Bits & Pieces

Hair Rings

Ah, Spring! It's really here. When a young stud's dream turns to Fancy. What that really means is the breeding season is in full force and you need to watch for hair rings. No, this is not a new gemstone of something that fairies do in the backyard in the moonlight. I mean penile hair rings. Hair collects on the penis and can cause many different problems. You should inspect your males frequently even if they are not breeding. Put the cat on your lap, tummy side up. Gently press down on both sides of the penis until it extends out of the sheath. If you see any hair, slowly slide it off the penis. This is not as bad as it sounds. I have never had a male that would not let me do this.

When you put a male and female to gether for breeding, it is a good idea to check their backsides to make sure there is no fecal matter on either cat. A severe infection could occur if fecal material were to be introduced into the reproductive tract.

Hormone Levels

I was reading the chapter on sexual behavior in the Feline Husbandry book written by Niels Petersen. He talks about lack of libido in the male cat. It is thought low testosterone level is probably not a factor in inadequate sexual interest. Tests have shown males with less than half the normal level of testosterone will show proper interest in breeding. Testosterone levels should be collected several times throughout the day in order to get a correct reading, as these levels fluctuate. Dr. Petersen states males do apparently undergo some seasonal fluctuations in testosterone levels that can influence libido. Seasonal fluctuations are usually not a problem in a cattery, because females are usually not in estrus when a male's testosterone levels might be at a low point. This might be considered a factor in an otherwise unexplained reduction of sexual interest by a breeding male out of the breeding season.

Both male and femal cats may have definite preferences for an intended mate. Some males will not breed certain females even though they have a good libido toward other females. The opposite is also true.

Breeder's Clubs

Are you aware that Iams, Purina and Science Diet have breeders' clubs? All three companies offer discounts on food and even send free coupons. I just got a case of canned Science Diet at no charge. I have also received a waterproof groomer's apron. They also have kitten kits that are nice to send home witht he pets. If the following phone numbers are not for the correct department, at least they will get you close. Iams: 1-800-452-0605. Science Diet: 1-800-654-5631. Purine: 1-800-366-KITS.

CFA Breed Council

Have you all joined the CFA Breed Council yet? If you are not a member you can not vote on the issues that concern our Persians. If you do not have the applications forms, just write to CFA for them.

Rabies Vaccinations

The following are states that required mandatory rabies vaccinations for cats: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevade, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. I live in Oregon and did not know this until I read it in the paper. I also learned that scientists have developed a new test that can detect rabies virus in animals in just four days. The new test is also cheaper. I wonder why the long quarantienes in some countries are necessary?

Down But Not Out

I would like to share a story with you. At work, when I need to get the mail, I use the outside stairs because they are close than the inside stairs. On one of the steps I found a tiny bird laying on its back, kicking on leg. I picked it up and took it inside, where we placed it ina small book lined with tissue. The bird was unable to stand and had clear discharge from the mouth. I assumed the bird had flown into the window and fallen on the stairs below. Ten minutes later I was again on the stairs and in the same spot sat another bird, same species. This one was not injured. I slowly bent down and picked it up. Cupped in my hands, I took it inside and placed it in the same box with the first one, who by now was looking much better. In a few minutes we took both birds outside. The sat on our fingers for a few seconds and then flew away. Do you suppose the second bird somehow knew I had taken its mate inside?