Friday, August 31, 2012

When should you change from kitten food to adult food?

Mr Red
You now have a kitten that you waited til it was at least 12 weeks old before you brought it home. You made sure you had plenty of toys and treats. You never missed a veterinary appointment and you've fed the proper kitten diet. Now you have to decide: When do you begin switching to adult cat food?

Growing kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats and should only be fed a high quality growth-type diet. You can allow your kitten to eat as much as she wants, because overeating is not a significant concern in kittens, like it
is in puppies. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals is not usually recommended as it can cause serious illness. Supplements should only be given on advice from your veterinarian. 
Hamish

For most cats, leaving dry food out to nibble on through the day and offering small amounts of canned food twice daily should work. If your kitten does not eat the canned food within 20 minutes, remove it and offer it in the evening as normal. Soon your kitten will catch on and eat when the canned food or fresh meat is offered. Even if your cat does not like canned food or fresh meat, the dry food that is left out is sufficient.

Once you have chosen a good quality kitten food, continue feeding it until your cat reaches 80 to 90 percent of his anticipated adult weight. For most cats, this occurs around 9 months of age.

Once your kitten is ready for his new diet, gradually begin changing by feeding 1/4 adult food and 3/4 kitten food for a few days. Then add 1/2 adult food and 1/2 kitten food. After a few more days, feed 3/4 adult food and 1/4 kitten food. Then, you can feed straight adult food.

If you have any concerns about changing your kitten's diet, consult your veterinarian for advice. 

*This Article was taken from http://www.petplace.com/cats/when-do-you-change-from-kitten-food-to-adult-food/page1.aspx


Thursday, August 30, 2012

Toxic Plants: Cyclamen

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

Cyclamen
Cyclamen are very pretty flowers that are popular in gardens and pots. They are toxic to both cats and dogs. They have a high concentration of toxins located in the roots of the plant. The toxin found in this plant is called Terpenoid Saponins and can cause salivation, vomiting and diarrhea.  Fatalities have been reported in some cases following large ingestion of tubers which cause abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and death.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from www.aspca.org/

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Every dog has his day, but...

Every dog has his day, but the nights are reserved for cats.
- Anonymous

Mr Bean
 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cat Breeds: Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a natural breed, which originates from the Cairo area. (Mau is the Ancient Egyptian name for the divine household cat). They were first seen in Europe at a Rome cat show in the 1950’s and from there were imported into America in 1957. They gained recognition in America some fifteen years later but the breed has not been recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in Great Britain.

The Egyptian Mau is the only natural domesticated breed of spotted cat, other spotted cats being the result of selective breeding of the humans' choosing. The Mau is not so substantial as the British Shorthair but is not so svelte as the Orientals. It is a cat of medium size with well-defined muscles and gives the impression of an athletic active cat.

The Egyptian Mau is a loving and playful cat. They are extremely clever and love to learn tricks and are one of the few breeds of cat that enjoy walking on a lead. They love being fussed over and having a lot attention. They are active and need some stimulus such as toys or companions to play with and another cat is often a good idea if they are going to be left on their own for long. 

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!

*This information was gathered from www.purina.com.au

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Friday, August 24, 2012

Mr Red's Grooming Advice

 Mr. Red's Grooming Advice

Believe it or not, most cats need a little help with their grooming. We should particularly pay attention to our cats' eyes, ears and coat.

Whether your kitty is purebred or mixed breed, the key to a well groomed cat lies in the length of a cat's coat. A cat with a very short, single coat similar to the Siamese, Burmese and Cornish Rex need very little grooming. The dense-coated short-haired cats like British shorthairs and Scottish folds require a monthly grooming session. Semi-longhaired cats resembling Maine coons should be combed more regularly. Cats with long, flowing coats resembling the Persian (Like Me, Mr. Red) should be combed and have their faces cleaned at least every other day (my face gets cleaned twice a day).

Combing and Brushing Your Cat
Louie
The cats coat is the biggest grooming challenge. Some cats shed a lot, some get leaves and sticks stuck in their coats (Like my Persian friend Louie who thinks he should be in the army as he can camouflage quite well with the leaves and sticks), some cats get under cars and can become quite greasy and then some cats just get clumps of matted hair anchored to their coats. Remember to comb gently from front-to-back and reassure your cat with a soothing voice (I enjoy my daily brushes). Do this as much as needed to keep shedding and knots to a minimum. The proper combs and brushes can help.

