Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014 by Jenni Ferreira

Kittycat online magazine

Breed Profile

Maine Coon

Cat Story

Ice Angel

Feline Geriatric

Health Screening

Household

Hazards Making Your Home

Cat Friendly

July|August 2014

www.kittycat.co.za

Contents Message from the Editor 1 Contributors 2 Breed Profile The Maine Coon 3 Living with Maine Coon Cats 7 Tribute to Chanel Tanaina 29 Articles

Polydactylism (Extra Toes) 33 Feline Geriatric Health Screening 35 Making your home Cat friendly 39 Household Hazards for Cats and Kittens 44 News 45 Story Time Ice Angel 47 Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got Talent

Fran Francstasyart 49 Nancy Conant 51 Ludmila Pankov 53 Vladimir Pankov 55 Book Review 57 Kittycat of the Month

How I met my Cat 59 Happy Endings 61

Rescue and Shelters 66 Breeder and Pet Services Directory South African Show Calendar

70 78

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Message from the Editor

Welcome to Issue 4. Our breed focus in this issue is the magnificent and popular Maine Coon, the gentle giants of the cat world. Females usually weigh between 5 - 8 kgs and males vary from 7 - 12 kgs! Big kitties! If you’re wanting to add a Maine Coon to your family, there are several lovely stories from owners and breeders sharing what these cats are like to live with! It’s important to do enough research to see if the type of cat breed you are interested in will fit in with your lifestyle. Our medical feature this month is Geriatric Health Screening Programmes in Cats. The goal of a geriatric health program is to prevent or delay the development of illnesses associated with ageing. I make a point of taking my cats for check ups twice a year and my

Meet

The Cover Cat Our cover cat this month is Swagger Coons Immaculate, a brown tabby Maine Coon kitten aged 7 weeks old. Bred by Niekie and Sunet Prinsloo of Swagger Coons in Pretoria.

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

seniors have blood work done to check kidney and liver function etc.

Jenni Ferreira kittycatsa@gmail.com

Having kittens in the home is like having toddlers in the home. Your home needs to be cat/kitten friendly. Learn how to make your house safe for them and learn how to prevent potential hazards.

BBM 7C74BBF3

We introduce you to Kittycat’s new websites i.e. Kittycat Magazine, Kittycat Photography and Kittycat Pet Sitting which fall under the ‘Kittycat’ umbrella. If you would like to purchase Kittycat Magazine in PDF format to read at your leisure without having to be online, there is the option to do so on our Magazine website. Kittycat will be at WODAC this year and we look forward to meeting some of you!

Jenni Ferreira Graham de Klerk

We feature four very talented international artists, as well as Chapter 1 of Ice Angel, a story written by the talented South African writer, Linda Deane (serialised for Kittycat Magazine), and share some happy ending rescue stories and tributes from proud owners about their special cats. If you live in South Africa, don’t forget to enter your cat in our Kittycat of the Month competition. Email pics to kittycatsa@ gmail.com I hope you enjoy this issue.

Jenni

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Jenni Ferreira WEBSITES

CONTRIBUTORS Dr Arnold Plotnick Dr Joanne McLean Linda Deane Patsy Smyth Vera Clarke PHOTOGRAPHY Jenni Ferreira Ludmila Pankov Theresa Fouche ADVERTISING kittycat.advertising@gmail.com kittycat.classifieds@gmail.com ADDRESS P O Box 1220 Randburg 2125 South Africa Email: kittycatsa@gmail.com Fax: 086 428 5044 www.kittycat.co.za The Publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy, safety or performance of the info or products presented. The opinions expressed in the Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor / Publisher or Advertisers. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted. All material published in Kittycat is copyrighted by Kittycat. All rights reserved. Reproduction of material is prohibited without written

Message from

Dr. Arnold Plotnick MS, DVM, ACVIM Dr. Arnold Plotnick is a board-certified veterinary internist, feline specialist, and the owner of Manhattan Cat Specialists. In addition to his medical work, he is an award-winning veterinary medicine writer. He is a featured article writer in Cat Fancy magazine, an advice expert on CatChannel, and authors the blog “Cat Man Do.”

Photo by Manahattan Cat Specialists

Contributors

Dr Plotnick is owned by 2 cats, Crispy and Mittens.

Dr Joanne McLean BSc, BVSc Hons Graduated with distinction from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort in 2009 with a BVSc degree. She started working at Bryanston Veterinary Hospital immediately after qualifying and is currently completing her MMed Vet degree in Small Animal Medicine. Joanne’s interests include oncology, endocrinology and critical care medicine. Outside of work she enjoys reading, travelling and wildlife.

International Cat Care

(Formerly the Feline Advisory Bureau) A charity with the vision of a world where all cats, owned and unowned, are treated with care, compassion, and understanding. They work closely with the veterinary profession through their veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine. All their work is reliant on donations and legacies. Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Breed Profile

Maine Coon

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv https://www.facebook.com/Tessa.lv

By Vera Clarke

Maine Coons I’m sure that some of you know the history of the Maine Coon, but, for those that don’t, here is a bit of their background, before I show you why they are known as the “Magnificent” Maine Coon.

History There are several mysterious tales as to the origin of Maine Coons. Unfortunately nobody really knows and the cats aren’t saying! Choose one that you like: ·

One tale is that Maine Coons were believed to be a cross between the American bobcat and the domestic cats brought to North America on the various sailing ships. Another is that the domestic cats of New England were cross bred with raccoons. Another tale is that the Maine Coon’s ancestors came from Norwegian Skogkatts brought over by the Vikings. A more romantic version is 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.

Maine Coon Polydactyls (Those with extra toes) Historically, 40% of original Maine Coons were polydactyl. As breed standards developed, these required a normal foot configuration, which in turn did not allow for polydactyl in Maine Coons. This trait was then deliberately bred out of the breed. However, in the Netherlands, Belgium and USA, there is currently a move to restore the polydactyl form to the breed. In South Africa polydactylism is allowed in breeding but not for showing. Many Maine Coons bred in South Africa are polydactyl which results in Maine Coon’s sometimes looking as though have human like hands as front paws.

The things that makes Maine Coons Magnificent Intelligent They are very clever and will come when called, can be taught to do tricks, and are extremely trainable. Maine Coons love to play fetch. They can be taught to walk on the leash and are comfortable riding in the car with you if stated from young. Family orientated They quickly integrate into the family home and your life. Children can pick them up and handle them as long as they are gentle. Maine Coons tend to become the centre of the home before you know it. Affectionate They have loud purrs that sound like a diesel engine, and head butting is part of how they show their loving. They also tend to drool whilst having an ear or chin rub. These are generally not lap cats but when they want love they make sure they get it. Laidback You will often find the Maine Coon sprawled out on the bed or around the home - hoping for a belly or ear rub. They also love the garden and will find a spot where they are virtually invisible and spend the afternoon terrorising the insects and birds. Friendly and confident These cats tend to take over wherever they go. Maine Coons become friends with all other pets in the home, including dogs. Water Lovers The Maine Coon will play in their water dish, drink water from the tap / bath / pond. Some also enjoy the shower. Do not be surprised if your Maine Coon runs out to play in the rain. Many Maine Coons drink by dipping their paws into the water bowl and licking the water from their paws. One Maine Coon I knew loved to drink the leftover tea out of a mug by dipping his paw and licking it.

Great companions They will follow you around the house, sit next to you while you work and sleep on your bed at night. They will wait for you to get back from work, just like dogs do. Talkative Maine Coons chirp or trill in conversation from the time you get up in the morning until you go to bed. They seldom meow, and their meows are the only thing small out these big cats. Gentle personality Maine Coons are known as “The Gentle Giants”. These cats are the biggest softies out. Size Males weigh upwards of 7kgs and the females from 5kgs. The Maine Coons are slow growing and only reach maturity at the age of four. Enjoy eye contact Maine Coons are one of the few breeds of cat that enjoy eye contact. Most breeds consider eye contact as a sign of aggression. Their eye colour range from green to amber. The only exception is the white Maine Coons, who can have blue eyes or odd eyes (one blue and one green). Magnificent appearance They have medium haired coat of differing lengths which keeps water out, but is as soft as rabbit fur. They have amazing long plumed tail and a gorgeous mane. They also have large tufted ears with Lynx like tips which give them their distinctive ‘wild’ look. Their feet and toes are also tufted. Beautiful Colours They come in a large variety of colours and in several tabby patterns, mackerels as well as solid and bicolour. The original colouring of a Maine Coon is Brown tabby (Classic) but colours now range from blues, reds, creams to silvers, blacks and white.

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014 Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Living with Maine Coon Cats Expect your kitty to follow you every where…. Even to the loo! Playing with water is there favorite activity… you will find them in the kitchen sink, bath, hand basin splashing about at all hours of the day and night . They need toys and love to carry them around the house…. looking for you so that you can get the hint and play with them. They chirp when they have something to say and trill when they are happy…. Two very unique sounds made by Maine Coons and loved by there owners. These cats are not loud and even the biggest male will have a soft girlie purr that will make you laugh! Tonia Bekker

My beloved Maine coons

In 2009 my husband and myself went to our first cat show, that is where we fell in love with the gentle giants known as Maine coons. Straight after the show we started searching for breeders and finding out more about the breed. A couple of weeks later we were the proud owners of our first Maine coon, a classic tabby with white, when we were at the breeder visiting the kittens, one of her litter mates wouldn’t leave us alone, he was a solid black, but unfortunately was already booked by someone else. A day after we collected Akasha, the breeder phoned to say the people couldn’t take the black kitten and were we interested, so within a week we owned 2 beautiful Maine coons, from then we got another and another. They are addictive so Its very hard to stop at one.

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Highlanders Rocky Raccoon – 1yr 11 months old.

They are the most loveable and loyal cats you could own. They chirp constantly at you, and always answer when spoken to. If they cant find you, you will hear them meowing at you until you respond.

At the moment I’m proudly owned by 4 beautiful Maine coons, and there are many more to come!!! I love them with all my heart, my home and life would not be the same without them.

Its said they are not lap cats, but mine love sleeping on my lap or curled up next to me. They love helping with household chores, doing dishes, sweeping, or helping you fix something, they also love to keep me company when I’m working.

Samantha Hoffend

They are very playful and extremely intelligent, and always manage to put a smile on your face, while they carrying on like clowns, and love to play hide and seek. They are best friends with the dogs (which are a labrador and Ridgeback), they even curl up to sleep with them in the evening. They love to eat anything that you might be eating and love to help themselves with their sneaky paw, that they think goes unnoticed.

What is it like to live with Maine Coon cats? Words that come to mind immediately are: Never a dull moment, fun and entertaining, loving and loyal, peaceful and calming, always like having big kittens in the house, and best friends. Maine Coons come into your home as oh-so-cute gorgeous and playful kittens, and then they grow bigger and bigger till the age of 4 or 5 years, all the time becoming more and more beautiful as they get older, and with their personalities becoming more the most defining aspect of their presence as each day and each year goes by. I have three Maine Coons in my home – a 12-year-old female – Purdy-Belle, and two big neutered males – Dom Pedro and Baryshnikov Blue (Berry), age 6 and 3 years respectively. Purdy keeps mostly to herself as she is much older that any of the other cats in the house, and she spends most of her time on my bed sleeping happily in the sun. If you dangle a toy in front of her, though, she becomes a playful kitten again, running and jumping to catch it with amaz-

ing energy! Dom Pedro and Berry are the most gentle and loving cats, who follow me wherever I go, stay with me constantly even if I am up working into the early hours of the morning, and each has the most enormous and distinctive personality. Berry can keep me entertained for hours – he must always know about and be involved in everything that is going on, so he will inspect every shopping packet that is brought into the house, climb into the fridge, sit on the table and watch me eat, sometimes putting his paw into my plate to grab some food that he wants there, follow me to the bathroom, and steal food out of the pantry by climbing up and knocking things down off the shelves onto the floor, then jumping down, grabbing the fallen item and running with it in his mouth to another room hoping not to be caught! I also have five Norwegian Forest cats and have recently started breeding Norwegian Forest kittens - Dom Pedro is the best baby-sitter one could ever wish for! In fact all of the Wegies who came into my home after him (and Berry too) – were nurtured and loved by this gentle giant from the moment he saw them! I have often left him in the room with the baby kittens for

hours – the mother of the kittens being perfectly happy about having him there, while she hissed at any of the other cats if they came near her kittens! When I went in to the room much later, I would find Dom Pedro lying with a couple of kittens snuggled into his fur, licking and grooming them as if he were their mother! I have never seen him hiss at any person or other cat, nor has he ever put a claw out to swipe at or smack anyone ever. What else can I say about living with Maine Coons? I’d say that you can never feel lonely or bored if you have Maine Coons, you will never be cold at night in bed, as they make very big and warm hot-water bottles lying on your feet or on the duvet on top of you (although it can be quite something to feel this HEAVY weight walking all over you while you are trying to sleep!, or to feel a warm wet tongue licking your face at 3am!), you WILL start talking to them as if they are human, and if you take them to shows, you will have sore muscles from carrying them as they are really heavy in those boxes, you will never want to go away on holiday and leave them, . . . and you will soon wonder what life was actually about before you had Maine Coons!! Bev Smullen

“Never a dull moment” “Fun and entertaining” “Loving and loyal” “Peaceful and calming” “Big kittens” “Best friends”

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Living with Maine Coon Cats I have this wonderful and beautiful Maine Coon. His name is MacGuyver. He has the most unique personality. He loves to come up to my bathroom early in the morning and while I wait for my bathwater to run he wants to sit on my lap for me to pamper him. After that I must run some water for him into the sink. He plays with the water while I’m taking my bath. He calls me when he wants water in the sink. What he does not like is for me to brush him. He doesn’t like that at all. He will attack me if I even try to brush him. And if he is not in a good mood he lets me know that I must leave him alone. Other wise he loves to come and lie on my lap so that I can pamper him and give him the attention he wants. What a pleasure to have him in my life. Hermien Groenewald

Maine Coons, not just another medium hair cat. These big cats are the clowns of the cat world. They don’t do anything like a normal cat. They drink water sitting with their front paws in the bowl, eat using their paws and love to dunk their favourite catnip mouse into the water before dragging it through the whole house wetting everything. And they know they are stunning. They will lie there with their head up as if to say “Look at me, I am beautiful”. Oh, and the love bites some of them love to give Never breaking the skin, but hard enough that you know you are loved. Once you meet one of these amazing cats you WILL be hooked! Beverley Steyn Ragtime Cattery ZA

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Guinevere is know by many names. Gwennie, The Maine Coon Mauler or The Blankie Slayer. She is nosy, chatty and stubborn. Not quick to purr but after you’ve scrached behind her ears long enough it’s like a buzz saw. She is definitely the boss!

Nicola Willett

When I was asked to write something on the Maine Coons my immediate thoughts were “Where to start?”

size of cat they have the quietest voice making a soft chirruping sound rather than an actual meouw.

I saw my first Maine Coon at a cat show being held at one of the community centres in Edenvale way back in 2001 and was bowled over by just how majestic they looked yet so relaxed in all the hubbub of a show hall. I decided there and then that I just had to have one so put my name on the waiting list of one of the breeders.

They are very playful and remain kittenish all their lives.

I waited over a year to get my first show quality Maine Coon. Needless to say after a year of showing I decided to start breeding these beautiful cats and in 2004 registered my cattery and imported my first Maine Coon. Maine Coons are very affectionate sociable animals and love to talk to their owners. Talk to them and you can be sure of getting an answer back. For the

The adults don’t seem to realise their own size – when a game of tag is on, beware - anything on tables or even on the lounge suite, will definitely land up on the floor. Generally they are not lap cats, preferring mostly to be “helping” you with whatever it is you are up to – be it washing dishes (an absolute favourite in my house – I always have at least 3 assistants sitting on the sink trying to get their paws in to help), cleaning the house (ever heard of “broom riding”?) or just watching TV. (this is when the lap becomes convenient and there is even an “argument” as to who was on the lap first!) They love water and will insist on playing in it so no lightweight water

bowls will do. A large size drinking fountain is the best. They will stir up the water with their front paw and drink from the paw. So be ready to be constantly mopping up around the water bowl. For Maine Coons eating pellets out of the food bowl is just not done – they prefer to scoop the pellets out of the bowl onto the floor, then chase the pellet all over for a while as if hunting it and then swoop down on it and gobble it up. And even better if there are three or four of them chasing one pellet. Of course, once the pellet has been devoured, they will go back to the bowl to repeat the whole “game” again. So as you can see, owning one of these cats is really great fun but beware – one Maine Coon is just not enough – one Maine Coon will definitely lead to another!

