Feline: Biology, Behaviour and Husbandry Flashcards
What is a normal reference range for their heart rate?
160-220 bpm
What is a normal reference range for their respiratory rate?
18-30 rpm
What is a normal reference range for their temperature?
38-39 degrees celsius
What is a normal reference range for their weight?
3-5kg
What is their typical life-span?
12-16 years
When do they hit puberty?
4-5 months (affected by weight)
How often do they go into oestrus?
15-21 days
How long is the gestation length?
63 days
What is the avg. litter size?
2-8
When do kittens get weaned?
6-8 weeks
What is the dental formula for a kitten?
26 teeth: 2 (I 3/3 C 1/1 P 3/2)
What is the dental formula for a adult?
30 teeth: 2 (I 3/3 C 1/1 P 3/2 M 1/1)
What are the 3 layers of the coat?
Down - soft, provides warmth
Awn - middle
Guard - longer, coat colour
What type of diet to cats have?
CARNIVORE: high protien low carbs
How many meals do they eat per day?
10-20 small meals VERY PICKY
What do cats normally drink?
WATER (less than dogs) not milk (may not have lactase)
Where should litter trays be located?
Far from food and water + easily access
What is the difference between defaecating and middening?
o Defaecating = eliminative behaviour in appropriate location, usually followed by burying of faeces
o Middening = faeces deposited uncovered in a strategic location to mark territory, or in an inappropriate location as an expression of a behavioural issue
What is the difference between urinating and spraying?
o Urination - horizontal surface, usually preceded by digging behaviour
o Spraying – tail raised and urine sprayed onto vertical surface; generally done as territorial behaviour as urine contains felinine – an amino acid that causes the characteristic smell of cat urine.
What are the signs of facial aggression?
Round, dilated pupils
flattened ears or swivel
blinking (anxious)
