We are know how self-sufficient our feline friends are. But, a continuing movement to minimize the use of vaccines has started to meet the reservoir of infectious diseases. Outbreaks of feline distemper are being reported and news articles detailing household cats developing rabies are now more commonplace. What can we do to protect our cats? In the next several episodes, we will look at wellness care for cats and breakdown the importance, as well as the risks, of different vaccines and other preventive type of items. This episode focuses on rabies-- why is it so deadly, where does it come from and how can we keep our cats safe! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Rabies with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Whether or not a pet owner should be permitted to have their cats declawed is an on-going controversy. ionate people from both sides of the debate quote stats and studies as if they have the one true answer. But, what is declawing, really? What happens when you remove the claws from your cat and can it cause behavioral or even medical issues? us on the Cattitude channel as we look at this debate from an objective viewpoint. Learn why opponents of declawing are so ionate about saving cats from this surgery and learn why others think that the surgery can be justified. Also in this show, learn about 2 very special cats that are not only helping push the medical science boundaries, but also helping many people as well. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Declaw or Not Declaw -- That Is The Question with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

All across the nation, news stories about pets make us laugh, make us cry and sometimes make us mad. This episode of the Cattitude Channel focuses in on several of these stories and how they related to our cats. First, learn about a family in Washington whose 15 year old cat was euthanized at the local shelter just a few days after wandering away from home. Was it a needless death or is there more to this story? Next, a judge in Los Angeles has prohibited city shelters from funding or promoting local Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Was this a good decision or not? We also delve into a story on how more rabies cases are being found across the US and whether or not this can affect your cat. Finally, in two controversial stories, we tackle a discussion on the decision of West Hollywood, CA to ban the sales of puppies and kittens in pet stores and we find out that your donations to the Humane Society of the United States might not be going where you want them to go.... More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Cat Tales with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Amazingly, these next three breeds have much in common but come from vastly different environments. The Russian Blue, the Korat, and the Chartreux are three very unique and almost unknown breeds that bear a striking resemblance to each other. These naturally occurring breeds have had little interference from breeders desiring to change their looks or qualities and look almost identical to drawings of the breed from 500 years ago. Few outcrosses are found in any of these breeds. Come learn how these rare cats are winning the hearts of cat lovers! And, from the Veterinary News Network, learn how to keep your feline friends out of trouble during the holiday season. The winter holidays are fun and festive, but all it takes is a forgotten turkey bone or stray piece of tinsel to turn the merriment into a trip to the animal ER!! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - These Cats Have The "Blues", with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Straight from the folklore of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Scottish Fold breed has captivated cat lovers since the discovery of a "flop-eared" cat in 1961 by a Scottish Farmer. Scottish Folds have a quaint appearance that many people describe as "owl-like" or even reminiscent of a teddy bear. The American Curl is a brand new breed of US origin. Unlike the Scottish Fold whose ears fold down, the American Curl has ears that bend backwards. Kittens of both breeds are born with straight ears, with the fold or curl appearing within the first few weeks after birth. And, from the desks of the Veterinary News Network - is your cat one of the 60 million cats in this country that are overweight or obese? Learn how you can help your cat slim down and quite possibly add another 2 years to his or her life. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Scottish Folds and American Curls - "Ears" to You!, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

You would think that between the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex and Selkirk Rex that cat lovers would have enough hair coat mutations to last them a lifetime-but, here come three more breeds that rely on their unique looks to capture fans! The American Wirehair is one of only four cat breeds created here in the US. Featuring a hard, springy and, yes, wiry coat is their hallmark. Likewise, the LaPerm shows off their wavy coat, reminiscent of the Rex cats. Finally, we round out our tour of these follicular oddities by discussing the Sphynx. These hairless cats are renown the world over for their one of a kind appearance. And, from the Veterinary News Network, have you thought of rabies lately? You probably haven’t, but this killer disease strikes down more than 55,000 people in the world every year. That’s a death every 10 minutes! Learn how you can help eradicate this ancient killer and the World Rabies Day! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The American Wirehair, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

These cats may not be the king of cats, but people often stop to see what all the fuss is about! The Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex and the Selkirk Rex are three recent additions to the world of purebred cats and all share a unique trait of curly hair. But, believe it or not, each of these breeds was developed independently and each of them has their own gene governing the curl in their hair! They have been called the “pixies of the cat world”, “cats from outer space”, and some have even wondered if there is some monkey in their ancestry. All of the Rex type of cats are a welcome change of pace from the procession of stately long-haired cats or the abundance of short haired cats we see every day. Come learn how these cats came about and what might make them a welcome addition to your home! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Rex Cats , with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

One thing we have come to appreciate in our cats is their extreme genetic variability, especially when it comes to their physical characteristics. We have seen colors at the points, longhaired cats, and even cats with no tails. This week’s show is no different as we explore the unique physical characteristics that tie the Birman, the Snowshoe and the Ragdoll cat breeds together. You might initially mistake the three for simple offshoots of the Siamese cat, but they are so much more!! And, learn how you can help to insure your cat’s health without breaking your bank with some advice from the Veterinary News Network. In these rough economic times, a little bit of savings can certainly go a long way!! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Birmans, Snowshoes and Ragdolls , with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Most everyone has heard of the Manx cat, or the cat with no tail. Some might call it a "cabbit" because he looks like a cross between a rabbit and a cat, but this old breed actually hails from the British Isles and was an early favorite in the show ring. But did you know that two other cat breeds also have naturally shortened tails? The Japanese Bobtail and the American Bobtail are breeds that are newer to the US and cat fanciers as a whole. These lively cats are catching the hearts of many cat lovers across the world! And, from the offices of the Veterinary News Network-FLEAS! Do you know how to best protect your fabulous feline from the onslaught of these pesky parasites? Listen and get a few hints as well as a few precautions to take when finding flea protection for your cat. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Bobtail Cats, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

