PK Deficiency - Explanation of what this is all about:

In June this year (2011) PK Deficiency was discovered in Singapura cats in the UK.

Now you ask what is PK Def ?, rather than me rambling on explaining it all l have attached these links for those who

 are interested in understanding about this situation.

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/pk_deficiency/info.html  - Basic info about PK Def.

http://www.langfordvets.co.uk/lab_pcr_bengal_singapura_pkdef.htm - Explaining about PK Def.

http://www.langfordvets.co.uk/lab_pcr_singapura_pkdef.htm - Results of cats tested in England


We are so very lucky we have NONE affected or as they say (Homozygous) cats that carry 2 copies of the gene.

Codes descriptions are:

N/N - Normal Cat, this cat does not carry the defective gene

N/K - Normal Cat, but does carry one gene for PK Def, but is not affected (heterozygous)

K/K - Affected Cat or will be at some stage, carries 2 genes for PK Def (homozygous) Severity of symptoms cannot

be predicted.

You will see these codes beside the names of Singapura queens and studs that we have tested so far.

With these test results now in , we now know we have not bred a PK Def affected kitten from any of

our blood lines, as all our studs are clear.

NOTE:

When buying a Singapura kitten, you are advised to see a copy of the PK Def Certificate relating to the parents of

the kitten from any other Breeders.

We will include a copy of the parents PK Def Certificates in our Kitten Information Packs.

Interesting reading on early desexing of kittens:

"Early Desexing of Kittens?" # Winn Foundation Health Article by

 Susan Little DVM

While it may seem that interest in early spay/neuter is a recent phenomenon, it has not only been talked about, but it has been practiced for over 25 years in North America. Early age altering refers to spays and neuters done between the age of 6 and 14 weeks. Altering pets between 5 and 7 months of age was established by tradition rather than for any specific medical reason. Years ago, when safe paediatric anaesthetic techniques were not available, waiting until a patient was older increased the safety of surgery. But we no longer need to delay altering for this reason.

People working to decrease the problem of surplus dogs and cats in the United States pioneered the idea of early altering. While surgical sterilization remains the most effective means of population control, delaying the surgery long enough for sexual maturity to occur defeats the purpose. Animal shelters advocate mandatory altering, but many adopted animals either are never altered or have at least one litter first.

Over the years, the safety of early altering has been questioned, mainly by veterinarians who may be unfamiliar with the surgical and anaesthetic techniques required for paediatric patients. As well, concerns that early altering could increase the incidence of feline lower urinary tract disease, could affect skeletal development, and affect behaviour have been voiced. These concerns have largely been laid to rest by many studies, and early altering is becoming more widespread and available. A study recently published by researchers at the University of Florida found no significant differences in the physical and behavioural characteristics of cats altered at 7 weeks of age compared to those altered at 7 months of age.

Very important work has been done by Drs. Michael Aronsohn and Alicia Faggella at the Massachusetts SPCA on the anaesthetic and surgical techniques for early altering of dogs and cats. In 1993, two papers were published outlining their work on the early altering of hundreds of kittens between the age of 6 and 14 weeks. They evaluated several anaesthetic protocols and made recommendations for safe handling and anaesthesia in patients of this age. Some small changes to surgical technique are necessary for patients in this age group. As well, these young patients must be handled a bit differently both before, during, and after surgery. The changes in surgical protocol are simple and easy to carry out, and the experience of these veterinarians with early altering is overwhelmingly positive.

As cat breeders, we must do our part to curtail the serious issue of surplus animals. Many of us work in breed rescue programs and give our time and expertise to shelters. We can ensure that our own kittens not destined for breeding programs will never reproduce by practicing early altering. Early altering is a safe and effective means of ensuring we do not unwittingly add to the burden of unwanted pets.

Further information - refer to the website for The Winn Feline Foundation

"A Winn Feline Foundation Report on Early Spay/Neuter in the Cat"

# A progress report on a study funded by The Winn Feline Foundation - Developmental and Behavioral Effects of Prepubertal Gonadectomy. Mark S. Bloomberg, DVM, MS; W.P. Stubbs, DVM; D.F. Senior, BVSc; Thomas J. Lane, BS, DVM; University of Florida at Gainesville. Funded by the Winn Feline Foundation, February 1991. Continuation funded - Summary prepared by Diana Cruden, Ph.D.

