Kittycat Issue 6 November|December 2014 by Jenni Ferreira

Kittycat online magazine

Breed Profile

Bengal

Diabetes

Mellitus

The

Visitor

Poisonings in Pets

Beware

Feline Idiopathic Christmas Safety

For your cats September|October 2014 November|December 2014

Cystitis

www.kittycat.co.za www.kittycat.co.za

CONTENT

35 1

Message from the Editor

Contributors

Breed Profile - The Bengal

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

PICA - When Cats Eat Weird Things

Diabetes Mellitus

Warning - Poisonings!

Ask the Vet

The Visitor

Christmas Safety for your Cat

Win with Weruva

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got Talent

CFSA COTY 2014

How I met My Cat

Happy Endings (A Rescue Story)

Ice Angel Part 3

80 84

Book Review

Kittycat of the Month

Rescues and Shelters

Product and Services Directory

WELCOME!! Can you believe it’s nearly that time of year again when the Festive Season beckons? I’m sure you are all looking forward to the holidays. If you’re going away, have you made arrangements for your pets to be taken care of? In-home pet care provides many benefits: Pets are happier, more comfortable and experience less stress at home, their routines are uninterrupted, travel trauma for both owner and pet is eliminated, Pet’s exposure to illness is minimized, untrained or unwilling friends/family/neighbours need not be called. In-home care for your pet provides added peace of mind. If you’re planning on hiring a pet sitter and haven’t done so yet, don’t delay! Our breed feature in this issue is the Bengal, one of the most exotic and wild looking cats! As usual we have several stories from owners and breeders alike to enable you to find out more about the breed and what they are like to live with. Cats may be afflicted by many different conditions involving the lower urinary tract. Dr Larry Kraitzick discusses Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. There is also a warning to pet owners to be aware of poisonings that are currently doing the rounds in South Africa. Keep your dogs and outdoor cats inside at night.

Jenni Ferreira, Editor keep cats for health benefits. Dr Larry Kraitznick also feels strongly about this and has started an Old Folk Pet Support Group on Facebook. Please like and share his page! Once again we feature some talented artists in our regular ‘You’ve Got Talent’ section, so please check out their websites and facebook pages.

November is Diabetes month. If you notice any symptoms, please take your cat for a check up asap.

Enter the WERUVA competition and you may be lucky enough to win a WERUVA h product hamper !

Do your cats eat weird things? Dr Arnold Plotnick takes a look at PICA - the voluntary ingestion of non edible materials.

Be sure to sign up for the Kittycat newsletter at : www.kittycat.co.za and never miss an issue!

We hope you enjoy reading Part 3 of Ice Angel, a short story by Linda Deane. We have another short story in this issue called The Visitor by Niki Moore. Niki is trying to encourage old age homes to allow residents to

We hope you enjoy this issue kitty lovers, see you in 2015 !

COVER CAT Our cover cat this month is Bengal kitten, Gabi, owned by Anna Marie Gericke and bred by Lorraine Kennard, Awesome Bengals, Pretoria, South Africa.

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CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Jenni Ferreira kittycatsa@gmail.com

Dr Larry Kraitzick BVSc Bruma Lake Veterinary Clinic

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Jenni Ferreira WEBSITES Jenni Ferreira Graham de Klerk

Qualified in 1990 with Bachelor of Veterinary of Science from Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty. In 1991 he ran a welfare clinic in Alexander Township. He went to the United Kingdom to register as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992 and began working at Yeoville Veterinary Clinic, which he took ownership of in 1993. Whilst running Yeoville Veterinary Clinic Dr Kraitzick collaborated with Dr Leo Reinecke (Human Radiotherapy Specialist) in treating selected pet cancer Patients with Chemotherapy. He started Bruma Lake Vet Clinic in Johannesburg in 2002. He travelled to the USA in 2013 to learn about the value of client communication and education using Media with the emphasis on Electronic and Social Media. In October 2014 he started The Old Folk Pet Support Group and was part of a group who intervened to prevent senior residents of Tweedy Park (a government housing project on the East Rand) from being forced to get rid of their pets. Dr Kraitzick is married with two sons, two cats and a dog.

Dr. Arnold Plotnick MS, DVM, ACVIM Manhattan Cat Specialists

CONTRIBUTORS Dr Arnold Plotnick Dr Larry Kraitzick International Cat Care Lorraine Kennard Patsy Smyth PHOTOGRAPHY Jenni Ferreira ADVERTISING 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 NEWSLETTER Sign up for our Newsletter at www.kittycat.co.za

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cat Man Do.â&#x20AC;?

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 permission.

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

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Photograph by Jenni Ferreira

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

Awesome Bengals www.awesomebengals.co.za 3 Kittycat Issue 4 July|August 2014c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014 3 KITTYCAT MAGAZINE Photographed by Jenni Ferreira www.jenniferreira.com

BREED PROFILE

THE BENGAL Copyright & courtesy: Dr. Wally Fogarty - Glitterkatz

Bengals are very active and intelligent cats. Very curious and entertaining, they can play for hours. They love companionship, and will be a loyal friend for life. Very easy to care for , all that is needed is an occasional brush and routine nail clipping. A Bengal is a cross between a small Asian Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) and a domestic cat, this is the Foundation pairing that produces a hybrid cat known as a F1 Bengal. Subsequent breeding of the generations into other bengals or domestics are called F2, F3 and finally SBT or Standard Bred Tabby, Bengal. SBT is the first generation that can be seen at Cat Shows. Very loyal, affectionate and loving pets, they purr and meow as do the more domestic breeds. They are exceedingly intelligent due to their more recent decent from the jungles of Asia. They love to climb, jump and play in water, they will happily streak through the shower or join you in the tub. The SBT Bengal exhibits the mystery and prowess of a jungle cat in appearance with the loving playful and gentle nature it shares with all domesticated cats. Bengals train more like dogs and quickly learn parlour tricks normally associated with canines and not cats. Bengals love to fetch, will roll over, will high five you and learn quickly to walk on a harness/collar and leash. Their learning is only limited, by what you want to teach them. Being fearless they love outings in the car and are great vacation companions. They interact well with other animals, unrelated cats, dogs, ferrets, and even horses. They are adoring pets of children and quickly adapt to seniors. They have the same requirements for housing, potty box equipment, inoculations and food (as long it’s high protein formulated). Bengals seldom get the aloof attitude associated with many adult cats, when you are ready to play, they are good to go. However, shy and fearful Bengal cats or kit-

Photograph by Theresa Fouche tens are very apt to remain that way and do not generally change even with the most loving care- giver. Bengals must be handled and socialized as very young kittens, so it is suggested that verifiable references are a necessity whether buying in person or on-line.

Bengals come in a variety of colours and in two patterns of markings. First is the Spotted pattern, from small spots spread thickly over the body to large and often rosetted spots with large unspotted areas between them (referred to as acreage). Look for tons of contrast between the base colour and the spots. There are six different colour variations, Brown Spotted, Seal Sepia Spotted, Seal Mink Spotted Seal Lynx Point Spotted Silver Marble and Silver Spotted. In all colours and patterns allow for kitten fuzzies that tend to hide or mute the coat, this will pass and is natures way of hiding the very young. The Seal Lynx Point kitten will be almost totally white. The marbled pattern occurs no where else in nature, while called a Brown Marbled, look for the tricolour marbled kitten. Patterns should be asymmetrical on two sides of the body and the pattern should swirl and flow horizontally along the length of the body, like the colours in a glass marble. No bull’s eye pattern. You can literally find yourself “waiting to exhale” so awesome is the beauty in this pelted coat. Marbled Bengals also come in all three snow variations, the Seal Sepia, the Seal Mink and the Seal Lynx Point who also sports yellow, aqua and blue eyes respectively. All Bengals except the snows must have a black tipped tail and black paw pads. Marbled kittens start with blackish gray coats with small streaks of lighter coloured fur scattered about their coat. Your breeder can advise you on marking potential but the pattern will ” break up as the kitten gets older ad so would the intensity of the colours and the contras between the pattern and the background colour Whether you are lucky enough to “own” a “show quality” Bengal or a “pet quality” Bengal, you find that once owned by them, no other cat will ever quite do!

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Russian Blue, bred by Leanne Hewitt of Azreal Russians, South Africa Photographed by Jenni Ferreira Awesome Bengals www.awesomebengals.co.za Photographed by Jenni Ferreira www.jenniferreira.com

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Russian Blue, bred by Leanne Hewitt of Azreal Russians, South Africa Photographed by Jenni Ferreira Copyright: eSchmidt -Fotolia.com

Awesome Bengals www.awesomebengals.co.za Photographed by Jenni Ferreira www.jenniferreira.com

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Awesome Bengals www.awesomebengals.co.za Photographed by Jenni Ferreira www.jenniferreira.com

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Awesome Bengals www.awesomebengals.co.za Photographed by Jenni Ferreira www.jenniferreira.com

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AWESOME BENGALS ANNA-MARIE GERICKE

Photograph by Theresa Fouche

The very first moment I met a Bengal, I was addicted. There is just no comparison. I have been a cat fanatic my whole life but Bengals took me to the next level.

Come bed time, little busy bodies will cuddle up as close as possible and purr into dream land.

It’s a combination of things that attract me to the breed. I guess the most obvious is there leopard like look. I find myself staring at that in awe, and never getting tired of it. That unbelievable velvety pelt….one cannot touch it enough!

Being a Veterinary Nurse and a fanatical cat lover, I am the very proud breeder of Awesome Bengals Cattery. I specialise in brown/black rosetted Bengals and are dedicated to meet the Bengal breed standard.

Their purrsonalities is just as amazing. They have a 10 (maybe 12) out of 10 energy level, which entertains for hours. They are always “helping” with whatever one is doing and investigating every chore with great enthusiasm. Most of them are quite vocal and will chat away about the day’s adventures. They are clever felines. One can teach them to walk on a leash and do basic tricks.

Awesome Bengals

All my Bengals are well socialized, healthy, stunning looking, loving and an absolute pleasure. All my breeding Bengals have been tested for FeLV and FiV and are well vaccinated and dewormed. I am very particular about the hygiene and comfort of my Bengals. They are part of the family and treated as such. Please visit our website at: www.awesomebengals.co.za or drop me an e-mail: lorraine@awesomebengals.co.za. Alternatively give me a call on 083 337 6593 (after 14:00).

Water is always a great fascination for Bengals! When I draw the bath, its only seconds and all the spotted little kitties are there to participate.

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Basic advice for prospected new Bengal owners

It is advisable to keep your Bengal indoors or cat proof your yard. As they are very intelligent and inquisitive, they tend to want to wander further than what is safe for them. They can get stolen easily or end up killed by the neighbour’s dog or in the road. As they are very social and busy cats, they do not want to be left alone the whole day. A Bengal needs a friend; another cat (preferably high energy) or even a cat friendly dog. They get along easily with other animals (not hamsters or fish!). Being very active they need lots of stimulation. It’s a good idea to have a few toys that you can alternate. Personally I find the Awesome Cat Wheel is the best investments one can make for a Bengal. It keeps them occupied for hours and is great exercise! Do not try and buy a “cheap” Bengal over the internet. People are caught in scams daily! Legitimate breeders are registered and can be verified. Bengals are companions for life. Read up as much as possible and do your homework before buying. And be warned - Bengals are addictive! c

Awesome Cat Wheel Keeps your cats occupied and healthy with plenty of exercise using minimal space! Enquire at your nearest pet store. Alternatively contact us directly.

Available in Red, Blue or Beige

Lorraine 083 337 6593 Erich 083 457 4953 www.awesomebengals.co.za catwheel@awesomebengals.co.za

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Awesome Bengals

Lorraine Kennard Phone: 083 337 6593 (Between 14:00 and 19:00)

lorraine@awesomebengals.co.za www.awesomebengals.co.za

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LIVING WITH BENGALS

GABI ANNA-MARIE GERICKE

I read all about Bengals and checked out websites of Bengal breeders before I put my name on a waiting list with Ansie Davis and Bushveld Bengals. In November 2012 I welcomed my first Bengal Busveld Jock aka Marula into our home and hearts. What a wonderful journey to share my life with a stunning marble Bengal. Wally Fogarty, also a Bengal breeder, said you can not have only one Bengal and I agree with him wholeheartedly!

ing together all the time. The Bengal breed is well known for their ability to play in water, love climbing on very high cupboards to watch the world go by. My Bengals are very busy, alert and love running in their Awesome cat wheel for excercise and we have lots of fun together. I like the wild look of my Bengals with the green eyes, small ears and the beautiful marble pattern and rosettes. They have a very soft pelt and the golden glitter sparkle in the sunlight!

Marula was such a cute kitten and is my cat-dog joining in all the daily activities at home. I wanted a special little friend for him and saw the beautiful Bengal kittens bred by Lorraine Kennard at Awesome Bengals. In January 2014 we welcomed Awesome Bengals Poetry in Motion aka Gabi in our home and hearts!

My little Gabi is very special and has a kind, gentle personality and she is my best friend, always by my side. I love showing my beautiful Bengal at cat shows to introduce this wonderful breed to the public. We had a very good show year and Gabi is very proud to be the 4th kitten at CFSA COTY 2014!

Gabi and Marula are inseparable and enjoy playing and exploring in our home, they absolutely adore be-

I can not imagine my life without my beautiful Bengals! I am truly blessed! c

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Awesome Bengals www.awesomebengals.co.za Photographed by Jenni Ferreira www.jenniferreira.com

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AWESOME BENGALS TIGGER HIS STORY (1ST 7 MONTHS OF HIS LIFE) GERDA MARAIS

My interest in Bengals started due to their wonderful markings and wild look, Bengals are only 4 generations removed from their wild ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat. A Bengal is not a normal domesticated cat, as it is already suggested by its different look.

Tigger came into our lives rather unexpectedly when my beloved Earl (Blue Burmese) had to be euthanized due to feline leukaemia. I was very fortunate to get a kitten so quickly and I will be forever thankful to Lorraine from Awesome Bengals for selling him to us when she actually meant to keep him.

I do not have much experience with Bengals, but I suspect each one is very unique in their own individual way. When Tigger first arrived in his new home, I was surprised at how confident he was and this was just the beginning of this wonderful journey that we embarked on.

This is what I’ve learned about our Bengal’s characteristics thus far:

Tigger is not a cuddling lap cat, I guess his wild nature is still prevalent here. He is constantly busy investigating his environment with seeming

unperturbed confidence and therefore he needs productive stimulation. He is only affectionate when he is tired or cold and will then cuddle a little, curling up in your lap and purr during these times. He sleeps at my feet every night, following me to bed and stay there until I get up in the morning, again following me to the kitchen. When I pick him up and and cuddle him, he endures it with grace, but clearly indicates that I am breaking the rules! I do it anyway, I think by now he has surrendered a little! I will not brand him as aloof, as I have heard some other Bengal owners saying. Tigger interacts with his human family on a different level. He talks, makes intense eye contact and performs like a circus clown. The only rule is that you need to observe this from a distance. He plays with his toys, but grow weary of them quickly ... he needs new challenges all the time. He will play with humans, but only according to his rules. He seems to think about what he wants to do and makes decisions. He is quite able to assess his own abilities and seems to never get into situations where he cannot get out of. He plays very gently and seldom brings out claws or teeth when he plays with humans. Playing with his cat buddy and the dog, now that’s another story! His play may get out of hand sometimes and then his non-human

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friends need to either back down or challenge him, sometimes with interesting results.

Lorraine suggested that we get a second kitten (not necessarily a Bengal) to keep him occupied, and this is how we acquired a rescue, Kolisi (Black Domestic Shorthair) from Catzrus. They bonded almost immediately and are best buds! Kolisi is a month older than Tigger and they really stimulate each other well. This is also a good opportunity to compare a Bengal to a normal cat and I noticed vast differences.

Tigger recognizes his name and comes to you when called, like a dog. He follows you around the garden, very interested in whatever you do. He is very interested in water, and does not mind getting wet, as long as he is in control. He tolerated his first bath rather well after a toilet mishap.... we are not too sure what happened, we know that the dog and his cat buddy were also involved!! And speaking about dogs, he loves to play with our terrier cross (Scruffy-Anne) who had to put him in his place once or twice. He does not wonder off very far on his own and prefers to keep an eye on his human friends, rather than his non-human friends. Where Kolisi exhibits normal cat behaviour like enjoyment in being scratched and petted, cuddles and curls up in your lap or next to you, this is not something Tigger seems to need or want. Only when his tired or cold, and then he seeks out only one person to dote his attention on.

Tigger loves his food and eats much more than his rather bigger cat companion. He is still a growing young lad, but I suspect that we may need to monitor his weight when he gets older. On the other hand, he does burn a lot of energy.

