http://www.sockfip.info/
This is a link to the website for he auction. This will help to raise awareness and funds for research. Please help if you can. This is a horrible disease that so far no one can do anything about.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
TUFTS Conference notes on FIP
Tufts' Canine and Feline Breeding and Genetics Conference is sponsored by the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The conference is given every two years and breeders and veterinarians from around the world attended. Among the speakers were Dr. Susan Little (Winn Feline Foundation) and Drs. Niels Pedersen and Leslie Lyons from UC Davis who are worldwide experts on FIP and Feline genetics.
Here are some highlights of the discussion on FIP. FOR THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION, READ NIELS PEDERSON'S SUMMARY ARTICLE http://www.vetmed. ucdavis.edu/ CCAH/documents/ FIP_Synopsis_ Jan13_09. pdf.
FIP is not considered to be contagious from cat to cat. If ever this occurs, it would be a) very unusual and b) a particularly virulent strain that behaves a bit differently that what they have seen. FIP transmission from cat to cat is not thought to be impossible, but there is little evidence that this is how infection typically occurs.
Although there are different theories on FIP , the leading theory centers around the mutation of the enteric corona virus. That said, they have an SPCA population of FIP cats that did not have the mutated virus and they are trying to fit this into their understanding of the virus (although FIP in purebred cats does fit the mutation model).
The FIP diagnosis is complex and is centered around an "index of suspicion" in which clinical data (such as fluid from abdomen) is combined with blood test results, environment of cat, clinical presentation etc. to form the diagnosis. Even with all the available data gathered, they sometimes can't be 100% until necropsy and even then, some pathologists do not want to definitively state the disease is FIP.
Dry FIP is being seen much more frequently and it's believed to be more common because cats are doing better at mounting a defense to FIP and are not succumbing so readily. Although this diagnosis is even more complex, there are sometimes small pockets of fluid that can be found and removed for analysis, looking for the telltale straw color and high protein content.
Even if the diagnosis is NOT absolutely definitive, the UC Davis SOCKFIP Genetics study http://www.sockfip. org/ NEEDS tissue samples from affected cats and DNA cheek swabs from family members!! Even if the FIP illness occurred in the past, if parents or sibs are available for cheek swabbing, they need this DNA for their research. Their statistical methodology can account for any outliers in the data (meaning we don't have to be 100% certain of the diagnosis to send this in... a strong suspicion by a veterinarian would qualify). THEY NEED DNA FOR THEIR RESEARCH TO SUCCEED. Click here for submission information http://www.sockfip. org/downloads/ davis-fip- studies.html.
They stressed that FIP can happen to any cat and a cattery that has not had FIP is statistically at HIGHER risk for FIP than a cattery that HAS had FIP. Yes, there are measures we can take to reduce risk factors, but we, as owners and breeders need to lead the effort to get UC Davis DNA data if we want this illness to be understood and eradicated. We need to abandon the stigma and start acting by producing data that can further the research. This data is confidential and can even be sent anonymously.
IF you had a cat or bred a cat that was diagnosed with or suspected of having FIP by a veterinarian (REGARDLESS of your own personal opinions, fears, or misgivings), UC Davis needs DNA swabs from parents and sibs of this affected cat. It is normal and understandable to not want our cats to be diagnosed with this horrible illness, but we need to set those feelings aside and further the FIP research. When I saw the spike of Birman FIP incidents compared to other breeds (regardless of whether this is due to better reporting by Birman owners and breeders, or a higher incidence of the disease) I knew why I had attended the conference. This was my cue to spread the word and take up this cause. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Please forward this to your cat lists to get the word out. Although tissue samples and DNA swabs from high risk breeds like Birmans is especially useful, the SOCKFIP Genetics study http://www.sockfip. org/downloads/ davis-fip- studies.html needs data from ALL types of cats, purebred and mixed breed, and high and low risk groups.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
Here are some highlights of the discussion on FIP. FOR THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION, READ NIELS PEDERSON'S SUMMARY ARTICLE http://www.vetmed. ucdavis.edu/ CCAH/documents/ FIP_Synopsis_ Jan13_09. pdf.
FIP is not considered to be contagious from cat to cat. If ever this occurs, it would be a) very unusual and b) a particularly virulent strain that behaves a bit differently that what they have seen. FIP transmission from cat to cat is not thought to be impossible, but there is little evidence that this is how infection typically occurs.
Although there are different theories on FIP , the leading theory centers around the mutation of the enteric corona virus. That said, they have an SPCA population of FIP cats that did not have the mutated virus and they are trying to fit this into their understanding of the virus (although FIP in purebred cats does fit the mutation model).
