A study on status of indigenous cats in Khulshi area, Chittagong.

Abstract

The study was conducted at khulshi area, Chittagong during the period of 11.11.12 to 26.12.12. This study was conducted to analyze the present status of indigenous cats in that particular area. There are approximately 150-200 cat breeds in the world. But in Bangladesh mainly indigenous/non descriptive breeds are found. The aim of the study was to know variety of cats, health status and behavioral and reproductive characteristics of the cats. The method of this study includes phenotypic observations of cats through photography, interviewing cat owners, local peoples and cat practitioners. Cats are not generally loved by common people as compared to dog. They generally prey cockroaches and rats and usually like to eat milk, cooked and raw fish, greatly fond of dried fishes & their spines and fins. Sometimes they eat plants when they face enteric disturbances/disorders. The cats have strong attraction for opposite sex. They have intentions to leave home frequently for short duration. The normal body temperature ranges between 100.5 - 102.5 °F (38 - 39.2° C), respiration rate 16 - 40 breaths per minute, heart rate 120-140 beats per minute. Kittens have 26 teeth and adults 30 teeth. Female cats are seasonally polyestrous. Heat periods occur about every two weeks and last about 4 to 7 days. The males fight over her, and the victor wins the right to mate. The female will utter a loud yowl as the male pulls out of her during mating. Gestation period for cats is between 64–67 days. Kittens are weaned at between six and seven weeks, and cats normally reach sexual maturity at 5–10 months (females) and to 5–7 months (males). Females can have two to three litters per year, so may reproduce up to 150 kittens(with a litter size 4-7) in their breeding span of around ten years. Domestic pets are kept with owners. They reside in the drawing room, kitchen, sofas or any other soft places of house. Stray cats also pass nights outside houses, even in the jungle area. Cats are very playful specially in the young age. This behavior mimics hunting and is important in helping kittens learn to stalk, capture, and kill prey. Owing to the close similarity between play and hunting, cats prefer to play with objects that resemble prey, such as small furry toys that move rapidly. Stray cats defecate in loose soil and cover the feces with surrounding soil/materials. Common cat diseases are tetanus,tuberculosis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, feline bordetellosis, tularemia, metritis, nocardiosios, actinomycoses, pyoderma, Feline rabies, Feline immunodeficiency virus, Feline parvo virus or Feline panleukepenia, Feline infectious peritonitis, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, dermatitis, dermatophytoses, fungal infection, flea infestation , ear mite infestation, round worm infection, renal failure, coughing & sneezing, feline infectious enteritis, fracture of limbs, constipation etc. The vaccine used for cat is “Quadricat” vaccine for rabies, Feline calici virus, Feline leukepenia virus, Feline herpes virus. Common drugs use in SAQTVH, CVASU are Inj.Metro IV, Inj. Strepto P, Inj. Eracef vet 1gm, Syp. Delentin, Syp. Avolac, Syp. Cef 3, Inj. Vita ADE, Syp. Biconex, Tab. Omidon. But, paracetamol cannot be administered in cat. Cat can also be pet as companion animal though it cannot be compared with dog.