Cats and dogs are not able to mate and interbreed. In order for two different species of animal to reproduce, they have to be closely related enough that they share most of the same genetic makeup.

For example, it’s common knowledge that horses and donkeys can interbreed to produce mules, though the offspring mules are infertile hybrids and cannot reproduce. However, horses and donkeys, while different species, are both part of the same genus, equine. Their similar genetic makeup is what allows them to mate.

On the other hand, cats and dogs do not share enough genetic material to produce viable offspring. A sperm cell from one species would never be able to fertilize an egg from the other.

There are a few diseases that are normally passed from cats and other animals to human beings, and are referred to as “zoonotic illnesses”. Some of these conditions include ringworm, conjunctivitis (or “pink eye), and certain strains of flu. However, diseases are passed from human to animal much less frequently. These rare instances have been termed “reverse zoonosis”.

During the H1N1 (“Swine Flu”) outbreak of 2009, there were about a dozen documented cases in which domesticated cats were infected and are believed to have contracted the disease through human contact. But while there is increasing evidence that human guardians can transmit the flu and other common illnesses to their pets, there are so few cases of this that have been reported that it is not recognized as a significant risk.

In any case, the spread of influenza and other viruses to cats and other pets can be prevented by making sure that as a pet parent, you are up to date on your vaccinations and take usual precautions to avoid sicknesses, including washing hands, sanitizing common surfaces in the home, etc.

A healthy cat will have firm pink gums, not an angry red, white, and/or black or brown color. Your cat’s gums should also not appear to be swollen. While some cats may have been born with a few black spots on the gums here and there, if a cat’s gums are mostly black or brown and are accompanied with bad breath, cracked or brown teeth, etc. there may be an underlying medical issue.

Dental problems are among one of the main reasons for veterinarian visits in dogs and cats. Even at a young age, cats can begin to develop plaque and other harmful bacteria that lead to black or brown gums. This unsightly problem can result in gingivitis or periodontal disease. It is for this reason that pet owners should pay close attention and watch for early signs of black gums. Early detection is crucial to your cat’s dental health and management.

Causes

Blacking or browning of the gums in cats can begin as early as 2 years old. It sometimes occurs when small bits of food get stuck inside the cat’s gum lines. This causes inflammation and discoloration of the gums. Food slowly begins to build bacteria over time and as a result the surrounding teeth begin to develop plague. Plaque’s interaction with saliva eventually creates a substance known as tartar. The degree of browning or blacking of the gums depends on how long the tartar and plaque have progressed.

Other Symptoms

In addition to black gums, other symptoms may be present. These symptoms indicate a serious dental health issue in felines. Cats with early stage gum disease, or gingivitis might have difficulty eating. Pet owners may also notice their cat having trouble chewing, or you might even notice your cat has simply stopped eating altogether. A telltale sign of late-stage gum disease is very bad breath that is caused from the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

Gingivitis

Minimal signs of browning usually indicates the early stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. A cat’s gums may appear swollen and/or bleed when brushed or when the cat eats. Slight browning around the teeth and gums is also common during this phase. Gums with later-stage gingivitis exhibit symptoms that include receding gum tissue and deep pockets between the cat’s teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that results in serious, sometimes irreversible tooth damage. The gums appear brown in this stage and teeth may also be brown or may even fall out. Unfortunately when a cat has this disease, they might also suffer from bone loss in the jaw and/or severe tissue damage. Remaining teeth may be loose and/or have multiple cavities.

Treatment Options

Early treatment of slightly brown or black gums can really make a difference, and most cats will be able to make a full recovery. It is important to book an appointment with your local veterinarian if you notice these symptoms in your cat early on. He or she will most likely suggest a professional teeth cleaning for your kitty. In addition, he or she might also recommend a teeth cleaning schedule for you to follow until all signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease subside.

Treatment of advanced gum disease focuses on eliminating symptoms, since veterinarians cannot actually reverse the damage that has been done. A deep cleaning of the teeth and gums along with a regular application of antibacterial gel to the gums stops advancement of the disease. Other treatment options include tissue regeneration and bone replacement surgeries.

Prevention

Damage to a cat’s tongue, teeth, palate, and gums can lead to more serious health problems. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of steps pet owners can take to prevent dental and medical issues in cats. A regular home check up and the occasional tooth brushing can go a long way when it comes to preventing dental problems in felines.

