Miaw magazine by Alex Dang

Let’s talk about one of the most luxurious cat breed in the world with a thousand year history. We feature the most crazy unbelievable myths and facts about this Egyptian god blessed creature.

Let’s game on. This month contest will show the competitive and smart opponents: American Short-hair and Pug - both are American legendary pets.

LOVE FOR MIAW Understand your Feline Characteristics Unknown Letters to Departed Friends

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Newly Opened Adoptable Cafeteria in Town 40 Away at Night. Back in the Morning

CARE OF MIAW Away from your Crazy Cat?

Treat Cats like Dogs!

Decoding Cat Behavior

Fat Pussy Cat Crews

PLAY WITH MIAW Neko Zamurai

5-star Hotel for Pawnies

Game on you Human!

Top 10 Travel Spots for Cat lovers Copyright © 2010 by Alex Dang All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below. Imaginary Press.

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CONNECT WITH MIAW 4 foot Relationship Ruiner

Cats4Peace

Letters to Pussy-mates

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALEX DANG Owner: One Small St. Games Magazine Staff: BattlePlan, VP of Gaming, GameFix Designer: Milennium Wars Advanced, Star Fury, BattleChrome, Born. Away Developer: Crisis XXL Mille.. Wars, Battle Ice Baghdad Art Director: Alex Dang Fun Fact: Plays Star Fleet Battles and Air War - Hates Complex Gam. MANAGING EDITOR MATTHEW ACKEN Ordering Director: Lama Production Translator: Layla Goulding Content Developing: FRED Distribution/Eagle Games, Numbskull Ganes Fun Fact: Fluent (or less). English, German, French, Klingon, and Esperanto Fun Fact En..V5 HYPerdimensional Astronomy, Puns, and Helping Sent CONTENT EDITOR BERNHARDT COPAPTON Editor-in-Chief: Fire and Movement Magazine Editor-in-Chief: GameFix Magazine Contributor: Against the Odds, Strategy and Tactics Fun Fact: Some Games Oesigns include a few for the Department of Defense Fun Fact: Avid Science Fiction Fan since Childhood CONTENT EDITOR, PUBLICITY CARMEN ANDRES MA in Literature Editor: UC Davis School of Law Alurmi Magazine Editor: Christian Leader Magazine Fun Fact: Owns a Communications Consulting Service Fun Fact: Favonie go-to Chick Flick is ALIENS Fun Fact: Collects Original Film Posters CONTENT EDITOR MICHAEL

CITTEM3ERG

CONTENT EDITOR BRYAN

ARMOR

ART DIRECTOR ALEX DANG Art Director: One Small Step Games Gatery Exhibitions Coordinator: Titan Student Union, CSUF Fun Fact: Regular ComiCon Attendee Fun Fact: Market./pbfirc;yADepartment of the Bo,ersurjcuRur Fun Fact: 14 years in the Graphics Deron Fourth-Largest Architectura

Oh. I forget to switch back to human language. Hi there, sorry for any inconvenience. Hey, I’m Alex Dang, an editor-in-chief and a founder of Miaw Magazine. You are reading our first volume published this July 2, 2017. Let me introduce our purfect pride, Miaw Magazine. This is a tiny fun publication about cats and their worshipers. Our magazine, published quarterly, reflects secrets of cat’s life and the most fabulous facts about the cat world. Each issue not only comprises stories on cats and cat people but also features a selection of creative works and articles, matched with charming photos. Miaw also discovers ways to establish the catadmired community where all stories, tips, and special tricks about how to enjoy your life with kitten can be shared and appreciated. In short, let’s start to discover our new world with Miaw.

Can Cats be “Mad”?

in 2014, Laurel Braitman, Ph.D, wrote her book Animal Madness using her only observations based on personal experience scientific research. “There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (sciences of animal behavior), pseudoscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigate whether animals can be mentally ill,” she writes. “Humans and other animals are more similar than many of us might think when it comes to mental states and behaviors gone awry: experiencing churning fear, for instance in situations that don’t call for it, feeling unable to shake paralyzing sadness, or being haunted by a ceaseless compulsion to wash our hands or paws.” Rather than condemn anthropomorphism (the act of assigning human traits to animal behavior), she recognizes it as a way to understand how animals relate to our human selves. Indeed.

