New Cats On The Blog

Many of us enjoy the companionship of pets. These animals don’t ask for much, just a short list of basics such as food shelter, veterinary care and of course our companionship. Pets offer far more in return, providing is an unconditional affection and friendship, improving our emotional and physical health and more importantly, teaching us about love.

Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups. It’s well known that relaxed, happy people do not become ill as often as those who suffer from stress and depression.

Animal companionship also helps lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that having a pet increases survival rates in groups of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest. Pet grooming and even petting and playing with an animal provide increased physical activity that strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation and slows the loss of bone tissue. Researchers have found that the mere presence of an animal has a beneficial effect on heart function, and stroking and talking to a pet reduces blood pressure and stress. Put simply, pets aren’t just good friends, they are good medicine.

Companion animals are natural teachers. They help people of all ages to learn about responsibility, loyalty, empathy, sharing and unconditional love, qualities particularly essential to a child’s health development.

Pets can help kids develop discipline. Walking the dog, feeding the cat, talking to a parrot can serve fun study breaks for kids, and a replacement for television programs and video games. These pet-related activities help children remain focused on the task at hand and are less likely to become distractions that will prevent homework and chores from being completed.

Bringing a pet home and into the family can be an effective way to help prepare children for real life scenarios. For example, pets can ease transition of suddenly having to share mum and dad’s attention with a new brother or sister by demonstrating how much fun new playmates can be, as well as what is involved in caring for another. Pets can also help kids to deal with medical issues and illness as they are exposed to routine veterinarian check-ups with their pet and the treatments for various ailments.

Through helping to care for a pet, children also learn to care for their fellow human beings. There is an established link between to animals is a lesson that benefits people too.

Given the right animal, people and circumstances, pets can indeed serve as ‘therapists’. In animal-assisted therapy programs, a companion animal may visit with hospital or nursing home patients. For the program to be safe and effective, the animal must be carefully screened and the pet’s caregiver must be trained to guide the animal-human interactions. When a specific therapy is desired, a credentialed professional should monitor the program. Even if less-formal animal-assisted activities, where the animal is introduced to an individual or group with no specific therapeutic goal, patients and staff often experience improved morale and communication.

Sometimes elderly people find themselves living alone because they have outlived loved ones, or because they are estranged from their families. There is a way, however, for the elderly to find new meaning into their lives and to redefine what it means to be ‘young at heart’, by adopting a companion animal.

We already know that the many physical benefits pets confer onto people work for all ages, whether you’re eight or eighty. If you’re older, a pet can offer you a sense of well-being, a sense of encouragement, and even a reason for living. Being responsible for another life can add new meaning to your own life, and having to care for and provide a loving home to a companion animal can also help you remain active and healthy.

Older people may want to consider adopting an older animal, however, rather than a puppy or kitten or a rambunctious ‘teenage’ pet. Older pets are more likely to be calm, already house trained and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior. Mature animals are often more easily physically managed by elderly persons then stronger, excitable younger animals; yet older pets still confer the same medical and emotional benefits on their owners as younger animals do. Animal shelter staff can help potential adopters find the most suitable animal for their lifestyle, ensuring a great match between pet and person.

The verdict is in; pets are wonderful, loving companions. Pets are good listeners and they never talk back. In fact, when it comes to affection and friendship, pets often outshine people.

Taken from ClubPets Magazine (10 May 2005 edition)

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

The flea is a common problem for cats as well as their owners. As if flea bites aren’t bad enough, some pets are “flea allergic” and develop severe itching with even trivial infestations of fleas. This occurs because the animal becomes hypersensitive to the antigens in flea saliva.

The itching component to flea allergy can be treated with antihistamines or even steroids (prescribed by your veterinarian) but the best approach is to kill the flea and prevent its return. Like all parasites, fleas pose a health-hazard to your pet (and to you), and can make him miserable. These worrisome pests can be treated and prevented.

Fleabite hypersensitivity or “flea allergy” can occur in any breed with the average age of first occurrence being three to six years. There appears to be no sex predilection. Fleas are typically seasonal in Northern climates and non-seasonal (year-round) in Southern climates.