Taking Care of Mats
The dreaded mat can form on even the most well-groomed cats, especially during seasonal shedding (I tend to get some knots under my arms, around my neck, or on my belly, and i get brushed on a daily basis). If you find these clumps of dried, tangled hair in your cat's fur, never try to cut them out because you could slip and cut your cat's skin. Cat's skin is very fine and you can nick it very easily which in turn can give the cat a bad grooming experience. Not all cats like to be brushed and if they have had a bad experience, it can make it harder for you to keep them well groomed. It is better to work out a mat with a grooming comb.

With one hand, try to hold the hair as close to its base as possible without pulling directly on the cat's skin. Hold the grooming comb in your other hand and use the tip to pick at the mat gently until it begins to loosen up. As it starts to break apart from the coat, it can easily be combed out. Repeat as necessary.

Cleaning Your Cats Eyes 
Eye matter can be a problem in big-eyed, short-nosed cats. Breeds like the Persian (yep, that's me) that have that "mushed-in" look to their faces. The large eye openings and the small distance from the tear ducts to the nose in these cats create an area for more tearing to occur than usual. Rather than pooling into tear ducts, the tears spill over the lower eyelids. Once the tears come in contact with air, they are "oxidized" and turn brown, staining the area below the eyes and creating a glue-like substance that needs to be cleaned out to keep the area healthy and the cat comfortable.

To clean the eyes use a soft washcloth or a wet tissue. Hold your cat's head and wipe the damp cloth gently across the lower eyelid. Be careful not to rub the eyeball directly. Let the moisture soften the eye matter and then go back and wipe again. Make sure you use a fresh section of the cloth or tissue each time.

Mr. Red - "That is my advice to you"

*I did collect some of this information from http://www.petplace.com/

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Toxic Plants: Chrysanthemum

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

Chrysanthemum
 
The chrysanthemum smell would keep most people away, however cats and dogs can still be drawn to it. If the Chrysanthemum is consumed it can cause quite a bit of discomfort. There are quite a few toxic principles in this plant which cause symptoms such as Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. The chrysanthemum is unlikely to cause death with your animal but you should monitor your pets around these plants. 

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from www.aspca.org/

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

There is something so peculiar...

There is something so peculiar in a cat's mysterious ways...
- Eliot Walker

Max

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Today is International Homeless Animal Day!!!

Today is a very important day to cat lovers around the world. It's International Homeless Animals Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of pets everywhere who do not have a loving human to share their life. It can seem like a sad day, but it is also a very hopeful day—it's a great chance to help spread the word about responsible pet ownership and help make some new homes!

In the state of Victoria, Australia during the financial year 2010-2011, there was over 30 thousand dogs and cats turned over to the RSPCA.  Only 9,300 dogs and 19,000 cats found homes. Of the rest 11,500 cats and dogs had to be destroyed.
 
Although many of these animals are healthy and adoptable, their sheer numbers outweigh the availability of good homes. For instance, a single female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years. A female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in just six years. This tragedy can be prevented

There are other organizations that try and find homes for these cats and dogs such as "The Animal Re-homing Service Inc." This is a not for profit service that helps people find homes for their pets when they can no longer care for them. You can find out about animals available for re-homing at http://www.tars.org.au/

So please give a homeless kitty or dog a home!



Cat Breeds: Devon Rex

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex breed stems from a curly-coated cat found in 1960 by Beryl Cox, in Devon. She attempted to take him in, but he refused to be tamed. Beryl kept an eye on the cat, though, and noticed that he had mated with a local female cat. She found the litter in a field at the end of her garden, and one of the resulting litter also had curly fur - she named the curly kitten Kirlee, and took him home. Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon's coat is caused by a recessive gene, and inbreeding was necessary to perpetuate the breed - the Devon gene is different to that which curls the coat of the Cornish Rex, and crossing Devon and Cornish Rexes produces litters of straight-coated kittens. The two mutations must have arisen independently, despite arising so close geographically, ie. in Devon and Cornwall. Within 10 years the breed was recognised in Britain.

The first impression of a Devon Rex is how crinkly their coat is. They have wide cheeks and large eyes and ears. Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon has the characteristic Rex 'Marcel Wave', and the fur forms ripples and waves, particularly on the back. The whiskers and eyebrows also curl, and are prone to snapping off. The devons' legs are slender, and the hind legs are longer than the fore legs. The paws are small and oval.

