Reading a Pet Food Ingredient Label

This is where it gets tough. The current labeling system for pet foods is seriously lacking in usable information. The "guaranteed analysis" numbers that you find on a can of food simply gives a wide range of the levels of water, protein, fat, etc. that are contained in the food. You can get a rough idea of what is in the food but, ideally, it should be mandatory to put the more accurate "as fed" values on the can. However, I do not see this happening anytime soon. This would be more along the lines of the information that we find on our own packaged foods.

Fattest Cats

Here is a selection of some more fattest cats over 40 lbs which seems to be the threshold at which a claim to be the fattest can be made. As can be seen by the dates, the idea of the fattest cat in the world was a bit of a fad, a phase that has now past. It is a shallow idea to the detriment of the cat.

Cat	Weight	Owner (place)	Date
Poppa	44 lbs (about 20 kg)	Gwladys Cooper (Wales)	1983
Tiger	42 - 43 lbs (19 - 19.5 kg)	Phyllis Dacey (Essex, England)	1970s
Dinkie	42 lb (19 kg)	Miss K Dowding(Gloucestershire, England)	1955
Gigi		Miss Anne Clark (Cumbria, England)	1970
Baby	41 lb (almost 19 kg)	Mr Maefred Slawson (NY, USA)	1982
Snowbie	47 lb (Guinness Record)	Lorna Sutherland (Scotland)	1997
Katy	44 lbs	?	2003
Katy (Munckin dwarf cat)	40 lbs (18.1 kg)	?(Canada)	1991
Tulle (Tubcat)	43 lbs	Pedersen (USA)	2002

The Maltese tiger, or blue tiger ...

The Maltese tiger, or blue tiger, is a suspected coloration morph of a tiger, reported mostly from the Fujian Province of China. It has a bluish fur with dark grey stripes

OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE CATS

Overweight and obesity (extreme overweight) is now the most common nutritional disorder affecting cats. The usual definition of obesity is being 15% - 20% overweight. In Britain, up to a quarter of cats are believed to be obese. The figure may be much higher in the USA where pet cats lead a more restricted lifestyle.

11 - 11 - 11 11:11 a.m.

November 11, 2011 @ 11:11 a.m.

Cat Associations

Here is a list of the major cat associations of the world. There are many associations and clubs supporting particular breeds as well, which I have not mentioned. This mini-database was prepared June 2010. Things change.

Europe

GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE CAT FANCY (GCCF)
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy 5 King's Castle Business Park The Drove Bridgwater Somerset TA6 4AG, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1278 427575
Website: http://www.gccfcats.org/
The GCCF was founded in 1910 taking over the role of managing the cat fancy in the UK from the National Cat Club that was founded in 1887 and which is the oldest Cat Club in the United Kingdom. I am not sure but it might be the oldest in the world. The oldest American association is the American Cat Association (see below).
The purpose of the GCCF is to:

• keeping the registers of the purebred cats
• licence and manage cat shows
• overseeing the welfare of purebred cats
• monitoring the rules of the club

The GCCF apparently registers over 30,000 purebred cat per year.

The Coolest Cats.

Amazing Cat Eye Photos

Cat Litter Tips from The "World's Best Cat Litter"

Tips On Cat Litter Management

·         Certain features of cat litter and/or the box influence whether the cat eliminates in or out of the litter box.

·         When cats like the litter given to them, they readily dig and then cover up. When cats dislike the litter, however, they don't cover up and may dig and scratch on the box or the floor, shake their paws, run out of the box, or place their front paws on the edge while eliminating or digging.

Marlon Brando with Cat in 1955

Marlon Brando himself was known to live a life of cat-servitude, obeying his cat's every command. Members of the feline Revolution believe that, like many other cats "owned" by world leaders, the cat in the Godfather represented the real power of the Corleone family.

All Felines from the Domestic Cat, Leopard Cat, Cheetah, Cougar, Bobcat and more.