What to Watch For
- Itching, chewing and licking
- Flea “dirt” (black pepper type discharge on the skin)
- Skin lesions such as moist dermatitis
- Presence of fleas

Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests may not be needed to recognize fleas but they may be important to determine if flea-associated illness is occurring. Tests may include:

- Complete medical history and physical examination. Fleas can usually be diagnosed based on the history and physical examination. Flea combing helps to find fleas or flea “dirt.”

- Fecal examination for tapeworm eggs, which can be secondary to flea infestation, may be recommended.

Treatment

Treatment for fleas may be dependent on the following: the degree of infestation; whether you have both cats and dogs; the time of the year; area of exposure (yard vs. park); and whether your pet has an allergy to the fleas.

Recommendations may include the following:

- Many products are available for the treatment of flea infestations. All products have advantages and disadvantages and may or may not be safe to use with other products. Some of the over-the-counter powders, sprays and collars (such as Hartz® or Sargeant’s® products) contain pyrethrin, which is moderately effective. However, the best flea products are obtainable only with a prescription.

- In tough cases, a comprehensive flea control program may be needed that involves treatment of your pet, yard and house.

Home Care and Prevention

Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up is important especially in cases of flea allergic pets. Make sure to administer all veterinary prescribed medications and follow preventative recommendations.

Be certain to contact your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet or the environment. Some microscopic eggs can live in the environment like the yard for weeks to months and cause re-infection. If your yard has a severe infestation, use products recommended by your veterinarian.

Minimize roaming in places like parks and fields where exposure and infection are possible. Minimize contact with rabbits, rodents and/or fleas to minimize exposure to tapeworms.

Monitor all pets in your household for evidence of fleas on a regular basis. Use a flea comb to check for fleas. A flea comb is a comb with very fine teeth that will catch the flea as you comb, giving you evidence of its presence.

Flea prevention is recommended when there is a reasonable chance of flea infestation or in a flea-allergic pet living in an area infested by fleas. Products, such as Program® (lufenuron), are popular for this purpose; they prevent development of fleas that attack your pet. With few exceptions, these are far more effective than most collars or tags.

Sarcoptic Mange in Cats
By: Dr. Rosanna Marsalla
Edited by: Dr. Stephen DiBartola

Scabies mite. Section: Overview

Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious parasitic disease caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei that affects animals and people. These mites invade the skin of healthy cats and kittens and create a variety of skin problems. Humans exposed to infested cats commonly are affected.

Cats of all ages may be affected, but sarcoptic mange is more common in young animals. Cats living in close contact with affected dogs may develop the disease. The mite prefers to live lives on the surface of the skin, and does not survive for very long off the host.

The hallmark of the disease is intense pruritus that does not respond to symptomatic treatment; the cat scratches and chews at himself. There may also be papules (small red bumps) located on the margins of the ears, elbows, hocks (ankles), chest and abdomen. These lesions may become generalized. Other symptoms may include patchy hair loss, and crusty sores. Symptoms are thought to be the result of a severe allergic reaction to the mite. Just a few mites can cause severe generalized pruritus (itchiness), which sometimes persists after therapy due to the allergic component of this disease. The incubation period (time until clinical symptoms become apparent) can be as long as 3 weeks after exposure.

If left untreated, chronic skin lesions develop including increased pigmentation, thickening and wrinkling of the skin, ulcerations and draining tracts. Secondary bacterial infections are common due to self-trauma.

Pruritic (itchy) papules (small red bumps) can be found on the arms, neck and waistline of affected humans. The sarcoptic mange mite of cats cannot reproduce on human skin, and lesions on humans regress spontaneously in 12 to 14 days.

What to Watch For
- Intense itching
- Presence of papules
- Patchy hair loss
- Crusty sores

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is based on three things:
- Suggestive clinical signs. The rapid onset of pruritis and the rapid progression of lesions should suggest scabies.
- Microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Mites are occasionally found on microscopic examination of skin scrapings, but failure to find the mite should not eliminate the diagnosis of scabies.

