Animals in the cat family have several physical traits distinguishing them from other mammals. Most notably, it is their body characteristics, sensitive whiskers, good vision, and eye membranes that reflect light.
The physical appearance differs for each cat family member, but some consistent features exist. Males are typically 5% to 10% larger than females. Except for the stubby-tailed lynx, a cat’s tail comprises almost one-third of its total length. Most felids can retract their paws, thanks to the ability to pivot the end bone of the toe where the claw is contained.
Those trademark whiskers are not just found next to a feline’s nose. They can also be spotted around the ears, upper lip, forelegs, and eyes. Whiskers differ from normal hair as the follicles are packed with nerves and blood vessels, making them as sensitive as a human finger. They help cats navigate the world by balancing their bodies, “seeing” objects close-up, protecting the eyes from loose particles, and communicating emotions.
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Even though cats struggle to see close up (hence why whiskers come in handy), they have adequate mid-vision and superb peripheral vision. They can see 200 degrees, whereas humans can only see 180 degrees. Felids also have exemplary night vision. More rods in a cat’s eye allow them to see six to eight times better in the dark than humans can.
Have you ever wondered why a cat’s eyes “glow” in the dark? This is due to their tapetum lucidum, an extra layer covering the eyes, unique to the feline family. The tapetum lucidum bounces back light through the retina, increasing photoreceptors’ light availability. As a result, cats can see much better than humans in the dark, and also why shining a light in a human eye will not cause this glow.
The subfamily Felinae is made up of the “small cat” species. Most of these cats are smaller than their Pantherinae counterparts. This subfamily contains the most species, totaling over forty. This group also includes the most endangered cat species, the Iberian Lynx.
The most significant distinguishing factor in this group is the hyoid bone, which connects the tongue to the roof of the mouth. In small cats, this bone is tough, which prevents them from roaring but allows them to purr.
The subfamily Pantherinae comprises the “big cat” species. Even though they are physically larger in stature, this group is smaller in species count, with only seven in total.
Like the Felinae subfamily, this group's most distinguishing feature is the hyoid bone. The hyoid bone in big cats has an elastic segment that allows them to roar and purr, but this noise can only be made when they exhale.
As previously noted, the cat family list can be divided into two subfamilies: big cats (pantherinae) and small cats (felinae). These lists include the genius, what each genius group is known for, and what species fall under them.
Known for: Elongated skull. Lives in Southeast Asia.
Species: clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi)
Known for: Bigger stature. A larger larynx adapted to roar loudly.
Species: tiger (Panthera tigris), lion (Panthera leo), jaguar (Panthera onca), leopard (Panthera pardus), Snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
Acinonyx
Known for: Slim with long legs. Lives in open grasslands of Asia and Africa
Species: cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Known for: Long shoots of black hairs on the tips of pointed ears.
Species: caracal (Caracal caracal)
Known for: Reddish-brown fur with dark brown markings on the face. Lives in Asia.
Species: bay cat (Catopuma badia), Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii)
Known for: Wide, high head shape with narrow jaws and ears. Has a more diminutive stature.
Species: 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)
Known for: Spotted fur. Lives in the Americas.
Species: Pantanal cat (Leopardus braccatus), colocolo (Leopardus colocolo), Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), kodkod (Leopardus guigna), southern tigrina (Leopardus guttulus), Andean mountain cat (Leopardus jacobitus), pampas cat (Leopardus pajeros), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), margay (Leopardus wiedii), Leptailurus
serval (Leptailurus serval)
Known for: Short tails. Long tufts of fur on the tops of ears.
Species: Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Known for: Long tails and short-shaped heads.
Species: marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata)
Known for: Lives in Asia. Forests are the preferred habitat
Species: Iriomote cat (Prionailurus iriomotensis), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps), rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)
Known for: Lives in the rainforests of Central and West Africa.
Species: African golden cat (Profelis aurata)
Known for: Can be as large as cats in the Pantherinae subfamily.
Species: puma (Puma concolor), jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi)
Even though your cat may think of themselves as brazen as the lion or as swift as the cheetah, genetics show they are not as directly related as they would hope. However, you can learn more about your feline’s breed mix and characteristics through Basepaws. With the Basepaws Cat DNA test, you can find out which breeds of cats share your feline friend’s genetic similarity. The test compares your cat’s genetic code to a reference panel comprising thousands of cats, including fully sequenced DNA of cats from 21 top pedigree breeds.
Basepaws can determine whether your cat is at-risk for 43 genetic diseases from your cat's genetic results. Knowing this information beforehand can help prevent illness and keep your cat healthier and happier for longer. Basepaws also screens for your cat’s oral health to determine active dental disease (periodontal disease, tooth resorption, halitosis).
Better yet, Basepaws is quick and easy to use. In three easy steps - register your kit, collect a saliva sample from your cat's mouth, and send it back to our laboratory - our team can begin analyzing your cat's DNA. In 4-6 weeks, you will receive a digital report straight to your inbox.
The term “cat” doesn’t just mean your typical house cat but rather many members of the feline family. Despite the varying size, appearance, and location, these felids have common characteristics that tie the family together.
Isn’t it fascinating that the domesticated cat shares similar traits, such as eyesight and those signature whiskers, as, say, a lion or tiger?
]]>Cats, who are naturally not able to get rid of the infestation on their own, rely heavily on their owners to solve the problem. What do lice look like on a cat? How do you know if your cat has lice? What lice treatments are available to cats that are safe and reliable? All of these questions will be answered in the following article.
]]>Cats, who are naturally not able to get rid of the infestation on their own, rely heavily on their owners to solve the problem. What do lice look like on a cat? How do you know if your cat has lice? What lice treatments are available to cats that are safe and reliable? All of these questions will be answered in the following article.
Feral or homeless cats are the most likely to have a lice infestation. A lice-infested cat can be treated but if it’s not seen to, it has a knock-on effect on other cats of the same species that are exposed to the lice. Fortunately, handling a lice-infested cat poses no threat to humans because the kind of lice found on cats is species-specific.
In some cases, cats cause more damage to themselves through excessive licking and chewing, which in turn could cause hair loss, skin irritation, and diseases as well as parasitic worms. Another concern when it comes to lice infestation in cats has to do with the effect it has on young kittens.
There are several thousand species of lice but just one is associated with cats. Cat lice are known as Felicola subrostrata (or chewing lice). They are described as small, wingless insects with flat bodies that appear to be white to tan in color. These lice lay their eggs on cats’ fur by attaching them to hair strands using glue that they produce. Lice nits or eggs look like white spots which makes it quite easy to confuse them with dandruff.
Cat lice are transferable only from cat to cat and pose no threat to any other species of animal that’s exposed to the lice. It’s very rare for a domesticated cat to get lice without being exposed to an infested cat. Direct contact is the most obvious way of transferring lice from one cat to another. A cat can also be exposed to lice through shared bedding and grooming utensils like brushes.
How would you be able to tell if your cat has lice? Lice will bite and chew on their host's skin which makes life incredibly uncomfortable for a cat. One of the first things you might notice is your cat’s restlessness. They will chew on, scratch and rub the affected areas, doing so relentlessly, to the point of causing hair loss and matting of their fur. Cat lice have been noted more frequently in older cats who are unable to groom themselves.
Before any conclusions can be made, it would be wise to check your cat's fur for evidence of lice and their offspring. The symptoms of having cat lice are incredibly similar to that of flea and tick infestations, so it’s necessary to make a thorough examination of what is causing your cat's behavior to change.
Fleas and lice can be differentiated by behavior as well as by how they look. Although they are both small insects, lice are flat and wide whereas fleas are tall and their body narrow. Fleas are often associated with jumping and quick movement, unlike lice which are known as flightless, slow-moving insects.
When cat lice are visible it’s easy to identify them. But before you even get to that stage where you start looking for evidence of the little critters, there are some symptoms you can look out for:
Maintaining your cat's health is one of the most important things when it comes to treating a lice infestation. There are two ways to handle the situation. Getting rid of the lice naturally is one option except it doesn’t always work. On the other hand, insecticides do the job quite well, but there are some things you need to keep in mind before you go out and buy a “no lice” product.
Insecticides contain specific chemicals used to kill insects (such as lice, fleas, ticks, etc.) They’re a surefire way of killing those little bugs but will not get rid of lice all at once. It may require quite a few attempts depending on how bad your cat's lice infestation is.
Lice infestations are often treated with flea control products, so one need not fear that a product made to fight fleas will not work as well as one specifically designed to kill lice. Products that contain Fipronil and selamectin are known to put up a good fight against lice. It is important to check with your veterinarian before you administer any kind of chemical formula to your cat. Below are some products that contain Fipronil and selamectin:
There are several treatments you can use that do not involve chemicals but it will not put a stop to the life cycle or reproduction of lice. Such treatments include washing your cat with dish soap or olive oil. These treatments can remove fully grown lice but not the nymphs (lice eggs).
There are things you can do at home that will put a stop to reinfestation such as washing your cat's bedding, collar, and grooming utensils. Removing lice nits with a wide-toothed comb will not remove the infestation completely but rather slow it down. It is also helpful to wash your own clothing after handling a lice-infested cat. It would be good to isolate a treated cat in a disinfected cage or living space where it won’t have the threat of being reinfected.
If a cat is severely infested, clipping of the hair may be necessary. This is especially the case if you’re dealing with a long-haired cat.
What can you do to prevent your beloved cat from getting lice in the first place? Monthly treatments to control lice and fleas will help to prevent a lice infestation. Products containing fipronil, imidacloprid, flumethrin/imidacloprid, isoxazoline or selamectin will control or prevent insects like lice, fleas and ticks from booking a stay in your cat's fur. There is a need to be extra cautious when using any product containing isoxazoline.
Lice is commonly associated with kittens. While the same symptoms are shared by an adult feline and kitten, fairly young cats face one danger that adult cats are less likely to face - anemia. Lice causes blood loss which can result in anemia. A lice-infested kitten will show signs of weakness if they have anemia. Another indicator is a pale-whitish gum color.
Treating a kitten for lice is much like treating an adult cat. Medications like Frontline and Revolution are effective. Alexander Ellis, DVM, suggests that when using these products, “treatment should be repeated every 2 weeks for at least 4 treatments”. Some concern is raised though, as to whether these treatments would be safe for all ages and talking to a veterinarian before administering any chemical treatment is advised.
Bathing the kitten in a lime-sulfur dip is also suggested and can be used on kittens of all ages. It helps to kill adult lice but has no effect on the eggs. It would be beneficial to use a comb and hot soapy water or alcohol, to remove the eggs from a kitten's fur and kill them.
Lice infestations in cats are controllable and pose no major threat to a cat if it is dealt with as soon as possible. Harmless lice treatments are readily available but need to be verified by a veterinarian. With good care and in good time, a lice infested cat or kitten will be well on their way to living a normal, happy, lice-free life.
Cats lice (Felicola subrostratus) is species specific so it will not transfer itself onto human skin.
Signs that a cat has lice include constant chewing, licking and an overall restlessness. Checking the fur for lice will confirm that your cat has lice.
It is possible but unlikely. Lice is commonly found on stray or feral cats that have been exposed to harsh or poor conditions.
Home remedies play a part in controlling lice but chemical treatments are the most effective. Lice treatment medications are freely available.
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disease that affects a cat’s ability to make heme. But what is heme and why is it important?
Heme is made when enzymes interact with other substances in a cat’s bone marrow and liver. An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction. Enzymes are almost always proteins.
Cats with acute intermittent porphyria don’t have enough HMBS enzymes to help the porphyrins change into heme. As a result, there’s a buildup of too many porphyrins in the cat’s body, and this leads to a range of health issues.
You may be wondering why cats with AIP don’t have enough HMBS enzymes. This happens when there are mutations in a specific gene that gives instructions to make the HMBS enzyme. For this reason, it is called the HMBS gene.
Remember that porphyrins must interact with the HMBS enzyme so that they can be changed into heme. However, mutations in the HMBS gene reduce the amount of the HMBS enzyme that is available for this transformation, and that is why too many porphyrins begin to accumulate.
Cats have one pair of lettered sex chromosomes (X, Y) and 18 pairs of lettered (A-F) and numbered autosomal (non-sex) chromosomes. One chromosome in a pair comes from your cat’s mother, and one comes from their father. Chromosomes have names, and the HMBS gene connected with the potential for inherited acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is located on a cat's chromosome D1. You can see this chromosome in the 1st column of the shaded side of Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Graphical representations of each chromosome and trypsin Giemsa-banded staining of the chromosome pairs in domestic cats (Felis catus). Names of chromosomes follow the convention of Wurster-Hill and Gray (image taken from O’Brien and Nash, 1982).
Individual cats carry two different versions, known as “alleles”, of every gene that they inherit. The inheritance pattern of AIP can change depending on the allele that is inherited. As a result, AIP can be inherited as either an autosomal dominant disorder or as an autosomal recessive disorder. Let’s discuss what this all means:
It is not recommended to breed any affected cats with AIP or cats that are carriers of AIP, since AIP can also be inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder.
At this time, genetics research does not indicate that there are any specific cat breeds that are at a higher risk for developing acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) than other breeds.
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is known as a type of hepatic porphyria. Hepatic means “of or relating to the liver”.
The liver is the largest gland in a cat’s body, and among its many functions is the filtering and detoxifying of the blood. As porphyrins build up in the body of a cat with AIP, the liver is unable to properly function in this important filtering/detoxifying capacity. One of the bigger problems that occurs when a cat’s liver cannot function well is that this ultimately leads to secondary problems with a cat’s nervous system, which we’ll explore in the next section.
The liver and the nervous system of a cat, though quite different in function, are interrelated in several ways, as is true for most bodily systems. Let's first establish the basic functions of both systems:
3D rendered medical illustration of cat anatomy - The Nervous system.
Now let's dive into how these two systems are connected:
We can think of the liver and the nervous system as different players on the same team, working together to ensure that a cat's body functions properly. If the liver isn't doing its job well, the nervous system can be affected, and vice versa.
Though it is possible for a cat to be asymptomatic (aka not show any clinical signs), typical symptoms of AIP include:
Some of these symptoms can also be associated with a range of other conditions. That’s why it’s always important to consult with your veterinarian about any concerns and/or changes in your cat’s health, so that they can examine your cat and recommend appropriate next steps to confirm a diagnosis.
A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of a cat’s health history and any clinical signs. Diagnosis of AIP in cats is typically determined with blood and urine tests that measure levels of porphyrins, the chemical substances that accumulate in the body as a result of the disorder. Genetic testing for AIP can also help confirm a diagnosis.
Depending on the cat, a vet may make recommendations for additional laboratory tests to help determine if any other metabolic, endocrine, or infectious conditions could be affecting the cat’s nervous system.
There is no cure for acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) in cats. Since severity and symptoms of AIP can vary, treatment typically involves managing symptoms and avoiding potential triggers that can worsen the condition. In some cases, a special diet or medications may be recommended to help manage the symptoms of the condition. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to properly manage and treat AIP in an affected cat.
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare genetic disorder that affects a cat’s liver and nervous system. We hope that this blog on AIP has been helpful, and remember that the Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test screens for five different mutations in the HMBS gene that are associated with this rare disease. If you want to get to know your cat better—both inside and out—our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test provides a comprehensive overview of your cat's health predispositions. Know your cat’s risk for potentially developing AIP or any of the other 42 genetic diseases for which we screen, so that you can be proactive and support your cat’s well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!
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When we analyze your cat’s DNA, part of our analysis focuses on comparing specific regions of interest from your cat’s genome to their corresponding regions on the feline reference genome. We are looking for exact matches between your cat’s DNA and two versions of the reference DNA sequence—one that contains the genetic markers we want to see and one that does not.
This is done to see whether your cat carries a specific genetic marker and, if so, how many copies it carries. However, sometimes the original framework that we use to capture information about the regions that contain genetic trait markers needs to be adjusted. An analogy is a photographer adjusting the camera lens, so that they can fine tune things like the focusing distance and amount of light that enters the camera. Both affect the level of clarity one can capture in an image.
Luckily, Basepaws uses DNA sequencing technology that gives us the flexibility to make such adjustments, which is important because there are still many exciting discoveries to make in the field of feline genetics!
For the traits in the list below, when we adjusted our "lens", we found brand new genetic variants that were very close to the locations where we find the known genetic variants associated with these traits.
Let's continue with another analogy. Imagine your cat’s genome as a colorful landscape. The new variants we found have their own unique colors—colors that are different from those of the variants we previously knew about for the four traits.
The colors of these new variants were our beginning to alter our original view of the landscape. We realized that the way we had our lens focused was no longer able to clearly capture some of the cats who did carry variants linked to the four traits. This is because their DNA sequence was not an exact match for—or in our analogy, did not have the same “color” as—any of the reference sequences and known “colors” that we compared it to.
To correct for this, we adjusted and refocused our lens to capture a wider view of these regions of the landscape to see all of the variants/colors in relation to each other, so that both the new and the previously known genetic markers for these traits could be clearly seen together.
This means that when you next log into your customer portal, you may see changes to one or more of your cat’s results for the short tail, Siamese coat color, curly coat (Cornish Rex variant), and/or long hair coat traits. As always, if you have any questions about your cat's Basepaws report, please reach out to our customer service team at meow@basepaws.com
]]>First, let's discuss what a belly button is. A belly button, also known as an umbilicus, is a scar that forms after the umbilical cord is cut. The umbilical cord connects a developing fetus to the placenta, providing essential nutrients and oxygen. After birth, the umbilical cord is cut, and the remaining tissue dries out and falls off, leaving behind a small scar.
The answer is yes! Cats, like all mammals, have belly buttons, which are also known as umbilical scars. The belly button is the scar left behind after the umbilical cord is cut and falls off shortly after birth.
