Scratch the surface of four uncommon cat breeds

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

A few years ago, I was in Laguna Beach, California, when I saw a spotted cat being walked on a leash. The cat was a Savannah, and his person (we all know cats have staff, not owners, right?) walked him frequently in the park. He was distinctive enough that my own veterinarian recognized him when I posted a photo; the cat was one of his patients.

Most cats don’t get walked in public, so the only time we see unusual cat breeds is in the media, at cat shows or occasionally at the veterinary clinic. All cats are fascinating and beautiful in their own way, but it’s fun to see some of the different varieties developed to have a particular look or that were the result of a spontaneous natural mutation and then developed as a breed. Here are four you may never have encountered in real life.

-- The Savannah is one of several spotted breeds designed to have the look of a wild cat and that was developed by crossing a small African wildcat, the serval, with domestic cats, including Siamese. Savannahs are active, intelligent, confident and curious: the epitome of a feline. People who live with them must be prepared to match their intelligence against that of their cats -- and it’s not always the human who will win. Savannahs like a lot of interaction, and they will play jokes on you. They’re also among the cats who enjoy playing in water, walking on a leash and learning tricks -- the better to train you themselves.

-- You’re probably familiar with the sphynx -- the best-known of the hairless cats thanks to Ted Nude-gent, who starred as Mr. Bigglesworth in the Austin Powers movies -- but have you met the Peterbald? With a coat that ranges in texture from complete hairlessness to peach fuzz to plush velvet to bristlelike, they’re everything you always wanted in a cat, with no shedding and no need for frequent bathing, says Brigitte Cowell Moyne of San Francisco, who lives with both a Savannah (Baz) and a Peterbald (Teo). In the show ring, Teo is a supreme grand champion, but at home he’s the champion of Moyne’s young daughter Lola’s heart. Peterbalds, which descend from hairless cats found in Russia and crossed with Oriental shorthairs, are active but not excessively so. Moyne says Teo is amazingly gentle with Lola and with her son, Felix. Playful and affectionate, this is a cat who demands plenty of interaction and won’t settle for anything less.

-- Speaking of Oriental shorthairs, they are another seldom-seen breed. Talkative and intelligent, the slinky cats with the large, batlike ears enjoy carrying on conversations with their people, sitting on laps and shoulders, and sleeping under the covers. Developed through crosses between Siamese and other breeds, Oriental shorthairs have a reputation for being manually dexterous -- good at opening doors and cabinets -- learning tricks and playing fetch. Their short, low-shedding coat comes in so many different colors and patterns that they are nicknamed “ornamentals,” but don’t expect them to sit around posing. With their curiosity and intelligence, they are sure to be getting into one thing or another throughout the day. Orientals also come in a longhaired variety.

-- Some cats are distinguished by their unusual coat types, and Cornish rexes fall into that category. They have a short, soft, wavy coat that’s the result of a natural mutation. They acquired the name “rex” from their resemblance to a rex rabbit, and they are Cornish rexes because the first one appeared in Cornwall in the 1950s. Other characteristics are an egg-shaped head, large ears and unusually long hind legs. Cornish rexes are well-known for their attention-getting antics and playful, outgoing nature.

THE BUZZ

What to know

about pet pain

-- If your pet of any species isn’t interested in eating, doesn’t enjoy being touched or petted anymore, and no longer spends time with the family, they might be in pain. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, shared with Pain Awareness Month for humans. Pets can experience pain from arthritis, cancer, dental disease, infection or illness, injury, and as a result of surgery. Acute pain -- such as from a broken leg -- is obvious, but chronic pain may be subtle, sneaking up over a period of weeks or months. If you think your pet is in pain, talk to your veterinarian about ways to manage or treat it. They include medication, massage, rehab, acupuncture and laser therapy.

-- The English language has many words and phrases related to dogs. One you may remember your mother saying is that you’re “in the doghouse” -- presumably for not finishing chores or homework. A phrase we don’t hear so often is “my dogs are barking” -- meaning that the speaker’s feet hurt. The use of “dogs” to refer to feet is explained in the Oxford English Dictionary as originating with Cockney rhyming slang, in which “dog’s meat” equaled “feet.” And in ancient Rome, the hottest days of summer -- which seem to be occurring right now -- were known as “dog days” because of the belief that the ascendancy at that time of year of Canis Major, the “greater dog” constellation, added to the heat.

-- A common behavior problem in birds is feather-picking. If your bird is pulling out feathers, it’s a sign something is wrong. He may have a health problem, be uncomfortable from low humidity in your home, bored from lack of interaction or toys, experiencing a phobia or seeking your attention. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to solve the problem. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Q&A

How often

should dogs eat?

