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Cats/Elvis the Cat

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Question

Caught Hunting
I'm sure you're swamped with breed ID questions. His color is common, but
his short front legs and high rear end, small head and sharp facial features
don't seem to match any of the typical DSH descriptions/pictures. He is tall
and thin, but quite heavy. This photo doesn't show his true handsomeness,
but this form only allows one photo, this one shows his unusual shape well.
Any guesses on his mix? He was an abandoned and now loved in Costa Rica.

Answer
Sheryl,

I'm not exactly someone who is familiar with all of the points of breeding purebred cats, after all many of the cats that I have cared for either on a temporary or permanent basis have been mixed breeds. If I had to guess I would say that Elvis has some Abyssinian somewhere in his ancestry. If you find that Elvis is highly intelligent and he seems to act somewhat dog like that would probably be the most likely breed that he could have somewhere down the line in his genes.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you very much. Yes, Elvis is very doglike i his behaviour, he walks with us on the beach, gardening, everything. He is so very different in appearance and habits than the other cats (he doesn't associate with them well either). Thank you for satisfying a curiosity, Abyssinian ancestors it is. Best regards, from Elvis and his people.


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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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