-Genus Acinonyx

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

-Genus Caracal

Caracal (Caracal caracal)

-Genus Catopuma

Bay Cat (Catopuma badia)

Asian Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)

-Genus Felis

Chinese Mountain Cat (Felis bieti)

Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)

Pallas's Cat (Felis manul)

Sand Cat (Felis margarita)

Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes)

Wildcat (Felis silvestris)

-Genus Leopardus

Pantanal Cat (Leopardus braccatus)

Colocolo (Leopardus colocolo)

Geoffroy's Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)

Kodkod (Leopardus guigna)

Andean Mountain Cat (Leopardus jacobitus)

Pampas Cat (Leopardus pajeros)

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus)

Margay (Leopardus wiedii)

-Genus Leptailurus

Serval (Leptailurus serval)

-Genus Lynx

Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis)

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

-Genus Pardofelis

Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata)

-Genus Prionailurus

Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus iriomotensis)

Flat-headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps)

Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus)

Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

-Genus Profelis

African Golden Cat (Profelis aurata)

-Genus Puma

Cougar (Puma concolor)

Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi)

Acana Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Acana - Grasslands
Acana - Pacifica
Acana - Wild Prairie

Evolved as carnivores, Mother Nature adapted cats to thrive on a diet rich and varied in animal proteins and fats—not carbohydrates and grains. That’s why grain-free Acana Grain-Free Foods for Cats features a diversity of regional ingredients including free-run chicken, whole eggs, wild-caught Whitefish and Walleye—all delivered fresh, never frozen and containing no preservatives.

Cat's Eye Color Types

Cat's eye color depends on a variety of factors, including coat color, breed and health. As with human babies, kitten's eyes are usually blue at birth but by three months of age the pigmentation has matured to leave the growing cat with its permanent eye color, of which there is a wide spectrum.

Original British Shorthair late 1800

British SH late 1800s photographed by Helmi Flick

The British Shorthair today looks very similar to the English cat of 110 years ago. There would seem to be a slight difference, an enhancement of the concept of roundness and cobbiness that is so admired in the Brit SH and the refinement of its coat. This can be seen by making a comparison in the photograph below of a champion Brit SH taken at the end of the 1800s.  Courtesy of Pictures of Cats.

Opalite Cats Eye

Cats-Eye Opalite is a rare chatoyant form of Opal.  The attribute that gives this stone its popularity and name is the phenomena known as chatoyancy, also known in the gem trade as “the cat's eye effect”. The reason for this fascinating phenomenon is very fine inclusions within the stone. When a light source is directed on these inclusions it creates a bright strip that appears and runs perpendicular to the inclusions. This strip will then glide across the surface of the stone when turned over.  This natural gemstone is found only in Tanzania.  Opalite Cats Eye is best known for it's creamy honey color and strong cats-eye effect. Opalite Cats Eye can also occur in shades of yellow, red, white and black.

Ear Mites in Cats – A Complete Guide

Primarily the most common cause of ear infection, ear mites are spider-like parasites that cause a lot of irritation and inflammation in cats. They find their abode in the warm, damp places of the body, preferably the ears (yes they might exist on other parts of a cats body), where the flow of air is minimal. Their food is the epidermal debris and ear wax that they easily get by placing themselves strategically in the ears. While they nibble on this, the cat is in misery, irritated because of inflammation, as a result of which the body starts producing more wax, hence, providing the perfect environment for the mites growth. Ear mites may also cause allergies.

Since cats depend a lot on their audio abilities, the ears also play an important role in climbing and keeping the balance of a cat. Thus, anything afflicting the ear poses a serious threat to the well-being of your cat.

Cat's Breaking the Records

Most Popular House Pet
Cats without any doubt are the most popular house pets, exceeding the number of dogs in USA, UK and most European countries. In USA, 37% of homes have at least one cat, in Uk 25% and in Australia 26%. A total of 500 million pet cats exist in the world. There are 60 million pet cats in USA, around 7 million in the UK and around 5 million in Canada. There are many other countries such as Russia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, India, South Africa and other European countries where pet cats are found in abundance.

Best Family Cats

Cats are very homely and friendly beings to be around. They not only cheer up the atmosphere but also keep you company all the time. However, before taking the big step of adopting a cat, you must know the kind of cat you want and its general behaviour, its likes and dislikes and if it is compatible with the home environment that you can provide it with. In case you have small children, you might want to focus on cats that are child-friendly. Hence, we would like to aid you in giving you an idea on the best home cats that you can find around you.

Cat felt the death of Steve Jobs the co-founder of Apple Inc.