Breath Test

It may sound silly, but getting up close and personal with your cat to take a whiff of his breath can be beneficial in the long run. While kitty’s breath is not meant to smell like a bed of roses, it should not be extremely offensive. If you smell your cat’s breath and it has an abnormally strong, foul, odor, it could be an indication of digestion problems or a gum condition, and should be examined by a vet immediately.

Lip Test

When you have a minute where you are able to grab kitty and hold him facing towards you, gently push back his lips and take a quick gander. Kitty’s gums, if they are healthy, should be firm and pink, not white or red. In addition, they should not show signs of swelling. A cat’s teeth should be clean and free of any brownish or blackish tartar. In addition your cat’s teeth should also not appear to be broken, loose, or cracked.

Taking An Even Closer Look

In addition to taking the steps listed above, you should watch for any of the following signs, which could indicate a dental problem:

• Dark red lines along the gums
• Ulcers on gums or tongue
• Loose or cracked teeth
• Red or swollen gums
• Pus
• Brown teeth
• Difficulty chewing food
• Not eating
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pawing at the mouth area

Signs Of Gum Inflammation

At any sign of gum inflammation, your cat should be taken in for a veterinarian exam. If left untreated, gum disease can develop, possibly leading to tooth loss and/or inability to eat. Inflammation could also point to an internal issue like kidney disease or feline immunodeficiency virus.

Brushing Kitty’s Teeth

Bacteria and plaque forming foods can cause a buildup of bacteria on a cat’s teeth, which can harden into tartar and cause gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. Regular teeth cleanings can help prevent this problem before it starts. Here is what you will need to brush kitty’s teeth:

• Cotton swabs
• One small toothbrush
• Toothpaste that is formulated for felines

Never use toothpaste that is meant for humans, as this is toxic to cats. While brushing kitty’s teeth you can also use salt and water. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions when it comes to purchasing brushing supplies for your cat’s teeth, he or she may know of the best products or tools to use.

Cleaning Those Pearly Whites

To brush your cat’s teeth at home, you can follow these few easy steps:

• Get your cat used to the idea of having his or her teeth brushed. This can be done by starting off gently massaging their gums with your fingers or touching a cotton swab to them.
• After a few sessions, put a tiny bit of feline formulated toothpaste on kitty’s lips to get them used to the taste.
• Introduce a toothbrush that is designed specifically for cats. These brushes are much smaller than a human’s toothbrush and are equipped with softer bristles meant for kitty’s sharp but sensitive teeth. Toothbrushes that you war over your finger are also available and are easy to use. They allow you to give your cat’s gums a nice massage that they might actually enjoy.
• Apply toothpaste to kitty’s teeth and gently brush.
• Veterinary exams can be done beforehand to find out if your cat’s gums are inflamed, as brushing too hard can irritate kitty’s gums even more and hurt them.

Healthy Chewing

Chew toys are wonderful and can help satisfy your cat’s natural desire to chomp on things, while also making her teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help floss kitty’s teeth, massage her gums and scrape away any soft tartar that has developed. There are a lot of toys designed specifically for kitty’s dental health. There are even toys meant for kitty to chew on that massage her gums and clean food debris from her teeth. Ask your veterinarian or local pet store for more suggestions on these types of products.

Dieting For Healthy Teeth

If your cat suffers from dental issues, ask your veterinarian to recommend a kibble or wet food that will keep your feline companion’s teeth healthy, while also helping to remove plaque buildup.

Know Your Dental Disorders

The best way to prevent dental problems and underlying medical issues in your cat is to be aware of the many dental disorders that your kitty can develop. Be on the lookout for the following conditions and symptoms, and report to your vet immediately if you see your cat exhibiting any of the following:

• Gingivitis – The inflammation of kitty’s gums. This condition is most often seen in older cats. It may start out as a dark red line bordering on kitty’s teeth. If left untreated, gums may become sore and ulceration may occur. This could also be a sign of FIV or another type of infection.
• Periodontitis – If gingivitis invades kitty’s tooth socket, his or her tooth may become loose, causing an abscess to form.
• Somatitis – This inflammation of the mouth lining can result from a foreign body in the mouth, a viral disease or dental issue. Typically, your cat will have difficulty eating and the inside of his or her mouth will also appear an angry red.
• Rodent Ulcer – A slowly enlarging sore or swelling on the upper lip.
• Salivary Cyst – If salivary glands or ducts that carry saliva to the cat’s mouth become blocked, a cyst may form under kitty’s tongue.
• Mouth Ulcers- Ulcers on a cat’s tongue and/or gums are sometimes caused by feline respiratory or kidney disease.