Treatment
Treatment should be carried out for the entire life cycle of the mite, which is 3 weeks. All animals in the household should be treated to reduce the possibility of re-infestation. There are several ways to treat scabies.

- You may be asked to bathe your animal weekly and use an anti-parasitic lime sulfur dip (LymDip).

- An alternative treatment consists of the administration of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin once every 2 weeks for 3 treatments. Some breeds (especially collies, shelties, and Australian shepherds) are extremely sensitive to the adverse effects of ivermectin.

- Revolution, a topical product applied monthly for flea control and heartworm prevention, also is a safe and effective treatment for sarcoptic mange.

- Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if your cat has developed a secondary bacterial infection.

- Regular cleaning, vacuuming and washing of bedding usually are sufficient to rid the household of the mites.

Home Care
At home you may be asked to bathe your animal weekly and use an anti-parasitic lime sulfur dip (LymDip). The dip preparation is very safe, but may damage jewelry and porcelain. It produces a yellow stain on the hair coat and skin due to its sulfur content. The sulfur content also imparts a strong odor of “rotten eggs.” Gloves should be used when applying the dip.

Ideally, the dip should be applied outdoors and the animal not allowed back into the house until it is completely dry. This precaution will prevent staining of furniture and carpeting by the dip. Mites do not survive for long in the environment. Regular cleaning, vacuuming and washing of bedding usually are sufficient to rid the household of the mites. Remember, mites can be transmitted to humans, so care must be taken when handling an infested cat.

Preventative Care
Prevention consists of avoiding contact with infected animals. Mites do not survive very long in the environment, and direct contact is necessary to become infected. All animals in the household should be treated to reduce the possibility of re-infestation. Regular cleaning, vacuuming and washing of bedding usually are sufficient to rid the household of the mites.

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) in Cats
By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, caused by Microsporum canis. It is not caused by a worm. It is spread from person to person, from animal to person, or indirectly from contaminated objects. Ringworm infects three sites: scalp, body and nails.

Ringworm is typically seen in young cats and long-haired cats, and cats with pre-existing skin disease or trauma are more likely to become infected. Diseases or medications that suppress the immune system generally render the cat more susceptible to ringworm.

Typical lesions are circular areas of hair loss (alopecia) on the hair coat; however, any change in the hair coat and/or skin may be consistent with ringworm. The affected skin often appears scaly and inflamed. Some cats suffer from severe skin disease while others have minor lesions, or even none at all.

What to Watch For
- Circular areas of hair loss (alopecia)
- Scaly and inflamed skin

Diagnosis

Ringworm often looks similar to other skin diseases, so it is difficult to diagnose based on skin appearance alone. Your veterinarian will run diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the fungus. Some of these test may include:

- Laboratory tests to include a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis if immune suppression is a suspected underlying cause of the ringworm

- A fungal culture to provide positive identification

- Woods lamp examination. If the area fluoresces under the light, ringworm is suspected. However, culture is still strongly recommended. A negative fluorescence does not rule out ringworm, as several species of the ringworm do not fluoresce.

- Microscopic examination of hairs

Treatment
The treatment for ringworm can be both frustrating and expensive, especially in a multi-pet household. Treating both the cat and the environment are of equal importance. Many cats will resolve an infection spontaneously over several months, but treatment generally expedites cure and helps reduce environmental contamination. Nevertheless, some infections can persist. Vaccines for ringworm are available, but are only used in addition to treatment.

Systemic treatment.
There are several different oral medications available. Griseofulvin is the most commonly prescribed, and it needs to be given with food. Your cat will also have to have her blood count monitored by your veterinarian to watch for possible bone marrow suppression (low white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts) as a side effect. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, alert your doctor at once, as certain medications may be contraindicated.

Topical treatment.
Anti-fungal creams and shampoos are important in reducing environmental contamination. This usually includes clipping the hair of affected cats and dipping in lime sulfur or antiseptics.

Home Care and Prevention
At home, give your cat prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian. Return for follow-up appointments as directed. If side effects develop, early detection can reverse these effects. Culturing your cat for ringworm is the only true means of monitoring response to therapy.