“Blue” my British Shorthair kitten felt the death of Steven P. Jobs, the Apple Inc. chairman and co-founder.  Steve Jobs who pioneered the personal-computer industry and changed the way people think about technology passed away on October 5, 2011.  “Blue” chewed right through my iPhone headset at the time I was hearing about this great loss.  

Cat Claw Problems

You might find cat claws as unnecessary or a menace especially with your wooden furniture being under attack many a time, but they are essential for your cats overall health. You must take as good care of them as you take care of its diet and grooming. In case, there is some injury or disease the cat has acquired concerning the claws, you must get it examined and treated immediately as any negligence can cause even death.

Savannah Cat Complete Breed Profile, Pictures and Video

A cross between a wild African Serval and a domestic cat, the Savannah is a fairly new breed of cats. In a very short span of time, it has managed to catch the eye of cat lovers all over the world through its amicable nature and exotic look. It is a graceful cat which a delight to have!

Tips for a Happy Cat

You always want your loved ones to be happy but if your precious one is a cat, it makes keeping it happy difficult because you don't know how! A happy companion will keep you happy too and who wouldn't want that. While cats have physical needs, you need to fulfill their psychological needs as well to make them happy. That is why we are here! Following are a few very successful tips guiding you how to keep your bundles of joy happy!

Feline Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Our feline friends, like ourselves, do get tired and with age their joints, ligaments and bones start to grow old too. Because of their light weight, expertise at balancing their bodies and landing on their feet, cats are less vulnerable to orthopedic problems. They also have the natural advantage that their forelegs are not joined to the rest of their body via the bone, which acts as a shock absorber. It is usually through accidents that they are affected with any such affliction. Hence, active, athletic cats are more susceptible to arthritis than other cats. Older cats are also more vulnerable to this degenerative affliction.

Arthritis is known as the inflammation of joints. However, it is not as simple as that. It can be very agonizing and must not be taken lightly. There are the following types of arthritis that is found in cats: 

Cat Shit Coffee

“It’s the cat’s ass!”
Cat Shit Coffee, or Kopi Luwak as it is known in Sumatra, is renowned all over the world for its incredibly delicious, subtle, lingering flavor and exceptional smoothness. It is the world’s premiere rare & exotic coffee.
Deep in the heart of the Sumatran jungle, where the roads are few and the people fewer, the stealthy Luwak roams free. This adorable cat burglar will make its way to coffee plantations when the crop is in season, using its superior senses to select only the choicest of coffee cherries. After digestion, these organic beans are gathered by hand from the rainforest floor and then taken by oxcart to an earthen kiln where they are gently roasted by a native coffee artisan.


Genuine Kopi Luwak coffee beans release hidden flavor compounds from the beans that are never accessed by regular roasting and brewing. These wonderful, locked-away flavors are released because of the natural enzymes of the Luwak. Cat Shit Coffee is commonly known among connoisseurs as the world’s best-tasting coffee.


Although the coffee is expensive per pound, the affordable price of Cat Shit Coffee allows everyone to enjoy this rare delicacy.Our Kopi Luwak is whole-heartedly guaranteed... If it isn’t the smoothest cup of coffee you have ever drank, simply return it for a 110% refund. In addition to this solid endorsement, we ship all Cat Shit Coffee with a certificate of authenticity that is ready to be framed and mounted on your wall.

How Kittens Learn to become a skilled Hunter.

Cats have been famous for hunting mice and rats for as long as cats and people have been together. As strange as it may seem to some people, cats are not born knowing how to hunt. It is a skill they learn from watching their mothers. If the mother cat is a good hunter, then her kittens will learn to be good hunters. Interestingly, kittens seem to learn the best from their mothers. They do not seem to learn as well or as quickly from watching other adult cats.

Socializing Kittens

Kittens are in fact like our own children and hence they love attention and are very playful. Most of the time you will find them in a mood to explore things and places while at the same time they will come running to their safe area if they perceive any threat in the environment. It is generally a myth that kittens should not be touched at the tender age while from my personal experience, i know it is totally wrong. Even research has proved it wrong. According to research, kittens who are handled every day for the first month of their lives are not only friendlier cats, but also learn faster and accept new situations easier. Socializing your kittens properly is really the best thing that you can do for them. A well-socialized kitten will be a happy and emotionally healthy cat.