The FIP diagnosis is complex and is centered around an "index of suspicion" in which clinical data (such as fluid from abdomen) is combined with blood test results, environment of cat, clinical presentation etc. to form the diagnosis. Even with all the available data gathered, they sometimes can't be 100% until necropsy and even then, some pathologists do not want to definitively state the disease is FIP.
Dry FIP is being seen much more frequently and it's believed to be more common because cats are doing better at mounting a defense to FIP and are not succumbing so readily. Although this diagnosis is even more complex, there are sometimes small pockets of fluid that can be found and removed for analysis, looking for the telltale straw color and high protein content.
Even if the diagnosis is NOT absolutely definitive, the UC Davis SOCKFIP Genetics study http://www.sockfip. org/ NEEDS tissue samples from affected cats and DNA cheek swabs from family members!! Even if the FIP illness occurred in the past, if parents or sibs are available for cheek swabbing, they need this DNA for their research. Their statistical methodology can account for any outliers in the data (meaning we don't have to be 100% certain of the diagnosis to send this in... a strong suspicion by a veterinarian would qualify). THEY NEED DNA FOR THEIR RESEARCH TO SUCCEED. Click here for submission information http://www.sockfip. org/downloads/ davis-fip- studies.html.
They stressed that FIP can happen to any cat and a cattery that has not had FIP is statistically at HIGHER risk for FIP than a cattery that HAS had FIP. Yes, there are measures we can take to reduce risk factors, but we, as owners and breeders need to lead the effort to get UC Davis DNA data if we want this illness to be understood and eradicated. We need to abandon the stigma and start acting by producing data that can further the research. This data is confidential and can even be sent anonymously.
IF you had a cat or bred a cat that was diagnosed with or suspected of having FIP by a veterinarian (REGARDLESS of your own personal opinions, fears, or misgivings), UC Davis needs DNA swabs from parents and sibs of this affected cat. It is normal and understandable to not want our cats to be diagnosed with this horrible illness, but we need to set those feelings aside and further the FIP research. When I saw the spike of Birman FIP incidents compared to other breeds (regardless of whether this is due to better reporting by Birman owners and breeders, or a higher incidence of the disease) I knew why I had attended the conference. This was my cue to spread the word and take up this cause. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Please forward this to your cat lists to get the word out. Although tissue samples and DNA swabs from high risk breeds like Birmans is especially useful, the SOCKFIP Genetics study http://www.sockfip. org/downloads/ davis-fip- studies.html needs data from ALL types of cats, purebred and mixed breed, and high and low risk groups.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
some interesting information
By Rosemary Black
Reviewed by QualityHealth' s Medical Advisory Board
Researchers involved with a Minnesota study analyzed 4,435 participants between the ages of 30 and 75 from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. They found a decreased death rate from heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Interestingly, researchers did not see similar results for dog owners.
The Cox proportional hazards analysis was used during 20 years of follow-up to determine relative risk of death from all causes, heart attack and cardiovascular diseases. Previous or current cat owners made up 55 percent (2,435) of the study participants. When the researchers adjusted results for differences in age, race or ethnicity, gender, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, cholesterol levels and body mass index, they noted a 40 percent higher relative risk of death due to heart attack in participants who had never had a pet cat, compared to those who had previously or currently owned a cat. There was also a 30 percent higher relative risk of increased risk for death due to cardiovascular diseases among those who'd never had a cat.
Reviewed by QualityHealth' s Medical Advisory Board
Researchers involved with a Minnesota study analyzed 4,435 participants between the ages of 30 and 75 from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. They found a decreased death rate from heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Interestingly, researchers did not see similar results for dog owners.
The Cox proportional hazards analysis was used during 20 years of follow-up to determine relative risk of death from all causes, heart attack and cardiovascular diseases. Previous or current cat owners made up 55 percent (2,435) of the study participants. When the researchers adjusted results for differences in age, race or ethnicity, gender, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, cholesterol levels and body mass index, they noted a 40 percent higher relative risk of death due to heart attack in participants who had never had a pet cat, compared to those who had previously or currently owned a cat. There was also a 30 percent higher relative risk of increased risk for death due to cardiovascular diseases among those who'd never had a cat.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Kittens
We have some really cute kittens right now and a new litter on the way out of our chocolate girl, Pepsi. We are hoping for some more of those really cute lilac points she gave us last time and maybe some really nice chocolates.
We have a really cute seal lynx point girl out of Giselle, who is a super smart cat. She is one of my "cling-on" girls, always in my lap or laying her head on me when I ask if she loves me. So cute.
Come and see our beautiful babies. If you are looking for a kitten for that perfect companion, we have the best. Great personalities, litter trained, first shots, kitten kits, and love enough for ever....and lots of colors!
here is our website url
http://catinallity.com
We have a really cute seal lynx point girl out of Giselle, who is a super smart cat. She is one of my "cling-on" girls, always in my lap or laying her head on me when I ask if she loves me. So cute.