Are fears of negative side effects of early neutering warranted?

Background and medical issues including a summary of an ongoing Winn Foundation funded project to evaluate the long term effects of early altering.

The concept of early spaying and neutering (e.g. before the animal is sexually mature) is not a new one. In the early 1900's, early neutering was the norm and it was not until much later that questions were raised about the negative side effects of such a procedure. Today most of the experts acknowledge that there has not been enough scientific information available about the most appropriate age to neuter a pet. Until recently, there was no research data that either supported or disproved the idea that neutering dogs and cats at ages younger than five to eight months was deleterious.

There is, in fact, little scientific basis for selecting this age group as the most appropriate time for neutering. Indeed, one investigator points out that many veterinarians have been practicing early neutering for years, since there is an incredible range of ages when puppies and kittens reach sexual maturity. Large animal practitioners have long practiced early neutering on their livestock and consider it not only acceptable, but desirable in many cases.

Even before concerns for the burgeoning population of unwanted pets raised our collective consciousness, there were many scientifically documented reasons to spay and castrate.

Spayed females are protected against mammary cancer and uterine infections. In males, castration reduces the risk of testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate and related infections. From the pet owners point of view, the spayed or castrated pet is a much better companion. They are less aggressive and more affectionate than their unaltered counterparts. Since they are not driven by the urge to reproduce, they are less likely to roam and fight.

Controlled studies into the short- and long-term effects

Controlled studies into the short- and long-term effects of early neutering have been sadly lacking until recently. While there had been numerous anecdotal reports of early spaying and neutering, these cases were generally uncontrolled from the scientific viewpoint. Most reported cases were random bred, unrelated animals from a variety of backgrounds and no attempt was made to control for these variations. There have been few university based studies in this area. M.A. Herron of Texas A&M reported in 1972 that neutering before sexual maturity had relatively little effect on the diameter of the urethra in male cats.

Studies have more recently been conducted at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, and the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida.

The Florida research project

The Florida project, begun in 1991 and completed in 1992, was funded by the Winn Feline Foundation in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). A serious attempt was made in this study to limit background influences and genetic variation.

The kittens were bred especially for the project and litter mates were divided among the three groups. The queens were bred and housed in quarantined facilities since both pre- and post-natal nutrition and other factors can contribute to the ultimate size, weight, and overall health of the kittens. Dr. Mark Bloomberg indicates that although long-term follow-up results are incomplete, the initial results are extremely positive. Prior to undertaking the Winn Foundation study, Dr. Bloomberg had completed a similar study in dogs. Animals involved in that study have now been followed for over five years, with no negative side effects reported. In the Winn Foundation study, there were a total of 31 domestic shorthair kittens from 7 litters born on the Gainesville campus.

The kittens were divided into three groups:

The investigators reported that the surgical procedures in the Group 1 kittens were straightforward and uncomplicated, and that the kittens recovered even more rapidly than the Group 2 kittens and Group 3 cats. Dr. Bloomberg notes that although there is very little material on paediatric anaesthesia in animals, the paediatric patient in human medicine is generally considered to be a very good surgical candidate and there is no reason why this should not also be true for dogs and cats.

The major concerns in paediatric surgery are:

The investigators did not fast the paediatric patients as long as adult patients and administered small amounts of Karo syrup prior to induction of anaesthesia as a precaution. It should be noted that due to the rapid recovery of the paediatric patient, the common practice of reducing anaesthesia during final stages of the surgery was modified.

Critics have claimed several possible detrimental side effects from early neutering. It is commonly believed that neutered animals are less active and more prone to obesity than unaltered animals. It was also suggested that neutering at an early age would stunt normal growth. In male cats in particular, it was feared that early castration would affect the development of the urinary tract and lead to an increased incidence of cystitis or urinary obstruction. Concerns have also been raised as to the effect of early neutering on behaviour, food consumption and dietary requirements, etc. The investigators attempted to answer most of these questions by evaluating several parameters in the three groups of kittens. In particular, they looked at weight and body composition (i.e., percent of body fat); bone length and the age of physeal closure (the age when long bone growth stops); behaviour; food consumption; development of the urinary tract; and the development of secondary sexual characteristics and degree of sexual maturity.

