Exploring the Cat Industry
Jan 12, 2016
Exploring theCat Industry
Student Learning Objectives
• Describe the biology and physiology of a cat.
• Explain classes and breeds of cats.• Identify management, training, and
grooming of cats.• List considerations when
selecting a cat.
Terms
• Companion animal• Declawed• Hairballs• Kitten• Litter
• Neutering• Queen• Spaying• Tomcat
Describe the biology and physiology of a cat.
Objective #1
What are terms unique to cats?
• Tomcat - mature male cat.• Queen - mature female cat.• Kitten - baby cat of either sex.• Litter - a group of kittens born to the
same parents.
What are terms unique to cats?
• Companion animal–Any domestic animal kept for enjoyment
and companionship with humans.• Declawed
–The cat’s claws have been surgically removed by a veterinarian.
What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?
• Cats are very common.• 60 million are used for companion
animals.• Can live up to 30 years.• Average is between 12 and 18 years.• Weighs from 6 to 15 pounds.• Have 250 bones and 500 muscles.• Have extra sensitive ears, noses, and
paws.
What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?
• Cats are carnivores that can feed on mice and rats but food has been designed especially for their needs.
• They have an extra taste organ and can distinguish between foods.
• They have 3-dimensional vision.
• Whiskers attached to nerves to help find their way in the dark.
What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?
• Other animals in the cat family include lions and tigers.
• Cats are similar to these wild animals because their foot structures are closely designed.
• Outside cats need to be quick and agile.
What are terms unique to cats and their anatomy?
• Some cats are declawed to protect carpeting, furniture, and curtains.
• You need to keep declawed cats inside because they no longer have their most important defense mechanisms.
Internal Organs of a Cat
Explain classes and breeds of cats.
Objective #2
What are the classes and breeds of cats?
• There are many different classes and breeds of cats.
• Purebred or the common house cat are the two types.
• Two classes of cats– short-haired and long-haired.
• 36 breeds in the U.S.• Good website
– http://www.cfainc.org/
What are the classes and breeds of cats?
• Short-Haired– Popular because less work.– Require little to no brushing.– Less hair to shed.
• Long-Haired– Require more work.– Need to be brushed frequently.– Often get hairballs - wads of hair that collect
inside the digestive tract and block the digestion of food.
Short-Haired BreedsAmerican Shorthair
Burmese
Egyptian MauDevon Rex
Korat
Long-haired Breeds
Turkish Angora
Balinese
Maine Coon
Identify management, training and grooming of cats.
Objective #3
How do I mange my cat?
• Selection:–Healthy & alert–Medical attention–Vaccinations
How do I mange my cat?• Daily Care:
–Handle with care to make feel secure.–Properly bathe & groom.–Fresh water.–Clean bedding.–Exercise.–Check for mites & ticks.–Monitor eyes.–Clean teeth.–Remove plaque & tarter.
How do I train and groom my cat?
Litter Box Training• Buy a litter box and some litter.• Place in a spot out of your sight.• Place cat in box.• Watch cats for signs it has to urinate and place
in box.• Reward
the cat.
How do I train and groom my cat?
Grooming• Brush your cat’s coat daily.• Bathe occasionally.• Trims nails with a special trimmer.
Nail Clipping
List considerations when selecting a cat.
Objective #4
What should I consider when selecting a cat?
• Tend to be independent and affordable.• Age.• Kittens are cute and cuddly.• Kittens require more work.• Adult cats come with old habits.• Breed.• Purebred vs. non-purebred.• How much money do you want to invest.• Pedigree cats are more expensive.
What should I consider when selecting a cat?
Gender• Unfixed animals
–Males may urinate frequently to mark their territory.
–Females will go through reproductive cycles and become annoying when in heat.
What should I consider when selecting a cat?
Gender• Spaying
–Removing the ovaries & uterus of a queen.
• Neutering–Process of altering a tomcat sexually
to prevent from breeding.
What should I consider when selecting a cat?
Medical needs• Consider to fit cat into your budget• Declawing• Spaying or neutering• Vaccinations