Q: How often should I feed my puppy? And when she grows up, is it better to feed her once or twice a day?

A: When puppies stop nursing and start eating on their own, the breeder usually gives them four small meals a day. Their little tummies can only take in so much food at a time, after all. By the time they go to their new homes, when they are 8 to 12 weeks old, they are usually eating three meals a day to fuel growth. Take the amount the puppy should receive for the day and divide it by three to determine how much to give at each meal. Eventually, your puppy’s gargantuan appetite will start to decrease. You may notice that she picks at one of her meals or starts to leave food behind. That’s a good time to cut back to two meals daily and adjust amounts.

Feeding measured amounts at set times instead of leaving food out helps establish pee and poop schedules in puppyhood and ensures that dogs don’t overeat. One thing I like to recommend is measuring the appropriate amount of food and placing it in a dispensing toy so dogs have to “hunt” for their meals. This engages their brain and encourages physical activity. If you want to feed only once a day, this is a good way to do it.

A related question is when to stop feeding puppy food and start feeding adult food. The answer depends on the breed. Large- and giant-breed dogs should grow slowly. They’re best eating a puppy food developed to promote slow growth. Smaller dogs who enjoy eating and have a tendency to become roly-poly may do better switching to adult food at an early age, often before they are 6 months old. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

Which dogs or cats are associated with your state, and why? Here’s a rundown of official state pets

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Late-night host Stephen Colbert’s work-at-home sidekick is his Boykin spaniel, Benny. Colbert is a South Carolina native, so the curly-coated South Carolina state dog is a perfect choice as his companion for Jeep rides and at-home filming of “The Late Show.”

The Boykin was developed in South Carolina, so it’s no surprise the breed would be named the state dog. What other dogs and cats are state animals? Let’s take a look at how and why they were chosen.

First thing to know: Not every state has a state dog, and fewer have state cats. If you live in Alabama, Minnesota or one of the other states lacking a state pet, it’s time for schoolkids to mobilize and ask legislators to name one. That’s often how state animals are chosen. Other times, they have a specific association with the state.

In New Jersey, for instance, the state dog is a working animal -- the seeing eye dog -- because The Seeing Eye guide dog school is located in Morristown. In Alaska, of course, the Alaskan malamute holds state dog honors. Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay retriever, and New Hampshire the Chinook, both breeds that were developed in those states. Maryland, by the way, has the distinction of being the first state to designate an official pet, in 1964.

Other dogs developed in or associated with particular states are Louisiana’s Catahoula leopard dog and North Carolina’s Plott hound. The blue Lacy is “a true Texas breed,” according to a state senate resolution in 2001. Born and bred in the city of his name, the Boston terrier is the state dog of Massachusetts. The American water spaniel, nicknamed “the little brown dog,” represents Wisconsin, where the breed was developed. Like the Boykin, the AWS has a curly coat and enjoys time spent on the water.

The bluetick coonhound wasn’t developed in Tennessee, but Smokey, a bluetick, is the mascot of the University of Tennessee. The breed was designated as the state dog last year. In Virginia, known for its foxhunting tradition, the American foxhound was named state dog in 1966. Pennsylvania chose the Great Dane because early settlers kept them as hunting and working dogs.

A number of states have embraced “rescue dogs” or “shelter dogs” as their state representatives. They include California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia and Illinois. New York has taken a different tack, honoring “working dogs.” That designation includes military and police dogs, service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, disease detection dogs -- any dog trained to provide a service.

What about cats? Naturally, the Maine coon is the state cat of Maine. The large, furry cats are also known for the genetic trait of polydactyly, or extra toes.

Maryland chose the calico as its representative because the cat’s colors of orange, black and white match those of the state bird -- the oriole -- and the state insect -- the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly. Calico isn’t a breed, by the way, but a color pattern that occurs in many different cat breeds.

Massachusetts chose a cat of another color as its state feline: the tabby. Chosen by Massachusetts schoolchildren in 1998, tabbies are good feline representatives because all domestic cats carry the tabby gene, even if it’s not expressed in their coat.

The same states that recognize shelter dogs as their state animal also recognize shelter cats.

Some states are still working on their state dog and cat designations. Oregon might adopt the Newfoundland as its state dog. After all, explorer Meriwether Lewis brought his Newfoundland, Seaman, to the state on his journey to document the Louisiana Purchase. And Kansas has considered going Hollywood, proposing the cairn terrier in honor of Toto, Dorothy’s dog in “The Wizard of Oz.”

