Cat Breeds: Burmese

Winnie

 Burmese

 

The cat deemed to have been the founder of the Burmese breed was a small brown cat called ‘Wong Mau’ who was taken from Burma to America in 1930. An investigation into the genetic make up of ‘Wong Mau’ showed that she was hybrid of Siamese and a new dark coated breed that was named Burmese because of the origin. Through selective breeding it was possible to isolate the new dark coated breed and this became the Burmese we know today. The Burmese was first recognized by the American cat registration bodies and later by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in Britain. A selective breeding plan was embarked upon and as the genetic make up of the Burmese became known a whole spectrum of colors became possible leading to the ten colors we have now. These colors are Brown, Blue, Chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and tortie.

 

Mercury

The Burmese is a medium sized cat, with an elegant yet well-muscled body. They are not as large and sturdy as the British Shorthair nor as slender and dainty as the Siamese. They are surprisingly heavy for their size when lifted and this is due to their solid muscular physique. The head is carried on a medium neck and is in proportion to the body. Viewed from the front the face resembles a short blunt wedge with wide cheekbones tapering to the muzzle. The ears are set well apart. The eyes are large and lustrous and may be any shade of yellow. However the eye color of Burmese is very sensitive to variations in light quality and under certain light sources the eyes may appear quite a different color. The tail is straight with no kinks or bumps and ends in a rounded paintbrush tip.

Minnie

The Burmese cat is an extremely friendly and affectionate creature and needs attention from human beings to be happy when kept in a domestic environment. They are extremely playful and can be taught to fetch pieces of paper in much the same way as a dog with a stick and are good with children and so make wonderful family pets. They are also very sensitive to their owner’s feelings. If the owner is likely to be out all day it is often a good idea to have two Burmese, as they can become bored very quickly with no one to play with. They are very demanding and will follow you around the house crying for attention and if you stop will climb up your leg begging to be picked up and cuddled. Burmese are very vocal cats and will often greet you when you return home or speak to you when they want something. 

 

Misty

The curiosity and friendliness of the Burmese can sometimes lead them to stray into visitor’s cars or delivery vans and they can disappear. This also makes them a prime target for theft. For these reasons many Burmese are confined to the house and they really do not mind this as they love warmth and comfort and they will soon find plenty to do indoors especially if they have company. Burmese cats are extremely loyal to their owners and with their ability to retrieve are sometimes known as the ‘dog cat’. They do not like to be left out of family life and will often insist on being part of what’s going on. They are very intelligent and can work out problems such as opening doors and they are the complete escape artist. They are very good with children but if the children do become too rough the Burmese will simply turn around with a contemptuous glare and stalk off until the children settle down. Burmese make excellent companions and seem to understand every word that is said and are very sensitive to their owner’s feelings and moods. They do not object to the hub-bub of a noisy household and will usually join in.  

*This information was collected from www.purina.com

Cats are...

Cats are designated friends.

- Norman Corwin

Herbie and Binkle

Cutest kitten look...ever!

"But mummy... pleeeease"

 

Poem: Three Little Kittens

 Three Little Kittens

Three little kittens
They lost their mittens
And they began to cry,
Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear
Our mitten we have lost.
What! Lost your mittens,
You naughty kittens!
Then you shall have no pie.
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
No, you shall have no pie.

The three little kittens
They found their mittens,
And they began to cry,
Oh, mother dear, see here, see here,
Our mittens we have found.
Put on your mittens,
You silly kittens,
And you shall have some pie.
Purr-r, purr-r, purr-r,
Oh, let us have some pie.

Mr. Meowgi

Excercising your cats

This is a cat that does not want to exercise.

These Kittens would like to show you how to excercise.

These videos were found on YouTube. Mr. Red prefers the first Video.

Toxic Plants: Baby's Breath

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants around our gardens are in fact toxic to our furry friends.

 Baby's Breath

This sweet filler of many a floral arrangement seems innocent enough, but not so innocuous when it comes to your pet’s digestion.  

Gyposenin is the problematic toxic principle when ingested by your cat or dog. The signs of your cat or dog ingesting the Baby's Breath plant is vomiting and diarrhea

You should consult your vet immediately if you have any concerns.

*This information was gathered from http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/babys-breath

Pleasures of a cats' company

For me, one of the pleasures of cats' company is their devotion to bodily comfort.

