Odd-coloured eyes are a common phenomenon in certain cat breeds, such as the Siamese, Sphynx, and Turkish Angora, and is scientifically known as heterochromia. It is often observed in white felines; usually, an epistatic (dominant) white gene or white spotting gene prevents melanocytes (melanin granules) migrating to one eye during development. Heterochromia may be complete,
A great deal of scientific research involving computerised tomography (CT) scans, focuses on the intricacies of the cat’s tongue. Its roughness is due to the presence of tiny spines called papillae, which are made of keratin, like hooman nails. These papillae are curved and hollow-tipped; they function like hooks and all point in the same
The pinna, or external part of a cat’s ear, can rotate up to 180 degrees to locate minute sounds by acting as a funnel. But did you know that its position is also a good indicator of how your furry friend is feeling? If your feline has her ears pinned back, flat against her head,
Cats purr by dilating and constricting the glottis, which is the part of the larynx that surrounds the vocal cords. When a feline is either at her most contented, or in need of soothing and self-repair, the vibration of air as she breathes in and out makes this characteristic sound. However, these noises have a
Neutering refers to the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs, which are the testes in males (castration), and the ovaries and uterus in females (spaying). Sterilising your pet prevents the birth of unwanted litters, which overpopulate the number of cats ending up in the rescue system. As cats reach sexual maturity early, it is best
Cats reach sexual maturity between four and 12 months, but unlike hooman females, queens do not have an oestrus ‘cycle’ as such. Estrus, the time at which they are receptive to mating, is rarely accompanied by any swelling of the vulva or discharge. In the Northern hemisphere, felines are likely to be ready to mate
Most cat owners have experienced buying their furry friend an expensive gift, only to find she is more interested in the box it came in. Felines are renowned for their love of tight, confined spaces, as they simulate the safe, secure place they would seek out naturally in the wild. When totally surrounded by an
At Purrfect and Pooch, the well-being of any animal is our top priority, and the services we recommend reflect this. During the hot, summer months, your furry friend may benefit from a shave due to the possibility of overheating, and also because spending more time outside lends itself to excessive matting. Debris may become embedded
Cats have a reputation for being cool characters, but that’s not to say they don’t express their feelings. Your furry friend has a number of ways to show you how much she cares. The most obvious of these is purring. Felines use this to self-soothe when they are either extremely relaxed, or in need of
Cats are renowned for their ability to survive falling from buildings, but do they always land on their feet? The simple answer to this question, is that it depends on how great a height they drop from. A study in 1987 discovered that felines falling onto concrete from between seven and 26 stories sustained fewer
All cats are carnivores, which means that they derive their food and energy requirements solely from animal tissue or meat, and their teeth reflect this. Though kittens are born with no visible teeth, between the ages of three and eight weeks, 26 milk teeth will develop: 12 incisors, four canines, and ten premolars. Just like
Whilst cats predominantly use their tails to maintain balance, they are also a great indicator of mood; by watching carefully you can gain an insight into how your furry friend is feeling. When it is held high and upright, your kitty is confident and happy, so this is the perfect time to offer cuddles, play
It’s not all fun and games for our furry friends at this time of year, especially when it comes to fireworks. Cats have incredibly sensitive hearing, particularly with higher-pitched sounds, even more so than their canine counterparts. Flashes and loud noises startle felines, which causes them to experience anxiety and anticipate danger, so their behaviour
Felines spend up to half their lives grooming themselves, but this is not purely for the sake of hygiene. Our furry friends also lick to regulate their temperature, cover their scent, heal wounds, and show affection. However, the sound of retching accompanied by the violent contraction of a cat’s body can be somewhat distressing, as
Whilst there are plenty of dog groomers just waiting to take great care of your pooch, few of them will provide any kind of service for your puss. Admittedly, canines remain the most popular pet in the UK, but felines are slowly clawing their way to the top, and deserve their share of pampering, too!
Just like us, cats communicate a great deal with their eyes. Have you ever noticed your feline blinking slowly at you? That’s a sign of love and trust; they are letting down their guard as hunters. Dilated eyes express excitement, fear, or surprise, but can also indicate pain. Therefore, it’s good practice to pay close
All pusses in the UK are inoculated against feline infectious enteritis which causes serious vomiting and diarrhoea, and, feline influenza which is essentially cat flu. Prowlers who either go outside (or live with kitties who do) should be additionally vaccinated for feline leukaemia, as this can seriously compromise their immune systems. Additional non-core immunisations include
There are a number of things to consider when deciding which cut is in your feline’s best interests. Older cats or those who struggle with self-grooming may find the lengthy bib of the Lion Cut difficult to maintain. However, since this clip is shorter, it may be a good option for those with severe knots
People often ask us what the difference is between a Teddy Bear and a Lion Cut, so Walter and Treacle are here to explain! With a Teddy Bear, the body is clipped short and the head is rounded. The legs are clipped short, blending into the feet, and the tail is slimmed down. With a
The cute belly of our favourite feline is so tempting to stroke. It is soft, warm, and generally inviting, but unlike many dogs, cats can be temperamental when it comes to this particular region of their body. So many vital organs lay directly beneath a cat’s tummy, and it is a vulnerable place; therefore, pusses
It’s twice as common for people to be allergic to cats than dogs, but did you know it’s not the fur or hair that causes it? Usually, the triggers are minute proteins found in a feline’s saliva, urine, and dander. Therefore even ‘hypoallergenic’ cats such as the hairless Sphynx, could cause an adverse reaction. Avoiding
Ear mites live for around four weeks and are the most common cause of ear infections in cats, spread through direct contact. If you notice your feline scratching more than usual, or a redness around the ears, it may be time to get them checked out as the symptoms tend to outlive the mites, and
Have you noticed your feline is constantly shedding her fur? This prevents dead parts of her coat causing skin irritation so she can always look her best! Moulting varies between breeds and depends on whether your cat lives inside or outside. It is influenced by the amount of daylight, or ‘photoperiod’, so you will notice
We all want to protect our fur babies and make sure they can be returned to us if they wander too far from home. But are cat collars really the best way to do this? Whilst it is a legal requirement that dogs in public wear a collar, the PDSA suggests cats are better without
Whilst you gentlemen out there may think whiskers are a fashion statement, in a feline they serve a particularly important purpose! These hairs that are often found on a cat’s muzzle and above its eyes, have a follicle at the base loaded with nerve endings. When your fur baby brushes against an object with them,
