Cat Breed – Norwegian Forest

People may have a cat in the family for a wide variety of reasons. For some people, it’s the fact that a cat can be quite affectionate and they may be found on your lap at any given time. Other people appreciate the fact that cats are often able to take care of themselves and they do so quite readily. For those who own a Norwegian Forest Cat, it seems to be a combination of the two. They can often be found in the lap or by your side but it doesn’t mean that they are demanding of your attention at all times.

As the cat’s name would suggest, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a native of Norway. The breed itself has been around for hundreds of years and it is even steeped in folklore. Although it is unlikely that it has anything to do with the Norse goddess Freya, there really is not any real indication as to how they were developed. It is thought, however, that Scandinavian warriors may have brought long-haired cats from Turkey and they may also have some ties to the Russian Siberian cat. Although they can often be found as a part of the family today, they used to be left to fend for themselves and they were excellent to have around, as no rodent would be safe.

Now that the Norwegian Forest cat has become a popular breed, the families that have one in their home recognize how wonderful they truly are. They will often be found by your side but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t going to demand your attention from you at all times. More than likely, they will just be nearby and if you have the opportunity to pet them, they will gladly accept. They do tend to climb a lot, so you might want to give them the opportunity to climb in areas within the home.

It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you are discussing, it is possible that they are going to experience some type of health issue. The same is also true of the Norwegian Forest Cat, although they tend to have a long life and may live up to 16 years or longer. Some of the different diseases that may be a problem for this breed include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease and a genetic condition known as glycogen storage disease IV.

This breed of cat can shed considerably so brushing them on a regular basis will help to limit the amount of hair that they deposit around the home. It will also help to keep their coats shiny and healthy as it distributes natural oils that are found in the skin.

If you’re looking for a house cat that will enjoy your company but not get under your feet at all times, the Norwegian Forest Cat may just be the breed for you.

Cat Breed – Nebelung

Some cats are well-known for their personality and others are distinguished in the way that they look. The Nebelung is a breed that is certainly known for the way that they look and it is difficult to beat the raw beauty of this amazing animal. The most striking feature about the Nebelung is their coat, which is a blue silver color and it seems to flow from the ears down to the tail.

The Nebelung is often thought of as being a German cat has the name is German for “creature of the mist.” This likely has a lot to do with the color of the cat, which is extremely beautiful. The breed itself was developed from the Russian Blue, which was bread with a long hair black cat and a short hair domestic cat. Eventually, the breed produced a long-haired blue kitten after only two litters. As a relative newcomer to the scene, it has gained ground quickly as a popular breed and they received full recognition as of 1997.

Many people appreciate the Nebelung, not only because of the awesome way that they look but because of their personality as well. They tend to be relatively quiet and gentle but sometimes, they can also be elusive in the home. When they are part of a family, however, they are typically by your side at all times and they also enjoy playing, including retrieving. Perhaps one of the ways in which they shine is the fact that they will give attention to any guests that enters into the home quickly but they will also recognize the beauty of this amazing animal that you have in your family.

More than likely, you are not going to have any serious health issues with the Nebelung that are out of line with any other breed of cats. In fact, they tend to be fairly healthy and there are very few genetic markers that are passed down from one generation to another that would cause any serious problems. One of the only issues that you really need to be concerned about is the fact that they can gain weight quickly, so you would want to feed them according to a schedule and not step outside of those boundaries.

This particular breed doesn’t require a lot of grooming but they would benefit if you were to brush them on a twice weekly schedule. Doing so will help to remove a lot of the loose hair that could otherwise end up on your furniture, floors and everywhere else in the home. It also helps to distribute the oil of the skin across the coat, leaving it healthy and shiny.

The Nebelung is not the best known breed but it is one that can certainly have a part in any family. They are gentle, kind and beautiful, so what’s not to love about them?

