Archive for February, 2008

Is a Birman Right for You?

Do you want a cat that is considered to be a sacred animal? Many people think that the beautiful Birman cat breed originated from cats that guarded the Burman temples. This breed is even rumored to have helped the Burmese monks fight off attackers when a Birman’s coat turned the golden color of the goddess the monks worshiped, except for his paws which stayed pure white. Of course, less fanciful cat lovers say the Birman is simply a French relative of the Himalayan cat breed.

While no one is completely sure where the Birman breed came from, all cat fanciers agree that it is an older breed. Some breeders say the Birman is closely related to the Siamese cat, since it resembles a slightly stockier Siamese in appearance. In fact, more than one person has said that when the pure white Burman temple cats changed color, it was probably because a stray Siamese cat fathered a few litters of kittens.

In the nineteen twenties, the Birman cat reached Europe. A single female survived the long voyage from Burma to France and gave birth to a female kitten who is the ancestor of today’s Birman cats. This cat was most likely crossed with a Siamese cat. After World War II, the Birman was in grave danger of extinction, as only one known pair of Birmans had survived the German occupation. The breed was again outcrossed with another cat to avoid extinction, although this time the Persian was most likely used.

With all of the inbreeding that was done to save the Birman breed, it would be no surprise if these cats were prone to several hereditary diseases. However, the breed is surprisingly healthy overall. Just be aware that most of these cats are prone to anesthesia sensitivity and this problem, along with the fact that Birmans can be either A or B blood type, can cause trouble on the operating table. The breed is also prone to developing hairballs.
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Long distance calls are relatively expensive and especially to those who are schooling in foreign countries. Even though you may not be schooling but working overseas, calling home can be very expensive in the long run. However, now you can save up to 80% on all your long distance calls by using international calling cards from PinShark.com.

PinShark.com is one of the largest reseller of calling card products with over 800 different quality calling card products in their inventory. With the sheer size of their products range and the years of experience in the calling cards industry, it is no wonder that you can get the best savings and best quality products all at PinShark.com. For more information, check out their web site at http://www.pinshark.com.

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Wow, It is so cute. Just wonder what is so interesting that is keeping the cat fascinated who keep his focus at the background. The little tortiose is also a small terror, anyway it is really nice and such a joy to see pets living in harmony. Cheers.

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Have you ever thought of giving your home a fresh makeover? If you have but have never go about doing it because of the hassles involved, it is time for you to rethink your decision. Having a makeover for your home can be as simple as just giving your whole house a fresh coat of paint or just installing some simple furniture. It does not need to be as complicated as having the whole house redecorated. It can be as simple as just changing the Window Coverings in your home to give your home a new and fresh look.

For me, the last time I makeover my home, I just change the window coverings of my home to Basewood Wood Blinds to give my whole house a more natural look. If you are also looking to give your home a slight makeover, you can consider this option too.

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There is always common health issues associated with any breed of animal. For Maine Coon Cats, one of those health problems is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is often shortened to Cardiomyopathy, and abbreviated as HCM.

HCM can be inherited, but it can also be developed without inheritance, although most reported cases are through inheritance. HCM is a disease that causes the left ventricle of the heart to thicken and stiffen. This eventually leads to heart failure, and may also cause aortic thrombeoembolism.

In most cases, your breeder will give you a health guarantee or statement. Ideally, they will have had the parents tested to ensure that they do not have a mutation of the gene that determines the presence or development of this disease.

If they tell you that the 12 week old kitten has been tested, and tested negative, don’t believe it. HCM can only be detected with cardiac ultrasound, and cannot be detected in a cat younger than one year. Testing is recommended between the ages of one and seven years.

How big is the HCM problem? It’s fairly big, but is currently being bred out by responsible breeders. Of all of the Maine Coons tested for HCM, about one third of them tested positive. Responsible breeders have their studs and dams tested, before breeding, and it is recommended that any Maine Coon that tests positive for the mutated gene not be used for breeding purposes.