- Compton Mackenzie

Royce

Cat Breeds: British Shorthair

Subra

 BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Although there are only written records for the British Shorthair back to the beginning of the century the breed has been in existence for hundreds of years. The first shorthair cats were probably brought to Britain by invading Roman troops and they feature in engravings and paintings through the centuries. They were exported in large numbers to the New World where they were very popular. The variety of colors and coat patterns available today have come about from the selective breeding of the best street cats during the nineteenth century and continuing careful breeding plans to the present day. 

Willow and Bosco

The British Shorthair is one of the largest breeds of cat. It is chunky and substantial and the male is much larger than the female. The face is round with full cheeks and the nose is short and broad. The chin is deep and strong. The tip of the chin is in line vertically with the tip of the nose. The ears are small and rounded and set so as to blend with the round contour of the head. The eyes are large and round. The head is set on a short thick neck. The body is Cobby with a short level back. The chest is deep and the shoulders are strong. The legs are short and strong with round paws and the tail is thick.

The British Shorthair is bred in over one hundred colour and coat pattern combinations. The coat is short and dense. The British's eye colour can be deep sapphire blue or deep gold, orange or copper. White coloured Britishes may have one eye of each color. The common colors in the British Shorthair cats are Blue, Lilac, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Black, Tabby and White.

Blakeman

The British Shorthair is a sturdy healthy breed and suffers from no specific health problems. They are capable of living into their teens but an annual health check from about the age of eight is advisable. This may include teeth cleaning and a blood test for liver and kidney function. 

The British Shorthair is a big soft lump of a cat. These are the ‘gentle giants’ of the cat world. They are loving and affectionate. They are good with children and other animals. They do not continuously demand human attention and are quieter than their foreign counterparts. Nor do they have the curious nature that gets many foreign breeds into trouble and if allowed out in the garden they are unlikely to roam. However they are often more than happy to be indoor cats.

*This information was collected from www.purina.com

Cat Logic - LOL

Kitty Surprise

"I am ready for my surprise"

Poem: Lend me a Kitten

Lend me a Kitten

I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

I fancied that I heard them say 'Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done'
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him whom we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

Bailey

Cat Geometry and Personality

When searching for a kitten or cat to adopt, how can you tell if your selection will be a lap lounger, a shy cat, or an adventure seeker? Pedigreed (purebred) cats tend to have certain characteristic personality traits, though individuals within breeds may be very different. With the typical shelter cat, personality clues may be linked to the shape of the cats face. 

Kit Jenkins, program manager for Petsmart Charities, has spent more than 20 years studying the behavior of cats and dogs in animal shelters. She has developed a theory of cat face geometry, which is based on the fact that feline faces usually fall into one of three physical shapes: square, round and triangle. While noting that genetics and life experiences play major roles in how cats think and act, Jenkins contends that personality is also influenced by a cat's physical shape. Here's how she describes the various types.

SQUARE: Thes cats are big and solid with squasre faces and rectangular bodies. Think Maine Coon. Jenkins dubs them the "retrievers of the cat world."Eager to please, square cats tend to be affectionate and love to snuggle and give head-butts.

ROUND: These cats sport flat faces, large eyes, circular heads, and rounded bodies. Think Persian or Burmese. These types might be called the "lap dogs" of the feline world. They tend to be low-energy, easily frightened, submissive cats who gently display their affection to trusted family members.

TRIANGULAR: These are sleek, long, lanky cats that narrow at the nose. Think Siamese or Cornish Rex. Jenkins calls them "the herding dogs of the cat worlds." Triangle cats are curious, smart, athletic, and chatty, and they thrive on active households.

Jenkins has shared her personality theory with shelter workers, animal trainers, and behaviorists all over North America. Animal behaviorists and veterinarians say her observations serve as another tool in helping people find a cat who meets their lifestyle and personality. Although just a theory, Jenkins' observations have been published in a scientific journal.

Mr. Red knows that Maths is hardly ever a favorite subject in school, but thanks to this body-shape theory, he thinks that us humans have finally found a way to put geometry to a practical use.

*This theory was obtained from "The Cat Behavior Answer Book" by Arden Moore

Toxic Plants: Azalea

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants around our yards are in fact toxic to our furry friends like the Azalea Plant. 

 Azalea

 

Grayonotoxin is the problematic toxic nectar in azalea plants. The side effect for ingestion azalea plants range from vomiting to "cardiovascular collapse and death". It only takes a few leaves from the azalea plant to sicken a cat. The symptoms if your cat has ingested the azalea plant is Acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the cat may become comatose and die.

