The Pedigree Paws (2024)

18/02/2024

Are you looking to delve into the world of cat breeding? Becoming an ethical cat breeder is a significant responsibility, and committing to the best practices requires great dedication and hard work.

✅ Choose your breed and study it carefully and thoroughly, talking to other breeders of the same breed on what challenges you might be facing.

✅ Take a look at the requirements to join a reputable organisation, such as The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, The International Cat Association, The World Cat Federation or the Fédération Internationale Féline.

✅ Depending on the breed you choose and the requirements to join an organisation, genetic testing on the parents might be needed to ensure you’re not bringing avoidable hereditary diseases to your litters.

✅ Regular health checks of the parents and the kittens, as well as vaccinations and deworming treatments, are fundamental to guarantee happy and healthy animals.

✅ If you’re an ethical breeder committed to the health of your cats, you can fill out an application to join us https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/for-breeders/join-as-breeder

15/02/2024

If we could split cats between introverts and extroverts, the Burmese cat breed would definitely fall under the second category!

These playful, energetic and highly intelligent felines love people and really appreciate human company. If you are looking for an outgoing and lively cat to join your family, the Burmese might just be the perfect breed for you.

Burmese cats can live up to 16 to 18 years. While not prone to many health issues, they can suffer from a condition called Hhypokalaemia, which is characterised by low serum potassium levels and high creatine phosphate kinase levels.

This genetic disease is caused by a mutation in the WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 4 (WNK4) gene. It is also known as Familial Episodic Hypokalaemic Polymyopathy. It leads to episodes of muscle weakness, which can affect the whole body or be localised to the neck muscles or the limbs.

This disease is usually not fatal, and its management is fairly simple, including adding potassium supplements to the cat’s diet.

A simple DNA test has been developed to identify the genetic mutation responsible for the disease, allowing cat breeders, owners and veterinarians to test for this condition, detect it early and manage it accordingly!

Other conditions that can affect the Burmese cat breed include diabetes mellitus, corneal dermoid, which is the presence of skin and hair on the surface of the cornea, and elbow osteoarthritis, which can affect mobility.

Do you have a Burmese cat at home? Share them in the comments below!

12/02/2024

The Chartreux is a shorthaired French breed of cat. Identified by their muscular body and slightly woolly coat texture, the Chartreux is typically an intelligent and affectionate breed well suited to family life.

As a breed, Chartreux are fortunate to have few genetic predispositions to disease.
However, there have been studies identifying that they can be prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and it is recommended that Chartreux cats are screened for this disease as part of their health checks.

The Chartreux breed is generally a slow maturing breed and can be very playful and “kitten-like” even up to 3 years of age. They tend to have lifespans of 11-15 years.
Do you have a Chartreux at home? Share them in the comments below! 👇📷

09/02/2024

Did you know that cats can suffer from a range of different worms? From roundworms to tapeworms and hookworms, they can be affected by all of these!
While a few worms usually don't cause a problem, too many parasites can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss. Regular worming is essential, especially since certain species, like roundworms, can infect humans, particularly children.

In order to avoid this, all our puppies and kittens receive a veterinary check and deworming treatment before leaving for their forever homes.

After that, they should be dewormed every month until they reach six months with products that are safe for kittens.

As for adult cats, the treatment frequency will depend on whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat and other lifestyle factors. Cats who are active hunters need deworming more regularly (every 4 to 6 weeks), and cats who stay home may be dewormed every three months, depending on their contact with other pets. Make sure to always use deworming treatments as recommended by your vet.

06/02/2024

Maine C***s are large, majestic cats known for their intelligence and playful temperament.
The females can be up to 7kg, while males are often up to 9kg in body weight, but some grow even bigger than this!
Like other long-haired and semi-long-haired breeds of cats, Maine C***s require regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin health.

Maine C***s are predisposed to some genetic health conditions, including a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) which can lead to thickening of the heart and possible heart failure, as well as hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip is not properly formed and can lead to mobility problems.

Other conditions that Maine C***s have an increased genetic susceptibility for include:
👉 Patellar luxation - an issue with the formation of the “kneecap”, which can lead to mobility issues
👉 Polycystic kidney disease - this genetic condition can progress to kidney failure over time

Genetic screening for these conditions has been very well researched in Maine C***s, and it is recommended that all Maine C**n kittens are health screened for these conditions.

The Pedigree Paws only works with reputable licensed breeders who are dedicated to the ethical breeding of puppies and kittens where health is a top priority.

