Teacup Kittens - The World's Smallest Kitten

Not all cats advertised as miniature are teacup kittens. Be aware that the standard size female cat will weight about 11 to 14 pounds. The standard size male cat will weight about 12 to 17 pounds. A teacup size female cat will weight about 3 to 6.5 pounds and the teacup size male will weight about 3 to 7.5 pounds. This is a good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind when shopping for a teacup. Some unscrupulous breeders will try to sell you a cat under ten pounds as a teacup when that weight falls within the normal weight range for a standard cat. When shopping for a teacup do not be fooled by a breeder that will try to sell you a runt or tell you that any cat less than ten pounds is a miniature.

Teacup kittens come in a variety of breeds. These cats are bred to be small by inbreeding. The smallest cat of one breed is mated with the smallest cat of another breed progressively in each generation and with each mating a miniature or teacup cat is born. The result of this type of breeding results in dwarfism. There are two forms of dwarfism where teacups and other miniature animals are concerned and they are achondroplastic where the dominant gene will, through mutation, affect the hormones that control bone growth, and the primordial which occurs naturally. At this point let's cover the most common breeds of miniature (teacup) cats.

CAT BREEDERS

The most popular of the teacup kittens is the combination of Persian and Exotic. The MiniPer, a combination of Persians and Exotics was developed in California by Cher Simmitt. The MiniPers are primordial dwarves and their bodies are proportionate in every way except that they are smaller than the standard Persian and Exotic. The MiniPaws are a hybrid and carry the genes of both the achondroplastic and primordial dwarfism. They are small in proportion and have shortened legs thus, causing the legs to be somewhat deformed. They are a good example of the mutation of the dominant gene and its affect on the hormones that control bone growth. .

The Napoleon was developed intentionally by mating a Munchkin with a Persian. They have long coats and beautiful big eyes much like the Persian. The Napoleon is the newest of the teacup breeds.

The Lambkin was developed by cross breeding a Munchkin with a Selkirk Rex. They are called Lambkin because of their soft curly coats that resemble the coat of a lamb. Most of the miniature or teacup kittens are cross breeds of Persians and Exotics and are the most popular and sought after of all of the miniature breeds.

Many people want the teacups because they're cute and resemble kittens. They are easy to hold and carry and most of them are lap cats. However, be forewarned, they may be kittens when you buy them but like all other cats they grow up and lose their kittenish ways. They are after all, cats and cats do not stay kittens forever.

Teacup Kittens - The World's Smallest Kitten

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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CAT BREEDERS

No More Stillborn Kittens - Know How To Care For A Pregnant Cat

'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My pregnant cat has a bloody vaginal discharge.' 'I had a litter of five, but only one kitten survived.'

These are only a few of the horror stories I received the past weeks. Cat lovers that had hoped for a healthy litter, suddenly found themselves with stillborn kittens or an ill mother cat.

CAT BREEDERS

There's a lot that can go wrong when cats are pregnant or give birth, even when most cats deliver without major problems.

Among the dozens of possible complications are infections in the womb, death of the fetuses, spontaneous abortion, development of fetuses outside the womb, suffocation of a kitten right after birth, kittens that get stuck in the birth canal ... it's a long list.

For experienced breeders and specialized vets it's easy to recognize such problems. But things are different for a regular pet lover. Many female cats have only one litter during their life.

Some people rush off to the vet when their pregnant cat is only a little tired of walking around. Others wait too long because they are unaware of the discharge from their cat's vagina. Or they don't know how to cut an umbilical cord without causing a heavy bleeding.

Where it all comes down to, is this: if you know how to recognize complications, you can do a lot to prevent the worst. Seeing a vet might not even be necessary then - which is not only good news for your cat, but also for your budget.

And if you have the right skills, you can save a kitten's life when something goes wrong during birth. Yes, even you can obtain these skills!

Time is of the essence with most medical issues. But when you have a pregnant pet, educating yourself is just as important.

Spend time on reading about pregnancy in cats. Talk with a professional breeder. Ask your vet for advice once you realize your cat is pregnant.

Don't sit back and think all goes well. With a little time and effort, you can save yourself and your cat a devastating experience.