Vivian Wright Shangri-la Maine Coons

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Living with Maine Coon Cats I have a nine year old Maine Coon and he is a stunning and a very funny cat. His name is Ozzy because he belonged to my Mum and her surname was Osborne, so Ozzy Osborne, he has a long pedigree name as well! Because they have tufts of fur between their toes he slides on our wooden floors especially if he is running around a corner, a bit like Tom in Tom and Jerry and if he jumps up onto the table he very often carries on sliding to the other side and drops off. He is a gentle giant but he will not hesitate to let you know he is not happy by hissing as you walk past him, especially if he wants to go out, he even hisses at his own reflection in the window. He also has a weird meow, nothing like you would expect from a big cat. So in a nutshell he is a gentle giant with cartoon cat characteristics.

Sue Funcke

We are breeding Cornish Rex, but we have three lovely Coonies. They are so relaxed and well tempered. It is difficult for a cat not to get along with them! Our “Gangleader” Nigel loves all cats but especially little Cornish. He grabs and clean and kiss them. We love them very much and don’t want to miss one of them. (The red/white is Nigel//The black one is our Maddox a cuddlecoon)

Malte Koppen

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

I have a Maine Coon named Chatterpaws, as he loves to chat and has such big paws! We adopted him about 3 years ago after being rescued, he was literally just skin and bones. After meds and lots of TLC and good food he is now looking a whole lot better. Even though he is not the most friendly kitty, I love running my hands though his thick fur. Noelien Badenhorst

Life with Princess Smudge We live behind a shopping centre and over the years we have had many cats living with us, up to 12 at a time. We have had some cats that clawed our furniture to pieces. Some who played with the dogs. A few ignored us except at feeding time. Others howled or fought. My wife and I have had cats around us our entire lives but we have never either of us ever had a cat anywhere like Smudge. No matter where we are or what we are doing Smudgie will be there if you put clothes in the tumble dryer when you turn back to the machine with the next load there will be a head and shoulders in your way peering in to see where everything has gone. While I am cooking in the kitchen there will be a smudge sprawled out on the kitchen table watching the ciaos unfolding around her. Assistance is offered with exciting activities like the making of the bed or the fixing of the car. She has toys in every room a climbing pole in the lounge, it saves the furniture from assault. Several ping pong balls

in the bath and a fluffy mouse on an extended stick in the bedroom. The stick is long enough that from the foot of the bed the mouse can reach the floor on either side. This was a great game when she was a small kitten but now she is just too fast, can virtually leap from one side of the room to the other in one jump and the poor mouse driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction time is way way way too slow.

Twinkle Toes. I could not see myself on the back step yelling twinkle toes so because of her charcoal coat and royal attitude we called her Princess Smudge.

Smudge has the run of our garden and knows where every lizard and beetle is hiding. She has only ever brought a bird in once. It was not well received and she has never done it again. She has been through her teenage years ignoring us and trying to be otherwise but when she was ignored in return she was shortly back to being her affable accommodating self. We bought her a harness and lead and she comes along with the whole family every week to dog training school.

Ivone Billingham

Now after 18 months she looks quite pretty but that is no longer important. Its her personality, always near but independent, that makes her just so incredibly fun to have around. She is the best friend one could ever have.

It was one of the ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the dog school who introduced us to her Maine coon cats. We thought they were really beautiful and decided to get one for ourselves. After hunting around for half a year we eventually found Emalini Cattery and

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Living with Maine Coon Cats My Solid Black is Paul, 5 years old. He’s my boy with “mental health issues”. He was bought from an irresponsible breeder who didn’t care about animals but only the money they made for her and sadly he came with Feline Herpes. This I think has made him slightly eccentric, a bit of feline herpes madness. He’s really a big nerve ending with hair - he jumps at the slightest noise and shows his utter displeasure by being highly vocal - moans and groans, huffs and puffs. He is very clumsy, doesn’t have the greatest judgement when aiming for the counter tops and often embarrasses himself, he then immediately gives himself a dignified bath to recover. He love his family too bits and enjoys being the social clown when we have functions at home, jumps around, catches his tail, slides across the table. He loves skidding - we have concrete floors and he runs for it to catch a long sweeping slide. Pauly gets on like a house on fire with both my dogs. He’s my sweetie pie but in his own world really, maybe you get autistic cats. He sleeps between me and my husbands head; when he feels like it. George is my new baby. He’s only half Maine Coon and half Black Traveling Man. Mommy is magnificent Brown Tabby. He has all the Maine Coon traits in his clown like nature, slightly wild but hugely loving, also fiercely independent. Also adores the dogs in particular my old man Bouvier whom he lavishes with plenty of kisses. He knows how to charm me with a soft, irresistible meow when he wants treats, it’s so different to his normal meow. He plays well with Pauly too. George is an excellent hunter. He hunts like a lion in

Avalance, my bundle of joy has a very special place in my heart. He has brought me so much joy since he came home. My white teddy bear has a personality all his own. Loves attention and such a gentle giant.

Kerigan Clark

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

stealth mode and chills like a sleepy kitten. Both my boys love love love water. Paul plays with his bowl of water; has to flick a certain amount out before he’s comfortable drinking it. George loves drinking from the tap and is always by my side when I brush my teeth. They remind me of dogs and maybe lions with those wide square jaws and hairy mains and fluffy paws. Dogs, because they’re playful like dogs, retrieve like dogs; catch toys and bring them back. Both my boys stalk the Hadeda’s - bit ambitious if not a bit hilarious! Maine Coons - huge, fluffy, wild, fun loving, social, kissable. I’ve had 3 Maine Coons in my life so far and will always have them in my life. Growing up I’ve lived with Manx’s, Siamese, variety of Rex’s but I relate to the Maine Coon the most. Viva La Maine Coon’s !!! Ruth Bowditch

What is a Main Coon Cat ? Simple, a dog that can climb a tree very well, especially the polys! We have two maine coons that joined our family about 10 months ago. Macavity is a caramel boy with 6 toes on the front. He is the most affectionate cat I have ever came across! He is not shy to walk, crawl, snug or jump onto you for attention. He is incredibly playful, and his older brother “Nuts” a 13 year old Russian Blue that we adopted from the street about 10 years ago just loves these two coons in the house. His name now has been change to “Mother Nuts” and he is the best kitten trainer there is on this planet. It is really funny when Nuts walks into the kitchen to eat at his bowl, Macavity will simply wedge his front foot between Nut’s face and the bowl and scrape 2 or 3 pellets out of the bowl and eat it next to Nuts

from the floor. The two of them are permanently together. BTW we thinking of changing Macavity’s name to Cramer from Seinfeld. He can’t enter a room, he has to come running in and then skid around the corner. And oh boy can he talk. Some days non-stop! Or Jack Black as he is always full of blackjacks from playing in the park next to the house. Then little Shazaam aka Zama Zama. She is such a kind soft hearted little kitty. In the mornings when we open the lounge door, she and Macavity will bolt out straight to the fountain and balance themselves on the edge and have a drink from the fountain by means of first breaking the “ice” by stirring the water and then drink the water off their paws. Shazaam walked on water about a month ago as she fell into the pool, how did it happen? Simple, she is obsessed with water and can sit next to the pool playing with the water by stirring it and then have the odd sip, but the thing

that’s she is most fascinated with is the mirror reflection in the water of the other cat. Well, as said, she met the other cat the other day, by falling into the pool. Haha, she was saved and dried quickly and kept indoors for the rest of the day. Can I recommend a Maine coon in the house? A definite yes! We used to have Persians before, they are fantastic, but a Coon is even better in that they are way more sociable and happy go lucky cats with a remarkable character. At night time the rule of the house is, he or she that gets to the bed may sleep with us, it seems that the little girl is the most clever as she out runs them almost every night. Having them all on the bed is not recommended as at 02h00 intense play with parts of your body being part of the the game. Hope this gives you some idea of what we think a Maine Coon is ... Beautiful !!! Gustav & Chantal Viljoen

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Living with Maine Coon Cats To be owned by a Maine Coon, well where do you start? They are absolute Comical Clowns, they never realize their own size, and often fall off , slide off or just miss the mark when jumping and diving all over the place, and due to their tufts between their toes, it doesn’t help with traction. They are curious as can be, and will help you unload your groceries by rummaging through the bags.They are very lovable, soft gentle giants. I can’t imagine my life without a Maine Coon, especially when they look into your eyes, they so love eye contact, and constantly chat to you. They are great with children I take so may photo’s of my Maine Coons, it is hard to choose just one photo to submit ! And it is hard to put your love for a Maine Coon in a paragraph. Attached are photo’s of my two Maine Coon boys, Joel and Duke. Kim Brodie

We have been graced with the presence of our cat, Dusty, for nine years. Her mother was a purebred Maine Coon, and the lady we got Dusty from had no idea of who the father was. Near as we can figure, Mama went to the zoo and got adventurous! Last time Dusty went to the vet’s, she weighed 18 pounds. The vet told me she had to get five pounds off--which is not that easy. She freaks out if her dish is empty, so it has taken nerves of steel and ears of lead to keep her from making us nuts. She has gotten used to it, but isn’t happy about it. I’m happy that she is losing weight though. She is so very intelligent. My daughter taught her a trick, and it only took her a couple of practices before she got it. I won’t go into details here--it has to do with getting food (not a surprise). When she is bored, she will go around and open cupboards and drawers--then look upset at us when we close them. You’ll also get quite a conversation from her. She chirps and mews at us a lot, especially if we take the time to talk to her. This is especially true in the morning--she is so happy to see us, after waiting outside the bedroom door for hours. And when my husband comes home, she jumps up into her kitty bed, waiting for him to play with her. 15

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

That’s about it. We love our girl, and she seems to appreciate our presence. Especially when that food bag get opened ... Kathy Ree

Navaho and Cherokee are the most amazing 2 cats. I have had numerous types of cats in my life but I must admit these 2 are exceptional. I have never realised how trainable a MAINE COON is. My boyfriend did some research on them and their behaviour. We train them like you would train a dog- they come to you when you call them by their names. They only drink water from the basin and a running tap. They are extremely clever- we have trained them to walk with They are extremely a leash- socleverwhen we youhave take trained the leash them outto the cupboard walk with they a leashso excited so when they youknow take it the is leash time to out gothe outside forthey cupboard a walk. so excited they know it is time to go outside for a walk. They want to help you with everything, when I work in the kitchen They want to orhelp room you making with everything, the bed they when wantI to work be in partkitchen the of the action. or room making the bed they want to be part of the action. Navaho’s biggest fun time is when I make the bed he then playsbiggest Navaho’s hide and funseek timeand is when he loves I make jumping the bed under he the duvet then playsand hidepillows. and seek Theand best heisloves whenjumping I bath, under Navahoduvet the will sit and onpillows. my stomach The best andisplay when with I bath, the water, Na- I have to vaho willliesitdown on my and stomach there he and willplay sit till with I pick the water, him upI and take have to lie him down off. and there he will sit till I pick him up and take him off. Cherokee is a sweetie she is the naughty little babyshe tests you Cherokee is a and sweetie knows shewhen is theshe naughty is naughtylittle babyshe dominates she tests you theand house knows withwhen her energy. she is naughtyShe is a she total little flirt and dominates theshe house talkswith a lot. herWe energy. have discovered She is a total she lovesflirt little nuts. and she talks a lot. We have discovered she loves nuts. They are very fussy eaters, Navaho’s treat is a little teaspoon They are very of double fussythick eaters, yogurtNavaho’s he sees treatthe is a yogurt little tub and he teaspoon ofgoes double mad. thick Heyogurtscreams hetill sees youthe give yogurt him a teaspoon tub and he with goes yogurt. mad. He screams till you give him a teaspoon with yogurt. They know when it is off to bed in the evening they actually They know come when anditfetch is off you to bed andinmake the evening life unbearable they until youcome actually get into andbed fetch with you them. and make They life have unbearable been taught until you that getmy into bed bed is with a place them. of sleep Theyand have notbeen play and actually taught that my when bedplay is a time placestarts of sleep theyand play not onplay the carpet. and actually when play time starts they play on the carpet. They love people and they are not shy and don’t hide they want They love people you to and pick they themare up not andshy carry and them don’t around, hide they want will come you to sit pick on you them and upbe and very carry intrusive. them around, they will come sit on you and be very intrusive. Sisi van Zyl Sisi van Zyl

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Living with Maine Coon Cats What an amazing gift he is. A companion like no other! He is high maintenance of course (attention seeking!) and he is the king of the household! He is not very pleasant to other cats in the house and his favourite pastime is chasing them at every opportunity! He is a excellent hunter of birds (to my non delight) and he loves being up on the roof at dusk to try to catch the bats as they fly past (he’s yet to succeed!) Of course the hadadas he’s still attempting to conquer to his disgust! He is my “dog cat” - he loves retrieving balls (only red ones) so this theory puts paid to any that state that cats are colour blind! He also opens cupboards, retrieves lamb bones from bins (scavenger like) so we have to be very careful of this! You will see he wears a “necklace” as we call it. He knows he’s only allowed outside when he has in on in the morning. Its a pet safe one which protects him from leaving our property. He cannot access other

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

properties, the road and other nasties out there. It beeps when he’s close to a perimeter and he’s very good so doesn’t try his luck any more. The setting was originally done to “vibrate” to alert him but he’s learnt so he’s a very clever boy! We are also very lucky with his grooming. His coat is magnificent and silky which does help me groom him. Not the easiest task as he hates it!! I give him one brush to play with whilst I use the other! He does not hesitate to use his teeth or claws at any time with me or any other. Mild, docile, gentle giant???!!!! NOT! The best is when my printer is working in my office - he thinks it’s a monster and he has to attack it for all his worth! The funniest thing to watch! He’s now 27 months old and he’s around 8kgs. Just magnificent and so clever! Tania Klintworth

In terms of my boy, he is just an amazing cat. I’ve always longed for a Maine Coon and now that I have one I’ll never have any other kind of cat. He is highly intelligent. Just to give you an example, I have two cat flaps in two of my doors. It took him just 3 days to figure out how to use it. I was amazed! I have had teach my other two cats how to use it and here is the little kitten that just knew. He loves to play and likes to rummage and select his toys.

about him. He has been renamed to Matteo which is Mathew in Italian and means Gift from God, and that he truly is. I regard my cats as a blessing. They bring me so much joy and happiness. The first thing I do when I get home is greet my babies whom I also find waiting for me as I open the door. Carla Castiglioni

He especially likes the plastic flaps on the parmalat long life milk bottles and other small plastic stuff. I collect a whole lot and place them in the cutlery section of the drip tray in the kitchen. Every evening he jumps up and goes find himself his toy of preference. The other day he found an elastic band which brought him a lot of joy. He was holding and stretching it with his paws and mouth. He would let go with his mouth and the elastic would shoot in the air at which point he would jump and catch it. He loves people and always runs to the door to welcome them when he hears the door bell ring. All people that have ever met Matador, have fallen in love with him. Every Sunday, the church comes to bring Mom Holy Communion and it’s guaranteed that Matador will come running from wherever he is and potter around in her room while the deacon is there and then walk him out to the door. Mom’s caregivers just adore him and he them. Although not a lap cat, he doesn’t mind being picked up. And he will allow me to cuddle him for 5 minutes.! :-) He is fearless. He doesn’t even run when he hears the vacuum cleaner. I once playfully ‘stroked’ him with the it and he didn’t budge. He’s not even afraid of water. When I water the garden he is always there and it’s a big game for him. He’ll run in the flowerbeds just ahead of where I’m watering and then sprint off just before I get to him. He also enjoys attacking the hose pipe. He wants to drink fresh water directly from the tap. Water from a bowl is just not good enough! An excellent hunter much to my dismay! He brings the poor birds and lizards into the house. I don’t know how he does it but up to now he has not injured any of the birds barring for one. So lucky for them, I’ve always been around to rescue them and set them free. There is just one problem I have with him. He hates being brushed and mauls me when I do and he absolutely hates the vet. Growls and hisses at her so it’s difficult to get his nails trimmed which grow very long so he gets hocked everywhere. I could go on and on but won’t bore you! I hope this give you an idea of Matador. I’m absolutely crazy Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Living with Maine Coon Cats We (Niekie & Sunet) are a very close-knit, cat-loving family. Our two children, Juanre and Suniek, are also huge cat lovers and join us when we show our Maine Coons. Our first encounter with this gorgeous cat breed happened in 2009 when we attended a cat show – it was love at first sight! We were totally smitten with these gentle giants and soon got our first Maine Coon (Midnight). One MC led to another, and we now have a few wonderful MCs. We are ardent supporters of local cat shows (CFSA & SACC) and have learnt a lot about the breed over the past three years. We have wonderful mentors who have shared a wealth of knowledge and we say “Thank You” to all of you! Niekie & Sunet Prinsloo Swagger Coons