Training an Older Cat

More than likely you have heard the expression that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” For those of us who are cat owners, we may feel very similar. The fact of the matter is, however, cats can be taught and even at an old age, they can learn how to do some fantastic tricks. That being said, there are also a few things that need to be done in order to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible.

Perhaps the first step in the process doesn’t really involve your cat but rather, it involves you. Your cat is going to be perfectly happy never to learn a single trick but you likely have some specific goals in mind. Write down those goals and from that point, you can begin to come up with a plan that will allow you to teach the cat some fairly incredible things.

Something else that is important to consider is the fact that your cat does not necessarily want to do something for nothing. Most cats are really going to appreciate some type of reward and they find it extremely motivational when the reward is suitable for the animal. One option that many cat owners consider, and one that works quite well, is to give your cat small treats. You can buy these treats at your local pet store but your cat will really appreciate some small pieces of cooked chicken or tuna as well. Just make sure that it is something special and not just a piece of kibble.

If there is one thing that most of us know about cats, it’s the fact that they are curious. You can use that curiosity to your advantage, training the cat in some rather unique and inventive ways. When you first start training your cat, even if they are older, they will naturally be curious as to what you’re doing. Use that interest to your advantage.

It doesn’t matter if you are trying to train an older cat or a younger cat, it is important to set certain boundaries. You may be able to train a dog for a lengthy amount of time but most cats are going to get bored and perhaps even resistant to the training after about five minutes. Rather than trying to train them for a long amount of time, use several short sessions throughout the day and you will accomplish much good.

When you end the training session, be sure that you do so in a very positive way. If your cat learns that the training sessions are something to be enjoyed, they are more likely to use them to their advantage as well.

Older cats can be taught many different tricks, including how to sit, rollover or even fetch. Try starting with the basic moves and keep things rather light. Eventually, your cat will be amazing you and anyone else who happens to see the tricks.

All about the Himalayan

When choosing a cat breed, many people have difficulty selecting one over the other. Some may tend to choose a breed that has a particular look but then again, there are so many choices, it can sometimes be difficult to decide. If you would like a cat that has the coat of a Persian but looks like a Siamese, then the Himalaya is going to be perfect for you. This cat tends to be rather affectionate, but they can also have a mind of their own like no other.

As you might expect, the Himalayan is a cross between a Siamese and Persian cat. What is interesting about this breed is the fact that the two breeds that were used to develop it are actually natural breeds, meaning that they developed on their own without any interaction on the part of humans. The breeding of the Himalayan started back in the early 1930s and in the 1950s, it began to pick up steam. They eventually were recognized in 1957 but were reclassified in 1984 as a person color variety. As a medium-sized cat, they are a great houseguest.

A lot of the personality of the Persian came through in the Himalayan. They tend to be a relatively quiet cat around the home that has a sweet and gentle demeanor. More than likely, you’ll find them sitting in your lap and they tend to be a joy to those who recognize exactly what kind of treat they have at their disposal. They are good with children and with other animals, but there are times when they may decide otherwise. In most cases, the affection that they show will be directed toward members of the family and not toward outsiders.

A number of health issues may occur in a Himalayan and it is important for you to choose a quality breeder to rule out many of these problems. They may experience problems with their eyes, including excessive tearing and cherry eye. Breathing difficulties, sensitivity to heat, ringworm and kidney disease are other problems that may be experienced by this breed.

Although Himalayans can be quite sweet and many people enjoy having them around the home, it is important for them to be groomed on a regular basis. Their long hair can get quickly tangled if it weren’t for a daily grooming and at times, they may even need a bath. Because of their coats there may also be a problem with litter getting lodged within the paws or around their hindquarters so it is important to keep the litter box clean at all times. If you have a problem with excessive tearing, gently wipe the corners of the eye to prevent stains from forming.

If you’re looking for a gentle house cat that loves their family, you really need not look any further than the Himalayan. They are an excellent choice that will be loved within the household.