During a cat's gestation, the umbilical cord connects the developing fetus to the placenta, which provides the growing kitten with oxygen and nutrients. The cord is cut during the birthing process, and the remaining stump dries out and eventually falls off, leaving behind a small scar.
While cats do have belly buttons, they are much less noticeable than in other mammals, such as humans. Cats also don't have a protruding belly button, since they are born from a different type of placenta. Instead, cat belly buttons are small and flat, located near the lower abdomen.
The appearance of a cat's belly button can vary depending on the individual cat's fur color and pattern. In some cats, it may be difficult to see the belly button due to the surrounding fur. However, if you gently part the fur on a cat's belly, you should be able to see a small indentation or scar where the umbilical cord was attached.
Cats' belly buttons are more than just a cosmetic feature. They serve a vital function in fetal development by providing nutrients and oxygen to the growing kitten. The umbilical cord is also responsible for removing waste products, such as carbon dioxide, from the fetus. After birth, the belly button is no longer needed, and the kitten's body will absorb the remaining tissue.
Though rare, kittens can develop umbilical hernia. This is the most common type of hernia seen in cats. Hernias occur when a part of the body protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal muscles. These can be congenital or acquired. While umbilical hernias typically heal on their own, they may require surgical intervention.
If you suspect your cat is experiencing any belly button or belly-related health problems, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, cats do have belly buttons, but they are much less noticeable than in other animals, such as humans. The belly button serves a vital function in fetal development by providing nutrients and oxygen to the growing kitten. While it may not be visible, the belly button is a crucial part of the feline anatomy. Whether you're a cat lover or just curious about animal anatomy, understanding the basics of the feline body can be both fascinating and informative.
Basepaws provides cat parents like you with comprehensive DNA tests and informative resources to help your kitty live their best life. A quick and easy swab of your kitty's mouth reveals their unique breed mix, genetic predisposition to health conditions, and information about the genetic traits responsible for their stunning appearance.
Get to know your cat better—both inside and out—with the Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test, which gives you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your feline family member's health. Be in the know so that you can support your kitty's well-being and help them live a better life, even longer!
]]>More often than not, cat snoring is completely normal. If your furry friend snores, but their snoring patterns and behavior don’t change, then there is typically no need to worry.
Cats that snore tend to do so during the deepest stage of their sleep cycles. The body relaxes completely, including the soft tissues of the throat and nasal passageways. Here are some of the most common causes of snoring in cats:
Brachycephalic, or “flat faced” cat breeds, such as the Himalayan, Burmese, or Persian are more likely to snore. This is because their entire nasal cavity is inside their skull, which puts them at a higher risk for soft palate or a different type of tissue blocking their airways. These physical characteristics increase the chance of snoring in these breeds.
Respiratory illnesses, which can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, may also be a cause of snoring. Signs of respiratory infection can include eye and nose discharge, coughing, sneezing, and decrease in appetite or activity. Asthma can also affect cats, and is a condition that can contribute to snoring.
Cats can snore due to allergies, which can cause inflammation in a cat’s airways. If your cat has allergies and is also affected by snoring, they may exhibit concerning symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or having difficulty breathing. If your cat displays any of these signs, contact your veterinarian for advice and to schedule an appointment.
Cats are incredibly flexible animals, which can be both a good and bad quality. Their flexibility can lead them to sleep in awkward positions and cause them to start snoring. When this is the case, your kitty will typically only snore for a short while until they change their sleeping position!
Cats that are overweight can have an excess of fat that surrounds the tissues in their upper airways, which can make them more prone to snoring. This is one of many reasons for ensuring that your cat maintains a healthy weight.
A foreign object, such as something from an outdoor garden, may become lodged in your cat's mouth or nose and cause irritation. If this occurs, visit your veterinarian so that they can examine your cat and dislodge any object as safely as possible. Sometimes a foreign object can be responsible for snoring and other breathing problems, and should be addressed right away by a vet to alleviate discomfort in the affected cat.
There are a few other reasons why your cat will snore. These include:
If any of the above conditions are suspected in your cat, please consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Regular wellness checkups are also helpful to address issues before they become a problem.
If your snoring cat also exhibits any of the following symptoms, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible:
For your cat, snoring can be normal and as discussed it is more common in some breeds than others. It is important to be aware of all the factors that cause snoring in order to know how to prevent your cat from snoring if it is not normal for them. It is also important to take your cat to the vet for regular wellness exams throughout the year to support their best health and overall well-being.
When it comes to snoring and obesity, there are many resources that can help support your cat’s weight loss journey and potentially reduce their chances for snoring or other breathing problems. Read our detailed blog on cat obesity for helpful information and resources. You may also want to visit the Associate for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) website. APOP is an organization dedicated to addressing obesity in cats and dogs, and has helpful cat weight loss information on their website.
As a loving cat parent, you want to learn everything you possibly can about your furry feline friend. Basepaws gives you that opportunity with the Breed + Health Cat DNA Test. Learn about the genetics responsible for your cat's unique breed profile, health predispositions, and fabulous appearance. A quick and easy swab of your kitty's mouth unlocks important information to help you proactively take care of their health and well-being. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to become an "in the know" cat parent!
]]>Kennel cough can be a combination of bacteria and viruses, but is most commonly caused by bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, a term that reflects the nature of the condition as an infection of the upper throat and upper respiratory tract. Kennel cough is typically more prevalent in dogs than in cats.
Yes, cats can get kennel cough; however, it is considered rare for adult cats to contract the disease. Kennel cough can become a serious condition in kittens, senior cats, and cats with weakened immune systems.
Cats infected with Bordetella bronchiseptica can spread kennel cough to other healthy cats, but this tends to only occur in places where many animals are kept together, such as in animal shelters. The bacteria is spread via nasal and oral secretions from coughing or sneezing, direct contact, and shared objects that become contaminated.
When a cat’s immune system is compromised, they can be more vulnerable and susceptible to infectious diseases. Stress, poor ventilation, and even smoke exposure can weaken a cat’s immune system.
No, cats don’t tend to catch kennel cough from dogs, and cats are typically more resistant to the disease than dogs. However, cats can be affected by common viruses, which may sometimes be confused with kennel cough (since symptoms can often present similarly).
In young kittens, kennel cough can cause severe and even fatal respiratory infections. Symptoms associated with kennel cough include:
If your cat is experiencing coughing or other respiratory symptoms, it is always best to take them to your veterinarian so that they can properly diagnose and properly treat your cat. Your vet will conduct a thorough physical exam and review of their health history. Depending on the presentation of symptoms and an individual cat’s case, it’s also possible that they may recommend bloodwork or other testing to confirm a diagnosis.
Kennel cough is generally a short illness that lasts days in most cats. Veterinary specialists suggest that it often clears up in 10 to 14 days. However, secondary infections or other complications may arise, especially in young cats or cats with compromised immune systems, which can lead to longer recovery times.
Bordetella bronchiseptica attacks the cat's respiratory system, so affected cats are typically treated similarly to other respiratory infections. Kennel cough can sometimes be mistaken for cat flu, as the symptoms are similar. There is a quick swab a vet can do to test if it’s a kennel cough or the flu.
Treatment of kennel cough that is diagnosed by a veterinarian may include:
Even though kennel cough can be a mild condition in some cats, other cats may present with more severe symptoms. If you notice any respiratory symptoms or otherwise believe that your beloved furry friend is struggling, then a trip to the vet is always recommended.
After coming home from the vet, ensure that your cat is in a quiet and relaxing place that is isolated from other people and animals. This also helps prevent the spread of bacteria throughout the house and to other animals. Also make sure to provide your cat with plenty of fresh water, monitor any changes in appetite, and consult with your veterinarian with any concerns.
The best way to ensure that your cat stays healthy is to ensure that they eat a proper, species-appropriate diet, get plenty of exercise, enjoy mental stimulation through regular play, and receive lots of love and emotional support.
However, if you have multiple cats in a household and one becomes affected by kennel cough, regularly wash bedding and other fabrics and materials they come into contact with. It is also recommended that you practice good hygiene for yourself, so wash your hands after petting any animal, especially a sick one. This will help prevent you from spreading the bacteria to other animals. Bordetella bacteria can live on surfaces for up to 2 weeks!
While there is a Bordetella vaccine that is approved for cats, it is rarely administered since the disease is so uncommon in cats. There are scenarios where the vaccine is very helpful, such as for young cats residing in a shelter with many other cats. However, this decision should always be made in consultation with a veterinary professional.
Now we know kennel cough is very rare in cats. However, it is important to keep an eye out for respiratory symptoms, especially if your cat is very young, a senior, or has a weakened immune system or other underlying health condition. It is important to take your cat to the veterinarian if they are sick and implement good hygiene at home.
Basepaws provides pet parents like you with convenient at-home DNA tests and informative resources to help your cat to live their best life. A quick and easy swab of your kitty's mouth provides you with a wealth of information about their unique breed mix, genetic predisposition to health conditions, and the genetic traits responsible for their fabulous looks!
If you want to get to know your cat better—both inside and out—discover our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test for a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Take charge of your cat's health and well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!
Yes, cats can get kennel cough but it is very rare. When it does occur, it’s usually in shelters or other places where there are many cats close together and may be more easily spread from an affected cat to healthy cats. Dogs are typically more prone to this condition.
No, cats do not typically catch it from dogs, but some evidence suggests that cats can spread it to dogs.
It sounds like a dry, raspy cough.
Yes, unfortunately it is possible. Young kittens, senior cats, and cats with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to the specific bacteria that causes kennel cough and can suffer more severe symptoms that can sometimes be fatal.
Yes, if the clothes or surfaces are contaminated with Bordetella bronchiseptica, then a cat can potentially contract kennel cough from it. The bacteria can live on surfaces for up to two weeks.
Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder that is caused by mutations (i.e., changes in the nucleotide sequence of a cat's DNA) in the PKLR gene.
In cats with PK deficiency, the lack of the pyruvate kinase enzyme leads to a reduced ability of red blood cells to produce energy and otherwise function properly. This subsequently results in a secondary condition called hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells in a cat's body are destroyed at a rate faster than they can be produced.
Cats suffering from PK deficiency with associated hemolytic anemia don’t have enough oxygen circulating to and through the tissues and organs of their body. As a result, they can experience any of the following symptoms:
The age of onset varies and symptoms can range from mild to life threatening in severity. However, studies indicate that cats with PK deficiency typically develop mild, chronic anemia that occurs intermittently.
The first documented report of feline PK deficiency was in an Abyssinian cat (Ford et al., 1992). The longhaired version of the Abyssinian cat, the Somali, as well as mixed-breed domestic shorthair, are also known to be at a higher risk for the disease.
However, a 2012 study concluded that genetic testing for PK deficiency, which can affect both male and female cats, is also recommended for the following breeds:
A cat has 18 pairs of autosomal (non-sex) chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. For each chromosome pair, one comes from the mother and one comes from the father. Chromosomes are named, and the PKLR gene associated with the potential for inherited PK deficiency is located on a cat's chromosome F1. You can see this chromosome toward the bottom left of the shaded side of Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Graphical representations of each chromosome and trypsin Giemsa-banded staining of the chromosome pairs in domestic cats (Felis catus). Names of chromosome follow the convention of Wurster-Hill and Gray (image taken from O’Brien and Nash, 1982).
PK deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder. Let's break down what this means:
However, cats that receive only one copy of the mutated gene (i.e., from only one parent, not from both) become carriers of the disease. Carrier cats are not affected by the disease and otherwise present as healthy.
Genetic testing for PK deficiency is important if there are plans to breed cats (especially with higher risk breeds). The University of Bristol provides graphical representations called Punnett squares that show all of the possible outcomes of breeding normal, carrier, and affected cats when it comes to PK deficiency. Normal cats with no mutations in the PKLR gene are represented by (-/-), carrier cats with one copy of the mutation by (+/-), and affected cats with two copies of the mutation (+/+). For example, if two carrier cats are bred, it results in 25% of offspring affected by PK deficiency (represented in the top red square in the 3rd "mating to avoid" Punnett square).
Figure 2. Graphical representations using Punnett squares to show all possible outcomes of a genetic cross for normal cats, cats that are carriers of PK deficiency, and cats that have PK deficiency (including matings to avoid) Provided by Langford Vets of the University of Bristol (2021).
The symptoms of PK deficiency in cats can be similar to those of other types of anemia, making diagnosis challenging. This means that a veterinarian will perform a range of tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
For a cat suspected of having PK deficiency, a veterinarian will thoroughly review a cat's medical history, conduct a thorough examination, and evaluate any symptoms. It is always best to communicate to your vet about when symptoms began, their severity, and how long they last (if not current).
A veterinarian will perform a range of tests that will typically include:
Genetic testing is also recommended to support a definitive diagnosis, especially for Abyssinian, Somali, and Domestic Shorthair cat breeds.
There is no cure for PK deficiency in cats, and treatment of the condition depends on the severity of an affected cat's symptoms, as well as their age.
Treatment options may include blood transfusions, medications to manage symptoms, and in some cases, a bone marrow transplant. It is important to note that not all cats with PKD will show symptoms, and cats who are only carriers of the mutated PKLR gene can still live normal lives. If you suspect that your cat may have PK deficiency, you should consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that best meets your cat's needs.
We hope that this review of PK deficiency in cats, its causes, symptoms, and treatment was informative and helpful. Regular wellness visits to your veterinarian supports your cat's overall health, and if you believe that your cat is suffering from a potential health issue it's always best to contact your vet right away. Genetic testing also provides the chance to detect certain diseases such as PK deficiency sooner, along with more opportunities for treatment and informed decision making. As discussed in this blog, this is especially important when it comes to decisions about breeding to prevent passing a genetic disease on to the next generation.
Basepaws provides pet parents like you with comprehensive DNA tests and informative resources to help your cat to live their best life. A quick and easy at-home swab of your kitty's mouth offers a world of valuable information about their unique breed mix, genetic predisposition to health conditions like PK deficiency, and more.
If you want to get to know your cat better—both inside and out—discover our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats, which give you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Know your cat’s risk for potentially developing a genetic disease, and learn about how their oral health affects their overall health, so that you can be proactive and support your cat’s well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!
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Let’s take an in-depth look at what you can expect when you adopt a Siamese tabby as a pet.
Cat aficionados appreciate the tabby point Siamese cat’s physical beauty and agreeable personality. Siamese cats have always proved popular with pet owners, so fans of the Siamese breed were fascinated by this attractive and affectionate newcomer.
The affable nature of "Sam and Tabby" mix cats is another reason they are coveted by pet owners. They are less stand-offish than many other breeds and are the most content when cuddled up to their person, and they usually have a favorite in the household.
It’s believed Siamese tabby mix cats originated in the United Kingdom sometime in the early 1940s. This occurrence was likely an unplanned one, like most animal hybrids. Their popularity prompted cat breeders to produce more Siamese tabby kittens to meet the demand.
A tabby Siamese cat, also referred to as lynx point Siamese, is a beautiful breed with unique and exotic features. Here are some of the factors that make tabby Siamese mix cats so attractive to pet owners:
A tabby Siamese cat has several distinctive characteristics. These include a long tail and ringed markings around their eyes, cheeks, and legs. This breed also has brilliant triangular blue eyes inherited from the Siamese side of the family.
Siamese and tabby mix cats boast an array of eye-catching hues, including red, apricot, and blue. This breed also has the dark ‘M’ forehead marking indicative of tabby cats.
Breeders are divided over what constitutes the ideal Siamese Tabby cat body shape. One camp prefers the streamlined appearance typical of the breed, while others favor a more rounded-out physique that results from cross-breeding to promote genetic diversity.
Tabby Siamese cats are medium-sized felines and a good choice for smaller living spaces and toting your fur baby along with you. In general, female Siamese tabbies weigh in at 7.7 lbs to 10.6 lbs. Males are slightly heavier at 9.9 lbs to 12.1 lbs. Not including their tail, most tabby point Siamese cats are 17-22 inches in length
A Siamese tabby mix has an average lifespan of roughly 15-20 years, and sometimes much longer. A Siamese tabby’s longevity is dependent on many factors, including the cat’s diet and the amount of exercise they get.
Half tabby, half Siamese cats are susceptible to traumatic injuries to their skin and fractured bones. Siamese cats are athletic and active felines but lack the protection of a long, thick coat. This means they are easily injured in falls and fights. Siamese Tabby mix cats are also more prone to cancer compared to other cat breeds. This tendency is believed to be genetic in origin.
Siamese tabby mix cats are total lovebugs and adore snuggling up with their favorite humans and demanding to be petted. They crave your affection and attention, almost to a fault. A tabby Siamese cat will always want to be near you because they suffer from separation anxiety when you are absent.
Siamese tabbies dislike being left home alone, so if you’re away a lot you should consider this before adopting them as a pet. Also keep in mind this breed isn't known for tolerating competition on their turf. The younger your Siamese tabby is, the easier it is to introduce to another feline roommate. These cats can be shy around strangers, so it is important to socialize with them from a young age.
Consider a scratching post or something similar for your tabby point Siamese. It could prevent your cat from getting lonely and ripping your belongings to shreds while you're away from home.
So, be forewarned that bored Siamese tabby cats can be destructive. Their active nature needs to find release somewhere, and hopefully, it is not clawing your couch. A good way to deter this kind of behavior is to ensure that you've created a home environment that is safe and engaging. Learn more about how to do this in our blog titled, Environmental Enrichment - Catification.
Half Siamese half tabby cats are intelligent and strong-willed, which often makes them challenging to train. Patience and perseverance are the name of the game, but do not be shocked if your furbaby wins the battle of wills.
A tabby point Siamese cat inherits its impressive vocal performance from the Siamese side of the family. Be late with their dinner or too busy to pick them up and prepare for a kitty cussing out.
They definitely do. Siamese Tabby cats are well-known for their fun-loving and sweet personality. If you want a devoted, constant companion, a half tabby/half Siamese cat could be a wonderful addition to your family.