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We love our cats to bits! Gwreek alias Sabre is so named for the call he makes when wanting attention. This is the name he responds to when we call him. If he goes out of the gate and we call him, he listens and comes back – but “talking back” just like a teenager. He is a cat of note, (musical) - he loves the piano and violin and will even join in the playing of the piano. He loves to lie on the piano when I teach, looking at what the notes are doing. A very big adorable boy and the most photographed cat in the neighbourhood as everybody that comes here take a photograph – he is even on other peoples’ facebook! Gwreek is very protective over his 2 siblings and grooms them like a mother. When we stroke him he also grooms us! He is all you want and more in a cat – gentle, kind and loving, jumping up on the bed in the morning only to give you a big lick on the nose to say good morning. Amylou - the sophisticated sophisticat “toffee nose” is a real lady……..does not use the garden for a toilet – she will pitter patter from outside to use the sandbox, sitting with her back to you so “you can’t see her” She likes the attention – but o dear – “please don’t pat me for too long.” She loves her brother and sister, and will give them the occasional lick and grooming. She often goes up to them and gives them a kiss on the nose. Amy also likes the violin – when I practice or teach violin, she will jump into the basket at the top of the totem pole and lie with her head on her paws, listening. Freckles – “stiffy”……. When you pick her up, she turns her head very stiffly to the side – does not really like to be picked up. However she does like to be around us and when she does not see us and think she’s alone in the house, she calls with a very pitiful sound that sounds like “ ma – a – a” and the more desperate she gets the higher the pitch get. An adorable habit of her is to fetch the 2 small teddybears from a stand in the bedroom, and while bringing it to us, she calls all the way until she finds you and then drops her present. She is very playful and a mouse stands no chance at all – she has her toys that only she plays with, carrying it all over, even outside, but always knows where she hid it and brings it back. She will be a brilliant hockey player in the way she dribbles with the toy mouse and throws it in the air. She adores Amy and specially Gwreek, grooming them whenever she lies next to them. She and Gwreek have a special bond and a lazyboy in the TV lounge has become their chair to lie on when we watch TV. Louis & Nikie Lewis-Enright

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv https://www.facebook.com/Tessa.lv

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Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014 Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

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Kittycat Kittycat Issue Issue 44 July|August July|August 2014 2014

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

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Kittycat Kittycat Issue Issue 44 July|August July|August 2014 2014

Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv https://www.facebook.com/Tessa.lv Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv https://www.facebook.com/Tessa.lv

Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv https://www.facebook.com/Tessa.lv

Tribute to Chanel Tanaina Chanel came into my life when I was 8 years old, and we connected immediately. As a child, I remember keeping the silent smugness I felt to myself about the fact that “Chanel liked me more than anyone else in the family.” And how did I have the right to make such a remark? Well I just knew. Everyone knew. Chanel knew she was mine and I, hers, and that never changed. As the years went on, our bond only grew stronger, and Chanel became a part of every aspect of my life.

Soulmate When one thinks of the term “soulmate,” there are usually some assumptions attached to the concept; assumptions such as that said “soulmate” being a romantic love interest and it is expected, rather than assumed, that one’s “soulmate” is a human. I have been on this earth for a mere 19 years, and in my less-thantwo-decades of life, I am one of the lucky ones who found my soulmate. I suppose one could say that I define “soulmate” differently to the majority of society; because mine was not a romantic love interest, nor human. Chanel Tanaina was a Maine Coon cat, and she was my unconditional soulmate.

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

In the morning, Chanel got up when I did. Before I could even use the bathroom, she led me to the basin, jumped up, looked at me with those emerald eyes, and waited for me to turn the tap on- where she would then proceed to start off by drinking from the tap water, and then sticking half her body into the sink for a cat-shower. I would then dry her off and we’d go about our day. At night, she’d eat dinner in my bedroom, and then proceed to lie on my pillow. When it was that time of the night when I needed my pillow, I’d simply put all my small pillows on the floor, and Chanel would wine at me, and then move over to the pillow next to mine. When I had a friend over, Chanel would sleep next to me, often sharing my pillow, but always on my side of the bed. (I guess she didn’t like sharing with other people.) As I grew into a fully-fledged teenager, the bed became a bit cramped for the three of us, when I had a friend over, so Chanel swiftly made one of my shelves her parttime dwelling. She selected wisely however, choosing the shelf which consisted of scarves and fleecy garments. Chanel’s feelings were more significant to me than that of my best friend. I remember an occasion where as my best friend and I were on the verge of falling

asleep, I asked her to say goodnight to Chanel, who was staring at the both of us from the cupboard. When she refused, I said that she couldn’t sleep until she said goodnight to Chanel. I even made her leave the room. She eventually (and sheepishly) came back and said goodnight to Chanel, and we all slept well that night. Even though this occasion was lighthearted and seemed to occur in a jokingly way, deep down, I really was serious. Because to me, being rude to Chanel was being rude to me. My friends all understood that Chanel and I were a package deal. We were two characters who depended on each other, but we still maintained our separate identities. So much so, that I got Chanel a Facebook account. This may seem entirely ridiculous now, but to anyone who met Chanel, understood how communicative she was. I could always understand her. Her gorgeous green eyes were so descriptive, and that loud voice validated any answers I needed from her. But don’t get me wrong, Chanel wasn’t some psychedelic-freak-cat who could talk to humans; it was simply a bond she had with one human, which was so close that nothing could shake it. But life with Chanel wasn’t always cat-nip and rainbows. In all honesty, Chanel was pretty possessive. In fact, especially in later years, she really didn’t put up with anyone else other than me. As my family’s love of felines grew, so our number of felines grew, and Chanel despised them all. Unfortunately, when out of my room, she could occasionally be described as a terrorist. (Note: I never described her as this, only her victims did.) She was known to swipe a passing leg or two (but never mine) when my

door was closed or she was standing by the door, but in her final year, when she permanently stayed in my bedroom, she softened to my family; and this brings me to what my biggest regret in life so far is.

The decline in cats happens much faster in cats than in humans, and when the vet told us she had but a few months, my heart shattered. But it was odd, that this cat who really, just had snuffles, looked so good, weighed 5 kilos and had a killer appetite, only had a few months? Turns out she would have many months ahead of her.

thing I did was hug and pat Chanel who had been waiting for me on my pillow. That was the first night I felt a hard, bulge against her upper thigh. Chanel had developed Lymphoma cancer. But to be frank, other than that, she was healthy! Her heart, kidneys, liver- perfect condition. The lump was removed, and Chanel, who now lived in my room permanently, was lively, playful and healthy. The only time she left my room was for water, because she wouldn’t drink water from a bowl for any reason whatsoever. Water to drink, came from the tap. Chanel’s hair had already grown back by the time I felt the lump again. But the vet, who by this time was saying, “it’s a miracle that this cat is even alive, let alone how strong she is,” informed us that at that stage, the cancer posed no threat to her vital organs. See, the cancer was gradually spreading, but it was spreading outwards, meaning that while smaller lumps were developing next to the main lump, the lymphoma was not approaching her organs. And even though the lymphoma had come back, her heart, kidneys, liver- perfect! Her appetite- Too perfect. Her weightincreased. Her pain levels- non-existent. Besides the odd lumps on her side, Chanel was pretty healthy. And she lived like that for a few months. But life is cruel and things tend to develop. Chanel Tanaina’s immune system weakened, and she developed cancer in her eye. By September 2013, she had lost her appetite. But I couldn’t make “the” decision, so I decided to wait. Because STILL! Her heart, kidneys, liver- perfect! And at that time, the vet said that he didn’t think she was in pain. But unfortunately, Chanel’s condition worsened.

My Chanel was strong, and she defied what the doc said, so much so, that every time he saw her, he used the word “miracle” to describe her. On the 14th of March, 2013, things began to change. I came home late from a music festival, and the first

Chanel Tanaina died in my arms on the morning of the 5th of October 2013. In the early hours of the morning, something woke me up. Chanel could not move and was struggling to breath. I knew that today was the day. She took her

As I said, I was lucky enough to have Chanel come into my life when I was 8 years old. And at the time, my family and I were firsttime cat owners. For most of her life, Chanel was allowed to roam freely outdoors. Chanel was feisty and adventurous and loved her freedom, and we began to realise the dangers of cats being allowed to go out when Chanel started not coming home for a night or two, and then also coming home with battle wounds. No new cat in our home was ever allowed out after Chanel’s injuries, but due to our naivety, Chanel and those who loved her suffered a dire consequence. In 2011, Chanel was diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Viruswhich is the equivalent of the AIDS virus which plagues humanity. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is contracted when an infected cat bites another. It is not spread through any other way, other than two cats getting into a fight. It is not contagious to humans, but it does to cats what HIV/ AIDS does to humans, and that is gradually kill the immune system.

final breath as we drove into the vet’s facilities. That day, I lost my soulmate. I loved (and still love) Chanel Tanaina more than I love anything else in this world. She was my calm, my peace and my happiness. I am forever grateful for the time we had together. It has now been over 8 months since my darling Chanel crossed over the rainbow bridge. The pain of losing her has gradually numbed, but my love for her is as strong as ever. On the 20th of June 2014, I finally did what I have been planning to do since 2011. I, a person who equates needles with being eaten by a shark, got the name “Tanaina” tattooed on my arm. This tattoo isn’t purely a tribute to Chanel, but a Tribute to myself. When Chanel left me, my whole life seemed to crash. In the following month, I lost a close cousin as well as a friend. And for the first time, I did not have Chanel there to comfort me in times of sadness. I was also coping with writing my matric final exams as well as a few other personal issues, which all in all, made the end of 2013 the absolute worst time of my life. Today, I am the happiest I have ever been. I am living my life, and Chanel is constantly on my mind. Although she was technically a cat, she is one of my inspirations. She fought through her sickness and became a “miracle cat.” For me, she held on until it was impossible. I know that Chanel loved me, and I will never stop loving her. When I look down at my beautiful tattoo, it brings me happiness. It reminds me not only of how far I’ve come since that terrible time, and how my strength resembles that of Chanel’s, but also of how lucky I was to have such a beautiful soul in my life. Rest In Peace, my Chanel Tanaina. May your magnificent soul dream sweet. Savanna Smullen

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Kittycat KittycatIssue Issue44 July|August July|August2014 2014 Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Photo by Theresa Fouche Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Polydactylism (Extra Toes) Arnold Plotnick MS, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP Manhattan Cat Specialists http://manhattancats.com/

As a veterinarian who specializes in cats, I frequently come across cats and kittens in need of a good home. Fortunately, my hospital is located in a fairly residential part of Manhattan, and our clients, friends, and neighbors have adopted over 100 of our kitties in the past three years. For years, I resisted (with difficulty) taking one home myself, for fear of upsetting Crispy, my high-maintenance diva cat. Recently, though, I succumbed to the charms of “Mittens”, a 14 week-old calico. What mesmerized me about Mittens wasn’t simply her cute face, her winning personality, and her adorable meow. I confess, I was bowled over by her freaky feet!

explain why these areas have a higher than normal incidence of polydactyly. In Norway, polydactyl cats are known as “ship’s cats” because the extra toes supposedly give them better balance on ships in stormy weather. In fact, polydactyl cats were considered to be lucky by sailors. Sailors also considered them to be much better mousers. Their presence on ships as mousers and lucky mascots suggests that they would have indeed reached America with early British settlers, explaining the increased incidence in the northeastern United States. It has been said that there are less polydactyl cats in Europe because many of these cats were destroyed due to witchcraft superstitions.

Mittens, you see, is a polydactyl cat. Polydactyly (from the Greek: poly = many, daktulos = fingers) is a common trait among cats. It is a naturally occurring genetic variation that occurs in many animals as well as in humans. Although the trait had been observed earlier, the first official scientific recording of polydactyly was in 1868.

Polydactyl cats are occasionally referred to as “mitten cats” (explaining my cat’s corny name), “thumb cats”, and “Hemingway cats”, the latter name referring to the writer Ernest Hemingway, who made his home on the small island of Key West, Florida. Hemingway shared the island with almost 50 cats, including a six-toed polydactyl named Snowball (or possibly Princess) given to him by a ship captain and drinking buddy named Stanley Dexter. For the next 100 years, unrestrained breeding between this cat’s descendents and the local cats (alas, they weren’t as keen on spaying and neutering as we are today) led to a high percentage (almost 50%!) of polydactyls in the local population. Hemingway isn’t the only famous person who’s linked to polydactyl cats. President Theodore Roosevelt had a polydactyl cat named Slippers who was one of

The lore behind polydactyl cats is intriguing. It is believed that English Puritans may have taken polydactyl cats on their ships to Boston during the mid-1600s, although it is also possible that the mutation developed in cats already residing in the Boston area. The offspring of these cats are believed to have then traveled on trading ships from Boston to Yarmouth, Massachusetts and Halifax, Nova Scotia, which might

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the first feline residents of the White House. Historically, the original unregistered Maine Coon cats had a high incidence of polydactylism – around 40%! It has been written that the extra toes evolved as a “snowshoe foot” to help Maine Coons walk in the snow, and local folk tales claimed that these cats used their big mitts to catch live fish right out of the streams, taking them home to feed their owners! These stories are charming, however, there is no evidence that polydactylism confers any natural selective advantage to affected cats. Breed standards required a normal foot configuration, and did not allow polydactyly in Maine Coons, and so the trait was deliberately bred out of this breed. In the Netherlands and Belgium, there is currently a move to restore the polydactyl form of the breed. Although polydactylism is alluring, breeding cats deliberately for polydactylism is controversial. Some cat enthusiasts fear that unscrupulous breeders would try to produce cats with excessive and disabling numbers of toes on each paw. Fortunately, polydactyl genetics doesn’t work this way; you can only fit so many toes on a cat’s foot. Even so, a good compromise would be to write breed standards to define the maximum number of toes allowed, to discourage such attempts. Normally, a cat has 18 digits. The front paw has five toes - four toes and one dewclaw (the small toe on the medial side of the foot that doesn’t touch the ground). Most polydactyl cats have one or two ex-

tra toes on each foot, with the extra toes appearing on the thumb side of the foot. The normal rear paw has four toes. The gene for polydactylism can give rise to either extra toes or extra dewclaws. Each toe has its own “terminal pad” (the fingertip pad) and often an extension of the palmar pad (the larger pad on the front foot) or plantar pad (the larger pad on the rear foot). It is possible for cats to even have different numbers of toes on each of its front feet! Most cases of polydactylism affect the front feet only. The hind feet are less often affected. When they are, it is usually in addition to having polydactyl front feet. It is quite rare to find a cat with polydactyl rear paws and normal front paws. When polydactylism does occur on the hind paws, it tends to cause extra toes rather than a dewclaw. My mutant Mittens, however, has a dewclaw on each of her rear feet. There is a lot of variation regarding the number of extra toes and how well-formed they are. The most common form of polydactylism results in cats with well-formed extra toes. Others have an enlargement of the inside digit to a degree that it looks like a “thumb”. This is conventional “thumb cat” polydactyly. And then there’s my freaky little Mittens, who has the other form (some would say the “bad” form) of polydactyly. While most expressions of polydactylism are harmless, there is a gene which can cause a wide range of defects ranging from extra toes (no big deal) to missing or abnormal bones (a potentially disabling deformity). Examples of this would be the “twisty” mutation, a genetic defect that causes hypoplasia (underdevelopment) or agenesis (absence) or the radius, a major bone of the forearm. One striking result of this gene is the “triphalangeal pollex” – a thumb with an extra joint (a “three-boned” thumb), making it look more like an extra finger than the usual little dewclaw. Cats

with these three-boned thumbs, like my Mittens, carry the gene that could put their offspring at risk of producing kittens with underdevelopment or absence of forearm deformities. Of course, we don’t need to worry about Mittens. I spayed her myself at 6 months of age. Oh, to complicate matters further, Mittens has a tiny little toe between her normal index finger and her three-boned thumb. Genetically, polydactylism is a simple autosomal (not related to gender) dominant trait. Cats with extra toes have the dominant gene, Pd. A cat needs only one copy of this gene from either parent to have the trait. If one parent has it, 40 – 50% of the kittens will have it too. Although it has been said that if the parent has extra toes, the kittens inherit extra toes in the same configuration the extra-toed parent, this isn’t 100% true, because polydactylism genes show “incomplete dominance”. In other words, the genes inherited from the normal parent do figure into things, and the configuration of the kittens’ toes can vary. Because many polydactyl cats carry the gene for normal toes, the trait is never “fixed”. In other words, even breeding two polydactyls doesn’t guarantee all the kittens will be polydactyl. Inbreeding would increase the percentage of polydactyl offspring, but there will always be a few normal-toed kittens in the litter, because of that recessive gene.

bed is deformed, leading to claw problems like ingrown or overgrown claws. Like all kitty toenails, the extra ones require regular trimming. In case you were wondering, the most toes ever found on a cat is 32 – eight on each paw – was reported in October 1974. The current verified record holder is “Tiger”, a 27toed cat residing in Alberta, Canada. Tiger has seven toes on each front foot, seven on her left hind foot, but only six on her right hind. Mittens, with 22 toes, has a long way to go.

