New Reference Intervals Set for Feline Temperature

www.tica.org

Welcome TICA Members!

Our April newsletter brings with it the end of a season and anticipation of our Annual Show and Awards Banquet. In this issue find details on the location, judges, accommodations, how to register for Early Bird discounts, and even what is on the dinner menu.

We've also changed our look and added some new features to the newsletter, including a "Members at Work" area where we highlight things our members are doing to help promote better care and understanding of cats and "Ask TICA" where we give you the opportunity to ask questions about breeding, shows or anything about cats in general.

Let us know what you think about the new look and features by emailing us at

[email protected].

New Reference Intervals Set for

Feline Rectal Temperature

Despite the common use of rectal temperature for assessing the health and identifying infectious diseases in cats, there is little evidence to support the frequently cited feline reference intervals for rectal temperature range of 100.0 - 102.5 °F (37.7-39.2°C) as normal core body temperature.

Until now there has been little evidence to support this reference interval, and the conditions under which this range was established are unknown.

A potential flaw in this reference interval is that body temperature measurements are most commonly performed indoors in animal shelters and veterinary clinics. In these facilities, cats are often inactive and housed in small enclosures in a climate-controlled environment.

A recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery measured rectal temperatures in 200 healthy adult indoor cats ages 1-16 in animal shelters, veterinary clinics and private homes. The reference interval was established using the method of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

The study found the normal range of rectal temperature to be 98.1-102.1°F (36.7-38.9°C), which is lower and wider than the reference intervals listed in a number of veterinary textbooks and in published articles. In this study, no significant difference was found between rectal temperatures obtained from cats in shelters and those measured in cats in private homes or veterinary clinics.

As a result, the study recommends a range of 36.7-38.9°C (98.1-102.1°F) should be considered the new reference interval for healthy adult cats for rectal temperature measured indoors in climate-controlled conditions, a range is lower than commonly reported.

Since both hypothermia and pyrexia are associated with significant disease states, morbidity and even mortality in feline patients, use of previously published ranges could lead to over diagnosis of hypothermia or under diagnosis of mild pyrexia.

TICA's Show Calendar

Goes Interactive

Visitors who stop by the Show Calendar on TICA's website can now find an

interactive map , making it easier for members to find shows and information more quickly both online and on a mobile device.

If you are a TICA Club and would like to have your show listed, please send event information, including the date, name of the club, location, city, and name and phone number and/or email address of contact person to [email protected]. Additional information, such as judges, entry clerk, entry fees, closing date, etc. can be filled in at any point prior to the show.

Only TICA-licensed shows, or shows sponsored by TICA-chartered clubs that will be obtaining a TICA license, may be listed.

Please help TICA in thanking David Thomas for his hard work and dedication in creating this page.

PACK YOUR BAGS & CAT CARRIERS!

Plans Announced for TICA's

2017 Annual Show & Awards Banquet

The South Central Region and Big Texas Cat Club present SandCATsles by the Sea, TICA's 2017 Annual Show and Awards Banquet September 2-3, 2017 at the Omni Bay Front Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas. The event recognizes the top international cats, exhibitors, judges and clubs for their hard work and accolades throughout the show season.

Corporate sponsors include Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Products, Sturdi Products, Clean Healthy Pets, Nekochan, Viagen Pets, Purr Maids, iCat Agility, Kitty Bloom Products, No Bowl Feeding System, Red Roof Inns, and Staples.

Connie Webb (AB) from Pennsylvania, Carol Lawson (AB) from Florida, Laura Cunningham (AB) from California, Aline Noel (AB) from Quebec, Canada, Carlos Loepz (AB) from Argentina, Adriana Kajon (AB) from New Mexico, Yukimasa Hattori (AB) from Japan, Robby Whyte (AB) from Mississippi, Debbi Brown (AB) from Texas, Linda Jean Grillo (AB) from Nevada, Yvonne Patrick (AB) from British Columbia, CAN, and Irene van Belzen (AB) The Netherlands.

The show is now open for Early Bird Entries and banquet reservations. Early Bird entries are available until May 31 for two or more entries of TICA cats registered to the same owner. All other entries must be paid by August 20. Please go to www.i-tica.com and click on the calendar to enter.

A block of hotel rooms have been reserved from August 29 -September 4 at a special rate of $136 per night for TICA members and exhibitors. Reservations can be made online here or by calling 1-800-843-6664. To receive the special discount, reservations must be made by July 28 and you must use the group block name "2017 Big Tex Cat Club TICA Awards" and group code #14500814112 .

For the most up to date information, go to the event's website www.tica2017.com or Facebook page "TICA Annual 2017."