03/02/2024

The Neva Masquerade is a special variety of the Siberian cat. They are typically all-white except for some black, grey, and brown spots and usually have blue eyes.

They are large-sized felines and have a dense coat, which needs regular grooming, and are known for their friendly, affectionate and playful nature. They are also highly adaptable, usually getting along well with other pets and children. They’re also highly intelligent and appreciate spending time outdoors.

These cats can live up to 18 years old. Still, they can be affected by a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

HCM is characterised by a thickening of the heart muscular walls. While some affected cats don’t show any clinical signs, others can develop rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, lethargy and weight loss.

Although cats without clinical signs may survive for years, this disease is progressive and sometimes fatal. Once clinical signs appear, cats with HCM will need medical therapy and monitoring for the rest of their lives.

If you would like to read about more cat breeds, head over to our website for more breed profiles 👉 https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/cat-breeds

31/01/2024

This breed is world-renowned and has been recognised by all cat fancy associations.
Traditionally, they have a very distinctive coat of cream colour and black points that match vibrant blue eyes, but nowadays, registries allow for other colours.

They will be your best friend if you like chatty and opinionated buddies! With a penchant to follow you around and stage a running commentary of your activities, these fuzzy buddies are amazingly fond of their humans but require a strong social presence and don’t take well to being left alone.

In their country of origin, these kitties are known as Wichienmaat and were brought to the West in the 19th century.

Can you guess their breed? And if you have one of these furry friends at home, let us know by sharing their pics in the comments below! 👇🐈

28/01/2024

Siberian cats are the gentle giants of the cat world. These cats are usually between six and nine kilograms in body weight and typically are gentle and playful in temperament.

These long-haired cats originated in Russia, where their big fluffy tails and ear tufts helped keep them warm during the harsh, cold winters. ❄️
As with all long-haired cats, Siberian cats need regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting and subsequent skin issues.

In general, they are renowned as a healthy cat breed. However, they do have a congenital predisposition to a type of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Our vet team recommends having regular heart screening performed on your Siberian cat to monitor for heart changes that could indicate this disease.

At The Pedigree Paws, we can help you find your dream Siberian kitten from an ethical and health-focused breeder.

Do you have a Siberian cat at home? Share them in the comment section! 👇📷

25/01/2024

Shima’s new owner gave The Pedigree Paws a five-star rating for our help finding her new feline best friend! 😺
We work tirelessly to ensure that our customers are matched with reputable breeders they can trust.
Did you know all our kittens are fully vaccinated and health checked for that extra layer of peace of mind? Check out our website for more information 🔗 https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/

22/01/2024

Did you know that diabetes can also affect our beloved pets? Both cats and dogs are at risk of developing this hormonal disease and can exhibit signs such as:
👉 Excessive thirst
👉 Increased urination
👉 Weight loss
👉 Increased appetite

It is essential to remember that not all diabetic pets will show any or all of these signs, which can also be indicators of other conditions.
If you have noticed any changes in your pet, our vet team recommends getting them checked out by your vet. They can discuss the most appropriate steps to ensure your pet’s well-being.

19/01/2024

Just like humans, countless pet lives have been saved by vaccinations.
Did you know that, here at The Pedigree Paws, all our puppies and kittens receive a complete set of vaccinations before reaching their forever home? 💉 This gives them the best chance at a healthy and happy start in life.
Once your pet is home with you, your local vet will be able to advise on the best course of vaccines for their lifestyle.

In the UK, the most common canine vaccines protect against:
🐶 Canine distemper virus
🐶 Canine hepatitis
🐶 Canine parvovirus
🐶 Canine parainfluenza virus
🐶 Leptospirosis

While the most common feline vaccines protect against:
😺 Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
😺 Feline infectious enteritis
😺 Feline leukaemia virus

Apart from receiving a full set of vaccinations, all our puppies and kittens have a clinical examination with a vet, receive deworming treatment and are microchipped. All of this will be recorded in the health booklet or pet passport that will come with your new furry friend for your peace of mind.

You can read more about how we work on our website 🔗 https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/how-we-work/faqs

16/01/2024

Are you considering getting a new pedigree pet for 2024? If so, we’re thrilled for you! However, we’d like you to consider getting a pet from ethical breeders only and avoiding kitten/puppy mills.