Cats and Kittens Vaccination

People who get cats for the first time wonder what is the right age to get their cat or kitten vaccinated and how many vaccinations do they need. For a healthy life of your pet as well as yourself it is highly recommended that you get your cat vaccinated and a keep a record of the vaccinations for reference as well to schedule booster shots.

Aggression in Kittens – Types, Reasons, Signs and Remedies

Your little furry friends can at times get aggressive. Although you love them a lot and like to pamper them, their aggressive side needs to be controlled especially in this early age so that this pattern is not followed in the years to come. This is only possible through socialization and the kitten being gentled enough.

Cat Teeth

Cat Under Arrest by S.W.A.T.

Why a cat purrs and How a cats purr affects Humans.

Why do cats purr?
Over the course of evolution, purring has probably offered some selective advantage to cats. Most felid species produce a "purr-like" vocalization. In domestic cats, purring is most noticeable when an animal is nursing her kittens or when humans provide social contact via petting, stroking or feeding.

Although we assume that a cats purr is an expression of pleasure or is a means of communication with its young, perhaps the reasons for purring can be deciphered from the more stressful moments in a cats life. Cats often purr while under duress, such as during a visit to the veterinarian or when recovering from injury. Thus, not all purring cats appear to be content or pleased with their current circumstances. This riddle has lead researchers to investigate how cats purr, which is also still under debate.

Scientists have demonstrated that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. Various investigators have shown that sound frequencies in this range can improve bone density and promote healing.

This association between the frequencies of cats' purrs and improved healing of bones and muscles may provide help for some humans. Bone density loss and muscle atrophy is a serious concern for astronauts during extended periods at zero gravity. Their musculo-skeletal systems do not experience the normal stresses of physical activity, including routine standing or sitting, which requires strength for posture control.

Because cats have adapted to conserve energy via long periods of rest and sleep, it is possible that purring is a low energy mechanism that stimulates muscles and bones without a lot of energy. The durability of the cat has facilitated the notion that cats have "nine lives" and a common veterinary legend holds that cats are able to reassemble their bones when placed in the same room with all their parts. Purring may provide a basis for this feline mythology. The domestication and breeding of fancy cats occurred relatively recently compared to other pets and domesticated species, thus cats do not display as many muscle and bone abnormalities as their more strongly selected carnivore relative, the domestic dog. Perhaps cats' purring helps alleviate the dysplasia or osteoporotic conditions that are more common in their canid cousins. Although it is tempting to state that cats purr because they are happy, it is more plausible that cat purring is a means of communication and a potential source of self-healing.

How Cats Purr
The cats can purr continuously meaning the purr while both inhaling and exhaling. It is believed that the purring sound is produced by the laryngeal muscles. These muscles open and close the glottis which separates the vocal chords and causes vibration and as a result of this vibration the purring sound is produced. It is believed that there is an endogenous neurological oscillator that drives this vibration, similar to an endogenous oscillator driving our heartbeats.

The central nervous system of an emotionally charged cat sends signals to the laryngeal muscles which causes them to tighten up to a point that when air passes through them they vibrate and the result is the purring sound. So a cat with compromised laryngeal muscles cannot purr.

How Cat Purr affects Humans
It is believed that the purr frequency of 25 and 150 hertz also acts as a healing mechanism for humans and if you are not feeling well the purr of your cat might help you in feeling better. Some studies also suggest that people with high blood pressure would feel better if a cat sits in their laps and purrs. Just like it is said that cat purr helps bone growth and healing it is also believed that it has a similar affect on humans.

Scientific America: The Evolution of House Cats

The Evolution of House Cats

Genetic and archaeological findings hint that wildcats became house cats earlier--and in a different place--than previously thought.  Unlike other domesticated creatures, the house cat contributes little to human survival.

Sanctuary worker lives with four cheetahs, five lions and two tigers.

Forty-six-year-old sanctuary worker Riana Van Nieuwenhuizen shares a home in South African with 11 cats.  Four orphaned cheetahs, five lions and two tigers!  .  "I love them all. But they’re a handful." Riana says.  

Innova Cat and Kitten Food

Wholesome Food for a Healthier Cat!