Kneading is the motion that cats make by rhythmically alternating their paws, pushing in and out against a pliable, soft object (such as a lap, pillow, or blanket). Not all cats knead, and not all cats knead in the same way; some will never push out their claws at all, while others look kind of silly, using all four paws to knead.

While not all cats need, it is a common behavior among both young and adult felines, so it is very likely that your feline companion may do it. Have you ever wondered why your cat kneads? There are actually quite a few different reasons. While your cat may knead and purr contently when being pet, there are many other reasons why he or she may partake in this strange behavior. Below are a few of the most popular theories.

Nursing Habit

Cats start kneading as early as kittenhood. Before they are even able to get around on their own, they begin kneading while nursing from their mother. A nursing kitten can be found instinctively kneading to help stimulate the mother’s milk production. Many cats will continue to knead well into adulthood because they now associate the motion of kneading with the rewarding comfort of nursing.

Affection

If your cat has ever sat in your lap and started to knead you, he is simply returning the affection and telling you that he loves you too. Unfortunately for us, this can be quite painful sometimes, especially if your kitty has claws. The happier kitty gets, the harder he will dig in. If your cat is prone to this type of behavior during cuddle time, try placing a thick, soft barrier between your cat and your lap. Never punish your cat for this behavior as he or she will not understand why they are being punished. Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed or investing in nail covers can also help with this problem.

Stretching

Cats love to stretch, especially after a long cat nap. It feels great to just kick back and get all those left over kinks out. Kneading is one of the many ways that cats keep themselves limber, until their next nap, anyways.

Bedding And Comfort

It is now believed that wild ancestors of the domestic cat enjoyed lying down on soft, comfortable surfaces to sleep and/or give birth to their young. By kneading tall grass or leaves, cats were able to create a comfy spot to lay down or graze in, and also check the ground for unwelcome visitors such as rodents or predators who might have been lurking in the foliage.

It Comes With The Territory

Cats are territorial creatures by nature, and one of the many ways they claim their turf is to scent-mark their belongings. By kneading their paws onto the surface of certain areas (a bed, a person, a pillow, a piece of furniture, etc.) they are actually activating scent glands that are located inside the soft pads on the bottom of their paws, thus marking the item and claiming it as their own.

It’s That Time Of The Month

Female cats are especially known for kneading their paws just before going into estrus (heat). Kneading acts as a display to male cats that she wants to and is able to mate.

Cats are unique and amusing creatures with a variety of behavioral traits, kneading is just one of them. Although the information listed above explain a few reasons why cats might knead, it certainly does not provide every possible reason. Some cats might knead because they are comfortable or content, others might knead because they were weaned too early as kittens, no matter what the reason, one thing is for sure, kneading is natural, instinctual, and a common cat behavior. It is also a great way for kitty to exercise his or her legs and claws.

If your cat is the type who likes to constantly show her affection by giving your face rough sandpaper like kisses, don’t fret, because the rumors are true when they say that a cat or dog’s mouth is even cleaner than a humans!

Typically, it is true that a cat’s mouth would be clean since they are technically cleaner than a human’s mouth, and possibly even a dog’s too. This is due largely in part to the fact that the saliva in a feline’s mouth destroys germs and keeps the mouth clean. This characteristic is much more powerful in cats than it is in humans and dogs, probably because cats use their mouths to clean themselves so often.

Should I Brush My Cat’s Teeth?

Even if your cat’s teeth seem healthy, you may be wondering, should you brush them? It is true that brushing a cat’s teeth can help prevent future dental issues, however this doesn’t mean that you can just pick up a toothbrush and any old tube of toothpaste and go to town with brushing Miss Kitty’s teeth. There are certain ways to brush a cat’s teeth, and certain products to use. Toothpaste meant for humans is not safe for kitty, it is toxic. Speak to your local veterinarian about the possibility of dental treatment and prevention for your kitty as they will have the best advice on how to start properly and safely handling kitty’s dental health.