Siamese tabby mix cats are renowned for their beautiful striped markings and bright blue eyes, but they are also prone to certain health risks. To stay happy and thriving, they will require some help from their humans. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your Siamese tabby mix cat.
If you adopt a tabby Siamese kitten, be forewarned that properly grooming your new friend is essential to avoid health risks a Siamese tabby mix cat is prone to develop.
For example, tabby point Siamese cats have no problem keeping their fur groomed, but reaching their ears requires pet-parent intervention. It is important to check your cat’s ears at least weekly. If your tabby point Siamese has any wax in their ears, it is your job to remove it and clean it. Wetting toilet paper or cotton balls are efficient ways to clean the ears. If you find this task difficult, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian for assistance.
You also need to trim your Siamese tabby’s claws. Trimming your cat’s claws is often easier said than done, so if you have any problems reach out to your vet. Your cat’s claws need trimming two or three times a month depending on how quickly they grow. It's a good idea to start nail-clipping a tabby Siamese kitten’s claws as early as possible. You’ll have more success if your furry friend is familiar with the process from the get-go.
Another factor to keep in mind is that a Siamese tabby mix is prone to periodontal disease, just like humans are. To avoid this condition, taking care of your tabby point Siamese cat’s oral health is an essential part of being a pet parent. This means you need to brush your cat’s teeth every day if you can swing it. If you can only brush weekly or monthly, go ahead and do it. Some brushing is preferable to no brushing.
Despite their lean appearance, Siamese tabbies tend to put on weight, so it’s vital to feed them a low-calorie, high-protein diet. Make sure you set aside time for playing and exercise. Siamese tabby mixes are more active than many other cat breeds, and they need lots of opportunities to burn some energy and fat.
Siamese tabby mixes have less hair than other cat breeds, meaning they shed less than their fellow felines. This makes them a low-maintenance pet, at least as far as cleaning up cat hair goes.
Although Siamese Tabby mixes aren't as abundant as their parent breeds are, they're gaining in popularity. These cats are born lovers, and they’ll happily spend hours curled up in your lap, soaking up your adoration. If you want an affectionate, attentive pet companion, a Siamese tabby could be the perfect choice for you.
Basepaws DNA tests give you a wealth of actionable information that helps you stay in control of your cat’s health. You want to know your cat—inside and out—and the Basepaws Breed + Health DNA test lets you do just that. Learn about your cat’s breed profile in relation to 21 different breeds. In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your kitty’s oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline family at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. Gain peace of mind with Basepaws and get ahead of diseases before it’s too late—so that your cat can live a better life, even longer.
Siamese Tabby mix cats are affectionate, playful, and strong-willed.
Aside from their striking appearance, these friendly, people-loving kitties are the perfect lap cats.
Yes, especially if you're home most of the time. Siamese tabbies are happiest when their humans are nearby.
Your kitty requires exercise and play, a healthy diet, regular grooming, and lots of love.
While there is no cat that is purely hypoallergenic, Siamese cats are considered to be as close as possible. They are suitable for most people who suffer from cat allergies. One reason for this is that Siamese cats shed a lot less than other breeds. Before we dive into a few other reasons, let’s start by debunking the myth of the hypoallergenic cat.
There is a common misconception that cat hair is directly related to allergies, and that cat allergies are only triggered by cat hair.
However, a person has allergies to cats because of their reaction to certain proteins, predominantly the Fel d 1 protein, which is produced by felines’ sebaceous glands. This means you can find allergens present in a cat’s:
As allergens exist in a cat’s saliva, when a cat grooms itself, by licking, they spread the allergens to their fur. A cat’s dander, like dandruff, also gets caught in a cat’s hair. So, when a person plays or cuddles with their furry friend, the allergens are spread to the person. Also, as your cat moves around the environment they live and play in, they shed hair. This can spread allergens around the house with the hair. Learn more about Fel d 1 and four other feline allergens in our blog titled, Cat Allergy: Are You Allergic to Your Kitty?
Studies suggest that 80% to 95% of people who suffer from cat allergies react to the Fel d 1 protein. A small percentage of people react to the Fel d 2 and Fel d 3 proteins that are also produced by a cat’s sebaceous glands. Technically speaking, since all cats produce these proteins, there are no hypoallergenic cat breeds. This statement is true regardless of their breed, hair length, and the intensity of shedding. Returning to the topic of Siamese cats, they actually produce less of the Fel d 1 protein responsible for triggering allergies in people.
If you have mild cat allergies, spending time with Siamese cats typically won’t trigger any severe reactions.
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to allergens caused by cats are:
It is possible to avoid medication if you take some precautions when it comes to living with a cat. Here are some tips and tricks to consider:
Like the Siamese, some cat breeds produce less of the Fel d1 protein than others. A cat’s fur helps spread the allergens around, so the length of your cat’s hair and how often they shed play a role too. Here is a list of cat breeds that may be kinder to allergy sufferers.
The Sphynx is known for its nakedness. Although Sphynx cats still contain the Fel d1 protein in their skin and saliva, they do not have hair to shed around. This reduces the spread of the Fel d1 protein that comes with hair loss around your house.
The Balinese-Javanese is similar to the Siamese, but with longer hair. Their longer hair helps keep the Fel d1 protein (in the dander) closer to the cat’s skin, rather than spread the protein around, which is preferable for allergy-prone people.
Siberians are considered to be very hypoallergenic cats due to the low levels of Fel d1 protein they produce. Their fluffy long hair actually counts in a cat parent’s favor, as it reduces the spread of the allergy-inducing Fel d1 protein.
Devon Rex cats are inclined to groom themselves less than other cats due to their fine-haired coats. They also tend to shed less. These traits are beneficial for releasing smaller quantities of the Fel d1 protein in the environment they live and play in.
Bengal cats, like the Devon Rex, have finer-haired coats, which require less grooming. They also shed infrequently. So, Bengals spread less of the Fel d1 protein around, which makes them more hypoallergenic for cat lovers with allergies.
The Ocicat is also similar to the Siamese. They produce lower levels of dander and Fel d1 protein. These cats also shed little. So, Ocicats make and spread fewer allergens around the house, which is better for those with allergies.
Basepaws provides pet parents like you with information and resources so that your cats can live their best lives.
A quick and painless swab of your cat’s mouth at home provides you with a world of valuable information about their unique breed mix, genetic predisposition to health conditions, and more. If you want to get to know your cat better—both inside and out—discover our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats, which give you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Know your cat’s risk for developing common genetic diseases,and learn about how their oral health affects their overall health so that you can be proactive and support your cat’s well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!
Wondering if your cat shares genetic similarities to other hypoallergenic kitties, like the Siamese? Get a Basepaws Cat DNA Test today to find out!
So, it turns out that there is no 100% hypoallergenic cat breed. But there are breeds, like the Siamese, that are less likely to cause allergic reactions than others. They produce smaller amounts of the allergy-inducing feline proteins (particularly the Fel d1). And they shed less, which means they don’t spread the allergens contained in saliva and dander that stick to cat fur around as much. Although there may be a number of hypoallergenic cat breeds for cat lovers with allergies to choose from, a Siamese cat is a good candidate as a hypoallergenic furry friend.
Although there are no 100% hypoallergenic cats, the short answer is: yes. Siamese cats are unofficially classified as hypoallergenic.
Ensure that you regularly groom your cat outside, clean the environment where they (and you) live and play, and create healthy barriers where your cat cannot enter.
All cats produce proteins that can cause allergic reactions in people exposed to the allergy-inducing proteins. Siamese produces less of the Fel d 1 protein responsible for irritating people’s allergies. There is a small percentage of people that react to Fel d 2 and Fel d 3 proteins that are also produced by a cat’s sebaceous glands.
Learn more about how cat's brains work, breeds that are known for their intelligence, and what the research says about whether cats are smarter than dogs!
The brain of a cat is remarkably similar to that of a human. Comparing a human brain with a cat’s, Dr. Lorie Houston, a veterinarian for PetMD stated, “The brains of cats have a surface folding and structure that is very similar to that of the human brain, about 90 percent similar to be more exact. Morphologically, both cat brains and human brains have cerebral cortices with similar lobes.”
Dr. Lorie Houston further explains that what contributes to a cat’s intelligence is the way its brain is separated into different compartments to carry out specialized tasks. These areas are interconnected and share information at an expeditious rate. The communication that goes on between the different areas of the brain is what enables a cat to perceive, understand and respond to its surroundings.
While many researchers are perplexed as to how a cat's mind works, it has provided us with some evidence that proves that cats are clever. Whether we’re taking a look at the complexity of cats' brains, their social skills, or their ability to survive in the wild, these furry felines we call friends have a lot to offer when it comes to their minds.
A feline brain makes up just 0.9% of its weight in comparison with dogs whose brains make up 1.2% of its weight and human's 2%. A cat’s brain can seem quite small. However, a closer study of the cat's brain reveals that cats demonstrate abilities that can only be credited to their brain power. After investigating the number of neurons cats have in their brains, neurologist Suzana Herculano-Houzel noted that cats have about 250 million neurons in their cerebral cortexes. A cat’s cerebral cortex is much like a human cortex in that it's responsible for many of their higher-level processes and without it, they would be lacking in intelligence.
A 2006 study was carried out to test cats' short-term memory. Trainers taught these cats to find objects in various places and then gave them a specific amount of time to find those objects. The results of the study showed that cats could successfully locate the object within the time frame of 60 seconds. Another study took a deeper look into feline incidentally encoded memory. The conductors of the study stated that the cats were able to retrieve and utilize “‘what’ and ‘where’ information from an incidentally encoded memory from a single experience.” From these scientific studies, we learn that cats can remember their experiences and use that information to make decisions.
Many assume that cats are smart due to their independent natures. Dogs are quite needy and rely on their owner for affirmation and love. On the other hand, cats know their worth and don’t need to be told that they’re good kitties. What does this tell us about a cat's intelligence?
Kristyn Vitale, an animal behavior educator, and researcher conducted a study where 55 cats were given the option of choosing between food, toys, and human interaction. More than 50% of the cats chose human interaction over toys and food. While the study did highlight that cats can make decisions which do shed some light on their intelligence, the results were not conclusive.
One study focused on emotion recognition in cats proves that cats can interpret human emotions. The study was aimed at “investigating cats’ spontaneous ability to match acoustic and visual signals for the recognition of both conspecific and human emotions.” The results of the study showed that cats were able to match human emotions with a visual representation of that emotion, especially if it was highly intense. This research assures us of a cat’s ability to understand how we as humans feel and to react accordingly.
Dr. Jeff Werber, an Emmy-award-winning celebrity veterinarian, noted that if one wanted to define an animal’s smarts by their survival skills, cats would be “hands down winners”.
A feline's ability to survive in the wild on its own suggests that they have “street smarts”, a term awarded to intelligent and quick-thinking beings.
A cat’s ability to focus on and learn commands from its owner certainly shows us that cats have a measure of intelligence. Dr. Miklósi concluded that cats have the ability to understand what fellow felines (including other kinds of animals) and humans are communicating to them.
One study conducted in 2009 highlighted how indifferent cats are to participating in studies. A misconception would be that this common behavior of indifference highlights a lack of smarts.
All cats are clever, but some breeds stand out amongst their fellow felines for being particularly intelligent. Examples of such breeds include:
Abyssinian – An athletic and affectionate cat that loves to get involved in different activities. They are excellent climbers, hunters, and jumpers who thrive in environments where they can explore, climb high spaces, or simply enjoy good mischievous play with their humans and fellow feline friends.
Balinese – As curious felines, Balinese cats need a lot of mental and social stimulation. They are known to enjoy a challenge, so interactive environments also allow for their brainier qualities to shine.
Burmese – These are social cats that typically require a lot of attention and affection. These cats are known to have kitten-like personalities into their senior years, and enjoy engaging their busy minds through play, such as with interactive toys and activities with their humans.
Bengal – A Bengal cat's appearance is often compared to that of a leopard. One of they ways that these beautiful and active cats express their intelligence is through the use their paws. They are known for being able to open drawers and even turn off lights!
Havana Brown – These outgoing cats enjoy being taught tricks and are always up for a challenge. Havanas are known as affectionate and highly social cats who typically do very well in families.
Though the breeds listed above may be known as highly interactive and intelligent, it's important to remember that even the most uninterested cat can still be an extremely smart one.
You may not have a cat who is easily leash-trained, so the categories of questions below can help you assess your kitty's intelligence in other ways:
Social Ability – Is your cat social? Does your kitty listen to you when it’s called? Does he come to you for cuddles or greet you after you’ve been gone for a while?
Survival Skills – How self-reliant is your kitty? Do you feel comfortable leaving your feline alone? If you left your cat at home overnight with everything he needs, do you feel they would be okay?
Memory – Does your cat remember when it’s dinner time? Do they know exactly which bowl to eat from if there’s one specific bowl assigned to them (and more than one cat is living in the house)?
Trainability – How well does your cat respond to commands when they’re tempted by a tasty treat? Do they ignore you or try to learn the trick? If your cat responds positively, then you know that they are exceptionally clever when it comes to training.
Showing Unhappiness – How sensitive is your cat to changes in the home? Does your cat express its unhappiness through meowing or a behavior change?
The answer to the above question is not as simple as answering with a “yes” or “no”. As of today, there is not enough information available to be able to answer the question honestly.
We know that a dog's cerebral cortex contains 530 million neurons while cats possess 250 million. Studies show that dogs have strong social skills, thus qualifying them as socially intelligent. Does this evidence indicate that dogs are smarter than cats? Not quite. With so little information on feline social intelligence, there’s no substantial comparison to make. So, then, the answer to the question, “Are cats smarter than dogs”, remains inconclusive.
We know that cats are highly intellectual. Just how smart they are, we don’t know yet. What research does reveal is that they are socially intelligent and very perceptive to their owner's emotions and needs. They’re also more likely to survive in the wild than dogs. Despite any signs they show of being clever creatures, cats continue to be independent yet loving animals.
Just like any loving parent would want to learn more about their child, cat owners want to know everything they possibly can about their furry feline friend. Basepaws gives you that opportunity with the Basepaw’s health + DNA test. Learn about the genetics behind your cat's unique breed profile, health, and appearance. Just one test unlocks important information to help you proactively take care of your cat's health and everyday needs. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to become a well-informed cat parent!
]]>Cats are among the group of mammals that go through estrus, a process also known as "in heat." Estrus is cyclical like a period, but cats reabsorb the uterine lining instead of shedding it and bleeding.
Not exactly. Cats are induced ovulators. This means that ovulation, the process whereby eggs are stimulated and released from the ovaries, only occurs when they mate with a male cat. Humans, on the other hand, are spontaneous ovulators, which means that ovulation occurs in response to hormonal changes and happens with regular frequency.
Most female cats become reproductively mature when they are four to six months old, This is akin to human puberty. The feline estrus cycle usually lasts from seven to ten days. Humans are fertile all year, unlike cats who typically enter their estrus cycle seasonally, such as in early spring or late winter.
When your cat goes into heat, you'll notice her behavior changes to attract a mate. When a female cat (or queen) is inseminated by a male cat (the tom) she ovulates, which ends her estrus cycle and begins her pregnancy, which typically lasts around nine weeks.
Female cats get their period and become sexually mature when they reach puberty at around 4-6 months. Once cats are reproductively mature they can enter estrus, which is your cat’s menstrual cycle. From that point on, your young cat could have kittens of her own.
Getting your female cat spayed prevents pregnancy, so talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate time to do so.
Felines produce chemicals called pheromones, which is how they mark their presence and make it known to other cats. Pheromones are excreted from numerous glands located in the paws, mouth, ears, face, and anus. So when your cat head butts you, she's marking you as her human.
Your cat’s behavior can change drastically while they are in heat. Your usually docile pet can turn into a destructive and demanding one that you have never seen before. If your inside cat suddenly starts bolting for an open door, she may be attempting to mark the door with pheromones to attract a suitor or run off on her own to find one herself. Even if your cat has never shown interest in the great outdoors before, that can all change during estrus, so be prepared.
The following signs can indicate that your cat is in the heat:
Increased vocalization is the most common sign that your cat is in a heat cycle. Incessant yowling is an invitation to male cats in the neighborhood. So guard your door unless you want a litter of kittens.
If your female cat has entered estrus, she will often exhibit destructive behavior, such as spraying to mark territory or indiscriminately scratching.
If your kitty is in heat you may notice that she's constantly rubbing against you to the point you feel like you've grown a new appendage. Even if she’s usually a bit standoffish, estrus can bring out the love bug in your furball. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Some females, but not all, may have a decrease in appetite during their estrus cycle. So if your cat is eating less food than normal, it’s a normal sign of estrus and typically not a cause for concern. However, you should always consult your veterinarian should you have questions or concerns.
Your cat may "assume the position" by standing in the estrus posture. This is another signal to male cats that may be in the vicinity.
Most female cats don't bleed on their period (aka while in heat) because they reabsorb their uterine lining as opposed to expelling it. However, you may notice spots of blood on the floor or in your cat's bed. This is normal during estrus and nothing to be alarmed about.
However, if there is ever blood in your cat's stool or urine, contact your veterinarian to find out if your kitty requires medical attention.
If you have never seen a cat in heat before, it can be jarring at first. Normal cat behaviors during estrus can make it seem like you suddenly have a different cat. While they are in heat, cats can feel miserable. As a pet parent, you want to ensure your kitty is as comfortable as possible. Fortunately, there are different tactics that you can try to soothe your kitty.
Some cats enjoy more warmth during their estrus cycle and like to plop on a warm, moist towel or a heat pack for relief.
Make sure it's not too hot for your baby. Additionally, you may want to provide your cat with a safe warming bed or self-warming blanket that is specifically made for cats.
While some kitties are calmed by catnip during estrus, other cats are not. Offer a small amount of catnip and observe your kitty's reaction. It can’t hurt to try, and it’s better than feeling powerless while watching your fur baby writhing around and yowling.