Come and see our beautiful babies. If you are looking for a kitten for that perfect companion, we have the best. Great personalities, litter trained, first shots, kitten kits, and love enough for ever....and lots of colors!
here is our website url
http://catinallity.com
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
dollface vs extrreme flat f ace
The doll face breeders would have you believe that the Persians and Himalayans bred to the CFA standard, which can be found here http://www.cfa.org/breeds/standards/persian.pdf , have health problems not found in the lesser extreme dollface Persians. NOT SO! They are all HTML clipboardsusceptible to the same diseases and breed problems. The flat face does not mean breathing problems, the small nose nares do that, and most breeders have now realized that and are trying to eliminate that look. The Persian breeders are also the only ones trying to eliminate PKD ( polycystic kidney disease) from the breed, and all breeds have it. They have worked tirelessly on this for more than 10 years. You will never see the claim of PKD negative on a doll face breeders web site.
The doll face breeders are not breeding to better the breed but to make money! The majority of them are kitten mills, why else would they be breeding? They are not showing, those cats would not be let into the show hall, they are not bettering the breed, they are not trying to eliminate a devastating disease. Some of those breeders even charge in excess of $2500.00 for a kitten that can be found anywhere, even roaming the street or in a shelter. And here is the clincher, you won't even pay that for a show quality persian being sold as a pet with years of selective breeding behind it, and most likely champions and grand champions in it's pedigree.
When you want a Persian it is for the "LOOK" they are known for, flat face, cobby, heavy boned body, short tail, wide spaced and small ears, big huge round eyes, long flowing coat, otherwise, go get another breed. You won't find that look in the doll face, they do not look like a Persian but like a street cat with long hair. Not the same thing.
The sad part of all of this is, that one part of the breed feels it needs to put down another part of the breed in order to promote itself and sell kittens for very high dollar when in fact the persian breeders who breed to standard think those kittens are almost always give aways. Exploitation, that is all it is. If you do not want that flat face, find a reputable show breeder, she will almost always have a pet quality dollface kitten for you at a very reasonable price, that still has all that wonderful breeding behind it.
The doll face breeders are not breeding to better the breed but to make money! The majority of them are kitten mills, why else would they be breeding? They are not showing, those cats would not be let into the show hall, they are not bettering the breed, they are not trying to eliminate a devastating disease. Some of those breeders even charge in excess of $2500.00 for a kitten that can be found anywhere, even roaming the street or in a shelter. And here is the clincher, you won't even pay that for a show quality persian being sold as a pet with years of selective breeding behind it, and most likely champions and grand champions in it's pedigree.
When you want a Persian it is for the "LOOK" they are known for, flat face, cobby, heavy boned body, short tail, wide spaced and small ears, big huge round eyes, long flowing coat, otherwise, go get another breed. You won't find that look in the doll face, they do not look like a Persian but like a street cat with long hair. Not the same thing.
The sad part of all of this is, that one part of the breed feels it needs to put down another part of the breed in order to promote itself and sell kittens for very high dollar when in fact the persian breeders who breed to standard think those kittens are almost always give aways. Exploitation, that is all it is. If you do not want that flat face, find a reputable show breeder, she will almost always have a pet quality dollface kitten for you at a very reasonable price, that still has all that wonderful breeding behind it.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
I Am Your Cat
I Am Your Cat
Do not think of me as an object to bring you fame in the show ring,my most prized trophy is a gentle touch from you.
Do not expect from me a new family of babies every four months,
I love my little ones and want them with me
so I may teach and play with them for many months
as a good mother should.
Do not keep me confined in a cage,
I am a free spirit, let me live with you in your home.
Do not think of me as an unknowing, uncaring or an independent being,
for I need you.
Accept me as I am, care for me, love me and be my friend,
and I will give you in return:
- a soft touch of my paw on your cheek when you are troubled;
- a companion when you are lonely; a clown when you are depressed;
- a trusting loving purring being, content to share your happeniness and sorrow.
for He has created you and me.
Do not think of me as a simple creature,
for I can see angels you can not see.
I can feel the vibrations and wonders of the universe
you can not feel.
I can communicate with you, if you will learn my language,
I understand yours.
And when the time comes when I will have to leave you, remember,
I will always be with you, for our spirits are one.
Love me. Cherish me. Care for me.
I am your Cat.
D.N. for Lelani
Hello
This is Catinallity's blog and on here we will try to talk about cat things. Maybe bring you up to date facts about cats or breeding persians and himalayans. Or maybe even what is happening in our life or the lives of our cats. we have not totally decided on what the content will be yet. Just may be an ever evolving thing.
This is one of our kittens, currently available. Isn't he cute? He is just 5 weeks old, a little blue point boy. He is for sale on our website at http://catinallity.com
Come and see all of our other babies for sale as well.
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