Cattitude - The #1 Cat Podcast About Cats As Pets- Pet Life Radio Original (PetLifeRadio.com)

One thing we have come to appreciate in our cats is their extreme genetic variability, especially when it comes to their physical characteristics. We have seen colors at the points, longhaired cats, and even cats with no tails. This week’s show is no different as we explore the unique physical characteristics that tie the Birman, the Snowshoe and the Ragdoll cat breeds together. You might initially mistake the three for simple offshoots of the Siamese cat, but they are so much more!! And, learn how you can help to insure your cat’s health without breaking your bank account with some advice from the Veterinary News Network. In these rough economic times, a little bit of savings can certainly go a long way!!

Most everyone has heard of the Manx cat, or the cat with no tail. Some might call it a "cabbit" because he looks like a cross between a rabbit and a cat, but this old breed actually hails from the British Isles and was an early favorite in the show ring. But did you know that two other cat breeds also have naturally shortened tails? The Japanese Bobtail and the American Bobtail are breeds that are newer to the US and cat fanciers as a whole. These lively cats are catching the hearts of many cat lovers across the world! And, from the offices of the Veterinary News Network-FLEAS! Do you know how to best protect your fabulous feline from the onslaught of these pesky parasites? Listen and get a few hints as well as a few precautions to take when finding flea protection for your cat.

From the moment that cat fanciers saw the impressive Persian and the exotic Siamese, breeders imagined a time when the unique color point pattern of the Siamese could be merged with the impressive and quiet grace of the Persian. The attractive Himalayan is the result of those dreams! Combining some of the finest qualities from both breeds, the Himalayan is one of the few “man-made” breeds and certainly one of the most popular. Since their recognition by the CFA in the 1960s, more than 500,000 of these adorable cats have been registered in the United States. Come learn how these breed was developed and whether or not this is the type of cat for you! Also, from the Veterinary News Network, learn about a new fad sweeping cities and towns across the nation. Mandatory spay and neuter laws are cropping up in cities and counties, including major areas such as Los Angeles. But, are these laws doing the job they were designed to do?

Have you ever dreamed of snuggling up to one of the “big cats”? Is having a leopard or tiger draped across your lap a fantasy of yours? Well, we know that you shouldn’t keep these big cats as pets, but our next two breeds might just do the trick. The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed of cat and was probably one of the breeds so revered by the ancient Egyptians. A naturally spotted cat, the Mau is a rare breed that almost went extinct except for a quirk of fate. The Bengal cat is one of our newer breeds of cats and this breed actually has a bit of wildcat in his background. Descended from domestic cats breeding with Asian Leopard Cats, Bengals are large, powerful cats but are reported to be extreme lovers. Finally, spend a little time learning about how you and your cat can “go green”. The Veterinary News Network gives us some tips about buying eco-friendly toys and pet accessories as well as how to help diminish the amount of cat litter in our landfills.

If you are looking a that little piece of the wild kingdom to call your own, you might consider our special cats for this episode of Cattitude. The Abyssinian and Somali breeds of cats are very reminiscent of the African Wildcat, Felis lybica and often look as if they should be sunning on the savannah rather than your window sill. The 4th most popular cat in the US, Abyssinians are known to be great problem solvers and adept at getting anywhere in the household. Later, learn about feline diseases that are still affecting our cats. We may have vaccines for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, but concerns, controversy and misunderstandings are keeping many people from fully comprehending the true seriousness of these diseases.

Often overlooked because of their resemblance to “street” cats, the American and British Shorthairs were developed from humble origins as working cats of Europe and North America. Often considered to be the “teddy bear” of cats, these intelligent, affectionate, and low maintenance cats continue to win big in the show ring. Dependable, tough, and well acclimated to even the cold winters of North America, American Shorthairs are renown for their good temperament and hunting ability. Believe it or not, one of the first American Shorthairs even shown was sold for $2,500 in 1896….that’s close to $62,000 in 2006 dollars!! Stay tuned as we also talk about how your feline friend could potentially spread some love and affection to those who need it most. Find out how your cat can become a Therapy Animal!

Known as the "gentle giants" in the cat world, the Maine Coon breed is a truly American cat. Naturally selected by the harsh New England climate, this massive cat has undergone resurgence in popularity since its humble beginnings along the rocky coast of Maine. Beyond its immense proportions, the Maine Coon is also known for a loving disposition, an almost dog-like fascination with toys, and a remarkable intellect. Many Maine Coon owners have learned that a large smart cat will easily learn how to let itself outside for the night! Learn all about the breed that was once thought to have been created due to a raccoon/cat liaison and stay to learn an important lesson in how to keep you feline friend free from a hidden, but very deadly parasite-the heartworm!

The most popular purebred cat in North America is also the cat that many people would consider to be the embodiment of pedigreed cats. With an aristocratic nature and an unassuming elegance, the Persian cat continues to win the hearts of cat lovers across the world. These gentle cats are ideal housemates, happiest when indoors near their humans. And the colors....absolutely stunning!! From striking shaded silvers to stylish calicos and classy basic black, Persians are truly an artist's inspiration! And, again, from the newsroom at www.MyVNN.com, we take a look at keeping our cat's smile pretty and their breath fresh...dental care tips for your kitties! Dental disease is the most common diagnosis in cats of any age and more than 80% of cats over the age of 3 years have some sort of dental disease.

What feline creatures have been called both an unnatural nightmare kind of cat as well as a living, breathing work of art that shuns a display shelf in favor of a lap? It’s the Siamese easily the world’s most recognizable breed of cat! Siamese are one of the oldest of the cat breeds, described as early as 1350 in manuscripts surviving from Siam. A perennial favorite at cat shows, Siamese have unique personalities that match their one of a kind coloration. Join us for a trip back in time as well as a little science lesson as we describe what to many people represents the ultimate in feline beauty. And, direct from the source at the Veterinary News Network, a brief overview of diseases that we can get from our pets. Understanding these zoonotic diseases and how to prevent them is an important part of pet ownership.

Learn everything there is to know about cats on Cattitude with your host Tom Dock. Each week we’ll spotlight a cool cat breed, give up-to-date advice on cat health, and check out new cat products! So curl up on the couch every week for a purrr-fectly enjoyable time on Cattitude.