Guest Post: Domestic Cat Breeds That Look Like Wildcats

Today we have a guest post for you, all about cats that look like wildcats (and I think I may fit that category a little bit, even though I am a tabby as Mum says I look as if I may have some Bengal cat in me.) 

Domestic Cat Breeds that Look Like Wildcats

Now while the idea of having a tiger, cheetah or any other wildcat at home may be rather awesome, getting your hands one as a pet will prove mighty dangerous. So why not snuggle with a housecat with wildcat looks instead?

Here are some felines beauties with wildcat looks and domestic roots!

#1: Chausie

Regarded by a lot of avid cat fanciers as having the overall appearance of a scaled down cougar, the Chausie is definitely a breed you need to check out if you're zeroing in on a domestic feline that looks like a wildcat.

Now while the Chausie is a known household breed these days, it actually has the blood of a wildcat running in its veins. This pint-sized cougar was developed by pairing a domestic cat with a Jungle Cat (Felis chaus).

Apart from coming in three striking colors, particularly silver-tipped black, solid black and brown-ticked tabby, the Chausie also flaunts a muscular body that's quite graceful.

#2: Ocicat

You'd ever expect that the Ocicat traces back it roots from domestic breeds with its uniquely exotic look.

Sure the breed may have been developed from outcrossing the American Shorthair, Siamese and Abyssinian, its Ocelot-like appearance made it one of the most popular "wildcat-looking" felines in the fancy.

The Ocicat's coat commonly comes in fawn, lavender, blue, cinnamon, chocolate and tawny. There are also cats of this breed that have silver-tipped coats.

3: Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau has the appearance of the cats displayed in ancient murals exhibited in pyramids and similar sacred places. Apart from having the distinction of being the only naturally-spotted domestic breed of cat in the world, its long, muscular legs give it the look of being constantly on the verge of jumping or pouncing.

Interestingly, the Egyptian Mau is believed to have descended from kittens that resulted from the mating of African Wild Cats and domestic felines at least 4,000 years ago. Just in case you're wondering, "mau" is the Egyptian word for "cat" in their native tongue.

#4: Toyger

The Toyger is basically a miniature version of the tiger. Aside from flaunting the same prominent stripes, this cat's slightly cobby body also closely resembles that of its enormous jungle cousin.

Developed by outcrossing a standard Bengal tabby with a striped domestic shorthair, the Toyger is known as a moderately active breed that isn't as vocal compared to other felines. Now while it won't pass up a chance to play with its human companions, it isn't that demanding for attention as well.

The stripes on the Toyger's legs are so pronounced that they already look like thick bangles.

#5: Savannah

The Savannah is a cat you'd expect to come across the wild African plains instead of engaging you in a game of fetch or tag at home.

The result of the pairing of the large-eared Serval and a domestic feline, this cat is not just known for its gracefully lithe body, but also for its superb leaping abilities. Remarkably, the Savannah can easily launch itself into the air up to 8 feet!

Make sure you check with your local wildlife office before getting your hands on a Savannah though. Now while it is categorized by most states as a domestic breed, some still consider it as an actual wildcat because of its Serval lineage.

#6: Pixiebob

The resemblance between the Pixiebob and its feral North American Bobcat cousin is simply uncanny. Aside from the pointy ears that are lined here and there with tufts of hair, the coat markings are also quite identical.

The Pixiebob is the brainchild of Carol Ann Brewer, a cat breeder who fell in love with a "Legend Cat" that she came across while poring over the local paper. Brewer loved the male kitten so much that she adopted it and bred it with a neighbor's female Legend Cat when it became of age.

The pairing subsequently produced a kitten named Pixie, which eventually became the foundation cat for the breed.

#7: Bengal

With its noticeable rosettes and roses on its coat, chest and legs, the Bengal looks more wild than domestic at first glance. Developed using a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal also has the overall agile appearance that makes it look like it's ready to jump or pounce at any moment.

What's really interesting about the Bengal is that it has a fondness for water and won't hesitate to take a dip in the kitchen sink or join its guardians in the shower.

The above 7 are beautiful examples of domestic cats with wildcat looks, but they’re not the whole list – check out all the domestic cats with wildcat looks like HERE

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Guest Post: How I Saved My Cat Sylvester When 05-Months Of Vet Drugs Failed!

Today we have a guest post by Joseph A Laydon Jr.

How I Saved My Cat Sylvester When 05-Months Of Vet Drugs Failed!

My name is Joseph A. Laydon Jr. and I care for almost 100 critters every day. I have about 60 koi fish and a few dozen cats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, birds and turtles that live on my property.

Around New Years of 2012, my cat Sylvester was diagnosed with auto-immune disease where his four paws were swollen-up, he ran a fever 24-hours a day, his entire underside was bald, he lost most of his weight and he was in great non-stop pain. After 05-months of expensive vet drugs, I took matters into my own hands. 

In early June of 2013, through my own "intensive research," I found a human supplement that I watered down and gave daily doses to Sylvester. Within a week I could see improvements. By the end of June, his four paws were almost normal, his fever was gone, he had fuzz fur where he was bald, he was gaining weight, and his pain was gone. By the end of August 2013, Sylvester was back to his ornery self picking fights with the other cats. 

