What You Need to Know about Cats and Kittens
Throughout time you may have gotten a cat or at the least you plan on getting one. If you already have a cat/kitten you must’ve came to the realization that it’s a lot more responsibility than expected. Alicia-Online is here to help with that. Here you will read everything you need to know about cats and kittens (aside from the articles we have posted). First, we will get into the different breeds of cats, then, go over a cats mentality and needs as well as their diet – what they can, and can’t, eat.
Different Types of Cat Breeds – Large, Small, and Other Features
Top Ten Large Cat Breeds
If you’re trying to get one of the larger cat breeds then you need to understand which large cat breed you want. You’ll also need to know the average size of the breed and their potential size (how big they may get as they age). A list of large domestic cat breeds goes as followed:
Mokave Jag Cat – This will be one of the biggest domestic cat there is! Growing up to 28 pounds you’ll definitely get a nice large family cat. This cat breed has exotic features to it as well (what a bonus)!
Maine Coon – The Maine Coon is known to be one of the fluffy cat breeds, without their large coat they’re still naturally big. With their large coat of fur, they seem even bigger; the average size of an adult maine coon is 3.3 ft. You can consider the Maine Coon one of the long hair cat breeds as well!
Chausie – This large cat breed is a great example of “beautiful large domestic hybrid cat breeds”. It typically weighs around 15-20 pounds as well and originated from Egypt!
Ragamuffin – Based off of the Ragdoll cat breed, they still kept around the same size and now (on average) weigh from 11-17 pounds. This is a very large domestic cat breed and have soft pettable fur.
Ragdoll – This large cat breed weighs around 10-20 pounds and some males even exceed this! This one of the most affectionate large cat breed their is be ready to expect it randomly jumping in your arms.
Savannah – This hybrid cat breed is a mix between a serval and domestic cat. Expect your savannah cat to weigh around 25 pounds.
Norwegian Forest Cat – A pretty large fluffy cat breed here, it weighs from 13-22 pounds. They have waterproof coats and are muscular too!
Siberian – An average neutered male will weigh around 25 pounds. They also (usually) range between 8-17 pounds; depending on their sex, diet, etc. Be ready to buy a new cuddle partner if you go for the Siberian Cat.
British Shorthair – Reminds me of garfield! They weigh from 9-18 pounds, are affectionate, and have a soft coat. If you’re looking for one of the long hair cat breeds, this cat isn’t for you though!
American Bobtail – Yes this isn’t for you either if you’re looking for long hair cat breeds however, maybe you can make an exception! Though these aren’t the largest weighing only around 7-15 pounds their personality coordinates with it. They’re known to be quiet, and gentle.
Top 10 Small Cat Breeds
If you’re not into the larger domestic cat breeds, we can look into the smaller domestic cat breeds. You’ll be able to find a small cat breed suitable for you and your family! The top ten small cat breeds goes as follows:
Singapura – The singapura is a very small, attractive, and energetic breed. Never going over 8 pounds and is very affectionate. Expect your Singapura to be around you and your family very much.
Munchkin – You can easily tell by the name “munchkin” that this will be a small adorable cat breed. The Munchkin (unlike many other cats) has very short legs and weighs less than 10 pounds!
American Curl – With ears that curl backwards, these kittens only weigh 5-10 pounds! The American Curl is a very adorable cat breed you may want to consider.
Minskin – Do you like both the Sphinx and the Munchkin? Well you can get two in one with the Minskin. The Minskin is a cross between the two, it obtained good features from the two parent breeds. It requires at least a weekly bath however is a very healthy cat.
Siamese – The newer siamese cats have become more petite. Though previously they were considered average size, it’s easier to find this petite cat breed.
Devon Rex – Big eyes, big ears, it’s the total package! Contains a curly short-haired coat and a special feature! If you have the time and capability, the Devon Rex is known to be able to learn tricks (keep in mind when teaching tricks that they weigh 5-10 pounds so they’re light)!