Due to the contagious nature of ringworm to humans, care should be taken to wash hands thoroughly after handling the cat. Immunocompromised individuals should exercise extreme caution and may want to consider not handling the cat until fully recovered.

Extreme care can help prevent ringworm disease. When bringing a new cat into a household, use a quarantine period and do a fungal culture to test for the presence of the fungus. You can also employ preventative treatment of exposed animals.

By: Dr. Rosanna Marsalla
Edited by: Dr. Stephen DiBartola

Upclose view of acute moist dermatitis. Section: Overview

Acute moist dermatitis, also known as hot spots, are localized, moist, reddened bacterial infections of the skin. A hot spot starts because something irritates the skin. The body’s response is either to itch or become inflamed. The itching then causes the cat to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, and creates a cycle of itching, scratching and chewing.

Hot spots can be caused by anything that irritates the skin and initiates an itch-scratch cycle, but the most common irritants are fleas. Other causes are allergies (flea, inhalant, food), parasitic disease (sarcoptic and demodectic mange), anal gland disease, poor grooming, tick and mosquito bites, burrs, and summer heat. They are most common in long-haired and heavy-coated breeds, and are more prevalent during the summer months. Typical locations for hot spots are the side of the face or the hip areas. Hot spots are uncommon in cats compared to dogs.

What to Watch For
Typically, your pet will exhibit the following:
- Areas of hair loss with very red skin that is moist and oozing
- In some cases, the skin becomes crusty or scabbed
- Intense scratching. Hot spots are extremely itchy and your cat will scratch without letup

Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize acute moist dermatitis and exclude other diseases, as well as to determine the underlying cause of the hot spot. However, your veterinarian can usually make a preliminary diagnosis based on a history of rapid onset and the clinical appearance of the lesions.

Treatment
Treatment for acute moist dermatitis may include one or more of the following:
- Clipping and cleaning of the affected areas. Lesions often are more extensive than they initially appear.

- Clipping the hair in the area is important to allow proper cleaning of the affected skin. Antibacterial solutions (chlorhexidine) or drying solutions (Burrow’s solution) combat infection and decrease pruritus (itchiness).

- Interruption of the pruritic cycle. This is crucial to successful treatment. Once the cycle has been triggered, it is important to stop it so as to prevent self-mutilation. Orally-administered cortisone-like drugs often are used for a short period of time to make the cat more comfortable. Your cat may be more hungry and thirsty while receiving corticosteroids – this is a common side effect of this medication. As a consequence, the cat may need to urinate more frequently than normal. Some cats may also pant as a consequence of corticosteroid therapy.

- Secondary bacterial infection must be treated when present. In some cases, damage is so extensive that bacteria proliferate, resulting in secondary infection. In such instances, an antibiotic may be prescribed for 2 to 3 weeks.

- Identification and treatment of the underlying cause is important to prevent recurrent episodes of acute moist dermatitis. Most cases are secondary to flea allergy and aggressive flea control usually is necessary.

Home Care and Prevention
Clean the affected areas with antibacterial and astringent products daily until healing is complete. Make sure that your cat has sufficient water while receiving corticosteroids. House soiling incidents may occur during corticosteroid therapy if the cat is not allowed outdoors frequently enough.

If your cat has flea allergy and is prone to develop hot spots, you should be aggressive with your flea control program. In addition to treating the environment, you also should apply an appropriate insecticide or repellent to your cat to prevent flea bites.

The Munchkin is a naturally occurring domestic cat breed characterised by unusually short legs. A spontaneous change in the genetic heritage of the cat has introduced a gene similar to that seen in the Basset Hound, Corgi, and Dachshund, which the Munchkin closely resembles. However these cats have been proven free of the spinal problems sometimes found in the Dachshund. The short legs of a Munchkin come from a spontaneous dominant mutation that causes the long bones in the front legs to be shortened. This mutation is a cosmetic mutation only, meaning that it does not hamper a Munchkins’ mobility or cause them to be harmed in any way.