To me it seems like he is constantly evolving, developing new quirks every day and discontinues the old ones. He growls at his toys and plays tug of war with them, he cannot wait for you to fill the bowl first before starting to eat. He pulls his blanket around, like it is his prey and pounces on the mop when the cleaner tries to clean. He meows when he wants to tell you something, sometimes incessantly, especially if you go outside without inviting him along. He wanders off on his own, but when you look for him he is never very far away, unlike his â&#x20AC;&#x153;brotherâ&#x20AC;? that disappears for longer periods. He plays with his tail, and his paws and attacks imaginary prey ... when he notices you are watching, the performance increases. The more

you laugh and pay attention, the sillier he gets. He has amazing agility, but somehow does not always believe that he does. When he thinks about his actions, he is very careful and calculated, but when you catch him in an impulsive moment, he stuns you with his abilities (I suspect this is something unique to Tigger, not applicable to all Bengals). Kolisi will compulsively chase the laser light, Tigger will first think about this funny little light and then follow it cautiously. In a nut shell, he is PRESENT and loves to make you aware of it. They have not been left on their own for too long yet (I work from home), but I suspect that it will be hard for Tigger, he loves his animal friends but he adores his human family.

It is almost impossible to describe him in a short version, all I can say is that is he is amazingly different to any cat I have ever owned. Again, not a lap cat, and if that is what you want, you will be disappointed. I see how this wonderful looking creature develops something different and more interesting every day and I cannot wait to see what else he has for me to learn!

I can safely say that a Bengal cat is not for everyone and my suggestion is that you thoroughly research all the breeds to establish which one will suit you best. If you are in for an adventure and the slight wild nature, if you are willing to provide stimulation and be present but also understand what the rules are, a Bengal will entertain you endlessly and fulfil your ideals! c

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ASPENGOLD BENGALS JUDY MEIERS

Where do I begin? Bengal cats are sooooo awesome, it is hard to tell of everything they are. Bengal cats, first and foremost are beautiful cats. Good quality Bengals have patterns that resemble a wild leopard. Their fur is soft and silky and they have â&#x20AC;&#x153;glitterâ&#x20AC;? - a hollow hair shaft that soaks up the sunlight and literally glitters as a gold thread in their fur. Their facial markings include black warpaint cheek strips, mascara around the eyes, white vertical stripes down the inner eye, spots rimmed in a darker color called rosettes that may be round, arrowhead shaped, or paw prints. The males are 13 - 16 pounds and are muscular and athletic looking. Girls are more dainty, but are sleek, trim, and ready to break into a one minute sprint. Bengals are totally in love with their owner and are loyal forever. They want to be with them, play with them, snuggle with them and communicate with them. They want to be involved in whatever the owner is doing. They are very affectionate and communicative. There are about 5 different sounds they make and after getting to know your Bengal, you understand what they are saying and what they want. Your Bengal cat is more a dedicated friend than just a cat. Due to their ancient heritage to the Asian Leopard cat, they love water. They prefer fresh running water and will drink from the faucet. They love to play in water

and take great joy romping in a bathtub filled with a couple inches of water and a few balls. They also love to splash the water out of their water dish! Bengals are very social animals and love the companionship of children, dogs, and other cats. They are extremely smart and therefore are easily trained. They will walk on a leash and enjoy meeting people on their walks. They can be trained to avoid certain areas in the home such as the kitchen counter, display shelves, or cherished furniture. Bengals love heights and will naturally climb to the highest point in the house to perch and enjoy the view. Their agility is remarkable. We had chicken for dinner one evening and I threw the discards away in the trash can located in a pull out drawer. We went outside for a short while and when we returned we watched as one of the Bengals opened the drawer, and handed out pieces of chicken to the other six Bengals standing around waiting for their treat! We constantly enjoy watching our Bengal cats snuggling with our Golden Retriever; their heads popping up from under all his fur. They will crawl into any box, drawer, cupboard, paper bag, or small space. They are active cats, always finding a new toy, or anything that wiggles to play with. They constantly entertain us and make us laugh. And we often find them so endearing and adorable. I could go on forever. c

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GIMLI AND LIEFIE KAT BEAULAH ROSSOUW

If a skydiving, downhill racing, deep sea diving, ultra distance running adrenaline junky could be a cat, I’m sure he will choose to be a member of family Felix Bengalis! While we have been cat people for most of our lives nothing could quite prepare us for the arrival of our own two Bengals - from the loving scaling of legs to the inquisitive destruction of any object deemed to high to reach or simply not Bengal proofed. These cats are 100% cat, pure energy and pure heart and nothing quite beats the feeling of sharing a Bengal moment of affection. A dog person to the core even my husband has been completely won over by their canine like need for companionship coupled with a strong streak of independence and very high energy levels. (We allow our cats to roam free but should you choose to keep them enclosed better plan on investing in a cat wheel to allow for the necessary release of all that energy - or face the consequences!) I believe these are cats as God intended a cat to be and while we were initially attracted to their beautiful coats (the Bengal coat is as “hypo allergenic” ;-) as they come with cat allergy sufferers showing no or very little reaction when handling our two tigers) we have completely fallen in love with their adventurous yet loving personalities. As with all breeds, choosing the right breeder is critical, but I believe

even more so in the case of Bengals in order to ensure the cats are well integrated with plenty of love and attention during the first 12 weeks. Gimli (the slayer of orcs ala Lord of the Rings) is the male and while he is clearly dominant he takes after his sire Ted E Bear of Awesome Bengals and is one of the most loving and affectionate cats you can imagine. He likes nothing better than a tummy scratch! Liefie kat is our female, much more reserved and aloof but incredibly active and agile, able to jump extraordinary heights, scale ledges and even hunt the family Yorky! While her tummy is off limits (unless You want to be scratched) she loves to be around people and will follow you “talking” loudly when she feels ignored or alone. She loves to cuddle – on her terms and her times only but so special when she purrs softly and looks at you with those wild yellow eyes.

fro while I groom her with the brush. She settles down to lie on my lap for a while until she decides it is time to retire for the night. Shauntia watches this performance. Sky, you are such a People Slut! Bengals love to be around people and the centre of attention but they are not lap cats. She heads for bed just ahead of Sky. Some time later I head up and have a shower and prepare for bed myself. The two Girls have made themselves comfortable and are fast asleep, in the centre of the queen size bed, and there is no space left for me. Ho hum, I curl up as best I can in the cat basket and hope for sweet dreams. I’m definitely coming back as a cat in my next life. c

If you are a true coach potato, looking for a floppy cat that is content to only lounge around the house then stay away, for all others - adopt a Bengal there is nothing quite like it!that is kept specifically for these occasions. In the morning, if it survives, I will release it back into the wild. The Girls are now both sulking. Witch! Spoil sport, why can’t you catch your own birds? MINE! Later after we’ve all had dinner, I sit down to watch some TV. This is Sky’s favourite time of the day and she jumps on my lap and walks to and

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MILA AND DIEGO MADELI VAN RENSBURG

There is no better way of describing what life is like living with a Bengal than to experience it yourself. I find it impossible to describe these amazing cats in just a few words. What better way to give you a glimpse into a day in the life of a Bengal than letting one of my two Bengals (Diego) tell you himself. Mommy didn’t realise the day she brought us home what a great deal she got. You see she doesn’t need an alarm clock anymore, whenever I feel the time is right I start my purer and stare at mommy’s face, occasionally moving my glance towards the duvet (let me under the covers I want to cuddle). If that doesn’t work Mila and I resort to teamwork, I pull mommy’s hair while Mila attacks her toes, now that’s guaranteed to get her up... Our daily duties as king and queen of the house includes peeking at the birdies through the blinds so we can chirp each other; performing quality control checks on the water coming out of the taps (Mila only plays with it); feeding our endless obsession with water by patrolling the bathtub or shower wall (sometimes we jump between the shower wall, bathroom cabinet and door just to see how nervous we can make the humans) and very important is to inspect every cupboard opened for safety. I’m very polite and will make an announcement to the whole house before I use the litter box. I’m very good at letting everyone know what’s on my mind, like when mommy comes home from work, Mila and I will run to the window to watch her park the car. The longer she was gone the more intense our conversation will be, I might shout at her asking her where have you been, hello I have missed you or simply just tell her all about my day. We then run to the front door to greet her. I also love running in my cat wheel and keep calling until the Humans come watch me run, this normally ends by me flopping down on the floor begging for a belly rub. I have recently started outsmarting the humans, you see I love my Za bird and mommy has learnt to lock it away in the cupboard because I open the drawers or cupboard doors to take it out. If anyone tries to come near it I growl at them.

Mila is a real little lady and mommy’s girl, she has tea and rusks with mommy every morning (or at least she tries to), curls up on mommy’s lap whenever she gets a chance, squeaks like a mouse (although recently we discovered she can meow quite loudly when she is really upset), she never takes a dust bath like I do when we go outside and she loves playing fetch with mommy and her bouncy balls. She also became very smart recently, when mommy can’t play with her she drops her bouncy balls off the dining room table over and over to chase. Don’t let her fool you, she often sneaks up on me pouncing on me, rolling and wrestling with me and running through the house chasing me like a mad thing. She also has a habit of demanding attention from mommy if she brings work home by biting mommy’s papers and is often the reason why all mommy’s pillows and cushions are on the floor just after the bed has been made. We are smart kitties and respond to our names, but only when it suits us. We love heights, doors, the top of the grandfather clock, TV cabinet, curtain railings; you name it we have been there. We can squeeze into the smallest of spaces and our favorite toys are bouncy balls, bottle rings and crumpled pieces of paper. These ordinary items are extraordinary Bengal toys and provide hours of entertainment. Mommy also had to make a significant investment in hairbands since we came to our forever home. We are also part magician, some of the bath plugs have been missing for months. Mommy says we have endless amounts of energy and the best thing to tire a Bengal is another Bengal. I get very excited when the humans come home from shopping, I can hardly wait for someone to empty the bags so I can jump inside and be carried around. I can be a bit moody (with good cause), there was one time when I took a good dust bath (you couldn’t even see my spots) and mommy gave me a bath I was so upset I ignored her for days, when she picked me up for kisses and cuddles I pushed her away. But I got over it quickly

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and are generally a big cuddle bug, some days I will follow mommy everywhere to rub up against her, lay on her lap, flop down for her to give me belly rubs and in return I give mommy a massage by kneading her. I also like being the only man in the house, if any other man comes to visit I stare them down and make sure I rub my scent all over mommy. I also don’t like it when mommy gives Mila too much attention, I generally just stare at her looking hurt and upset and might play hard to get for a day or two. But I do love my little sister, when I can’t find her I start panicking and calling her. She is my best buddy and kitten in crime. We often take catnaps together and have endless conversations chirping and meowing. At the end of the day we both curl up on mommy’s bed for a good night’s sleep, Mila sleeps next to mommy and only takes up a tiny bit of space, I sleep by mommy’s feet and often stretch out as much as I can pushing mommy off or across the bed. We enjoy company and entertaining our humans, that is why we are always where our humans are, playing or catnapping around them. If there is one thing they have learned very quickly it is that when the house is quite and you can’t see the Bengals you better go find them as this can really only mean one thing ...TROUBLE !!! Lots of love, Mila & Diego of Awesome Bengals c

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MANEKINEKO BENGALS MYRIAM RICARD - SPAIN

“ The bengal is on the razor’s edge between two worlds “. A domestic behavior, under a wild look, it is the challenge of the bengal. This race is the crossing of the felis bengalensis and the domestic cat. From its wild ancestor, the bengal has only retained its appearance and its bellesa to satisfy all those who have always dreamed of living in a small company with fierce velvet paws. There has never visited a zoo and you felt attracted to pet the incredible leopards, panthers or wildcats? But the dream of owning an animal of this kind choco with reality. Its large size, the fact that they can not be in their home and especially legal restrictions impede the acquisition. The only easy way to become a wild animal in your home is through a bengal, miniature replica of these big cats. There is a nice proverb “God created the cat so that man imagine the pleasure of caressing a panther ...” Well, in bengal this proverb authenticates becomes a reality. The origins of wild bengal not make it a cat with a distant agressive behavior. On the contrary, he is very affectionate and is very attached to their owners. Generally, choose a member of the familyand amorsin gives you a purpose. He is a very intelligent cat, responds to his name, many owners tell inclòs as his bengal throwing objects brings them to play. They like much the water, to the point of splashing in the tub. This

affinity conseva its wild ancestor, who bathed and into their water needs. This can be in the form of reminiscence attenuated and sometimes can pee in a dish filled with water. Would note that many of my cats love toys soak in water before taking me to play. A very special variable is observed also voice them according to your mood. Although discreet, has a special sound, with a metal vibration. In locs snow, strong Siamese voice is support holding. A bengals, it’s curioses assets, like space, which is not supposed to have access to the outside. We can even say that it is inadvisable to let them out. They live well in an apartment as long as they can play, run ..... what is important is to provide a scratching tree where they can sharpen their nails. It is a very attractive cat. Always close to the man, the company constantly seeks. She loves to put her shoulders and locs puppies compete to see which one goes first. Curious, attentive, sociable and can live both on bengal in the presence of children and dogs, or even other cats. All these are the reasons that we have fallen for the Bengal, and it was in 1997 that Goldy (100% Gogees) came into our lives. Since that time, we have never considered life without our bengals. I speak only of SBT bengals, but also three small ALC shared our lives, we had the joy of seeing the birth of the F1, F2, F3 ..... hybrids are a little different, take me about

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them hours so I enjoyed sharing their lives. Behavior The Bengal cat is a really fascinating! It will make you laugh to tears ... by ability to have fun so tireless and waterfalls ...... .It falls and gets up before you have had time to react ...... ready to pounce on her toy .... He is intelligent, loyal as a dog, actor, very energetic, playful and hyper curious ... so do not let your stuff hang for it is certain that he will do his inspection. You might even find him asleep in the big handbag of a guest. It will follow you from room to room in the house to know what you are doing. He will meet you at your arrival at home at night, coming home from work ... as would your dog. The bengal exercises so hard on his new masters that sometimes they do not hesitate to acquire a second appeal. However, it can also unintentionally dropping a valuable trinket because your bengal is primarily a feline whose ancestors liked to be perched in the heights. He loves to have an overview of its territory. Be sure he will patrol each Racoin your home and yes ...... in length, width and height also ... so do not be surprised to see him make one leap to go sniff the top of your fridge! There certainly are a period of adjustment to the new owner as to the Bengal. But once adjustments are made, your bengal become your best friend for life! c

Manekineko Bengals, www.gatobengal.com, manekinekobengals@gmail.com KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

BENJI, GIZMO AND CALYPSO MARGUERITE STACEY

I have often heard the expression: You don’t own a Bengal, a Bengal owns you. True in a way, but honestly, a Bengal becomes so much a part of its owner, and its family that it’s difficult to know, who owns who. But once you have owned a Bengal, it is very difficult to live without one. I have been privileged to have owned two Bengals. Theoretically, three, as my son also owns one.

one has his own personality and very strong characteristics, and they are not all the same. One thing is for sure; they are not your typical “ornamental” type cats that lie around looking pretty. They are energetic and feisty, and demand a lot of attention. Whenever we go away, Gizmo goes to live with his half-brother Calypso, owned by my son, Sean, as he can never be left alone for long periods of time.