But how can you do that? By using our platform, you have the guarantee that you’re buying your pet from ethical breeders! We will facilitate direct contact between you and the breeder, and you can see your potential new family member in person or via video call. You’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want to ease your mind, such as:
👉 Have the puppies/kittens been vaccinated and microchipped?
👉 Have the puppies/kittens been appropriately socialised?
👉 Can I see the registration documents?
👉 Do the parents suffer from any medical condition?
👉 Have the puppies/kittens been screened for any particular medical condition?

Because all our breeders are committed to making your new forever friend’s health a top priority and are registered with reputable organisations, your mind can be at ease.

If you'd like help choosing a pedigree pet this year, we are happy to help you choose a breed that best suits your lifestyle 🔗 https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/

26/12/2023

These beautiful cats are known for their calm and sweet temperaments. They are very adaptable and make ideal family pets.

The American Shorthair is widely regarded as a generally healthy breed that, with the right care, can often live to the ages of 15-20+ years.

Currently, this breed's only known genetic predisposition is a heart condition called HCM. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause thickening of the heart and can lead to heart failure. Regular check-ups with your vet are recommended to monitor for this condition. In addition, our vet team recommends genetic testing for this condition.

If you think the American Shorthair could be the perfect cat for your family, check out our website 🔗 https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/cat-breed/american-shorthair to read more about this beautiful breed and check out available kittens!

24/12/2023

From the dedicated team at The Pedigree Paws, we wish you and your furry friends a wonderful festive period! 🎄🎁 If we’ve helped you find a life companion this year, we hope your first Christmas together is filled with wonderful memories.

Capture the moments with your furry companions, whether they’re snuggling under the Christmas tree or “helping” to wrap presents. Share those moments with us in the comments below, and let’s turn the comment section into a gallery of Christmas pet purr-fection!

22/12/2023

Ragdoll cats are large, semi-long-haired cats most famous for their beautiful big blue eyes and affectionate personalities.

They are also known for their docile and happy temperaments and can enjoy an average life expectancy of 12-15 years when well cared for.

Before choosing a Ragdoll cat, however, it is important to note that they can have the following hereditary conditions:

👉 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetically inherited heart condition in this breed. Genetic testing is available for this condition to prevent it from being passed down from parents to kittens.

👉 Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral condition that can be fatal to cats. Unfortunately, Ragdolls are genetically predisposed to developing FIP from the virus.

👉 Bladder Stones (especially calcium oxalate) and Polycystic Kidney Disease are conditions that Ragdoll cats are at increased risk of developing.

At The Pedigree Paws, we work closely with breeders who carry out DNA genetic testing on their breeding cats to ensure the best chance of healthy and happy kittens. This, in turn, then gives our kittens the best chance at a long and healthy life.

20/12/2023

With Christmas on the way, many of us are decorating our homes to help get into the festive spirit.

However, some festive plants (or plant-based decorations) are potentially toxic to our cats if ingested (eaten), including:
👉 Lilies
👉 Holly
👉 Mistletoe
👉 Amaryllis
👉 Poinsettias

If you are decorating your house with any of these, make sure they are placed well out of your furry friend's reach! If you are concerned that your cat may have eaten part of one of these plants, get in contact with your vet right away!

18/12/2023

Here at The Pedigree Paws, we know how precious pets are. This is why we work hard to ensure strict breeding practices, including:

1️) A no pet-mill guarantee
2️) We only work with certified, reputable breeders
3️) All our puppies and kittens get veterinary health checks
4️) Fully documented pedigree registration for your puppy/kitten
5️) Using only veterinary-approved pet travel methods for delivering your new kitten/puppy to you safely and securely!

Find out more on 🔗 https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/whyus

17/12/2023

Are you familiar with glycogen storage disease type IV? 🤔

The Norwegian Forest Cat is genetically prone to this hereditary condition, which is caused by a mutation in the GBE1 gene that leads to a defective glycogen branching enzyme (GBE), causing a severe error in glycogen (sugar) storage in cells.

This results in kittens who sadly usually die either at or just after birth. Some kittens with the disease can appear clinically normal until about five months of age. These kittens will then develop a persistent fever and muscle tremors. The signs progress to generalised muscle atrophy and, sadly, death.

There is no cure for the disease but, fortunately, there is genetic testing available to allow breeders to breed kittens that will not carry the disease to the next generation.
Pedigree Paws is committed to working only with reputable, licensed breeders who health-check their kittens; find out more on our website today!

Do you have a Norwegian Forest Cat at home? Show us in the comments below! 📷👇

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The Pedigree Paws