No More Stillborn Kittens - Know How To Care For A Pregnant Cat

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Journalist and long-time cat lover Marc de Jong is the author of How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat, a unique ebook that tells you all about pregnant cats, birth and raising kittens. Read more here: http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com

CAT BREEDERS

Teacup Kittens - 4 Places to Find the Perfect Ones

Teacup kittens are considered to be very cute and adorable since these cats grow up to a maximum height of 9 inches. If you are a prospective owner of a teacup kitten then chances are you would like to know where you can find a healthy teacup kitten. The following paragraphs will help you understand which places to look at and which places to avoid while searching for teacup cats or kittens.

Breeders

CAT BREEDERS

Prospective owners are encouraged to consider buying teacup kittens form reputable breeders since reputable breeders offer healthy animals with a good lineage. The main advantage of buying these animals from a reputable breeder is that you will get what you paid for and you won't be handed a stunted house cat that has been labelled as a teacup kitten. New owners should remember that many unscrupulous sellers often sell stunted house cats to new owners by labelling them as teacup cats hence it is always better to pay a little extra and get a cat with a certificate. Usually reputable breeders sell animals along with a health certificate that has information about the various vaccination shots the animal has been given.

Rescue Centers

There are many rescue centers that help unwanted animals get loving forever homes. These rescue centers take care of unwanted animals and ensure that these animals get a family that wants them. While some rescue centers and animal welfare centers charge a small fee for re-homing animals, other shelters do not charge this fee. Remember all prospective owners may have to undergo a brief interview before they are allowed to take their new pet home. Prospective owners can also look for teacup kittens by viewing the ads in newspapers. There are many families who cannot continue to keep a pet due to personal reasons and at such times these families search for someone to take care of their beloved pet. Remember to avoid ads that state that they only want money and they need the pet gone away as soon as possible. People who post such ads usually neglect their pets and as a result the pets become unruly and difficult to tame.

Pet Stores and Back Yard Breeders

Most people who want to buy pets often go to these 2 places without realizing that backyard breeders and pet stores do not care much about their animals. This statement is true for most of the backyard breeders and pet stores around the world but there are a few exceptions who take care of their animals and ensure that only animals would a good lineage are bred. If you want to buy a teacup kitten that will live a long life then remember to go to a pet store or backyard breeder who can give you a brief background about the selected animal. Remember to stay away from people who do not know much about the animal and people who seem uncomfortable to handle their animals. Healthy teacup kittens are alert, inquisitive and have clean ears, eyes and a soft nose.

Teacup Kittens - 4 Places to Find the Perfect Ones

Learn more about teacup kittens by visiting http://www.teacup-kittens.com

CAT BREEDERS

Savannah Breeders and Savannah Kittens - The Exotically Good Looking Cats

What is a Savannah cat?

A Savannah Cat is the crossing of an African Serval to a domestic cat. This cross made for a very large cat that looked wild but acted domestic. The first cross of a Serval to a domestic cat was an accidental breeding by Judy Frank in 1986. At first the word spread slowly then in the mid 90's Joyce Sroufe heard of this cross and started her own breeding program. The rest as we say is "history". The Savannah breed was born.

SAVANNAH CAT BREEDERS

Since their inception the Savannah Cat has grown exponentially. In 1997 a breed standard was created by Joyce Sroufe and submitted to TICA (the international cat association) and was accepted.

Savannahs are known for their long slender bodies, big ears, long legs and their spots. The Savannah cat is one of the newest and most exciting breeds of cats currently being developed by a select few breeders around the world. There are still relatively few Savannahs in existence, and the demand for them is quite high.

How to choose a Savannah Breeder?

Choosing a Savannah Cat Breeder does not have to be difficult. Search the internet for a savannah breeder and email them if they have a kitten you like. It is best to locate a savannah cat breeder in your area but that may not be possible. You may need to ship a kitten to you.

Be sure to ask lots of questions. A good savannah breeder will be happy to answer as many questions as you have. If you can, go visit the cattery. Is it clean or have an odor? Do the cats look healthy? Are all the cats and savannah kittens friendly? Is the breeder friendly? These are all important clues.

If you can only talk on the phone make sure you ask many questions and listen for inconsistencies in the answers. Ask for lots of pictures and not only look at the cute kitten but look at other things. Does the house look clean in the background? Does the kitten have runny eyes or nose? Do the ears look dirty? There are lots of clues in pictures if you just look.

What are Savannah Cat Personalities like?