Cats in heat are notorious for marking their territory. This signals their availability to any males in the area.
If her litter box is clean she's more likely to leave her mark there rather than on your nice couch or bedding. A clean litter box is always a good idea to safeguard your kitty’s health.
Estrus causes cats to be uncomfortable and restless. Distracting your pet with play can help ease their discomfort and give them extra time to bond with you. If your kitty is busy playing with you, they’re less likely to be shredding the sofa.
Considering the number of kittens languishing in shelters, the best option is getting your cat surgically sterilized (or spayed.) During a spay procedure, your cat will receive general anesthesia and your veterinarian can safely remove her ovaries and uterus. This is one way pet parents can improve the quality of life for their fur babies, as your pet won't have to endure the frustration they experience when they can’t answer nature’s biological call to breed. Spaying can also increase your cat’s longevity by decreasing the risk of breast tumors and uterine infections. Getting your female cat spayed is part of being a responsible pet parent.
There are many pawsitive results from getting your cat spayed for pet parents as well. You’ll prevent all the yowling, territory marking, and escape attempts while knowing you are safeguarding your pet’s well-being, now and in the future.
Do Cats Get Periods? Not exactly. Cats don't ovulate unless they are stimulated to do so by a male cat. An estrus cycle is the feline equivalent of a human period. This is when a female cat is in heat.
Do Cats Bleed On Their Period? Cats of reproductive age reabsorb their uterine lining rather than expelling it like humans. It's normal for your cat to spot small amounts of blood.
When Do Cats Get Their Period? A female cat reaches sexual maturity around 4-6 months of age, so it’s important to keep in mind they can get pregnant beginning in that early stage. Getting your female cat spayed prevents pregnancy, so ask your veterinarian about the proper time to do so.
What Does a Cat Period Look Like? Your cat’s behavior can change drastically while they are in heat. Your usually docile pet may turn into a destructive and demanding furball that you’ve never seen before! For example, you may notice increased vocalization and destructive behaviors around the house.
Basepaws DNA tests help you know your cat better—both inside and out. Discover your kitty's breed profile in relation to 21 purebred breeds. Gain insight on 25 genetic traits associated with their unique appearance and behavior, as well as potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your cat's oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline friend at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. Get peace of mind with Basepaws and get ahead of diseases before they're advanced—so that your cat can live a better life, even longer.
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Knowing your cat’s growth and developmental milestones can help you meet your cat’s changing needs and support their health at every life stage.
Kittens usually double in size during their first week of life. After week one, kittens gain an ounce approximately every three days. During this period is when your kitten will grow the fastest. In addition, your kitten's baby teeth fall out and their adult teeth come in which usually happens around the six-month mark.
On average, a cat reaches sexual maturity at about six months of age. At this time, the cat is capable of reproduction. The age at which a cat is spayed or neutered also affects their growth rate. Cats that are spayed or neutered early in life typically grow larger than a cat that wasn’t spayed or neutered until adulthood.
Although not all cats are finished growing at 12 months, most kittens stop growing during their first year of life. Although all cats are unique, transitioning your cat from kitten food to adult food is usually appropriate when your cat is around 10-12 months old. However, it is always good to consult your veterinarian about your cat’s nutritional needs.
Once your cat is two years old they are usually fully grown and have reached behavioral and social maturity. Playing with your cat helps them burn energy and increase their confidence and trust in you, their pet parent.
Your kitty is in its prime during this stage of the life cycle. This is when they are their healthiest and most active. You can help them remain that way by monitoring their weight. By this age, even the most rambunctious cats have started to settle down and typically require less supervision than younger kitties.
Cats this age are 40-50 years old in human terms. They tend to be less active than they were in their prime. To support their health, it is important to remain vigilant by monitoring for any changes in their behavior and visit your vet once a year for wellness check-ups.
During a cat's golden years, you may find that your kitty moves slowly and eats less, while sleeping more. Your older cat may experience problems with seeing and hearing as they grow old, which are among some of the many reasons that twice per year wellness check-ups are important for senior cats.
Although not all cats are finished growing at 12 months, most kittens finish growing during their first year of life. Several factors influence the timelines for when a cat reaches maturity and is fully grown. Important considerations include gender, breed, diet, and whether the cat has been spayed or neutered.
Your cat’s gender plays a major role when determining if a cat is fully grown. If your cat is male, he will grow at a slower pace and continue growing later in life than female cats. Like all mammals, male cats are generally bigger than their female counterparts. Female cats begin puberty at a younger age than male cats. When male cats become sexually mature, they do not go into heat like females do, but they can spray. Both male and female cats can reproduce before they are fully matured, much like human teenagers during puberty.
Large breeds can take longer to reach full maturation. For example, bigger kitties like Maine Coons may not reach their full size until their second birthday. There’s only a 5-10 pound difference between the smallest and largest breeds of cats, which does not seem like much until you consider how relatively small domesticated cats are.
How you feed much and how often you feed your cat will change throughout its lifespan. The most important factor is to feed your cat a high-quality, species appropriate diet that provides them with adequate moisture and nutrients to support them at every life stage. Fresh, clean water is also important to provide daily.
A healthy diet, along with plenty of exercise and play will support your cat’s overall health and help prevent obesity—a common health condition seen in an estimated 60 percent of cats in the U.S. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions about your cat's diet.
When your cat reaches sexual maturity (typically around six months), you will want to discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian. PetMD provides some helpful information about what age you should spay or neuter your cat.
Basepaws DNA tests give you a wealth of actionable information that helps you stay in control of your cat’s health. You want to know your cat—inside and out—and the Basepaws Breed + Health DNA test lets you do just that. Learn about your cat’s breed profile in relation to 21 different breeds. Gain insight on 25 genetic traits associated with your cat’s unique appearance and behavior, as well as potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your kitty’s oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline family at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. Gain peace of mind with Basepaws and get ahead of diseases before they become advanced—so that your cat can live a better life, at every life stage.
]]>In 2008, Giuliano and his father came across a bedraggled cat on the streets. Much the worse for wear, the frightened feline had sustained head and mouth injuries, including broken and missing teeth. They took him home and named him Sami.
Sami’s road to recovery would prove harder than most. Despite the Argenti family’s best efforts to rehabilitate their newly adopted cat early on, Sami’s health began to significantly decline in the months and years that passed. When he reached around 12 years of age, Sami was suffering from heart problems, which, as it turned out, were only the beginning of his troubles.
Despite treatment after treatment at different veterinarians’ and specialists’ offices, Sami’s heart issues would temporarily subside, only to then reemerge. In domino-like fashion, other organs in Sami's tired body exhibited signs of failure, further compromising his health. Giuliano and his family were at a loss of what to do.
In his quest to potentially learn more about any root issues that could possibly be causing what was going on with Sami, Giuliano conducted a lot of his own research alongside his discussions with veterinarians. That’s when he stumbled upon Basepaws and our new (at the time) Oral Health Test for Cats that is now included in our flagship Breed + Health Cat DNA Test.
Meanwhile, given all of Sami’s other issues and how quickly his state of health was now declining, Sami’s internists were narrowing in on how to address his failing organs. That process ultimately led to a decision to schedule Sami for general surgery.
After receiving the test in the mail, Giuliano performed the quick 10 second swab of Sami's mouth to collect his DNA and then sent it off to Basepaws. As he waited for Sami’s results, he researched and learned more about how poor oral health can not only cause dental issues in cats, but also more serious overall general health conditions such as heart, kidney, and liver problems. Considering Sami's mounting health struggles, this made Giuliano wonder about whether he might also be suffering from a dental condition.
Did you know that by age three, 70 percent of cats have signs of periodontal disease?
The day came for Sami’s results, which were delivered right to Giuliano’s email inbox. His results showed that he was not at risk for any of the genetic health conditions for which Basepaws tests—but Sami’s oral health test results were another matter altogether.
Sami’s oral health test results showed that he was at high risk for currently having periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a painful condition that can often go unseen by the naked eye. One reason is that it begins with the buildup of plaque on the tooth’s surface, and in the earlier stages this results in inflammation of the gums (aka gingivitis). If gingivitis goes untreated and is not addressed with dental cleanings at home and professionally at the vet’s, the inflammation begins to destroy the structure of the tooth and becomes periodontitis (aka periodontal disease). Sami was also at high risk for currently having bad breath (another indicator of dental problems) and for tooth resorption, which is a painful disease that occurs when enamel and the bone-like tissue in the tooth, called dentin, begins to erode and causes irreversible damage.
In the time leading up to his scheduled surgery, Sami exhibited a range of other symptoms, including pressure buildup in his face and eyes that made his eyes appear sunken, and he began to experience vision problems. He had also been leaving mysterious white stains on his food bowls, bedding, and other areas of the house.
As soon as Giuliano shared Sami’s oral health test results with a new feline dental specialist, they immediately recognized what the Basepaws report was showing. It turned out that Sami indeed had a case of advanced periodontal disease. That white stuff that he’d been leaving around the house? The feline dental specialist said that it was pus and necrotic bone—both signs of a severe dental infection.
Instead of continuing with chemo treatment and the scheduled surgery for an operation on Sami’s organs, Giuliano’s family worked with the dental specialist to schedule an emergency dental procedure for Sami. The procedure included a thorough cleaning of Sami’s teeth and gums, several tooth extractions, and a planned course of antibiotics to treat the infection.
I can confidently say that Sami is still alive only because Basepaws was able to identify his dental issues with their oral health test. He was about to undergo an invasive surgery on his organs and instead, we were able to find out the real issue of Sami’s health problems.
– Giuliano Argenti, pet parent of Sami the cat.
Giuliano shared his certainty that the identification of Sami's periodontal disease, and the subsequent decision by a feline dental specialist to address and prioritize his dental health, has “100% to do with Basepaws' oral health test”. He went on to share with us that Sami hasn’t had a single health issue since the periodontal disease was treated—and that he’s now 19 years old! Giuliano says that Sami is “healthier and more energetic than when he was around 9 years old.”
Every year, February is highlighted as National Pet Dental Health Month. Yet Sami’s story shows us just how important every month, even every day, is to the dental health of our cats and dogs. Just like we have to brush our teeth everyday to prevent dental disease, cats also need to have their teeth cared for on a daily basis to protect their oral health.
Adopting and rescuing pets does add a layer of complexity, though. Especially for kitties like Sami who were adopted when they were older, and when pet parents like Giuliano don’t necessarily know their cat's health history. Unfortunately, by age three, 70 percent of cats have signs of periodontal disease that typically go undetected for two reasons: (1) they can be difficult to see with the naked eye, and (2) our sweet feline companions have natural instincts, such as hiding pain so as to not appear vulnerable to predators (real or perceived) that make it hard to tell if they’re suffering.
I was so relieved that Sami’s life was saved as a result. I’m getting every cat and every friend of mine’s cat a Basepaws Oral Health Test. It was amazing to have these answers—it gives you so much more clarity about things as they relate to your cat’s health.
– Giuliano Argenti, pet parent of Sami the cat.
That’s why it’s important to know what’s going on inside your cat’s mouth every month of the year, and Basepaws is here to help you do just that. You can think of the risk assessment in our Oral Health Test for Cats as an early warning system. As it did for Giuliano, it lets you know if your cat currently has dental disease, which eliminates the guesswork and provides you with the power to address it with your veterinarian and at home.
When a dental condition is caught early enough, it means that there are more options to treat it so that its progression can be slowed, and oftentimes reversed. The bacteria in your cat’s mouth responsible for the buildup of plaque and tartar that causes dental disease can also enter the bloodstream, potentially causing issues in other bodily systems. This is why oral health is so important—a healthy mouth supports a healthy body.
In addition to our Oral Health Test for Cats, we regularly share resources such as:
If you’d like to read more success stories like Sami’s and learn how important it is to assess your cat’s oral health no matter the time of year, read Baby’s story to find out how the Basepaws Oral Health Test helped her pet parent realize that she needed a professional dental cleaning ASAP, and that in preparation for the procedure, Baby’s veterinarian uncovered a health issue that ultimately saved her life.
You and your favorite feline can also participate in Basepaws' research programs that aim to improve the lives of all cats. If your kitty has been diagnosed with a health condition, a simple 10 second swab that collects their DNA could help us create new screening tests for earlier disease detection in cats. Learn how to join our amazing community of citizen "kitty" scientists on the Basepaws Research page.
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According to the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants, spider plants are not toxic to cats. However, all cats are unique and some have sensitive digestive systems. It’s possible that your sweet kitty may still experience some negative side effects, especially if they ingest too much of a spider plant or other non-toxic plant.
What can you do to prevent your cat from eating a spider plant? Below are a few easy things you can do to protect your cat from spider plant poisoning.
While you could just get rid of your spider plant, it’s not necessary since it's non-toxic to your cat. However, to prevent any chance of even mild stomach upset, you can just make sure that your cat can’t reach the plant.
That’s the beauty of a hanging basket! A hanging basket can really emphasize the overall look of a spider plant and help you keep it out of your cat's reach. However, you’ll want to hang your basket high enough and make sure that there isn't anything nearby that your cat could climb to reach the height of the plant. You can also place your spider plant in a room where your cat isn’t allowed.
Try growing some indoor cat grass. Barley, rye, wheat, or oat grasses are safe for and appealing to cats. Don't let the kitty below who is making a funny face fool you!
These grasses, which often come as a seed mix, are easy to grow and you won’t have to wait long until you have your very own thriving mini garden of cat grass in the comfort of your home. Indoor cat grass placed in a lower area or in other places your cat hangs out frequently, such as a window sill, provides them with a safe alternative for nibbling and getting their “green” fix!
While the spider plant and other plants like the common rose are non-toxic to your kitty, there are common household plants that are poisonous and should not be in homes with curious cats. The snake plant is one toxic example that you should be sure to keep out of your home.
Other toxic plants to keep away from your cat include aloe vera plants, jade plants, mother-in-law plants, peace lilies, other lilies such as Asiatic and Stargazer lilies, and the pothos plant. The ASPCA has a fully searchable online database of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to pets.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian right away for advice and find out if your cat needs to be seen. If you’re unable to reach your vet, contact the Pet Poison Helpline which is available 24 hours a day.
Are spider plants toxic to cats? Luckily, the answer is no. However, even non-toxic plants can sometimes cause mild upset to your kitty, so now you know some helpful tips on how to keep your kitty safe and prevent them from accessing plants in your home.
Basepaws provides pet parents like you with information and resources so that your cats can live their best lives. We hope that you found this blog useful and learned about how to keep your cat safe by keeping only non-toxic plants like the spider plant in your home.
If you want to get to know your cat better—both inside and out—discover our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats, which give you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Know your cat’s risk for developing common genetic diseases, and learn about how their oral health affects their overall health so that you can be proactive and support your cat’s well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!The simple answer is yes, all cats are susceptible to conjunctivitis, also referred to as pink eye. Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin mucous membrane that lines the inside of your cat’s eyelid.
No one cat breed is immune to cat conjunctivitis, nor is any breed more likely to get cat conjunctivitis than another. Conjunctivitis in cats is non-heritable, meaning that it's not a genetic disease passed down from a parent.
Pink eye can occur in cats of all ages, though it is often more prevalent in younger cats. Older cats are less likely to get cat conjunctivitis, as their immune systems are more developed and they typically build up natural immunity to the condition over time. Younger kittens of the same litter, cats in shelters or other places where there are many cats in one place, or multiple cats who live and play together are all examples of how conjunctivitis can more easily pass from one cat to another.
To help ensure the best possible outcome, it is always best to notice changes in your cat and seek treatment for an issue like conjunctivitis sooner rather than later. Let’s cover signs of the early stages of conjunctivitis in cats so that you know what to look out for.
Symptoms of pink eye include blinking excessively, squinting, or keeping one or more of their eyes closed. These are a natural response to the irritation and discomfort your cat experiences as a result of the infection. You may also see excessive watering/tearing, or even a cloudy, yellowish mucus in your cat’s eye. If your cat is constantly rubbing its eye, and you may notice patches of hair loss on the skin surrounding the eye.
Beyond these physical symptoms that you can see in your cat’s eye(s), your cat may exhibit signs of an upper respiratory infection, which include:
If you notice any upper respiratory or eye symptoms, you should take your cat to your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Cat conjunctivitis can spread from one eye to the other or to another cat in your home, so it is important to address it quickly and get your cat the treatment and relief that it needs.
There are two types of conjunctivitis: infectious and non-infectious.
Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the conjunctiva of the eye. This type of infection often causes conjunctivitis to start in one eye and spread to the other. There are 3 main types of infectious conjunctivitis in cats that we will discuss below: viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and parasitic conjunctivitis.
The primary cause of conjunctivitis in cats is viral. The most common cause of viral conjunctivitis is feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). This virus is highly contagious to other cats who are in close proximity to the infected cat. However, this virus cannot be spread to humans. FHV-1 hides in the cat’s nervous system and can be activated randomly whenever your cat becomes ill or stressed. As many as 97% of cats will be exposed to feline herpes virus sometime in their life, and FHV-1 causes a lifelong infection in up to 80% of cats that get exposed.
The other type of common viral conjunctivitis is the calicivirus. This virus usually presents as eye, mouth, or nose secretions. This virus, like the FHV-1 virus, is also easily spread to other cats in close proximity and unfortunately, cats also become lifelong carriers of calicivirus.
Cats who may start with a viral conjunctivitis infection often get secondary bacterial infections. While bacterial conjunctivitis occurs less frequently than viral conjunctivitis, Streptococci and Staphylococci are the most common bacteria that cause infections such as conjunctivitis. Chlamydophila Felis is another bacterium that can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis, that also has the ability to infect humans, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Parasitic conjunctivitis occurs when cats’ eyes get infected by different kinds of parasitic worms, such as nematodes. However, cats in warmer, tropical areas who are free to roam the outdoors are typically more prone to infection from parasites.
