These unusual cats get their name from Lake Van, in Turkey, where they have been kept as pets for hundreds of years. They are popularly known as ‘swimming cats’, from their love of water. Even small kittens will go for a swim in a fast flowing stream, and cats suffering from a fever have been observed to sit down in …

While cats are naturally healthy animals, there are some illnesses, such as Cat Influenza and infectious Enteritis, against which the only protection is to have the kitten immunized by a Vet. This is best done as soon as kitten leaves its mother, for both these ailments cause much suffering and often the loss of the pet’s life. All cats are …

Cats are good and loving mothers. They will romp and play with their kittens, protecting them from danger and training them to be clean. A cat will go into a burning building, even at the cost of her own life, to save her kittens, bringing them out in her mouth, one by one, to safety. Such is the mothering instinct …

A kitten from nine to sixteen weeks of age needs at least four small meals a day. (About a level tablespoonful at a time.) Breakfast: porridge or brown bread moistened with warm milk. Lunch: some finely chopped raw or cooked meat, with a little vegetable, such as spinach, peas or carrots mashed in it. Tea: a tablespoon of tinted food, …

They are such delightful cuddly creatures that unless you are set on owning a pedigree cat, you are likely to fall for the first appealing kitten seen in a pet shop window. Those of you who would prefer one of the fifty odd recognized breeds should go to a reputable breeder. Their names and addresses may be found, together with …

The ancestors of this beautiful brown cat lived in Burma, where they were known as the Sacred Temple Cats. It is said that they were waited upon by specially chosen slaves who lost their lives if any ill came to their charges. Even dancers and singers were provided to entertain the cats as they lolled about on silken cushions. Far …

Proper hygiene and a loving atmosphere are the prerequisites for the growth of healthy pets. In case of dogs, cleanliness and health care becomes even more important, because they are some of the most active pets. Apart from making them look spick and span, cleanliness ensures overall health as well. Moreover, agility and responsiveness of the pet are improved by …

If you own a British Blue kitten, you will have one of the best, and certainly the most popular of the short-haired British breeds. Not only is it intelligent and affectionate, but it will not scratch the furniture, as so many other kind of kittens do, preferring to find a tree or post in the garden on which to clean …

The black cat has suffered much from evil superstition ever since the Romans brought it to England. In fact, like most of its kind, the Black Cat, when loved and well treated, is an affectionate, good tempered animal. It is only when angered that its blazing, yellow eyes give it a demon look. Lying by the fire of dozing on …

Not all cats belong to recognized breeds – in fact most household cats are crossbred. But as long as you choose a kitten that is lively, has bright eyes, clean ears and a soft coat, you will own a happy, affectionate pet. All kittens need grass as part of their food, so if you haven’t a lawn, a clump of …