The results of the comparisons of weight showed some differences between the three groups. Males weighed consistently more than females, but this was uniform in all groups. The studies of body composition and body fat indicated that Group 1 (neutered at 7 weeks) and Group 2 (neutered at 7 months) were identical and were generally fatter than Group 3 (neutered at 12 months, after they were sexually mature). Investigators point out that by 12 months, the male cats in Group 3 were already exhibiting the normal adult male characteristics of decreased weight and the development of jowls, which accounts for some of the differences. It has also been noted that in the course of follow-up, the differences between the weight in cats from Group 1 and 2 and Group 3 are becoming less apparent. All these cats have been placed in selected and supervised pet homes and are more active than they were in the University facilities. A three-year follow-up exam was to be conducted in May of 1994.

Observations:

Growth rates

There was generally no difference in food consumption between the three groups other than the differences between males and females, which were consistent in all groups. There was no difference observed in the growth rates in all three groups, although the males grew faster in all groups. Increased long bone length was observed in both males and females in Groups 1 and 2. This appeared to be due to the fact that physeal closing (closure of the bone growth plate) was delayed in Groups 1 & 2. This explains why cats neutered and spayed as kittens are frequently larger (longer and taller) than unaltered cats or cats altered later in life. This seems to be particularly true for males.

Behavioural differences

In terms of behaviour, after 7 months, the cats in Group 3 were noticeably less affectionate and more aggressive prior to altering than the cats in Groups 1 and 2. Contrary to popular opinion, neutered animals were as active as their unaltered age mates.

Urinary tract development, sexual characteristics

Observations of urinary tract development showed no differences between the three groups other than the differences related to sex and these were consistent across all groups.

The investigators measured the diameter of the urethra in the male kittens only and found no differences between the groups. Concerns have been raised that early neutering would result in smaller diameters in the urinary tract, resulting in an increased incidence of cystitis and related problems. This does not appear to be the case. The main differences observed between the groups occurred in the comparison of secondary sex characteristics. Males were examined for differences in the development of the penis and prepuce (skin covering the penis), as well as for the development of penile spines. The penile spines were absent in Group 1, smaller than normal in Group 2, and normally developed in Group 3. In the examination of the female kittens, investigators found that the vulvas were more infantile in Groups 1 and 2 and normal in Group 3. None of these differences had any impact on the ability to catheterise the kittens. Concerns that development of the urinary tract might be arrested or impaired by early spaying and neutering proved unsupported.

Results of this study

The results of this study so far indicate that the differences between cats neutered at 7 weeks and 7 months are insignificant. The differences observed between animals in Groups 1 and 2 and the animals in Group 3, while in some cases statistically significant, are not differences which appear to affect the health of the animal in a negative way. While the final results will depend on the analysis of long-term follow-up, the indications are that early neutering is not detrimental to the overall health of the animal. From the perspective of shelters and particularly in respect to the problem of surplus puppies and kittens these results are encouraging. If all the animals adopted from shelters, including puppies and kittens, are neutered prior to adoption, there should be a corresponding decrease in the numbers of animals euthanised each year in this country. Preliminary results from Alachua County, near the University of Florida at Gainesville, would seem to support this theory.

Alachua County Animal Control has been working with the investigators at the University and have had an early neuter policy in place since 1990. No animal leaves the shelter without being neutered. In 1987 the county euthanised 1,250 cats and dogs per month. Since implementing the early neuter policies they have seen the numbers drop to 940 per month in 1992 and there has been no increase in morbidity or mortality associated with the program.