JANNIS ROW

CARE OF MIAW

DR. BRAITMAN

CARE OF MIAW

“Madness is a mirror that needs normalcy to exist This distinction can be a murky one”.

There are debates whether a cat can suffer from mental illnesses. Scientists say that a cat’s brain is not sophisticated enough to have complex mental issues. However, it is clear that a cat can suffer from depression, stress or anxiety.

CARE OF MIAW

Senility in Cats Feline Hypothesizer Syndrome

WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS?

According to The Mayo Clinic, “mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions: disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.”

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder In Cats

obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a behavioral disorder in which a cat engages in repeated, exaggerated behaviors that do not seem to have a real purpose. These include over-grooming to the point of irritation or exposure of bare skin, pacing, vocalizing, overeating, sucking or chewing on fabric or plastic, to name just a few examples. Some breeds seem more prone to OCD, especially Siamese or other Asian breeds. Behaviors usually have a reason, however, and your veterinarian will likely want to rule out physiological problems before diagnosing your cat with a mental illness. The doctor will consider parasites, fungi, bacterial infection, allergies, skin cancer, and pain as possible factors. Tests should be performed to check for lead poisoning, thyroid problems, hypertension, vitamin deficiencies, liver and kidney disorders, and thiamin deficiency. Does the cat also have brain lesions or trauma? Are there neurological problems such as epilepsy or a tumor? Rupture of a spinal disc or nerve inflammation may be causing significant pain in your cat, and hearing loss may cause vocalization. Blood screens, fecal and skin tests, food elimination, and many other avenues of exploration may solve the puzzle of your cat’s behavior. Spaying and neutering should also be considered as a possible solution for some concerns. Regulating feeding times, eliminating inconsistencies and distressing stimuli in the household, and making play, exercise, and social time priorities can alleviate the problems. An increase in dietary roughage or a change in diet may help stop fabric sucking and chewing in particular.

fhs in cats is a rare disorder that can surface in cats of any age, it usually affects mature cats. This is a rare condition that causes the cat to react to physical stimuli that should not cause pain. Also called “rippling skin disorder,” the skin and muscles on the cat’s back move in a distinctive way when the pain hits. It seems to be more prevalent in Asian breeds such as Siamese. I once had a Siamese that would suddenly burst into a “cat fit,” tear around the house, and even empty his anal glands on the way when an episode began. According to Dr. Alexander de Lahunta, DVM and professor emeritus of anatomy at Cornell University, this symptom may be the result of a seizure disorder. Dr. de Lahunta describes additional signs such as the salivation, wild vocalization, and uncontrolled urination. Other signs might be similar to OCD behavior described above. Medical treatment may include amitriptyline or fluoxetine, phenobarbital, prednisolone, or Gabapentin. Scheduling feeding and play times may help, and avoiding scratching Kitty’s back so as not to set those muscles spasming. Sometimes affected cats will try to attack the pain, which can result in other distressing behaviors. If you remember the news story of the family that called 911 because their cat had them trapped in the bedroom, that cat was eventually diagnosed with FHS and was successfully treated.

Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time.”

Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FDS), sometimes called senility, is a frequently confusing disorder that mostly occurs in elderly cats over the age of 15. Litter box problems may be the first sign, followed by aimless wandering, confusion, getting stuck in corners, and an inability to recognize familiar people or family. These behaviors are sometimes medically caused by a waxy protein known as beta amyloid deposits in the brain. It is precisely what causes Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Anxiety, fear, tremors, vocalizing, licking floor or other objects, reversing or disrupting sleep cycles, and changing the interaction with family or pets may become evident. Therapy with a medication called Anipryl has been researched by a number of veterinarians; approved for use in canines, researchers found that it dramatically helps about a third of cats with feline senility. Another third of cats tested showed moderate improvement. The final third showed no improvement. Although it is not a cure, this effectiveness buys back some time with these kitties, and that is a precious thing. Mental stimulation, puzzle toys, and entertainment such as bird feeders that cats can watch are helpful tools to keep your cat mentally alert. Giving cats places to lounge and climb, hiding treats around the house so they have to “hunt,” and even teaching your cat to walk on a leash for outdoor stimulation can keep their minds limber and healthy. I did that with my first Siamese cat and he loved it.