Benji, Gizmo and Calypso. Initially I became interested in the Bengals unique wild “look”. The spots, and the mink like soft silky feel of the pelt, and the gorgeous glitter, which sparkles. “GLITTER - is the term bengal breeders use to describe a cat that has translucent hair shafts. This translucence results in the cat appearing to be sprinkled with gold glitter in the gold bengals. It is most apparent on the paws as a translucent satin look or if the cat is in direct sunlight, the coat sparkles. It is hard to capture in photos. “Glitter” is inherited as a recessive gene and was introduced into the breed from one of the founding bengals - Millwood Tory of Dehli.” Ref: http://www.kingsmarkfarms. com/bengals/kingpattern.htm …but then I learned about their personality, and I was SOLD on owning a Bengal. I must stress that even though all three of “mine” are Bengals, each

I find Bengals to be very intelligent and lively. People refer to Bengals as “dog-like” but I refer to mine as “monkey-like”. They seem to have the ability to “hold on” like a monkey would. Either to your leg, or the curtains or anywhere they may be exploring. Benji did not like strangers much, whereas Gizmo will play with anyone who is prepared to look in his direction. Gizmo will land in your arms in a single leap from a couple of meters away. If you are not prepared for the leap, and don’t catch him, he just hangs on by his claws. This off coarse can be rather unpleasant. So be alert and make sure you catch him. While bent over the basin, brushing my teeth, Gizmo often jumps on my back, climbs over my shoulder, and into the basin, where he can play with some water. They jump and leap and attack anything that even slightly moves. When they start wiggling their bums,

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beware, they are about to pounce. I find a Bengal to be inquisitive and very much an “in your face” type of pet, as he wants to be part of any activity, from washing dishes, dusting the coffee table, brushing teeth, making the bed… wherever I am in the house or garden, Gizmo is right behind me or on top of me. They bring toys, which are light enough to carry whenever, they want to play. Even though my cats have almost every available toy lying around the house, Gizmo’s favorite toys are the feather duster – especially while someone is trying to dust – and a Ping-Pong ball. I have had to learn not to close any doors before checking and doublechecking who is inside. I have accidently closed Gizmo either in the fridge or the washing machine and even once in the safe. If there isn’t enough action, he starts chasing after bugs or flies, and often does full somersaults a few feet in the air during these “hunting expeditions”. Then again, if and when it suits them, they become like cuddly bears. Gizmo climbs under the covers and cuddles so close to me, that I’m afraid I might lie on him. He can stick his wet, cold nose in my neck and purr so loud that he wakes me. Often his paw touches my cheek, as if saying, “I’m still here”. Then he falls asleep silently until morning. Often he stretches and contorts himself into strange, long twirled

positions. My daughter Zahlia, refers to him as a slinky toy. Bengals are often reported as being very vocal and loud. While I found this characteristic in Benji, who always announced himself with a loud YAWWLL and responded to his name with the same YAWWLL, I don’t find Gizmo to be particularly fond of his own voice, and rather quiet. Calypso is more talkative but it’s more like a coo or a chirp when he wants attention. Bengals love water! All the Bengals I’ve ever known love water. From dishwater, bath water, flowers in water, toilet water and Gizmo even has a swim in the pool. We prefer to supervise his swimming, but on some occasions he’s come into the house, dripping wet, waiting to be dried off. I’m not always sure whether he’s fallen in the pool or went in voluntarily. Luckily, ours is a rim flow pool, so it will always be easy for him to find his way out. They love having their paws in any puddles of water. I have given up on putting flowers in small vases with water, or a glass of water next to my bed at night. I have had more glasses and vases broken than I can count. Keep the toilet closed, ALWAYS, unless you want to find your cat playing with the toilet water. And keep the toilet door closed when someone’s inside! Toilet paper is also lots of fun, and I often find the entire roll of paper in a heap on the floor. One jump and the paper starts to unroll, and Gizmo just keeps rolling off until the roll is empty. Gizmo at times jumps and manages to open a door. Not always, but its happened a few times that I’ve found him on the inside with a door open when I’m 100% sure that I closed the door with him on the outside.

One word of warning: As much as I love the Bengals, I don’t believe having small children or elderly people around Bengals is a good idea. While they are happily leaping and jumping, they often nick your skin with a claw, and while playing they even bite a little hard. No one in our family has ever been seriously injured, but we all have a few light scars from claws or teeth. It’s proof that we are members of a Bengal family, and loving it. Bengals are awesome! c

He loves playing with anyone, and also other animals. He was ecstatic when he was taken to the stables to meet the horses, but as soon as the horses trotted off, he found a puddle of water to play in.

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LUNE DE DIAMANT BENGAL SEBASTIEN ZURIO

It is with pleasure that I share my passion that is the Bengal. Since I like small animals, I have had several pet cats in my childhood. One day I was watching TV, I watched a documentary which spoke about the bengal, I was fascinated and I thought: Why not get into the breeding of this breed? Living in Switzerland I then asked about the farms that were in the region and in neighboring France. As a perfectionist I wanted quality. I took my first breeding male from a breeder in Switzerland. I called him Guess. He was a snow bengal. Later I also took a female from the same person, she was a Brown spotted bengal which I have named Ghalmara.

I quickly fell in love with this breed! People can guess from their fur and their origins that are wild and difficult to tame cats, however I quickly realized otherwise. Real pots of glue that often require cuddling, very close to their master, they are very lovable animals. Afterwards I took a female Brown Rosettes Harmony, from a breeder in France who taught me a lot and that I keep in close contact with. This is a female who has a beautiful line of Bengals and has the profile I was looking for. I also fell for a small male spotted Brown called Yofi. At the age of 2 months he stole the food on the plate of the breeder and whenever Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the kitchen he moves close to me try to steal food to eat. Often silly little things like this makes my partner and I laugh. My last cat is called Chanel and

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comes from a breeder in Germany. She is a rosette bengal Brown. She often attracts the curiosity of people who come to visit the farm. The latest from our breeding is called Baghera, a little snow Bengal now 4 months old. The Bengal is a cat comes from the States, it stands out with its feline fur resembling a leopard. My cats are curious, they can spend hours perched in the window to watch what happens outside. They are very smart. To prove it: I had to change the direction of the handles on my doors because they could be opened too easily. Bengals are also true sportsmen, they need movement, they are very affectionate and mix easily with other animals. They love children. They are very attached

to their master. These cats love water - when I shower, I have to close the door to the bathroom, if not the pack quickly take possession of the premises. They love to drink from the sink, so I bought them a water fountain. I have shared many unforgettable moments with my Bengals. So far everything has gone very well and I intend to continue breeding these magnificent cats for a few years to come. c

www.lune-de-diamant-bengal.ch

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BEA GIRL GEORGE AND VERONICA BAARTMAN

My son-in-law’s aunt is a great cat lover. When she heard that we are looking for a cat, she got us the name and details of Awesome Bengals as she immediately knew that a Bengal Cat will perfectly fit into our environment. We were very impressed with the way Awesome Bengals care for their cats and fell in love with this small kitten of Bea, a beautiful cat. We realised that this small kitten is show cat quality as she is absolutely beautiful and further so cute. She was called Bea-Girl as an honour to her mother. We are staying on a farm and our Bengal cat, BeaGirl has adapted immediately to her stay on the farm as well as with the other animals. We have a farmyard with small goats, bunnies, ducks and a pig. We also have another cat, Spokie and an Irish Terrier dog. I have attached pictures to show how she and Spokie are always together although there was a period in the beginning that Spokie wasn’t very happy that she has á rival for our attention. Bea-Girl and the dog are playing all the time by him chasing her and she will get into a tree, then she will get out of the tree and the game will start again. She hasn’t shown very much of an interest in all the toys we have bought her or even catnip.

We have made her a toy by binding a few guinea fowl feathers together which keep her amused for quite a while. Bea-Girl is a very versatile cat and are either happy lying on her favourite person’s lap or on her favourite chair. She is not at all scare of anything...... the picture show her on the rail of the balcony she is regularly walking on. She was still a kitten when she has caught her first mouse and ate every piece of it although we have tried to take it away from her. She loves her “soft” food (canned food) and will call you when she is hungry and it is after her normal eating time. She is always waiting outside for us to return from work and will then follow you everywhere even when you are taking a long walk on the farm She is not very fond of small children and always disappears when my grandson of 3 years is in the vicinity as he would pick her up or chase her. c

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CHUI WILL AND JULZ NORTON

As new homeowners, we decided that it was time to expand our family by getting some pets. Having one “dog person” and one “cat person” in a marriage makes it a little tricky when deciding what pet to get. My wife, the cat lover, decided we should head to the Pet Expo to try help us decide. There we met Lorraine from Awesome Bengals and Chesca-Belle, one of her Bengal kittens at the time. My wife had some interest in the breed prior to attending the Expo, however we were both surprised to acutally find the breed in South Africa. Long story short, we booked ourselves a kitten before the end of the day. Our Bengal Chui (Swahili word for ‘leopard’) is a rather unique pet whose character extends well beyond his striking coat. Chui is an adventurer who is constantly looking for people to see and things to do. He is the first cat we have owned who is highly interactive, intelligent and vocal. One of his favourite passtimes include chasing his feathered toy at full tilt around the garden, jumping well above waist height to catch it in the air. Chui even lets us know when it is not yet time to pack his toys away - we have had to relocate the hiding place from the tv cabinet to the kitchen pantry as he quickly learnt how to open the drawer to retrive it! It is true what they say about Bengals being an intelligent breed... even morning cuddles are only offered after the alarm goes off.

becomes quite affectionate and will lie on his back next to you on the couch, purring profusely while he gets his tummy tickled. Often in the mornings, especially during the cold winter months, he likes to join us under the duvet and purr away while we wake up. From a young age it was apparent that he would be an active cat and a very good jumper in comparison to his companion of simlar age, who is a rescue kitty. When these two boys are in a playful mood (often in the mornings) they will chase each other round the house where Chui will take large leaps from couch to couch at full speed around the lounge, almost pronking like a springbok. We are very fond of our Bengal cat and love his interactive character. We couldn’t have asked for a more suitable pet to match our lifestyle and keep us constantly entertained, yet at the same time loved. c

Chui loves being with people and occasionally joins us on our evening walks around the complex. He is relatively comfortable walking on a lead and loves the stimulation of seeing new places. After a day full of activites and sometimes crazy boucing around, he

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CAESAR AZARO & CRIXUS DOREEN OPPERMAN

I have been a huge cat lover since I was a small child and we always had cats in the house. I have always been looking for a cat breed that was something truly different and unique from all the normal cat breeds. I did a lot of research and I came across the Bengal breed. First of all I must say, what I immediately fell in love with, is the Bengal’s most gorgeous, soft and glittery pelt with the most beautiful rosettes, very similar to the pelt of a leopard. After a lot of research and warnings against all the scams on buying Bengals “online” (as there are very few registered Bengal breeders in S.A) I came along Lorraine Kennard from Awesome Bengals. We had waited quite a while for a male kitten to become available. It was for sure the wait and the money worth every cent! On 12 weeks we went to fetch our baby male Bengal – Caesar Azaro from Lorraine in Pretoria. We immediately fell in love with him. As we brought him home to our farm in Magoebaskloof, he almost felt immediately “home”. He was not scared of frightened at our other pets, or our two small children. Shortly after we got Caesar Azaro, we decided to get another Bengal, so the two can become big friends J

At the time Lorraine’s Bengals had all been sold and she had been waiting for new litters. She referred us to Dr. Ansie Davies from Bushveld Bengals in Pretoria, as she had kittens available at the time. We got another male kitten from Dr. Ansie Davies and we named him Crixus. They absolutely LOVE water! When I am in the bath, they think that I am an island and won’t hesitate to jump right in the water. They are not scared of water at ALL! When they were very small, we had to make sure to close the toilet lid and never let a bath run water without watching. They are extremely busy and love climbing on everything. They will choose the highest things to climb on. They are much more playful than any other cat breed we ever had. They are also very very vocal. They do have a different meaw to other cat breeds. If they need anything, or is unhappy with something, needs attention or want to be held, they will call you very quickly. They are very affectionate and loves attention. If you don’t watch out, they will easily “grab” your leg and climb up to your shoulder to be held. It’s not always

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nice when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear a jean J We also warn our friends and visitors to watch out, as they might jump on them. Most other cat breeds tend to hide away when there are strangers in the house or they will run away and get a fright when something accidently falls hard on the floor. But Bengals are not scared of anything. The more noise around, the happier they are. c

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MY TWO BENGALS ZONJA GROBBELAAR

I want to begin my story by saying that once you’ve had a Bengal, you’ll never buy into any other breed ever again!

ing on her back. We have a beautiful garden and I focus on adding lots of flowers to attract insects. She hunts them down.

At first I was absolutely amazed by the beautiful skin patterns, the idea of having a “house leopard” caught my attention and I googled all there was about this breed.

She absolutely loves grooming. I brush her daily and even sometimes wipe her with a warm wet cloth.

All I read on the Internet about this breed was over exceeded by my dearest Sheila, 11 months of age female Bengal, no wonder her breeder is called “Awesome Bengals” because that is just what she is: AWESOME! Sheila is like a little shadow following me all over the house. Whether you prefer it or not, she is part of every activity in the house. Sheila mostly sleeps next to me at night. She sits on the side of the bathtub watching my every move and even sometimes play with my toes under the water. Bengals love water! She sits next to the basin when I brush my teeth, plays with water running slowly from the tap. She plays with the foam in the kitchen basin while I do the dishes. She runs around in the garden while I water the plants without any care to get to wet. Whe often heat the swimming pool and Sheila does not mind being put into the water for a cool off in summer. I am aming to teach her to swim with me but for now she just gets out of the water and dries herself. No scratches or hard feelings afterwards. When I plant flowers she gets right into the soil with me, playing with the leaves, digging holes and roll-

When I watch tv she lays on my lap and the more I cuddle her the more she wants to be cuddled. I can pick her up, kiss her on her tummy and in her neck and she just takes it, no anger. Yes she does give a warning when she is unhappy by pulling her ears to the back but I have not had any aggression from her. I placed a tower scratching pole in my kitchen where she watches me when I cook and bake. When I do the washing she crawls underneath the piles and play hide and seek with me. My Bengal loves her toys. Anything with a bell, feather or lint will get her in play mode. She runs fast and catches the toy on a string with little effort at unbelievable heights. She gets her teaspoon of milk treat every morning and shows great health by just feeding her Hills en raw fresh meat. Bengals are extremely intelligent. I have had the odd occasion where a food cupboard was opened for a midnight dry wors snack and even a tap opened for some play time. My Bengal has opened a screw on lid for some penuts too. I can almost say that Bengals are best of both: very energetic and playful but they are very cuddly too. What I will recommend is that no Bengal should be without

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a friend. My two Bengals play until they are out of breath and they cuddle each other too. A few months ago my one Bengal fell off the stairs and the other one came up to our room, made very strange noises to get our attention leading us down the stairs to show her friend in pain. They talk a lot, call each other when there is some potential mischief and then again Sheila will call me too when she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find me anywhere in the house. Yes this is a breed that needs a lot of love and attention but you will be rewarded without a doubt. Having plenty of scratch poles and toys in the house will give them a sense of belonging. And there is no better bonding than feeding that raw meat by hand, you will be the next best thing. I will advise buyers to choose a breeder very carefully as not all breeders handle the kittens but just separate them from the mother. My utmost appreciation for Lorraine and her team, I have not seen such dedication and love for cats anywhere else. Well done! My Bengals accept visitors well and will even play with children. I cannot comment on dog/cat relation because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have dogs. Ag I can just say that without a Bengal life will be dull. They make you laugh a lot and smother you with love and relation. Bengals are adorable and I believe will work well in a family set-up with children as well as a loner who wants a companion. Awesome Bengals changed our lives! c

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THE RUSSIAN BLUE

THE BENGAL CAT JAMES MICHAEL LUBBAD (THE PAINTED CAT) MELODY BOYD (BOYDS BENGALS)

The Bengal is essentially a domestic shorthair cat with exotic markings. A Bengal grows to be about the same size as a domestic household cat as an adult. However, Bengals have the very rare combination of beauty and brains that is not commonly found in most average cats. I chose to breed Bengals for three reasons: first of all for their undeniable exotic beauty, second for their intelligence, and third for their incredible energetic and playful personalities. The first thing that people notice about a spotted Bengal is that it looks very like a leopard or a cheetah â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it looks like it just stepped out of the wild. Bengals have a short, tight coat that feels very plush to the touch, like velvet. It is because of this coat that some people claim that the Bengal cat is hypoallergenic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bengals do not shed much and they have very little dander. This is a bonus for me because my friends who are allergic to cats would come to my home and have no allergic reaction to my Bengal cat.

and affectionate. The typical Bengal is not a shy cat that will hide under the bed; most Bengals want to be part of the family and they will follow family members around and greet them at the door. Bengals will often seek out family members to cuddle, and Bengals like to sleep with their human family members. So in conclusion, if you are lucky enough to own a Bengal, the Bengal will be a member of your family. The Bengal is smart, and is just about the most active cat one can have. They are intelligent, playful, curious and outgoing. And for pet lovers with allergies, the Bengal cat may be just the solution: a dog-like cat that has brains and beauty. c

Bengals are also highly intelligent. Unlike many domestic cats, the Bengal can be trained to do things that other cats cannot do. I learned how smart Bengals are when I trained my first Bengal to come when called. I also trained her to climb onto the top of a scratching post on command. In addition, I trained her to walk on a leash and she would play fetch for hours. My Bengal was also smart enough to know that the cat carrier meant it was time to go to the veterinarian, so she would run away at just the sight of the carrier. Bengals have big personalities. Once you have an experience with a Bengal you will be hooked. Bengals are intelligent, outgoing, curious, playful

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

FELINE IDIOPATHIC CYSTITIS Dr Larry Kraitzick, BSVc  Bruma Lake Veterinary Hospital

some of the important factors that play a role in this unpleasant condition. Stress –studies show that in many instances of FIC a stressful event is associated with an episode of FIC Sometimes even though there is no obvious source of stress, a careful analysis of the cats circumstances reveals an circumstantial or environmental stress. Some cats that are kept solely indoors and some cats sharing their environment with one or more other cats are typical examples of where stress can occur and influence the disease, even if no other obvious outward signs are present that suggest the cat is stressed. Also prowling cats on your property, even if you are unaware of them may cause tremendous stress to your cats. There are so many other causes of stress to your cats ,some obvious and some obscure, that it is not practical to go in to them here.