THE BUZZ

Teaching touch

has benefits

-- Teaching your dog or cat to touch and follow your hand or a target such as a stick has many uses, according to the authors of the book “From Fearful To Fear Free,” Lisa Radosta, Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker. A dog who jumps on people in greeting can learn instead to touch his nose to a visitor’s hand. It’s also a simple way to move your pet off a piece of furniture or onto a scale at the veterinary clinic, or to direct his focus away from food or objects he’s not allowed to have. Following and touching a target can help reduce a pet’s fear of a stethoscope, nail clippers and similar objects.

-- Words about dogs have changed many times over the years. For instance, the words “pup” or “puppy” originally referred to a type of dog no longer in existence, but by the 16th century, they were used to refer to any young dog. Domestic canines used to be called “hunds,” a word that eventually turned into “hound.” The word “dog” entered the language in 1050, and “hound” became reserved only for hunting dogs. We see that history in the word today, in its use as a verb meaning to pursue relentlessly or to persecute or pester.

-- Feline fatale? The first cat to appear in movies is thought to have been a gray cat named Pepper, who appeared in several silent films. More recent famous film felines include the ginger cat who played Buttercup in “Catching Fire,” the second in the “Hunger Games” trilogy; Keanu, the adorable kitten in Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key’s 2016 screwball comedy of the same name; the seven cats in “Kedi,” a 2017 Turkish documentary of Istanbul’s street cats; Goose, the alien-in-cat-form from 2019’s “Captain Marvel”; and of course Mr. Bigglesworth from the Austin Powers series, played by Sphynx cat Ted Nude-gent. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Q&A

Nasal disease

has many causes

Q: My dog is snorting and sneezing a lot. What could be wrong with him?

A: Problems affecting the canine nose can range from minor to serious. Figuring out what’s causing the problem can take a little detective work.

Rhinitis is an infection of the nasal cavity and can affect dogs of any age. Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses. Many dogs have a combination of the two and show signs such as sneezing, bloody or mucuslike discharge, or coughing from postnasal drip.

Aspergillus is a type of fungus that can invade the nasal cavity. We see it most typically in young or middle-aged dogs with long or medium-length muzzles. Common signs of this fungal infection are a heavy, mucuslike discharge, discoloration of the nostrils, apparent facial pain and occasionally nasal bleeding.

Dogs that have snuffled up a foreign object into the nose -- a bean, a foxtail or even a blade of grass -- usually sneeze violently, paw at the nose in a fruitless attempt to remove the item and may have a thick or bloody nasal discharge. Sometimes a veterinarian can remove foreign bodies with tweezers while the dog is sedated or anesthetized, but surgery may be necessary for an object lodged deeply in the nose. Don’t try to remove objects yourself; you may make the problem worse.

Older dogs may develop tumors in the nasal cavity. The tumors may cause sneezing or sniffling, a runny nose or bleeding from one nostril. Some tumors can block airflow, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

Like any health problem, nasal disease is easiest to treat before it becomes advanced. Nosebleeds, discharge and excessive sneezing aren’t normal. Signs of facial pain include pawing at the face or loss of appetite. Take your dog to the veterinarian at the first sign of irritation of that sensitive snout. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

Veterinarians now have more medications and topical treatments to help reduce the itch in pets with allergies or other skin disease

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

It’s Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Yes, that’s a thing. And if you’ve ever had a severe itch, whether from mosquito bites or an allergic reaction to a medication, you understand just how uncomfortable an itch can be.

Allergies are the primary cause of itchiness in dogs and cats. Approximately 10% of dogs and cats experience environmental or food allergies that activate the itch-scratch cycle. Skin barrier defects can cause skin to become dry, another reason for itchiness. Secondary bacterial or yeast infections from scratching- and biting-induced abrasions contribute as well. And of course bites from fleas cause itchiness.

The good news is that better oral and topical preventives have reduced itchiness from fleas. There are fewer pets with flea allergies, and those cases tend to be less severe.

But if your pet is keeping you awake at night or disturbing you during the day with frantic and frequent biting and scratching at her skin, you and your veterinarian have good options to help your pet ditch that itch.

Your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough history: frequency of itching, when you first noticed it, what time of year it occurs or whether it’s year-round, what you’ve tried for it, what your pet eats, where on the body itching occurs, and much more. The goal is to determine if it’s an allergy and what might be causing it.

If a food allergy is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend an exclusionary diet trial. Your pet will eat a food that contains a protein he’s never had before -- think kangaroo or whitefish -- or one with hydrolyzed protein. To be successful, a diet trial must continue for eight weeks or longer, with no sneaking your pet table food or treats.