HURRY! Limited Time Offer: Available until 4/13 11:59PM ONLY

TICA Members At Work

Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Symposium. TICA members Cheryl Hogan, Stephen and Christie Montgomery (with Maine Coons Lena and Jack) and Becky Brown (with Donskoy Kima) introduced veterinary students from around the world to TICA's fabulous pedigreed felines. The event, held March 16-18 and hosted by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, drew more than 1,000 veterinary students. As seen in this picture, even kids aspiring to become future vets enjoyed learning about TICA's world.

TICA Shows In the News.

The Maryland Independent

reported on the Capital Cat Club's recent show, where more than 100 felines from across the country competed. In this image, Judge Lindajean Grillo of Minden, Nevada, judges the Bengal cat Jungletrax Marquee Attraction, owned by Anthony Hutcherson of Port Tobacco

Have you worked on a project that helps promote better care and understanding of cats? Or did your media report on your event? We'd love to hear about it and share with other TICA members. Please send photos and information about any projects you are working on or media clips to [email protected].

TICA Welcomes New Business' to the World of ...

Fabulous felines, fun and friendship

Four new business have joined TICA's growing family of advertisers.

"We are proud to welcome a vast array of advertisers whose products are both innovative and forward thinking," said TICA Marketing Director Roeann Fulkerson. "From safe feeding solutions to grooming tools and books that teach kids values and respect, our newest advertisers are doing their part to keep felines fabulous and owning a cats fun."

Boots and Me, LLC

Children will love reading about the adventures of Boots the cat as he finds a new home and makes friends in these two children's stories by award-winning film producer Carol Hervin.

Boots Finds a New Home is a charming story about how Boots, a tiny lost kitten, found a new family and Boots and Sam, A Story of Friendship teaches kids the value of making new friends and how to enjoy and respect each other's differences.

Interactive questions throughout both stories encourage imaginative thinking and conversation in young readers.

Both books can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble .

Thirstycat Ceramic Fountains For Healthy Cats

Drinking a healthy amount of water is vital to a cat's well-being however, as most pet parents know, getting a cat to drink out of their water bowl can be quite challenging. Cats are attracted to moving water due to their natural instincts. In the wild, stagnant water means bacteria. As a result, cats tend to love running faucets.

Thirstycat Fountains provide a safe and solution. Their fountains are the only handmade ceramic glazed drinking fountains in the world and come in a variety of styles to match your cats temperament and physical characteristics. TICA members receive a 10% discount by using coupon code "TICA."

EZ-Groomer Undercoat Rakes

Removing shed fur is vital in keeping a cat's skin healthy, maintaining the proper body temperature and reduce hairballs. However, as most pet parents of medium and longhair cats know, grooming your cat during shedding season often becomes quite a challenge.

EZ-Groomer Undercoat Rakes provide a unique tooth design that gathers undercoat fur in a more efficient and gentle manner than traditional grooming tools. The special design has been proven to reduce mats and hairballs and keeps fur from flying. Each EZ-Groomer comes with a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied.

ASK TICA

Q. What is the purpose of the small pockets on a cat's ear?

A. Cats are no doubt mysterious creatures and the small pockets on the side of your cat's ear are one of those obscurities.

Henry's Pocket, more formally known as cutaneous marginal pouch, is a mysterious little flap of skin along the lower posterior part of your cat's outer ear. The pocket occurs in a number of species, but is particularly noticeable on cats and some dog breeds.

Regardless of the species, it's purpose is unknown, but it might have a really clever function we just don't know about yet.

One popular hypothesis, however, is that it aids in the detection of high-pitched sounds by attenuating lower pitches, especially when the ear is angled, common for a cat when hunting. Henry's Pocket is located along the pinna (outer ear), the area that funnels sound waves down the ear canal to the middle ear, where small bones send the vibrations to the inner ear. As a result, many think that it may assist in the detection of high-pitched sounds by diminishing lower pitches, especially when the cat's ear is angled while hunting or playing, which could answer why a cat can hear its prey before it picks up the scent.

The pocket is a common area for parasites to gather, so make sure that your veterinarian checks the area when looking at your cat's ears. If you notice any excessive scratching, you might want to take a look for ear mites or an infection.

Do you have a question to ask TICA about breeding, shows or anything about cats in general? No question is too big or small to ask. Just send your question to [email protected] and we will answer your question in a future issue of the newsletter.

Put That Bowl Away!

iCatCare Makes Changes to

Cat Feeding Guidelines

Dr. Sarah Ellis and Dr. Lizzie Rowe, both of International Cat Care, recommend that cats no longer eat from a bowl. Their research shows that cats need to hunt, explore, climb and play as part of the mealtime process. As a result, they found that the best way to feed a cat is to mimic the way they eat in the wild.

"Bowl feeding is causing many of our cat's most common health and behavior problems," said Dr. Ellis. "Without portion control and exercise many cats become obese."