Devons are fondly described as "little terrors", and "monkeys in cats' clothing" whose antics include swinging from the curtains and climbing the wallpaper! These lively and extrovert cats seem to be born comedians. They have several 'dog-like' qualities, such as a fondness for fetching toys, and can be trained to walk on a harness and lead. They are very gentle and loving cats, and hate to be bored or alone. Their should be lots of things to play with and climb on as these cats have a lot of energy.


Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!

*This information was collected from www.purina.com.au

Monday, August 20, 2012

Cats aren't clean, they're just...

Cats aren't clean, they're just covered with cat spit.
- John S. Nichols

Harry enjoying belly scratches

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Designing your house with your cats in mind!!!

Designing your house with your cats in mind!!!

This is a wonderful setup. These people designed their house for their cats.


This was sent to us curtsy of our friends at Paddington Pups - http://www.paddingtonpups.com.au/

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Friday, August 17, 2012

Could You be Bluey's New Family?

Could You be Bluey's New Family?


Bluey
Bluey is a very beautiful 5 year old, de-sexed male cat. He is a white Domestic Short Hair cat with a warm personality. Bluey is a very active boy and is looking for a loving home. He has lived with other cats and dogs before and enjoys the company. 

If you are interested, Please contact Cooinda Cat Resort on 5971 1395 and ask to speak to Tamara or Jill.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Toxic Plants: Chamomile

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

 Chamomile

Chamomile may make a healthy Tea for humans, the flowers and plant parts are toxic to cats. Contact with the plant can cause skin irritations. Eating it may result in vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Ingesting chamomile over a long period of time can interfere with blood clotting.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from http://www.gardenguides.com/103335-flowers-poisonous-cats.html

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Cat Breeds: Cornish Rex

CoCo
 Cornish Rex

The discovery of the Rex mutant gene in farm cats from Cornwell, England in the early 1950's was undoubtedly the most exciting event in the cat world this century.  In a relatively short span of time, the breed has gone from strength to strength with the Cornish Rex cats making their presence felt on the show bench.  The Cornish are taking their fair share of Best in Show awards, and are literally forcing the Cat Fancy to 'sit up and take notice'! 
 
The Cornish Rex have soft, wavy, rippled coats which lack guard hairs, and therefore they don't shed like other cats.  This means that the Cornish Rex require very little grooming, and they don't deposit hair all over the house.  This also means that this breed of cat is one to consider if you are a allergy sufferer. The Cornish Rex has been compared to the Whippet dog because of its slender athletic build, curved contours, arched back, and willowy body. From torso to tail the Cornish Rex is long and lean. However, do not let the willowy form fool you-the Cornish Rex is no weakling. Under that ultra short fur are strong bones and muscles.

The Cornish Rex cat is delightful, distinctively different, constantly charming and captivating.  Rexes need people, and given a choice will spend most of their time with humans.  When they are free to choose their own sleeping quarters, their first choice is the owners bed.  This is partly due to their desire for warmth. Even tempered and very affectionate, they also appeal because of their extremely quiet voices. The Cornish Rex is one of the few breeds which enjoy the crowds and excitement. Where other cats are frightened or annoyed by many noises, the Cornish Rex watches with interest. They like people and they also like to participate in their activities. Using its paws like hands, a Cornish Rex can pick up small objects, and some have even learned to turn door knobs and open doors. Give a Cornish Rex a piece of string and watch it go into action. Its movements are, like its very body, a study in curves as it jumps, dances and rises up on its hind legs. Its keen intelligence is observable through the alert interest with which it regards people and their antics. 

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!

*This information was collected from www.purina.com 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Cats Nature...

It is in the nature of cats to do a certain amount of unescorted roaming.
- Adlai Stevenson

Abby

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Possibly the biggest domestic cat in the world!

  This ‘Mega Monster Cat’ May Become The Biggest Cat In The World 

 
Maine Coon is a breed of domestic cat. Its actual origin is unknown but they look quite wild and they’re usually pretty big. The biggest specimens weigh up to 11.3kg. But Rupert here is not just pretty big. He’s huge. He’s a “mega monster cat”, according to experts. Heck, this thing can probably kill you if he decided to.
Rupert is now 9kg, which is less than his biggest cronies. But he’s only two years old. By three he will be much bigger, say the vets, growing to the point in which he would be at least 14kg.