Savannah Cats have very loving and outgoing personalities and are commonly compared to dogs in their loyalty. While being very cat like for obvious reasons, savannahs also like to play in water, play fetch, walk on a leash and will follow you around the house like a dog. They are also very active cats with an incredible jumping ability. It is not uncommon to find them in places a cat cannot normally get to.

How big do Savannahs get?

All Foundation Savannahs have the letter "F" and a number associated with it to indicate how many generations it is from its Serval ancestor.

F1 = first generation (~50% Serval)

F2 = second generation (~25% Serval)

F3 = third generation (~12.5% Serval) etc.

There are a lot of variables when it comes to size in Savannah Cats. The size depends much on the size and type of their parents and also of the percentage of wild blood they have from their Serval ancestry. With each generation the size will also decrease but most males will be larger than most domestic cats. The female however can be small and will be the same size as a domestic cat but with a much larger personality. If you absolutely must have a large cat you should choose an F1 or F2 male for sure. After that there are no guarantees that any savannah will be a large cat.

Are Savannah Cats good with kids and other pets?

Absolutely! When Savannah Kittens are raised in a home with well-behaved children and pets, a Savannah kitten will thrive and are often found seen sleeping with both kids and other animals.

Diet & Health Care

Savannahs do very well on a high quality dry cat food supplemented with canned wet food and some raw (or cooked) meat.

Please try to stay away from grocery store brand dry cat foods as they are all mostly fillers and very low quality.

Savannah Breeders give the same vaccinations and veterinarian health care as domestic cats. I prefer to use "all killed" versus a "modified live" vaccination with my cats.

Of course, all of our kittens are fully litter box trained and properly vaccinated before they go to their new owners.

How Much Does A Savannah Cost?

The price of a Savannah will vary depending on the quality of the individual cat. Our Savannahs will be individually priced based on gender, fertility, generation and type. Their cost will be noted with their pictures.

Higher percentage Savannahs (F1's and F2's) are rare and very difficult to breed. It takes many years and a lot of luck to mate a Serval with a domestic cat. Only a few breeders worldwide have had success.

Servals are wild cats with special needs in terms of their caging requirements, their diet and their health care. Caring for pure Servals and mating them to domestic cats is costly, time consuming and demanding.

Following are average price ranges for PET kittens, breeders are priced higher:

F1's will range from 00 to 00

F2's will range from 00 - 00

F3's will range from 00 - 00

F4's will range from 00 - 00

F5's will range from 00 - 00

SBT's will range from 00 -50

Author: Gary Fulgham

Savannah Breeders and Savannah Kittens - The Exotically Good Looking Cats

Jungletouch Savannahs has savannah kittens for sale. As a Savannah Breeder I pride myself on top quality well socialized kittens. I have been raising and breeding Savannah cats for 16 years and I am one of the longest standing savannah cat breeders around today. Here at our facility we breed F2 thru F6 savannah kittens. All kittens are raised indoors and underfoot. All kittens are fully vaccinated, wormed, check by a vet and come with a contract before leaving out facility.

SAVANNAH CAT BREEDERS

How to Cure a Kitten's Biting and Aggressive Attacking

Each cat has boundaries from what they will put up with just before getting hostile. Actually a fairly sweet, gentle tempered cat may become hostile under particular conditions. A kitten that's coached that aggression regarding the kitten's owner just isn't allowed is prone to respect that boundary in the course of its life than the usual cat that's left in making its own behavior. In picking a kitten, the potential cat owner might check the kitten's tolerance as well as aggression simply by petting a kitten's stomach.

To begin with you have to differentiate between playful biting and extreme aggressiveness. If the cat is very young and basically just figuring out how to get friendly, it's feasible that the biting stage is associated with its development. In the event you think this isn't a passing phase and the kitten biting is a part of a general pattern of aggressive conduct, you can find behavioral alter techniques that one could try.

SAVANNAH CAT BREEDERS

It is possible to supply toys along with a scratching post that will permit your kitten to get chances or possibilities to bite and scratch. A kitten biting a toy is quite completely different from it latching on to your arm or leg. The first sort is a far greater method to offer an outlet without having to bother with injuries and blood loss.

Quite a few cats that have this behavior problem can be found for adoption in animal shelters, for obvious reasons. Not every family is committed to their pets complete behavioral rehab for an aggression issue, for a few families, like people that have young children, a low stress setting is impossible to make for that family cat.