Polydactylism doesn’t affect cats adversely. It offers them no advantages, nor does it yield any disadvantages. (If it did, polydactyl cats would have likely died out fairly quickly.) It is simply an enchanting quirk. It is an anomaly – a deviation from the norm – rather than a deformity. While people often worry about cats catching the extra toes on furnishings, this is rarely a problem. The toenails associated with the extra toes tend to be normal nails, although occasionally, the extra toe is incompletely formed, and the nail Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Geriatric Health Screening Programmes in Cats Dr Joanne McLean BSC (Vet Biol) BVSc (Hons) Bryanston Veterinary Hospital PO Box 67092, Bryanston, 2021 Email: joanne@fuseprop.co.za

Pets today are living longer and better quality lives than ever before thanks to improved nutrition, veterinary care and educated owners. This increased longevity means that more cats are reaching an older age and thus owners will be faced with the special demands and problems that become apparent with age. Understanding the aging process and the most common problems that face the geriatric cat is the first step in providing the best possible care to geriatric patients. The main focus of geriatric health care is owner education and the early detection and prevention of disease. It is important to realize that aging itself is not a disease; it is simply a stage of life. Increasing age causes a gradual decline in the body’s ability to repair itself, maintain normal body functions and adapt to the stresses and changes in the environment. Common diseases seen in geriatric cats include: • • • • • • • • • •

Obesity Arthritis Diabetes mellitus Cancer Hyperthyroidism Hypertension (high blood pressure) Heart disease Dental disease Kidney disease Inflammatory bowel disease

Advantages of the geriatric health care programme By developing and following a geriatric health plan, disorders and disease 35

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can be detected early enough to provide medical or surgical intervention. Some disorders of the geriatric patient may be difficult to cure, however, it is usually possible to make significant improvements in the quality of the pet’s life by educating owners and by early intervention. The goal of any geriatric health program is to prevent or delay the development of disorders associated with aging. Practicing prevention is always better than treating a disease already present. In the long run, preventive medicine improves quality of life and is more cost effective than waiting for problems to appear. A well-educated and proactive owner is the first step in optimal senior cat care. Caring for an older cat is directed at preventing premature aging, minimizing physical and emotional stress, and meeting the special needs of the elderly. Cats older than 7 should have a complete veterinary examination at least once a year, or ideally twice a year. If the health of the cat is questionable, they should be seen by a veterinarian more often. If symptoms appear, they should be seen at once. The most common diagnostic tests performed by your veterinarian as part of a complete geriatric work-up include: A complete medical history Any problems or concerns that you have about your pet should be discussed; however, it is equally important that the veterinarian ask specific

questions that may uncover problems unknown to you. Certain problems that you may simply attribute to old age, and just something that they will have to live with, may be signs of underlying disease and are often easily treatable. A complete physical examination Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination that may uncover specific problems, including an eye exam. He or she will also check the ears for signs of infection or allergies; evaluate the mouth, gums and teeth for dental disease and gingivitis; palpate the lymph nodes and the thyroid gland for enlargement; observe the skin and quality of the hair coat, noting skin tumours or swellings; listen to the heart and lungs, noting the presence of new heart murmurs; palpate the abdomen for any masses or organ enlargements; and record the general body condition and weight. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A CBC evaluates the red and white blood cell numbers. A decrease in the red cells indicates anaemia, not an uncommon finding in the geriatric animal. Red blood cell morphology (shape) is also assessed, and helps determine if the condition is acute, chronic or related to a neoplastic (cancer) condition. Increases in the total white blood cell count may indicate inflammatory or infectious conditions. The specific types of white cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils) are also counted and are recorded in their relative proportions.

Increases or decreases in individual white cell types may provide insight into various disease conditions. Occasionally, the presence of abnormal or immature white blood cells suggest a potential cancerous process. Biochemical profile The biochemical profile is a very valuable test in the geriatric animal as it evaluates multiple organ systems. Liver and kidney function are evaluated, and the blood sugar is checked. Elevations in the blood sugar may indicate diabetes, although, high blood sugars are commonly seen in cats which are just stressed due to the veterinary visit alone or other illnesses. Electrolytes are also checked and abnormalities may indicate the need for further diagnostics. Plasma protein and albumin level are also reported, and decreases might indicate kidney, liver or gastrointestinal disease. Thyroid testing Increased production of thyroid hormone by an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroid) is a very common problem in older cats. The most common signs of hyperthyroidism are increased appetite and weight loss. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made when the level of thyroid hormone is found to be increased in the blood. Urinalysis A sterile urine sample is obtained by inserting a needle through the skin into the bladder (cystocentesis), by the veterinarian. The urine sample helps in diagnosing kidney problems, bladder infections or diabetes. If indicated either by clinical signs or by the microscopic evaluation of the urine, the urine can be cultured for bacteria. FIV and FELV testing Both of these viral diseases may cause suppression of the immune system and contribute to the development of many other systemic illnesses. In cats which are at risk of exposure to these viral diseases (i.e. outdoor cats or cats which have contact with other cats), routine blood testing is recommended. If the

viral status of a cat is unknown, testing is also advised. The above represents the most routine diagnostic tests that your veterinarian may advise for your senior pet. Based on the history and physical examination findings, common additional testing might include: Blood pressure measurement Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is being increasingly identified in the geriatric cat. Usually, hypertension is associated with other disease conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and hyperthyroidism. Ideally, the blood pressure should be measured before other diagnostic testing, since stress and excitement may falsely elevate the measurement. Aspiration of skin masses Small masses or lumps are commonly found on or under the skin. Often these are just benign tumours or cysts that grow slowly and rarely cause problems. However, cats do have a higher incidence of malignant skin tumours than do dogs. Because of this, it is usually recommended that all skin tumours be aspirated and the recovered cells evaluated microscopically for evidence of malignancy.

Abdominal ultrasound Abdominal ultrasound offers a non-invasive method of visualizing masses and organs within the abdomen. Generally, more detail and structure can be obtained with an ultrasound than with radiographs. Endoscopy Evaluating the stomach and initial part of the small intestines, through the use of endoscopy, is a valuable diagnostic tool. A common problem that some older cats have is a bowel disorder called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cats with IBD usually have vomiting or diarrhoea as symptoms, but sometimes present with weight loss as the only complaint. Endoscopy offers a relatively non-invasive method of obtaining gastrointestinal biopsies for establishing a diagnosis. Pre- anaesthetic screening

An older animal is generally at greater risk for having adverse reactions to anaesthetics. An evaluation of liver and kidney function, blood components and electrolytes are recommended for older cats who are going to be anesthetized. Knowing a problem exists beforehand is much better Radiographs than finding out about the problem when your cat is in the middle of a Radiographs (X-rays) may be advised surgical procedure. If abnormalities based on the initial tests or physical are found on the pre-anaesthetic exam findings. Chest radiographs are screen, the procedure requiring part of a heart work-up. They are also anaesthesia may be postponed; the needed for evaluating the lungs and as types and amounts of anaestheta screening test for cancer. Abdominal ics used may be altered; or the radiographs might be necessary if organ method of performing the procedysfunction is suspected or organ endure may be changed. largement or masses are palpated. Cardiac evaluation If there is indication of potential heart disease (i.e. a newly discovered or a worsening murmur), a more complete cardiac evaluation is indicated. Chest radiographs, an ECG and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) will help better define the extent and cause of potential cardiac disease and whether treatment is necessary.

Recommended Treatments All cats should receive routine vaccinations, as required by law (rabies), and vaccines that are appropriate for individual needs. Specific vaccines and frequency of administration may vary depending on veterinarian and/or clinic preference or policies. Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Treating an older cat depends on the individual requirements or problems of the pet.

and vomiting. Chronic renal disease is managed primarily through dietary modification. Other treatments may include antacids, phosphate binders, The most common problems of geri- potassium supplements, subcutaneous atric cats include: fluids and blood pressure medications. Nutritional concerns

Hyperthyroidism

The proper diet is very important in the care of a geriatric cat. There is no best food to feed a geriatric cat. The best food depends on the specific problems or nutritional requirements of the individual animal. For example, obesity is a very common problem of older animals. Obesity is a serious concern in the geriatric animal because it directly correlates to a decreased longevity and may contribute to other problems. Cats which are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes, hepatic lipidosis (‘fatty liver disease’), heart problems, arthritis, non-allergic skin conditions or feline lower urinary tract disease. Following the geriatric work-up, special nutritional requirements or restrictions may also be recommended. These diets attempt either to slow the development of the disease process or improve specific organ function. Special diets for many diseases (even in the early stages), including kidney, liver, gastrointestinal, heart, dental and skin disease; are available. Even diets for diabetes and cancer may be recommended

Hyperthyroidism is a very common disease of older cats. There are three treatment options. Generally, the safest and most effective treatment is radioactive iodine therapy, however this is not available to cat owners in this country. The most common form of treatment in this country is the use of oral medications that reduce the blood thyroid level. Finally, the affected thyroid gland can also be surgically removed.

Dental disease A very common finding on a geriatric exam is dental disease and gingivitis. Left untreated, dental disease usually leads to tooth loss and may serve as a reservoir of infection for the rest of the body. The best way to treat dental disease is to anaesthetise the cat to clean and polish the teeth, which helps to remove any calcified plaque, and to extract any teeth that show signs of severe disease. Kidney disease Renal disease is a very common finding in the older cat. Asymptomatic cats usually have chronic disease. Common clinical signs of underlying renal disease include increased water intake and urination, as well as weight loss 37

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Diabetes The first sign owners usually see when their cat develops diabetes is excessive thirst or urination and weight loss. Diabetes is generally managed by administering insulin injections at home. Dietary changes are also recommended. Occasionally, oral medications and diet alone can improve the blood glucose level, without the need for injections. Hypertension (High blood pressure) The first aspect of treating hypertension in the cat is to identify and treat any possible underlying disease conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Occasionally, cats with hypertension will present only with signs of eye disease. Sudden blindness is sometimes seen due to retinal detachment or haemorrhage. Hypertension may also cause secondary cardiac changes and associated heart disease. A common drug used to treat hypertensive cats is amlodipine (Norvasc®). Cardiac disease Newly discovered heart murmurs are a common physical exam finding in the geriatric cat. Often, these murmurs are found before a cat

shows any signs of cardiac disease. Finding a heart murmur in an older cat does not mean that the cat has cardiac disease, however, it is a reason to pursue further diagnostics. A common cardiac disease in the senior cat is a disorder called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened and stiff. This condition is often associated with hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. Early detection of heart disease, treating underlying disorders, and proper therapy may slow its progression. Skin tumours On the basis of the size, location and aspiration results, removal of certain skin masses may be recommended. If the mass is not removed and submitted for histopathology, the owner should be instructed to monitor the mass for changes in size, shape or texture. Cancer Unfortunately, cancer is a significant problem facing the geriatric cat. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphoid system) is the most common type of cancer in the cat. Not all cancers are necessarily fatal. Surgery, chemotherapy or even radiation therapy is available and can significantly extend a pet’s remaining time with good quality of life, or produce a cure. The prognosis depends on the type and location of the cancer. Geriatric health screening programmes are essential tools used by veterinarians in the monitoring of cats in their later years of life. Early detection of disease allows for earlier interventions to be implemented and thus improved treatment success and improved quality of life. Good communication between the owner, cat and veterinarian plays a vital role in making these geriatric health screening programmes a success.

Making your Home Cat Friendly Your cat’s happiness is greatly influenced by how you behave and what kind of lifestyle you offer – as the cat is a territorial species, the environment is everything! First of all, therefore, you need to get the cat-related equipment and facilities right, particularly if you keep your cat exclusively indoors or give it restricted access outside. Even if you haven’t made the decision to have a house bound cat, you may have to confine yours indoors due to ill health or have one that chooses to only go out occasionally because it is nervous or getting old. Having said all that, there is no reason why the following suggestions for a cat friendly home shouldn’t apply to all pet cats, even those with free access to outdoors! Your cat’s ability to choose, based on personal likes and dislikes, is compromised when you are in sole charge of making the decisions, such as where your cat feeds or where it goes to the toilet. If you base those decisions on purely human considerations (or what you perceive to be important to your cat) then you could be making the cat’s life a little less than perfect. Try to satisfy specific needs As cats have such specific needs it isn’t enough just to provide some food, shelter and love. While these elements are as important as ever to your cat, it is the quality and quantity of each that is the key. There are practical challenges about the provisions you make for your cat in the home: What sort of cat bed should you provide? Where should you locate the scratching posts? What sort of litter facilities would your cat want? A cat friendly home takes into consideration the needs of the cat as a very different species to man. It provides an environment that is safe and stimulating. Most homes are not necessarily the ideal habitat for a domestic cat, so provisions have to be made to cater 39

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for their specific needs. You may have heard the phrase ‘environmental enrichment’ with regard to keeping a cat happy indoors. (Click here to see an environmental enrichment article) This basically means making provisions within a cat’s confined environment that stimulate and challenge and enable it to perform natural behaviour. Living indoors almost automatically deprives a cat of the ability to behave naturally and experience the challenge and frustration that occurs in an outdoor lifestyle. Indoor cats will adapt to their environment but can fall victim to a number of physical or emotional problems associated with boredom and lack of activity. In the absence of the challenge of hunting, exploring and social contact, cats will fill the void of activity with those that are readily available such as sleeping, grooming and eating. It is no coincidence that indoor cats develop physical problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, for example urinary tract disease, overgrooming problems and eating disorders. A cat friendly home A cat-friendly home is about compromises that you can make so that the environment suits you both. However, if you are a lover of contemporary minimalistic interiors you are probably going to have to adjust more than most to provide everything your cat needs. Open-plan living spaces with clean lines and an overall lack of clutter may be the basis of the modern style, but this couldn’t be further removed from your cat’s natural habitat. Although the domestic cat is highly adaptable to most landscapes, it still requires a degree of camouflage to enable it to roam relatively inconspicuously.

This camouflage can be found almost anywhere apart from the contemporary living space; it is very hard to disguise a cat in an empty room! The slightly more cluttered home is a haven of possibilities for a cat, offering high places to sit and plenty of places to disappear from view. Keeping safe While it is essential to stimulate and challenge cats within the home there is also a duty of care to keep them safe. There are many household appliances, features and products that could be potentially dangerous. It is important therefore to ‘risk assess’ the home on a regular basis to keep these dangers to a minimum. There is a happy medium however between overwhelming anxiety about all possible risks and a casual laxity. An owner’s constant concern for the wellbeing and safety of his or her cat can cause it to develop a sense of helplessness and inability to function normally without the owner present. Equally, an irresponsible attitude to safety by the owner could lead to a tragic accident. (Click here for information on household hazards) The cat flap While discussing safety it is worth mentioning the greatest challenge to the cat’s perception of security in the home. If cats have any access outdoors it may be facilitated via a cat flap. Cats often see the flap as a vulnerable point in the defences of their home where any invader could potentially gain access. This can lead to a state of constant vigilance and uneasiness and a definite compromise

to the individual’s sense of safety in the home. (Click here for information on how to choose and using a cat flap) If your cat has restricted access outside, or chooses to venture out only in your presence, it may be preferable to dispense with the cat flap altogether. Otherwise it would be sensible to locate all your cat’s important things well away from this potential danger zone. In order to provide a cat friendly home you need to understand the objects or provisions within it that your cat considers important. These ‘resources’ should be available in sufficient number and type to appeal to even the most discerning individual. ‘Resources’ within the home represent all those things that provide nourishment, entertainment, stimulation and security for your cat. Food Some of the essential provisions are often taken for granted but even food can be offered in a catfriendly way. You have numerous food bowls to choose from - ceramic or glass food bowls are probably the most sensible choice as plastic receptacles scratch easily and can give off a slight odour that your cat may not like. Stainless steel is hygienic and easy to clean but, if your cat wears a collar, the constant clink of any disc or bell against the metal can be very off putting. The bowl size or shape is dependent on your own personal taste, although many cats can be messy if eating from a flat plate and prefer to push food around a bowl that contains the food better. The only exception to the plate rule is the Persian or any breed with a flat face that may prefer theirs as shallow as possible. Cats would naturally spend up to six hours a day foraging, stalking, catching and consuming prey. They would eat ten or more mice a day, probably involving about thirty attempts at capture. Therefore the predictable availability of food only twice a day in a food bowl in the kitchen does not represent any kind of challenge whatsoever and