Non-infectious causes of conjunctivitis occur as a result of a foreign object getting into your cat’s eye and becoming trapped. Something as simple as dust or sand can get trapped under the eyelid and can cause irritation and a secondary bacterial infection.
While uncommon, conjunctivitis can occur as a result of a cat’s immune system being compromised and“attacking” itself. Immune-mediated conjunctivitis may be caused by certain eye or eyelid diseases, which can cause friction and inflammation of the eye. Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, fleas, or other environmental factors can also lead to this type of conjunctivitis.
It is always important to have your cat seen by your veterinarian if they are experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis or other eye irritation. While some cases of pink eye can go away on their own, your vet will be able to determine the cause of your cat’s eye condition and appropriate treatment so that your cat doesn’t needlessly suffer.
To make a diagnosis, your vet will carefully examine your cat’s eyes, which includes looking for any foreign debris lodged in the eyelid, scratches or other potential damage to the eye, and other signs of inflammation. If needed, your vet may use a dye in your cat’s eye that can be seen under a special light, which can help them see scratches or ulcers on the cornea (clear dome-like part of the eye). Your veterinarian may also perform blood work to determine if there are any other signs of infection in your cat’s body.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of your cat’s case. It may include antibiotic eye drops or ointment or for more severe cases, antiviral drugs may be needed. Your vet will recommend the most appropriate treatment to help your cat get rid of the infection and the pain and inflammation that it is causing.
Depending on the severity and type of conjunctivitis your cat experienced, they will typically make a full recovery. However, viral conjunctivitis such as the type caused by the feline herpes virus, can recur when your cat is stressed or their immune system is compromised. Regular wellness visits to your veterinarian, providing a high-quality diet, and staying up-to-date on your cat’s vaccinations will all help to keep your cat happy and healthy in the long term.
Ensuring your cats have all the necessary vaccination injections is crucial, particularly for the feline herpes virus. The common flu can even cause conjunctivitis, so be sure to ask your vet what vaccines your cat needs to best support their health.
Cat hygiene is vital and can make a big difference when it comes to conjunctivitis. If you have a kitten, it is a good idea to frequently clean their eyelashes with a warm cloth to keep dust from going into their eyes. Washing your cat’s bedding is also important, to help keep dirt, fleas, and allergens away and help prevent other common skin problems that affect cats.
When your cat is stressed it affects their immune system, which can make fighting off an illness more difficult. Creating an enriching environment at home and supporting them in times of anxiety or stress can help you keep your kitty happy, healthy, and calm.
When you decide to become a cat owner, from that moment you are responsible for taking care of your new furry friend, especially when they get sick. From when they first experience skin allergies to cat conjunctivitis it is your responsibility. Your cat may experience a wide array of health conditions which is why it is so important to be aware of all kinds of illnesses, especially cat conjunctivitis.
Basepaws is here to help you get to know your cat better—both inside and out—with our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats to give you deep insight into every aspect of your cat's health. Learn about 25 genetic traits connected to your kitty’s unique appearance, and potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your cat's mouth for signs of periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These issues are painful and difficult to see with the naked eye, and poor oral health puts your feline friend at risk for heart, kidney, and other conditions. By knowing your cat’s risk for disease, and how their oral health connects to their overall health, you can be proactive and support their well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!
Did you know that kittens are born without teeth? First, they’ll grow baby teeth, similar to how we do, but the growth timeline is more accelerated than it is in humans. Their set of baby teeth includes 26 teeth: 12 incisors, four canines, and 10 premolars. These will naturally fall out over time before and as their adult teeth begin to emerge.
Kittens teeth begin to emerge around 2-4 weeks old By weeks 6-8, they should have their full set of fully grown baby teeth, also known as “milk” or “deciduous” teeth or more scientifically as “primary” teeth.
When your kitten is between 3-6 months of age, you may notice that they are more prone to chewing—whether on toys or anything else in sight. This is the start of the teething process when your kitten is trying to loosen baby teeth to make space for permanent adult teeth to grow. During this process, you may find some of their baby teeth around in the house. You needn’t be alarmed, as this is completely normal. It’s unlikely that you’ll find all 26 of your kitten’s baby teeth, since some of the teeth are naturally swallowed.
After the teething process is finished, your cat should have 30 permanent adult teeth. All permanent adult teeth typically emerge by around 6-7 months of age. This will include 12 incisors, four canines, 10 premolars, and four molars.
Cat teeth are designed with specific functionality. As carnivores, or meat-eaters, cats have razor-sharp teeth in the front of their mouth for tearing into prey and jagged to flat-surfaced teeth toward the middle and back of their mouth for transforming food into smaller pieces for chewing and grinding. There are four different types of cat teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. It’s helpful to know what each looks like and the role that they play.
When you look into your fur baby’s mouth, you will see tiny teeth in front. There are six in the upper part and six in the lower, for a total of 12 incisors. Their primary function is nibbling and gripping, such as while grazing on grass or during grooming to remove dirt or pull fleas from the fur.
After you have located the incisor teeth, right behind them are four bigger fang-looking teeth called canines (two on top, two on bottom). Canine teeth are strong and very sharp, and your cat’s powerful bite helps them use their canines to kill and hold onto prey or other food and start to tear it into smaller pieces. These sharp teeth emerge around 5 months of age, and can often be seen peeking out of a sleeping cat’s relaxed mouth.
With their sharp, jagged edges, you can identify your cat’s premolars just behind the canines. These teeth have the job of chewing and breaking food down into even smaller pieces. There are six premolars on their upper jaw and four on their lower jaw, for a total of 10 premolars. These teeth typically erupt around 4-6 months of age.
Arriving around 4-5 months of age, molars will come in as part of your cat’s set of adult teeth. Molars are located farthest from the front of your cat’s mouth. There are four molars, two upper and two lower located on the left and right sides of the mouth. Molars are important for chewing, grinding, and crushing, especially bone and other food with a harder consistency.
Just like for humans, oral health is very important for cats. Unfortunately, most dental conditions often go unnoticed in cats until later stages, by which time they are in pain and treatment options are more limited. This is because it can be very difficult to detect dental disease in cats with the naked eye, since most dental disease is below the gum line. Cats are also notorious for hiding pain, whether it’s in their mouth or somewhere else. It’s simply in their nature, because they instinctively want to appear strong in the eyes of potential predators, and this instinct has remained strong—even for the domesticated house cat that never goes outside.
The three most common dental issues that affect cats are gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is another condition that affects many cats and can be an indicator of an emerging or current dental disease. Learn more about how to identify the top 10 signs of dental disease earlier so that you can help protect your cat from unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum inflammation, caused by plaque and tartar buildup under the gum line. Signs include red, swollen gums that are painful to the touch. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into an advanced stage of gum inflammation called periodontitis, which results in destruction of the support structures that hold the teeth. Periodontitis and gingivitis both fall under the umbrella term of periodontal disease.
If plaque and tartar are not removed with a proper dental cleaning by your veterinarian, accumulation will continue and progress into periodontitis. Tooth loss will eventually occur, and in the final stages, plaque microbes can reach the bloodstream and cause potentially irreversible damage to the kidneys, heart, and other organs.
Tooth resorption is a dental condition that progressively degrades tooth structures, leading to irreversible tooth damage. The resorption process typically begins with erosion of the enamel along the gums and advances towards the center of the tooth into dentin. As resorption progresses, more and more of the tooth may be damaged. The premolars and molars are known to be most affected by resorptive lesions.
Taking care of your cat’s oral health is an important step toward helping them live their very best life. Let’s review some of the ways that you can keep your kitty’s smile shining bright to support their overall health for many years to come!
At-home tooth brushing is key to keeping dental disease away by preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. When in doubt, ask your vet to show you how to clean your cat’s teeth properly and don’t forget to keep our step-by-step guide to brushing your cat’s teeth on hand.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provides a list of accepted products for cats that support their oral health. This list includes dietary recommendations, treats that support dental health, and other water or food additives and topical products for supporting a healthier mouth. Always consult with your veterinarian about proper nutritional and caloric needs for your cat; every cat is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all diet (especially for cats with underlying health conditions).
Bringing your cat to the veterinarian for regular wellness and oral health checks is an essential part of a successful oral health strategy. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) provides helpful resources on the importance of feline oral health examinations, including questions to consider asking your vet, and the basics of feline anesthesia, which keeps your cat safe and pain-free during oral health procedures and allows the vet to thoroughly examine your cat’s mouth and effectively perform a cleaning.
Knowing more about your cat’s teeth is an important part of supporting their oral health. Just like we have to brush our teeth everyday to prevent dental disease, cats also need to have their teeth cared for on a daily basis to protect their oral health. Read the Basepaws guide through feline dental care to learn more about establishing an at-home routine. Visit this link to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) list of recommended products that can support your cat’s at-home oral care routine, which can help you proactively support your cat’s oral health. When an oral health condition is caught early enough, it means that there are more options to treat it so that its progression can be slowed, and oftentimes reversed.
The Basepaws Oral Health Test For Cats is a one-of-a-kind screening tool that tells you if there are signs of active dental disease in your cat. The state of your cat’s oral health changes just like yours does, and these changes can be influenced by brushing habits, diet, and even genetics. Your cat’s mouth holds valuable information about their risk for having–at the time of testing–any of the three most common dental conditions: bad breath (halitosis), tooth resorption, and periodontal disease. The sooner you know, the sooner you can take charge and address issues, both through a more effective at home routine and with regular dental cleanings at the vet. Being proactive about your cat’s oral health can help you keep surprises to a minimum and, most importantly, keep your cat from experiencing unnecessary discomfort and pain.
]]>While cat panting is not as common as it is in dogs, you will be able to quickly spot your cat panting by looking for specific symptoms.
As you might expect, your cat will have their mouth open and will be breathing at an increased rate; you may even notice that their tongue is hanging slightly from their mouth. If you are unable to tell if your cat’s breathing rate has increased just by looking, then you should be able to hear the forced shallow breaths. In more severe cases, you may even see or hear your cat coughing or find that they have lost their appetite.
In most situations, your cat or kitten will be lying down while panting, but do not be surprised to see them standing up, as this is expected behavior for a feline that is feeling stressed.
Although finding your cat panting is not common and could be an indication of a more serious underlying issue, this is not always the case. To give you a better understanding of this issue, we have provided all the common causes of why your furry feline may be panting.
The most common cause of panting in cats is increased stress, or if your kitty is particularly anxious about a situation. Whenever a cat finds themself in a stressful situation, they will immediately try to get away. However, if your cat is trapped in a position that they consider stressful, which is when you may see them with their mouth open and beginning to pant. A typical scenario that causes cats stress is being packed into a carrier and traveling. So, it is likely that you may find your cat panting in the car on the way to the veterinarian.
Like dogs, cats also pant to release heat, even if it is a less common behavior. Usually, a cat will release heat by sweating through small glands found in its paws. However, this is not always enough to successfully regulate its heat, as its paws are very small, so they may also pant.
Unlike canines that love to run nonstop and are much more often panting to regulate their heat, cats use shelter and shaded areas to keep their internal heat regulated and are very well adapted to do this.
It is uncommon to find your cat overheated, so if you find your cat panting in hot weather or after playing and believe they are struggling to regulate their temperature, you should contact your vet immediately.
Like us humans, cats can also suffer from asthma. However, if your cat has asthma, you are more likely to notice them panting, or even coughing and wheezing. A variety of things can cause asthma, the most serious is heartworm disease which we discuss in the next section. Other than heartworm disease, asthma can also be caused by allergies and inflammation, which can commonly restrict the airflow through a cat's airways.
Veterinarians typically treat asthma in cats with medication, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators. If you believe that your cat or kitten is suffering from asthma, contact your vet at as soon as possible for an exam and treatment to help relieve their symptoms.
Heartworm is a disease found in both cats and dogs that can cause breathing issues and even lead to death if left untreated. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis, which is spread by mosquitoes. The life cycle of heartworms is complex, but once they reach the final stage of their lifecycle they can affect your cat's breathing by releasing microfilaria into the bloodstream.
Your vet can prescribe medication that helps prevent heartworm disease in your cat. There are also treatments such as corticosteroids and oxygen therapy for cats that already suffer from the disease.
Unfortunately, heart problems can be a common occurrence in both cats and kittens. What's more worrying is that they can easily go unnoticed without early detection, often with symptoms emerging only once disease has become more advanced.
Congestive heart failure happens when a buildup of fluid surrounds a cat’s lungs. This fluid build-up directly impacts and reduces the cat's lung capacity and oxygen levels. Due to these adverse effects, you may find your cat panting or breathing at an increased rate, and it may even have pale gums. If you spot any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately.
Another cause for your cat or kitten panting is if they have a respiratory infection. These bacterial infections can not always be avoided, but fortunately, they can be treated if needed by your veterinarian. Throat or lung infections of this type can be treated by a vet who would likely prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Anemia is the medical term that refers to a reduced amount of oxygen in red blood cells and can be caused by other health conditions. Red blood cells are tasked with the job of carrying oxygen around the body. Cats affected by anemia will have a reduced amount of oxygen in their blood, and will likely exhibit faster and heavier breathing, panting, or tiring easily.
Finding your cat panting does not always have to steer you toward believing that it has a medical condition, like infection or disease. However, in some circumstances, you may find that your cat has swallowed an object that has become lodged in its throat and is now causing difficulty breathing. If you are under the impression that your cat has an object stuck in its throat, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
Although panting may not seem like a common symptom of pain or trauma, it can be pretty common. Cats, and animals in general, can be very good at disguising their pain, making it hard to spot an injury immediately. If you find your cat panting and then proceed to notice limited mobility, aggressive behavior, loss of appetite, or vocalization, then your cat is likely to be in pain and you should take them to see your veterinarian.
Although you now know about all the most common causes of why your cat might be panting, it can be challenging to know when medical attention is required. As a general rule, if you know your cat has been running around, playing, or doing a lot of physical activity, then there is likely to be no reason to be worried, as some panting may be expected but should only last for a very short period of time.
An effective way to tell if your cat is suffering from a type of respiratory distress is to check if it is taking more than 40 breaths per minute. To do this, simply pay attention to the cat's belly and count how many times it inhales. If it is taking more than 40 breaths in a minute and proceeds to do so for more than five minutes, we advise contacting your vet immediately.
However, if you find your cat panting after doing no physical activity or see them panting for a longer period of time or the panting is accompanied by other symptoms, then your cat is likely to need medical attention. When in doubt, it is always best to consult with a vet.
Keeping your cat calm is very important if it is currently going through a state of respiratory distress. Any sort of added stress to the cat can take things from bad to worse very quickly. Though consulting a veterinarian is always the best option for a distressed cat panting for a prolonged period, you can keep a few things in mind to help your cat and not add more stress:
Now that you have a better understanding of the common causes and solutions surrounding cat panting, you can feel more in control with the knowledge of what to do if you ever find your cat in respiratory distress. With the help of our detailed list of common causes, you will be able to assess whether or not the breathing behavior of your cat is a serious issue that requires veterinary attention; however, it is always best to call your veterinarian to ask questions and see if your cat needs to be seen.
Basepaws is committed to helping you give your cats a better and longer life, and that's why we’re here to provide you with helpful information, blogs, and easy at-home Cat DNA Tests to support your cat’s health and well-being. a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Get insight on 25 genetic traits associated with their unique appearance and behavior, as well as potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your cat's oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline friend at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. Know what diseases your cat may be susceptible to, and how their oral health connects to their overall health, so that you can be proactive and support your cat’s wellness and help them live a better life, even longer!]]>Roses are mostly safe for cats. The different parts of a rose, like the petals and leaves, are non-toxic to cats. But each rose has a thorny stem, and it may also have been sprayed with pesticides, which can be unsafe for our furry friends.
Upon sniffing the delightful fragrance of a rose, a cat may be tempted to taste it. Fortunately, roses are non-toxic to cats. So, you don’t need to worry about the petals, leaves, and stems of a rose poisoning a cat if they ingest it. But it may upset their stomach and make them feel sorry for themselves, as roses are likely something outside of your cat’s regular diet.
Although the thorns of a rose are also non-toxic, a prick or scratch from a thorn could be painful and uncomfortable for a cat. Thorns can also hurt the inside of a cat’s mouth, lips, or face, especially if they chew on a thorny rose stem.
Roses may have been sprayed with chemicals to kill off insects and pests that eat them. These chemicals can be poisonous to cats if ingested, with painful indications. So, while roses themselves are mostly safe for cats, the pesticides that could be on them are not safe for our furry friends. Unfortunately, the pesticides can’t tell the difference between your cat and the pests for which it was designed to cause harm.
If your cat ate a plant that you’re concerned about, your veterinarian may first ask what type of plant it was. So, if you know that your cat has eaten a rose, this is a good starting point. Knowing that roses are non-toxic to cats is also important. More than this, vets working at the Pet Poison Helpline recommend that you:
If you are concerned or if your cat shows symptoms like these, get help from a vet immediately. Especially if you suspect poisoning from pesticides, as it is best to consult with a professional as soon as possible.
If you’d like to prevent your cat from eating a rose, you could try:
If your cat does not eat roses, but still enjoys playing with roses or in rose bushes, you could try cutting the sharp points off the thorns. In this way, your cat can smell the roses without suffering from the sharp bites that the thorns could inflict on them.
Although roses can be harmless, their namesakes may be poisonous to cats. There are many plants with the word “rose” in their name, which the ASPCA indicate as toxic to cats. The ASPCA also has photos of the plants on their list if you’d like to see what they look like. Be on the lookout for the toxic plants listed below if you’re a cat lover, and don’t forget about their additional common names!
A Christmas Rose bush appears to bloom white or pinkish-green flowers. Each flower has five petals that may nod down, with a centre of pollen-decorated stamen.