Cats may be afflicted by many different conditions involving the lower urinary tract (that part of the urinary tract starting from and including the bladder, including the urethra all the way to the point at which urine leaves the body at the penis or in the vagina. There is one type of lower urinary tract disease in cats which frustratingly does not have and obvious underlying cause-Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. Idiopathic- of unknown cause, Cystitis-inflammation of the bladder. This disease has many features in common with a condition in humans called’ Interstitial Cystitis’. We believe that about 60% of all lower urinary tract symptoms are caused by FIC. It is possible that there may be one specific or many different causes FIC. Unfortunately we do not know the underlying cause/ causes of this condition.Fortumately after years of extensive research we are beginning to understand

Abnormal neuronal and hormonal response to stresscats that develop FIC have been shown to show an abnormal physiological response to stress with increases in nor-adrenaline and adrenaline but not an expected accompanying increase in cortisol. The relevance of this is poorly understood and is a matter for neurophysiologists. The bottom line is that these individuals do not show normal well-orchestrated stress response and this affects the bladder. Defective bladder lining –the bladder is lined by a protective layer of mucous called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that protects the of the bladder wall .Urine contains a high many substances that would irritate the cells of the bladder wall if this layer were not present. Cat with FIC appear to have a defective GAG layer with resultant irritation and/or ulceration of the bladder Neurogenic inflammation –nerves going to and in the bladder may be stimulated by local factors such as stretching or irritating substances .They may also be stimulated by factors occurring in the brain such as stress.We believe that release of substances called neurotransmitters from nerves may also cause bladder irritation.

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

With FIC, many cats develop recurrent episodes of clinical signs. They may develop quite rapidly, and then often naturally subside and resolve over 5-10 days, only to recur again later. In severe cases, the signs can recur rapidly and frequently, and in some cats the signs may persist for long periods. FIC can lead to severe bladder inflammation and the thickened bladder wall that develops may be difficult to distinguish from an underlying tumour without a biopsy. Diagnosis It is important to realise that at present there is no specific test to diagnose FIC. We therefore have to rule out other causes of feline lower urinary tract disease before arriving at this diagnosis or the results could be catastrophic (forgive the pun) As we have said before FIC bears many similarities with Human Interstitial Cystitis. It is opinion of scientists at the moment in human and cats this condition may develop in certain individuals that are may have a genetic predisposition to respond to stress in an abnormal way and may also have a localized dysfunction in the bladder lining. The bottom line ,though is that we do not why or exactly how FIC develops. Symptoms The symptoms of FIC are exactly the same as any other cause of Feline Lower Urinary Tract disease • • • • •

Dysuria – difficulty or painful urination Pollakiuria – increased frequency of urination Haematuria – blood in the urine Periuria – urinating outside the litter-box Overgrooming - especially around the perineum(area between baseof tail and penis or vulva) and sometimes under abdomen • Hairloss – perineum and under abdomen • Stranguria - when urinating • Irritability or Depression There are may be other symptoms related to environmental causes of stress,physical illness causing stress or the secondary complications of this FIC. In some male cats with FIC, urethral blockage may also occur as a result of severe inflammation and spasm of the muscles surrounding the urethra, or if a urethral plug develops.

• Examine cat to check that urethra(pipe from bladder) is open especially in males-Every case • Analysis of urine samples -Every case • Bacterial culture of urine samples-First time cat comes in for this condition • X-rays of the bladder (including contrast studies) • Possibly ultrasound of the bladder and abdomen • Blood tests The first three should be performed in every case and the second three according to the situation. The analysis of a urine sample in cats with FIC often reveals the presence of blood and white blood cells and protein. No specific underlying cause can be found to explain these changes-no infection ,no stones , no trauma or other causes . It is common to also find microscopic evidence of crystals in urine samples especially if they have been standing more than a few minutes. However, these crystals are not the cause of the cystitis and are often found cats both with and without FIC . Management The best way to managing a cat with FIC is to use is making a number of different changes to reduce the chances of repeated episodes of FIC. We must also make all efforts to eliminate or reduce the pain and discomfort the cat with FIC experiences-this is where together with nutrition drugs will be helpful. Drugs do not control or prevent the disease-rather they are used to make your cat feel more comfortable. Therefore, it is important to concentrate on changing your cats diet, circumstances and DRUGS.

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

• Warming the food to body temperature (around 30°C) may help increase the palatability • Other measures to increase water intake • Making sure a good supply of fresh water is always available – cats should be encouraged to drink by offering water from different bowls, etc • Using flavoured waters (chicken or tuna, for example) or water fountains to encourage drinking • Encourage drinking and urinating by altering the environment to suite your cats To encourage cats to drink, it is important to provide water in different places, where the cat is comfortable to spend time and drink. Avoid noisy places or anywhere close to a litter box. Ideally provide water (and food) in several locations and use ceramic bowls rather than metal or plastic which can leave an unpleasant odour or taste. FIC IS A PAINFUL CONDITION, so in acute episodes so it imperative in acute episodes to use analgesics (pain killers) prescribed by your vet (NB many pain killers are toxic to cats). Sedatives may be used but only for short periods to deal with transitional stress.There are also other CNS drugs but we prefer not use them if possible. We can drugs to try to protect the mucous layer GAGS –we are not sure how effective these are but they do not have side effects.. Dietary modification You must encourage more frequent urination and urine which is less irritating to the bladder. We can achieve this by two means changing the substances in the urine and making the urine more dilute.This we do by feeding a superior quality moist diet or a special veterinary prescribed diet or a combination of both, as well as encouraging your cat to drink more. Changing cats to a new diet can sometimes be difficult. These tips may help: • Always make a change in diet gradual – for several days at least and sometimes over a few weeks if your cat is quite fussy

Try using shallow bowls rather than deep-sided bowls so that the cat can see what is going on around at the same time as drinking and so that the whiskers do not brush against the sides of the bowl (which can be irritating for cats). Also try flavoured or running water (pet fountains) as these are preferred by some cats. Make sure your cat has every opportunity to urinate frequently. Make sure there is at least one litter box for every cat in the household PLUS AN ADDITIONAL ONE. Experiment with litter boxes in different locations and use different types of litter in the box to the location and type of litter your cat Reduce Stress It is crucial investigate and eliminate or reduce any specific stressful situations or set up in the environment - this could be another pet in the house, abrupt changes in diet, overcrowding, owner stress, or changes to the people in the house. One of the single most common cause of probably conflict with another cat in the household or strange cats encroaching on your cats environment. This is not always easy to detect, but should always be suspected in a cat with FIC.

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Many, but not all that cats spend most of their time indoors,are susceptible to stress. This is because they do not experience the different stimuli and environmental stimuli that the outdoors provide.The become bored,stressed and depressed. We can do many different things to help them. • Set aside some time every day to play with your kitty-play a variety of different games . • Give them toys to play with • Allowing the cat some outdoor access, even in an enclosed run if necessary, can provide interest and stimulation • Modify the environment so that there is plenty of interest for the cat (scratching posts, etc) and resting places for the cat. Cats need a certain amount of space, and need to be able to have a degree of control over that environment. It is important that they can explore their environment and have hiding places - ideally in elevated locations (eg, on top of furniture or cupboards). • There are synthetic feline facial pheromones in the form of a spray, and a collar.

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Long Term Outlook Most cats with FIC respond well to a change in diet and enviroment as described above.There are a few cats who have recurrent\ episodes even with dietary and enviromental modification.These cases should undergo more intesivive investigation.If they are still unresponsive a trial of other CNS drugs and/or GAGS should be instituted.

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CAT TO DRINK

There may be times when you will need to increase your cat’s water intake for a variety of therapeutic reasons. Your cat may have idiopathic cystitis and the aim is to encourage it to produce a more dilute urine, or it may have renal insufficiency and you need to help prevent dehydration. Whatever the reason here are some tips on increasing hydration. Tips for increasing a cat’s water intake

It is useful to try different containers in different locations in the house to identify an individual cat’s preference. Multiple water bowls should be provided, located away from food and litter areas. Cats should be able to drink alone without the risk of another cat coming up behind them.

Feed a wet food. Add water to the food. Offer ‘broths’ (eg, water that meat has been boiled in). Use flavoured ice cubes. These can be made by boiling meat and freezing the water from the meat in ice cube trays. An ice cube can be put in the water bowl each day to add a ‘meaty’ flavour to the water. Many cats prefer a specific type of water – rain water, puddle water, bottled water or tap water. Try different types to find the cat’s preference. Some cats prefer flowing water (eg, water fountains, a dripping tap) to still water. Many cats also have a preference for the type of container that the water is in (glass, metal or ceramic rather than plastic, which retains odours), as well as the shape of the container (large wide container, glass, mug, etc).

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PICA - WHEN CATS EAT WEIRD THINGS Dr Arnold Plotnick MS, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP Manhattan Cat Specialists

If, however, this natural progression is disrupted by abrupt early weaning while the kitten’s nursing drive is still very powerful, the kitten may displaces its nursing onto substrates that look or feel like mom. “They may begin sucking on themselves, their littermates, or certain wooly materials, especially wool itself”, says Dr. Dodman. Human infants show similar behavior when they suck their thumbs or a pacifier. In general, the younger a kitten is when it is weaned, the stronger the nursing drive, and the more persistent this non-nutritional sucking may become.

“Pica” (pronounced “PIE-kuh”) is the voluntary ingestion of non-edible materials. The term comes from the Latin word “magpie”, because magpies are said to eat almost anything. Pica accounts for approximately 2.5% of abnormal behaviors in the domestic cat. The etiology of true pica is not known, although mineral deficiencies or psychological disturbances are often blamed. Tom’s case is interesting in that his pica – eating litter and licking silverware – seemed to be clearly connected to a medical disorder (his anemia). Wool-sucking is a commonly described abnormal ingestive behavior in cats. Wool-sucking, however, is a compulsive, misdirected form of nursing behavior and technically should be distinguished from true cases of pica. “Kittens nurse fairly actively for the first seven weeks of their lives, with mom rebuffing them at the latter end of the period in order to ‘teach’ them to fend for themselves”, explains Dr. Nick Dodman, Director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and author of book The Cat Who Cried for Help. “’Comfort nursing’ (running to mom for a couple of quick sucks even when the milk bar is dry) is normal kitten behavior, even up to 6 months of age. As the kitten grows older and shifts its preference to solid food, the drive to nurse fades.”

Wool sucking usually fades over time as the kitten develops other interests. For those kittens whose wool sucking has apparently faded into oblivion, however, vague memories of this behavior may persist throughout life, and in moments of stress or conflict, it may resurface as a comfort behavior. In some cases, it may assume compulsive proportions. In other cats, wool sucking doesn’t resurface, possibly because serious conflict does not arise. Wool sucking is usually not a problem, “especially if the behavior remains at the ‘wool sucking only’ stage”, says Dr. Dodman. Some cats, however, progress to actually eating the non-nutritional materials, predisposing the cat to potentially serious problems such as gastrointestinal obstructions. Such was the case with Pumpkin. Many years ago, while working for a feline-exclusive veterinary practice in Baltimore, I was presented with a big 4 year-old orange male tabby. The complaint was poor appetite and vomiting of three days duration, and before I could even start my exam, Pumpkin’s owner warned me that Pumpkin had always had a penchant for plastic bags. Three years prior, Pumpkin had a plastic bag surgically removed from his stomach, and his owner was having that unmistakable feeling of déjà vu. Sure enough, x-rays revealed the presence of something odd in Pumpkin’s gastrointestinal tract, and during exploratory surgery, a sizeable chunk of a plastic grocery bag was extracted from Pumpkin’s intestine.

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Fortunately, Pumpkin recovered uneventfully. An attraction to plastic is a common scenario encountered by feline practitioners. Exactly why cats like plastic remains unknown, although several theories abound. Some people have speculated that cats like the coolness of the plastic, or the texture on their tongue, or perhaps the sound it makes when they lick.

tendency toward dietary indiscretion, since GI obstructions may be life-threatening. Pica might seem like charming, quirky behavior, however, because of the potential harm from eating non-nutritional material, cat owners should discourage this behavior.

www.manhattancats.com

The most logical reason I’ve heard, however, is that cats like licking or eating plastic bags because rendered animal fat (also called “tallow”) is utilized during the manufacture of some plastic bags, and that some cats can detect the smell and enjoy the taste. Other versions of this explanation have implicated petroleum products and gelatin as the enticing ingredients. Gelatin, in fact, is used in the manufacture of many items including the emulsion used in photographs, which may explain why my own carnivorous cat, Emma, enthusiastically licked clean all of my unattended family photos one afternoon. I’ve never been able to confirm the tallowpetroleum-gelatin theory, so CatFancy readers should not take this as the gospel truth. But it sure makes sense to me. Because pica can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, like Tom’s anemia, cats displaying unusual ingestive behavior should be examined by a veterinarian. Certainly, cats with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of eating unusual objects should be examined right away, and clients should inform the veterinarian if the cat has a known

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus (or ‘sugar diabetes’) is a complicated condition caused by either an absolute or relative lack of the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by special cells in the pancreas (an organ close to the liver) and this hormone is critical in the control and utilisation of blood glucose (sugar). Insulin is produced and released into the blood in response to increasing levels of blood glucose, and this allows the glucose to be taken up by cells in the body (and used for energy) and helps to maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood. If insulin is deficient, blood glucose levels will rise, and the body will not be able to use glucose efficiently as a source of energy, depending instead on other sources such as breakdown of fats. Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorders of cats, but fortunately in most cases it can be diagnosed and managed successfully, although management options can be quite complex and treatment has to be adjusted to the individual cat. What causes diabetes? Diabetes in cats appears to be very similar to type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes in humans. The disease is characterised by abnormalities within the pancreas that interfere with the ability to produce insulin, and also with so-called ‘insulin resistance - a reduced ability of the tissues in the body to respond to the insulin that is produced. Together these combine to cause diabetes. Type I diabetes in humans is caused by an auto-immune disease that results in destruction of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Although this has been seen in the cat, in contrast to dogs, this form of disease appears very rarely in cats. Diabetes may also occur in cats as a secondary dis-

forms of drug therapy. Some other endocrine diseases such as hyperadrenocorticism (an excessive production of cortisol from the adrenal glands), or acromegaly (an excessive production of growth hormone from the pituitary) can strongly impair the response of tissues to insulin and result in diabetes. The same can happen occasionally when certain drugs are used such as prolonged high doses of corticosteroids or progesterone-like drugs (progestagens). Clinical signs of diabetes Diabetes is mainly a disease of middle-aged cats and older, and is more common in male cats than females. The disease is also much more common in neutered cats and overweight cats - being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle are two of the most common causes of an impaired tissue response to insulin (insulin resistance) which is a critical component of the disease. A genetic predisposition to diabetes is well recognised in humans, and there is evidence that this may also be true in cats. In some countries at least, the Burmese cat appears to be predisposed to developing diabetes, and the disease appears very common in some lines of Burmese. The most common clinical signs seen in diabetic cats are: Increased urination (polyuria) - the increased blood glucose levels mean that glucose spills over into the urine drawing water with it, thus creating a larger volume of urine Increased thirst (polydipsia) - to compensate for the water that is being lost through increased urine production Weight loss - Increased appetite (polyphagia) - this is not invariably present, but in some cats will be marked The severity of these signs will vary between individuals, and some will be more subtle than others. Some addi-

ease – i.e. secondary to another disease or to certain KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

tional signs may also be seen including:

Treatment of diabetes in cats

Enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) - which may be evident on examination by your vet

Diabetes mellitus is usually a treatable condition but it is not a simple disease to manage and does require dedication and commitment from owners. Nevertheless, it can be an extremely rewarding problem to manage when things go well.

