I want to breed my cat, and I would like to get papers on her so I can sell the kittens for more. How can I figure out what breed she is? She is black overall, and her belly, chest, chin and paws are white.
– C.S.
The overwhelming majority of cats aren't any "breed" at all. Most cats are what veterinarians call domestic shorthair (DSH) or domestic longhair (DLH).
These cats are purely random-bred, and any number of coat patterns can be a result, even some that resemble those of purebreds.
"DSH" and "DLH" sound so dry and "alley cat" so disrespectful of the important position cats hold in our hearts. I would love to see the endearing British name for random- bred cats catch on – "moggie."
Since you didn't say that your cat was purchased with a pedigree, I'm guessing she is a moggie.
Tuxedo, calico, tortoiseshell and tabby are words that describe cat markings, not breeds. The patterns show up in purebred and moggie alike.
As for breeding your cat, please don't. She'll be a better pet if you have her spayed, since unspayed cats are pretty much always either pregnant, nursing babies or trying to get pregnant again. Kittens are never in short supply, and many have a difficult time finding homes. Don't add to the problem.
I read the excerpt from your new cat book in your recent column. I am surprised and dismayed that you didn't mention in the "pain management" section that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fatal to cats. Would you mention this in an upcoming column?
– Dr. Paula Loniak, Sebastopol
Thank you for reminding us. We have mentioned the problems with using human drugs – including over- the-counter ones such as Tylenol – for pets in many columns, and the warnings are in the new "The Ultimate Cat-Lover" as well. But you're right: It's worth mentioning again that no one should medicate a pet without checking with a veterinarian to be sure the drug is safe and appropriate.
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