In the last year, recognition of the safety and efficacy of early spay/neuter has grown rapidly. The American Humane Association has endorsed early neutering prior to adoption as a "feasible solution to decreasing pet overpopulation and the tragedy of resulting deaths." In July 1993, delegates to the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Meeting voted to give AVMA's support to the concept of early neutering. Work done by veterinarians at Angell Memorial Hospital for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports Dr. Bloomberg's observations. Other organizations involved in early neuter programs include the Denver Dumb Friends League in Colorado, the Miami Humane Society and Alachua County Animal Control in Florida, The Humane Society of Austin and Travis County in Texas, the Chicago Animal Control in Illinois, the King County Animal Control in Washington state, the Vancouver SPCA in British Columbia and the Southern Oregon Humane Society in Oregon. The Dekalb Humane Society in Decatur, Collie Rescue of Metro Atlanta, the Georgia Alliance of Purebred Canine Rescuers, The Haven (dog rescue) and Dog River Sanctuary in Douglasville are among the Georgia organizations working with early neuter in dogs and cats, as well as exotic species.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) has changed its show rules to permit altered kittens to compete. Many breeders of pedigreed cats are working with their Veterinarians to neuter pet quality kittens prior to placement in new homes. Those breeders who have adopted this policy report that they are very happy with the practice. New pet owners indicate that acquiring an already neutered animal relieves them of the worry and expense of scheduling the surgery at a later date, enabling them to relax and enjoy their new companion. As is the case for shelter managers, breeders can relax in the knowledge that the kitten they place today is not going to contribute to the surplus pet population tomorrow.

Further information - refer to the website for The Winn Feline Foundation

Dietary Habits - Don't Kill your Cat with Kindness"

# The source of this information is from "Nutrition of the Domestic Cat" by VH Menrath, BVSc, BAgr, MACVSc, as published in "Target" all breeds magazine of the Council of Federated Cat Clubs of Queensland and printed in an issue of "National Cat"

Your Cat is a True Carnivore

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Calcium

Fats

Vitamin B

Summary

So What Should you Feed your Cat?

"Fat is Important to That Diet"

# by Dr. Truda M. Straede

The correct diet for your cat?

The correct diet for a cat is a matter of contention - and every economic competition! Every brand of pet food trumpets its value with many claiming to be complete or balanced. This may be true - but I have yet to meet a cat that doesn't become unutterably bored by the same flavoured can every day, and most are not interested in the second half of a tin opened the day before.

If biscuits are the dietary mainstay, more sustained enthusiasm is likely - some seem to be addicted to them completely, and then will not eat any raw food at all. This addiction to dry food is often caused by the basting of the dry biscuit with flavour enhances to encourage the cat to eat them.

The protein to fat ratio:

The content of these prepared foods is generally given as crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and natural sodium chloride. The protein to fat ratio is between 2:1 and 3:1, values well worth committing to memory when planning a non processed, more natural, and cheaper diet for your breeding colony or companion.

The most common mistake made by fussy cat owners and breeders is not providing sufficient fat in the diet. 

Proteins consist of amino acids made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur which can be used as building blocks to make cat proteins, or the excess can be used as an energy source. In this case the proteins are delaminated - nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur are stripped away, leaving the carbon, hydrogen and oxygen portions to be utilised in respiration.

This is wasteful as it takes a lot of energy to make proteins and is an extra strain on the kidneys, which have to excrete the unused material.

The secret:

The secret is to provide only the growth and repair requirements as proteins, and the energy source as some less complex form of carbon hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates immediately spring to mind, but cats are carnivores so their guts are not able to utilise complex carbohydrates such as cereal and bread with any efficiency - they are designed to use the carbon hydrogen oxygen complex which naturally accompanies protein - fat.

How best to provide this fat?

How to provide this fat may cause a bit of head scratching - but don't despair, there are some simple and very palatable answers.

Don't buy best mince because it has a low fat content. Cheaper human consumption mince or pet lines are a better and cheaper proposition.

Chicken mince is sometimes fatty, but it is hard to tell by looking. Ask about the source, or boil a small amount until well cooked, then allow to cool overnight in the fridge - the fat content will quickly be revealed.

Kangaroo mince is extremely low in fat, and is unsuitable as a foundation diet unless adequately fat enhanced. Fat from the dripping from your roast, from cheap fatty lamb breasts - which can then be sliced into rib sections and served with bone to entranced cats - or butchers' lard can be used.

I cut a portion of set fat off the block, then chop it up finely then mix it through a mince mixture. Don't forget that the fat should be stored in the fridge, and roast dripping should be used with its jelly within a few days.