Trauma in Cats

Remember my cat with the foul mouth? He was thrown out of a car when he was tiny. He suffered grievous injuries and required many sutures but recovered well physically. He is a loving and comical pet, but he spooks easily and his first reaction is hissing. In fact, when he was waking up from anesthetic, he was spitting and hissing, earning him his name: Spitfire. In our clinic, we see mistreated animals frequently, including those that have been attacked by other animals, shot, hit by cars, and caught in car engines. They adapt quite remarkably with proper treatment, but the fear and inability to understand what has happened can take some time and patience to overcome. Medication may be necessary to treat more than just the physical scars.

A BRIDGE CALLED LOVE It takes us back to brighter years, to happier sunlit days, and to precious moments that will be with us always.

TO:

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th nn e I i n m y i n g . M y m o c a n g i v e y s t u p i d s t u e r, y o u b i t ou is m mind, ffed m m sta rt y o y o ryg the ca ivene use t w o r l o u a r e a l w a e d t o loouv ea yl o t .fB s d y y s o t . ’ s , for d u e n yla, m b etrh e ml oasntd I d ot o o . Yo u u reme k f b l o l n n e i s i t o a a u s w, yo uti ve so p I m i s s y - t i mfeu l l a d y i g , I h a a w a y, i t i s arlin gain. n er e ut it a ou are r y ev

o th sd king y o think ab since y eye tt eep m en 2 years t can a n wan I cannot k e h b t did t t has o pet way I ch tha r photos. I there is n y the b u d t o n a y a c CH i n gEN TA g o n eE WlH e any o vEN w e r e BL WE HAD nnot y o uW ySO ca . We I u . EL o u L y o W H y h EN t e i I c TR w a IE D TO GE T rs Dp lM 3 yea OU r o u g h SE FR OM YO U. BU

T W H AT FO R GI V EN ES S, FO R EV ER YRT ED TO LO V E YO U TO O. YO U OU A R E A LWAYS TH E M OS T l o t . B y TH E CA T W OR LD ua red yo d I don’t . , a ayl embe n

o ll rem nful a ve sti it is so pai miss you s a h I , , I g y . n a i n l i w r a da re a t ag you a bout i nking to think a p e t e n en wa t I cannot k a uch th

And these fond recollections are treasured in the heart to bring us always close to those from whom we had to part.

NG EADI R E R ED LECT YOU A L O C E CAT S OF E D I I R W E D AS RL D F WO O S EASE R C E E T D T IR L LE O THE PECIA T S S E R S HE OWNE FOR A L OF T N L E A D . DS HID S FRIEN BEEN E THOR V U A H A RS . THE LETTE LOST E SO G M I I T B EIR LONG M TH O R VERY F VEAL OVER E C R E O R ME T CAN IN HE TI T EPLY W E O D N ED ING IT IS BURI GINN G E N B I E H YT TH EVER FROM . S T R EADY EA R H E R R I YA THE . THE D N E E . TO TH DING I H R NGE NO LO

There is a bridge of memories from earth to Heaven above… It keeps our dear ones near us It’s the bridge that we call love.

Author Unknown

LOVE FOR MIAW

MY DARLING, I STILL REMEMBER YOU A LOT.

By thinking you are away, it is so painful and I don’t even want to think of you again.