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As a blogger myself, I understand the importance of having a reliable web hosting company to host my blogs. Given the wide array of web hosting services and choices available, it is no wonder bloggers like me face the difficult prospect of selecting the correct web hosting company to suit our web hosting needs. When I first select my first web host, I went to many forums and web sites on web hosting to find out what makes a good web host and even then I find myself bombard with a lot of unanswered questions. Luckily I came across a good web site webhostingchoice.com which is essentially a resource site and guide to web hosting companies. With webhostingchoice.com, you will definitely find the web hosting choice that will be perfect for you.

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This may sound so interesting. Could this be some scientific breakdown if the research has suggested that domestic cats ancestors diverged from the ancestors of other populations of today’s wildcats. Stay tuned to find out more on this article.

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The current house that one lived in might not be big enough in the future, especially with additional of family members. Moving house is a hassle; first we would need to get a relocation realtors to assist in locating a suitable house to our personal needs.

After visiting a lot of houses and finally settling our eyes on one of the house, we would start comparing Mortgage home loans. And there is a need to do some research on the loans so that we would be able to get the lowest loan for ourselves.

Finally, is searching for the mover quotes to move the things from the old house to the new house. So much of works are to be done before finally settling down at a new place. It would be better if we are able to search all information in a common portal. National Relocation does provide the service, it is a relocation portal, where you not only can search for relocation realtors, and you are able to search to rent a house, which the house owners advertise at the portal for free.

Getting the rent, moving the house, the portal also provide Mortgage home loans comparison, where we can compare mortgages and find the most suitable to our personal needs. We can also get mover quotes.

For more information, please visit National Relocation.

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When people first see a Balinese cat, they often think that this elegant looking cat must be haughty and unsociable. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This breed may look refined, but it is actually incredibly friendly and fun loving.

The Balinese has a graceful body that can move in unusual ways and helps it get into all kinds of places. This flexibility and ability to escape from seemingly impossible places causes many people to compare the Balinese breed to the great magician Houdini.

Since the Balinese actually began as a longhair Siamese, it is no surprise that this breed is incredibly vocal. If you have an apartment with thin walls, the chatty Balinese may actually bother your neighbors, so you may want to think about this before deciding to choose a Balinese cat.

Like the Siamese, the Balinese is a cat that enjoys the company of people and other cats. Because of this breed’s need for attention, it is not a good choice for people who work long hours. If you do have a time consuming job, you should consider adding a second Balinese to the household or you will have a depressed and mopey or neurotic and hyperactive cat on your hands. These cats are very intelligent and need quite a few toys and activities to keep them occupied. Luckily, the Balinese will turn anything into a toy, from a paper grocery bag to a scrap of paper.
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If you are thinking about getting a Maine Coon Cat, you need to be fully aware of the cost. The first cost that you will experience is the cost of the kitten. If the parents are titled, the Maine Coon kitten will cost anywhere from $600 to $1000. If the parents are not titled, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400. Adult Maine Coon’s, who are not titled, cost anywhere from $100 to $200.

First, make sure that you can afford a Maine Coon Cat. This does not refer to the cost of buying the kitten – this refers to the cost of lifelong care for the animal. First, he needs to see his veterinarian every year for a checkup. An emergency fund also needs to be set up to pay the vet in the event that the animal gets sick. Despite how healthy and strong Maine Coon Cats are, they do still get ill, just like any other animal.

 Maine Coon’s thrive on special diets designed for their breed. Therefore, it isn’t just a question of purchasing food; it is a question of purchasing the right food. Obviously, this food is usually a great deal more expensive than regular food.

 Your Maine Coon needs a bed to call his own, with bedding. He also needs a variety of toys to play with. He isn’t just having fun – he is staying in good shape. Toys are vital to his overall good health. He will need cat treats to help keep his teeth and gums in good shape, and also to provide extra vitamins and minerals that he needs. Your vet may prescribe additional vitamins as well.

