The Oldest Living Cat on Record in Australia

  The Oldest Living Cat on Record in Australia

The average life expectancy of an indoor cat is between 9 to 15 years. The Oldest living cat is naturally a category where the title-holders change frequently as they finally succumb to advancing age. As well as an official record holder, there are numerous unverified records of longevity. Some of these contenders die before their claim can be verified while others are handicapped by lack of birth records.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest living cat is a Burmese called Kataleena Lady owned by Mrs V Hayward who lives in Melbourne, Australia. Kataleena Lady was born on March 11th, 1977 making her 35 years old. Kataleena Lady was reported as the oldest living cat (verified). 

CAT'S AGE	EQUIVALENT HUMAN AGE	COMMENTS
2-3 months	9-12 months	Weaned and becoming less dependent on the mother.
4 months	2-3 years	Talking (children). Kitten fully independent of the mother.
6-12 months	12-15 years	Both are sexually mature and able to breed although they may not have reached their full growth.
2 years	24 years	Could already have offspring.
3-6 years	28-40 years	Human career-making
6-9 years	40-52 years	Middle age spread, menopause for some women.
9-13 years	52-65 years	Human menopause and retirement. Cats are slowing down.
13-17 years	65-85 years	Active but ageing. Signs of senility in some individuals, senses becoming less acute, injuries heal more slowly or incompletely. Internal organs are less efficient.
17-19 years	83-92 years	Growing frailty; bones less dense, less subcutaneous fat, poorer muscle tone, more fragile skin, less supple. Hearing, sight and mobility affected.
19-22 years	92-100 years	Ripe old age. Female cats have bred at this age.
22+ years	100+ years	Exceptional old age, but becoming increasingly common in domestic pet cats.
30 years	136 years	Several cats have attained this age.
34-36 years	152-160 years	Longevity records noted in the Guinness Book of Records.
43 years	188 years	Unverified feline longevity claim.

**This information was collected from http://www.cat-world.com.au/ and http://www.messybeast.com/longevity.htm

10 Common Poisonous Plants to Cats - #2

2. Azalea

Even ingestion of just a few leaves of Azaleas can cause oral irritation with subsequent vomiting and diarrhea in cats. In severe cases, ingestion can cause a drop in blood pressure, coma and death.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more of the top 10 common poisonous plants.

*This information was gathered from http://www.petmd.com

Everything I know I learned from my cat:

Everything I know I learned from my cat:

When you're hungry, eat.

When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam.

When you go to the vet, pee on your owner.

- Gary Smith

Cat Breeds: Russian Blue

Simba

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a natural breed and not the result of selective matings with other breeds as are many other newer breeds of cat. Originally known as the Archangel Cat because it arrived in Europe aboard ships from the Russian port of that name. However, there is some confusion regarding the origins of the Russian Blue. It has also been known as the Spanish Cat and the Maltese Cat particularly in the US where the later name persisted until the beginning of the century but there is strong evidence linking the cat with Russia. Large numbers of cats with similar coat colours are found in Scandinavia and their dense coat is indicative of living in a northern climate. During World War II the breed declined and breeders tried to boost the numbers by crossing it with the British Blue and the Siamese but those attempts led to its virtual disappearance and the resultant cats resembled blue Siamese. A concentrated effort by breeders in the US and Britain in the late 1960’s resulted in a return to the original type.

Poppy

The Russian Blue is a medium to large cat with an elegant, graceful body. The head between the ears is flat. They have a vivid green eye colour. Although named the Russian Blue, black and white Russians do appear but these are rare and have not attracted a great following. In the most popular blue variety the coat colour is a clear even blue with a silvery sheen. They have a double coat with a very dense undercoat and feels fine, short and soft. In texture the coat of the Russian Blue is very different from any other breed and is the truest measure of the breed.

Poppy and Biscuit

Russian Blue cats are quiet and sensitive, sometimes shy and reserved but are also tremendously loyal to their chosen human. They may be cautious of strangers and take time to develop a friendship with humans but it is often worthwhile as Russian Blues can become devoted pets. However there are those Russians which will take to most people straight away. Once settled in a loving environment they love to play with toys and enjoy jumping, climbing and racing around and are extremely agile and light footed. They love human attention and can appear to be quite hurt when rejected. Russian Blues are quite content to be house cats as long as they have the company of their human friends.

Boags

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!  
*This information was gathered from Purina.com

Sign language for cats

My cat speaks sign language with her tail.