Although the Munchkins have only recently been discovered by the cat fancy, cats with short legs are not new to the scientific world. In the 1944 Veterinary Record (Great Britain), Dr. H. E. Williams-Jones described four generations of cats with short limbs, including an 8-1/2 year old black female reported as having had an extremely healthy life. It was at times noted to sit on its haunches with its usually short legs in the air, similar to the alert stance of a rabbit, hence in 1953 it was dubbed the “Stalingrad kangaroo cat.” A Munchkin is a product of nature rather than a man-made breed and because of the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, a cat with the Munchkin gene may produce kittens with the same short legs. Munchkins are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) since September 2, 1994 showable in the NBC (new breed or colour) class, and United Feline Organisation showable in championship.

The Munchkin is a medium sized cat with a substantial, thick semi-foreign body type and a well-rounded chest. Munchkin litters consist of both short and long legged kittens. Male Munckins are generally larger than their female counterparts. Captivating Munchkins come in all colours and hair lengths. Both varieties have plush, all-weather, resilient coats with a lustrous, silky appearance. The longhair Munchkin has the distinction of sporting a beautiful plumed tail. Eyes are medium large and walnut shaped found in most colours with a deeper, more vivid eye colour preferred.

These irresistible cats can do anything other cats can do. Munchkins are able to leap great heights such as counter tops, although many prefer to intelligently find an easier way up. Munchkins movements are described as being like that of a ferret. They can also run extremely fast, despite their short legs.

Munchkins are defiantly exquisite cats full of cat adventurousness that all cat lovers appreciate, fully equipped with personality plus some, palsy-walsy, self-assured, and trainable to walk with a bounce on a leash. With amazement and enjoyment you’ll watch these cuddly little cuties accelerate taking corners like small sports cars ducking under house hold objects. They can be taught to play fetch and to zestfully obey voice commands. The Munchkin is sociable and enjoys company. Friendly and self-assured the Munchkin gets along well with other cats, dogs, and people. They retain their kitten personalities throughout their lives. Munchkins can be a welcome delight in any home.

HISTORY
The Norwegian Forest Cat (NFO) is truly a natural breed, originating from the farms of Norway. Its exact origins will never be precisely established, but one thing is certain, the Forest Cat was produced by Mother Nature. The NFO has been around for centuries. Like a small but beautiful version of the lynx, the Norwegian Forest Cat is part of Norway’s fauna.

There are many tales about Forest cats to be found in Norwegian folklore. It is even reputed that these cats were the family pets of the Vikings. One of the things, I found most fascinating about the Norwegian Forest cat is its history. Norway is a land of rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, wild forests, and glaciers. The winters are long, harsh and dark. The summers are cool and brief. From this dim, difficult terrain emerged the Norse Skogkatt, literally meaning the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Some say the basic type, with all the characteristics unique to the breed, existed as early as 2000 years ago. This cat was long-legged, intelligent, and brave, equipped with a double semi-long coat (a long one would easily be caught in brush and a short one would not offer relief from the constant cold). The top coat was glossy and waterproof and never matted and the inside coat was soft, cotton-like and dense.

It insulated the cat well and kept them warm even in freezing temperatures. Their paws were large and heavily furred so that they did not get cold in deep snow, with thick claws used for fishing and climbing.

Forest Cats are famed for running down trees head first!

Over the years, there have been many references to Forest Cats. Mention of Forest cats can even be found in a number of folk tales where they are referred to as “Huldrekat” which translates as “Fairy Cat”. They are also known as “Eventyrkatten” which means “Fairytale Cat”, which is most appropriate as it is in Norwegian Fairytales that many of the first references of Forest Cats can be found. Some tales have described the Cats as “wood” or “forest” cats with thick, bushy tails. Possibly the first documented Forest Cat was a children’s book. The Norwegian author Gabriel Scott wrote a book in 1912 entitled “Solvfaks”.

The Norwegian Forest Cat as we know it today has developed through natural selection, as only the toughest cats with the thickest waterproof coat, longest legs, etc. would be able to survive in Norway’s harsh climate. It was not until the 1930’s that the Forest Cats were looked at with interest. But, with the outbreak of War, this interest was put on the back burner. In the early 1970’s, interest was once again shown in the Forest Cats.