I miss you so much that I cannot keep my eyes dry every time seeing your photos. It has been 2 years since the day you were gone and there is no pet that can replace you. I cannot love any cat by the way I did through 3 years with you. We shared a lot of happiness and joys together, from the day I adopted you. I watched you grow up day by day from the small baby to a strong kitty. I always like to take care of you and I spoiled you, didn’t I? You sat on the kitchen table when we had dinner, you bit me so well when I tried to get the stupid stuffed mouse from you.

They say memories are golden well maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

LOVE FOR MIAW

No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry

But For The The

I will miss you little friend, I could never measure happiness you brought me, comfort and the pleasure.

In Heaven’s bright tomorrow…

Author Unknown

YOU HERE TO SHARE

No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry Will say it’s time for feeding. I’ve put away your bowl, and all The things you won’t be needing;

In EARTHLY joy and sorrow; I’m sure there’ll be a place for you

This is the first time I think about you after 6 months distracting myself from your dead. I buried me with works and busy schedules not to imagine your shadow passes by my foot every night. The house is cold as dead and I cannot find you in any room or hearing your purr under my desk waiting for a treat. This evening, when I checked the collapsing tree branch at the backyard, I saw your graveyard again.

Your favorite chair is vacant now… No eager purrs to greet me. No softly padded paws to run Ecstatically to meet me.

& SINCE GOD PUT YOU HERE TO SHARE

FOUR FEET IN HEAVEN

I could not stop crying because I can’t kiss your beautiful face any more until the day I die. I still remember that I kissed your face an hour before you snatched out of the open window and ran into the car

could not forgive myself for not closing that damned window and still have you here with me. You are the biggest loss of mine, that I can never forget. I cannot have any new pet. I scared to lose them again because of my reckless mistakes. I just wanna say that I miss you so much. Hope you are now happy with your furry friends. I still wish I could have saved you.

LOVE FOR MIAW

If it should be that I grow frail and weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, then you must do what must be done For this, the last battle, can’t be won. You will be sad, I understand, Don’t let the grief then stay your hand, For this day more than all the rest Your love and friendship stand the test. We’ve had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears. You’d not want me to suffer so; When the time comes, please let me go. Take me where my needs they’ll tend And stay with me, if you can, to the end. Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time, you will see, It is a kindness you do for me. Although my tail its last was waved, From pain and suffering I’ve been saved. THE LAST BATTLE

Don’t grieve that it should be you, author unknown Who must decide this thing to do, We’ve been so close, we two, these years; Don’t let your heart hold any tears. Smile, for we walked together for a little while.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, It’s hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, “It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.” I was close at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with care. I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there. I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “it’s me.”

I WALK WITH YOU

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was there. It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.” You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew in the stillness of that evening, I was close to you. The day is over and I smile and watch you yawning and say “goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.” And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side. I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out . then come home to be with me.

Author unknown

Lifespan

Affectionate with Family Amount of Shedding

12 – 16 years

TOP

9 – 15 years

PLAY WITH MIAW

. General Health

Lifespan

Playfulness

. Kid Friendly

Lifespan

Easy to Groom

. Pet Friendly

Lifespan

Intelligence

9 – 16 years

Let’s meet the top 4 playful felines that love to play with anything they can get their paws on; if they can’t find any toy, they’ll invent something to keep entertained.

11 – 15 years

PLAYFUL CATS

PLAY WITH MIAW

Let’s meet the top 4 playful felines that love to play with anything they can get Abyssinian their paws on; if they can’t find any toy, The Aby loves to play and enjoy new toys, so plan on making or purchasing a variety of toys to they’ll invent something keep him occupied. Ping-Pong balls, bottle caps, wadded-up pieces of paper, puzzle toys and teasers to keep entertained. such as big peacock feathers will all amuse this busy and brainy cat. Teach him to retrieve at your peril. Once you start, he won’t let you stop. He learns tricks quickly and Abys enjoy running a feline agility course. A love of heights is a signal trait of the Abyssinian. He is as high up as possible and will appreciate having one or more ceiling-height cat trees. When those aren’t available, he is perfectly capable of making his way to the uppermost point of any room. Fortunately, he is naturally graceful and rarely breaks items unless it is simply out of curiosity. Abys are adaptable throughout their lives and fit well into any home where they are loved and given plenty of attention. In a home where people are at work or school during the day, the Aby does best with a companion, ideally another Aby, who can match his activity level. If left to his own devices, the Aby may well dismantle the house in his search for something interesting to do.

