Chinese Hamsters

These animals grow to between 7.5 and 9 cm in length and as adults can weigh 25-43 grams. They live two to three years on average. A Chinese hamster's body proportions, compared with those of other hamsters, appear "long and thin" and they have (for a hamster) a relatively long tail. Males have a relatively large scrotum, therefore females are generally kept as pets and males are used solely for breeding and research purposes. Chinese hamsters are not related to the social "dwarf" hamsters. The term "dwarf" is often used to refer solely to animals in the genus Phodopus, (the two types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Roborovskii Dwarf Hamsters).

The wild colour is black with brown lines above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly. This coloration, combined with their lithe build and longer tail, makes them look "mousy" to some eyes and, in fact, they are members of the group called ratlike hamsters. Besides the wild colour, a well-known variation is the white-spotted Chinese hamster, which often is grayish white all over, with only a dark stripe on its back. They have quiet temperaments and are easily handled; one of their endearing traits is that of clinging to a finger with all four paws, rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk. Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters but, once they are tame, display an endearing calmness and gentleness of character.

In the past, Chinese hamsters were commonly used laboratory animals, until they were replaced by the common mouse and rat, which are easier to keep and breed; however, quite a few biotech drugs are still being produced by putting the gene for the protein into Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cells), which then produce the protein.

Of note, some US states such as California regard the Chinese hamster as a pest, and as a result require a special permit to own, breed or sell. (wiki)

Cat Massage

Cat massage can be beneficial to both feline and feline lover. Touching, petting, and stroking a cat stimulates the release of chemicals called cytokines, which in turn signal the brain to release natural painkilling chemicals called endorphins. Therefore, the process of massaging a cat after a long day at play is helpful in addressing minor aches and pains and generates a calming effect for the cat. In turn, an owner is rewarded with the very pleasant purring and gentle kneading of the cats claws on the owner.

Massage has the same benefits for cats than it has for humans, as both cats and humans respond in a positive way to touching. Cat massage has increased more and more in popularity given that there are cat massage therapists who are able to massage a cat by using the best techniques. Given that these therapists are actually trained and know what they are doing, it is obvious that cat massaging is important to the pet and also to the pet's owner. Many pet lovers believe that massage therapy is both a preventative measure and a solution for pain the pet might endure.

The first benefit that can be immediately seen after a massage is the relaxation it provides to the pet. Cat massage is often used to calm an anxious animal, as massage works on them the same way it works on people. Because of this effect that massage has on cats, they tend to become friendlier towards humans. Moreover, cat massage also lowers the blood pressure of the owner and helps him relax.

Also, while massaging the cat not only does the owner have the opportunity to bond with their pet but they can also look for abnormalities that might appear on the cat's skin. A massage is the best opportunity to find areas of tenderness or swelling that could be the signs of a serious condition. It is also a good time to find out pain the pet might be already feeling and then relieving that pain.

Although massage therapy is highly recommended for cats, cat owners are recommended to avoid massaging cats that are feverish or those who have cancer.

Massage can increase the mobility and flexibility in cats who suffer from arthritis and it may also be an alternative way to hasten the rehabilitation of a cat that has undergone surgery. Massage therapy has a positive impact on the cats' digestive system and their coat and skin. When the proper techniques are used, massages can relieve even constipation.

Beyond being helpful in maintaining comfort and calmness at the end of each day, cat massage also has long term benefits. The life of a house cat is entirely dependent upon the care provided by its owner. If an owner neglects to pay attention to a cat's body, the owner can expect to have an unhealthy cat. Just as important as nutrition and exercise is the upkeep of the cat's overall health, mental and physical. Cat massage is useful in breeding familiarity and intimacy between owner and feline. And this closeness is what peaks an owner's intuitiveness toward a cat. A close bond may sound like a petty issue, but this personal one-on-one relationship fosters a kind of bond that links the owner to the cat in such a way the communication is heightened, and the maximum amount of information can be transferred from pet to owner, and vice versa. Any owner so in tune with a pet is going to be able to sense oncoming illnesses and stresses, and can therefore take preventative measures. (wiki)

Cat skin disorders

Cat skin disorders are among the most common health problems in cats. Skin disorders in cats have many causes, and many of the common skin disorders that afflict people have a counterpart in cats. The condition of a cat's skin and coat can also be an important indicator of its general health. Skin disorders of cats vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment. Cat skin disorders may be grouped into categories according to the causes.

Immune-mediated skin disorders

Skin disease may result from deficiencies in immune system function. In cats, the most common cause of immune deficiency is infection with retroviruses, FIV or FeLV, and cats with these chronic infections are subject to repeated bouts of skin infection and abscesses. This category also includes hypersensitivity disorders and eosinophilic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, miliary dermatitis and feline eosinophilic granuloma and skin diseases caused by autoimmunity, such as pemphigus and discoid lupus.

Infectious skin diseases

The most important infectious skin diseases of cats is ringworm or dermatophytosis. Other cat skin infections include parasitic diseases like mange and lice infestation. Other ectoparasites, including flea and tick infestations are not considered directly contagious but are acquired from an environment where other infested hosts have established the parasite's life cycle. Another common skin infection is cat bite abscess. A mixture of bacteria introduced by a bite wound cause infections in pockets under the skin and affected cats often show manic depression and fever.

Hereditary and developmental skin diseases

Some diseases are inherent abnormalities of skin structure or function. These include skin fragility syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos), hereditary hypotrichosis and congenital or hereditary alopecia.

Cutaneous manifestations of internal diseases

Some systemic diseases can become symptomatic as a skin disorder. In cats this includes one of the most devastating cat skin disorders, feline acquired skin fragility syndrome, which can come from starvation or over-treatment with cortisone-like drugs or with diabetes. (wiki)

Turkish Angora Cats

The Turkish Angora (Turkish: Ankara Kedisi) is a breed of domestic cat. Turkish Angoras are one of the ancient, naturally occurring cat breeds, having originated in central Turkey, in the Ankara (historically known as Angora) region. The breed is also sometimes referred to as simply the Angora or Ankara cat, and in some obsolete works as the Angola.

Turkish Angora Cats have a silky tail, medium-long length coat, no undercoat and fine bone structure. There seems to be a connection between Ankara Cats and Persians, and the Turkish Angora is also a distant cousin of the Turkish Van. Although they are known for their shimmery white coat, currently there are more than twenty varieties including black, blue, and reddish fur. They come in tabby and tabby-white, along with smoke varieties, and are in every color other than pointed, lavender, and cinnamon. Eyes may be blue, green, or amber, or even one blue and one amber or green. The W gene responsible for the white coat and blue eye is closely related to the hearing ability, and presence of a blue eye can indicate the cat is deaf to the side the blue eye is located. However, a great many blue and odd-eyed white cats have normal hearing, and even deaf cats lead a very normal life if kept indoors.

Ears are pointed and large, eyes are almond shaped and the head is massive with a two plane profile. Another characteristic is the plumed tail, which is often carried upright, perpendicular to the back. (wiki)