From the moment that cat fanciers saw the impressive Persian and the exotic Siamese, breeders imagined a time when the unique color point pattern of the Siamese could be merged with the impressive and quiet grace of the Persian. The attractive Himalayan is the result of those dreams! Combining some of the finest qualities from both breeds, the Himalayan is one of the few “man-made” breeds and certainly one of the most popular. Since their recognition by the CFA in the 1960s, more than 500,000 of these adorable cats have been ed in the United States. Come learn how these breed was developed and whether or not this is the type of cat for you! Also, from the Veterinary News Network, learn about a new fad sweeping cities and towns across the nation. Mandatory spay and neuter laws are cropping up in cities and counties, including major areas such as Los Angeles. But, are these laws doing the job they were designed to do? More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Himalayans, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Have you ever dreamed of snuggling up to one of the “big cats”? Is having a leopard or tiger draped across your lap a fantasy of yours? Well, we know that you shouldn’t keep these big cats as pets, but our next two breeds might just do the trick. The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed of cat and was probably one of the breeds so revered by the ancient Egyptians. A naturally spotted cat, the Mau is a rare breed that almost went extinct except for a quirk of fate. The Bengal cat is one of our newer breeds of cats and this breed actually has a bit of wildcat in his background. Descended from domestic cats breeding with Asian Leopard Cats, Bengals are large, powerful cats but are reported to be extreme lovers. Finally, spend a little time learning about how you and your cat can “go green”. The Veterinary News Network gives us some tips about buying eco-friendly toys and pet accessories as well as how to help diminish the amount of cat litter in our landfills. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Egyptian Maus & Bengals, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

If you are looking a that little piece of the wild kingdom to call your own, you might consider our special cats for this episode of Cattitude. The Abyssinian and Somali breeds of cats are very reminiscent of the African Wildcat, Felis lybica and often look as if they should be sunning on the savannah rather than your window sill. The 4th most popular cat in the US, Abyssinians are known to be great problem solvers and adept at getting anywhere in the household. Later, learn about feline diseases that are still affecting our cats. We may have vaccines for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, but concerns, controversy and misunderstandings are keeping many people from fully comprehending the true seriousness of these diseases. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Abyssinians, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Often overlooked because of their resemblance to “street” cats, the American and British Shorthairs were developed from humble origins as working cats of Europe and North America. Often considered to be the “teddy bear” of cats, these intelligent, affectionate, and low maintenance cats continue to win big in the show ring. Dependable, tough, and well acclimated to even the cold winters of North America, American Shorthairs are renown for their good temperament and hunting ability. Believe it or not, one of the first American Shorthairs even shown was sold for $2,500 in 1896….that’s close to $62,000 in 2006 dollars!! Stay tuned as we also talk about how your feline friend could potentially spread some love and affection to those who need it most. Find out how your cat can become a Therapy Animal! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - British, American, and Exotic Shorthairs, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Known as the "gentle giants" in the cat world, the Maine Coon breed is a truly American cat. Naturally selected by the harsh New England climate, this massive cat has undergone resurgence in popularity since its humble beginnings along the rocky coast of Maine. Beyond its immense proportions, the Maine Coon is also known for a loving disposition, an almost dog-like fascination with toys, and a remarkable intellect. Many Maine Coon owners have learned that a large smart cat will easily learn how to let itself outside for the night! Learn all about the breed that was once thought to have been created due to a raccoon/cat liaison and stay to learn an important lesson in how to keep you feline friend free from a hidden, but very deadly parasite-the heartworm! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Maine Coon Cats, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

The most popular purebred cat in North America is also the cat that many people would consider to be the embodiment of pedigreed cats. With an aristocratic nature and an unassuming elegance, the Persian cat continues to win the hearts of cat lovers across the world. These gentle cats are ideal housemates, happiest when indoors near their humans. And the colors....absolutely stunning!! From striking shaded silvers to stylish calicos and classy basic black, Persians are truly an artist's inspiration! And, again, from the newsroom at www.MyVNN.com, we take a look at keeping our cat's smile pretty and their breath fresh...dental care tips for your kitties! Dental disease is the most common diagnosis in cats of any age and more than 80% of cats over the age of 3 years have some sort of dental disease. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Persians, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

What feline creatures have been called both an unnatural nightmare kind of cat as well as a living, breathing work of art that shuns a display shelf in favor of a lap? It’s the Siamese easily the world’s most recognizable breed of cat! Siamese are one of the oldest of the cat breeds, described as early as 1350 in manuscripts surviving from Siam. A perennial favorite at cat shows, Siamese have unique personalities that match their one of a kind coloration. us for a trip back in time as well as a little science lesson as we describe what to many people represents the ultimate in feline beauty. And, direct from the source at the Veterinary News Network, a brief overview of diseases that we can get from our pets. Understanding these zoonotic diseases and how to prevent them is an important part of pet ownership. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-1ee38f8cd217d02b1904fc886061f600} My Odeo Channel (odeo/4efa4e2a3852d565) More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Siamese Cats, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com

Learn everything there is to know about cats on Cattitude with your host Tom Dock. Each week we’ll spotlight a cool cat breed, give up-to-date advice on cat health, and check out new cat products! So curl up on the couch every week for a purrr-fectly enjoyable time on Cattitude. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Welcome to Cattitude, with Tom Dock on PetLifeRadio.com