Other fat sources are on pieces of meat themselves, particularly hearts, which can be chopped up so that most sections have some fat on them. Anything trimmed off your own meat should not be wasted. A fatty but cheap cut of lamb is more economic if you give the fat trimmings to the cats.

If you have a food processor you can buy fresh suet. Shred and store it in small quantities in the freezer for up to three months.

Cheese is excellent, but a bit of a treat and is perhaps more suited to the weanling kitten than adults. Plain or Vanilla yoghurt can be added to a mince mixture but no more than a level teaspoon per cat. Yoghurt makes the mixture a bit odd by the third night and cats won't eat it - so don't add it if you are making up a mince mixture for a few days ahead. It should be added fresh at each meal and also with cheese..

Note: Jalna yoghurt is our favorite here as it is naturally prepared with no thickeners or additives added.

Older cats:

Older cats and those with dicey kidneys, need a lower protein diet. White meat - fish, chicken, pork - with bulk, such as cooked rice or oats can be mixed when cold, with fat prepared as suggested. Offer a saucer of cream, or a cheese snack, and those fatty sliced roasted lamb breasts are all very acceptable. These make the cat feel full, lively and maintain its condition, but do not overtax its kidneys.

Cats in poor condition:

A cat in poor condition, perhaps recovering from a long illness, or simply having reared a large litter kittens, will benefit from having as much as it likes to eat with about half of this being some form of fat. Unless the cat has lost muscle mass, it really needs to lay down fat reserves it used up in its recent endeavours. To supply this as primarily protein is not only energy inefficient, and expensive, but also works kidneys very hard. As the causes of the poor condition probably also put extra strain on the kidneys, this recovery time is an opportunity to allow them to recuperate.

Cats with a skin condition:

A cat which suffers from skin conditions, such as dry and scaly patches in the fur, or cracked skin on noses and paw pads may have some kind bacterial or fungal infection which will respond to suitable medication. The underlying cause of such a problem, however, may lie in the skin itself, so that medication only clears up the secondary infections.

To maintain the restored health of the skin and to improve the coat's lustre, examine the diet for its fat content, and amend if necessary.

I find that a fatty diet, in combination with the addition of heavy metals, particularly zinc (in the form Keylomin Organic) reduces allergy type skin problems. You will also find that some Devon Rex kittens/Cats react to dry biscuits causing what we call "Devon Bumps", like mosquito bites usually on top of the head and sometimes appear on the neck, remove all dry food, increase the fat content of their food and it is resolved within 2 to 3 days.

Summary:

So remember, fat for cats for energy will save your pocket, is good for their skin and conserves their kidneys.

Renal failure in cats is still one of the main causes of death, so no dry food and little Carbohydrates. Back to a natural diet as close as we can provide.

Some other wonderful links about feeding cats :

 http://www.catinfo.org/

http://www.catinfo.org/docs/zorans_article.pdf

Toxic Plants to keep you cat/kitten

 away from

If you suspect your cat has eaten a toxic plant, seek

 immediate Veterinary care. If possible, take a sample of

 the suspect plant for identification.

Other Common Toxins

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Alcohol

Acetaminophen

Antifreeze

Aromatherapy Oils

Please Consult your Vet before using any type of aromatherapy oils

Aspirin

Bleach

Boric Acid

Brake Fluid

Cleaning Fluid

Chocolate

Coffee

Deodorants

Deodorizers

Detergent

Disinfectant

Dyes

Fungicides

Furniture Polish

Garlic

Herbicides

Ibuprofen

Insecticides

Lead

Laxatives

Metal Polish

Mineral Spirits

Moth Balls

Nail Polish Remover

Onion

Paint

Paint Remover

Paracetamol

Phenylbutazone

Photographic Developer

Rat / Ant Poison

Rubbing Alcohol

Shoe Polish

Snail / Slug Baits

Suntan Lotion

Tar

Teflon

Weed Killer

Windshield Washer Fluid

Wood Preservatives

Zinc

For more information please clink on the link below

http://www.cat-world.com.au

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"Where Beauty & Enchantment are Created"

Contact:: Fiona & Bill      Email:: mangala@dcsi.net.au 

Phone :  03 5678 8311  Mob : 0438 788 311 International : +61 3 5678 8311

Please Note:: We unfortunately do not have mobile reception at home.