For environmental allergies, such as those to pollens, molds, grasses or other animals (my greyhound was diagnosed with an allergy to cats), allergy testing can help your veterinarian or a dermatology specialist determine which allergens to incorporate into an allergy vaccine or immunotherapy program.

Immunotherapy can be a good long-term management approach, but medications to help reduce itchiness are also available. They include Atopica (cyclosporine), Apoquel and Cytopoint.

“Those are all drugs that have made managing allergic itchy skin disease so much easier,” says veterinary dermatologist Wayne Rosenkrantz, DVM, at Animal Dermatology Clinic in Tustin, California. “Not that all dogs respond to them, but they are nice options to systemic steroids or cortisone.”

Topical treatments such as shampoos, creme rinses, sprays and wipes are also important management tools for itchy skin disease. For pets with barrier defects, meaning the skin is less able to repel invading pathogens and allergens, moisturizing shampoos and other topical agents can help to improve moisture content and barrier function.

Like many skin products for humans, they may contain ceramides, skin barrier lipids that aid moisture retention and protect against environmental irritants. But don’t go using your Olay on your pet; her skin pH isn’t the same as yours.

Products containing chlorhexidine may be prescribed for pets with staphylococcal, yeast or Malassezia infections.

Don’t expect a quick fix with a prescription for systemic antimicrobials. Frequent use of antibiotics -- in humans and animals -- has caused a surge of methicillin and other types of resistant infections. Unless a pet isn’t responding to topicals or other treatments, antimicrobials tend to be a treatment of last resort.

Finally, don’t fear frequent bathing, not only to remove allergens but also because it can be soothing and moisturizing. Bathing with an emollient shampoo or rinse helps skin retain moisture, and tepid or cool water can be soothing to itchy skin. That’s something we can all appreciate!

Q&A

Kids and dogs:

Building friendship

Q: We have a new dog and we’re trying to teach our 5-year-old daughter not to get in his face. Do you have any tips?

A: You are so smart to be working on that! Dogs are far more comfortable being able to approach a person, even a little one, on their own terms rather than having people approach them and get into their personal bubble.

Make a game out of teaching your daughter to learn to “read” body language so she knows what your dog is telling her. Signs of stress: whale eye (whites of the eyes showing), shaking off, frequently looking away, stress lines on the face, licking the lips, yawning, moving the body away to politely ask for the contact to end, stiffness in the body and pretending to sleep. Signs of happiness: gentle eyes, relaxed ears, a smile (mouth open with corners turned up and tongue showing), a wiggly body and a broadly wagging tail.

Encourage petting in places he enjoys, such as the side or shoulders. Ask her to pet him on the side where she’s standing instead of reaching over his head or body.

Instead of walking up to or kneeling in front of your dog, ask your daughter to invite your dog to approach by standing a few feet away and signaling or patting her leg for the dog to come close. She can also sit cross-legged to reduce the likelihood that she’ll lean into your dog’s face. Remind her that it’s OK for her dog to decide to move away when he’s ready for some time to himself. Make sure your dog has spaces he can go that are off-limits to kids. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Biobank builds

sample base

-- A partnership between the Cornell Veterinary Biobank and the Dog Aging Project will bank thousands of canine blood, hair, urine and fecal samples in support of the DAP’s massive national study of aging in dogs and humans. The biological data gathered will aid researchers in their knowledge of aging in both species. Dogs and humans share many of the same age-related diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis and cancer, and what is learned about them in dogs can benefit humans as well. And because dogs share the same environment, lifestyle and often food as their owners, they are better models for study of those diseases.

-- Why would a cat under attack who can’t flee or bluff his way out of a fight roll over and expose his belly? It’s a worthy feline fighting stance. A cat in danger knows instinctively to engage his powerful rear legs and sharp claws in a raking motion designed to tear into the vulnerable belly of an attacker. Think of it as inflicting eight knife wounds simultaneously and repeatedly. Toss in those sharp fangs and the front claws going for the opponent’s face, and you can see that the cat is the ultimate ninja warrior.

-- A rarely seen cousin of the Irish setter is the Irish red and white setter, which has, yes, a red and white coat instead of the solid red of the Irish setter. Other minor differences include ears set a little bit higher on the head; less profuse feathering on the chest, legs, belly and tail; and a body that’s slightly shorter and sturdier. In temperament, the two breeds share the same joyous exuberance. Red-and-whites are said to be “thinking” dogs who will study you before offering a paw of friendship. They are favorites with hunters who prize their stamina. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.