When your cat gets excessively excited, tone down the play time. Don't continue until he's settled down. When he starts to bite or scratch, instantly scream "OUCH," cease the play session, leave and ignore him. Limiting a play session is definitely a very potent penalty. Your cat will quickly learn that it's his or her own rough behavior that causes the quick end of an exciting play session.

For that comprehensive look at dealing with your cat's behavior problems, look into Complete Cat Training It's a ground breaking cat training manual that's devoted to training your cat and changing the behavior for the better and in addition teaching them some pretty neat tricks, from sit and stay to roll over, play dead, and fetch! Complete Cat Training comes highly recommended.

How to Cure a Kitten's Biting and Aggressive Attacking

Perry Leman is a Pet Aficionado. He spends all of his time learning about all types of pets and enjoys helping people with their pets. You can find additional information by checking out: http://forpetsonline.com/complete-cat-training

SAVANNAH CAT BREEDERS

Eye Problems in Cats and Kittens

EYE INFECTIONS IN KITTENS

(CONJUNCTIVITIS NEONATORUM)

CAT BREEDERS

Conjunctivitis Neonatorum is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva, the white tissue lining the eyelids that occurs due to Herpes Virus infection in kittens. The virus enters the eye through the eyelids before they have opened. Prompt intervention prevents rupture of the cornea and permanent scarring of the eye. Treatment involves opening the eyes and applying appropriate medication.

EYELIDS AND DRY EYE

The eyelids serve many important functions. They protect the cornea, the clear outer portion of the eye, and the eye itself from trauma. They keep light out and determine the size and shape of the opening of the eye. The eyelids also produce and spread tears over the eye. Tears supply the cornea with oxygen and nutrients; therefore they are essential to keep the cornea healthy. If the cornea is deprived of oxygen and food because of a lack of tear film, destructive changes occur quickly, leading to a condition called Dry Eye. Dry Eye is also called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The cornea can become pigmented, scarred, and ulcerated. Partial vision loss can also result. The eyes of cats with Dry Eye burn and sting all the time just like ours do on a windy day. Diagnosis is made by a tear test that measures how many tears the eye produces in one minute. In this case, low levels of tear production are detected.

CAUSES OF DRY EYE

1. The eyelids of newborn kittens and puppies normally open between 10 and 14 days of age. If the eyelids open too early, tears are not yet produced. Dry Eye will result unless topical eye lubricants are applied three to four times daily until tear production begins.

2. Surgical correction of the lazy eyelid prevents further damage and rupture of the eye.

3. Certain breeds including Persians, Himalayans, Burmese, and Exotic Shorthairs have very large protruding eyes, which are subject to trauma, in addition, many also have an inherited eyelid disorder called Lagophthalmos. The "lazy eyelid" or lids do not close properly and therefore can not spread the tears adequately. This increases the risk of Dry Eye and secondary Corneal Ulcers.

4. Many of these same cats also have mild Entropion of their lower eyelids. Entropion is also an inherited condition in which the eyelid tissue turns inward. This causes further irritation to the eye.

5. Chronic Herpes Virus eye infections in cats can result in Dry Eye.

TREATMENT FOR DRY EYE

* The drug Pilocarpine and the anti-cancer drug Interferon effectively stimulate tear production in certain cats.

* A surgical procedure called a Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT) is a worthwhile consideration for cases that do not respond to medication.

* With consistent therapy, most cases of Dry Eye carry a good prognosis, but without treatment, recurrent corneal ulcers, bacterial infections, and even blindness can result.

INHERITED EYE PROBLEMS

1. ENTROPION

Entropion is a hereditary condition in which the eyelids roll inward which causes the eyelashes to contact the surface of the eye. This condition usually involves both eyes and is quite painful. In addition to conjunctivitis, partial or complete loss of vision can result if left untreated. Squinting and tearing are the most common signs. Persians and Himalayans seem to be at increased risk. Surgical correction involves removal of a narrow strip of skin and muscle from the eyelid. Stitches are then used to avert the eyelid so that it lies in a normal position.

2. EYELASH DISEASE

Eyelash Disease is a group of conditions in which eyelashes or hairs injure the eye.