"When cats have no outlet for their hunting instinct they can becomedestructive or aggressive," said Dr. Rowe. "The stress from living a life not suited to their nature can cause cats to develop urinary disease (and urinate or defecate outside of the litter box) and skin disease."

As a result of research by Dr. Ellis and Rowe, veterinarian Dr. Liz Bales invented The NoBowl Feeding System , the world's first and only indoor hunting system for cats.

The system allows you to measure your cat's daily portion of food and treats into five NoBowls each day. As your cat's natural hunting instincts are reawakened, increase the thrill by hiding them in more challenging locations (i.e., inside a shoebox, in a bookcase and up on a high shelf). Fill and repeat daily for the rest of your cat's increasingly happy and healthy life.

Owners who replaced their cats feeding bowl with NoBowl reported happier, more affectionate cats who have an easier time maintaining a healthy weight.

Cat Behavior Q&A - Ask The Expert!

Are you challenged by litter box "issues" or have any other questions about your cat's behavior?

Join VetVine Contributor and Veterinary Behavior Expert Dr. E'Lise Christensen in a free, 30-minute webinar where she'll be answering audience questions related to problem behaviors in cats.

*VetVine is an accredited continuing education provider for veterinary professionals by the AAVSB RACE program, NY State, and the NJVMA.

An Update from the WINN Foundation

World Cat Congress. Winn Executive Director, Dr. Vicki Thayer, will discuss recent Winn-funded cat health studies at the World Cat Congress on April 21. She will discuss how Winn is actively involved in finding answers for cat diseases such as FIP, HCM, Cancer such as Lymphoma, GI disease, and many others. She will also talk about how Winn is leading the way in stem cell and genomic research for cats.

America's Family Pet Expo. T he Winn Foundation will share an exhibit booth with TICA at America's Family Pet Expo in Costa Mesa, CA, April 28-30.

Registration for The Winn Symposium is Open, click here for details .

Cat clubs that have donated $500 or more from July 1, 2016 - June 25, 2017 will receive one free registration for a member.

Winn's 50th Anniversary Celebration Update. Winn is working their 50th Anniversary book. The book will serve as an "ambassador" about Winn for cat lovers around the world.

2017 Winn Grant Announcement. The 2017 Winn grant awards will be announced the week of April 10. There will be 11 grant awards announced (not ten as previously stated), totaling $216,017. Details can be found in Winn's April newsletter or on the Winn website .

Fundraising for Fall Bria Fund Grant Cycle. Winn has started a fundraising campaign for an out of cycle FIP (Bria Fund) grant review in October that will be held at the same time as Winn's Miller Trust grant review. Please consider giving Now

to help cat health.

Planned Giving Tax Tip. While volunteer services for a charity aren't tax deductible, the actual costs of using your vehicle - including standard mileage, parking and tolls - can be used as a write off. For 2017 the standard mileage rate for operating your personal motor vehicle in service of a charity will be 14 cents per mile driven. An itemized list of deductions are needed to claim charitable car expenses, so remember to keep reliable records this year!

Are Cats Plotting to Take Over DC Metro?

Group Launches Campaign to Replace Ads with Cat Photos

A group of feline enthusiasts are hoping to raise enough funds with a Kickstarter campaign to take over a D.C. metro station with photos of adoptable cats.

The Citizens Advertising Takeover Service, a.k.a. C.A.T.S., first made headlines last September when they took over London's Clapham Station and replaced all the ads with 68 photos of felines.

As a result of their success in the U.K, the group has set its sights on the nation's capital and takeover the Cleveland Park metro station in honor of Ollie, the National Zoo's Bobcat.

This time, the group is partnering with the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County to include photos of local adoptable cats.

The group says the campaign is a distraction from our chaotic daily lives and that the project will make more ad agencies and brands mindful of the power they wield and to use it to encourage positive values in society.

To date, the group has raised $3,420 of its $30,000 goal.

Survey Proclaims Cats are "Man's" New Best Friend

Feline fans prepare to take a victory lap, the label "man's best friend" now belongs to ......cats!

That's right, according to a recent survey from the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) , more young single men are choosing to adopt cats. The survey confirms that the number of pet cats in Britain has now reached eight million, with five and a half million men now owning cats.

So what's causing the sudden influx of guys getting in touch with their feline side? The chance of finding more dates with lady cat lovers, of course. Dating experts have confirmed that men who pose with their pets for their online profiles are a hit with the ladies and social media site 'hotdudeswithkittens' has almost 200,000 followers.

PFMA also suggests that the increasing number of male celebrities, such as musician Ed Sheeran and actors Russell Brand and Liam Hemsworth, openly expressing their love for their feline friends on social media may also be contributing to the rise in male cat owners.