You should consult your vet immediately if you have any concerns.

*This information was gathered from http://www.ehow.com/facts_7358643_azaleas-poisonous-cats_.html and http://www.aspca.org/

Law of Cat Inertia:

Law of Cat Inertia: A cat at rest will tend to remain at rest, unless acted upon by some outside force - such as opening cat food or a scurrying mouse.

Loki

Cat Breeds: Bombay

The Asian group of cats was brought about by breeders attempting to create cats of Burmese type, in colours not recognized in the Burmese - the Bombay is the Self Black version of the Asian. 

There are two cats named 'Bombay', but the one recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy is a Black Self Asian. (The other version, which appears almost identical) was created in America in the 1950's, by crossing a Sable Burmese with Black American Short-hairs. The Bombay is a medium built cat, with a glossy, jet black coat. The head has good width between the ears and a gently rounded dome. The jaw is wide at the hinge tapering to a broad blunt muzzle. In profile the head forms a short wedge with a firm chin and short nose. The chin and the tip of the nose are in the same vertical plane. The ears are of medium size with a rounded tip. They are set so as to continue the angle of the face and are slightly tilted forward. The beautiful copper/gold eyes are set well apart and are full and expressive. The body is firm and muscular with a strong straight back. The legs are of medium length and the hind legs are a little longer than the front. The paws are oval and the tail is medium to long, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.

The Bombay is a friendly, intelligent and affectionate cat. Like the other members of the Asian group, the curiosity and friendliness of the Bombay can often lead it to stray into visitor's cars or delivery vans and they may be best confined to the house or a secure garden. They usually settle quite happily to this arrangement. They love to play and toys and scratching post should be provided for amusement as well as quality time set aside for play with their humans. They can be very sensitive to their owner's feelings and this makes them excellent companions. They are generally good with children and when fed up with the rough and tumble of play with human children will stalk off until peace resumes.  

*This information was collected from www.purina.com

If I tried to tell you how much i love my cats...

If I tried to tell you how much I love my cats, you wouldn't believe me-unless your heart is also meow-shaped and covered in stray fur.
- Lexie Saige

Hamish

Lost Kitty

"I Think I'm Lost"

Poem - The Naming of Cats

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there's the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, or George or Bill Bailey -
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter -
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum -
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there's still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover -
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

- T S Elliot

Miss Precious

*This poem is from http://www.catquotes.com/thenamingofcats.htm

Mr Red Would love to share some valuable information about cats and their Sleepy Times.

Mr Red

"Us cats love a good night's sleep and plenty of pleasant daytime naps. we average 17 to 18 hours of sleep each day, or about two-thirds of our entire lives. How many hours we sleep depends on our age. Take me for instance, I am still a kitten who is very fast growing so i tend to sleep more than most adult cats, apparently. The amount of sleep i get also depends on how safe i feel. If I happened to be sharing a home with a cat pursuing dog like a friend of mine, I would spend more time awake and weary. My sleep time also depends on what the weather is doing. If it is cold wet day, I prefer to snuggle up in my mums doona cover, however if it is a warm sunny day, i like to be out and about and then find somewhere in the warm weather to have a catnap."

Toxic Plants: Apples

A common fruit plant that many of us enjoy can have completely the opposite affect on cats and dogs as well as horses. 

Apple

The Apple Tree's stems, leaves and apple seeds contain the chemical compound Cyanide, which is toxic and dangerous to our pets, especially during the process of wilting. 

Signs of your cat being affected from this can include dilated pupils, brick red mucous, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. 

You should consult your vet immediately if you have any concerns.

*This information was gathered from http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/apple

Who invented self-esteem?

Cats invented self-esteem; there is not an insecure bone in their body.

- Erma Bombeck

Loo

Birman

Mietta

According to Buddhist legend the Birman breed was created by a Burmese goddess. The legend tells of a colony of white cats living in a Burmese temple dedicated to a goddess. After a temple priest was murdered, one of the white cats faced an effigy of the goddess, who magically transformed the cat, and all of the other temple cats, to a golden colour. The story may be mythical but the Birman is considered to have originated in Burma, developed by Burmese priests. When the priests were forced to flee their native country they were assisted by the English and French military. In gratitude a pair of Birman cats were sent to France as a gift and the female of the pair was pregnant. Since the early 1900s, following the Birman's arrival, the breed has continued to be developed in Europe and has spread around the world. The Birman were introduced to Australia in 1967.