Desert Rose
A Desert Rose has five petals, each with a bright rim of pink. Each petal fades to white near the tube-shaped centre of the flower.
Moss Roses wear layered, paper-like petals that are bright pink, orange, or red. Their centres have short, yellow, pollen-coated stamen.
The Primrose is a small, five-petalled flower. Each petal is pale yellow and heart shaped, appearing to have the point of the heart dipped in a darker yellow at the centre of the flower.
A Rosebay bush may have many ruffled, paper-like flowers that are bright pink and white in colour.
The five petals of a Rose of Sharon are cup-shaped with a deep pink centre. The deep pink can have short lines up each petal, which is mainly a pale pink or white in appearance. The centre contains a cluster of pollen-dusted stamen.
Common roses are non-toxic to cats, but each rose has its thorns. Even though common roses won’t poison your cat if your cat eats them, they could get upset tummies, hurt by the thorny stems, and suffer from severe symptoms from ingesting possible pesticides. As delectable as roses may smell to our furry friends, and enticing to taste, it may be safer to prevent your cat from eating them in the first place. And not all plants with the word “rose” in their name are safe for cats either. Be sure to look out for the toxic “rose” namesakes if you are a cat parent! Explore Basepaws blogs to learn about other plants that are toxic to your kitty, such as the snake plant.
Basepaws is here to help you get to know your kitty better—both inside and out—with our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats, which give you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Get insight on 25 genetic traits associated with their unique appearance and behavior, as well as potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your cat's oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline friend at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. Know what diseases your cat may be susceptible to, and how their oral health connects to their overall health, so that you can be proactive and support your cat’s wellness and help them live a better life, even longer!
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Just like male humans, male cats have nipples that are non-functioning. Unlike humans, it’s not just two. It is common for male and female cats to have an even amount of nipples that range from anywhere between 4-10 nipples on their body. Most cats have 6 or 8 nipples, but having as few as 4 or as many as 10 is also considered normal.
There is always an exception to the rule. While most cats have their nipples in even rows that are parallel to each other, some cats can have an extra nipple. If you have a cat with an odd number of nipples, don’t fear, your cat is just unique!
Strangely enough, there is absolutely no reason for male cats to have nipples.
Male and female cats develop nipples around the same early formative stage when they are a fetus. While in the womb, when the chromosomes determine the gender of the fetus, the development of the male cat’s nipples stops. This is due to the sex hormones in males.
As mammals, after giving birth, female cats’ nipples function to feed their offspring. Male cats’ nipples, however, weren’t designed to produce milk. The testosterone in the male cat stops the development of the mammary glands, which results in male cats with nipples that serve no purpose.
For those who want to go back to evolutionary theories, if you consider the Darwinian theory of evolution, removing nipples from the male cat didn’t give them any sort of survival advantage, so the nipples stayed. From a genetic standpoint, boy cat nipples are vestigial structures.
Both male and female cat nipples feel and look the same at first, as they have similar nipple anatomy, but only as long as the female cat isn’t pregnant.
Cat nipples can be difficult to visually see, due to a cat’s size and/or coat length. Often, it is easier to feel for a cat’s nipples before you can see them. To locate the nipple, you feel for a small bump on the cat’s abdomen—almost like a tiny pimple. Once you have located it, you will notice that the cat nipple looks like a dark-pinkish bump on the skin.
Male cats cannot get mastitis due to a lack of mammary glands. However, male cats’ nipples can still get infected. This can happen if the nipples are physically damaged. An infection of the nipples will present as swollen, red, or bleeding.
Male cats can also get mammary tumors, which can lead to cancer. Male cats can also get inverted nipples; however, this does not jeopardize the cat’s well-being.
Breast cancer in males is definitely more rare than in female cats, but unfortunately, male cats can also develop mammary tumors. Mammary tumors are in the top 3 leading types of cancer in cats.
It is a good idea to periodically check your cat’s nipples for lumps on their chest and see if any nipples produce a yellow-colored discharge. These could be signs of the start of your cat having benign pathology or even the start of cancer.
Mammary tumors are generally found in middle-aged to older males who have been neutered, cats who suffer from infections, and cats with a high incidence of health problems.
Male and female cats sometimes develop inverted nipples. Inverted nipples have a pushed in appearance on the cat’s skin, rather than presenting as bumps that stick out. Inverted nipples are luckily not a serious condition, and they shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your cat.
Cats with inverted nipples may be affected by waxy build-up. If you have any concerns regarding your cat’s nipples, it is best to take your cat to your veterinarian for a simple check-up. Your vet can also provide you with tips on how to care for you cat’s skin and keep it clean at home.
It’s normal for female cat nipples to change when they are pregnant. Male cat nipples, however, should never change. Male cats should never have prominent nipples. If your male cat’s nipples are enlarged, it is always recommended to take your cat to see a veterinarian. Swelling of all the nipples could also be due to hormones.
When you feel a lump on your cat’s belly, regardless of whether your cat is a male or female, it is best to take your cat for an examination by your vet. Prevention is the best cure for any disease; getting your beloved cat looked at by a vet before a mammary tumor becomes a problem is always the most appropriate option.
If you’re asking yourself how many nipples your male cat has, you won’t be alone. Now is the time to evaluate your male cat’s nipples to ensure the health of your beloved cat. Don’t forget, if your male cat has enlarged nipples, it is best to take your cat to the vet for a check-up.
]]>Parvo is a highly contagious virus that infects host cells quickly in cats. The parvovirus mainly targets the cells in a cat's intestines, which leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. However, parvo does not stop at infecting the intestines in cats; it can also go on to attack the bone marrow. Once this feline virus has spread to the cat’s or kitten's bone marrow, it will lead to deficiency of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Feline parvovirus is commonly found in most environments and can be extremely hard to eliminate. Most disinfectant products are ineffective against parvovirus, other than bleach, and it can survive even when exposed to hot and cold temperatures.
Kitten parvo is very common, with this contagious virus typically found in cats 3 to 5 months old. However, parvo is also very likely to affect unvaccinated cats and cats with underlying conditions that compromise their health.
Unfortunately, there are many ways in which a cat can contract parvovirus. The most common are excrement, urine, and nasal secretions that have come from other cats with the disease. On top of this, fleas can also pass on the virus from one cat to another. Due to this, parvovirus, or feline distemper, can contaminate a range of items and surfaces in and outside your home. Think of bedding, floors, cages, and clothes—it can very quickly spread everywhere.
Furthermore, the feline parvovirus can also be passed directly from one cat to another. However, this is much more common in areas with multiple cats, such as pet shops, animal shelters, and multi-cat households. Unfortunately, pregnant cats that contract the virus are known to give birth to kittens with brain damage that compromises the kittens’ ability to properly walk and eat.
The first thing you should know about the symptoms caused by parvovirus is your cat will not always display them. In some cases, a cat with the virus may suddenly die without signs of distress or disease.
The symptoms of cat parvo are often seen in kittens, unvaccinated cats, or cats that are not fully vaccinated between the ages of 3 to 5 months. The typical symptoms of cats infected with the parvovirus include the following:
During the early stages of the parvovirus, you may notice that your cat is sitting in front of its food and water bowl, either not consuming either at all or drinking very little. As the virus progresses and grows in severity, your cat may go from having a high temperature to it then dropping below its normal level. At this stage, your cat definitely needs treatment by a veterinarian, as this is a symptom that can prove to be fatal. While there is no specific treatment for parvo, cats displaying any of these symptoms should be seen immediately by a veterinarian, as the disease can continue to spread and without supportive treatment can lead to death (especially in kittens).
According to FETCH by WebMD, the parvovirus that infects dogs doesn’t infect cats. However, “dogs do get infected by a similar virus called the canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2). The original CPV-2 can't infect cats, but newer variants (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c) can infect your cat.”
There are many similarities between parvo in cats and dogs, including the symptoms, how it is spread, and its severity. Despite this, there remain differences between the two different viruses. Below are the listed similarities between feline and canine parvo:
The best way to help protect your cat from feline parvovirus is by vaccination. You should start vaccinating at the age of 8 or 9 weeks. Beginning this early helps protect vulnerable kittens, as feline parvovirus often proves fatal in young kittens. Vaccination doses should be done regularly, three or four weeks apart. You can expect the last vaccination to be done at 16 weeks; a follow-up dose between the ages of 26 and 52 weeks is recommended. It is essential to keep on top of the vaccinations, even when your kitten becomes an adult cat. Booster vaccines are advised to be administered regularly to adult cats.
Feline parvovirus can be challenging to diagnose, as the signs of this disease vary and can be very similar to symptoms associated with other illnesses. These include campylobacter or salmonella infection , pancreatitis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection.
Since cat parvo is a common virus, it is best to seek help from your veterinarian immediately. To diagnose this disease, the veterinarian will test the cat’s stool and run a blood test. The results from testing the stool may reveal whether or not parvovirus is present. Additional blood tests yield results showing a reduced number of blood cell types, one of the main characteristics of parvovirus.While there are currently no medicines that can kill the disease, good supportive care can help your cat fight the infection. Your vet will administer supportive fluids, nutrients, and antibiotics to help prevent secondary bacterial infection. Unfortunately, kittens under the age of eight weeks have only a small chance of recovery, while older cats have a greater opportunity if treatment is provided early.
Feline parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can prove to be fatal for both unvaccinated kittens and adult cats. However, your cat can be provided with the necessary support to fight this virus by keeping them up to date with vaccinations. In addition, spotting the symptoms of cat parvo early is crucial to supporting your cat’s health, so be sure to schedule regular wellness visits with your veterinarian. You can also read our blog about the most common viruses found in cats.
Basepaws is here to help you get to know your cat better—both inside and out—with our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats, which give you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. Get insight on 25 genetic traits associated with your kitty’s unique appearance and behavior, as well as potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your cat's oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline friend at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. By knowing what feline diseases your cat may be susceptible to, and how their oral health connects to their overall health, you can be proactive and support your cat’s well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!]]>If you’re asking yourself, “how long are cats in heat?” in exasperation, we’re here to help! Keep reading to find out how long your cat will be in heat, what symptoms to look for, and how to keep them comfortable throughout their cycles.
On average, a female cat can be in heat for 4 to 7 days. If your cat is in heat for as short as 2 days or as long as 3 weeks, that is also still considered in the normal range. Cats go into heat numerous times a year, which is known as polyestrous. Importantly, only unspayed female cats of reproductive age—also known as queens—can go in heat.
There are many factors to consider when trying to work out whether your cat is in heat or not. These factors include internal hormonal changes and external physical and behavioral changes.
Internally, a female undergoes many hormonal changes throughout her heat cycle. However, It is easier to track a female cat’s heat cycle by looking for physical and behavioral signs, which may include:
There are 5 stages that are part of the estrus cycle. The number of cycles or the order of cycles may change if your female cat becomes pregnant while in heat. The stages include:
The proestrus stage lasts 1 to 2 days. This is where queen “attacks” unneutered male cats, also known as toms. Even though she attracts them, she isn’t receptive to any mating just yet. In this stage, the queen doesn’t physically show any signs.
Estrus cycle is a fancy way of saying heat. Heat can last between 2 to 19 days, but generally 1 week. This is when a queen physically attracts males and is receptive to mating. You should be able to notice whether or not your cat is in this stage—-she makes it very obvious! This is when you will notice her rolling around and rubbing on things, elevating her rear end and being very vocal.
A lot of internal changes occur during this stage. When the queen mates during this stage, it automatically induces ovulation through hormonal changes.
Did you know that a queen generally needs to mate about 4 to 6 times during estrus to become pregnant? This certainly doesn’t mean that the queen only mates with one male; the queen can mate with numerous males before giving birth, and a litter of kittens can be born with different fathers.
It only takes 1 to 2 minutes for cats to mate. This can also happen multiple times in a short space of time. Once ovulation has occurred, the female cat will transition out of heat within 1 to 2 days.
The diestrus stage is very important, as this is when the queen fertilizes the eggs. Within 12 to 13 days after mating, the embryos become implanted in the queen’s uterus. Not all embryos survive, but roughly 84% are successfully implanted in the uterus. This stage only takes place if the queen is pregnant. This is when progesterone becomes the dominant hormone for her to fertilize the oocytes (immature egg cells).
Interestrus is between 2 to 3 weeks. This stage only commences if the queen neither mates nor becomes pregnant during estrus. This is the period a queen will go into between heats.
Internally, her hormones change. The queen’s estrogen level drops and she no longer attempts to physically attract a mate. After about 2 days to 3 weeks, she will reenter the first stages of heat. This marks the continuation of the cycle again where she will enter proestrus, estrus, and then interestrus throughout the mating season or until she becomes pregnant.
Anestrus is the period when a queen’s reproductively dormant period is. This means her reproductive hormones are not active and there is no estrus cycle.
If your female cat is unspayed, then you could expect her to have her first heat cycle as young as 4 months of age. The average age for a female cat to have her first heat cycle is around 5 to 9 months.
Female cats are seasonally polyestrous, which means that they have numerous cycles during the breeding season. Two important notes to remember that play a big role are geography and environmental factors, such as daylight and temperature. Queens may even have their cycle throughout the year if they are in more tropical parts of the world.
There are a few factors, such as anatomy, that play a role in when your cat goes on heat. Shorthaired breeds generally begin their cycle earlier. Some longhaired or larger breeds might not present in heat until they are around 18 months of age.
For outdoor cats or feral cats, heat cycles generally take place from spring to fall. This is due to the queen’s hormone production, which is stimulated by increased light as the days become longer. When the days are shorter, the queen isn’t stimulated enough to go on heat. If a queen doesn’t become pregnant, she can go on heat as often as every 2 to 3 weeks.
Indoor cats are continuously exposed to artificial light, which typically induces a continuation of the heat cycle throughout the entire year.
Generally, your queen will feel out of sorts during her season. If it is her first season, she might even feel confused. One of the best ways to assist your female cat during her heat cycle is to keep them happy and distracted. This is when you can bring out some games, healthy treat-filled toys, and entertain your cat with activities around the house.
The best way to prevent a cat from being in heat is to get her spayed. Normally, this decision is made when the female cat is still young. It can happen as early as a veterinarian deems that it is safe, but it is typically ideal to do no later than 4 to 6 months of age.
Now you know everything you need to know about your female cat in heat. You can spot the symptoms that indicate your cat is in heat, know how to calm a cat in heat, and how to prevent your cat from getting pregnant by spaying.
Basepaws DNA tests help you know your cat better—both inside and out. Discover your kitty's breed profile in relation to 21 top purebred breeds. Gain insight on 25 genetic traits associated with their unique appearance and behavior, as well as potentially life-saving information about their blood type and likelihood of resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
In addition to 43 genetic diseases, Basepaws screens your cat's oral health for their current risk of having periodontal disease, halitosis, and tooth resorption. These painful issues are difficult to see, and poor oral health puts your feline friend at risk for heart, kidney, and other health conditions. Get peace of mind with Basepaws and get ahead of diseases before they're advanced—so that your cat can live a better life, even longer.
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The easiest way to determine whether or not a kitten is still quite young is by looking at its eyes. Kittens don’t open their eyes for the first 10 days of their life. If you’re looking to adopt a kitten but aren’t sure of their age, a quick check of their eyes will help you know if it’s too soon for them to leave their family.
Does your kitten—or the kitten you’re interested in adopting—still have their umbilical cord stump? If so, then you’re looking at a kitten that’s pretty new to the world and likely less than a week old. Kittens typically lose their umbilical cord around seven days old.
You might be wondering how a kitten's ears could help you to determine how old they are. While it might sound strange, a kitten’s ears tell us quite a bit. A kitten that’s only a few days old can be identified by folded ears. As they get older, you’ll start to see their ears, “open” and look more cat-like. However, some cats, like the Scottish Fold, keep their folded ears for life!
Weight is also helpful for telling a kitten’s age. As kittens get older, they grow. According to the ASPCA, for kittens that are in good body condition, a 1-pound kitten is typically about 4 weeks old and a 3-pound kitten is about 12 weeks old. This is because their weight in pounds is associated with their age in months, with weight gain occurring at a relatively predictable weight until the kitten reaches 5 months of age.
We can learn a lot from a kitten’s teeth. They start out with baby teeth and then get permanent teeth, just like humans do as they age. Baby teeth are recognizable by their pointed tips, whereas permanent teeth have flatter edges and are a bit bigger or wider. A kitten’s baby teeth will start to come in around 3 weeks of age, but you’ll start to see their permanent teeth come in around 3-4 months.
Newborn kittens generally need lots of sleep. Even the most adventurous kittens lack full coordination, and as a result, their walking is a bit awkward. By 3 weeks of age, a kitten should be walking normally and start playing with (and pouncing on) their family members.
Care needed: It’s important to keep a newborn close to its mother. In the first 2 days of a kitten's life, its nursing mother will provide it with colostrum, which enables the kitten to fight disease. What if the kitten is an orphan? You’ll have to take over the role of its mother through bottle or syringe feeding. A newborn kitten needs to receive food every 2 hours.
Care needed: A kitten can’t regulate its own body temperature, so you have to make sure that they get the warmth they need beyond the warmth it gets from cuddling with its mother and littermates. Kittens need the temperature of their environment to be about 85 °F (29 °C). An orphan kitten should be bottle-fed every 2-3 hours, which includes feeding them overnight.
Care needed: There’s still a need to create a warm environment for the kitten. You can, however, start to lower the surrounding temperature to 80 °F (26 °C) instead of 85 °F (29 °C). At this age, it is safe to have your kitten dewormed as recommended by your veterinarian. Bottle-fed kittens must be fed every 3-4 hours (including overnight).
Care needed: You can adjust the temperature of the kitten's environment to 75 °F (23 °C), as they won’t be as dependent on an external heat source. Bottle-fed kittens should now be fed every 4-5 hours and will still need to be fed overnight. They should be able to start learning how to use the litter box.
