Every year, I compile a list of New Year’s Day resolutions. Typically, the same items top my list each year. For instance, I always desire to lose weight and spend more time with my family members. Perhaps, you want to get healthier in the New Year. You may also wish for your beloved pet to enjoy better health this year. To help you accomplish this important task, schedule regular appointments for your pet with his or her veterinarian. A veterinarian can inform you of any health problems your pet may be experiencing. On this blog, I hope you will discover the importance of taking your pet to annual veterinarian appointments. Enjoy!
If your personal taste calls for supersizing your choice of feline purebreds, three large and lovely kitties have likely caught your eye when perusing the cat magazines or wandering through a cat show. They all have a lot in common, making them difficult to identify with a quick glance, but there are some subtle differences in their physical traits, personalities and health. Learn about these three popular breeds and what you should look for to ensure that you welcome a healthy kitten into your life.
Maine Coon
The big-boned Maine coon weighs an average healthy weight of 9 to 18 pounds, and he can take up four to five years to complete his growth and development. His long locks come in an astounding array of colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, solid color and bi-color. Maine coons exhibit tufts of fur at their ears and paws, and they carry fluffy plumed tails. Their oval eyes are set above a squared muzzle.
Maine coons are sweet-tempered and outgoing. They enjoy the company of housemates and guests alike, and they often communicate with dulcet chirps and trills. The Maine coon is recognized as the official state cat of his home state of Maine.
Some health concerns that you should be aware of include the following:
Specific DNA tests are available for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and spinal muscular atrophy. When communicating with a potential Maine coon breeder, do not consider taking one of his or her kittens without documented proof that the kittens have been screened for these two diseases and that the parents have been evaluated for hip dysplasia.
Siberian
The Siberian is another gentle giant that does not achieve his full grown physique, which can weigh as much as 25 pounds, until as late as five years of age. Originally hailing from the frigid climate of Siberia, the Siberian is clad in a triple-layered long coat to protect him against the harsh elements. The coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and the Siberian's appearance is highlighted by a fluffy tail, a rough around his neck and tufts that sprout from his ears. Round is the word best used to describe his head, eye and overall body shapes.
The Siberian gets along with just about everybody. Like the Maine coon, he communicates with soft trills, chirps and dainty mews. This highly intelligent cat considers himself an adventurer and an explorer, and his agile jumping and climbing leave no part of your home out of his reach.
Like the Maine coon, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a health concern to be aware of when considering a Siberian as your next companion. This cardiac disease is the only known genetic condition that has been known to affect the hardy Siberian.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Also known as a Wegie and hailing from Norway, the Norwegian forest cat is another loving companion. Like the Maine coon and the Siberian, he's a slow bloomer, reaching his healthy adult weight of nine to 16 pounds at four to five years of age. The Norwegian forest cat's double-layered coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and like the Maine coon and Siberian, he waves a plumy tail and displays tufts of fur at his ears. His almond-shaped eyes are set in a triangular-shaped face.
The Norwegian forest cat's mellow demeanor and companionable personality make him a good choice for a family companion, and like the two aforementioned breeds, his vocalizations are emitted primarily as a series of chirps and mews.
Unfortunately, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been noted in the Norwegian forest cat as well. Like the Maine coon, the Wegie is also known to have hip dysplasia. Another health condition that affects Norwegian forest cats is glycogen storage disease type IV, a disease that is rare, but fatal.
All three of these feline breeds require less grooming than other longhaired cats. Combing through the coat once or twice a week will prevent matting and reduce the risk of hairballs. As with any other cat, a home dental hygiene routine is an essential part of feline health care. Whichever of these three breeds you choose, you will gain an affectionate companion.
To learn more, contact services like Phoenixville Animal Hospital - R B Wolstenholme DVM.
Share15 February 2017