- Robert A. Stern

Misty

 

I think there's a spy among us

The Bengal Kitten going for his first swim

The Bengal Kitten Diego decides to go for his first swim, at Graham's Beach (New Zealand) The water wasn't too cold, he was being walked and he stepped in (Completely of his own accord) and started doing the doggie-paddle

Two-faced cat breaks Guinness world record

 Two-faced cat breaks Guinness world record

 

The feline, named Frankenlouie, has become the longest surviving member of a group known as Janus cats, named after the two-faced Roman god of transitions. 

Twelve years after owner Marty Stevens rescued him from being put down, the blue-eyed rag doll is not only thriving but has made it into the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records for being the longest living janus cat. 

Ms Stevens, who used to work in a veterinary school, says Frankenlouie's longevity is particularly remarkable because felines born with such congenital abnormalities usually survive only for a few days. 

"He was brought in, at a day-old, to be euthanized and I just offered to take him home and try to save him and they told me not to get my hopes up too much because usually they don't survive. They never survive, actually, and he is 12-years-old, September 8th," she said. 

According to his owner the two-faced cat loves nothing than a walk on leash – a peculiar enough sight – but tends to shock those who get up close to pet him.

"I see a look of horror come over their faces when they actually see his face, it's funny," said Ms Stevens. 

This story was published in The Telegraph online in the UK on the 29/9/2011.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

10 Common Poisonous Plants to Cats - #1

1. The Autumn Crocus

The Autumn Crocus can cause cats an intense burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver and kidney damage, or even heart arrhythmia's. Although the entire plant is considered toxic to cats, the toxicity is highest in the bulbs.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more of the top 10 common poisonous plants.

*This information was gathered from http://www.petmd.com

The Cardinal Rule!

Even overweight, cats instinctively

know the cardinal rule: When fat,

arrange yourself in slim poses.

- John Weitz

Madden

Cat Breeds: Ragdolls

Smudge

Ragdolls

The first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960’s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. There are some that say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had whilst carrying the kittens but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens. The more realistic belief is that many cats act in this way when they trust their owners and that the Ragdoll is a particularly trusting breed.

Monty

The Ragdoll is a large, powerful, imposing cat with distinctive markings. However the cat is extremely relaxed and laid back giving the floppy ragdoll impression. They have deep blue eyes. There body is long and muscular with a broad chest and short neck. The legs are substantially boned and are medium in length. The paws are large round and tufted. Ragdolls do not mature until about three or four years old.

Ollie

The Ragdoll is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. They are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature, and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain - this is totally untrue!

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

*This information was gathered from Purina.com  

Cats always accompany us

Cats always accompany guests to 

the bathroom. It is not necessary 

to do anything. Just sit and stare.

- Anonymous

Chico

What matters most is how you see yourself

Cat vs Dog: A Trick Contest

This is amazing. Check it out!

10 Rules for choosing The Right Pet

  10 Rules for Choosing The Right Pet

 

Below are some things you should consider before buying a pet. It's not as simple as seeing a cute animal and taking it home. There is much more to it. 

Some pets need licenses to have, others need registrations. Check with your council as to the regulations in your area for different pets.

 

1) No Impulse Shopping

Try not to adopt or purchase a pet on a whim or inspiration. Make it a deliberate, thought-out action. Buying a pet at a pet shop because it looks so, so adorable is not a good way to add another long-term member to your family. Sometimes we are not the best judges of our needs and sometimes our desires don’t really fit our needs. You might ask a close relative what kind of pet might fit your life style. Don’t be impulsive. 

2) Shop Around

Take the time to learn all about the kind of pet you are considering buying. Pet stores have a built-in bias to sell the animals so they are often not the best places to learn about pets. Books are somewhat better but no one has written an animal book who wasn't head over heals in love with that type of animal. Often the negative aspects of a species are glossed over. Remember that a new pet can change the structure of a family and needs to be acceptable to all family members. If you are considering purchasing a cat, learn about the special attributes of many breeds. Cat breeds are as different in their personalities, abilities and needs as people are.

3) Visit The Humane Society And Animal Rescue Organizations

Pay a few walk-through trips to your local animal shelters (like the RSPCA)  or animal re-homing organizations (such as TARS or Rescue-A-Cat) and interact with some of the animals there in a quiet one-on-one basis. Don’t pay too much attention to the chatter regarding specific pets. Just observe the pet when it is alone with you and try to make a mental list of its positive and negative points. 