Care needed: Four-week-old kittens still need their warmth, but will only require an external heat source when they’re resting.You’ll need to keep their environment between 70 °F (21°C) to 75 °F (23°C). Orphans need food every 5 hours (yes, this includes overnight feeding). They will also want to socialize a bit more than usual.
Care: Weaning is very important when a kitten is 5 weeks old. An orphaned kitten should receive food every 5-6 hours. Once a kitten has been successfully weaned, provide them with food and water that they can access whenever they need it.
Care: It’s important to start socializing kittens at this age. If you don’t socialize your kitten by its sixth week of life, it will make the kitten very difficult to train.
Care: By now, the kitten should be fully weaned and have access to their food and to fresh water throughout the day. Start to acclimate yourself and your kitten to steps for good oral hygiene, such as introducing them to a cat toothbrush. Learn more about 5 ways to brush your cat's teeth.
Care: Eight-week-old kittens can be put up for adoption. However, these kittens still have much to learn and can do a bit more growing. Vaccinations are quite important at 8 weeks to keep your kitten healthy, so be sure to schedule wellness visits with your veterinarian.
Care: Your kitten is still quite small, so you’ll want to watch where you walk and keep an eye on what your kitten is up to. Kittens can continue to be fed a species-appropriate diet, which may consist of wet food as well as dry food, or a combination of both.
Care:Considering your kitten's adventurous spirit, you’ll need to provide an environment for your kitten to play in that’s safe and appropriately suited for their needs.
Care:Socializing is still important. You can continue to slowly introduce your kitten to new people and other animals, but be mindful of their reactions and body language. There’s no need to force anything.
Now you know everything about how to tell your kitten's age and care for them every step of the way! You may also enjoy reading the ASPCA’s downloadable PDF titled, “How Old Is That Kitten?” that summarizes some of what we covered in this blog.
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According to Michael Arpino, DVM at the Veterinary Wellness Center of Boerum Hill, “most cats handle cold temperatures very well. Cats who are used to spending a lot of time outdoors know when it's time to come back in.” However, it is advised that you keep your cat indoors if extreme temperatures are expected in your area.
Most cat breeds can acclimate to cold temperatures fairly well, thanks to their coats of fur. However, this is only relevant when temperatures change gradually, as rapid temperature dips can be dangerous to your feline friend. With gradually changing weather, cats' fur coats respond and thicken to protect them from the approaching colder months; sudden changes in weather will not give cats this opportunity to prepare.
While temperatures outside your home tend to be much lower than inside, it is just as important to be aware of where your cat might be in your home during the colder seasons. Cats have a way of getting into places where they shouldn’t, and may find themselves in cold spaces where they have a harder time staying warm. This is certainly something to keep an eye out for, especially if you’re a pet parent of a cat with no hair or a thinner coat, or of a cat that is underweight. These factors can dramatically affect your cat’s ability to regulate its body temperature.
Hypothermia and frostbite are both real threats to your cat, so it is important that you can spot the signs that your feline pet is cold. Cats with low body temperatures can fall into a coma or even die if left untreated for too long. Below are some of the common signs your cat might display if they are cold:
At certain temperatures, all cats will get cold at some point, but certain factors can cause some cats to be more sensitive to cold temperatures. The first that will eventually affect all cats is their age. Senior cats are unable to regulate their temperature as well as they once could, so slight temperature changes could cause them to feel cold, possibly leading to hypothermia if it goes unchecked. Older cats are also likely to experience weight loss, which will adversely affect their ability to regulate body temperature and keep warm.
Breeds of cats that originated from cold climates, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Maine Coon, tend to have much thicker coats of fur to help them stay warm in cold temperatures, while those from warmer climates may not. Although cats' fur coats can thicken during the winter months, some breeds are unable to produce an adequate coat that will keep them warm even in milder temperatures.
The size and weight of a cat directly impacts their ability to regulate their temperature. Smaller cats are more sensitive to the cold, as they have less body fat to help them keep warm, while those with more body fat typically enjoy greater protection from the cold.
The final factor you should be aware of is an underlying medical condition that your cat may have. For example, hyperthyroidism in cats can lead to weight loss and various changes in their coats, which often leads to greater sensitivity to the cold.
As a general rule, it is advised that you make an extra effort to keep your cat inside when the outside temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). However, Patty Khuly, DVM states on PetMD that healthy cats are more than comfortable spending time in cold weather, even when the temperatures drop beneath 45°F. According to Dr. Khuly, it’s typically “only the sickest and most exposed cats are seriously at risk.”
Pet parents should be more cautious when the outside temperature dips below freezing (32°F). At this temperature, the potential for your kitty suffering from hypothermia and frostbite is greater, especially if your cat has any of the previously mentioned factors that can cause them to be more sensitive to the cold.
For some pet parents, the colder months can not be avoided depending on where you live. However, this does not mean that you have to spend the entire season worrying about your cat's health when it comes to the cold! Fortunately, there are a variety of easy things you can do to keep your cat warm and comfortable during the colder seasons.
A simple way to help protect your cat from the harsh temperatures is the same way we as humans would stay warm also, and that's by dressing up. Dressing your cat in a thermal coat or sweater adds an extra layer of protection that works alongside its fur coat. Although some cats may not be entirely happy with a sweater on, you can try positive reinforcement to encourage them—but don’t ever force it. Some cats will never like to be dressed up, and for others, it may take more time to adjust to a new layer on their body.
We all love getting into a cozy bed at night or whenever we fancy a quick nap, and your cat will appreciate it just as much in the winter months. Although a bed with thicker materials may cost a little more than the usual cat bed, it is a very efficient way of making sure your kitty stays toasty.
If your cat has a bed, simply elevating it off of the floor can help keep them away from cold drafts and raise the temperature surrounding the bed slightly. Since heat rises, placing your cat's bed on a table or chair will help keep them warmer.
Even if it is cold outside, placing your cat's favorite bed or place to rest in the sunshine is a simple and effective way to help your cat’s temperature stay regulated.
While providing your cat with a regular cozy bed can be very helpful, you can go the extra mile by purchasing a self-warming or heated bed. If you live in a particularly cold climate, a heated bed might be the best option for keeping your cat warm.
We all know that more layers provide better heat retention, with each layer providing a blanket of warm air. You can provide your cat with an extra layer by using a blanket to cover them when they are resting.
Some of us money-savers may be reluctant to turn the heating thermostat up a few notches, but your cat will certainly be grateful if you do!
The longer your cat spends outside in the cold temperatures, the lower their body temperature will drop and the longer it will take for them to warm up once inside. Limiting the time that your cat spends outside will help prevent them from losing too much body heat.
Engaging with your cat and encouraging them to play can help raise their temperature and keep them warm. A fun play session is beneficial to keeping your cat warm and active during the cold months when they have limited chances to get out and exercise, and it provides extra bonding time!
During the colder months, your cat’s body has to work much harder to regulate its temperatures, burning more calories. You can help provide the extra calories they are using to stay warm by feeding your cat a little more during the cold season—however, it is always best to discuss this with your veterinarian and still monitor your cat’s caloric intake.
After reading the provided information, you should know the signs of whether your cat is too cold and how you can help keep them warm and cozy in colder weather. Monitoring how your cat behaves and appears on a daily basis also helps you to better understand what changes you may need to make at home to keep them more comfortable, or when it may be time to schedule that regular wellness visit with your veterinarian—no matter the season!
Basepaws provides pet parents like you with information and resources so that your cats can live their happiest and healthiest lives. We hope that you found the topics discussed in this blog useful and feel better equipped to protect your cat from the cold!
A diverse selection of topics are discussed on the Basepaws platform, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how to best care for your cat. You can also join the Basepaws Cat Club on Facebook and connect with other cat parents and learn about fun and informative webinars and other events.
Basepaws is also here to help you get to know your cat better—both inside and out—with our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test and Oral Health Test for Cats, which give you a comprehensive overview of every aspect of your cat's health. By knowing what feline diseases your cat may be susceptible to, and how their oral health connects to their overall health, you can be proactive and support your cat’s well-being to help them live a better life, even longer!
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Nocturnal animals are typically awake and more active at night, while diurnal animals are like most humans—meaning that they are awake and more active during the day. Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are naturally more active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn.
Most cats sleep around 18 hours per day, spread out across “cat naps” throughout the day. However, our kitties are unique individuals, and can have very different sleeping habits.
Cats are often thought to be nocturnal animals because mice and other prey that piques their hunting interest tend to be more active at night. Our feline friends also have certain advantages when it comes to their ability to see at night, including the ability to detect movement and sense shapes and objects better than humans can in low light conditions.
You may think that your cat is more active at night, especially if you are away during the day for work or other activities. While they may engage in play while you are gone, it’s equally possible that they are sleeping more from a lack of adequate physical and mental stimulation. When you get home and are winding down from your day, your cat may seem more excitable (they’re happy you’re home!) because they’re ready to play and interact with you.
If a cat feels neglected for long periods of time, they will find other ways to make them feel better (even if that means waking you up at night). Giving them plenty of opportunities for play, even when you’re not at home, is key to meeting their needs for mental and physical stimulation. This can be achieved with cat trees or other features that allow them climbing and perching opportunities, puzzle toys and feeders that fulfill their natural instinct to hunt for prey, and interactive cat toys. You can also provide them with access to a safe outdoor space such as a catio, or even supervised walking time outdoors to help ensure that they have adequate stimulation throughout the day.
You can also start a routine of playing with your cat before you go to bed. In addition to bonding more with your cat, this can help tire them out and close out the day on a positive note in a way that meets their needs for physical, emotional, and mental stimulation.
Dr. Ernie Ward, Basepaws Veterinary Medical Lead and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), suggests that pet parents feed their cats smaller meals more frequently. This includes a later evening feeding for cats that wake you up in the wee hours of the night or early morning asking for more food. Dr. Ward calls this the “Midnight Weight Loss Snack”, which typically consists of a small portion of a high-protein food or treat option. To keep your cat feeling more satiated throughout the day, he suggests dividing the total daily food volume or calories your cat needs into four to six smaller meals.
However, this method may not be appropriate for all cats (e.g., a diabetic cat with strict dietary and insulin needs). It also does not mean that you should feed your cat extra food simply because they ask you to in the middle of the night—there could be other health factors at play and it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you are feeding your cat the appropriate amount of food, yet they still exhibit hunger.
If you have tried these suggestions and still have a cat that keeps you up all night, you should schedule a wellness visit with your veterinarian. Punishing your cat for waking you up at night will not be beneficial for either of you, as there may be something else going on. It's better to have a veterinarian evaluate their health and to come up with positive reinforcement solutions.Your veterinarian can provide insight into what may be going on with your cat and help you to take steps to support them. Oftentimes, all that's required is a bit of adjustment to at-home routines and environments, in addition to a lot of love!
Cats are crepuscular animals that have retained the instinct to hunt during the hours of dusk and dawn. However, cats may seem nocturnal if they don’t have enough opportunities for play and stimulation throughout the day. If you are still having trouble with your cat’s nighttime activities after trying some of the above tips, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. You may also want to consider reaching out to a certified cat behaviorist for additional support.
Considering that cats are more active at night, we might jump to the conclusion that they have great night vision. While we wouldn’t be completely wrong, it turns out that cats have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to their ability to see in the dark. Another interesting fact is that cats aren’t actually nocturnal—they’re crepuscular, which means that they are more active during the dimmer, changing twilight hours of dawn and dusk. What exactly do we know about cats, their eyes, and night vision? Keep reading to find out more about this fascinating feline topic!
Cats’ eyes function in a way that’s similar to our own, but their eyes have certain structural differences that make them see the world differently than we do.
At night, when it’s particularly dark, the cornea, retina, iris, pupil, and lens of your cat’s eyes work together to help them during their hunting expeditions.
In the front of a cat’s eye is the cornea, which serves as the first barrier of protection for the eye. It also allows light into the eye and focuses it onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina contains cells that detect light called photoreceptors.
The iris, or colorful part of the eye, is responsible for controlling the amount of light entering from the cornea. This is because it controls the expansion and shrinkage of the pupil, which is the black circular at the center of a cat’s eye. In low light settings, the pupil will enlarge to allow more light in, and in brighter light the pupil becomes smaller to reduce the amount of light entering the eye.
The lens can be found behind the iris, and it also has a role in focusing light onto the retina. The lens also contains small ciliary muscles that contract and relax (just like all muscles do). When contracted, the lens thickens and helps cats focus on objects that are closer. When relaxed, the lens becomes thinner, which helps cats focus on objects that are farther away.
The retina holds the key to one of the biggest differences between cat and human eyesight. There are two main photoreceptor cells in the retina: rod cells and cone cells.
With more rod cells, cats can detect and follow movement more easily than humans can in low light conditions. The cone cells in cats’ eyes help them to assess speed and distance. As you can imagine, the functions of both the rod and cone cells in cats’ eyes are very useful for kitties who are on the prowl for rodents and other creatures that may be scurrying around at night!
What else do we know about cats' eyesight and how it differs from our own? Cats have better peripheral vision than humans, in addition to an overall wider field of vision (around 200 degrees) in comparison to the typical 180 degree field that humans have. These features give cats the ability to see more of what's around them, both during the day and night.
While cats can be nearsighted, it's not something that can be attributed to all cats (as is the case for humans). Nearsightedness occurs due to a refractive error where light coming into the eye focuses on the front of the retina (as opposed to behind the retina with farsightedness), resulting in blurry vision.
Nearsightedness is often confused with the function of rod and cone cells in a cat's eye and how this relates to cats seeing objects with lower resolution/detail than humans in many cases during both day and night.
When we look back at the image above that details the structure of a cat's eye, we can see that near the retina at the back of the eye is something called the tapetum lucidum. This structure catches light that may have passed between the rod and cone photoreceptors and is not absorbed by the retina, and reflects this light back to them to provide another chance for supporting their vision in the dark. Inevitably, some of this light is still not picked up by the photoreceptors and that light escapes and reflects back out from the eye, which accounts for the infamous shine that we see when looking at a cat's eyes in the dark. The tapetum lucidum provides greater light sensitivity, and it is estimated that this structure allows a cat to see six to eight times better than we can in the dark.
Currently, there isn’t strong evidence that some cat breeds see better in the dark than others. However, there is research on eye problems to which some cat breeds are more prone, which could affect a cat’s ability to see in daylight or darkness. For example, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an eye disorder that causes retinal degeneration. There are different forms of this condition—early onset, which is an inherited disorder also known as retinal dysplasia, and late onset PRA. While their timeline of progression differs, these conditions typically affect both rod and cone cell function, leading to progressive vision loss and ultimately blindness. Research shows that the Abyssinian, Persian and Persian-derived breeds, such as the Himalayan, are at a higher risk for the inherited form of PRA.
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]]>Feline distemper (feline panleukopenia) affects cells in your cat’s body that grow and divide very quickly. These types of cells can be found in many places, including bone marrow, the intestinal tract, skin, and the stem cells of a developing fetus. Also called feline parvo, this disease can cause a lot of challenges to an infected cat's health.
According to PetMD, the feline parvovirus that causes distemper suppresses the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. This weakens your cat’s immune system, making it a struggle to fight off infections and increasing their susceptibility to other invading viruses. The ability of feline parvovirus to compromise the immune system can lead to secondary bacterial infections and even anemia in cats.
Feline distemper (feline panleukopenia) is everywhere, throughout the United States and across the globe. Your cat can become exposed when they come into contact with other cats’ bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and nasal discharge, but the most common exposure is through contact with feces. It is important to note that once the virus spreads in the environment, it can live for years as the feline parvovirus that causes distemper is very robust. This is another reason why this virus is so contagious.
The virus is commonly found in an infected cat’s bedding, food, water bowls, on their paws, in their litter boxes, and even hitch a ride from the outside on the bottom of our own shoes if we bring them into the home. It can be picked up quickly by a cat—whether through direct contact with an infected cat, or indirectly from the environment. Feline parvovirus can withstand cold temperatures and is even resistant to iodine and alcohol.
Kittens and unvaccinated cats are at the highest risk for contracting feline distemper (feline panleukopenia), which can be deadly if not diagnosed by a veterinarian and treated early. Unfortunately, feline distemper is considered the most fatal cat disease in unvaccinated cats. Cats with decreased immune systems, kittens, and pregnant cats are also at higher risk of developing more complicated symptoms associated with distemper.
The most common symptoms of feline distemper (feline panleukopenia) include:
Currently, there is no way to completely cure feline distemper (feline panleukopenia). This is why early vaccination is very important to prevent your cat from getting distemper in the first place. However, an infected cat can survive and develop lifelong immunity if treated very early in the initial stages of infection and they also respond well to veterinarian-prescribed therapies. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a good prognosis decreases for cats with underlying conditions, such as:
Distemper in cats can also lead to secondary issues. For example, if a cat’s intestinal tract is infected, they can become severely dehydrated from resulting diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Severe dehydration can cause the safety barrier between the intestines and body to deteriorate, leaving the cat susceptible to secondary bacterial infections and other complications that can be fatal. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is critical to supporting a cat with feline distemper.
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, which will likely include a blood panel and other lab work. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating an infected cat. Most cats, especially if they are severely dehydrated, will most likely have to stay in a veterinary hospital for monitoring and care during the critical early stages of infection.
Home care will consist of ongoing support for your beloved furry baby as recommended by your veterinarian. You may be sent home with prescribed medications, and it is important to keep both you and your cat safe by following the instructions closely. Also remember that your cat has to be quarantined from the other animals in your home. Always protect yourself and other pets by washing your hands and taking other precautionary measures as indicated by your vet.
