Showing posts with label owners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label owners. Show all posts

30.10.15

How To Own A Cat If I Have Allergies?


How To Own A Cat If I Have Allergies?

Charley Hwang

Although pet cats are becoming more and more common, and those who do not own one do not usually resist to pet or stroke them when one approaches them, there are people out there who keep their distance from these felines, and not because they dislike them, but they have allergies!!

For true cat lovers, it is very hard to overcome this issue, for they cannot enjoy the perks of owning a pet cat due to allergy reactions and the complications that come with it, especially if the cat itself is the allergy trigger.

As strange as it is, there are more people allergic to cats than there are to dogs. Cat allergies are not to be taken lightly, especially with children with breathing problems such as asthma, or other related issues for exposing them to cats may worsen the situation. For some people, having a cat nearby without actual contact may even cause serious reactions and other problems.

The biggest misconception is that the cat's fur causes the allergy reaction. The truth is, this substance called Fel D1 that is found in a cat's saliva is the culprit that causes the allergy. It gets onto the cat's fur when it licks itself clean. From there, it may get blown or carried by air or other medium into the surroundings, and any unfortunate person with cat allergies would react when breathing nearby a cat. As the substance is airborne, one do not have to be too near the cat to get a reaction. Therefore, when a cat comes within distance, one would start to sneeze or cough and so on.

Hairless cats prove to be just as hazardous as furry cats. Even if your cat's hair is shaved, or has naturally short fur, it does not mean that it won't cause allergy attacks, as aforementioned, the substance that causes allergy reactions are contained in the cat's saliva, not the fur, and it is natural for a cat to lick itself clean.

There are determined cat lovers who do own pet cats despite their allergy issues. If you are a true cat lover and would really want to own a cat, check with your doctor or find an allergist nearby who can help you control your allergies. This way, you can enjoy having an adorable pet cat around the house, with less allergy reactions.
 

20.9.14

Exotic - The facts every owner of this cat breed should know 20-09-2014

.



Exotic - The facts every owner of this cat breed should know

Robert Benjamin

In the 1960s a Persian was crossed with a Domestic Shorthair in an attempt to create a Persian with only short hair. The result was today's Exotic, a breed that looks strikingly similar to the Persian, but with less maintenance involved, hence the nickname, 'the lazy man's Persian.' There are long- and shorthaired varieties of Exotic. The coat of a Longhaired is very similar to a Persian. It is very thick and dense, and requires daily grooming, along with regular bathing. The Shorthaired Exotic coat is, well, short. However, that does not mean it does not require some maintenance from the owner.

Though Shorthaired Exotics tend to be able to keep themselves clean via regular grooming, the occasional brushing is recommended to lower the occurrence of fur balls. Both Long- and Shorthaired Exotics are seen in a wide array of colors and both will shed, though not nearly as much as a Persian. Both tend to be of an average size and weight and tend to live around twelve years, though they are not considered mature until approximately two years of age and enter puberty later than other breeds.

Exotics, though loving towards their human families, tend to be aloof. They do not demand much attention or interaction, but, from time to time, will want to enjoy their company. This is accomplished not by tricks or antics but by sitting and waiting patiently while staring to get their point across. This does not mean that Exotics are not playful. They do enjoy the occasional romp around the house and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They do well with children and other pets but some children may not like their independent nature.

The Exotic does have some health concerns. Since it was bred with a Persian, Exotics have flat faces, making their tears prone to overflowing and staining the face. They can also suffer from constricted nostrils (causing them to breathe loudly), dental malocclusions, seborrhea oleosa (itchy, dry skin or hair loss), and polcystic kidney disease. Exotics are also prone to ringworm.