Poor coat Weakness, especially of the back legs caused by diabetes damaging the nerves (diabetic neuropathy) - this may result in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sunken hocksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Diabetes may predispose cats to secondary bacterial cystitis so they may show signs of bladder infections (straining to urinate, passing blood in the urine). Most diabetic cats remain well in themselves but prolonged severe diabetes may occasionally result in a complication referred to as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this situation, the cat may become extremely depressed with signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, and collapse. Any signs such as these should prompt immediate assessment by your vet. Diagnosis The clinical signs may suggest a diagnosis of diabetes, but other conditions may also produce similar signs so further testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. This is usually done in the form of blood and urine tests: Analysis of a urine sample will reveal the presence of glucose. Ketones (which are used as an alternative source of energy during diabetes) may also be present in the urine. A blood test should show the presence of a high concentration of glucose, and your vet may also look at fructosamine and/or glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations - these tests measure the quantity of glucose that has become bound to different proteins in the blood and give an idea of the average blood glucose concentration during the preceding weeks. Although the presence of hyperglycaemia (a high blood glucose) and glycosuria (glucose in the urine) are typical findings for diabetes, these changes can also occur in some cats simply as a result of stress. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, your vet may want to wait a little while and repeat the tests, or do some additional investigations (such as the fructosamine or glycosylated haemoglobin tests mentioned above).

Management of predisposing factors Initially it is important to identify any predisposing or complicating factors - for example if drugs are being given that may be causing the diabetes, these should be gradually withdrawn. Dietary management There are two major considerations with dietary management of diabetic cats. Firstly, if the cat is overweight or obese it is very important to normalise their body weight. This itself may result in resolution of the diabetes (because obesity interferes with the action of insulin). Weight loss can be achieved through a combination of reduced calorie intake and increased exercise, although the latter can be challenging in cats. If your cat is significantly overweight then your vet may suggest a special weight reduction diet to help. As a routine, cats with diabetes appear to benefit greatly from a diet that is low in carbohydrates. Several studies have shown that cats with diabetes are easier to manage, have lower insulin requirements and in some cases the diabetes actually resolves, simply by changing them to a diet that is very low in carbohydrates. Some diets available from your vet are specifically made to meet the requirements of a diabetic cat, but if these are not available feeding a low carbohydrate kitten diet may be a suitable alternative - talk to your vet about these options. Oral drugs to control diabetes In humans with diabetes a number of oral drugs (tablets) are available that can help control the condition. Many of these are either toxic to cats (so should not be used), or simply do not work in cats. Some tablets (so-called oral hypoglycaemics - tablets that lower blood glucose) can work in a small proportion of diabetic cats, but their long-term use is a little controversial. Nevertheless, this may be an option occasionally for cats that are very difficult to inject with insulin.

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should be gently mixed so that an even suspension is obtained, but you should not shake the bottle as this may damage the insulin.

Using insulin injections Most diabetic cats will need to have their diabetes managed with daily or twice daily injections of insulin, just as is needed for many humans with diabetes. Although the prospect of having to inject your cat once or twice a day is very daunting for most owners, it can actually be very easy to do with practise, and because insulin syringes and needles are so small, the cat usually does not feel a thing. The injection is given under the skin, usually in the scruff of the neck. Your vet (and perhaps vet nurse) will help by talking you through the whole procedure and letting you practise before ever having to give insulin to your own cat. Sometimes practising by injecting water into something like an orange can help to get the feel of how to handle the syringe and needle and gain confidence. It is usually easiest to try to inject your cat when they are distracted with other things (for example when they are eating a tasty treat), and to begin with it may be better to have a second person who can help hold your cat, although with practise this will not be needed. Several different types of insulin are available - some are specifically licensed for use in dogs and cats, others may be licensed for use in humans but still suitable for dog and cat use. In general, insulins are divided into: Short-acting preparations (eg, soluble insulin) Intermediate-acting preparations (eg, lente insulin) Long-acting preparations (eg, protamine zine insulin [PZI], insulin glargine, insulin detemir). Individual cats may respond differently to different insulins, but most cats will require twice daily injection of an intermediate- or long-acting type of insulin, although some cats can be managed with once daily injections.

Always carefully follow the instructions from your vet when using the insulin Carefully draw up the correct amount of insulin in the syringe. Occasionally insulin pens are used which help to make administering small amounts of insulin easier. If you are not sure whether an injection was given successfully, never give a second injection. It is better to miss a dose rather than risk giving too much insulin. Stabilising a diabetic cat Many vets will hospitalise diabetic cats undergoing initial stabilisation. Insulin is given and regular blood tests are used to monitor the effect on blood glucose concentration. This allows adjustments to be made to the insulin dose (and if necessary a change in the type of insulin or frequency of injection) to get good control of the diabetes. In some cases, this may also be done on an out-patient basis with intermittent trips to your vet to check blood glucose. In these cases it may take a little longer to stabilise the cat as changes in the insulin dose will be made slowly to avoid causing problems. Long-term management of the diabetic cat Day to day routines, feeding (type of food, frequency), activity, and body weight should be kept as constant as possible as this will help minimise fluctuations in insulin needs. Once a diabetic cat is stable, the dose of insulin may still need to be adjusted on an occasional basis. Only do this in consultation with your vet though. Several things will help you and your vet to monitor your diabetic cat. Your vet will, from time to time, want to: Check blood samples to look at blood glucose and fructosamine and/or glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations (see above)

Storing and handling insulin It is important to store insulin properly so that it maintains its efficacy. Insulin should be kept in a fridge at all times, and never frozen. Before drawing up insulin into a syringe, the contents of the bottle

c Check the weight of your cat c Check urine samples (for glucose and ketones, see above) c Check the general health of your cat

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To help you and your vet manage the diabetes, it is extremely helpful if you are able to keep a daily diary and record key things on a day-to-day basis. Looking at the trends and changes in these parameters over time can be extremely helpful in managing your cat.

it is always best to have a small bottle of glucose syrup (available from your vet or a pharmacist) in the house when you have a diabetic cat.

Keep a daily note of:

The long-term outlook for cats with diabetes mellitus varies according to how old they are, how easy it is to stabilise their diabetes, whether they have any other diseases and how severe these are. Many diabetic cats have an excellent quality of life, and many can live very happily with their diabetes if they are well managed. These cats can be extremely rewarding to manage, but not every cat responds well.

The time of injection and the amount of insulin injected The cat’s appetite and the amount of food eaten The overall demeanour of your cat, noting particularly if they become lethargic or more sleepy than usual The presence of any vomiting or diarrhoea If at all possible, measure the amount of water your cat drinks each day - use a measuring jug to fill their bowl and at the end of the day tip the water back into the jug to see how much they have drunk. Measuring the water intake is one of the most useful ways to monitor how well the diabetes is controlled. Even if you have more than one cat in your house, measuring how much they all drink may still be a useful guide. Some other things are very useful to record in the diary:

Prognosis

Your vet will want to undertake regular examinations to evaluate the response with your cat, and if your cat proves difficult to stabilise, becomes unstable, or appears to need very large doses of insulin, further tests may be needed to look for other underlying problems. http://www.icatcare.org

Weight - If possible, also keep a weekly note of your cats weight and record this in the diary as well. Take the diary with you whenever you go to the vet so that you and your vet can review what has been happening. Urine glucose - Your vet may suggest you collect a urine sample from your cat from time to time so that you (or your vet) can check for glucose in the urine with a very simple paper-strip test.

Some interesting videos to watch on Youtube if you own a diabetic cat:

Changing the dose of your cat’s insulin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by4U2VFxOGg &feature=youtu.be

Only change the dose of your cat’s insulin after first talking with your vet. In particular, you should never give more insulin unless your vet has told you to. This is important, as giving too much insulin can cause a condition called hypoglycaemia, where the blood glucose concentration is too low. The signs of hypoglycaemia are generalised weakness, disorientation, the cat may appear as though it is intoxicated, it may collapse and this can progress to seizures and/or a coma. This is a life threatening situation and requires urgent action. If your cat ever shows any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. In the meantime it is helpful to administer some glucose syrup or powder by mouth to your cat. As a precaution,

How to give your cat an insulin injection

Home blood glucose testing for your cat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j1zZ7_ RVUU&feature=youtu.be How to collect your cat’s urine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DdZWPmIK28 &feature=youtu.be How to test your cat’s urine for substances like glucose and ketones h t t p s : / / w w w. yo u t u b e . c o m / wa t c h ? v = t l Y X x S 9HfY&feature=youtu.be

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PLEASE READ THIS WARNING! Dr Larry Kraitzick, BSVc Bruma Lake Veterinary Hospital http://brumalakevet.wix.com/bruma-vet https://www.facebook.com/BrumaLakeVeterinary

The intentional poisoning of dogs with Aldicarb has reached epidemic proportions. This neurotoxin with the street name TWO STEP is a tasteless odourless black powder. It is placed in food by would be robbers. They toss the laced food over walls and fences; then wait a few days for the dogs to die. Dogs may die suddenly only 20 minutes after ingestion. Dogs may also show various symptoms and die hours to days later if not taken to a veterinarian. Cat lovers beware! Cats may inadvertently be poisoned by burglers targeting dogs. Symptoms vary and can occur in different combinations. They include foaming at mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle twitching, muscle spasms, weakness, difficulty breathing,change in behaviour and collapse. If you suspect intoxication you should get your dog to the vet immediately. You must wear gloves and wrap your dog in a towel to avoid contact with secretions which are toxic even on contact.You must search your property for other contaminated food. Clean up any body secretions in the environment using detergent and copious amounts of water. You must wear gloves and take care not to have contact with these secretions. I always advise keeping dogs inside at night. They are less likely to be poisoned or neutralised this way. This provides better protection for your dogs and your family. PLEASE KEEP YOUR PRECIOUS PETS AND FAMILY SAFE!

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ASK THE VET Dr Laurence John Behrens BSc: Veterinary Biology, BVSc Terrace Road Veterinary Hospital

Concerned owner I have two senior cats that both need dentals done. I understand they need to be done but am worried about putting them through an anesthetic at this age. Should I be worried? Dear concerned owner Let me answer your your question in various ways. The benefits of putting these cats, that are healthy otherwise, under an anesthetic outweigh the risks. For good dental and oral health, it can be necessary to perform routine dental work on most cats. This is of utmost importance because we can prevent potential oral problems before they spiral out of control. For example, performing a dental now to clean and polish the teeth and take care of any infection control is

easy at this point. If in six months or even a year, one of your cats becomes ill because of an oral abscess or rotten tooth, the cat is 1. older and 2. not in a 100% healthy state with an oral infection present. Routine dental work can vary between cats as some animals only need them every 5 years while others need dental care every year. Prevention is a far superior practice in these cases. Good dental care can ensure a good appetite in our geriatric patients who often loose weight for various reasons. When your cat goes in for its yearly vaccinations, enquire about routine dental care. . When ever a patient needs to undergo a sedation or general anesthetic, we like to minimize the risks. We can do that in a number of ways. Firstly by ensuring the patient is healthy and stable enough to endure the anesthetic which can be evaluated by a

clinical exam, which is done on every patient pre-operatively. We can minimize the risks even further by taking a blood sample and testing general organ function. By doing this, we can gage how healthy the cats vital organs like kidneys and liver are, as these are the two primary organs that metabolize the drugs we use to induce the cast into the ‘sleeping state’. When performing a procedure like a dental on an older cat, I often insist that we use a drip (intravenous fluids) during the procedure as this can help a lot with blood pressure fluctuations during the procedure. Yes, these ways of reducing risk can increase the cost estimate for the procedure but in my mind you can’t put a price on safety. Don’t delay, get your cats oral health improved today.

Please submit your questions for Dr L J Behrens to kittycatsa@gmail.com www.facebook.com/terraceroadvet

The Visitor Niki Moore

Bill Jensen was 93 years old. He had lived in Durban all his life with his wife, Jennifer. When they had first met, back in 1941, she had joked that she would never be able to marry him, as then she would always be known as Jennifer Jensen, or Jen-Jen. That was, oh, seventy-three years ago now, but he would never forget it. That remark, and that sparkling smile, almost as if daring him to prove her wrong. Well, she had been wrong, but over the last seventy-three years she had been right about almost everything else. She had been right that their first child would be a son, and that he would grow up to be an engineer like his father. She had been right that their second child would be a daughter, and that she would grow up to be a teacher like her mother. She had also been right, sadly, that both children would leave the country and settle somewhere else. It was a wrench when they left, and the frequent visits, the long telephone calls, the letters and postcards and pictures posted on Facebook were just not the same as having them nearby. Had she been right about selling the house and moving into a retirement home? It was a pleasant place, quite big, with plain lawns and simple gardens. It was what they wanted, they told each other, as they sat and talked over tea in the mornings and their afternoon cake. From their patio, you could almost see the sea. But she had definitely been right when she told him one day, not too long ago, that the pains she had been getting were serious, and that she should see a specialist. He wished she hadn’t been right about that. It was difficult for him to sit next to his Jen-Jen in her white hospital bed, looking at her white face on the pillow, her thin hand clutching his. His Jen-Jen was all he had, and she was all he had had for a long time. Bill wrestled with his thoughts. He knew she was in pain, he knew there was no cure. One moment he wished it could be all over, and her suffering would end. But that would mean that his own suffering

would begin. Seventy-three years is a long time to spend with one person. You get to know their laughter, their breathing, their secret smile. How would he cope on his own? He would be alone, completely alone. For the first time in his life. In the morning, the nurse found Bill, sitting upright, fast asleep next to the bed, holding Jen-Jen’s hand. She had to wake him very gently. “Mr Jensen?” she said. “Mr Jensen?” She lifted his warm, red hand off the cold, white hand of his wife. “I’m sorry, Mr Jensen,” she said. “I’m so terribly sorry.” The next few weeks must have passed, but Bill Jensen didn’t remember anything very clearly. He recollected his children coming back for the funeral, and mourned the fact that they had not come back when Jen-Jen was alive. People around him were very kind, very busy. He felt himself being swept along in this race of activity, of organisation, of sympathy. And then it was all over, everything was done, everyone had left. He saw his children off at the airport, and the village’s bus brought him home. It was dusk when he got back to his front door. The door looked just the same. His flat looked just the same. Why did they look the same when everything else was so different? The room echoed a little when he walked in. He sat in his easy-chair as he had done every night for so long, and looked at her chair, standing empty now. Who was he going to talk to? Who was he going to wrangle with over the TV programmes? He did not eat, it seemed pointless to make a meal for one person. He stared at the television, not seeing the pictures or hearing the sound. He went to bed and hardly slept, lying staring up at the ceiling. What was he going to do now? He was ninety-three. How could one start all over again at ninety-three? It was hardly light when he got up the following morning to put on the kettle for coffee. Coffee for one person. He stood staring at the kettle while the steam came out and it switched itself off. He didn’t even know that he hadn’t moved until he woke from his daze, to find the water in the kettle had cooled.

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He switched it on again. And then he heard the noise. It sounded as if someone was trying to push something through his letterbox. He went into his tiny hallway and opened the door. There was a cat on his doormat. A grey tabby, with clear eyes and white paws. The cat twisted its head to look up at Bill, and then looked past him into the flat, as if to ask whether he could come in. Without even thinking about what he was doing, Bill stepped back and the cat walked past him, warily, looking up at him every so often as if to ask if what he was doing was alright. “Come in, Kitty,” said Bill, still in a daze. “I’ve just been making some coffee. Would you like some milk?” This seemed to be acceptable. The cat jumped on the kitchen counter, sniffing at the tap, the sink, the kettle, the coffee-cup, the sugar basin. Bill filled a saucer with milk, and the cat came a little nearer, first a little shyly, then eagerly. The two of them drank together in companionable silence. Bill stretched out a tentative hand. The cat shied away a little, but soon returned to the saucer. After a few tries, Bill managed to stroke his fur. The cat butted his hand. Almost as a reflex Bill picked the cat up and buried his face in its fur. The fur was not soft, and the cat smelled dusty, but the animal did not resist, his body was warm and, deep down, there was the faint rumbling of a purr. And so the adventure began. Bill took a walk that morning to the corner shop, where he bought cat food and cat litter, with - as an afterthought – something for his own supper. On his way back, the bus-driver saw him and offered him a lift: “Can I help you with those heavy bags, Mr Jensen?”

back into his flat. He took this as an omen. Jen-Jen had sent the cat, to look after him. She did not want him to be alone. He called the cat Jensen, simply because he could not think of any other name. Jensen Jensen. It fitted, somehow. All day, Bill talked to Jensen. He told him about Jennifer, and the things they used to do together. He told him about their first holiday together, when he pretended to be a gondolier in a row-boat, and had fallen in the lake. He told him about the time that his son had been rushed to hospital with a burst appendix, and how he and Jen-Jen had sat in the hospital waiting room, tense and unspeaking, until the danger had passed.