leaves the average pet cat with a void of several hours that it would need to fill with other activities. Click here for information on how to make food foraging fun for your cat. Water The majority of owners always provide water in the same location as the food bowl. Cats naturally hunt for food and search for water on separate occasions to satisfy either hunger or thirst. The presence of water near the food can actually deter some cats from drinking sufficient fluid, particularly if they are on a dry diet. Finding water elsewhere can be extremely rewarding and there should be at least ‘one water container per cat in the household plus one extra’ in various locations away from food. Some cats object to the chemical smell from tap water so filtered or boiled water can be used. Pet drinking fountains and even glass tumblers are popular drinking vessels for cats but regular bowls can also be attractive if they are presented appropriately and are large enough that your cat can drink without touching its whiskers against the sides. Cats like the bowl to be full to the brim so that they can lap without putting their heads down. High resting places Cats are natural climbers and it is important for your cat to be able to rest and observe its surroundings from high places. It’s hard to beat a staircase in a home as this gives access to a ‘high place’ and perceived safety. If your property is single storey then your cat’s instinctive need to jump up high when in danger has to be fulfilled with shelving, cupboards or other possible platforms. Any high resting places provided should be located in such a position that the cat is able to get down; it is always easier to climb up! Here are some suggestions for suitable locations: • Tall scratching posts are available as modular units and they are often floor-to-ceiling structures. Many

provide platforms and enclosures for resting and represent challenging climbing frames. (How to choose and use a scratch post) • Free standing cupboards and wardrobes have large areas where a cat can rest or hide in a high place. It may be necessary to place furniture nearby to give the cat a halfway platform for ease of access. • Shelves can be constructed specifically for the cat’s use. It is important to provide a non-slip surface as many wooden shelves are extremely slippery. Bookshelves and other shelving can also provide sanctuary if a small area is cleared for your cat’s use. Keeping expensive breakable ornaments on shelves or mantelpieces is not advisable! Private places Taking time out from social demands is an essential part of everyday life for a cat so secret hideaways are an important facility. These can be created by making space available under the bed, inside cupboards or wardrobes or behind the sofa, for example. Your cat should never be disturbed while using a private area unless you have any reason to believe that it may not be well. If you make your cat’s private place a warm one too, like the bottom of the airing cupboard, you are providing five-star accommodation! Beds Cats spend the majority of their time asleep so it makes sense to focus on what provisions you are making for your cat’s rest and relaxation. Cats favour warm places to sleep and many prefer them to have a strong familiar scent of their owners to give a sense of safety and security. Not all cats need the reassurance of their owner’s smell when they are resting so they may have several sleeping locations that rotate according to the position of the Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

sun. An assortment of beds should therefore be provided in warm, sunny, quiet or communal areas. These don’t have to be special beds designed for the purpose as the average cat is perfectly content with its owner’s bed, chairs or sofas, so you may wish to place some warm bedding on your furniture in your cat’s favourite sleeping spot. Make sure any cat bedding provided is washable but don’t clean it too frequently, unless heavily soiled, as cats gravitate towards surfaces with a familiar scent. Radiator hammocks are great for those heat-seeking cats (Siamese and Burmese for example); they hook onto a radiator to enable the cat to gain the maximum benefit from the heat but do remember to keep the radiator on a fairly low setting! If you want to purchase a cat bed then positioning it appropriately may be the key to its appeal. Place it in a raised position (many cats feel a little vulnerable sleeping on the floor) near a source of heat or an area in sunlight. If your cat likes its own space then ensure beds are provided in quiet areas away from thoroughfares. Those with three high sides that surround the cat will keep draughts away and give a sense of camouflage to avoid attracting attention (even a cardboard box with some thick bedding would also do the trick). Your bed is potentially the ultimate delight for your cat - with the warmth of a duvet and a strong smell of you! This provides a tremendous sense of security and enables your cat to sleep deeply in the knowledge that it is safe. If your

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bedroom does become an important resource however it can also be a place of conflict if you have a multi-cat household as individuals compete for the best spot. Providing heated pads or raised cat beds in other bedrooms or even allocating space in your own room for such additions may go some way to finding a sensible compromise. Litter trays Litter trays are a necessary evil, absolutely essential if your cat is housebound or has limited access outdoors and highly recommended even if your cat is free to roam. (Click here for information on how to choose and use a litter tray and litter). The position of the litter tray is important. It should be located in a discreet corner, away from food and water, full-length windows and busy thoroughfares. Cats may see external doors and cat flaps as potentially dangerous places so locating them as far away as possible from these stressful areas would be ideal for your cat. One tray for every cat in your household, plus one extra ideally should be placed in different discreet locations away from food. This doesn’t mean that each cat will automatically choose their own tray but it will give a general sense that there is plenty of choice. These trays can be covered or open but it is important that the areas they are located represent a place of safety where the cats don’t feel vulnerable. A regular cleaning regime is essential, removing faeces and urine soiled litter at least once a day and cleaning the entire tray weekly. Some cats find polythene tray liners unpleasant, particularly if they spend a lot of time scraping in the tray, as this could result in them getting their claws caught in the liner. Litter deodorants can also introduce a strong alien smell into the tray, so you may find your cat prefers a well maintained tray without any added fragrance.

Scratching posts/areas Cats need to scratch to maintain their claws and mark their territory. If provisions are not made for this then cats will scratch items of furniture. Scratching posts should be as tall as possible to allow your cat to scratch vertically at full stretch. Panels can be attached to walls at the appropriate height if space is at a premium. Some cats prefer to scratch horizontal surfaces so a variety of scratching areas should be provided. (Click here for more information about how to choose and use a scratching post) Social contact Many cats enjoy the company of their own species, under the right circumstances, and some sources of advice actively encourage owners to acquire more than one cat when keeping them indoors. However problems can arise when the individuals reach social maturity (usually between the ages of eighteen months and four years) and find themselves competing for limited resources within a territory that is relatively small. These problems can potentially be minimised by providing plentiful resources in the home and keeping the appropriate number of cats for the size of property. A commonly quoted formula to calculate the appropriate number of resources is ‘one per cat in the

household plus one extra, placed in different locations’. There is no formula for the recommended number of cats per square metre floor space but common sense should prevail. Keeping seven cats in a two-bedroom flat for example is asking for trouble! Townhouses also represent a uniquely challenging environment for cats with the narrow staircases leading to each floor becoming areas where conflict can often occur. Social contact with humans is important but the level will vary according to the personality of the cat. It is best to allow your cat to dictate the level of interaction and to initiate most of the contact. Owners that are constantly approaching their cats for petting can cause irritation or, occasionally, distress. Predatory play, grooming and verbal communication represents important social contact between owner and cat and is often better received than ‘kissing and cuddling’. Some cats enjoy the company of dogs also so company can come in different forms! Predatory play Every cat is an individual but most prefer toys and games that are as close to the natural hunting experience as possible. Toys that move randomly are great; those that are motionless and left lying around soon become predictable and boring. Toys made from fur material or feathers that are of a similar size to prey animals are popular, as are those impregnated with catnip - a herb that cats can find particularly attractive. All should be stored away and brought out from time to time to maintain their novelty. Many cats enjoy retrieval games and this can represent an opportunity for social contact as well as play. (Click here for more information about playing with your cat)

Vegetation

Windows to the outside world

A source of grass is essential for the house cat to act as a natural way to clear hair from the gut that has been ingested during grooming; some cats may vomit after eating grass but this is perfectly normal. It can be purchased as commercially available “kitty grass” or pots of grass and herbs can be grown specifically for this purpose. (Click here to find a list of poisonous house plants)

Windows are a significant viewing point for the great outdoors but, contrary to most people’s understanding, cats usually prefer smaller windows in darker rooms if given the choice. Large expanses of glass appear to be confusing to cats; they see the garden or the street outside and all the potential dangers that they harbour, but fail to grasp that they are safe indoors. It all comes down to camouflage. Glass does not give the cat any opportunity for concealment while it checks out the territory and if it is full-length then the ultimate horror may occur and a cat may come face to face with nextdoor’s tomcat on the other side. If you think this could be a problem for your cat then you might want to consider attaching sheets of decorative static film (no adhesive needed) to the lower portion of full-length glass that opaque the view but still enable the room to remain light. To your cat this will look like a more solid defence. In conjunction with this you can ensure your cat has a high perch somewhere near the window from which it can view the outdoors from a position of comparative safety. If you don’t fancy putting any film over a full-length window then the strategic positioning of potted house plants near the glass may just be enough camouflage for your cat to feel a little safer.

Scent stimulation About two-thirds of cats respond to the smell of catnip (dried catmint Nepeta cataria) which can produce a temporary euphoric state in cats. If it is used sparingly it is a fun distraction. Catnip toys can easily be made at home and used to good advantage for ten minutes a day or every other day, for example. Bags of dry catnip can be purchased which tends to be more potent than catnip sprays or treats. Novel/challenging items It’s good for house cats to be exposed to new things every now and then, otherwise a constant, unchanging environment can become too predictable and some might then find new experiences or situations stressful. New items can be brought into the home on a regular basis to challenge your cat’s sense of smell and desire to explore novel things. Wood, stone, plants, cardboard boxes or paper bags, for example, can be placed in various locations and left for your cat to decide whether or not they are worth exploring. Even for those cats that don’t go outside, it’s still important that they are regularly vaccinated and treated for parasites, as items could potentially have been in contact with other cats. Stimulating your cat’s senses is extremely important and this also includes novel sounds but beware playing loud music; a cat’s hearing is extremely sensitive and this could be distressing.

Fresh air Don’t underestimate the value of fresh air, particularly if there is a smoker in the house. Grills over your windows, either home-made or purchased specifically for the purpose, will allow fresh air to enter your house. This alone will carry challenging and interesting smells from outside and be a focus of attention for a bored house cat. Synthetic pheromones Feline facial pheromones are important signals of familiarity and security secreted naturally from glands in a cat’s face. A synthetic version Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

of a part of these pheromones common to all domestic cats is available. Feliway®, manufactured by Ceva Animal Health Ltd, can be purchased in spray and ‘plugin’ diffuser form. This can have a useful calming effect on your cat if you move house, decorate, add furniture, visit the vet or even if you consider introducing a new cat. The presence of a Diffuser may even relax your cat sufficiently to promote play, particularly if there are other cats in the household. It is important not to rely too heavily on the presence of Feliway® if your cat becomes anxious. There may be an underlying cause for this emotion that should be investigated by your veterinarian. ‘Cat TV’ Some television programmes can be interesting to your cat but don’t presume that it will find everything you watch equally enthralling. A recent study found that cats’ attention to television was at its greatest when small prey animals or other cats in friendly situations were shown. While cats certainly watch the screen and often appear very interested in the squeaks and tweets of wildlife documentaries, it may cause frustration if they are unable to catch the prey that they have spotted. Dedicated cat DVDs have been produced that put together a sequence of all the sights and sounds that attract cats, to appeal to the housebound, but more evidence is needed to confirm that they are genuinely enriching and they shouldn’t be relied upon as a sole source of entertainment. The ways that an environment can be enriched for a cat are many and varied based on the principles described about; you are limited only by your imagination! An understanding of the provisions necessary for a cat friendly home will ensure that your cat remain as happy and healthy as possible.

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International Cat Care http://www.icatcare.org/

Household Hazards for cats and kittens When you have a new kitten you can understand the why the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat’ came into being. They cannot resist jumping climbing or crawling into or onto anything which looks interesting or different – and when you are a teenage kitten, that is just about anything. For the mature sensible cat which has lived through this process and learned a few lessons, there is probably less to worry about; however, even the most street wise of cats can get itself into trouble sometimes. For people who have had small children it is time to go back and think like you did then remembering that a small cat can get itself into some very small spaces too. Get down on your hands and knees and see the world from the perspective of the kitten, but remember that he will be a great climber, so look up too. Here are some things to think about: - Open washing machines or tumble dryers are very tempting, especially if they have dry or warm clothes inside which make a nice bed. - Hot hobs – especially those which are smooth and just look like an extension of the worktop. Keep kittens off worktops for safety as well has hygiene reasons. - Paper shredders which attract the inquisitive kitten paw or nose with horrible consequences. - Small holes or chimneys which are dark and attractive to nosy kittens or fearful cats. - Large ground level fridges where the kitten can climb in easily when you are putting the milk away and don’t notice. - Plants and cut flowers – kittens can nibble these out of curiosity and indoor cats may chew because they do not have access to grass etc outdoors.

- Cleaners, bleaches, disinfectants etc often kept under the sink but which may spill and coat a cat’s paw and will then be groomed off. See our information on cats and poisons. - Needles and thread left lying around which attract play and are easily swallowed or wrap around the tongue. - A rickety ironing board and iron left to warm up may tip over if climbed by a curious kitten. Likewise a cooling iron may still be pretty hot. - Wires may prove exciting because they move when the kitten prods them with a paw and then tries to chew them. Some cats seem to be attracted to chewing wires which is rather a dangerous pastime and they may need to be covered or put in covers temporarily or permanently. - Christmas trees! All those dangling baubles will prove irresistible and the challenge of climbing the tree too much for the adventurous kitten. It may be worth putting the tree in a different room for the year the kitten is small or having a smaller one up high and remaining vigilant. This is where a kitten pen comes into its own when you have to leave the kitten alone with the tree. - Pieces of tinsel, holly and mistletoe berries (which are poisonous) etc which fall off as the plants dry inside and could be eaten. High rise cats For cats kept in high rise flats, there is always a great danger of falling from windows or balconies. There are companies which produce screens for windows which all them to be opened and the air to flow but

keep cats from climbing out. Likewise, balconies can be cat proofed so that cats can’t fall off. Sometimes people mistakenly think that cats fall on their feet wherever they fall from – this is not true. Although one of the cat’s unique characteristics is its ability to land on its feet after a fall – known as its ‘righting reflex’, cats may not land safely after every fall and from any height (many are injured). As a cat falls it enters into an automatic sequence of events that allow it to flip over – in less than one tenth of a second information from its eyes and balance in its ear set into action a sequence of automatic movements that first turn the cat so that its head is horizontal and upright, then bring its body round as well. Nerves in the spine cause the back end of the body to follow. The tail acts as a counterbalance to prevent over-rotation and by arching its back to absorb some of the shock of hitting the ground, the cat can often land successfully and without injury. However, cats are not infallible. City vets are used to treating cats with ‘high-rise syndrome’ – cats that have fallen off balconies or out of windows several storeys up. Some have remarkable escapes from death even then, but there are many serious injuries too. A very common injury is a broken jaw, which results from the sheer speed of the fall and the cat hitting its jaw on the ground as it lands on its feet and its legs act as shock absorbers to some extent. Nature only designed cats for short falls from trees, not tower blocks. Owners who live in flats are still recommended to prevent cats from going on the balcony and to keep mesh over the windows. Apparently most falls happen when cats are distracted by birds or clouds passing by outside. International Cat Care http://www.icatcare.org/ Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

News The Cat Whisperer Ties the Knot Copyright: Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society http://bestfriends.org https://www.facebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety/info

Congratulations to The Cat Whisperer, Jackson Galaxy, who recently got married at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, USA. In an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends, Jackson Galaxy, Best Friends Ambassador and star of Animal Planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Cat From Hell, married Minoo Rahbar yesterday at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah - the Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Fittingly, their dog, Mooshka, served as ringbearer. In lieu of wedding favors, the couple sponsored a Best Friends animal for each guest. Congratulations to the happy couple, and thanks to both Jackson and Minoo for all that they do to help Save Them All!

Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, Utah 84741 http://bestfriends.org https://www.facebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety/info

45 Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

News Kittycat There are four sections that fall under the Kittycat “umbrella’. We’ve changed the icons to make it easier for you to recognise the different sections. Kittycat Online Cat Community used to have a ‘cartoon’ type cat which has now been replaced by Amber, my own very special little Balinese girl (and first Kittycat Magazine cover girl). The four sections of Kittycat are: Kittycat Community (place to share/network cats needing forever homes, lost and found, feline articles, news, cat show info, notice board, Kittycat of the month, registered kittens for sale etc.), Kittycat Magazine (you will have the option to purchase and download the PDF to read at your leisure on your digital device without having to be online. There is also a classifieds section to advertise your pet products/services and registered kittens for sale. The classifieds do not replace those on the Kittycat website, and will be an additional extra i.e. if you pay to advertise on Kittycat your ad will appear on Kittycat magazine website too at no extra cost), Kittycat Photography (feline photography in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. Photography done for cat lovers/cat owners as well as for breeders/catteries to advertise their kittens/catteries. No cost photography is offered to Shelters in the area that need help to find their cats/kittens forever homes. 10% of all photo shoots is donated to animal rescue, and Kittycat Pet Sitting (currently Boskruin, Bromhof, Randpark Ridge). Each section has a separate facebook page. Please visit and like our pages and share with your cat loving family and friends. You are also invited to join our group on Facebook where we talk about cats, share cat photos, stories, ask for advice, share tips etc. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1447932208770601/ Kittycat will be at the World of Dogs and Cats Exhibition (WODAC) this year, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand from 18 - 20 July. If you are in Johannesburg, we hope to see some of you there!