By this stage it had become apparent that Forest Cats were facing extinction, and that if they were to be saved from disappearing altogether a specilised breeding programme had to be developed. In 1975, enthusiastic Norwegian breeders formed the Norsk Skogkattring (the first Norwegian Forest Cat Club).

In those early years, many difficulties arose in establishing a breed standard. Carl Frederick Nordane (Freddy) was a driving force in getting the breed recognised. Freddy a member of the specially formed Breeder’s Committee) sent photographs of a cat called Pans Truls. These photographs made the Breeder’s Committee believe that a widely accepted and agreed official standard was achievable. Pans Truls lived with the Nyland family near Oslo.

Pan’s Truls

Freddy and other members of the Breeder’s Committee went to see the Nylands and Pan’s Truls (a brown tabby and white kitten). After seeing Truls in the fur, it was soon apparent that Pan’s Truls was indeed the cat that they were looking for. Pan’s Truls became the “model” cat and a standard of points was formulated. This standard is still in effect today.

Pan’s Polaris - found on many pedigrees and one of the very early NFOs

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
The best description of a Norwegian Forest Cat is a large semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. As the breed originated as a natural outdoor working cat on Norwegian’s farms, the appearance of the Norwegian Forest cat should reflect this natural heritage. The cat should have an alert expression, be in good general condition and well presented.

The cats should be well built, and both the males and females have broad chests. An entire females can weigh between 8 - 12 lbs., and an entire males between 14 - 16 lbs. Neutered cats can weigh a few pounds more.

THE NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT MATURES SLOWLY, AND FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAT CAN TAKE UP TO FOUR YEARS

TEMPERAMENT/LIVING WITH A FOREST CAT
Alert, inquisitive, fearless, courageous, intelligent, friendly, mischievous, strong, loving, playful and adaptable. These are all terms that are regularly used to describe NFOs but are they true?

Ask anyone who has lived with a NFO and they will agree that yes, a NFC is indeed every one of these things. NFOs are very friendly, and love their human companions; whatever amount of love you give to your NFO, it will come back to you ten times over.

They are inquisitive and very playful, and although they ideally like lots of space, they will happily tolerate smaller spaces, provided that they have lots to do, things to climb, places to hide. It is often a bit reserved with strangers, but usually gentle, friendly cats. Most are not lap cats. Head bumping and chin scratching is of course a must, but with some restraint - you don’t have to pet them all the time. He’ll tell you, quietly, when it is needed. (If you ignore him, he’ll get louder) Another fact is there’s also evidence that outdoor NFOs who live near streams do fish!

Forest Cats make ideal family cats, they are happy to get on with children and animals alike, but beware, they will probably want to be number one, and somehow the rest of the household usually lets them. No matter how happy they are with other animals, they do especially love their human friends; they may even follow you from room to room as you move about your home.

Forest cats are low maintenance cats, their naturally robust natures tend to make their live healthy and uncomplicated. Although they do have thick winter coats, these are usually maintained by the cats themselves. The annual moult usually takes place in Spring and at this time the cats will probably appreciate some extra grooming.

General grooming is probably only required once or twice a week, but many new owners find that daily grooming of their new kitten is a good way of building up a special relationship with their new arrival, and indeed, it is very rewarding to hear the contented purr of a happy cat. Grooming is also a good way of keeping touch with your cat condition and any changes can then be picked up very quickly.

Finally, Akechi had been accepted as a member of the family. All my cats including big bro Wesley and Casper had been going along very well with Akechi… Here are some photos that I snapped yesterday…

Rico: I now bestowed u, Akechi Samanosuke as the 5th member of the Horatio’s family and may you enjoy the legacy that me and the 3 brothers above me had shared…

Another angle shot…

Rico: “Hey… I said we are brothers… You don’t start the bullying thing ya…”

Akechi trying to ambush Rico….

Akechi and Speed….

Akechi & Wesley… finally!!!

The 3 Muskeeters…

Cat Meeting???

Hi guys…

it had been a while since I posted my cats’ pictures n so.. here they are…

This is Casper… look how serious he is but he is very affectionate. Looks, sometime can be deceiving….