Harley

The Birman is a most attractive cat, exceptional to look at and very photogenic. They are a semi-long haired cat breed that are broadly similar in colour to siamese cats except that the tips of their feet are pure white. The cats have markings i.e. darker colouration on the face, ears, legs and tail. These areas are known as points. Regardless of body or point colour, the cat should always have deep blue eyes and white feet. There is an obvious ruff or collar of hair around the neck, especially in the males. The tail is also bushy and the body is robust with shorter solid legs and a medium sized tail.

Mocha

Birmans are known for a cool but affectionate personality. They often appear docile and casual, and spend a lot of time lazing around the house. They form a bond with their owner and are reportedly good with other pets. They are not particularly vocal but will make their presence felt if they want attention. The Birman has proven to be suitable for anyone. They can be kept in apartments or houses, big or small. Birmans are not as active as some other breeds, which may make them more suitable for a busy household or one with multiple pets.  

*This information was collected from www.purina.com

Cats do care

Cats do care. For example, they know instinctively what time we have to be at work in the morning; and they wake us up twenty minutes before the alarm goes off.
- Michael Nelson

Tommy

 

Cats will always be Dramatic!

Cats will always be Dramatic!

 

Poem: St. Jerome's cat

St.Jerome's Cat
St. Jerome in his study kept a great big cat,
it's always in his pictures, with its feet upon the mat.
Did he give it milk to drink, in a little dish?
When it came to Friday's, did he give it fish?
If I lost my little cat, I'd be sad without it;
I should ask St. Jerome what to do about it.

I should ask St. Jerome, just because of that,
for he's the only saint I know who kept a kitty cat.

Traditional English Nursery Rhyme

Tristian

Cats always know

Cats always know whether people like or dislike tehm. They do not always care enough to do anything about it.
- Winifred Carriere

Pepsi

 

Toxic Plants: Amaryllis

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants around our yards are in fact toxic to our furry friends. 

 

Amaryllis

 Amaryllis is harmful to both Cats and Dogs due to the Lycorine and other toxins that it contains. Be careful with the Bulbs, they contain the most toxins.

Signs of your cat being affected from this can include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anarexia and tremors.

You should consult your vet immediately if you have any concerns.

*This information was gathered from http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/amaryllis

If we treat everyone we meet with...

If we treat everyone we meet with the same affection we bestow upon our favourite cat, they, too, would purr.

-Martin Buxbaum

Edie and Minx

Bengal

Billy

The Bengal is a hybrid breed of cat, formed by the cross of a domestic feline and an Asian Leopard Cat. In 1963 Jean Sudgen of Yuma, Arizona purchased a female Asian Leopard cat (named Malaysia) from a pet store. Believing the cat to be lonely, she put a black domestic cat in her cage for company. The animals mated & produced two kittens, a male & a female called KinKin. Sadly, the male was fatally mauled by Malaysia but KinKin was safely removed & raised by a Himalayan queen. This mixture produced the Bengal cats.

Akira and Shah

The Bengal cat is a medium to large cat with a long, muscular body with robust bones. It's hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, the feet are large & oval. The head is broad modified wedge, which is longer than wide, with small ears & pronounced whisker pads. Eyes are black rimmed & almond shaped. The tail is thick, tapering to a black tip. The coat is thick, beautifully sleek & soft feels more like a pelt than fur. The belly is whited & should also have spots. There are two Bengal patterns. Spotted & Marbled. Spotted: The spots should be dark & clear, with a crisp outline with a good contrast to the background colour. The spots can be either solid, arrow shaped or as rosettes. Spots should be found on the body, including the belly, the legs will have spots & or stripes. Spots should be random or horizontal in alignment. Marbled: The marbled pattern consists of contrasting horizontal swirls along the side of the cat. The contrast must be extreme.

Falcor

Bengals are intelligent, active, energetic cats. Bengals have a love of water. They are agile, love to climb & can be vocal with a distinctive voice . They get along well with other pets & people. Bengals enjoy high places & are enthusiastic climbers. Many Bengal owners have trained their cat to walk on a harness, so they can enjoy the great outdoors in safety. 

*This information was collected from www.purina.com, and Wikipedia website.

Cats always seem so very wise...

Cats always seem so very wise, when 

staring with their half-closed eyes. Can
they be thinking, "I'll be nice, and 

maybe she will feed me twice?"

- Bette Midler

Raffiki

Cats are so Dramatic!

Cats are so Dramatic!

Don't you think?