“No, I’m fine, Michael,” Bill called back, lifting a hand and attempting a smile. The bus driver went past, looking back in his rear-view mirror. ‘Looks like the old boy is going to be all right,’ he thought to himself. “I was a little worried about him.’ The cat was sitting on Jen-Jen’s chair when he let himself KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Jensen sat on the table-top while Bill worked on his hobby (making wooden jigsaws for kids), his paws tucked under his compact body, his eyes following Bill’s hands as they cut and sanded and planed the tiny pieces of wood. He was thin, but quite clean, and Bill did wonder sometimes, when he paused in his work, where he had come from.

“No, he won’t.” Bill put up a last defence. “No-one in this complex dislikes animals. We all want pets....”

That evening Bill poured himself his habitual whiskey and sat in front of the television and watched his regular programmes. At first Jensen sat perched on Jen-Jen’s chair, blinking at the television too, but after a while he got up, stretched, and jumped down. Bill held his breath. The cat walked over to the door and Bill’s heart sank. Jensen wanted to go out. He was going to leave. Bill stared, unseeing, at the television picture. He did not want to face another evening alone.

And then Bill saw the bus driver behind her, his face set.

Then he felt a soft paw brush his arm and, with incredible grace, Jensen jumped up onto his lap, turned around once, and settled down. Very gently, hardly breathing, Bill rested a hand on his fur. That night, Jensen slept on his bed. Bill did not sleep very well, but every time he made a restless move he would hear the deep vibrating purr from the wakened cat. He felt – almost - content. He was making breakfast for the two of them three days later when he heard the knock on the door. It was the supervisor. “Mr Jensen,” she began, trying to look over his shoulder, “I have been told you have a cat.” “Er...” Bill began. She raised her voice. “You know it is forbidden to have pets,” she said. “You are breaking the rules. You must get rid of it immediately.” “It is not forbidden,” retorted Bill, with a flash of spirit. “The rules say that the retirement home is allowed to have pets on the property.” “Mr Jensen,” she said, “You do not want to cross me. I hate cats. I will not allow you to keep a cat.” “You won’t even know about it,” said Bill in desperation. “He will live indoors, I have a litter box, he keeps me company....”

“Is that so?” she interrupted. “What would this place be like if everyone just did as they pleased, and we were overrun with dirty animals?” She stepped back. “Michael, please remove this cat.”

“Yes, Mrs Braithwaite,” he muttered and shouldered his way past Bill. “I’m sorry, Mr Jensen,” he said. Bill put out a despairing hand to stop him, but it was too late. Michael walked into the kitchen, where Jensen had been about to start on his breakfast. He looked up, startled, and then he tried to jump down. Michael caught him in mid-air by one leg, grabbed him round the body, then stuffed the struggling cat into a hessian bag. There was one last, plaintive, yowl. “I’m so terribly sorry,” he said again as he walked out, not looking at Bill where he stood, white-faced and trembling, pressed against the front door. “The nerve of the man!” said Mrs Braithwaite in a parting shot, as she turned to walk after him. “The next thing we know, this place will be a three-ring circus!” Bill felt his way over to his easy chair and sat, staring at the wall. He felt as if, finally, his world had completely collapsed. By the following morning the story was around the whole complex. Michael had taken the cat to be put down. Bill’s tiny rebellion had been crushed. Three weeks later, Bill’s neighbour knocked on his door. She had been worried about him, he had seemed so listless and pale. His wife’s death had been a terrible shock, and then there was that dreadful business about the cat. He seemed to be shrinking, and yesterday, when he was sitting on his patio, he had looked so sad, so bereft, so lonely. But there was no reply. And there would never again be a reply from Bill Jensen. In the early hours of the morning his heart had given up trying to make sense of the world. He had gone to join Jennifer, where she was waiting for him. With Jensen in her arms.

“Oh yes?” she sneered. “You can’t prevent a cat from roaming. He will be a nuisance to the other residents.”

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AUTHORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE: This story is based on a real incident, it was told to me by the man who had actually been the one to collect the cat to put down. He started crying when he told me. It is a terrible shame that elderly people in homes are often not allowed to keep pets. Despite the well-known fact that loneliness can kill people, and that keeping a cat is extremely therapeutic for the frail and elderly, many old age homes forbid cats. It is NOT against the law. Please, if you can, use whatever influence you have to pressure homes and villages to allow elderly people to keep cats. It can give them a happier old age (not to mention saving the lives of many deserving cats!)

The Old Folk Pet Support Group

https://www.facebook.com/oldfolkp etsupport/info

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CHRISTMAS SAFETY FOR YOUR CAT

Christmas is an exciting time for the family, but it always pays to take some extra precautions with our pets. There are many dangers around, below are some suggestions on how to ensure your cat stays safe during the Christmas period. Christmas Tree/Decorations The only fool proof way to keep your cat away from your Christmas tree is to put the tree in a room the cat can't access. Unfortunately, this is often not practical. So the next best solution is to make the tree as safe as possible. Real Christmas trees are more dangerous to cats than fake plastic ones. Pine needles can puncture internal organs if eaten, they are also toxic to cats. If you do have a real tree, make sure the drink stand has plenty of water to prevent the tree drying out & losing needles. It is important that your cat isn't able to get to this water & drink it as it could result in poisoning. Ensure the

tree has a good solid base so it won't easily be knocked over by your cat. Try not to have the tree near furniture & or shelves which the cats could use to jump onto the tree. Be careful with tinsel, if you must have it on your tree, place it at the top of the tree where the cat is less likely to be able to get at it. Tinsel can be caught around the base or move down to the intestines & stomach & cause a blockage, which will result in emergency (and costly) surgery to remove it. A safer alternative are the strands of beads. Ornaments should be securely attached to the tree to prevent them being knocked off. Also place delicate ornaments up high where they're less likely to be knocked off & broken. When there is nobody around, unplug Christmas lights, you may want to try applying a cat repellent such as bitter apple to the lights to deter your cat from chewing the wires, obviously if

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this was to happen it could cause a fatal electric shock. Artificial snow is toxic to cats, so is best avoided. Candles are especially popular over the Christmas holiday period, be careful to make sure your cat can't get close to lit candles. Please note, your cat isn't a novelty item & it's dangerous to try & decorate your cat with ribbons etc. Plants Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias are all popular plants to have in the home at Christmas, especially in the northern hemisphere. These plants are toxic to cats so should be placed where your cat can't get to them. Please see our page on common household toxins for an extensive list on

toxic & non toxic plants. Food/Sweets/Chocolate Many cat owners enjoy giving their cat the occasional treat of "human" food & generally this doesn't harm the cat. However, it is important to remember that some foods which are fine for humans to eat can be toxic to cats. The odd sliver of chicken or turkey (off the bone) is fine, however it really isn't a good idea to give them large quantities of such food as this can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Never give your cat cooked chicken or turkey bones, these bones can splinter & can become lodged in your cat's throat or puncture the intestines & stomach. Chocolate is toxic to cats, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic. Chocolate contains both caffeine & theobromine, which are both toxic. If you suspect your cat has eaten chocolate watch for signs of restlessness & vomiting, if in doubt, see your vet. Cats will often scavenge for food in the garbage so be aware that if you've covered your turkey with foil & thrown it in the bin, your cat may drag it out & chew on it which could make the cat sick. Cooked turkey bones will also attract your cat. Be aware of this & if possible, take your food scraps etc., to your outside bin. Xmas ribbons/wrap Rbbons etc., pose the same

problem as tinsel, if eaten, it may lead to intestinal blockages. It's important to ensure all ribbons/ wrap etc., are safely disposed of. Visitors Some cats love the attention of visitors, others find strangers in their house stressful. Christmas is often a busy time with visitors coming & going. Be mindful of your cat's feelings & give the cat the option of somewhere quiet to escape to should the need arise, this is particularly important if your friends & relatives have young children. Holidays If you are going away on holiday, you have several options for your cat. You may choose to put your cat in a boarding cattery while you are gone. It is best to check out the premises prior to taking your cat there so you can ensure the cattery meets your standards. Any reputable boarding cattery will insist your cat is up to date on it's vaccinations, this is important for the well being of your cat & all other cats they have boarding there. Many vets also do boarding for cats but in my opinion this isn't ideal for more than a few days as their cages tend to be much smaller than those you'd expect to find in a boarding cattery. There are a growing number of pet sitters available these days. They will come over once or twice a day to feed & play with your cat & to clean the litter tray. I find this most suitable when going away for a few days. If you are going away for an extended period of time you may want to consider asking a friend

or relative to house sit. Whichever option you take, make sure you leave a phone number where you can be contacted & your vet's telephone number in case of an emergency. Toys When buying toys for your cat, make sure you thoroughly check them first. Similar precautions should be taken with your cat's toys as you'd take buying a toy for a young child. Make sure there is nothing glued on that the cat can pull off & swallow. As the toy will quite likely be chewed on, ensure that it's made from a non-toxic substance. There are many wand like toys on the market which most cats love, these should be put away safely when not in use because the cat could become tangled on the string. Any toy that is small enough for your cat to swallow is dangerous & should be avoided. Kittens as gifts Buying a kitten as a gift is fine as long as the person receiving the kitten has asked for a pet & knows that owning a cat is quite likely to be a 15-20 year responsibility. Never buy a pet as a surprise gift for somebody. Also, because Christmas is usually such a chaotic time, it is best to try & arrange to collect your kitten after Christmas to avoid undue stress on the animal. Please, if you are considering buying a pet as a gift, really think it through before you do so. Pet ownership is a big responsibility & shouldn't be entered into lightly. Any shelter worker will tell you that their most busy time of the year is just after Christmas people bring them unwanted pets. Don't add to the problem by buying a pet for somebody on a whim.

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MORE TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

See our list of poisonous plants. See our list of poisonous plants. http://www. icatcare.org:8080/advice/keeping-your-catsafe/cats-and-poisonous-plants Energetic cats will find the Christmas decorations, and especially the tree, an open invitation to play. Avoid glass baubles than can be easily broken and make sure the tree is well secured.

Cats can enjoy the festive season too, with a few top tips: The carnivore in your cat will appreciate a few pieces of cooked turkey, chicken or salmon on Christmas day. To maintain its svelt figure, remember to take account of these treats in the daily ration.

The hustle and bustle of lots of family and friends in the house, and the even the simple change of routine, over the holiday season can be stressful for cats. Make sure that there is a quiet area for them to retreat to. Make Christmas better for all those unowned cats by donating tins, sachets or packets of cat food to your local shelter or by supporting our work.

Don’t give your cats turkey or chicken bones – especially cooked ones – as they can splinter and cause intestinal damage. Most adult cats cannot tolerate the lactose in milk so, unless your cat has milk on daily basis and you know it doesn’t cause problems, don’t be tempted to give the cat the cream. Why not give your cat an interactive toy for Christmas? Increased stimulation is particularly important for the indoor cat and helps to burn off any festive weight gain! Keep your hangover cures locked away – paracetamol is highly toxic to cats. Cats spending longer inside in the colder winter days are more likely to take notice of Christmas plants, many of which, like Poinsettia, Mistletoe and Christmas Cherry, can be poisonous to cats.

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www.icatcare.org

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME Teresa Harrison-Best

I love it when it’s Christmas, especially the tree. With all those lovely shiny balls just hanging there for me. With a little nudge I’ll make them move or even knock them off. Then chase them hard around the room, unless I find a moth. And then I’ll climb the Christmas tree to the fairy on the top. I’ll tug her from her nice safe spot and watch her gently drop. Oh dear! The tree is on the list and now I’m falling down. The fairy’s lost her magic wand, it’s broken on the ground. The lights are now around my neck, still flashing off and on. I’d better make myself quite scarce before they see what’s wrong. Wrapping paper is my real delight, it’s the thing I love to hear. Perhaps I’ll just resist the urge and settle on the chair.

https://www.facebook.com/Catawall www.catawall.com

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WERUVA NOW AVAILABLE IN SOUTH AFRICA

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MAN’S BEST FRIEND DESERVES ONLY THE BEST

It’s true that your furry friends are not just pets – they are very much part of the family. That’s why when you buy pet food, it should be the very best you can give them. Luxurious natural pet food range, Weruva, has just arrived in South Africa and is brought into the country by the importers of Champion Petfoods, with their ever-popular brands, Orijen and Acana. The latest pet food sensation, Weruva, was created by New York City pet lovers, David and Stacie Forman. In their never ending search for “the best cat food under the sun”, they came up short – and fortunately, decided to try making their own pet food which was a huge success and the rest is history. The name Weruva was inspired by and named after the owners’ three rescue cats, Webster, Rudi and Vanessa. With such a heart warming story – and huge international success – you can be sure that a lot of thought and care goes into each can of Weruva cat and dog food. With a payoff line like “Because weluvya”, the team at Weruva have pets as their top priorities. The main difference between Weruva and conventional foods is that Weruva’s foods are made predominantly from meat and in a human food facility – using the same ingredients and processes that are used in products made for people. Only the best quality ingredients are sourced from all corners of the globe: think white chicken breast, whole tuna loins and select cuts of beef. Important to note is that Weruva formulas are high in moisture content to keep your pets well hydrated which in turn promotes a healthy urinary tract. Weruva’s “Paw Lickin’ Chicken” canned dog food is one of the most popular flavours – and it is easy to understand why. The flavour-packed free range chicken is antibiotic and hormone free and is a complete source of nutrients, high in quality proteins and healthy fats, for a strong, lean body, healthy immune system and beautiful skin and coat. In addition, all Weruva products are grain free and are formulated to nourish your pet as Mother Nature intended.

Both the cat and dog ranges from Weruva offer loads of variety. You’ll like the names of the flavours almost as much as your pet loves eating them! Take your pick from “Mack & Jack”, “Polynesian BBQ”, “Mideast Feast” and so much more. Weruva often gets five stars on independent pet food review sites – mostly because of their focus on high quality protein, minimal carbohydrates and high moisture content. There are particularly sterling reviews from www.dogfoodadvisor.com, a website aimed at ‘Saving good dogs from bad dog food’, where Weruva Human Style Dog Food receives the Advisor’s top rating of five stars. With reviews like that, why would you want to feed your pet anything else? Weruva is available as a wet food for both cats and dogs from all of the best pet retailers and vets countrywide. For more information, visit www.weruva.co.za

WIN !!! WERUVA is giving away a Weruva product hamper to one lucky reader! To enter the giveaway, simply answer the following question: Question: What are the names of the three rescue cats that inspired the name WERUVA? Email your answer to kittycatsa@gmail.com and use “Weruva Competition” as the subject line of your email. Competition entries close 31st December 2014, and the winner will be notified via email and on the website/Facebook.

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KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

YOU’VE GOT TALENT! Artist

April De Carvalho Where are you from, where are you currently staying, do you have cats, what do you enjoy to do ?

trait and up to 4 weeks for an acrylic or oil painting, depending on the size.

Born and raised in Rhodesia (Now Zimbabwe). I immigrated to South Africa 10 years ago. I currently live in Bluehills, Kyalami in Gauteng on a beautiful equestrian farm. I adore animal’s. Grew up on small holdings surrounded by horses, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs, bantum chickens, dogs and of course cats...lot’s of them.

What is your favourite subject to paint/draw?

I currently have 3 cats, the oldest one is over 16 years old, a black cat with green eyes, that I named “Matrix”. She came with me from Zimbabwe. “Smudge” is a very obese tortishell girl, that I rescued from an abusive pet shop here in Midrand...that thankfully closed down. And “Shmeegal” is a crazy, extremely talkative Burmese male that was given to me by a friend.

I have always loved ‘realism’ and have been concentrating more and more on ‘photo-realism’ of late.

When did you start painting (drawing, etc)? I knew from the age of 7 that I wanted to be an artist and follow in my grandfather’s shoe’s. He would amaze me as a child with his sketches on the back of the old 30’s cigarette boxes and a ball point pen. Art was obviously my favourite subject and I couldn’t wait to leave school to join an Art School.

I have illustrated and painted many subjects...but I have to admit that animal’s are my favourite. How has your style changed over the years?

What do you believe is the key element in creating art? “Passion”! I believe you have to be passionate about art and love what you do. Good observation...empathy, feelings and emotions all play a huge role in creating art of any form. What has been your greatest artistic success? Every time I capture the spirit of something...it’s a success. I believe the secret is in the eye’s of the subject. Once I have captured the soul of the subject in the eye’s, everything else just falls into place.

