The Burmese Cat: Common Kitty Myths
Cat owners have come to realize that some very common cat myths are exactly that: myths. All cats, whether they are Burmese or Siamese or plain old domesticated cats, here are a few cat myths that deserve to be explored.
The first myth has to do with cats landing on their feet. Cats will always try to land feet first when jumping and while many of them will survive a fall from a high place, they can still suffer internal injuries or broken bones. You should always have adequate protection in all windows and high places. Burmese kittens tend to be a bit clumsy, so you will want to make sure that they so not try to jump from high places until they are older and their natural balance has matured. In addition to this, it is good to know that a cat's whiskers are feelers, not there to help their balance. Just keep an on your kitten when they are jumping around to prevent injury.
Milk is something cats like, but they do not need any type of milk in their diet once they have been weaned from their mother. As a matter of fact, many cats are lactose intolerant and will have diarrhea if they drink too much cow's milk. If your Burmese likes milk, feed them only a little bit at a time as a treat. You can purchase special 'cat milk' from your local pet store that has been designed specifically for them and will not upset their stomachs.
Spayed and neutered cats do not automatically gain weight from the procedure. They will however gain weight from being overfed and not getting enough exercise. Keep your Burmese on a proper diet and play with them so that they remain active. As long as they are not sedentary, they will remain at a weight that is right for them. Check with your vet for weight suggestions as it may be difficult to tell if your Burmese is the right weight because they are naturally solid and stocky animals.
All cats can get rabies if they are bit by an animal that carries it. Burmese cats should remain indoors, but it is better to make sure your pet is vaccinated just in case they should slip out and into the big wide world. Also, indoor cats can get the same diseases as outdoor cats. This is another reason why their shots should be kept up to date. Tapeworms come from a cat swallowing fleas that carry the parasite that causes the worms. If they should happen to get fleas, even if the are indoor animals, have them treated as soon as possible. Only appropriate medicine will get rid of the tapeworms.
Cats can carry a disease called toxoplasmosis which sometimes will transfer to a human through contact with their feces. Pregnant women who own Burmese and other types of cats should stay away from the litter box and let someone else in the family clean it.