American Bobtail

American Bobtail lovers say you should take a look at their cat instead. Let’s say you love the Golden Retriever’s personality, but his size and energy level are a bit more than you can handle. He’s a lover with a heart of gold who is devoted to his people, follows them around, loves to play, walks nicely on a leash (after training), welcomes guests with a smile. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mousetoy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. This is a smart cat who enjoys all puzzle toys, learning tricks and playing fetch. He isn’t as vocal as some breeds, but he communicates his pleasure with chirps, clicks and trills, the standard purr and meow. The cats have also found a niche with some psychotherapists because of their loving and intuitive nature. That same adaptability and kindness makes him a good family companion and suited to a variety of lifestyles, from relaxed to rowdy.

Bombay

The lively and affectionate Bombay loves people and is adaptable to many different environments and lifestyles. His calm nature makes him a good apartment dweller, and he is amenable to life with other pets, although he wants to be top cat. Expect to find the Bombay hogging the warmest spot in the house. That includes under the covers at bedtime. Most will converse with their people in a distinctive but not loud voice. Bombays are often good at playing fetch, and some have learned to walk on leash. This is a smart cat who loves to play and will thrive with a family who is willing to teach him tricks, play games with him and provide him with plenty of interactive toys.

Chinese LiHua

Lively and brisk, the Li Hua has a reputation for being intelligent and friendly. He generally has a gentle disposition and acts as a family caretaker, not only of people but also other cats. He even tends to get along with dogs when introduced politely. Some cats are perpetual kittens while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play and whether you have kids or other animals who can join as playmates. How smart is the Li Hua? Chinese lore claims that one owner, Zhao Shangzai, trained his Li Hua to fetch the daily paper. The Li Hua is said to have a good memory and an analytical nature. In other words, he can figure things out, so you may have to work to stay a step ahead of him. Like most cats, the Li Hua will appreciate having an enclosed outdoor area where he can climb or lie out in the sun, but he shouldn’t be allowed to roam.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER America’s most popular dog breed

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR American’s most common cat breed

The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog breed. Historically, he earned his keep as a fisherman’s helper.

The adaptable and good-natured American Short hair retains his hunting ability, but these days he is more likely to be a family companion.

24 The Labrador Retriever The warm and intelligent Lab is America’s number one breed registered with the American Kennel Club. Even non-dog people can recognize a Lab, and artists and photographers have captured his image countless times — usually as the loyal companion, waiting patiently by his owner’s side. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. He has a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. John’s dog, after the capital city of Newfoundland, he was bred to help the local fishermen, hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish that had escaped the nets, as well as to be a family dog.

25 The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog breed. Historically, he earned his keep as a fisherman’s helper. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. The Lab’s sweet nature makes him an excellent therapy dog, visiting homes for the elderly and hospitals, and his intelligence makes him an ideal assistance dog for the handicapped. He also excels as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to his athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility. There’s a dog job that Labs are hopeless at: watchdog. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show him where the goods are stashed. Labrador Retrievers have proven their usefulness and versatility throughout the breed’s history, easily shifting from fisherman’s companion, to field retriever, to show dog, to modern working dog.

The American Shorthair The good-natured American The adaptable and good-natured American Shorthair retains his hunting Short hair retains his hunting ability, bu ability, however these days these days he is more likely to be a family he is more likely to be a family companion. The American Shorthair companion. weighs 7 to 12 pounds. They aren’t listed on the manifest, but cats were undoubtedly among the passengers and crew that disembarked from the Mayflower when it arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. Their ratting abilities made cats valued members of ships’ crews, and they may well have made their way to the New World even earlier, on ships that carried settlers to the Jamestown colony in Virginia, Spanish explorers to Florida and Vikings to Newfoundland. Some of the descendants of those seafaring cats, known prosaically as shorthairs, or domestic shorthairs, became what we know today as American Shorthairs. The adaptable and good-natured American Shorthair retains his hunting ability, but these days he is more likely to be a family companion, a job at which he excels.

