has won two finals il1 HHP cats and kittens, the promulgation of rules for shows becomes a Royal Cat, the equivalent of a the management of cat shows, the licensing of champion, and then competes only with other cat shows held under the ntles of CF A, the Royal Cats. For more information, write Crown promotion of the interest of breeders and secretary, Martha Rose Underwood, 1379 Tyler exhibitors of all cats, and most important, the Park Drive, Louisville, KY 40204. promotion of the welfare of all cats. Independent Cat Federation (ICF). The ICF is CF A shows are judged by individuals who have the youngest of the cat associations and is still completed a rigorous training program that beset with growing pains. Their aim is to help qualifies them to evaluate the . cats in their relationship with today's world. It is 20

one association that accepts the new colors and National Cat Fanciers Association (NCF A). The ( ) breeds as they are being developed. ICF is National Cat Fanciers Association believes in particularly interested in the household . It direct representation for all. They do not wish gives a Sovereign Award to the household pet. to be regimented and under the control of any HHPs are judged in regular and one select group. Their shows are held in without papers classes. The Sovereign Award has spacious, comfortable halls. Their sole interests to be earned with winner's ribbons. Judging in are cats, shows, and the training of qualified our HHP's class is quite intricate. A household judges. pet in ICF, after winning the title of Sovereign, can then go on in future shows to become Grand We reserve this space for the United Cat Sovereign. Federation, whom we have not received information on as yet.

College of Agriculture and Home Economics, Pullman, Washington

Issued by Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Larry G. James, Interim Director, and the U.S. Depart­ ment of Agriculture in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Cooperative Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, and gender preference. Trade names have been used to simplify information; no en­ dorsement is intended. Reprinted January 1993. Subject Code 813. A

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