Scientists have recently found that cats, much like their owners can be left or right handed. In addition, studies indicated that female cats are much more likely to prefer the right paw while tom cats have a stronger tendency to use their left paw when faced with difficult tasks. Although both male and female cats could use either paw for simple tasks, each reverted to their favored side during more complex tests.

Even more interesting is that in one particularly difficult task the psychologists placed in front of the cats, (fishing a piece of tuna out of a small jar) all 21 female cats that took part in the test, used their right paw, but 20 of 21 tom cats used their left. The one male who did not use his right paw, surprisingly enough appeared to be ambidextrous.

While purring is a typical sound made by all species of felids and is part of a cat’s way of communicating, these animals are not the only ones with the ability to purr. A cat’s purr can vary between cat, for instance one cat may purr loudly with a sharp tone, while another may have a quieter chirping type purr that sounds somewhat like a bird. Purring can also vary from species to species and can also be characterized as a tonal buzzing.

Other Animals That Purr

Other animals that purr are the:

• Mongoose
• Bear
• Badger
• Rabbit
• Hyena
• Guinea Pig
• Squirrel
• Tapir
• Ring-tailed Lemur
• Elephant
• Raccoon

Fun Fact

Even gorillas have been known to purr sometimes while eating.

It is a common misconception that a dry or wet nose equals a sick cat. In fact a healthy cat’s nose can vary between wet and dry throughout the day, although the average cat has a cold, moist nose. If other symptoms accompany your cat’s dry nose however, it could mean that he or she is ill. In this case it is best to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Causes Of Dry Nose

If you are wondering why your cat’s nose is wet sometimes and dry at other times, you are not alone. Temperature and humidity often correlate as to whether or not a cat’s nose is wet or dry. For instnace, kitty’s nose could be dry from laying in the sun, or it could be wet because he was just licking himself. As your cat’s environment changes throughout the day, so does the temperature and moistness of his nose.

When To Be Concerned

If your cat’s nose is dry at other times while he is also experiencing symptoms of illness such as vomiting, diarrhead, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, weight loss, etc. then it could mean that your cat is sick. In addition to this, a cat with severe dehydration can have a moist noise and a cat with a dry nose that accompanies coughing, sneezing, weight loss etc. could be a sign of another underlying health problem.

A Cat’s Nose Color

Just as a cat’s nose can be wet, dry, cold, or warm, it can also change color. Typical colors include pink, black, liver colored, or the color of your cat’s fur. Try to keep a close eye on your cat’s nose color, as his or her nose can actually lighten if they are sick. Once they are healthy again, you may notice that their nose will become dark again. In addition to being ill, it is also not uncommon for a cat’s nose to fade during the colder months and return to its normal color in the summer.

Cats noses are neither supposed to be cold nor warm. While your cat might feel warm to your touch, this is normal, as cats are naturally warm compared to humans. A cat’s nose temperature fluctuates, but it does not necessarily signal anything about your cat’s health. The popular belief that a cat’s nose is a barometer of their feelings is nothing more than a myth. A cat’s nose can be cold, warm, dry, or wet.

While there is no general rule about your cat’s nose and its temperature, it should be noted that if his or her nose happens to change temperature and he or she is also exhibiting other signs of illness such as vomiting, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or increased thirst, you should probably book an appointment with your local veterinarian as the change in nose temperature could be coincidental to these other symptoms of illness.

Cats cannot live healthily off a dog food diet, though it isn’t harmful for your cat to consume small amounts of dog food (say, if the cat was nibbling off your dog’s kibble).

Canines and felines have very different dietary requirements. For starters, dogs are omnivorous (naturally digest and benefit from a diet of meat, plant materials, or both), while cats are obligate carnivores and some even suggest that commercial cat kibble is an inadequate food for cats http://www.phpaide.com/index.php?langue=fr as it contains Angels Camp “filler”, or ingredients besides animal proteins (some examples include soy, corn, gluten, artificial additives and by-products).

In addition to these very different nutritional needs, it is obligatory for cats to have the taurine in their diet, an essential amino acid, which is not a common proponent of dog food. A deficiency of taurine in cats can result in heart disease.