Kittycat Community www.kittycat.co.za www.facebook.com/KittycatSA Adoptions, Rescue/Shelters, Lost & Found etc. (International)

Kittycat Magazine www.kittycatmagazine.co.za www.facebook.com/Kittycatmagazine Kittycat Online Magazine (International)

Amber

Kittycat Photography www.kittycatphotography.co.za www.facebook.com/Kittycatphotography Feline Photography (Johannesburg)

Kittycat Pet Sitting www.kittycatpetsitting.co.za www.facebook.com/Kittycatpetsitting Pet Sitting (Johannesburg)

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Ice Angel By Linda Deane

s e i r Se

TARA’S Art https://www.facebook.com/tara.cat.dog/info

Ice Angel

by Linda Deane

Angel Cats series available at:

http://www.amazon. com/Linda-Deane/e/ B00ENHQ6GI

This story was inspired by a very special little cat. Angelica was unfortunately mauled by dogs and we tragically lost her when she was only seven months old. We believe she was an angel and this story is a fictitious account of how we imagine one of her nine lives may have been.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/ view/LDeane

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Chapter 1 Mysterious Encounter A dizzying streak of blue and purple light flashed across the blackness of the night sky, ripping a vast crack in the wall of time and space. It burst into a golden shower of sparks over the icy forest of bare, wintry trees. Then, the jagged, torn edges of the heavens sealed up. The gap momentarily torn into our world was closed and everything was quiet again. Snowflakes gently drifted down, down among the dark, silent trees. It was a bitterly cold night. The cloud of smoke cleared and Angelica emerged. She shivered as she uncurled her new, earthly form and stretched her limbs. Her back arched gracefully. She drew back her head in a huge yawn, slowly opened her eyes, blinked, and looked around at the thick, white carpet of snow that surrounded her. Carefully she picked her way through the snow heading for a cave on the hillside. As she walked, she left a neat trail of pretty, little footprints behind her. Leaving the forest, she climbed the hill, occasionally shaking the snowflakes from her thick fur coat and dainty little paws.

preceding summer had been short and they had not found much to gather or store for the winter. Hunts too had been unsuccessful and there was no meat for them to dry and keep for their winter stores. Aric groaned and opened his eyes. He lay shivering in the dark, listening to the scary night sounds. Somewhere in the depths of the cave, he heard a bat squeak. He listened carefully. What was the other sound that seemed to be coming from just outside the entrance of the cave? Could it be the mewing of a cat? He sat up and looked across to the fireplace, blinking. In the dim light of the smouldering embers, he thought he could see the outline of a cat’s head and shoulders shrouded in the smoke from the fire. He heard it again, a soft but persistent mewing. It almost sounded as if the cat was calling his name. Maybe it was - in cat language. Aric frowned, puzzled. Then he shook his head trying to shake away the sound of the cat calling his name but the sound was not in his ears, it was right inside his head. “Aricccccc, Aricccccc……..”, it called again and again. It was the sweetest, most beautiful voice he had ever heard.

Suddenly, she stopped and looked up at the black sky, sniffing the air cautiously. The smell of smoke drifted down to her. She could see the warm, orange glow of a fire at the entrance to the cave. The ancient cave people relied heavily on the miracle of fire for protection from wild animals. They lit fires at the entrances to their cave homes at night to keep out the beasts.

He had sometimes seen cats in the forest. They were beautiful, shy creatures with long thick fur but they were afraid of people and stayed well clear of humans. They never came near the places where people lived. Aric was fascinated by this bold cat who had dared to venture so close to the fire. Perhaps it was driven by hunger and the hope of finding a few scraps of food.

Silently and carefully, Angelica trod the path up to the cave. She stopped and sat down on the bare, cold ground just beyond the fire. Softly, but persistently, she mewed until Aric stirred in his sleep. He was hungry, terribly hungry!

It would not go away and kept calling his name! Why had no one else woken? Could they not hear it? Aric could ignore the cat no longer. He wrapped his tattered, old rabbit fur blanket tightly around his shoulders and carefully made his way to the cave entrance stepping carefully around the sleeping tribesmen on the floor. The cat did not move when he approached. It looked up at him from across the fireplace with huge yellow eyes and purred quietly. Aric was mesmerized by those eyes, which seemed to look deeply into his soul. He felt as if the cat was looking right into his heart.

Most nights he would toss and turn trying to ignore his growling tummy before finally falling into a fitful sleep out of sheer exhaustion. It had been a very long, cold winter and the tribe was starving. The

It could see his deepest and most secret thoughts and feelings. The quiet, soothing purr drew him nearer. He knew it was completely forbidden to go beyond the safety of the fire at night but he had never seen a cat that close before and was fascinated. Forgetting the cold and the hunger pains, the tall, blonde boy crept past the glowing embers towards the cat. Someone groaned in their sleep and stirred within the cave. In a flash, the cat was gone, scampering away into the dark night. Frightened and confused, Aric darted back into the cave nearly treading on Soren, the tribe leader, in his haste to get back to his sleeping mat. He lay there in the dark, his heart pounding for a while. He no longer felt cold and hungry. He thought only of those big yellow eyes and the soft, soothing purring which filled his head as he eventually fell into a deep sleep. Aric dreamt of the cat. He dreamed that she had wings, huge, magnificent white wings. She flew into the cave and he reached out for her. She let him hold onto her as she powerfully flapped those great big wings. They soared out into the open sky. Night turned to day as they flew over the trees. The landscape changed below them, becoming more mountainous. They flew over hills and deep valleys. Far below them, a trail of great lumbering beasts was making its way across the snowy land, up mountains and down valleys. Where were they going? They followed the trail of beasts to the top of a high mountain. Surrounded by a ring of snowy peaks was a sheltered valley where the grass grew tall and many animals grazed on the rich pickings of the valley.

Be sure to read Chapter 2 of Ice Angel in our next issue (September|October 2014)

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

You’ve got talent! International Artist

Fran Francstasyart Drawing has always been the best past time since childhood and my dad was the greatest influence in my art life. I can still recall the day when I was still a toddler, trying to draw a gorilla on my own. Seeing that I couldn’t get it right, my dad held me up and put me on his lap, with the gorilla picture on one side, he started to draw without saying a word. In a few strokes, I witnessed a gorilla came to live on the canvas. My dad is my super hero, my idol, but sadly that was the one and only time that I saw him drawing, he passed away years ago and since then, I never had the luxury to see those magical moments from him. Sometimes I couldn’t figure out whether it comes down from the genes or it’s from hard work, when I was in primary school, I saw things in not their shapes but in lines. All of my paintings were done based on these lines that I saw, but eventually, I seemed to have lost this gift and could rely my own imagination. I never see drawing or painting as a profession, until three years ago a magazine asked me to teach drawing in one of their columns. As days go by, more and more chances came knocking at the door. Sometimes I feel that my gift is wasted if I do not draw everyday in this short limited lifetime. I have a three-year-old black Chinese dog named BATX2, it’s named after Batman since it wears Batman’s mask as well. She was less than a month’s old when I found it abandoned with her 5 siblings in a dumpster on a rainy night. It was difficult to pick only one out of them six as I live in a small apartment. She was the smallest of them all and the two little dots on the top of her eyes, made her look the smartest of them all and that’s why I chose her, her siblings were all sent to shelter. Now she’s not the soaked and shaking little puppy anymore, she loves to eat and run around all the time, easily timid but very kind at heart and loves to be with everyone she meets.Perhaps I kind of spoiled it and seldom separate from her since I brought her home, she always look a bit anxious and on the edge when I’m not around, with this new job, I can keep her company while I work. The reason why my drawings are mainly pets: Pets have a shorter lifespan and people seek different ways to memorialize their pets before or after the loss, this ranges from pictures, urns or online headstones. 49

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

There was this one day a friend of mine was really heartbroken with the loss of her dog. Wanting to make her feel better, I offered to draw a portrait for her dog so she can keep it. The drawing was loved and appreciated and was set as Facebook avatars, cell phone wallpapers, of the whole family! It was not until then I realize this is actually a very meaningful act. Portraits can capture the best moments of these lovely animals, without having to worry the lighting, settings of the camera while shooting a photo. Besides, these paintings serve best as another nice of art to decorate and furnish your home. Usually I will ask clients to write a few lines of bio or tell me stories about their pets, so that the painting is drawn with the pets’ character and portraits their love,and only with love can I come up with a beautiful heartfelt drawing.

www.franctasyart.com https://www.facebook.com/Franctasy franctasyart@gmail.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

You’ve got talent! International Artist - Pastelist

Nancy Conant Nancy Conant is an award winning pastelist living in Dallas, TX in the USA with her husband Chris, two daughters Rebekah and Meghan and their 100 pound goldendoodle named Emmah. She is available for commissioning her services for portraiture. Her website, Nancy Conant, Painted Portraits of Pets and Their People can be found at

www.nancyconant.com.

She and her husband recently released their book, Resurrection Monday. Their story gives a gripping, yet inspirational account of her battle with multiple sclerosis, depression and eventual suicide on Easter Sunday, 2009. But God had different plans and brought her back to life the following morning. “If He has a plan for your life not even death can stand in the way!” Go to her website at http://nancyconant.com/books/resurrection-monday/ for your copy.

“FLOWER GIRL”

pastel

11 x 14

This painting was inspired through cooperation with the Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends rescues thousands of animals every year and has a giant network across the country to help them find good homes. For many, the animals live out the rest of their days at the 30,000 acre sanctuary in Kanab, Utah; others are placed in loving homes. One fortunate young kitty is named Charlotte. Charlotte was abandoned by her owners and ended up at Best Friends. What was interesting about this painting, is when I was working on it, MS was taking over my body and my walking abilities were greatly hindered. I later learned this sweet little cat also had trouble walking, and required the aid of special wheels to get around. I could so I identify with her struggle. Original photograph by Gary Alan Kalpakoff. “SNICKERS”

pastel

8 x 10

Snickers was one cool little cat. I found her at a park one day, stranded and sickly and VERY pregnant! She couldn’t have been more than six months old herself. We took her home and that night she delivered five beautiful kittens. I got to play mid-wife and it was the most amazing experience! Because Snickers was named after the candy bar, it only seemed appropriate to name her babies in kind. So for six weeks we enjoyed all the amazing antics of Kit Kat, Abba Zaba, Baby Ruth, Bit O’ Honey and Hershey’s Kiss. Each looked like their namesake. After a long and very strict adoption procedure, we placed all the kitties with wonderful families. One woman took the tabby twins, Baby Ruth and Bit O’ Honey. They enjoyed 17 wonderful, love-filled lives together. Snickers passed over the rainbow bridge at 17 years of age as well. All because we found a little lost park cat. (This is the largest version I have of this painting. You may want to layout the page with a small inset pic and this could go in it.)

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

“XOEY”

pastel

16 x 20

There is a funny story to how this painting came to be. I decided to have some fun with my Facebook fans and I held a contest to win a free painted pet portrait. Hundreds of hopeful folks submitted their pictures for a chance to win the big prize. We selected the top 25 photographs and then posted the finalists online for all to vote for their favorite pet. Xoey, here, was one of the finalists and my personal favorite. I watched those numbers climb hoping for an opportunity to paint this gorgeous cat! But, she was not the favorite of the masses and a handsome dog won the grand prize. I later contacted the owner/photographer of Xoey and asked for permission to paint her cat. She graciously agreed and the rest is history. For a collector’s, hand-signed and numbered limited edition giclée reproduction, go to Nancy’s website: http://nancyconant.com/purchase-art/giclee-reproductions/xoey/

“SELF PORTRAIT” pastel

8 x 10

One thing I learned whilst painting a self-portrait: I do not particularly like looking at myself for an extended period of time! This is probably the last self-portrait I will ever do.

“THE LION CUB”

pastel

16 x 20

I thought you might enjoy seeing one of my BIG CATS! I have many paintings of these marvelous creatures. I have photographers, Chad Cocking and Grant Atkinson, to thank for providing me with beautiful imagery all the way from Africa. This little fellow was playing on a termite mound but I put him on a log instead. For a collector’s, hand-signed and numbered limited edition giclée reproduction, go to Nancy’s website: http://nancyconant.com/purchase-art/giclee-reproductions/the-lion-cub/

Nancy Conant Painted Portraits of Pets and Their People www.nancyconant.com Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

You’ve got talent! International Artist - Cat Photographer

Ludmila Pankov (Tess)

When did you start photographing cats? I have been a cat photographer for 9 years. My first real photo shoot was in September 2005. How long have you been doing cat show photography? My first cat show was in August 2006, and it was in Estonia (yes, first show and abroad :)). I was not planning working at cat shows, I have`nt any IT support (now it is my MacBook Air, where my clients can choose photos right after their photo shoot), but show organizators asked me, and I tried. So this august it will be 8 years! Do you own your own cats, and if so, which breed/s? Yes, I have a house cat. He is 7 years old, he is red (orange) colour with green eyes, and he weighs 8 kilos! How do you get the cats to pose so beautifully for you? I don`t know :)) I feel a cat`s mood, and I know when and what they will do on my table :) and I love them all! What is your favourite lense for cat show photography? In studio - I still (7 years, from buying) use my beloved Canon 24-104 f4.0 USM IS L, outdoor photos and reportage - Canon 70-200 2.8 USM IS L II. I have only those two lenses, and it is enough, I think :) Which photograph are you the most proud of and why? Mmm … hard to say. I have many photos which I like, but I think that the photographer who is starting to be arrogant can`t learn any more. So, I always say to myself - Tessa, you are professional, but it`s doesnt mean, that you don`t need to learn! I try to see something that I can make better in each photo. Which breed is the easiest to photograph and which is the most difficult? Scottish Folds because of their ears. If the ears are not so good (according to the breed standard) and you need to take some good photos, and the cat hears noises during their photo shoot the ears move, and it is terrible! The 53

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

same problem, but with eyes is in Persians and Exotics. When they are scared or don`t want to be a photo model, thay close their eyes :( The easiest model are all breeds of kittens :) Playing, jumping etc. My beloved models :) Do you have any funny cat show photography stories to share with us? Hmm.. maybe, yes :) It is very funny, when I went to photograph at a cattery, there were 11 kittens (MCO). There were two litters - 5 and 6 kittens. I had 5 kittens on the table, doinng a litter photo, and 6 kittens sitting on my legs, and all 11 small lynxes sitting and looking at me as if to say “Hey, where is our toy!!! Play with us!!” What other photography do you enjoy? I am dreaming about a safari. I want to take photos of big cats. I have never been to Africa, but maybe, some day, I will see big cats in nature, and not in the Zoo! For now I only do cats photos. Do you have any photography tips for owners who would like to take better photos of their cats? 1. Always clean your cats eyes and ears because you don`t know when you will get a better shot. 2. Cat`s eyes always need to be on same level as your eyes. 3. If you have`nt got a professional camera and studio lights, use sunlight, but not direct sunlight. Can people contact you to take photos of their cats, or do you only do cat show photography? Of course, breeders and owners can contact me, I have been to many countries in Europe (cat shows, and just in catteries) for this reason. Do you have a website or FB page for people to follow your photography? Yes, my web-site is www.tessa.lv , and FB-page: www. facebook.com/Tessa.lv. Also I have Instagram account (new cats each day) - tessochka.

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv https://www.facebook.com/Tessa.lv

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got talent! International Artist - Cat Tree Designer and Creator

Vladimir Pankov How did you get started in making cat trees?