Innova Cat and Kitten Food contains fresh, natural, whole ingredients from each of the five food groups: meat, dairy, fruit, grain and vegetables, to provide a balanced, nutritious and healthful diet for your cat. Innova Cat and Kitten Food is formulated with added antioxidant vitamins, and is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids for a silky coat and optimum health.

Condemned to Death

"Whoever kills a cat in Egypt is condemned to death, whether he committed this crime deliberately or not. The people gather and kill him. An unfortunate Roman, who had accidentally killed a cat, could not be saved, either by King Ptolemy of Egypt or by the fear which Rome inspired."  Diodorus Siculus

Christian the lion

“The true story of a lion cub taken from his zoo-caged parents and sold in a London department store, and bought by two of the most understanding men a lion could hope to meet. Named “Christian”, this remarkably gentle and intelligent lion became a British celebrity and professional model.

Pets are not toys ...

Every year, thousands of pets are abandoned by their owners, leaving the RSPCA to deal with the consequences. Their aim, especially in the holiday season, is to force people to think more seriously before deciding to buy a pet. Hence this 'Pets aren't toys' campaign created by JWT Sydney, which shows pets in the guise of cast off toys, making the point that they can’t be so easily discarded.

The Print Ad titled Cat was done by JWT Sydney advertising agency for product: Animal Welfare (brand: RSPCA) in Australia. It was released in the Jan 2008.

Thinking Outside the Litter Box

For some animal lovers, buying aesthetically pleasing pet supplies is not enough: they have created their own animal-friendly design solutions to complement their human-centric décor. Bill Hilgendorf and Maria Cristina Rueda turned their Brooklyn apartment into a bright playground where their two cats, Miles and Attila, can get indoor exercise.

Miracle cat turns 12 years old.

Cat has 3 eyes, 2 mouths — and still all 9 lives left

FRANK and Louie, a grey feline with two mouths, two noses and three eyes, just turned 12 years old and is the world’s oldest living two-faced cat.  Sara Wilcox, a Guinness World Records spokeswoman said he is the "longest surviving Janus cat",

Nutrition 101 according to Royal Canin - Help for Special Needs

People who love cats often say their bonds form because of the cat’s uncanny ability to understand human emotions. This same acute feline awareness can also make cats more sensitive to their environments. Luckily, the right diet can help even everything out.

Nutrition 101 according to Royal Canin - Why Diets for Indoor Cats.

Years ago, cats earned their keep by hunting down rodents and other unwanted animals. Today, however, the vast majority spend their days entirely indoors, hunting no more than a dust bunny and a good nap.  With this decreased activity level comes a whole new set of special nutritional requirements for the indoor cat:

Diamond Pet Foods

Diamond History

Known around the world for healthy and holistic pet nutrition, Diamond Pet Foods is one of the fastest growing pet food companies in the United States. Exclusively focused on pet food, Diamond proudly provides a complete and balanced range of dog and cat foods for all life stages. NutraGold is holistically formulated for your pet's health, appearance, performance and happiness.

NUTRAGold all-natural holistic pet foods

For cat owners who care about what they are feeding to their feline friends.  Our cats do not have to eat food containing chemical preservatives, “by-products”, processed grains, poorly digestible cereals, or artificial flavourings and colourings. They claims to have created a food without all this – NUTRAGold Holistic Formulas. 

NUTRAGOLD HOLISTIC

Natures Know best. That's why NutraGold has been holistically formulated to promote the lifelong health and happiness of your pet. Veterinarians and pet food nutritionists have teamed up to develop this healthy, wholesome diet, using all the latest nutritional research and best ingredients.

Interesting facts about cats.

Cats do strange things and behave in some very interesting ways. Read through the following interesting facts about cats and you will be amazed by the meaning behind some cat behaviors. You will also find some lesser-known information about cats.

British Shorthair - Breed Article

 In 1870, Harrison Weir, father of the cat fancy, "conceived the idea that it would be well to hold Cat Shows so that the different breeds, colours, markings etc., might be more carefully attended to and the domestic cat, sitting in front of the fire, would then possess a beauty and an attractiveness to its owner unobserved and unknown because uncultivated heretofore." He then contacted his friend Mr. Wilkinson, manager of the Crystal Palace, who agreed with the idea.

The Aggressive Cat.