 Your Maine Coon needs a good brush, which will need to be replaced about every six months. He will also need medicated shampoo to control fleas, as well as medication to keep the fleas and ticks off of him. He will also need a harness and leash if you will be taking him outdoors.

 It is a good idea to invest in a cat tree. Maine Coons are not as adept as climbing up as other breeds of cats, but they will enjoy a well-designed cat tree that allows them to go up – without having to go straight up. They will also be happy with the various hiding places in the cat tree. These cat trees can be expensive.

You will need an animal carrier. Because Maine Coons grow to be large animals, it needs to be one that can accommodate his size. If you don’t travel much, don’t assume that you won’t need the carrier. First, you will need it to take him back and forth to the veterinarian’s office. The animal carrier will also come in handy when it isn’t safe for the cat to be in the house – such as when you bomb for bugs or steam clean the carpet.

Obviously, you will need a litter box. You can purchase expensive litter boxes or cheap litter boxes, but one thing is certain. All plastic litter boxes have to be thrown out at some point. The plastic often absorbs the odor, and it does become unbearable to live with after a certain point. You will also need fresh litter for the litter box. Litter can be cheap or expensive – but if you don’t want to smell anything, you will be willing to pay for the higher quality litter.

Again, before you spend the money to purchase the Maine Coon, understand that this is not the only cost. Maine Coon’s live to be between 15 and 21 years, and that’s how long you can expect to have ongoing expenses.

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Do you want a cat that has a distinctive and unusual looking appearance? If so, you may want to consider the American Wirehair. This breed has hair that looks like colored steel wool, although it doesn’t feel quite so coarse to the touch.

The American Wirehair started with a litter of kittens born in a farmer’s barn. When he noticed one of the kittens had an unusual coat, he consulted a cat fancier, who decided to try to breed cats with the wirehair trait. Unfortunately, this trait was not truly dominant, so there was quite a lot of inbreeding, and any cat who showed even the slightest tendency to be a wirehair was used for breeding. Concern that the breed would become susceptible to hereditary diseases and weaknesses led the people working with the American Wirehair to cross it with the American Shorthair, one of the other cat breeds to be developed in America.

Eventually, the American Wirehair breed developed a body type that was very similar to the American Shorthair, although the Wirehair has a slightly more rounded head and higher cheekbones. Despite the coat inconsistencies that still plague this breed, the American Wirehair is still a part of the Cat Fancier’s Association Championship Class. However, only shorthair Wirehairs with thick coats are used in the show ring. Longhair coats are considered to be a disqualification because Wirehairs with long coats look as though they are suffering from an extremely bad hair day, while Wirehairs with thin coats are not shown because they are prone to shedding their hair if they are stressed.

The American Wirehair is one of the few breeds that is required to have one eye color. Unless your Wirehair is silver, he should have deep gold eyes. This breed’s standard calls for large cats, but many Wirehairs are currently on the small side. Ideally, your Wirehair should be close to fifteen pounds, but these cats can weigh in at anywhere from eight to fifteen pounds.
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If you love Maine Coon Cats, you might be interested in breeding them. However, Maine Coon Cat breeding is not something that one jumps into overnight. There are a number of things to consider.

First and foremost, it is not advisable to breed just any Maine Coon Cat. Most good breeders agree that only titled Maine Coon Cat’s should be bred, keeping the pedigrees incredibly pure. Breeders also work to breed out certain genetic disorders that are common to the Maine Coon.

 Also note that while Maine Coon Cats sell for a fairly hefty price - $600 to $1000 for 12 week old kittens – a lot of money is invested into them as well. For example, you will need to take the kittens to the veterinarian, at least once, before they are sold. You may need to pay for genetic testing as well to make sure that the kittens do not have any problems.

 Obviously, you must care for the queens and the studs, ensuring that they maintain good health as well. While there is still a profit to be made, in most cases, you should note that you will not get rich breeding these cats – and you may not make a full time living at it either.