My daughter has a big house cat. When he was a little bit younger and smaller, she asked me to make him a cat tree. I can work with my hand, but before this moment never did something like this. I did some research on the internet about cat`s needs and made a big cat tree for my daughter`s cat. It was 5 or 6 years ago, and he still uses this tree. Do you own cats? Oh, it is sad story. Our cat Tessa (yes, my daughter`s`s name is Tessa too :)) was 16 years old and she died few days ago. She had a great life. She was just house cat, looked like a mix between a Siberien and Norrwegian forrest cat. We loved her very much! What materials do you use to build a cat tree? We use wood, sisal, laminated board and artificial fabrics. How long does it take you to complete one? It all depends on size. A small one approximately one week, a big one approximately two weeks. Do you design your own cat trees from scratch? All our cat trees are designed by me. Which cat tree are you most proud of making? Once we made a really big cat tree, and there was a very nicely designed tulip - same colour and type as on the wall in the cat owner`s house. So, this cat tree I was proud of. Which cat tree is the catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite? One that has many hammocks :)) you know, cats love sleeping and a nice sleeping place is important! Do you take orders from the public? Yes, we take orders, but we can`t send our cat trees

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

abroad, because shipping is not cheap. We can send them only to a few big abroad cities such as Moscow, Helsinki, Tallinn, Vilnius, Minsk. What is your website address? Our web site is www.cat-house.lv

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Ludmila Pankov | www.tessa.lv www.cat-house.lv

Book Review Dewey the Library Cat By Vicki Myron http://www.deweyreadmorebooks. com/ Reviewed by Patsy Smyth

If you have never heard of Dewey, where have you been? Seriously though, this book is one that I insist you read. If you are not moved by it then you are not a cat lover! Dewey Readmorebooks was an abandoned kitten found by a librarian almost frozen to death at the Spencer Public Library. He survived to become an extraordinary ambassador, comforter and mascot to the people of Spencer during the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to give too much away as you need to experience the book for yourselves. This is a true story based on the antics and character of this much loved cat. He became a phenomenon not only in his home town, but worldwide. People came from all over to visit the library that was his home; to meet him and be photographed with him. I guarantee you will laugh, be angry and cry a little; and perhaps be amazed that this cat actually lived. He was as real as any of the cats that will pester you when you read this book. Definitely 10 out of 10 full purrs.

KITTYCAT OF THE MONTH COMPETITION Email your photos and a sentence about your cat to: kittycatsa@gmail.com www.facebook.com/KittycatSA 57

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Kittycat of the Month May 2014 Winner : Cody

June 2014 Winner : Mowgli

To enter the Kittycat of the Month competition, please send a photo of your cat with his/her name and short sentence about him/her to: kittycatsa@gmail.com

Kittycat of the Month Sponsor

How I met my Cat Dobbi Hello Kittycat Magazine Jeanette Breedt a very special friend of mine suggested I send an email to you of my babies. Dobbi was born on 11th April 2012, to a wonderful breeder in Benoni - Elizabeth Randell Swart of Disal Sphynx. I had never owned a Sphynx before so we had to do a little research and fell in love with the breed. We got Dobbi from Disal on 9th August 2012. She is the apple of our eyes and has such a wonderful personality and has brought much joy to our family! Dobbi has a furry sister called Bella, who we adopted from the Animal Cruelty League in Port Shepstone on the Kwa-zulu Natal Sourth Coast at the end of 2011. I worked there as a volunteer and they were going to have her put down as no-one wanted to adopt her so I took her home and we haven’t looked back since. They have a love hate relationship at the best of times. Dobbi is very loving and we have to fight over which side of the bed the “humans” get to sleep on each night, whilst Bella is very aloof and sleeps on the cat stand that my husband made. She is also a beautiful girl, very independent and only wants love and attention when it suits her. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful this cat is! She is my everything and you probably think I am a little crazy, but once you have been kissed by a Sphynx you are hooked for life. I don’t think she would allow us to bring another baby into the house, as she is it!! Dobbi will go to anybody or any lap, she loves to cuddle, loves food - especially Hills Green Pea and Venison tinned food, she will do anything for a spoon. She waits for Bella to finish her fill and then starts screaming at the top of her lungs to finish the bowl for her. We are trying to control her urges but if you look at that beautiful face, well she does get away with a lot. My husband was always a dog person, until we brought her home. She is the love of his life, she can do whatever she wants and never gets shouted at! I love her hands and her tail and of course her sky blue eyes. Both our girls are hooked on catnip, the laser pointer and their toys. We moved up to Amanzimtoti to run a resort and both our girls are total in-door cats. I feel guilty at times that they have never walked on grass before, but at least I know that they are safe. We keep them busy whilst we

are at work and when our daughter gets home from school she plays with them. They both get a bath once a week, Bella hisses and scratches, Dobbi tries to lick all the soap off herself and drink the bath water, but she hates her finger nails being cleaned or clipped and her ears being cleaned. She has a thing for ear-buds - according to her they are toys and not things you use to clean your ears. Both girls love fresh water running out of the tap, you cannot walk into the bathroom without one of them sitting, waiting for someone to open the tap for them. Dobbi wastes so much water, as she loves the water dripping on her head, and loves to scratch the basin whilst the water runs down the plug hole. Bella is more conservation, drinks what she needs and leaves the basin for her sister to make a fool of herself. We are total cat lovers and adore your magazine! I cannot wait for the next issue to come out, I think I read it from front to back in a few hours. Keep up the good work and thank-you for the useful tips. Regards Laura du Plessis

How I met my Cat Alexi We rescued our Russian Blue from a ‘stoep’ no bigger than a small carpet. We were informed by a friend that a lady with a cat were not able to care for her cat properly as she was never at home. When we got to her flat we found a tired, thin, depressed cat. His name, Alexi and he was just one years old. With no hesitation from me or my husband we took him. He had a floppy ear which the lady said was some sort of sickness. That sickness was called neglect! After a few months he was a changed feline. Full of life, a bit more body, and his ear was upright. We had many obstacles along the way, like feline cancer, a serious injury and a few cat fights. But Alexi, with the grace of God, survived it all. He is the love of my life, after my husband. Alexi survived so much and that is why he is worthy of all the love and attention possible. And that is how we met! Annette BrandersBraxton

Grumpy I first met Grumpy when I heard about 3 Chinchilla cats that had been abandoned. I immediately tried to find out where the address was and it happened to be a few houses away from where I lived. I took all three of the cats but Grumpy caught my eye. He was so angry looking which is why he has the name Grumpy. They were all so beautiful but in a terrible condition with matted fur and huge hair balls hanging from their tails. I kept them for one night before taking them to the SPCA. I then decided to adopt Grumpy while the other two went to good homes. I made sure of that. Grumpy was neutered and shaved the next day. I couldn’t wait to bring him home to me. That night he jumped on my bed and snuggled up next to me. He is the most loving cat I have ever met. He never leaves my side and he talks a lot. He is so gorgeous. He makes me late for work every day because I just want to cuddle with him. As a photographer he is one of my best models. Love my kitty cat so so much! Jeannie Kenney

Rescue Stories

Happy Endings Anaki My name is Alison. I already had 3 cats. I wanted one cat originally. My husband didn’t want a cat, so we compromised and got a cat. :). I was on Facebook one day, and saw a post from a friend about a cat from the SPCA, that they couldn’t home. He was white and fluffy, with huge blue eyes. I fell in love with him just looking at his photo. We went to see him that week. The lady took out a painfully thin, sad cat out the cage. I took him in my arms and he licked me with his tiny tongue. The lady said a lot of people had come to see him, but because he was an old cat,(around 5) they always left with a kitten instead. He had been there for months. I decided then to take him home. We filled in the paperwork, had home inspection and a week later I took him back to meet his 3 brothers and sisters. They all inspected him with interest. They hissed at him a few times. He never once hissed back. I named him Anaki (which means “great one” in Balinese). When he arrived, he weighed just 1.9kg, was riddled with parasites and fleas, and didn’t come out of the spare room for days. 4 months later, he weighs a healthy 5 kg, loves to play, and is the only cat that will actually let you cuddle with him. His favorite sleep position with me is “spooning”. I love him dearly, and I am thankful that on that day, I looked on Facebook and saw the blue eyes that look at me with adoration each day. Alison Richardson

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Rescue Stories

Happy Endings Frigga Please find attached pictures of this lovely she cat, Frigga. She was found by the side of a tree, with her hips broken. You could see the mark of a bicycle tire on her belly. Probably she was kit by the bicycle and left there to die alone. I rescued here, took her to the vet, fed her and now, she is perfectly nice. She was adopted by a friend of mine. I am Denise da Costa, a cat lover from Brazil. Denise da Costa

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Rescue Stories

Happy Endings Bugs My name is Bugs and my story begins with my mom adopting a little border collie cross puppy. It was Lucy’s day to be spayed or as my mom put it - to have her naughty button removed. Little did she know what was in store for her when she got to the Animal Anti Cruelty League’s vet. Oh yes me! yes me, I had been thrown over the clinics wall during the night and the the kind ladies had picked me up and put me in one of the cages with yummy food and a warm blanket, they said I was about 4 weeks old. I did not want to be there, the only kitty among all these dogs...... My mom brought in Lucy to be put in the waiting for op section and I was right above her. I took one look and said this is my mom, even my sister Lucy has the same colouring as me, so I just let loose and screamed and screamed. Mommy left me and Lucy there, I wanted to go home! I screamed and screamed. That afternoon mom came to fetch Lucy, still half asleep. She took one look at me and said Lucy had her naughty button removed and I am now the little naughty button. The staff at the clinic breathed a sigh of relief as I had driven them crazy with my screams - no one could calm me down. Once I was in my mom’s arms I just snuggled up and purred. Mom didn’t have a cat carrier for me, as she said she did not expect to take a naughty button home. It didn’t matter I slept on my big sister Lucy the whole way home. From the moment I stepped into my home I knew it was right, since then I have never screamed again I only squeak! I have many brothers, sisters and Slaves. No one can deny me anything as I love everyone and everyone loves me. Please see my pictures: 1. The first time mom held me, 2. On the way home, 3. My first tree climb - I had to give mom some calming tablets afterwards, 4. Me now - the queen of the house! Bugs Jeffrey (You may call me Your Majesty) Owned by Jane Jeffrey

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Rescue Stories

Happy Endings Roxy 23 November 2012 - I noticed a facebook post about a Chocolate Devon Rex that was looking for a good home. I contacted the number, to be told that she was with a Foster Mother - contacted the Foster Mother and made an appointment to go and see her lunch time. She was hiding under a bed and was quite visibly frightened and traumatised. I found out that in her little 4 year life, she’s had 3 previous owners. She’d been beaten, chased and attacked by dogs and generally was not wanted at all. So I would be her 4th owner. I absolutely fell in love with her. Don’t know the breed at all, but was willing to give it a try. I’ve owned cats my whole adult life, but had Siamese - and even bred with them for 20 years, so really know the breed well. At the time I looked at Roxy, I had a 5 year old Oriental Black (who I absolutely adore), and a 20 year old Calico (pavement special - Mickey Mouse). Mickey Mouse was very sickly, and I knew I wasn’t going to have her much longer, so it was a choice of rescuing Roxy, or getting another Oriental or Siamese kitten. I opted to rescue Roxy. After work that afternoon, I went to fetch her, took her to the Vet to have her innoculated and took her home. It must have been so frightening for her to be homed once again, in another home. I “told” her that this would be the last time she would move, and I promised her this would be the best home she’s ever had! Nyx (Oriental) and Mickey Mouse hated her, and would spit and growl at her. So I put her in the spare bedroom with all her food and water bowls, cushions, beds and cat litter. That was her safe place for 2 months. In the evenings when I came home from work, I would let her out in the house, and watch my 2 “spitting cobras”! After 2 months, I would let her outside for 15 minutes at a time. The eventual happened, Mickey Mouse passed on in March 2013! I was beside myself with grief, but knew she had the best life possible. Now it was time to test my patience with Nyx and Roxy! Nyx still rules the roost and is a bit of a bully, but I’m happy to say that she comes and goes as she likes. She sleeps in my arm at night - under the duvet during these cold months, otherwise on top of the duvet. She is petrified of strangers and people in general, and wonder if I will ever get that out of her? I still have to “catch” her if I want to pick her up. She’s not particularly fond of being picked up, but I do it anyway and love her to bits. I know she’s aware that she is safe with me and is slowly, but surely coming around and trusting me more every day. Attached is a picture of her sitting on the window sill of my lounge. Lenore Barlow

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Rescue Stories

Happy Endings Oros On 15 February 2014 my husband and I went to one of the townships outside Douglas, Northern Cape. We do outreaches where we deworm the dogs and cats, treat against ticks and fleas and hand out food parcels for the pets. A lady showed us this little ginger kitten. Blood was streaming from his face. Between all the blood was a lot of dirt. She had put on dirt to try and stop the bleeding. He had a huge hole from the side of his nose until under his eye. Another woman standing beside her said that she had thrown a stone at him, because he tried to catch her pigeons! He was still such a small little kitten. I told her that he will get infection and die if I leave him with her. So I took him home. Oros was in a lot of pain and didn’t really want to move the whole day and didn’t want to eat. I kept him hydrated with electrolytes, cleaned his wounds and gave him antibiotics. Very quickly he recovered! He was SO starved, he just kept on eating and I had to take away the kibbles from him because he would just eat and eat and eat… Today he still has a little teary eye, but 2 different vets said it is just an aesthetic problem and not necessary to remove the eye. So I just wipe his eye clean every day. He also looks like he might have a little brain damage because he reacts a bit slow compared to my other cats. But he is a DARLING cat who isn’t afraid of anything!! I love my little Oros and am so thankful that I could give him a warm, loving home with lots of food! Lerina van der Linde

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Rescues and Shelters Angels Refuge SA

Kitten Corner

072 889 1960

074 215 1490

https://www.facebook.com/AngelsRefuge

www.kittencorner.co.za

Be Wise Sterilise

Kitty & Puppy Haven

081 018 4446

010 224 0763

www.sterilise.co.za

www.kittypuppyhaven.org.za

Cat-a-holics

Sandpaper Kisses Fundraising

011 447 5275

082 928 6663

www.kittyshelter.co.za

www.spkfundraising@gmail.com

Cat Care Port Elizabeth

Thabazimbi Animal Rescue

011 447 5275

084 855 6487

www.catcare.netfirms.com

082 375 4064

CatzRus

The Cat Samaritan

082 700 5839

083 634 0069

www.catzrussa.co.za

http://thecatsamaritan.yolasite.com

CatPals

The Lucky Lucy Foundation

083 327 0365

072 779 7424

www.catpals.co.za

www.luckylucy.org

CO-SANC

Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre

084 958 8073

013 932 3941/2

www.catshelter.co.za

www.wetnose.org.za

To list your Rescue or Shelter in Kittycat Magazine and on our website, please email details to: kittycatsa@gmail.com

The Lucky Lucy Foundation NPO Number: 091-636 | PBO Number: 930-036-404

Lucky Lucy Farm Uitsig Farm, Joostenberg, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa P O Box 385, Sea Point, 8060 Email Address: Emergency Cell: Contact Person: Fax Number: Website: Facebook: Cattery Page Twitter: 67

contact@luckylucy.org 072 779 7424 Luken 086 560 6775 www.luckylucy.org https://www.facebook.com/LuckyLucyFoundation https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/llfcattery/ https://twitter.com/LuckyLucyFoundation

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

CatzRus

NPO Number: 098-047

Plea for Help

Kitten and Cat Rescue

Please support Kitten and Cat Rescue NPC Vanderbijlpark South Africa SMS ‘Cats’ to 48748 Each SMS costs R10 We will receive between R4 - R6 per SMS Every tiny bit helps! Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/KittenAndCatRescue

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Breeders and Pet Services Directory

www.kittycat.co.za

Email: advertising@Kittycat.co.za • Tel: 011 •???? ??? Cell: 0?? ?????????? Email: Kittycat.advertising@gmail.com Fax: 086 428•5044

Advertiseyour your cattery Cattery or Services Advertise orPet pet services with Kittycat Kittycat Magazine with Magazine

Rate Card Sizes Sizes Full Page

1/8 Page Half Page

1/4 Page

Materials required: Bleed:

5mm bleed all round on all adverts. No crop marks.

File format:

PDF/300 dpi jpeg for adverts

Images:

All images 300 dpi

Material deadline:

2 weeks before publishing

Magazine published:

01 of every second month

Please supply all write-ups in Word Documents. All logos and photos to be supplied seperately (not in Word docs) as jpegs at 300 dpi. Magazine specifications: Full Page

210 mm(W) x 275 mm(H)

Half Page

210 mm(W) x 137 mm(H)

1/4 Page

105 mm(W) x 137 mm(H)

1/8 Page

105 mm(W) x 68 mm(H)

ADVERTISE HERE Advertise your cattery or pet services with Kittycat Magazine

Email: Kittycat.advertising@gmail.com

Kittycat Magazine’s Advertising Policy Adverts are only accepted from Catteries that are registered with SACC, CFSA or CASA. Kittycat accepts advertisements for the sale of products, services and cats/kittens in good faith. Kittycat assumes all distributors provide high quality products and healthy animals. Kittycat cannot be responsible for advertiser’s claims, distributors’ actions, inferior merchandise or the animals health.

Dawn’s Cat Accessories

Buyers are advised to do any necessary research before making a purchase.

Kittycat Advertising Deadlines All ads are pre-paid Ads must be received on the 15th of the month prior to magazine being published i.e. 15 15 15 15

Jun for Jul/Aug issue Aug for Sep/Oct issue Sep for Nov/Dec issue Dec for Jan/Feb issue

Kittycat reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, or to cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payments made. The Editor reserves the right to make stylistic changes.