All about the Birman

Many people who are looking to have a cat as part of their family would really like an animal that would cuddle up to them and be a loyal companion. Some cat breeds are going to fit well into the description but others may be a bit more independent. As far as the Birman is concerned, it is a loyal animal that loves being close to their human companions and will even have a conversation with you, using their soft voice to communicate. Add that to the beauty of this cat and you really have something that is quite enjoyable.

It is not completely known how the Birman came into existence but it is thought that they may be a cross between several different breeds including Angoras, Persians and Siamese. It is known that they have been around for a while and they enjoy the privilege of being the sacred cat of Burma. Because of their blue eyes and beautiful appearance, they often win over the humans that are in their care quite quickly. It is thought that the breed first got its start in Southeast Asia and eventually was taken to France by Europeans. They were imported into the United States in the middle of the 20th century and gained recognition in 1967.

Many people love the Birman because they look quite like a Siamese cat but they don’t have that strong voice of the Siamese. They tend to be rather mellow and they love being around people, so be sure that you have a lap available for them to enjoy from time to time. Regardless of where you happen to go in the house, they will follow. You might also appreciate the fact that they are quite smart and it is possible to train this animal to do many different tasks. They will often talk to you, especially when they are looking for a lap to sit on or a meal to eat.

There may be a number of health issues associated with this breed and they tend to be a genetic problem. One of those issues is that they may be born without any hair due to an immune deficiency or they could experience a degenerative disease associated with the central nervous system. Shaking and trembling in kittens and kidney dysfunction are also problems that could occur with the Birman.

Unlike many cats that have a low and thick coat, the Birman does not necessarily need to be brushed frequently. They would benefit from a weekly brushing but typically, their silky coat does not tend to tangle very easily. Brushing them can help to reduce shedding. They may also benefit from a regular brushing of the teeth and trimming of the nails.

The Birman has a wonderful personality that makes them a great cat for any family. They tend to love the humans in the home and will readily follow you around as a loyal and loving companion.

All about the Manx

Some cats have a relatively short but celebrated history and others have been around for quite some time. As far as the Manx is concerned, it is a breed that has a rather interesting history and a personality that makes them one of the more popular house cats throughout the world. You may find that the intelligence of this cat is often difficult to keep up with but even though they enjoy honing their hunting skills, they also enjoy being with their family. It tends to be the best of both worlds with this beautiful breed.

Although there are many breeds of cats that claim to not have a tail, the Manx is one of the only breeds that can really say it is true of their breed. The cat has a history of several hundred years but they weren’t necessarily bred to be a specific breed. In fact, it was their remote location on the Isle of Man along with genetic mutations that really help to bring about this cat that we know today. Eventually, it was taken from the Isle of Man to other parts of the world and today, it is a prized and treasured animal.

Originally, the Manx was not bred to be a house cat but rather, was a cat that was able to hunt rodents quite successfully. Because of their abilities as a hunter and due to the fact that they have a very watchful eye, they are often a welcome part of many homes because nothing gets by their attention. Regardless of whether something is amiss during the middle of the day or in the middle of the night, they will catch it and let you know about it. Many people would think that this made them an elusive animal but the fact of the matter is, they love being around humans. You just need to watch them carefully, however, because their intelligence can end up getting them in trouble.

Some of the health problems that are associated with the Manx are specific to the breed, including a short spine and a number of other birth defects. Other problems that may be an issue for the Manx include tailbone arthritis and corneal dystrophy. Not every Manx is going to experience these problems but if they do have an issue with it, veterinary care is the best route to take.

Caring for Manx is not difficult. You need to ensure that you are feeding them on a regular basis and their coat would do well with a regular brushing. One of the grooming issues that tend to be a problem for the Manx is that feces can get entangled in the fur around the rear. Be sure that you check for this problem regularly and if necessary, clean things up.

The Manx is an excellent house pet, both as a “watchdog” and as a companion animal. If you’re looking for a cat that does it all, the Manx may just be what you are looking for.