Whether it’s to tell you to stop petting, start playing or just that they’re afraid, some cats use their teeth to do the talking. Feline aggression should be taken very seriously and, therefore, requires professional help – either through your veterinarian or a behaviorist.  It’s important not to punish the aggressive cat because punishment can make the problem worse, especially if the aggression is caused by fear.

Cat Litter Box Issues.

This is the number one complaint of cat owners, and a top reason why cats get surrendered to shelters or rescue groups. Unfortunately, you can’t make a cat use her litter box. To solve the problem, you have to first figure out what is the problem, and then make adjustments in your litter box management.

The Famous and their Cats.

John Lennon nuzzles a siamese cat

Vintage photo of cat.

Cat playing with grenade during the World War II.

Cat food ingredients, nutrients and common terminology.

Here’s what you need to know about ingredients, nutrients and common terminology for your cat's diet.

Amino acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and their derivatives. Proteins contain a total of about 20 amino acids, only 8 to 10 of which, according to the animal species concerned, must absolutely be provided to the body by food. The others are biochemically synthesized by the body.

A Cats Territory Organization

To live in harmony with your cat or kitten, it is essential to understand the organization of her territory, pace of life and basic preoccupations. Once her territory is defined, organized and marked out, your cat will spend most of the time sleeping. And when she’s not sleeping, her main occupations will be playing, hunting, eating and cuddling.

Common Colors of a Cat

This section is primarily intended to answer the question, "What color is my cat?" It also explains basic color terminology and gives some information about how the colours and patterns work together. There are many colors and patterns that are genetically possible in the cat, so this section only covers the colours that you are most likely to see. There are additional color mutations that are seen only in certain breeds; these colors are covered in the colour genetics section.

Cat Books of Interest

Below is a list books on the domestic cat or on cats in general. I hope this book page serves as a valuable source of information on cat-related literature for all cat owners.

277 Secrets Your Cat Wants You to Know : By Paulette Cooper Ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, these 277 feline secrets provide a cat-alogue of unusual and useful information, from the reasons behind purring, scratching and shedding, to the 25 things you didn't know about cat food. A very fun book!!

Hepper Pod Bed

The Pod offers the security of a mountaintop cave with way more style. It serves as your pet's own personal sanctuary - a perfect place for curling up to snooze, hide, or reign supreme. 

Earth Brown Pod with Sky Blue Frame
Beige Sherpa / Sky Blue Microfiber Interior Pad
Features:*Interior pad of sherpa fleece and microfiber that is reversible and washable for maximum coziness.
*Pod is made with a soft-touch construction of flexible molded foam with fabric laminated on both sides.
*Protection from all sides.
*Raised platform offers a view and helps keep pets warm or cool as needed.
*Durable steel frame.
*Removable top.
*Overall size 20.5"W x 20.5"D x 20"H, interior is about 16" in diameter.
*Door is 8"Wx7.5"H, bottom of door is 11" from the floor.

Healthy Weight for Cats

 

Finding a healthy weight for cats can be difficult because it depends on so many different things. If you think your pet is looking a little pudgy, it might be time to consider an getting an evaluation from your veterinarian.

Obesity in Cats Is Dangerous
An overweight cat can end up with as many or more health problems as an overweight human. In fact, cat health problems are on the rise at a similar level to the number of fat cats that vets see. At present, the estimate is that about 40 percent of cats are overweight.

Health risks due to obesity in cats include the following:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Hepatic Lipidosis
• Respiratory problems

British Shorthair - General Breed Standard

The British Shorthair is a medium to large, solid, powerful cat of rounded contours, without any tendency to be coarse or fat. Its very dense, highly resilient coat distinguishes it from other breeds. Males can be expected to be considerably more massive than females and the breed generally does not reach full maturity for several years.

British Shorthair History

Roman soldiers brought the first cats to England. Centuries later, you could find their offspring in every street or alley in the UK. It was Mr. Harrison Weir, a cat lover who was regarded as the father of the Cat Fancy, who made the British native cat breed, the British Shorthair, popular in the late nineteenth century. 'The ordinary garden cat', he wrote, 'has survived every kind of hardship and persecution. That he exists at all, is tribute to his strength of character and endurance.' Weir's devotion to the British cats was supported Mr. Jung, one of the first Shorthair judges. Many cat lovers were encouraged by Weir's and Jung's enthusiasm and started breeding the British cats.