* Trichiasis is a condition in which normal hairs lie on and irritate the eye. This is common in Persian cats. The facial hairs on the side of the eye nearest the nose can irritate the eyes and cause conjunctivitis. Prevention requires regular trimming of these hairs.

METHOD TO DETECT INHERITED EYE PROBLEMS

CERF EXAM

In addition to hereditary eyelid and eyelash diseases, several disorders of the cornea and retina are also inherited in cats. They can easily go undetected until quite advanced. CERF Exam is a method to detect Inherited Eye Problems. Most are quite painful and blindness is not an uncommon consequence. A Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) examination is an eye exam that can only be performed by a certified veterinary eye specialist. It is used to detect inherited eye diseases in dogs and cats and can be given at a young age. Responsible breeders should not breed any dog or cat who fails a CERF Exam. Potential owners should ask whether or not the parents received and passed the CERF Exam. Neutering or spaying animals with these hereditary conditions insures that the problem will not be passed on to future generations.

Eye Problems in Cats and Kittens

Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne

Dr. Carol Osborne is the inventor of PAAWS, the pet anti-aging wellness system seen on TV. VitaLife is Dr. Carol's newest line of pet vitamin supplements and is the best supplement available for arthritis and anti-aging in dogs and cats. PAAWS and VitaLife are revolutionary breakthroughs, with all natural nutrients that virtually peel away the years, seeming to reverse the aging process normally experienced by pets.

Get FREE pet advice from Dr. Carol at http://CarolonPets.com/

Visit Dr. Carol's blog at http://CarolonPets.com/blog/

Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at http://DrCarol.com/

CAT BREEDERS

Ragdoll Kittens

Ragdoll kittens need special care, just like any other kittens. The first time you bring one home, you will need to take some things into consideration. Firstly, a kitten needs to be at least 12 weeks old before you bring him home, if he is only 6-8 weeks, and the breeder says it's alright, then find another breeder.

No reputable breeder should let you have a kitten too young, and less than 12 weeks is far too young. Before 12 weeks, the kitten might not be fully weaned, and suffer from diarrhea and sickness, causing dehydration, weakness and even death. Even if the result is not so serious, the kitten might suffer behavioral problems associated with leaving its mother too young. So, remember 12 weeks at least, no less.

CAT BREEDERS

Most kittens will be skittish and nervous when you get them home, they are used to being around their mothers and brothers and sisters, not around you. So treat them carefully, it is important that you pick a local breeder, not one miles and miles away, because a 12 week old kitten will not do well traveling half way across the country in your car, keep the travel time to a minimum.

When you get your ragdoll kitten home, minimize the stress by keeping the kitten in one room, with you, make sure a litter tray is nearby and you show the kitten where it is. Give the kitten clean water and make sure you have some food - the one that the kitten has been weaned on.

Don't change the food for the first few weeks, the kitten will struggle to adapt to the change, it may suffer from diarrhea, sickness and lethargy. Instead, keep to the regimented food, feeding small amounts and often, and add any new food in small amounts to the old food, so the change is implemented slowly before proper bacterial environment in cats' stomach develops.

Remember, unlike many cats, ragdoll cats should never be allowed out by themselves, they are a trusting breed that lacks the street smarts of many other breeds, you should keep them in the house always, and work on leash training when they are old enough. Ragdolls are an intelligent breed, one capable of learning leash training in a matter of days, they respond well to both treats and affection, so use this in your training.

As ragdolls love attention so much, your new ragdoll kitten will likely follow you around all day. Ragdolls hate to be left alone, so ensure you spend as much time with your new kitten as possible, and they should never be left alone for more than 3 hours at a time regularly.

Ragdolls are a very adaptable breed; they will quickly get used to the new house, new routines, and to you. Make sure they have everything they need, all the comfort they require, and enough toys and games to keep them entertained.

If you don't offer them enough toys and playthings, they will likely use whatever they can find around the house as a toy or scratching post, whether it's the furniture or the books, clothes, shoes. Don't allow your ragdoll kitten to get bored, and they will offer you many years of companionship from their gentle, loving nature, curled up on your knee.

Ragdoll Kittens

David Jameson is a Ragdoll Cat lover, helping people to learn how to live with Ragdoll Cats.

Find out more about Ragdoll Cat Kittens at http://MyRagdollCat.com.

Please, visit the site's Recommended Reading section to instantly discover more about Ragdoll Cat Care.

CAT BREEDERS