Dawn Pretorius 072 271 2637 nakedcat@oribi.co.za

American Curl

Kealee Cattery Siamese, Oriental and American Curl Registration Body: CASA Lianne Muller 0824907678 mullerle@eskom.co.za

American Shorthair Vande Bald’s American Shorthair Suzette van den Berg Kimberley + 27 53 833 7236 + 27 83 294 6433 suzette@vandebald.co.za www.vandebald.co.za

Balinese Kruin Cattery Angus Plumstead Pretoria +27 83 252 3766

LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Bengal

Soulmates Cattery Cheryl Moss and Marilyn Schramm Johannesburg +27 11 965 6101 malcher@iafrica.com www.soulmatescattery.co.za

Birman

Turiska Birmans Mariska van Loggerenberg Ballito +27 83 651 5227 +27 83 651 5227 info@birmancats.co.za www.turkishvan.co.za

Burmese

Mapantsula Denis Jansen Cape Town + 27 82 3742 719 zanddam@gmail.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Soulmates Cattery Cheryl Moss and Marilyn Schramm Johannesburg +27 11 965 6101 malcher@iafrica.com www.soulmatescattery.co.za Supayas Cattery Denise Rhodes CFSA Registered 082 785 5816 / 011 310 2727

Burmilla

Cherie-Finesse Alida Delport Cape Town +27 21 919 9385 +27 83 628 2479 cheriefinesse@gmail.com www.cherie-finesse.co.za

Chinchillas

Cherie-Finesse Alida Delport Cape Town +27 21 919 9385 +27 83 628 2479 cheriefinesse@gmail.com www.cherie-finesse.co.za Chindy’s Cattery Cindi Edmunds +27 82 378 5893 cins4chins@yahoo.com www.chindys.co.za The Catwalk Silver & Golden Persians Stuart +27 82 775 0132 stuart@busbyhouse.com Charles + 27 72 528 0460 cap0604@gmail.com Zelda’s Cattery Zelda Jacobs +27 83 550 1656 + 27 11 814 6825 chinchillaszj@gmail.com

Cornish Rex

LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Devon Rex

Soulmates Cattery Cheryl Moss and Marilyn Schramm Johannesburg +27 11 965 6101 malcher@iafrica.com www.soulmatescattery.co.za

Exotic

Carmandale Persians & Exotics Shaun Armand & Antoni Nortman Johannesburg +27 82 719 0110 (Shaun) or +27 82 742 9366 (Antoni) carmandale@gmail.com www.carmandalepersians.net

La Perm

LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Maine Coon

Munchkin

LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Norwegian Forest Cat Crescendo Cattery Beverly Smullen Johannesburg +27 82 881 2729 beverly@smullen.co.za GeeDee Cattery Athylle Caw Sunninghill Athylle@mweb.co.za

Oriental

Copper Creek Cattery Registered with CFSA Lynette Grassman 082 329 3147 lgrassman@plastop.co.za

Emalini Cattery Vera Clarke Radiokop +27 11 475 5541 +27 82 650 2302 vnclarke@emalini.com www.emalini.com

Delilla Siamese & Orientals Karen Labuschagne Faerie Glen +27 82 824 2132 karen@delilla.co.za www.delilla.co.za

GeeDee Cattery Athylle Caw Sunninghill Athylle@mweb.co.za

Kealee Cattery Siamese, Oriental and American Curl Registration Body: CASA Lianne Muller 0824907678 mullerle@eskom.co.za

Shangri-la Maine Coons Vivian Wright Johannesburg shangrilacats@gmail.com www.shangrilacats.com

Manx

LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Kruin Cattery Angus Plumstead Pretoria +27 83 252 3766 LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Persian

Carmandale Persians & Exotics Shaun Armand & Antoni Nortman Roodepoort 27 82 719 0110 (Shaun) or 27 82 742 9366 (Antoni) carmandale@gmail.com www.carmandalepersians.net Caziggi Persians Linet Coetzer +27 83 725 5347 27 57 352 5339 linet@polka.co.za www.caziggi.co.za Charis Christa van Rooyen Kwa Zulu Natal +27 73 191 2207 christa@colourpoints.co.za www.colourpoints.co.za Divine Flame Persian Cattery Johannesburg www.persiancatsdivineflame.co.za www.persiancatsdivineflame.webs.com divinepersians@ymail.com RoyalPaws Annatjie Middelburg +27 1324 53547 +27 82 299 4243 dhconsul@mweb.co.za www.royalpaws.co.za Ryns Persians Maryna +27 83 307 9930 rynspersian@telkomsa.net www.persiancatparadise.co.za

Ragdoll

Soulmates Cattery Cheryl Moss and Marilyn Schramm Johannesburg +27 11 965 6101 malcher@iafrica.com www.soulmatescattery.co.za

Scottish Fold

LesBeauxChats Thea Lamprecht Cape Town +27 21 9769965 +27 82 393 0198 thealamprech@mweb.co.za www.lesbeauchats.com

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Siamese

Copper Creek Cattery Registered with CFSA Lynette Grassman 082 329 3147 lgrassman@plastop.co.za Delilla Siamese & Orientals Karen Labuschagne Faerie Glen +27 82 824 2132 karen@delilla.co.za www.delilla.co.za Kealee Cattery Siamese, Oriental and American Curl Registration Body: CASA Lianne Muller 0824907678 mullerle@eskom.co.za Kruin Cattery Angus Plumstead Pretoria +27 83 252 3766

Siberian

ArtĂŠKatz Siberians Cherylee Krantz Lonehill +27 11 465-3446 +27 11 467-7157 +27 82 569 5737 cherylee@artekatz.com www.artekatz.com

Sphynx

Blancanieves Sphynx Mrs N Lewis London UK +441293528520 nathalie@blancanieves-sphynx.co.uk www.blancanieves-sphynx.co.uk Spandau Wilma Hyman Pretoria East Sphynx, Bambino Registered with SACC, CFSA, CASAWCF +27 83 649 6851 wilmahyman@telkomsa.net

Turkish Van

Turiska Turkish Vans Mariska van Loggerenberg Ballito +27 83 651 5227 mariska@turkishvan.co.za www.turkishvan.co.za

Breed Groups Breeders of Rex and Sphynx Landie Copperthwaite (Secretary) 0826991077 landiecop@gmail.com British Shorthair Group Julie Banham (021) 790 1525 bayfield@iafrica.com Natal Siamese/Oriental Club Carol Wood (Secretary) 031-9031026 silversheen@mweb.co.za S.A. Abyssinian & Somali Association (SAASA) Adrienne Swart (Secretary) 0824055437 aswart@acucap.co.za Maine Coon Interest Group (MCIG) Hanneke Bestbier (Sercretary) 0724557610 Hanneke.Bestbier@sasol.com Siamese Breeders Group of S.A. (SBG) Charlotte van der Riet (Secretary) Cell: 0833840285 Email: charlottevdriet@gmail.com Russian Cat Interest Group of South Africa (RCIG) Solveig Klahr (Secretary) 0832722443 Solveig.klahr@gmail.com Sphynx Alliance (SA) Annemarie Redelinghuys (Secretary) 0837307666 Annemarie@cassell.co.za

Cat Clubs Affiliated to SACC All Breeds Cat Club (ABCC) Cape Town Colin Bubb 082 374 6827 Cat Fancierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Gauteng Stephen White 071 352 4717 Eastern Cape Cat Club (ECCC) Port Elizabeth Rita Wiseman 083 267 4827

Northern Cape/Free State (NCFS) Kimberley Carol Kotze 082 719 1465 Persian Cat Society (PCS) KZN Jane Goble 082 784 3126 Rand Cat Club (RCC) Gauteng Karen Pepler 082 577 2097 The Big Cat Club (TBCC) Cape Town Kim Cutter 021 461 9505 Transvaal Cat Society (TCS) Gauteng Gail Nel 082 446 8189 Western Province Cat Club Cape Town Jane Slabbert

Cat Clubs Affiliated to CFSA National Cat Society (NCS) Sandy Fitzpatrick (Secretary) mwpaws@mweb.co.za Feline Fan Club of SA (FFC) June Stafford (Secretary) felinefanclub@gmail.com Kwa Zulu Natal Cat Club (KZNCC) TBA (Secretary) dandipets@telkomsa.net Cleopatra Cat Club (CCC) Lynelle van Aarde (Secretary) cleopatracatclub@gmail.com

Independent Cat Clubs African Independent Cat Association (AICA) Cat Lovers Association of S.A. (CLASA) Chats du Cap Cat Club (CdC-I) The Nelson Mandela Bay Cat Club (NMBCC) The Oriental, Siamese & Related Breeds Group (OSRBG) The South African Cat Club (S.A.C.C.) SAC@TS Breeders Group

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A kitten is in the animal world what a rosebud is in the garden.â&#x20AC;? ~Robert Southey 77

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

2014 CAT SHOW

Calendar

JULY 05.07.2013

ABCC (Cape Town)

LIANNE MULLER

082 490 7567

12.07.2014

SACC COTY (RCC, Gauteng)

JAN VAN ROOYEN

011 616 4687 PM

18.07.2014

WODAC (SACC, Gauteng, Gallagher)

JAN VAN ROOYEN

011 616 4687 PM

19.07.2014 - 20.07.2014

WODAC (SACC Gauteng, Gallagher)

JAN VAN ROOYEN

011 616 4687 PM

26.07.2014

FFC (Gauteng, Single show)

ETRECIA BESTER

083 442 1512

02.08.2014

KZNCC (Durban, Double show)

TBA

dandipets@telkomsa.net

09 08.2013

ABCC (Cape Town)

LIANNE MULLER

082 490 7567

09.08.2014

CFC (Johannesburg)

INGRID DE WET

011 849 4870 PM

10.08.2014

AICA (Durbanville)

JOHAN LAMPRECHT

lampr@mweb.co.za

10.08.2014

CASA

JOHAN LAMPRECHT

lampr@mweb.co.za

16.08.2014

KZN TOP CAT (PCS)

JANE GOBLE

082 784 3126

16.08.2014

NCS (Boksburg, Single Show)

AUDREY KENNEY

mwpaws@mweb.co.za

23.08.2014

WPCC (Cape Town)

IAN MOORE

021 712 2001 PM

30.08.2014

RCC (Johannesburg)

JAN VAN ROOYEN

011 616 4687 PM

06. 09.2014

NC/FS CC (Bloemfontein)

WENDY WALHAM

083 633 3344

13.09.2014

ECCC (Port Elizabeth)

JOHAN GROENEWALD

041 368 2948

13.09.2014

CAPE TOP CAT

IAN MOORE

021 712 2001 PM

20.09.2014

CFSA COTY/GARS (Gauteng)

ETRECIA BESTER

083 442 1512

27.09.2014

GAUTENG TOP CAT (RCC)

JAN VAN ROOYEN

011 616 4687 PM

11.10.2014

CdCi/OSRGB/SACATS (Robertson)

JOHAN LAMPRECHT

lampr@mweb.co.za

25.10.2014

CCC

JOHAN LAMPRECHT

lampr@mweb.co.za

25.10.2014

SACATS (Gauteng)

JOHAN LAMPRECHT

loampr@mweb.co.za

CASA / AICA (Durbanville)

JOHAN LAMPRECHT

lampr@mweb.co.za

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER 29.11.2014

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Shangri-la Maine Coons

Vivian Wright shangrilacats@gmail.com www.shangrilacats.com

Breeding with honesty and integrity, with good temperaments, healthy, sound type and for the love of our cats. Kittens bred from Healthy Imported lines and personally raised with love; available to selected forever homes from time to time. Please contact: Shaun Armand 082 719 0110 or Antoni Nortman 082 742 9366 Email: carmandale@gmail.com | Website: www.carmandalepersians.net

ELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Vee Persians and Exotics Lisa Venter 071 602 0515

www.el-vee.com lisa.venter@sasol.com

GeeDee Cattery Registered Breeder of Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons

Kittens occasionally available to approved homes

Athylle Caw athylle@mweb.co.za

Shaylani

Chinchilla Longhair kittens occasionally available to pet homes PKD Free

Anita 072 514 3696 shaylani48@gmail.com

Kitty Can is a cute, cool and completely unique cat litter box.

Introducing Kitty Can !

Pet Owners love the Kitty Can because it looks amazing in their homes and kitties love it because it makes them feel adored and special. Come and visit us at: www.pannolinopets.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ pannolinopets Bubbles the Ragdoll cat endorses Pannolino Pets products. Follow him on: http://bubblesviewoftheworld. tumblr.com/

Kitty Can is available in 2 models - Kitty Can SUV and Kitty Can Sport. Some key features of Kitty Can include: Kitty Can comes in various colours, is strong and sturdy, but extremely lightweight and built to last a lifetime. Kitty Can has a sleek and elegant design and is made from recyclable material. Kitty Can is also made with LOVE.

Chindyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boarding and Breeding Cattery

Cindi Edmunds 082 378 5892 Email: cins4chins@yahoo.com SACC Registered Chinchilla kittens occasionally available to approved homes. Boarding facilities available (Benoni)

Swagger Coons SACC & CFSA Registered Cattery Breeding Maine Coons to Purrfection!

Niekie and Sunet Prinsloo Phone: 082 660 0693 / 079 887 5379 Email: niekie.prinsloo@gmail.com

http://swaggercoons.weebly.com/

Emaleni Cattery Home of the Magnificent Maine Coon

For that special coonlet brought up in the family home

Vera Clarke 082 650 2302 vnclarke@emalini.com www.emalini.com

Dileen Delpeche 083 325 1096 dileend@gmail.com

RAGTIME CATTERY ZA Breeders of Quality Ragdolls & Maine Coons

Cell: 082 926 2350

info@ragdollcats.co.za www.ragdollcats.co.za

Vande Baldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Shorthair Lovable registered kittens sometimes available to selected homes

Suzette 0832946433 suzette@vandebald.co.za

www.vandebald.co.za

Please Note Kittycat has not inspected any cattery and does not guarantee the health or genetics or pedigree of any kitten purchased from any breeder who advertises in the magazine. We recommend that when you purchase a pedigreed cat you first check that the breeder is registered with SACC, CFSA or CASA and make full enquiries. Please email kittycatsa@gmail.com if you would like to have your cattery added to our Pink Pages.

How did YOU meet YOUR cat? Email story and photos to: kittycatsa@gmail.com 85

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

SOUTHERN AFRICA CAT COUNCIL P O Box 28732, Kensington, 2101, Tel: 011 616 7017 Fax: 086 616 8294, sacatreg@iafrica.com, www.isacc.org.za

The Valley Shopping Centre, 396 Jan Smuts Avenue, 2196 Craighall Park, Gauteng, South Africa 082 728 5794 / 011 447 0995 info@lepawtique.co.za www.lepawtique.co.za

BREEDERS, WOULD YOU LIKE KITTYCAT MAGAZINE TO FEATURE YOUR BREED OF CAT?

Please email: kittycatsa@gmail.com 87

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

KITTYCAT PET SITTING RELIABLE CARE FOR YOUR PETS IN THEIR OWN HOME

RANDPARKRIDGE, BOSKRUIN, BROMHOF Email: kittycatpetsitting@gmail.com www.kittycatpetsitting.co.za

ADVERTISE HERE Advertise your cattery or pet services with Kittycat Magazine Email: kittycat.advertising@gmail.com

We are focused on health and disease /parasite control. We promote sterilization. We offer 5 star boarding (all proceeds go to welfare animals) Tel: 011 447 5275 Banking details: FNB Melrose Arch (254405) â&#x20AC;˘ Account no: 62068805418 www.kittyshelter.co.za

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

“

AM NOT A VEGETARIAN”

“ DEMAND

“Iams gives me that” Animal protein helps build and maintain strong, lean muscle. Check your bag; chicken and turkey is our first ingredient ▲

▲

excluding IAMS ProActive Light in Fat. Available at veterinarians.

For more information on your cat’s nutrition, ask your vet or call our helpline on Tel: 011 463 8140 or E-mail: iams@cuberoute.co.za

Act 36 1947 Reg. No. V15774

ANIMAL PROTEIN ”

www.kittycatphotography.co.za

THE NEXT ISSUE ... Would you like YOUR cat featured in Kittycat magazine? Do you have a Happy Ending (Rescue) story to share? How did YOU meet YOUR cat? Do you have any Show news, show brags or cute stories for us? Would you like to list your Cattery or Pet Services in our Pink Pages? Please send us your LETTERS.

We would love to hear from you.

Come and chat about cats in our Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1447932208770601/

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Email: kittycatsa@gmail.com

People who love cats have some of the biggest hearts around. ~Susan Easterly 89

Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Advertise your cattery or your pet services here

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