All about the Siberian

There are many breeds of cats that have a long and celebrated history. Some of them may have been in one part of the world for hundreds if not thousands of years before they eventually were taken to other areas. That is the case with the Siberian, a beautiful cat that hails from Russia and was a part of their history for approximately 1000 years. If you’re looking for a cat that has a lot of history but that will be a faithful and loving companion, you can’t go wrong with the Siberian.

Believe it or not, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the Siberian was eventually brought into the United States. Perhaps this had a lot to do with the Cold War and the fact that anything that came from Russia would have been looked down on during those years. In the old days, they were often used to keep rodents out of the home and many shopkeepers would have a Siberian for that purpose as well. They were eventually spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, where they gained recognition in 1999.

Families that own a Siberian will quickly tell you that there is nothing cold about this particular animal. They have a very warm heart and they will be a loyal and loving companion that is there for you at all times. Regardless of where you happen to be in the home, if you make your lap available, it will likely be filled with this loving animal. Something else that you may find interesting about this breed is the fact that they seem to be drawn to the water. Many cats will retaliate when it comes time to take a bath but a Siberian may just jump in the water with both feet and love it.

Most Siberians tend to be relatively healthy so you’re not likely to see any serious health problems that are specific to the breed. In some cases, they may experience a problem with heart disease but that is not the case with all Siberians. Although they tend to be a healthy cat, if you do experience any problems that seem to be affecting their health, it is best of the veterinarian is consulted.

Some grooming would go a long way in helping your cat to be comfortable and to look fantastic. Since the cat has a rather thick coat, it may take a thorough brushing several times per week in order to keep it from getting tangled. In addition, brushing the coat on a regular basis will help to limit the amount of shedding that may take place. You should also brush their teeth and clean their ears on a regular basis.

The Siberian may come from a cold part of the world but they are a cat that has an extremely warm heart. Take the time to get to know this breed and you may just find that it is the right choice for you.

All about the British Shorthair Cat Breed

Many of us choose to have a cat as a companion because we are looking for a loyal animal that has an air of distinction. Some Breeds may not fit into that mold but that is not the case with the British Shorthair. As a matter of fact, they have a lot of British reserve and they can be a wonderful companion, even though they don’t demand your attention at all times. Perhaps that is why they are one of the more popular breeds worldwide.

The British Shorthair is a product of Britain, as the name would suggest. He is also quite a popular cat in movies as well, as the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland was tailored after this particular breed. They came about hundreds of years ago during the Victorian era and the standard was kept for quite some time, although they did experience a lot of problems during the world wars at the early part of the 20th century. After the Second World War, the breed began to take off again and today, they are popular both in England and in the United States.

You would expect that a cat from England would be stereotypically reserved and you would be pleasantly surprised with the personality of the British Shorthair. It tends to be relatively easy going, which is why it is found in many households. This particular breed is perfectly happy to be nearby, but they don’t necessarily need to dominate your attention at all times. They also tend to mellow out as they get older and an adult shorthair can be more of a couch potato than an active cat. That is why it is important to watch how much you feed this particular breed, because they can gain weight quickly.

The British Shorthair is a relatively healthy breed so you are not likely to see any serious health problems that are breed-specific. Like any cats, however, you may experience some health problems that are specific to their upbringing or perhaps their family line. Some of the more common problems that are associated with this breed include heart disease and gingivitis.

Since gingivitis is one of the more common problems with the British Shorthair, it is important to ensure that their teeth are taken care of on a regular basis. You should begin brushing them from the time that they are a kitten and get them accustomed to the process. It would also benefit if you brush them on a weekly basis to remove any loose hair and to help keep their coat healthy.

The British Shorthair is a breed that has an air of distinction that you will absolutely love. Make this cat a part of your family and you will find that they are by your side at all times.

