Nurse Misty

"My Heart Will Go On"
From Titanic
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Nurse Misty
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Nurse Misty

Sweet Dreams

In the first few weeks of their lives, very young kittens spend 80 percent of their slumbering hours in deep sleep. While they may look sweet, it is unwise to wake a kitten, for like humans, they need their dreamworld if they are to stay physically and mentally healthy.
The average cat sleeps about 16 hours a day and in the wild only sloths sleep longer (around 19 hours).
Feline sleeping patterns change according to the seasons. All cats are more active in the spring and summertime when some outdoor cats hunt for up to 12 hours a day.
Cats begin their slumber with a 30 minute period of motionless, light sleep when the brainwaves are slow and the cat is slightly aware of its surroundings. This is followed by the all-important, 6-8 minute deep sleep when it will probably dream as it stretches out and rolls on its side, completely relaxed before emerging through more light sleep and becoming fully awake.
Cats probably spend around three hours a day in "rapid eye movement sleep". This compares with reptiles and fish who have no similarly discernible phase or rats with around 30 minutes daily and birds around 30 seconds!

Choosing A Kitten

Kitten

Which Kitten?

Longhairs are luscious, but do you have time to spend on grooming? Are you happy to pamper a temperamental pedigree, or do you want an easy-going cat with an independant streak? Should kitty be prepared to spend time alone, and is there easy access to the great outdoors? Does neutering fit in with your ideals? If you decide on a pedigree, go to a recognised breeder. For a non-pedigree, try a cat-rescue society. It is best to avoid pet shops.

When you come to choose a kitten, it is wise to bear the following pointers in mind:

Choose the brightest, cheekiest kitten of the litter.

Look for clean ears, clean eyes and nose, sound white teeth and no signs of a tummy upset.

Make sure the fur is glossy and healthy, with no fleas, skin problems or blemishes.

Check that your kitten is lively and inquisitive, running and jumping with ease, and eager to play.

Don't take kitty home under ten weeks old.

Check that necessary vaccinations have been given.

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