For comparison, male bobcats can get up to 14kg too. The Canada lynx goes up to 10.8kg, while the Iberian can reach 12.7kg. Only a male of the Eurasian lynx would be bigger than Rupert, at 18-27kg.

Still, Rupert will be 14kg of muscle, teeth, and claws. A domestic cat who looks pretty much like a real lynx. I’m not sure if I would feel safe around one.


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Funny Cats in Water Clip

This is a must see You Tube clip. Absolutely hilarious and very cute.


Friday, August 10, 2012

Mr. Red wants you to know what WOMO is!

What is WOMO? Word Of Mouth Online! 
 
At Cooinda Cat Resort, your word of mouth feedback is extremely important to us. If you think your kitty enjoyed their stay with us and you were happy with our services, we'd love you to review your experience on WOMO. It's quick, easy, and a great help for us!
 
Simply click on the link below
and click "Review". Then enter the business number: 1001289

Mr. Red would love to hear what you think!
 
 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Toxic Plants: Carnations

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

 Carnations
The Carnation isn't the most poisonous flower, but with its popularity in floral arrangements you should really keep an eye open as it is mildly toxic to cats. When ingested carnations can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and apetite loss. Just chewing the flowers may result in symptoms.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants.

*This information was gathered from http://www.gardenguides.com/103335-flowers-poisonous-cats.html

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Nine Lives..

Nine lives added to my one life makes a perfect ten.
- Unknown human

Mango

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Cat Breeds: Burmilla

Cayto
 Burmilla

The Burmilla was created by accident when a male Chinchilla had a secret meeting with a lilac female Burmese. The kittens were so attractive that they quickly won the hearts of all who saw them and new homes were found for them all. In fact so much interest was generated that a repeat mating was done and from there a new breed was formed. The kittens looked more like the Burmese than the Chinchilla and had the inquisitive, friendly Burmese temperament but they had the stunning silver colouring and the tipped markings of the Chinchilla. 

Billy
The Burmilla is a cat of medium build, thanks to the Burmese blood in its ancestry. The female's are much smaller and daintier than the males. 

The Burmilla is less boisterous than a Burmese, but less laid-back than a Chinchilla. This cat loves attention and needs to be part of the family. They can be quite demanding and often follow their owners around the house crying for attention. If spoken to they often appear to understand and answer. Burmillas are very intelligent and can often work out such problems as how to open doors. The curiosity and friendliness of the Burmilla can often lead them 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 do love their home comforts. 
Billy

Burmilla's love to play with toys and a 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. 

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!

*This information was collected from www.purina.com

Monday, August 6, 2012

No matter how much cats fight...

No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens.
- Abraham Lincoln

Herbie and Binkle

Saturday, August 4, 2012

When God Made Cats

When God Made Cats

When God made the world, He chose to put animals in it, and decided to give each whatever it wanted. All the animals formed a long line before His throne, and the cat quietly went to the end of the line. To the elephant and the bear He gave strength, to the rabbit and the deer, swiftness; to the owl, the ability to see at night, to the birds and the butterflies, great beauty; to the fox, cunning; to the monkey, intelligence; to the dog, loyalty; to the lion, courage; to the otter, playfulness. And all these were things the animals begged of God. At last he came to the end of the line, and there sat the little cat, waiting patiently. "What will YOU have?" God asked the cat.

The cat shrugged modestly. "Oh, whatever scraps you have left over. I don't mind."
Lou

"But I'm God. I have everything left over."

"Then I'll have a little of everything, please."

And God gave a great shout of laughter at the cleverness of this small animal, and gave the cat everything she asked for, adding grace and elegance and, only for her, a gentle purr that would always attract humans and assure her a warm and comfortable home.
But he took away her false modesty.

- Lenore Fleischer



* This Poem was discovered at the following website - http://www.catquotes.com/whengodmadecats.htm

Friday, August 3, 2012

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Toxic Plants: Begonia

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.
 Begonia
This popular garden and container plant is toxic to both dogs and cats. The tubers are the most toxic part. Insoluble oxalate is the toxic principle in this popular plant. The clinical signs are oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

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/begonia

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Cats were worshiped as gods....

 Thousands of years ago, cats were worshiped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
- Anonymous
  
Ollie