All about the Bombay Cat Breed

Some cats are well-known because of their color and the way that they look. That certainly is the case with the Bombay, as the black coat and beauty of this animal is going to be clearly seen from the moment that you lay eyes on them. Of course, there is more to the Bombay than just the color of the coat. They are a delightful animal that loves to play and can be quite interactive with the entire family.

Although black cats have been around for millennia, the Bombay is actually a relative newcomer to the scene. One thing that is interesting about this particular breed, however, is the fact that it does not actually have any ties to Bombay, which is an Indian port city. Rather, they come from Kentucky and they didn’t come into existence until the late 1950s. The breeder wanted to come up with a black cat that had a shiny coat and a muscular body but was still very friendly to the family. When it comes to the Bombay, they truly nailed it.

Most families really appreciate this breed of cat because they are able to fit into almost any family situation. They tend to be good-natured about their living arrangements, so it doesn’t matter if you have a large home or a small apartment; it is likely that they are going to be quite satisfied with the accommodations. They do well with every member of the family and also tend to do well with other pets, so it is great for a home that has a serious love of animals. That being said, they do love the warmth so they will likely look for the warmest part of the house and that is where you will find them.

Although most Bombay cats seem to be quite healthy, there are some issues that may occur because of their ties to the Burmese cat. That issue is a craniofacial defect that is typically seen in newborn kittens. Although this can be a problem with this breed, it is not always going to be an issue. In most cases, a kitten that experiences this problem is not going to survive in order to try to eliminate it from the breed.

A gentle brushing every week is all that is typically necessary to keep the Bombay happy and healthy. The coat will benefit because of the distribution of natural skin oils and the removal of loose hair. They do not typically need to be bathed but it is a good idea to check the ears regularly and brush their teeth to avoid problems.

A Bombay cat can be an excellent choice for the home. They are not as needy as many other breeds of cats but they still could be a delight to have around and they tend to love the people that make up their family unit.

All about the Scottish Fold

There are many different breeds of cats that are almost instantly recognizable by the way that they look. It could be one of the distinct features of the cat, such as the color of the eyes or perhaps the coat. When it comes to the Scottish fold, however, it is the folded ears that really are the hallmark of the breed. They are a beautiful and delightful cat that will make a welcome part of any family. Knowing more about the cat can help you to appreciate the breed even more.

Sometimes, cats are bred into existence because of a mutation in the genetics that would take place unexpectedly as the breed was being propagated. Apparently, that is what took place with the Scottish fold and the breed can be traced back to 1961 and one particular white cat that lived in a barn in Scotland. This cat, named Susie, was crossbred with a local Tom and one of the kittens became the cat that was eventually bred into the Scottish fold. They are best known because of the fold of the ear but they also have a beautiful coat as well. They were brought to the United States in the mid-1970s and became recognized as a specific breed but they still are not a breed in Scotland.

One of the interesting things about the Scottish fold is the way that they tend to handle themselves as they are going about their day-to-day activities. Some of them may sit before flattening out and others may sit up as if they were a groundhog. Aside from that unusual type of behavior, they tend to be a relatively smart cat that enjoys playing and can be readily trained. In most cases, you will find this particular breed hanging out with the people in the household and getting as much attention as they possibly can. They can be left alone during the day, but it is best if they have a companion at most times.

One of the reasons why the Scottish Fold is not recognized as a breed in Scotland is out of fears that the ear fold may lead to problems with the hearing or infections. In actuality, they don’t tend to have those problems and they tend to be a relatively healthy breed that can live up to 15 years or longer. They do suffer from a variety of problems, including degenerative joint disease and a type of heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These are not a problem in all Scottish Folds, but it is often seen in the breed.

The long coat of this breed should be brushed on a weekly basis and you should also pay attention to their ears, nails and teeth. They may also need a bath from time to time.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion, you don’t need to look any further than the Scottish Fold. They will be a cat that is by your side through thick and thin.