Did you attend Art school? What are your future plans regarding your art? I spent 3 years studying at Art School...and chose Illustration & Graphic Design for my career and received a Diploma in Art upon completion. How do you choose the subjects you paint/draw? I mostly do portraits, so my subjects choose me. Ranging from buildings & automobiles to wildlife, children, horses, dogs & cats. I also do alot of wall murals. The biggest so far was 6m long, filled with dogs and cat’s for the lovely “Lanseria Boarding Kennels”. How long does it normally take you to complete a painting (drawing, etc)?

I plan to start a collection of oil paintings in my spare time...and have an exhibition one day....that is my dream. Art has and always will be my passion and I am so blessed to be able to do it for a living too. Can people commission you to do work for them? I welcome all commissioned work. Email: aprille.de.carvalho@gmail.com Blog: aprilledecarvalho.blogspot.com Website: fearlessblue.yolasite.com Cell/Whatsapp: 081 513 6002

It takes approximately a week to complete a pencil por-

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KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c

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YOU’VE GOT TALENT! Artist

Dianne Woods Pet Portraits by Llayla Clark I’m from Johannesburg, currently living in Orange Grove. I do have cats that currently stay with my mother. The things I love doing are painting, crafting and larping, whenever I get the opportunity. I started painting at a very young age, and actually sold my first painting when I was ten. I ended up matriculating at the National School of the Arts, after three years of study. The subjects I mostly paint are commercial, but I occasionally get the opportunity to work from the heart. Those creations are inspired by horror, fantasy and felines. I’ve always had cats in my life ever since I was born, and are very special to me. The time a piece takes to complete, varies from piece to piece, depending on the subject and the medium. A large painting, can take up to three months, due to detail. I’m not sure my art style has changed. I have always been able to adapt to whatever style was needed for a project, so I’m not sure if I actually have a style that I can call my own. I hope to one day find a niche market, what would let me make more art from the heart. I do take commissions and can be contacted on email, gtalk and WhatsApp. nocturneiam@gmail.com 0765958557

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KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c

ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

CFSA COTY 2014 Photography by Jenni Ferreira

MALES 1.

Brettachtal’s Maserati of the Catwalk, NW, Persian Silver Shaded Black, Owner S Marsh & C Pretorius

2. La Maska Aurora Borealis, Oriental Odd-eyed White, Owner M Burger 3. Shakespurr William, Persian Bicolour Blue, Owner H Rohrs 4. Glitterkatz Ted-E-Bear of Awesome Bengals, Bengal Spotted Tabby Brown, Owner L Kennard 5. S* Just Catnap’s Lotus of GeeDee, NQ, Norwegian Forest Cat Classic Tabby Bicolour Blue, Owner A Caw 6. Rydell Athos, Abyssinian Ticked Tabby Ruddy, Owner J Lewis 7. Zack Nova Axis Star of Shangri-la, NQ, Maine Coon Mackerel Tabby Bicolour Black, Owner V Wright 8. Catillak Chandler of Carmandale, Persian Tabby Harlequin Cream, Owner S Armand & A Nortman 9. Tropikoons Nemo of Colorkats, Maine Coon Classic Tabby Bicolour Black, Owner D Le Roux 10. Bondi’s Don Perignon, Burmese Chocolate, Owner P Steyn

CAT OF THE YEAR AND MALE OF THE YEAR Brettachtal’s Maserati Of The Catwalk

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KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c

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CFSA COTY 2014 Photography by Jenni Ferreira

FEMALES 1.

Pearl Caramello Koala, NQ, Burmese Chocolate, Owner P Steyn

2. Spandau La Paloma Blanca, NQ, Sphynx Bicolour Mink Red, Owner W Hyman 3. Kisamee Honolulu of Roar’n, Cornish Rex Bicolour Blue Tortoiseshell, Owner R & K Visagie 4. Achlin-Ve Voluptuous Venus of Serenity, Persian Mackerel Tabby Black Tortoiseshell, Owner L Komossa 5. Minki Liu Fasterthanaspeeding Bullet of Roar’n, Oriental Self Blue-eyed White, Owner R & K Visagie 6. Brettachtal’s Supermodel of the Catwalk, Persian Silver Shaded Black, Owner S Marsh & C Pretorius 7. Shakespurr As It Is, NQ, Persian Tabby Harlequin Blue Tortoiseshell, Owner H Rohrs 8. Mokee Clover of Westwood, Oriental Tabby Pointed Bicolour Seal, Owner G Nel 9. La Maska Dottie with Spotties, Oriental Spotted Tabby Bicolour Chocolate, Owner M Burger 10. Chattapaws Madame Butterfly, Persian Bicolour Blue Tortoiseshell, Owner S Beesley & M Findlay

FEMALE OF THE YEAR Pearl Caramello Koala

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CFSA COTY 2014 Photography by Jenni Ferreira

NEUTERS 1.

Cracker Razzle Dazzle, Persian Self Black Tortoiseshell, Owner R Van Wyk

2. Shakespurr Thine Eyes I Love, Persian Van Blue, Owner H Erasmus 3. Spandau Fudge Parfait, Sphynx Mink Bicolour Chocolate Tortoiseshell, Owner W Hyman 4. Shakespurr Tybalt, Prince of Cats, NQ, Persian Spotted Tabby Blue, Owner C Grobbelaar 5. Colorkats Leo, NQ, Maine Coon Classic Tabby Bicolour Black, Owner D Le Roux 6. Sha-Sume Geronimo of Chattapaws, Persian Harlequin Red, Owner S Beesley & M Findlay 7. Westwood Apollo, NQ, Oriental Spotted Tabby Black, Owner H Griffiths 8. Carmandale Heavenlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sienna, Persian Tabby Harlequin Black, Owner S Armand & A Nortman 9. Mokee Chloe of Surrey, Oriental Tabby Point Bicolour Seal, Owner H Griffiths 10. Purr-n-Meow Aramis Always, Exotic Bicolour Red, Owner E Bester & C Bekker

NEUTER OF THE YEAR Cracker Razzle Dazzle

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ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c

ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

CFSA COTY 2014 Photography by Jenni Ferreira

KITTENS 1.

Purr-n-Meow Oh So Heavenly Festive Sparkle, Exotic Classic Tabby Bicolour Red, Owner E Bester & C Bekker

2. Spandau Veni Vidi Vici, Sphynx Mink Bicolour Red, Owner W Hyman 3. Colourkats Just Jolene, Maine Coon Mackerel Tabby Bicolour Black, Owner D Le Roux 4. Awesome Bengals Poetry in Motion, Bengal Brown Spotted Tabby, Owner A Gericke 5. The Catwalk Faberge, Persian Silver Shaded Blue, Owner S Marsh 6. GeeDee Queen Lucia, Norwegian Forest Cat Classic Tabby Harlequin Blue, Owner A Caw 7. Sanuk Ffjord of Pearl, Burmese Self Chocolate Tortoiseshell, Owner P Steyn 8. Rock’n’Purr Just Like Heaven, Persian Self Blue, Owner L Van Aarde 9. Purrbridge Marcello, Persian Tabby Harlequin Cream, Owner C Langner (Photo by T Fouche) 10. Tres Jolie Ma Cherie, Persian Tabby Harlequin Black Tortoiseshell, Owner C Danziger

KITTEN OF THE YEAR Purr-n-Meow Oh So Heavenly Festive Sparkle

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ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Photo by Theresa Fouche

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ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

CFSA COTY 2014 Photography by Jenni Ferreira

PETS 1.

Kiara, Dilute Calico, Owner S & N Prinsloo

2. Stoffel Pantoffel, Black Bicolour, Owner K Pepler 3. Yuki, Black, Owner S Venter (Not present for photos) 4. Melody, NW, Tortie Tabby and White, Owner J May 5. Catrinka, Blue Classic Tabby, Owner J May 6. Jasmine, NQ, White with Red and Black Markings, Owner J May 7. Dinky, NQ, Black, Owner L Cronje 8. Clarence, NQ, Black Mackerel Tabby, Owner J May 9. Zehbaar, Black Tabby, Owner L Moodley & S Singh 10. Captain Hook, Black Tabby Smoke, Owner J May

PET OF THE YEAR Kiara

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ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Not present for photos

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c

ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Photography by Colleen Rost

NORTHERN CAPE / FREE STATE (NCFS) CAT CLUB SHOW ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2014

CAT OF THE DAY / NEUTER OF THE DAY/BEST FOREIGN Sp Pr Vande Balds Cat von D Chocolate Tortie Mink & White Sphynx Owner: Suzette van den Berg

By Wendy Welham

The NCFS Cat Club held their annual Bloemfontein Show on 13 September 2014 with the help of a generous sponsorship from Royal Canin. Seventy odd cats of over 9 different breeds were on display in the Violet Hall at the Bloemfontein Show Grounds. We were also lucky to have on exhibition the only Lykoi cat in South Africa owned by Suzette van den Berg. What a draw card she was! The show was visited by large numbers of the public and was enjoyed by all.

KITTEN OF THE DAY Waterlee Katya Bluepoint Bi-colour Ragdoll Owner: Colleen Rost

The Cat of the Day was a Sphynx - Supreme Premier Vande Bald’s Soso’s Cat Von D owned by Suzette van den Berg and the Domestic of the Day was Mazzouri owned by Lashan Moodley and Sher Singh.

BEST MEDIIUM HAIR Pr Waterlee Castor Semenya Blue Point Bi-colour Ragdoll Owner: Linda Basson

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 5 SEPTEMBER|OCTOBER 2014

ENTIRE OF THE DAY Sp Ch Kashew Indiana Jones Silver Classic Tabby American Shorthair Owner: Wendy & Kelley Welham

BEST DOMESTIC PET ON SHOW & BEST DOMESTIC PET NEUTER Mazzouri Owner: L Moodley & S Singh

BEST PERSIAN/EXOTIC Ch Rivendale Satin Smooth of C’est Lamour Black Persian Owner: L Moodley & S Singh

BEST DOMESTIC PET KITTEN Zehvaar Owner: L Moodley & S Singh

BEST SIAMESE/ORIENTAL Ch Maverick Firefox Oriental Owner: Simon & Natasha Greaves

EXHIBITION CAT Lykoi Cattitude Silvermoon Susi Owner: Suzette van den Berg

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 5 SEPTEMBER|OCTOBER 2014

NCFS CAT CLUB - 13 SEPTEMBER 2013 - TOP 12

1. Sp Pr Vande Balds Cat von D Chocolate Tortie Mink & White Sphynx Owner: Suzette van den Berg

2. Pr Waterlee Castor Semenya Blue Point Bi-colour Ragdoll Owner: Linda Basson

3. Sp Ch Kashew Indiana Jones Silver Classic Tabby American Shorthair Owner: Wendy & Kelley Welham

4. Pr Kissamee Inuendo Sealpoint Black Tortie Bi-colour Owner: Juvaan Pilcher

5. Sp Ch Sanuk Miko Sealpoint Devon Rex Owner: Dina Freitas

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6. Waterlee Katya Bluepoint Bi-colour Ragdoll Owner: Colleen Rost ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Photography by Colleen Rost

7. Waterlee Fosco Bluepoint Bi-colour Ragdoll Owner: Colleen Rost

9. Sp Ch Honey Praline Treasure Chocolate Tortie Burmese Owner: Dina Freitas

11. Tr Sp Pr Sanuk Dinare Brown Spotted Bengal Owner: Carol Kotze

8. Sanuk Amarula Cream Cream Burmese Owner: T West

10. Ch Rivendale Satin Smooth of Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;est Lamour Black Persian Owner: L Moodley & S Singh

12. Sp Pr Colorkats Quality Street Brown Classic Tabby Maine Coon Owner: Simon & Natasha Greaves KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c

ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

HOW I MET MY CAT

We’d just moved into our first house and my husband travelled to Switzerland several times that year. I was lonely, had no kids and decided it was time for a furry child. I’d always wanted a Birman with beautiful blue eyes. My stepson who was quite young at the time told me that they’d recently got a cat that looked like a Birman so I got the contact details from his Mom. I called to find out if the breeder had kittens and she did, so we arranged a date and time to go and have a look at them. I was so excited, bought all the little bits and pieces that my new kitten would need (litter box, sand, toys, bedding, scratch post etc.) and couldnt wait to see the kittens. The day finally arrived and my sister in law drove with me to Bapsfontein to go and see them. She’d always said I should rather get a female kitten. I looked at the females, they were all beautiful but then I spotted my baby and just knew he was the one! He was lying sleeping peacefully on the couch by himself, a big bundle of fur. I picked him up and he immediately started purring. I said I wanted him! He slept on Sue’s lap all the way home in the car. A soppy, sweet, gentle natured little boy at 10 weeks old and still a soppy, gentle, loving boy at 11 years old. Ashton was however not a Birman but a Balinese! My life changed for the better that day. And this is how I met MY cat and how I became totally besotted with the Balinese. Jenni Ferreira

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 5 SEPTEMBER|OCTOBER 2014

How did YOU meet YOUR cat?

Email story and photos to: kittycatsa@gmail.com

Happy Endings We adopted Lemon and her boy Lime, from Kitty and Puppy haven on 20 October 2013. They were rescued from someone who dumped them in a box in their garage. They were in a bad way, heavily infested with worms and both had an eye infection. Lime was only a few weeks old - the only one of Lemon’s litter that survived an attack by dogs. When i saw her photo - I fell in love and after I read their story, I just knew, mommy and her only surviving baby will have a safe, happy home with us were they will get pampered and spoiled! Little did we know it will take a long time before there is enough trust between us to give and receive love! I soon realized that Lemon must have been abused - she would flinch when I lifted my hand to pet her - clearly afraid of being hit. My heart just broke for her. All I wanted to do is give her love and attention, but she was just too afraid. Sometimes when I got to close to her or touched her, she would meow, or rather scream - well actually, it sounded more like a pig being slaughtered really. It was heart breaking!!! But we knew we made a commitment to love and care for her for the rest of her life, so we put in extra effort and did lots of play-therapy and talked to her as much as we could - telling her we love her and we just want to make her happy. I think she started to understand the universal language of love. :-) Very slowly she started to allow us to pet her, maybe kiss her and give her a good chin rub! Everyday I made it a priority to pick her up, give her a quick kiss on the cheek and then put her down slowly and calmly. Then one day she actually started rubbing up against us! Now that was saying “I love you” WHOOO HOOO - that was the best feeling!!! She now regularly comes for a cuddle!! Still not too fond of being picked up and still flinches when you bring your hand close to quickly - but that is improving everyday more and more!!!!

Leonie Hoey

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 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 Text copyright © 2013 Linda Deane Cover design and photograph copyright © 2013 Linda Deane All rights reserved worldwide. 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.