Such good hunters were they that a publication from 1634 credits them with saving a New England colony’s crops from squirrels and chipmunks. From their coastal arrival points, they went west with settlers, and thrived. The American Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the well-known and beloved domestic shorthair. By 1895, shorthairs had made enough of a mark that they were exhibited at the first cat show in the U.S. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized them as a breed in 1906. To differentiate them from randombred cats, also known as domestic shorthairs, the pedigreed felines were given the name American Shorthair in 1966. The cats are recognized by all registries. The American Shorthair is a pedigreed cat breed, with a strict conformation standard, as set by cat fanciers of the breed and the North American cat fancier associations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). The name “American Shorthair” also reinforces the fact that the breed is a pedigreed breed distinct from the random-bred nonpedigreed domestic short-haired cats in North America, which may nevertheless resemble the ASH. They are sometimes called “working cats” because they were used for controlling rodent populations, e.g., on ships and farms.

26 Personality

The Lab has the reputation of being one of the most sweetnatured breeds, and it’s well deserved. He’s outgoing, eager to please, and friendly with both people and other animals. Aside from a winning personality, he has the intelligence and eagerness to please that make him easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and also exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means he is active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep him happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity.

Care

The lovable Lab needs to be around his family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. If he’s left alone too long, he’ll probably tarnish his saintly reputation: A lonely, bored Lab is apt to dig, chew, or find other destructive outlets for his energy. Labs show variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily 30-minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. Labrador Retrievers are considered “workaholics,” and will exhaust themselves. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Labs have such good reputations that some owners think they don’t need training. That’s a big mistake. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well — in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions.

27 Start with puppy kindergarten, which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps him learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing him for getting it wrong. You need to take special care if you’re raising a Lab puppy. Don’t let your Lab puppy run and play on very hard surfaces such as pavement until he’s at least two years old and his joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility. Like all retrievers, the Lab is mouthy, and of course, he’s happiest when he has something, anything, to carry in his mouth. He’s also a chewer, so be sure to keep sturdy toys available all the time, unless you want your couch chewed up. And when you leave the house, it’s wise to keep your Lab in a crate or kennel so he’s can’t get himself into trouble chewing things he shouldn’t.

Coat Color And Grooming

The sleek and easy-care Lab coat has two layers: a short, thick, straight topcoat, and also a soft, weather-resistant undercoat. The twolayer coat protects him from the cold and wet, which helps him in his role as a retriever for hunters. The Lab coat comes in three colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. Black was the favorite color among early breeders, but over the years, yellow and chocolate Labs have become more popular. Some breeders have recently begun selling “rare” colored Labrador Retrievers, such as polar white or fox red. These shades aren’t really rare. Grooming doesn’t get much easier than with a Lab. Buy a quality vacuum cleaner and brush your own dog daily, especially when he’s shedding, to get out the loose hair.

Personality

The adaptable and good-natured American Shorthair retains his hunting ability, but these days he is more likely to be a family companion, a job at which he excels. He has a middleof-the-road temperament, being calm but not comatose. The American Shorthair is moderately active and enjoys a good playtime as much as the next cat, but he’s not overly demanding of a lot attention or activity. As befits a working class cat who has made good, he is smart and enjoys playing with puzzle toys and interactive toys. He has a sociable nature and isn’t the type to hide under the bed when visitors arrive. This is a placid cat but one that doesn’t especially like being carried around. Let him stand on his own four feet. He may or may not be a lap cat, but he will always appreciate having a spot next to you on the sofa or the bed.