4) Match Your Pet To Your Life Style

Do you work long hours? Some pets get very lonely by themselves while others are not bothered by solitude. Do you have children? Are they mature enough not to be a threat to the pet you choose or vice versa? If you travel a lot who will care for the pet while you are away? 

5) Match Your Pet To Your Home Environment

How much free space is there? Is there a back yard? Is it fenced? How will your neighbors feel about this new pet? If you rent, what will your landlord think about this pet? 

6) Decide Why You Want A Pet

Is this pet going to be a child substitute? There is nothing wrong with that. But then you may want a cat or dog. Your personality traits are very important. 

Do you want a pet that is independent and requires little contact or are you looking for an energetic companion with whom you can walk or play with? are you looking for a companion that enjoys sitting on your lap? Cat people tend to have different traits than dog people. 

Consider the reasons you want a new pet. Do you want to play with it and caress it? If so a reptile or amphibian may not be the right pet for you. Do you want to teach it tricks and interact with it? Then an intelligent pet like a dog, cat or ferret might be the right choice. 

7) Decide If This Is The Right Time In Your Life To Get A Pet

Consider if this is really the right time in your life to own a pet, or own another pet. If you already have other pets how will they get along with the new one? How stable are your human relationships? How good is your health?

8) Decide How Long You Want Your Pet To Live

How long do you expect your pet to live? Average dogs and cats live 12-16 years – some longer. Tortoises and goldfish have indeterminate life spans that approximate our own. Small parrots live 8-14 years; larger ones 35-60 years. Mice, however, are old at two years.

9) Decide If You Are Able To Meet This Pet’s Specific Needs

It is a good idea to do some research online or at the library as to how much care your pet will need. Do you have enough time to properly feed and clean for it? Many pets get bored if they do not have enough one-on-one contact. This boredom can lead to a host of undesirable behaviors. 

10) Cost

Besides the initial cost of the pet, you may well incur considerable expenses in purchasing the pet a suitable home or cage. For a cat, this may be a cat run outdoors or a dog will need adequate fencing so it can't escape. Over time, the cost of a good diet will far exceed whatever you paid for the animal. It may need expensive veterinary care, grooming, registration or licenses. It may need a boarding facility or pet sitter for when you are away.

*This information was collected from http://www.2ndchance.info/

Toxic Plants - Ivy

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.

Ivy

I really can’t see a dog or cat approaching a wall of ivy and begin munching away, but then again, some of the things I have heard about pets eating have really surprised me, so…be warned. Ivy foliage is more toxic than its berries. While this plant does contain potentially toxic substances, the most common effects seen are mild vomiting and diarrhea.

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/

The cat has nine lives:

The cat has nine lives:

three for playing,

three for straying,

three for staying

- English proverb

Puddy

Cat Breed: Persian

 Persian

Louie

The Persian is one of the oldest known breeds of cat. The early history isn't entirely known although it is generally accepted that the early cats came from Persia (now Iran) & Turkey. Italian traveler Pietro della Valle (1586 - 1652) is credited with bringing the first Persian cats back to Europe, arriving in his homeland of Italy in 1620 with them. By the 1800's the Persian had become a popular breed in Europe & the first Persians arrived in America in the late 1800's. In the Harpers Weekly supplement dated January, 27, 1872 there is an illustration of several feline exhibits from the London Crystal Palace show, including an Persian cats.

Pipsqueek

The Persian is a solid cat with a massive head in proportion to its body. The head is round and broad. The ears are small and rounded. The face is short and broad with a snub nose. They have large eyes which are round with brilliant color. They are bold and set well apart. The body is of medium size and compact. The chest is broad with massive shoulders and rump. The legs are short, thick and strong with large round paws that have ample tufts. The tail is short and bushy.

Persian cats have a sweet & gentle nature. Typically they have a laid back personality. They are an affectionate breed & enjoy the company of their carers. Persians are a quiet cat, easy going & generally get along with other pets & family members although boisterous children should be avoided.

Paris

With their gentle & laid back temperament, the Persian is suited to almost any family, although families with young children should seek advice from Persian breeders before proceeding. They do require daily grooming so it is important that adequate time is put aside to groom your cat on a daily basis, it will only require 10-15 minutes of your time. If the coat does become matted, then a professional will be required to fix the problem. 

Miss Precious

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds!  
 
 *This information was gathered from Purina.com