It’s a blazing hot afternoon. And, Tom is visibly tense. The creamy brown Persian cat moves restlessly around the room till he finds a cool corner near the staircase. NM Basheer Ahamed gently rubs his head and sets a bowl of water in front of him. “They drink a lot of water, not milk. Persian cats need to be pampered, which includes regular baths to stay clean and sweet smelling.”
Basheer is a member of The Cattery Club of Coimbatore, supposed to be the first registered club dedicated to cats in Tamil Nadu. B Prathab, president, joins him and says, “Cats are excellent as pets. We want to build that awareness and break myths associated with them. I want to do a big show that will bring cat lovers from cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra here.”
An animla lover, Prathab has also been associated with the Coimbatore Kennel Club for over two decades, and is a part of the Anaimalai Kennel Club and another organisation that works to bring back native breeds of dogs like Chippipaarai and Rajapalayam. “I have 60 dogs at my farm in Thondamuthur. And, 15 cats. I have done several dog shows and I want to do something similar for cats.”
The Cattery Club now has 11 members and gets together every month to discuss cat breeding, cat litter, diseases and other behaviours. “While cat owners share their experiences, the cats also get to socialise. We will invite cat breeders too,” says the sprightly Anne Carroll, secretary. She is 62 and lives with 15 varieties of Persian cats. “I feel energetic and happy because of my pets. My grandfather is Irish. It is in our blood to care for pets, we eat and sleep with them. At one point, this hall where we are sitting and talking was home to 65 cats!”she says.
“Cats are small animals and they need less space. You can have a cat even in an apartment. They are independent and they don’t need company,” adds Prathab.
Basheer who owns Himalayan cats, Siberian, and Bengal cats (that resembles a leopard) besides Persians, says “Cats are affectionate. They don’t attack you”; while K Reegan, the joint secretary, says bonding with cats takes away his stress. “After a long day at work when you are home, you have someone running to you and waiting to be cuddled. It makes you feel good instantly.”
- Groom cats regularly. The hair they shed could be a problem if there are asthmatics at home
- Ensure there is provision for the cat to litter. There are scented litters available too
- Vaccinate cats against rabies. They should also be given anti-virus vaccination.
- Cats are carnivorous and prefer meat, fish, egg or chicken. Commercially available foods ( wet and dry) can also be given along with home food.
- To know more, call: 88383-96346/ 80727-40606/ 86752-20608
Cats, when looked after well, have a lifespan of 20 years, explains J Pratheeba, treasurer. “Nutritious food and grooming are vital to control hair fall and diseases. And of course, clean surroundings.” Pratheeba has lived with cats and dogs right from her childhood days in Munnar. “I carry kittens in my handbag when I go to watch a movie. While I travel in a bus, I carry them with me in a basket. I buy an additional ticket. They are my babies. They say if a cat crosses your path, it’s a bad omen. This is not true. I am always happy.”
Pratheeba also explains that country cats have a different lifestyle compared to the exotic ones. “Persian cats are high maintenance. They feed on dry fruits, jelly food, and require a cool environment (preferably with an AC). They need regular grooming. The country ones keep themselves clean.” She points to Whiskey, a white and creamy brown country cat, on her lap. “See, how clean he is. He hasn’t bathed in 10 days. Country cats build good immunity as they roam outside while the Persians prefer the indoors.”
Among other activities of the club are regular seminars on cats, vaccination camps, and information on original breeds. Anne says there is growing popularity of cats as pets. “We get calls every day asking for guidance on their grooming, well being, etc. This is a good sign.”
