Thursday, January 21, 2010

mixed breed cats and some of the health problems they face -- what you need to know

Mixed Breed Cats
Non-purebred cats are usually referred to as mixed breeds, but these
cats are not "mutts" or mixes of different breeds. All of the
characteristics found in purebreds are actually derived from mixed
breed cats, which are actually the most authentic or "pure" breed.

Historians now believe that all domesticated cats, which first
appeared in ancient Egypt, once had tabby coats. And since all cats
carry these ancestral tabby genes, all domestic cats are still
genetically tabbies. The cat breeds that don't look like tabbies
simply carry other types of genes that prevent the tabby coat pattern
from appearing. This helps to explain the enormous variety of colors
and patterns found in cats today.

Breed-related concerns
Every cat breed carries a distinct set of genetic advantages and
health risk factors. The most common diseases found in mixed breeds,
as well as problems that can affect all breeds, both mixed and pure,
are listed below. Hopefully, your cat will not face these problems.
However, early detection and preventive healthcare can make all the
difference in helping your cat live a longer, happier life.

Kitten (birth to 1 year)
Behavior problems
Diarrhea
External parasites
Eye infections
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Upper respiratory tract infections
Adult (1 to 6 years)
Cat fight abscess
Dental disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Liver disease
Obesity
Senior (7 years and older)
Arthritis
Cancer
Cardiomyopathy
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Kidney disease

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