Small Animal Care & Management - Ch. 8

Cat Evolution and Domestication

• The ancestors of domestic cats are believed to be Proailurus.
• Cat domestication occurred approximately 10,000 years ago.

Ancient Civilizations and Cat Breeds

• Ancient Egyptians revered and protected cats.
• The breed group that cannot roar is Big Cats.
• The breed group known for their short hair is Shorthairs.
• The breed known for its curly hair is the Cornish Rex.
• The breed known for its lack of tail is the Manx.
• The breed known for its long, silky hair is the Persian.

Siamese and Oriental Breeds

• The breed group that includes Abyssinian, Burmese, and Siamese breeds is Orientals.

Long-Haired Breeds

• The Persian is a long-haired cat breed.

Feline Anatomy and Health

• Jacobson's organ is a special sense organ in cats that detects pheromones.
• The recommended age range for selecting a cat is 6-12 months.
• A cat's proper diet should include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
• A cat's general health and care can be indicated by its coat condition.
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a contagious disease in cats.

Feline Reproduction

• The average duration of a cat's heat period is 4-6 days.
• The average duration of a cat's pregnancy is 63-65 days.

Feline and Canine Evolution

• The common ancestor of cats and dogs is believed to be a species of Miacidae.

Feline Nutrition

• Cats require a higher percentage of protein in their diet compared to dogs, typically 30-40% of their daily calories.