I’ll tell you all the details – “How I Saved My Cat Sylvester, When 05 - Months Of Vet Drugs Failed!” (E-Book or Paperback at www.amazon.com )

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KEEP YOUR CAT HEALTHY WITH THE BEST CAT FOOD - Guest Post by Damir Vidan

What are the ingredients for the best cat food without having to name different brands? Like most domesticated animals, cats are sensitive when it comes to getting the food they need. This is because they don’t have access to the nutrients that they usually get from the wild, or in this case, they are less healthy than their counterparts in the wild. If you were to take into consideration what these wild cats eat, you’d be surprised that they can actually point you to the right direction when it comes to picking out food for your cat. Cat behavior is always similar, no matter the size of the cat. 

So, what are the main ingredients of the best cat food? For starters, cat owners have always been advised to go for all-natural food, meaning those containing actual animal meat and none of those preservative- filled cat foods. Raw meat is what you want for your cat because they contain the nutrients that they need. Raw chicken, beef, and pork are just some of the ingredients of the best cat food that money can buy, and some brands will carry a combination of these three along with other types of raw meat like turkey and salmon. 



But why raw meat in a can when you can buy them from your local deli store? This is because cat foods with these ingredients are specially-formulated, meaning that they’ve been combined with other types of food items that are crucial for your cat’s health. Some contain vegetable bits and herbs that will provide cats with other nutrients that will help with their digestive system and immune system. 



But what if I can’t find them? Well, you can still resort to buying meat from your local deli. You’ll find different ways of preparing them, much like one would prepare a home-cooked meal for the family. Some dog owners even go to great lengths to home-cooking their own dog food for their dog, so why shouldn’t this be the case for cats too? 


Written by: Damir Vidan, Owner @ CatsAdvices.com


Posted by: Marie Symeou
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A Guide to Nutrition for Older Pets: Guest Post by Erica Anderson

Recently, we were contacted by Erica Anderson, a veterinary technician and pet writer from Tucson, Arizona, offering to guest post for us. Of course we said yes!

A Guide to Nutrition for Older Pets

Your dog or cat is considered a senior when they are around 10 years old, even though some breeds can live as long as 20 years. However, you need to change feeding habits with the times, similar to the way you would care for an elderly family member. Cats and dogs have different needs when they are seniors, requiring careful consideration of food quantity and quality. Proper nutrition for senior pets gives them a long life with a healthy attitude.

Key Nutrients for Cats 

Look for cat foods that offer multivitamin-packed ingredients. If your cat's favorite brand is not a multivitamin type, consider purchasing a veterinarian-recommended multivitamin supplement. Consistent vitamin intake allows the cat to have more mental stimulation, from running and alertness, for a healthy lifestyle. Instead of sleeping all day, for instance, they want to play like kittens. For skin and coat health, look for ample omega-6 fatty acid foods or supplements. Fatty acids work wonders in the body, providing critical anti-inflammatory benefits to aging bodies, including arthritis sufferers. With its cancer-fighting and healing aspects, fatty acids are a must for your cat's senior diet. Also, add in small amounts of sodium, phosphorus and taurine. All the cat's bodily organs need these nutrients for continual support and cellular maintenance. Find these nutrients in supplements, if missing from a food label.

Critical Dog Nutrients 

Dogs also need their share of omega-6 fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid, helping their skin, joints and coat remain healthy over time. Antioxidants are another key component to dog health, as free radicals are enemies of healthy tissue. These particles quickly damage internal organs without the help of consistent antioxidant intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E. Lean proteins are also a critical component of a healthy senior diet. Although protein may be high in calories, moderate amounts contribute to healthy muscles, supporting the internal organs and everyday movements.

Portioning Food 

One of the largest threats to a senior dog's lifespan is obesity. With a heavy body, diseases quickly set in. Portion your pet's food, based on their size. For example, a small cat or dog only needs between one-half and one cup of food each day. However, older pets have slower metabolisms. You can be cautious and purchase pet food designed specifically for older animals. The food often has less calories, allowing the pet to eat the same volume, but with less calories to burn.

Natural Ingredients 

If possible, offer dog and cat food that has natural ingredients. When you read the ingredient list, most of the listed items should be understandable. Long, chemical-based ingredients do not benefit the pet's health, and may even hinder digestion. A pet's body is designed to digest and utilize nutrients from natural sources. Look for ingredients, including real chicken and vegetables. Animal byproducts, in contrast, do not provide the same nutrition as a real chicken part.

Maintain your senior pet's health with ample food rich in nutrients. Encourage a lot of water consumption, especially during the warmer months. Pets need a constant water source to support bodily functions. Get outside with your pet, encouraging running and playing. Although your pet is not a kitten or puppy, activities keep their body and mind stimulated. A happy and healthy pet can fight off disease readily, allowing you to enjoy your loving pet for many years to come.

Erica Anderson is a veterinary technician and pet writer from Tucson, Arizona. She is an advocate for pet hospice, all-natural foods, and homeopathic veterinarians.