Cornish Rex – A full size cat breed weighing around 6-10 pounds makes this one of the top 10 small cat breeds. With large ears and a small face, you’ll think it resembles a skinny bunny! Consider this cat breed clingy and affectionate (not the best choice for busy pet-owners).
Oriental – If you go for this breed (or try to get more than one) don’t expect to have the same coat color! This cat breed has a variety of possibilities in what color the coat may be. They also typically weigh 5-10 pounds and can be considered clingy.
Napoleon – This small long-haired cat breed is a mix between a Munchkin and Persian. This cat will have short legs, and a soft, fluffy coat. The Napoleon can be considered one of the lazy cat breeds weighing 5-9 pounds.
Japanese Bobtail – If you go for the Bobtail breed, don’t think they cut the tail off! The Japanese Bobtail is known for having an interesting and unique tail. It’ll be easier to give this breed a bath because unlike most, they enjoy the water! The Bobtail weighs around 8 to 13 pounds!
Throughout time you may have gotten a cat or at least you plan on getting one. If you already have a cat/kitten you must’ve came to the realization that it’s a lot more responsibility than expected. Here you will read everything you need to know about your cat or kitten. First we will get into different breeds of cats, then understanding cats (their mentality and needs) as well as their diets.
Cats and Their Water
So you’ve probably seen it on some TV show, movie, or have heard jokes about cats disliking water. Makes you wonder how you should bathe a kitten and ponder ‘why do cats hate water’. With these two things in mind we’ll begin to answer the question: “do cats needs baths” and explain how.
Yes, cats and kittens, like other animals, do need to take baths. There’s a difference in bathing a cat and bathing a kitten. A cat is less prone to risk as kittens are. The smaller the kitten, the more fragile it is. That being said, you need to be cautious when bathing a kitten. Kittens are prone to hypothermia, dry skin, or even overheating.
Simple instructions on how to bathe kittens are:
- Make the room a warm temperature so the kitten can dry in their comfortably.
- Place the kitten in a bowl or sink (where you would like to bathe him or her)
- Have dry-warm towels ready for after the bath
- Have the water warmed up to around 101-103 degrees fahrenheit
- Use a cat shampoo
- Do not wash the kittens face (eyes or ears to be specific)
So How Come Cats Hate Water?
There are a variety of reasons why cats dislike water but the good news is that it’s not inevitable! Cat’s (if started when a kitten) can become accustomed to baths and water so as they grow they won’t be much of a hassle. A cat water fountain may make them fond of it as well.
One of the reasons they dislike water is because the smell of tap water seems very unnatural to them. Also, with the water soaking their coat,they feel imprisoned and are being weighed down – they don’t like that feeling.
Understand a Cat’s Activities
I’m sure as time went by you’ve noticed a few habits your cat has done such as: wagging its tail or licking you. So, what does it mean when a cat licks you? Well there can be a few reasons behind your cat licking you. One of the reasons is a cats memory. They remember being licked by their mother when they used to get cleaned and are now doing the same to you (in a caring intention). Another possible reason behind this is your cat marking their territory. They leave their scent on you and find it a way to make a bond between the two of you. A cat will lick you with pure intentions for the most part.
So now we know what it means when a cat licks you but, what does it mean when a cat wags its tail? This is something you should watch out for. A cat that wags it’s tail is not a good sign and here’s why. When a cat wags it’s tail, that’s their body language saying they’re annoyed of something or someone. If your cat’s tail ever starts wagging vigorously then watch out because that’s accompanied by wrath!
Why do Cats do What They Do?
Cats do many things throughout their day and you may have picked up some of the things they do. A domestic house cat spends most of its day either eating, sleeping, or exploring. Out of these three things you may have noticed how much cats sleep (boy do they sleep a lot). So why do cats sleep so much? Cats sleep so much because of their diet and and energy release. Their diet contains a lot of protein which releases most of the energy in a short period of time.