American Shorthairs like their meals, so they can easily become overweight. To prevent obesity, measure their food instead of free-feeding them. Keep the litter box spotlessly clean every day. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene, and a dirty box may cause them to start using other places in the house instead. It’s a good idea to keep our American Shorthair as an indoor-only cat in order to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Keeping him indoors also protects all local birds and wildlife from this talented and very dangerous hunter. American Shorthairs who love to go outdoors also run the huge risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying anything for it in exchange.

Care

Coat Color And Grooming

The American Shorthair’s coat is easily cared for by combing or brushing it a couple of times a week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. The thickness of the cat’s coat and the amount it sheds vary based on climate and time of year. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and also warm (not hot) water. Avoid using the cotton swabs, which can easily damage the interior of the ear.

The American Shorthair has the body of a working cat: stocky, muscular and strong. His build gives him the agility and also endurance he needs as a first-rate stalker, and heavily muscled legs make him capable of pouncing, jumping and climbing to get his furred or feathered prey. This is a medium-size to large cat, slightly longer than he is tall. A large head with a full-cheeked face gives the American Shorthair a sweet, open expression. He has medium-size ears that are slightly rounded at the tips and large, wide eyes. He has a sociable nature and isn’t the type to hide under the bed when visitors arrive. A short, thick coat comes in a large assortment of many colors and patterns: solid, tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, bicolor, particolor and more. The silver classic tabby pattern is definitely probably the most popular of them all.

Children And Other Pets

The Labrador Retriever not only loves kids, he enjoys the commotion they bring with them. He’ll happily attend a child’s birthday party, and even willingly wear a party hat. Like all dogs, however, he needs to be trained how to act around kids — and kids need to be taught how to act around the dog. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should be left unsupervised with a child. If a Lab has had plenty of exposure to other dogs, cats, and small animals, and has been trained how to interact with them, he’ll be friendly with other pets, too. Labrador retrievers were bred to be the perfect water dogs: They have waterresistant double coats that provide insulation, and their short fur keeps them warm but doesn’t drag them down when it gets wet. Their webbed toes facilitate speedy swimming. Fishermen used the dogs to bring in nets, pull ropes between boats, and recover escaped fish.

The laid-back but playful American Shorthair is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He can learn tricks and loves the attention he receives from children who treat him politely and with respect. He will get along fine with dogs if they don’t give him any trouble. He is a skilled hunter, but may learn to leave pet birds or other small animals alone if he is introduced to them at an early age. When in doubt, however, separation is best. Always introduce any pets, even other cats, slowly and in a controlled setting. The American Shorthair is a good-natured breed with a sweet disposition. These gentle kitties make great playmates for kids. Because they need to be groomed fairly regularly, it’s also a good idea to have your kids groom these cats to solidify their bond. American Shorthairs are good at entertaining themselves, but they also appreciate interactive play that involves “hunting” the lure at the end of a fishingpole toy, batting at a big peacock feather or figuring out how to release treats from a puzzle toy. They’re smart, trainable, and willing to learn things. Perhaps their best attribute: Patience — which no doubt contributes to their success as hunters.

BREED CHARACTERS • Affectionate with Family • Amount of Shedding • General Health • Potential for Playfulness • Kid Friendly • Friendly with Strangers • Easy to Groom • Intelligence • Pet Friendly

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JAPANESE Japanese Bobtail’s tell-tale characteristic is a short “bunny” tail that can be flexible or rigid, with one or more curves, angles or kinks.

37 History

It is said that the first bobtailed cats arrived in Japan as gifts from the emperor of China to the emperor of Japan. They have been known in the island nation for at least 1,000 years. Their short tails were a naturally occurring phenomenon that was then set through selective breeding. Over the centuries, the cats were not only imperial pets but also guardians of grain supplies and protectors of the silkworms, both of which were threatened by rodents. Bobtails with a tricolor coat—red and black on a white background—became known as popular symbols of good luck. Three of the cats were imported into the United States in 1968. By 1976, the short-haired variety had been recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association. The long-haired Japanese Bobtail did not achieve CFA recognition until 1993. Today the Japanese Bobtail is recognized by all North American registries.

