AH - Dogs & Cats

Question 1

What age is the neonatal period?

Answer 1

First 2 weeks of life - totally dependent on mother. Colostrum essential.

Question 2

What age is the transitional period?

Answer 2

14-21 days. Rapid development = eyes and ears open.

Question 3

What is the critical learning period?

Answer 3

Socialisation period = 3-14 weeks. Learning period that shapes animal for life.

Question 4

How do social behaviours differ between cats and dogs?

Answer 4

Dogs = pack and territorial with a strong hierarchy, based on resources. Family over house.
Cats = solitary, territorial. Mark scent. Hunt. House over family.

Question 5

How do dogs communicate in terms of voice, body and scent?

Answer 5

Voice = bark, whine, growl
Body = head, ears, body, tail movement, position.
Scent = urine marking, anal sacs

Question 6

How do cats communicate in terms of voice, body and scent?

Answer 6

Voice = purr, meow, hiss, growl
Body = ears, eye, posture, tail
Scent = scratching, rubbing, spraying

Question 7

What are the 4 categories of dog breeds?

Answer 7

1) Hunting = gun dogs
2) Herding = sheep dogs, terriers
3) Companion = toy breeds
4) Guarding = GSD, doberman

Question 8

What are the 3 categories of cat breeds?

Answer 8

1) British shorthair = stocky, thick tail, fine and dense coat
2) Longhair = long coat, large rough and wide muzzle, short legs
3) Oriental = long, lean, pointed hair and tails.

Question 9

What are the 5 animal welfare needs stipulated in the 2006 Animal Welfare Act?

Answer 9

1) Need for a suitable environment
2) Need for a suitable diet
3) Need to be able to exhibit normal behavior patterns
4) Need to be housed with or apart from other animals
5) Need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Question 10

Describe cat diets in terms of dentition, hunting method, and food choice.

Answer 10

Carnivore (needs taurine)
Dentition = catch, kill and eat small prey
Stalk, sight, pounce on prey
Retractable claws = keep sharp
Good night vision

Question 11

Describe dog diets in terms of dentition, hunting method, and food choice.

Answer 11

Carnivore and scavanger
Dentition = catch and kill prey, tear and shear
Hunt in packs or singly
Hearing and smell is important in hunting

Question 12

How does mental stimulation needs differ between cats and dogs?

Answer 12

Cats usually exercise solo. Play can encourage bonding and reduces obesity. Can be clicker trained.

Dogs are breed dependent, but mental stimulation is important. Dogs must learn basic commands (sit, stay etc.). Mental stimulation enhances relationship.

Question 13

Describe reproduction in dogs in terms of season, ovulation (+ signs), gestation period, and litter size.

Answer 13

• No breeding season
• Ovulated without mating once during season
• Signs = bleeding, swollen vulva, behavioural changes
• Average gestation period = 63 days
• Average litter size = 3-8+

Question 14

Describe reproduction in cats in terms of season, ovulation (+ signs), gestation period, and litter size.

Answer 14

• Seasonally polyoestrus
• Induced ovulator
• Signs = behavioural
• Average gestation period = 65 days
• Average litter size = 2-4 kittens

Question 15

How do dog and cat mating processes differ?

Answer 15

Dogs = bitch to dog, 10-12 days after onset of pro-oestrus. Repeat matings 24-48 hours.

Cat = take queen to Tom. Allow long courtship for follicles to develop. Ovulation occurs 24 hours post mating, and fertilisation 24-48 hours post mating.

Question 16

How can pregnancy be diagnosed?

Answer 16

• Abdominal swelling
• Mammary gland development and milk
• Abdominal palpation
• Ultrasound
• Foetal heartbeat
• Radiography