Mad About Pets!

We’ve all seen it...a frenzied cat rolling around in catnip, sheer ecstasy on their furry little face. They may start running around like a crazy cat, they may start eating the catnip, or they may start playing frantically with their favorite toy. And then in flash, the episode is over. What is it about catnip that makes cats go wild?

Catnip is a perennial herb  in the mint family that grows up to 3 feet tall and has white flowers. The leaves and stem contain a chemical called nepetalactone, which enters the cat’s system through the nose. Whether or not the cat responds to the chemical appears to be genetic, and about  50-75% of cats are affected by catnip.  Interestingly, large wild cats can also be affected by catnip! When a cat smells catnip, it acts as a stimulant, causing the wild running around and playing often witnessed. However, when a cat eats catnip, it acts as a sedative. That’s why you may see your kitty “zonk out” upon ingesting it. 

Nepetalactone is also believed to be a hallucinogen, similar to marijuana or possibly even LSD. Luckily cats cannot overdose or become addicted to catnip, nor is it harmful to them. Many theories exist on why exactly cats act the way they do on catnip, but the most prevailing belief is that it mimics the pheromone that attracts cats. The reaction may be somewhat sexual; the rolling behavior often exhibited is similar to that of female cats in heat. The reaction does not appear to be completely sexual, however, as other behaviors like playing, stalking, and pouncing often accompany a “catnip high.”

The effects of nepetalactone are short, and the average cat only responds to catnip for about 10 minutes.  After that, the effect dissipates and the cat will no longer react to catnip for at least several hours. Catnip for cats is a safe way to stimulate a cat’s desire to play, and is a fun addition to a cat’s playtime (assuming he or she is in the majority that reacts to catnip!) Catnip can be purchased at pet supply stores, or can be easily grown in a home garden. The homegrown variety tends to be quite strong, and many cats enjoy eating the fresh green leaves. It can also be dried and stored for your cat’s enjoyment all year long!

When most people think of cats, they think of the big orange tomcat they grew up with or perhaps a classic gray tabby. Those of us who are “cat people” know just how many unique cat breeds there are, but even those familiar with cat breeds may not be aware of some of the more rare and unusual breeds.

Enjoy this list of unique, interesting and unusual breeds!

Sphynx

The Sphynx cat, or “hairless cat”, is probably one of the most “love it” or “hate it” breeds of cat out there. A lot of people find the odd hairless look a little disturbing, but some people think hairless cats are the cutest cats around! Although they’re known as a “hairless” breed, some actually have a downy fur covering their body. Sphynx cats have different “coat patterns”, too. Their skin can be pink, black, solid, spotted—you name it! Sphynx cats are a fiercely loyal breed, and require an owner who will give them a lot of love and attention. They also require someone who will bathe them regularly to keep their skin from becoming greasy. Sphynx cats are often described as feeling like a rubber hot water bottle! 

Savannah Cat

The Savannah Cat is a new and controversial breed created by crossing a domestic cat and a Serval. Savannah Cats vary greatly in appearance, temperament and price depending on their breeding. An F1 (a first generation cross of a cat and Serval) is the most expensive and the most “wild”; with each outcross, the cost of the cat goes down because there is less Serval  in the cat. Savannah Cats are very large and maintain some of the “wild cat” characteristics like growling and hissing to communicate (unlike the normal kitty meow), the strong desire to be outside (many walk great on a leash!), and the occasional unfortunate aversion to using the litter box. Savannah Cats are definitely not a breed for everyone, and much research should be done on their special care requirements before considering one as a pet.

LaPerm

LaPerm cats have soft, curly/wavy coats caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation. They first showed up in the early 1980’s in Oregon. They come in all coat colors and patterns, and are sometimes described as feeling like mohair. Though there are other breeds of rex or curly-coated cats, the LaPerm does not seem to be directly related. Despite the fact that the breed is only about 30 years old, LaPerm breeding programs now exist all over the world. LaPerm cats are considered to be more hypoallergenic than many other breeds, though there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat. 

American Curl

The American Curl is another newer American breed, first noticed in the early 1980’s. They have ears that curl back towards the back of the head, caused by a genetic mutation of the cartilage. The curled ears do not cause any health or hearing issues for the cat, though they do require frequent cleaning. American Curl owners must be careful when handling the cat’s ears, as the cartilage can be easy to damage.  All American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl within the first 2 weeks. It takes about 4 months for the cat’s ears to reach their final curled shape, at which point they become stiff to the touch.

Munchkin

There is only one way to describe the Munchkin cat- “low to the ground”! Due to a genetic mutation, Munchkins have short legs that give them their unique, short stature. Among breeders and cat fanciers, the Munchkin is a controversial breed. There have been disputes over the ethics of breeding a cat with legs as short as the Munchkin, and differing opinions on whether short legs can cause issues with mobility and the health of the skeletal system. So far it seems that Munchkins can run and jump as well as any other breed, and significant spinal and other skeletal afflictions do not appear common. The breed is recognized by TICA and other affiliated organizations, but the CFA does not accept the breed. Some countries have even outlawed the breeding of Munchkins for perceived ethical reasons. 

All those who love horses and own few of them, should indeed take responsibility for taking care of their animals and provide all basic needs and some loving care. In fact, even before getting a horse, it is important to ensure whether one has capability to take care of them. This is necessary for ensuring best performance from them. 

8. Provide a wider space for grazing- Animals need sufficient space for grazing. If interested in raising lot of them, sufficient space should be the primary consideration. It is necessary to ensure that pasture is free from any holes as they can injure horses.
These are just few grooming tips that should be kept in mind while raising horses. This will not only help in maintaining their health, but will also help owners in raising more animals in the future.