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