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 5 SEPTEMBER|OCTOBER 2014

Angel Cats series available at: http://www.amazon. com/Linda-Deane/e/ B00ENHQ6GI https://www.smashwords.com/profile/ view/LDeane

CHAPTER 3 MISSING CHILD Elya searched high and low. Tears streamed down her dirty face as she called for her son in vain. No one had noticed exactly when Aric had disappeared. Mika had seen him dawdling at the crossing just after they reached the stream but she had reprimanded him and assumed he had followed right behind her. She had found some dry stems poking out of the snowy ground and had stopped to dig up the roots below the surface. When she was done, Aric was no longer behind her. She had assumed he’d passed her while she was absorbed in her task. The tribe had been concentrating so intently on their mission of finding food that none of them had noticed he was gone until they stopped to rest at midday. Elya had immediately recruited the women to help her search. They’d retraced their steps and they’d searched the area in and around the cave but there had been no trace of the boy. When the men returned at sunset from their hunting expedition - empty handed yet again - there was still no sign of Aric. They immediately went out again in search of the missing boy. It was getting very late. The sun had all but disappeared. Elya was sick with worry but she had other children too who also needed her attention. What little had been found during the day had to be cooked and shared amongst the family. Aric’s father Isthan was still out with the other men searching for the boy. Poor, responsible Mika blamed herself for not being more vigilant. Why had she not kept an eye on her brother? She knew what a dreamer the child was! Mika had been born only two summers before Aric, but she was already one of the women and was a very responsible,

hard-working member of her tribe. She secretly worried that Aric had been taken by a wolf or a cave lion but there had been no traces of such animals for a long time. They had become increasingly scarce. The cold seemed to have driven them off along with the other wildlife, but perhaps a hungry beast had been lurking near their cave driven to it in the hope of finding an easy meal. She shuddered at the thought. It was well after dark when the men returned. The boy had not been found but a trail of footprints leading off into the forest had been spotted in the dim light and Aric’s digging stick had been discovered next to an ice-covered boulder by the crossing. They could not do anything until morning. They could not risk sending a search party into the dark. Every individual capable of searching for the boy was also needed by the rest of the tribe to ensure the survival of them all. Elya understood this but she could not sleep that night. She tossed and turned on her thin, worn out pallet of hides. She wanted to go and search for her boy but she could not leave her other children, nor could Isthan. She would most certainly not survive a night in the cold without shelter. If she was gone, her children would not survive without their mother. They would have a lesser status in the tribe without a mother and would not get their fair share of what meagre pickings the tribe found. She feared the worst had happened to her beloved second child. Eventually she got up to sit at the fire. With dismay she noticed that it had started to snow again. By morning, her only hope, the trail of footprints, would be completely covered over. She clutched Aric’s stick tightly, hugging it to her heart. Silently, she wept away the rest of the dark gloomy hours of the night, wishing that she herself was lost out there in the cold, snowy darkness and not her precious boy. Her tears flowed freely in the dark. They

left hot, burning trails on her dry, chapped skin. As she agonized over her son, the day finally dawned, grey and overcast, and the rest of the tribe began to stir. The snow had stopped but the sky was dark and ominous. The mood in the cave echoed the weather. Some of the men ventured out to the stream but the trail had already been erased by the fresh snow. The cold, starving cave people sat around sullenly in their gloomy, draughty cave. Their skeletal faces stared blankly at each other. No one dared voice their own dark thoughts. Aric was a friendly, helpful boy. Everyone had been fond of him – except of course for Brin. Brin sat by himself to one side, grinning evilly, rejoicing that something bad had happened to his greatest rival. He imagined with delight all the nasty things that could have happened to Aric… Isthan thought of how he had been planning to introduce his son to the other men formally as a hunter that summer. The boy had learned well and was making good progress. His throw was straight and his aim was sure. Pessimistically he wondered if any of them would see the next summer. They were all slowly starving to death. They barely had the strength to roam the hillsides in search of prey each day. Perhaps it was just as well that a wild beast might have taken Aric. Perhaps he had died swiftly and would be spared the long slow death of starvation that faced them all. That day finally passed. On the morning of the second day, a fierce blizzard blew over the land. It raged on and on, blowing out their pitiful little fire and driving snow deep into the cave and despair deep into their hearts. They huddled together for warmth as far away from the entrance as they possibly could. Eventually they all crept into the sacred little cavern, right at the back of the cave. It was a forbidden place, sacred to their people, and not only to their tribe but to all the neighbour-

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

ing tribes. The elders were nervous; they said it was not good to violate the sacred place. In warmer times, their cave had not been a dwelling at all. It had been a gathering place for all the tribes in the area. Their tribe had been forced by the cold weather to take up residence in the cave because they could find no other shelter and their mammoth hide tents were old and tattered, falling to bits. In past summers, all the tribes had gathered at the cave to perform rituals and ceremonies. The most sacred of these were performed in this tiny cavern at the back of the cave, which only the most senior elders of each tribe were allowed to enter.

Mika, too, was inconsolable. Mother and daughter sat in desolation, each lost in her own private world of sorrow, cold and hunger. Everyone felt helpless, wondering how much longer any of them could survive. With a shock of surprise, he lurched back violently bumping Angelica with his hide bag and nearly sending her tumbling over the edge. He could not believe what he had just seen!

In the dim light of their feeble torches, the images of mammoths, deer and other animals loomed over the pitiful little band of people, most of them seeing the images for the first time. They were terrified by the strangeness of the experience. In the dim shadows of the flickering torches, the beasts on the walls seemed to move and come alive. Ghostly shapes flickered and moved in the torchlight. Ancient people had created the first images on the cavern walls and whenever the tribes gathered, new ones were added to commemorate events such as great hunts. Since time immemorial their ancestors had been painting the walls to tell the stories of their lives! For three days, they dared not venture out of their cave at all because of the fury of the blizzard. For three days nobody had anything to eat. The children cried piteously, their empty stomachs continuously torturing them. Elya was beside herself with grief. She kept going over her last conversation with Aric in her mind. He had said something about a dream heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d had of a cat. His smile was beautiful that morning when he hugged her. He had been so happy and filled with contentment. Perhaps he had known it was to be his last day with them.

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 5 SEPTEMBER|OCTOBER 2014

Angel Cats series available at:

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

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

Be sure to read Chapter 4 of Ice Angel in our next issue !

BOOK REVIEW Jennie by Paul Gallico

Reviewed by Patsy Smyth I thought this time I’ll review a book that has been around for about 64 years, yet seems to be relatively perennial , given that it was republished in 1999 and not yet finally relegated to “maybe available in a library somewhere in the world”. In the US this book was published under the name “The Abandoned.” Although new copies may be difficult to find, second hand copies are still, apparently, relatively easy to get hold of. You can always find the Paul Gallico website on Google. First published in 1950, Jennie was described as a children’s book, but I beg to differ. If you’ve read it, I think you’ll agree with me. Paul Gallico has an almost instinctive understanding of the trials of animals, and this story is no exception. His insight into the lives of abandoned cats is evident in this book. It’s the story of a young boy who’s love for a stray cat gets him into trouble with him landing unconscious in hospital where he begins a strange dream of him turning into a lost and bewildered young cat who is rescued by an abandoned cat called Jennie. Thus begins a journey for the boy and the reader, into the world of the abandoned street cat. One of my favourite quotes from the book? “When in doubt, wash.” It will always be a perennial book in my heart, so I give it 10/10 purrs.

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Kittycat of the Month January 2014 Winner : Duchess

February 2014 Winner : Faith

March 2014 Winner : Braille

April 2014 Winner : Othello

May 2014 Winner : Cody

June 2014 Winner : Mowgli

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Kittycat of the Month July 2014 Winner : Calise

August 2014 Winner : Pippins Blue Misty

September 2014 Winner : Abby

October 2014 Winner : Lemon

KITTYCAT OF THE MONTH COMPETITION IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY DAWN’S CAT ACCESSORIES Email your photos and a sentence about your cat to: kittycatsa@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/KittycatSA

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

NEW! Kittycat RESCUE Magazine

Please email kittycatsa@gmail.com to showcase and/or list your Rescue/Shelter in Kittycat RESCUE Magazine.

Rescues and Shelters - Gauteng Animal Ambulance 083 241 4452 www.animalambulance.co.za

Feral Squad 078 214 4241 tricha4feralsquad@gmail.com

Animals in Distress 083 643 9480 www.animalsindistress.org.za

FORA 082 336 5568 www.fora.org.za

Angels Refuge SA 072 889 1960 www.facebook.com/AngelsRefuge

Four Paws 083 377 3219 www.4ourpaws.org.za

Ark Animal Centre 082 334 7596 www.arkanimalcentre.co.za

Free Me (Wildlife) 011 807 6993 www.freeme.org.za

Be Wise Sterilise 081 018 4446 www.sterilise.co.za

Friends of the Cat 072 144 5914 www.friendsofthecat.co.za

Cat-a-holics 011 447 5275 www.kittyshelter.co.za

Kitten Corner 074 215 1490 www.kittencorner.co.za

CatzRus 082 700 5839 www.catzrussa.co.za

Happy Yappers 082 338 4538 fundraiser@happyyappers.org.za

Catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;9Lives 072 391 5035 www.cats9lives.co.za

HAWS 076 455 0322 www.haws.co.za

The Cat Samaritan 083 634 0069 http://thecatsamaritan.yolasite.com

CatPals 083 327 0365 www.catpals.co.za

Kitten Corner 074 215 1490 www.kittencorner.co.za

Trix4Animals 074 581 4343

C.H.A.R.M. 084 900 0209 www.charm.org.za

Kitty & Puppy Haven 010 224 0763 www.kittypuppyhaven.org.za

CLAW 082 926 3627 www.claw-sa.org

Mischief Rat Rescue c www.saratrescue.org Pretoria: anneri@saratrescue.org Joburg: lisa@anettere.com

CO-SANC 084 958 8073 www.catshelter.co.za Dogtown SA | Barking Mad 076 044 1979 www.barkingmad.co.za

PETS www.pets.org.za

PETS www.pets.org.za Pet Welfare SA 083 309 0400 www.petwelfaresa.co.za Pug Rescue 082 449 2644 www.pugrescue.co.za Purrpaws for Life lindie@purrpawsforlife.co.za purrpawsforlife@gmail.com 0836509558 www.purrpawsforlife.co.za SAINTS Fundraising 082 259 0905 saints@mweb.co.za Sandpaper Kisses Fundraising 082 928 6663 www.spkfundraising@gmail.com Santa Cause for Paws Fundraising www.santapaws.co.za

Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre 013 932 3941/2 www.wetnose.org.za http://facebook.com/pages/wetnoseanimal-rescue-centre/273994562065 Wollies Animal Project 083 339 1692 Woodrock Animal Rescue 076 155 4439 www.woodrockanimalrescue.org.za

Persian Cat Rescue c 082 781 4761 www.kittypuppyhaven.org.za

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Rescues and Shelters - Cape Adopt a Pet 021 465 4560 www.adopt-a-pet.org.za

Kleinmond Animal Welfare 028 271 5004 www.kaws.co.za

Township Animal Rescue 021 855 1824 www.townshipanimalrescue.co.za

African Tails 021 448 8074 www.africantails.co.za

Knysna Animal Welfare 044 384 1603 www.knysnaanimalwelfare.co.za

Watershed Rescue & Rehab 083 447 0979 www.watershed.org.za

AACL (PE) 041 456 1776 www.aacl.co.za

LEAPS 082 553 6068 www.leaps.co.za

AACL (WC) 021M534M6426 www.aacl.co.za

Lucky Lucy Foundation 072 779 7424 www.luckylucy.org

Animal Outreaches 083 216 4887

Mdzananda Animal Clinic 021 367 2302 www.mdzananda.co.za

Animal Rescue Org 021 396 5511 www.animalrescue.org.za Aniwell 072 672 4416 www.aniwell.org.za Animal Rescue Team 072 212 7380 Boland Animal Society 082 373 3005 Cart Horse Protection 021 535 3435 www.carthorse.org.za

Plett Animal Welfare 083 287 9917 www.plettanimalwelfare.co.za PETS 076 872 7071 www.pets.org.za PetPals 083 411 0738 www.petpals.org.za Save-A-Pet PE 041 372 1780 www.saveapet.co.za

C.A.T. 021 551 9797

TEARS 021 785 4482 www.tears.org.za

Cat Care PE 082 574 2136 http://catcare.netfirms.com/

The Caspian Alexander Trust 072 590 5554 www.caspianalexandertrust.org

DARG 021 790 0383 www.darg.org.za

TUFCAT 021 959 3022 www.tufcat.co.za

HHAWS 021 856 0597 www.hhaws.org.za

Uitsig Animal Rescue 076 224 2207 www.uitsig.org.za

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Rescues and Shelters - KZN Animal Action 083 272 7201 www.animalaction.org.za Animal Anti Cruelty League Durban 031 736 9093 www.aacl.co.za Husky Rescue 082 336 1162 www.huskyrescuekzn.co.za

Mischief Rat Rescue www.saratrescue.org www.facebook.com/MischiefRatRescue Durban: mischiefrats@mweb.co.za Phoenix Animal Care 084 609 3962 Second Chance Sanctuary 072 448 7394 www.secondchancecats.org

Kitten Action 031 764 3845 www.kittenaction.org.za

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

Sandpaper Kisses Fundraising

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

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:

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 MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

CATZRUS NPO Number: 098-047

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

KITTEN AND CAT RESCUE Plea for Help

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 MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

BREEDERS AND PET SERVICES DIRECTORY

PINK PAGES

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

PINK PAGES

Advertise your cattery or pet services www.kittycat.co.za with Kittycat Magazine Email: Kittycat.advertising@gmail.com â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 086 428 5044 Advertise your Cattery or Pet Services with Kittycat Magazine

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Magazine published:

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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)

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

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. 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

KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

BREEDERS AND BREED GROUPS American Curl

Birman

Kealee Cattery Siamese, Oriental and American Curl Registration Body: CASA Lianne Muller +27 824907678 mullerle@eskom.co.za

Turiska Birmans Mariska van Loggerenberg Ballito +27 83 651 5227 +27 83 651 5227 info@birmancats.co.za www.turkishvan.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 Awesome Bengals Lorraine Kennard Pretoria 083 337 6593 lorraine@awesomebengals.co.za www.awesomebengals.co.za Glitterkatz Dr. Wally Fogarty Mossel Bay, South Africa +27 44 698 1794 +27 82 404 4222 Soulmates Cattery Cheryl Moss and Marilyn Schramm Johannesburg +27 11 965 6101 malcher@iafrica.com www.soulmatescattery.co.za

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

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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 Purrbridge Persians & Exotics Rindi Fourie Johannesburg +27 083 984 9961 www.purrbridge.co.za purrbridge@gmail.com

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

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

BREEDERS AND BREED GROUPS GeeDee Cattery Athylle Caw Sunninghill Athylle@mweb.co.za Maine Emblem Cattery Pretoria Joos Esterhuizen +27 823337231 joos.esterhuizen@up.ac.za www.mainecoonkittens.co.za Shangri-la Maine Coons Vivian Wright Johannesburg shangrilacats@gmail.com www.shangrilacats.com Valkyrie Cattery Bernice Rossouw Glentana, Western Cape +27 82 810 7599 nicie84@gmail.com http://valkyrie-cattery.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/

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

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

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

Oriental Bell Aimee Cattery SACC, CFSA, CASA (WCF) Aimee Hendrikz KwaZulu Natal +27 72 426 7810 bellaimeecattery@gmail.com bell-aimee.webplus.net Copper Creek Cattery Registered with CFSA Lynette Grassman +27 82 329 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 +27 824907678 mullerle@eskom.co.za Kruin Cattery Angus Plumstead Pretoria +27 83 252 3766

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 Purrbridge Persians & Exotics Rindi Fourie Johannesburg +27 083 984 9961 www.purrbridge.co.za purrbridge@gmail.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

Siamese Bell Aimee Cattery Registered With SACC, CFSA, CASA (WCF) Aimee Hendrikz KwaZulu Natal +27 72 426 7810 bellaimeecattery@gmail.com bell-aimee.webplus.net

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BREEDERS AND BREED GROUPS Copper Creek Cattery Registered with CFSA Lynette Grassman +27 82 329 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 & 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

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

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

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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 Cat Clubs

Cat Clubs

Affiliated to SACC

Affiliated to CFSA

All Breeds Cat Club (ABCC) Cape Town Colin Bubb 082 374 6827

National Cat Society (NCS) Sandy Fitzpatrick (Secretary) mwpaws@mweb.co.za

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

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

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

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Shangri-la Maine Coons

Vivian Wright shangrilacats@gmail.com www.shangrilacats.com 103

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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

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GeeDee Cattery Registered Breeder of Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons

Kittens occasionally available to approved homes

Athylle Caw athylle@mweb.co.za

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

BOSKRUIN, BROMHOF, RANDPARK RIDGE Email: kittycatsa@gmail.com www.kittycatpetsitting.co.za Anita 072 514 3696

shaylani48@gmail.com 105

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Spirit Essences Holistic Remedies for animals available soon in South Africa. Please email orders to: kittycatsa@gmail.com

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)

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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 107

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Dileen Delpeche 083 325 1096 dileend@gmail.com

Awesome Bengals

Lorraine Kennard Phone: 083 337 6593

(Between 14:00 and 19:00)

lorraine@awesomebengals.co.za www.awesomebengals.co.za

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Kittycat Magazine wishes all our readers a happy festive season!

Kittens available to pre-approved homes Selling only as Pets and to Show Homes

Serenity Persians

Specializing in Bi-colours and Solids

Lyndie Komossa 081 705 0544 109

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lyndiekomossa@gmail.com

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

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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

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

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

Please email: kittycatsa@gmail.com

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Trix4Animals NPC 2013/217585/08 PBO 930046857

Contact Details +27 74 581 4343 +27 86 571 0729

Trix@Trix4Animals.co.za www.facebook.com/Trix4Animals www.facebook.com/Chip4CheaperSA

SAINTS ANIMAL CHARITY SHOP

www.saintsshop.co.za Shop 22, Northriding Square, Bellairs Drive, Northriding

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

Do you enjoy reading Kittycat Magazine? Please follow us on ISSUU. http://issuu.com/kittycatmagazine 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

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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.

Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Join our Facebook Group and stay up to date with the happenings in the magazine and be in contact with other like minded cat lovers. Request to join us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1447932208770601/

“Authors like cats because they are such quiet, lovable, wise creatures, and cats like authors for the same reasons” ~ Robertson Davies 115

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Photo by Jenni Ferreira | www.jenniferreira.com

Advertise your cattery or your pet services here KITTYCAT MAGAZINE c ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER|DECEMBER 2014

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