Ever wonder “why do cats bite”? Well this ties along with why cats wag their tails (vigorously). Cats will bite when frustrated, irritated, angry, or annoyed. It’s their way of saying back-off and you can expect a bite when you see a cat’s tail wagging!
Now finally let’s go over the last two things: “why do cats drool” and “why do cats pant”. Cat’s do these two things for the opposite reasons which is why they’re being discussed together. When a cat drools you can tell that it’s relaxed and in a mental state of serenity. However, when you see your cat pant it tells you that they have respiratory distress (dyspnea).
A Cat’s System
Did you find out your cats pregnant? Once finding out your cats pregnant, you may need to begin to consider what to do with the kittens, how you’ll care for them, will you have space and the money, as well as how long do you have to prepare. A cat’s gestation period is around 64 days (62-67) which gives you just a little over 2 months to get ready.
Typically only unspayed cats have periods or will “come into heat”. If your cat is unspayed expect the period to occur every 2-3 weeks and it’ll begin to occur after they’re 5-6 months old. So “do cats have periods”? Yes they do but if you get them spayed they shouldn’t.
Do cats have baby teeth? If so, when do they lose them? Yes kittens do have baby teeth and throughout time they lose them (just as humans). If your cat gave birth to kittens recently and, you’re curious about their baby teeth then, keep in mind they keep it for a while. Cat’s begin to lose their baby teeth at around 12 weeks of age and lose all of them around 36 weeks old (keep in mind this varies for each cat).
A Cat’s Diet – Food and Drinks!
So you have a cat, you understand how to keep it happy and when to back off of it(if it wags its tail). You also now know how to bath it, how long their gestation period is, and have brief knowledge on their baby teeth and periods. However, what about the thing that gives them their energy and is a necessity for them to live? You can’t feed a cat something they’re not supposed to eat, nor allow them to drink something bad.
Can cats eat bananas? What fruits can cats and kittens eat? Can cats eat turkey? We’re about to find out. To answer all those questions yes cats can eat bananas and yes cats can eat turkey. However, if you feed your cat turkey be sure to remove all bones. Also keep in mind, cat’s shouldn’t eat a lot of fruits. Their energy is mainly from protein not sugar. Now let’s look at a brief list of what your cat can and can’t naturally eat (besides from cat food):
Bread – yes but it’s not recommended, it’s very low in nutrients.
Strawberries – they can but shouldn’t. Also, it’s been reported many cats dont even try to eat it.
Popcorn – Cat’s shouldn’t eat popcorn either, it’s not the healthiest thing and should be not included in their diet.
Yogurt – It won’t be easily digested but plain yogurt would be your best bet.
Avocado – Only the meat of the avocado, anything else will be toxic to the cat.
Blueberries – Yes and it’s recommended! Just give it to your cat in moderation.
Honey – Yes cats can eat honey if it’s natural, unprocessed, raw honey. It may be hard for them to digest so be careful.
Lettuce – Yes cats can eat lettuce, if your cat is overweight this will also help them lose weight.
Peanut Butter – In moderate amounts, cats can eat peanut butter. Peanut butter has a lot of fat in it, and also it can affect their bowel movement if too much is given.
Raw Chicken – Yes in very small amounts cats can eat raw chicken.Be sure to not feed your cat any bones!
Do Cats Drink Milk? – What type and Should They?
Staying on the topic of milk and cats, can cats drink almond milk? It’s not often to find a cat that should drink almond milk. A few kittens may be able to drink almond milk due to their lactase enzyme. However, cats and kittens, if they were to drink almond milk, can give them a stomach ache and give them diarrhea as well. Keep your cat drinking regular milk as their dessert, not almond milk.
To sum it up, a cat or kitten is a bigger responsibility than expected as are other pets. A certain change in their diet may give them diarrhea (look into dog-proof litter boxes if you have a dog and a cat in the same household), a small tweak in their sleeping schedule can make them sleep-deprived. A misinterpretation of body-language will get you bitten! If you get a cat, or have one, don’t forget that all the rewards you reap from having one outweighs any negatives!