Personality

This active and affectionate cat will “talk” to you in a soft, chirpy voice. You will be amazed by the range of his feline vocabulary. He’s not loud at all, but he does have a lot to say and a range of tones in which to say it. He is very likely carrying around a favorite toy or splashing his paw into your aquarium. He likes playing with water, so you may find your faucets turned on or puddles beside his water dish. The Japanese Bobtail is playful and smart. He will relish the challenge of a rotating assortment of puzzle toys or the fun of chasing a lure on a fishing pole toy. He is very good at learning tricks and will even walk on a leash if he thinks it’s a fun thing to do. When you are sitting down, though, expect this friendly feline to find a place in your lap. This is an adaptable cat who travels well, making him a good choice for boisterous families or people who enjoy an RV lifestyle. On the downside, he can be headstrong, and it’s difficult to change his mind about which things are okay to do and which ones aren’t. He is a busy cat and must have companionship—people or another Bobtail would be his first choice—but a dog will do in a pinch to keep him entertained when you are out earning the money for his food and toys. Remember that a bored Bobtail is an amazingly creative Bobtail—and not necessarily in a way that you will appreciate.

The Bobtail are perpetual kittens â&#x20AC;&#x201D; full of energy and mischief â&#x20AC;&#x201D; while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates.

Coat Color

This breed tell-tale characteristic, of course, is a short “bunny” tail that can be flexible or rigid, with one or more curves, angles or kinks, ideally extending out from the body no more than three inches. The fur fans out to create the look of a pom-pom on a shorthair, or a blooming chrysanthemum on a longhair. Each cat in the breed has a unique tail. The Japanese Bobtail is known as well for his tricolor calico pattern—called “mi-ke” meaning three-fur and pronounced “mee-kay”—but other popular colors are black and white or red and white. He also comes in solid colors and tortoiseshell and tabby patterns. Some cat registries permit pointed or sepia-tone coats. Bold, dramatic markings and vividly contrasting colors are a trademark of this breed. The eyes can be any color, with blue or odd-eyed (each eye a different color). The silky coat can be short-haired or long-haired. In both lengths, the cats have little undercoat. Long-haired Bobtails may have a ruff around the neck, long fur on the belly, and fur that is noticeably longer on the tail and upper hind legs (britches) than it is on the upper part of the body. Some have tufts of fur on the ears and toes. He has a slender but muscular body, long, slender legs that are noticeably longer in the rear, although they are angled in such a way that the body remains level rather than rising up toward the rear, and a finely chiseled head with high cheekbones, large oval eyes set at a slant, and large, upright, expressive ears.

Care And Grooming

Because the Japanese Bobtail has little undercoat, both the short-haired and long-haired varieties are very easy to groom. Tangles are uncommon, and a weekly combing will remove dead hairs. Both longhairs and short hairs shed seasonally. The coat is highly water-resistant, so it’s a good thing that a bath is rarely necessary; it takes some doing to get a Japanese Bobtail wet enough to shampoo him. Always handle the tail gently, especially if it is more rigid than flexible. Brush their teeth to prevent the periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye to avoid the spreading of infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear. Keep the Japanese Bobtail’s litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene. A clean litter box will also help to keep a long haired Bobtail’s coat clean. It’s a good idea to keep a Japanese Bobtail as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Japanese Bobtails who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

Children & Other Pets

the bobtail is a great match for families with kids because he shares their high energy level.

He is up for anything, from playing fetch to being a guest at a tea party to being dressed up in doll clothes and paraded around in a baby buggy. Always supervise children to make sure they pet and play with the cat nicely and don’t pull his ears or twist his tail. He is happy to live with cat-friendly dogs, too, thanks to his amiable and fearless disposition. Introduce pets slowly and in controlled circumstances to ensure that they learn to get along together.

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