 Even if you have titled queens and studs, you aren’t ready to jump into breeding. A good breeder will have numerous cat shows under their belts, and they will be highly knowledgeable when it comes to the breed. Current top breeders suggest gleaning as much information as possible and even asking a current top breeder to mentor you – first with shows, and second with breeding.

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If you aren’t familiar with pedigreed cats, you may be under the impression that the American Shorthair is a fancy name for an alley cat. However, the American Shorthair, which was called the Domestic Shorthair until the nineteen sixties, is a pedigreed cat that meets a specific standard.

These cats, which are classified as a part of the Championship Class by the Cat Fancier’s Association, are on the large side, weighing in at eight to fifteen pounds. The Shorthair has a wide face with prominent cheeks and a powerful well muscled body. His tail is slightly thicker at the base than at the tip and is shorter than his body. His eyes are big and have an alert expression.

While tabbies are probably the most common Shorthair patterns, cats with self, tortie, smoke, and bicolors patterns are also available. The striking silver tabby color has been popular since one of these gorgeous cats was the winner of the nineteen sixty five United States Cat of the Year Award. However, the tortise shell and white cat, also known as a Calico is also quite popular.

The American Shorthair actually is a descendant of the European Shorthair. As this breed adapted to life in the United States, it developed a heavier, coarser coat to protect it from the bitter American winters. In addition, the American Shorthair is a bit larger than its ancestor, because of the many dangers the breed faced when it first arrived from Europe. Read the rest of this entry »

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The first time you see an American Curl, you may think that the cat has a deformity. After all, cats don’t usually have ears that curve back toward the back of their heads. The American Curl has varying degrees of curl to the ears, from ears that barely tip back to ears that curve so far back that they form a crescent shape. Only cats with ears that form a crescent curve are suitable for showing, but all American Curls make delightful pets.

This breed was developed in the early nineteen eighties from one stray cat that a California cat lover adopted. Surprisingly enough, all kittens are born with ears that look completely normal. When the kittens are about ten days old, their ears begin to curl. The kittens are about four months old before the ears develop their final position.

The American Curl is known for being a quiet, sweet natured breed and makes an ideal apartment pet. This cat is often a bit on the inactive side and is content to soak up sun on a windowsill for a large portion of the day. While the Curl does not dislike other cats or people, this breed is content to amuse itself and will not pine for other cats to keep it company. The ability to entertain himself makes this breed a perfect choice for people who work long hours but still want to come home to a loving pet.

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If you want a friendly cat and don’t mind that the breed you’ve chosen is a bit of an upstart in the cat world, since it only has existed since the nineteen sixties, you may want to consider the American Bobtail.

The American Bobtail is one of only three breeds in the Cat Fancier’s Association’s Provisional Class, which is where cat breeds are placed until they show that they are able to stay true to their standards. This breed is a lightweight compared to many other breeds, weighing in at seven to fifteen pounds.

The American Bobtail received its name because of its extremely short tail. While no one is completely sure how this breed was developed, cat fanciers suspect that the American Bobcat, Manx, and Japanese Bobtail breeds are all ancestors of the American Bobtail. However, while the Manx can be completely tailless and still are able to compete in the show ring, the American Bobtail must have a tail. The tail should be short enough to stop before it reaches the cat’s hocks.

While many cats have a sleek, slender appearance, the American Bobtail standard calls for a stocky, muscular cat with big paws and a slightly wild appearance. This cat’s head is wedge shaped, but broader than normal. The Bobtail breed can be a shorthair or a longhair, but even shorthair cats do not have smooth coats. The shorthair coat still is long enough to give the cat a bit of a shaggy look. While the Bobtail can come in any color, fawn and white, blue tabby, red tabby, and brown tabby are the most common colors. Shorthair cats are much more common than longhair cats, since the shorthair gene is actually dominant. Read the rest of this entry »

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