My Wesley taking a nap… i know, i know… he is huge… :-p

Wesley: “I thought I saw lightning… Is it raining??”

The grumpy look of Speed…. juz woke up.. hehehehe

My lil Rico’s favorite spot to ‘lepak’ (rest)… near my wireless boradband router…

Rico:“I thought I saw a pussy cat (Akechi)….”

Breed Profile
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine coon is second only to the Persian in popularity. This made-in-America breed is prized for his large size, sweet personality and silky all-weather coat. Considering the breed’s intelligence and clown-like antics, it’s no wonder that this cat ranks No. 2 among America’s top favorites.

History and Origin
Maine coons have been on this continent since colonial days. They probably came over from Europe with the first settlers of the New World, since cats were often kept on sailing ships to control rodent populations. While there exists no actual evidence of where and when they arrived, some entertaining myths surround the breed’s arrival. One such tale claims that Maine coons are descendants of longhaired cats owned by Marie Antoinette. According to the story, Captain Clough smuggled the queen’s cats and other belongings to America in preparation of the Queen’s rescue from her rendezvous with the guillotine. Unfortunately, he was only successful in rescuing her cats.

However they arrived, Maine coons carved their place in the New England countryside alongside the early colonists. Given Maine’s severe winters, those initial years were hard on both felines and humans. Only the strongest and most adaptable cats survived. Through natural selection, the Maine coon developed into a large, rugged cat with his water-resistant coat and hardy constitution.

The Maine coon was an early favorite in the emerging American cat fancy in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, however, cat fanciers of the era abandoned Maine coons for Persians, Angoras and other exotic imports. By 1950, the breed had all but vanished. Fortunately, a small group of breeders kept the breed alive.

Appearance
One of the largest domestic breeds, male Maine coons weigh in at 12 to 18 pounds, while the “petite” females range from 10 to 14 pounds. The heavy, water-resistant coat, shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches, makes the cat appear even larger.

Since the Maine coon is the result of “survival of the fittest” adaptation, the breed is muscular and broad-chested with substantial, muscular legs and large, well-tufted paws suitable for walking in Maine’s winter woods. Slow to develop, the Maine coon takes 3 to 4 years to reach full size and weight.

Although brown tabby is the most common color and pattern, Maine coons come in many color schemes. In fact, all colors and patterns are accepted except chocolate, lavender, the Siamese pointed pattern and any of these combinations with white.

Personality
With their large, powerful, muscular bodies and powerful jaws, it’s a good thing Maine coons are gentle giants. They are, in fact, jumbo-sized packages of love and devotion. Sweet and good-natured, Maine coons are completely loyal to their beloved humans. They generally bond with one person or family and are forever devoted to those favored few.

The only thing small about Maine coons are their voices. It’s hilarious to hear tiny high-pitched squeaks coming out of Paul Bunyan-sized bodies. Like most cats, Maine coons spend much of their time snoozing, but when in action they are agile and lightning fast. Since their ancestors made their living as mousers, they are zealous hunters and enjoy playing with catnip mice and other prey. They particularly enjoy interactive toys in which their humans take part. Fetch is a favorite game.

As befits former seafarers, Maine coons are fascinated by water. They enjoy dabbling their feet in their water bowls, drinking from running faucets and walking around the still-wet shower or bathtub. This fascination doesn’t extend to bath time, however.

Grooming
Since the Maine coon’s coat has a silky, all-weather texture and is water resistant, the fur doesn’t mat as easily as a Persian’s would. Regular grooming is still needed, however. To keep the Maine coon looking sharp, comb two or three times a week with a good quality steel comb. During the fall, when they shed their summer coats, and spring, when they shed their heavier winter coats, additional grooming is usually needed.

Special Notes
Maine coons are generally very healthy because of their working cat origins. However, some are prone to hip dysplasia and a very serious heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM). Be sure to question your breeder about these conditions.

Because Maine coons are so popular, there are some disreputable backyard breeders. Before you buy, check out the breeder with the cat associations and with the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association.