Rest should be one of your main focuses while your furry friend is recovering. Their body has been fighting a good battle against feline distemper (feline panleukopenia) and needs time to replenish. Make sure they have a comfortable place to rest, eat well, and drink plenty of fluids. Remember that the virus can remain on surfaces or objects for a long time. So, if any food bowls, rest beds, or similar items came into contact with a cat infected with distemper, it may be best to discard and replace those items once they have recovered. Otherwise, you can try to thoroughly disinfect the items with products recommended by your veterinarian. Washing your hands is always recommended before and after you interact with your kitty to avoid spreading the virus. Don’t forget to be extra attentive to your cat during their time of recovery, but also keep them in a safe and quiet place away from things that may overly stimulate, such as children or other pets, during their recovery period.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends the vaccine for feline distemper (feline panleukopenia/FPV), as part of the core vaccines for cats. Consult your vet to discuss a vaccination plan, especially if you are unsure of your cat’s vaccination history.
Even if your cat has been vaccinated against feline distemper (feline panleukopenia), it is important to avoid exposure to animals suspected of infection. As mentioned, make sure that the environment in which they sleep and play gets cleaned regularly and that they are separated from any other exposed pets in your home. If you have to interact with an infected animal such as another cat in your home, be sure to wear protective disposable medical gloves and wash your hands after every interaction.
Feline distemper feline distemper (feline panleukopenia) is highly contagious and can be life-threatening, but you can help protect your cat from this disease by ensuring that they are fully vaccinated and by staying up to date on all vaccinations. Be sure to schedule regular wellness checkups with your veterinarian and, if you ever notice signs of distemper in your cat, call your vet immediately. Learn more about viruses in general, including other common viruses in cats, so that you can stay on top of your cat’s health and cuddle with them for many years to come.
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]]>The snake plant is also known as Golden Bird's Nest, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, and the Good Luck Plant. All parts of the plant contain saponin, a toxin that is harmful to cats and can cause illness. Cats most frequently ingest this toxin by chewing on the leaves. While mild reactions are more typical, your cat can experience a range of uncomfortable side effects after ingesting saponin.
Most cats recover well from saponin toxicity, but it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and find out if your cat needs to be seen. The Pet Poison Helpline is another helpful resource, especially when it’s after hours or if you’re unable to reach your veterinarian right away.
How can you tell if your cat has been poisoned by a snake plant? The most common symptoms of snake plant poisoning are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other clinical signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen mouth or throat, drooling, and abdominal pain or other signs of gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms may vary in severity depending on the cat.
Treatment of snake plant toxicity can vary from one cat to the next. Your veterinarian is the expert in this situation and will evaluate your cat’s specific needs.
Some treatment approaches may include supportive care to manage your cat’s symptoms, such as intravenous fluids for treating dehydration or anti-nausea medication to help with any gastrointestinal upset. A veterinarian may also prescribe pain medications for a cat if needed.
Monitoring of your cat’s symptoms and reaction to any prescribed medications is always important after you return from the veterinarian. The amount of care your cat needs and for how long will depend on the symptoms they experienced after eating the snake plant and your veterinarian’s recommendations. Of course, your cat will also appreciate lots of extra care and love (but you already knew that)!
If your cat has experienced snake plant poisoning, you’ll naturally want to prevent it from happening again. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to keep your cat safe and avoid exposing them to toxins from a snake plant.
By simply removing the plant from your home, you also remove the threat of snake plant poisoning. A snake plant is quite an attractive plant, so it could make a perfect gift for a friend that doesn’t have pets. This will ensure that your cat doesn’t have another opportunity to make the mistake of eating or chewing on a snake plant’s leaves in the future.
Cats love to explore, and that includes exploring new tastes and textures that plants often provide. You can easily grow safe, indoor cat grass gardens to satisfy your kitty’s taste for chewing on green things. There are different scientific theories about why cats eat grass, and the question remains open to debate.
Catnip toys are also a good option to provide your cat with something to chew, as well as to keep them entertained and encourage exercise. Cats can bore easily, which is another reason that they may chew on inappropriate objects, so providing them with a stimulating environment and different opportunities for play are both approaches to consider.
Aloe vera, or true aloe, is a well known plant that is unfortunately toxic to cats. Gel from the inside of the plant’s leaves is a product commonly found in most households to treat scraps, sunburn, and other minor skin irritations.
The true aloe contains saponins, just like the snake plant. It also contains chemical compounds, called anthraquinones, that are produced by a variety of other plants. These compounds affect your cat’s digestive system and, along with saponins, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other signs of gastrointestinal distress. Other aloe poisoning symptoms include oral irritation, urine that has turned red in color, depression, lethargy, and tremors (though this last symptom is rare). If your cat has ingested parts of an aloe plant, it is important to get your cat veterinary care as soon as possible so that your vet can properly examine and treat your cat.
Although the jade plant (Crassula argentea) originates from South Africa, it can be found in households all over the world because of its hardy reputation. Other names include Jade tree, Dwarf rubber plant, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant, and Baby Jade. Unfortunately, we don’t know what specific parts of the plant poisons cats, so the entire plant should be off-limits to and keep away from curious felines.
Signs of jade plant poisoning can be sudden and intense. Vomiting may occur in as little as 20 minutes from the time a cat ingests a part of the plant. Typically, what follows is a sudden change in a cats’ behavior. While vomiting and depression are the most common symptoms of jade poisoning, your cat may also experience other serious side effects such as loss of muscle function and a slow heart rate. Get your cat to your veterinarian immediately following any suspicion that they’ve ingested parts of a jade plant.
The Mother-in-Law plant (Monstera deliciosa) is another popular household plant known to be toxic to cats. The plant contains calcium oxalates, which can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive system and create a lot of discomfort.
Typical signs of poisoning from the Mother-in-Law plant are difficulty swallowing and irritation of your cat’s mouth, tongue, and esophagus. Your cat may also present with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be very serious and as in all situations where you think that your cat has ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum), also known as the Mauna Loa Peace Lily, is toxic to cats. Like the Mother-in-Law plant, it contains calcium oxalates that are not digestible and cause gastrointestinal distress when cats ingest them. The leaves, flowers, and stem of the peace lily plant contain calcium oxalate crystals.
Symptoms of poisoning include excessive drooling, vomiting, oral irritation and pawing at the mouth, and decreased appetite and/or lethargy. As a member of the Araceae family, peace lilies are indeed toxic to cats, but they are less so than many other lilies, such as the Stargazer Lily, Daylily, or the Easter lily that are among the ones listed in this ASPCA blog titled, “Which Lilies Are Toxic To Pets?” Most lilies are extremely toxic to cats—even the pollen from an Easter lily that is licked off the coat of a cat can cause kidney failure and/or lead to death.
Due to the highly toxic nature of lilies, you should always get your cat immediate veterinary care if you suspect that they have ingested any part of a lily plant.
The pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) belongs to the Araceae plant family. It is also known as Devil’s Ivy, Taro Vine, and Ivy Arum. Like the peace lily and the Mother-in-Law, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Cats can’t digest these crystals, and they typically cause irritation and burning sensations around their mouths, which is one way to know whether they’ve had a taste of the Pothos plant.
Some of the other symptoms your cat could have after nibbling on a pothos plant include swollen tongue and lips, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Calling your vet for advice should your cat ingest the pothos plant is always important, and you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline or contact Animal Poison Control when you can’t reach your veterinarian.
The image below displays some of the plants we've discussed in this post that are toxic to cats, along with a few others. The ASPCA provides a more comprehensive list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to pets.
You now know more about snake plants and other toxic plants common to many households, why they are toxic to cats, and signs of toxicity in cats.
We hope that you found this information helpful and that you feel better knowing how to support your cat if you think that they may have ingested parts of a snake plant or other common household plant known to be toxic to your favorite feline.
Yes, snake plants are toxic to cats. If your cat has ingested a piece of snake plant, contact your veterinarian right away. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 or Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.
Snake plants are toxic to cats because all of their parts contain a toxin called saponin.
Your cat may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, excessive drooling, swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue, and/or diarrhea. The symptoms can vary in severity depending on the cat.
The best way is to remove the plant from your home and give it to a non-pet household. Providing your cat with plenty of other things to chew on such as safe cat grasses and toys will redirect their attention away from chewing on things they shouldn’t.
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The word epistasis is composed of the prefix “epi-”, which is a Greek root that means “upon”, and “sta-”, a root meaning “to stand, or set down”. In genetics, we use the word epistasis to describe an interaction where the expression of one gene gets modified in some way, because one gene (or multiple genes) have the ability to “stand upon”, mask, suppress, or otherwise inhibit that expression.
Some examples of epistasis in cat coat genetics include genes that are involved in the pigmentation of coats. There are many such genes responsible for the phenotypes that we see in our favorite felines, such as their unique coat colors and patterns.
First, let’s review a bit of helpful genetics background about genes, alleles, and a common type of inheritance. Second, we’ll describe two genes that contribute to different phenotypes associated with feline coat colors and patterns, and finally, we’ll discuss the epistatic interaction that can occur between these two particular genes.
Your cat’s genome (the entire genetic material present in a cell) is the complete set of genetic instructions needed for their growth and development. As segments of DNA located along your kitty’s chromosomes, genes are the basic units of inheritance they received from their biological parents. Some genes code for proteins, which play an important role in every function of the body and directly relate to your cat’s unique physical and biological traits.
Every cat has only two alleles for each gene they inherit. However, in the larger population, multiple alleles can exist for the same gene. This is because DNA segments within genes can have slight variations. These variations occur in the four bases that make up DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
Variations contribute to the many unique genotypes, or collections of different genes and alleles, that exist in a population and pass along to individual cats. Genotypes contribute to equally unique phenotypes, including the beautiful array of coat colors and patterns that kitties can have.
Different types of inheritance affect the relationship between alleles, and this relationship contributes to a cat’s genotype (and, by extension, phenotype). While there are a few different types of inheritance, complete dominance will help frame our discussion and initial exploration of epistasis.
Now, let’s learn more about two genes that contribute to different phenotypes associated with feline coat colors and patterns.
The Agouti (A) Gene
The agouti (A) gene, also known as the agouti signaling protein gene, controls the amount and distribution of a black to brown pigment called eumelanin, and of a red to yellow pigment called phaeomelanin. It does this by interacting with the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, and this results in a process of switching between black/brown and reddish/yellow as the hair shaft grows. This “on/off” switching process creates a pattern of banding, called agouti banding, on a cat’s individual hairs as seen in the closeup image of the cat coat below.
The dominant allele for the agouti (A) gene happens to also be written as a capital “A”. The recessive allele is written as a lowercase “a”. Table 1 below shows the different allele combinations associated with the possible genotypes for the agouti (A) gene that contribute to a cat’s phenotype (in this case, coat appearance):
Table 1. Allele combinations and possible genotypes for the agouti (A) gene
In the first two rows of the table, we see complete dominance at work. Whether a cat inherits the same two dominant gene alleles from each parent (A/A) or only inherits one dominant allele and one recessive allele (A/a or a/A) from each parent, it results in the cat having agouti-banded hair that has black/brown dark bands.
In the last row of the chart, when a cat inherits two recessive alleles (a/a), one from each parent, it results in a mutation that produces pigment throughout every strand of the cat’s fur. Evenly distributed pigment means that the cat will have a solid-colored coat. Sometimes, a faint agouti banding may be there such as in the cat displayed below, but overall, the cat looks like it has a solid-colored coat.
The Orange/Red (O) Gene
Phaeomelanin is a red to yellow pigment in the coats of cats and other mammals. The gene that codes for phaeomelanin is the orange/red (O) gene. Like the agouti gene, it has two alleles: the dominant (O) orange/red allele and the recessive (o) non-orange/red allele.
However, this gene has a different type of inheritance called “codominance”. With this type of inheritance, two alleles of the same gene can be expressed together to yield different phenotypes. In other words, instead of one trait being completely dominant over the other, it is possible to have both traits appear (i.e., orange/red pigment is expressed, as is the non-orange pigment, which would be black/brown).
The orange/red gene happens to be carried on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes and will therefore carry two alleles of the orange/red gene. Below is a breakdown of all possible coat variations depending on what alleles a female cat carries (barring any epistatic interactions):
Males normally have one X and one Y chromosome; since they have only one X chromosome, they can only carry one allele of the orange/red gene—either the dominant O allele or the recessive o allele—so the genotype variations are limited. Since this makes it impossible to have the heterozygous (O/o) genotype, tortoiseshell cats are almost never male.
We can finally put everything together and talk about epistasis as it relates to the orange/red (O) gene and the agouti (A) gene!
Let’s say that you get a “likely to have” result for solid or black coat coloration in the genetic traits section of your Basepaws report, but your cat doesn’t display either of these phenotypes. On the contrary, your kitty happens to have an orange tabby coat!
This is a case of epistasis, where the observable expression (phenotype) of the agouti (A) gene is being modified by the orange/red (O) gene.
The orange/red (O) gene is able to control a process that is not yet fully understood in genetics. This process results in epistasis—the “standing upon” or suppression of black/brown eumelanin in favor of orange/red pheomelanin.
While the homozygous recessive (o/o) genotype allows for the full expression of eumelanin in the agouti (A) gene, any genotype that includes a dominant O allele results in epistasis and masks the expression of eumelanin in the A gene. Table 2 below helps to illustrate:
Table 2. Adapted from Figure 1A in Schmidt-Küntzel et al. (2009).
This illustration of epistatic interaction between the orange/red (O) gene and the agouti (A) gene is but one known reason why you may get a “likely to have” result for black or solid-colored coat in the genetic traits section of your Basepaws report, but the result doesn’t match up with your cat’s phenotype. In summary, this result means that your cat tested positive for the mutation associated with the a/a recessive genotype, but either the epistatic effect of the O gene or multiple other mutations in other genes may be interacting with each other in a variety of ways that are yet to be discovered.
The possible combinations of mutations have the potential to produce phenotypes that are quite different from the conventional terms currently used in feline coat genetics, such as “black coat”. If we go back to our “genes and alleles” section of this post, we remember that variations contribute to the many genotypes, or collections of different genes and alleles, that exist in a population and pass along to individual cats. Genotypes contribute to equally unique phenotypes—including the beautiful array of coat colors, patterns, and lengths that kitties can have—and to further complicate matters, phenotype is also influenced by different environmental (aka non-genetic) factors!
Scientists are still learning about the many genes and gene interactions that contribute to different phenotypes, or observable traits, seen in the coats of our favorite felines. The orange/red gene and the agouti gene are but two of many examples about which we still have much to learn.
For example, you may be wondering why we don’t test for the orange/red gene in the Basepaws Cat DNA Test. While we do know about the existence of this gene and that it is responsible for an epistatic effect on the expression of the agouti gene, scientists have yet to determine its exact location on the feline genome.
As part of the Basepaws community, you’re contributing to science that helps us unlock these and other mysteries of the feline genome so that we can learn more about what, genetically speaking, makes a cat a cat! Cat coat genetics is a fascinating subject, and we’ll continue to share more insights based on the latest scientific discoveries about the feline genome!
Want to learn more about your own kitty’s unique traits? A Basepaws Cat DNA Test will help you know them even better, both inside and out!
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For the normal function of your kitty’s heart, their heart muscle must be able to relax and contract properly. An important protein that helps coordinate their heart muscle contraction is called cardiac troponin T. There’s a gene that provides the instructions needed to make cardiac troponin T—in both cats and in humans—and it’s called TNNT2.
Genes can have variants, which are permanent changes in their DNA sequence.
New research findings can either reinforce an existing body of knowledge on a genetic marker’s link to a disease, or uncover new evidence suggesting that the suspected link may not exist or not be as clear-cut as originally thought.
The field of genetics (like many other scientific fields) is always evolving. Basepaws reviews new research on the genetic health and trait markers for which we screen in our Cat DNA Test and evaluates it against the known body of knowledge. We then score the strength of the available research on each marker’s connection to disease within our five-star scientific evidence grading system.
Basepaws works on the cutting edge of science, but reporting on “hot off the press” findings before they have been confirmed by additional studies comes with an inherent risk.
As a result, Basepaws is no longer providing results for this TNNT2 variant in our Cat DNA Test digital report.
This also means that if you are a pet parent whose cat was previously identified as having 2 copies of the TNNT2 mutation in their report, you can breathe easier with this new evidence on TNNT2 and feline HCM risk. As always, Basepaws recommends sharing your report with your veterinarian and collaborating with them on a proactive approach to your cat’s health that meets their unique needs. Sharing your report is a simple click away from within your Basepaws customer account!
The Siamese colorpoint coat pattern trait occurs most frequently in Siamese, Birman, and Himalayan cats.
The Basepaws report provides results on three different variants in the TYR gene that are associated with the Siamese colorpoint coat pattern.
There is still a lot to learn about cat coat genetics, so it is possible for a cat to have such a result, yet not display the colorpoint trait, because another genetic variant could be “masking” the phenotype (aka expression) of the trait. However, in similar fashion to our frequent review of new scientific evidence, we chose to investigate the new evidence that was being reported by our customers.
One loyal Basepaws customer in particular, Charles Warden, helped us with our investigation since his cat, named Bastu, was one of these cases. We found out what was going on and promptly made an adjustment in our reporting process. We checked this adjustment in new reports with Charles and other customers, and no more false “likely to have” results are occurring for the Siamese coat colorpoint pattern. Thank you Charles and Bastu!
If your cat previously had results for the TNNT2 gene variant, you will no longer see these in your next report version. The removal of TNNT2 from our reporting also changes the total number of genetic markers for which we screen. We now present your cat’s results for 64 (previously 65) markers associated with genetic health conditions like HCM. Since we still screen for 50 markers linked to traits such as the Siamese colorpoint coat pattern, this brings the new total of genetic markers included in our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test to 114 (previously 115).
For the Siamese colorpoint coat, the adjustment that we made simply means that there will be no more false “likely to have” results for this trait. New report versions will reflect this change for any Basepaws customers (and their kitties!) to whom this applies.
In conclusion, we’d like to leave you with a picture of Charles’s cat Bastu! Isn’t she lovely?
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