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June 20, 2004

Ragdoll

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The Ragdoll cat has a tendency to go limp when picked up, hence the breed’s unusual name. This relatively new breed originated in America in the 1960s and today’s Ragdolls have inherited more than their fair share of gentle characteristics. Ragdolls can be very dog-like, following their owners around the house like a lovesick puppy. These cats don’t like to let you out of their sight!

The Ragdoll doesn’t like conflict and unlike many cats, may allow a complete stranger to pick them up and give them a cuddle. They may be very tolerant and sweet-natured but this doesn’t mean the Ragdoll is a dull feline to have around. Like many kittens, they are very active and these cats continue to be playful as adults.

Ragdolls are large cats and males can weigh up to 10kg or more. Their unique coat is semi-longhaired; soft to the touch yet they don’t shed as much as some of their long-haired cousins. Not much grooming is required (a good brush once a week should do) and their coat does not matt easily. Once a year they shed heavily, and need to be brushed every day.

Ragdolls are very suitable for flats or small houses as they are not really meant for the outdoors – their peaceful nature makes them too vulnerable in the big world. They can be trained easily and are a quiet breed with a rarely heard, soft meow.

These cats come in a lovely variety of colours such as chocolate, seal, lilac and blue-grey. Ragdolls also have contrasting colours on their points (a cat’s paws, ears, face and tail). All Ragdolls have gorgeous big blue eyes. Easy-going and companionable, the Ragdoll is the perfect cat for families, singles and the elderly.

A Ragdoll cat can cost upwards of $500, and can live up to 15 years. Ragdolls have been known to be susceptible to heart disease, and make sure the parents of any kittens you are interested in have been screened for kidney problems.

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Home Page 5539

June 20, 2004

British Shorthair

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The British Shorthair is a cat with a humble past. After arriving in Britain in Roman times, the cats were tolerated by humans as handy mousers. The cats ran wild until the 19th century when author and artist Harrison Weir decided he liked these street cats for their looks and smarts. Weir began a breeding programme using the best specimens he could find.

The result was the British Shorthair – a cat distinguished by its big, round head and short, cobby, heavy body. These cats have a dense, double coat which is springy to the touch. British Shorthairs come in a rainbow of colours, with the classic British Blue (a steely, dark grey) and black being perhaps the most well-known hues.

What makes the British Shorthair so appealing to people is their temperament. These cats don’t know the meaning of stress. Relaxed, even-tempered and unflappable, British Shorthairs do not demand a lot of attention. They’re happy to live the good life at home and are not the most active cat around. If they do venture outdoors, they usually don’t roam too far from the homestead.

These cats are the perfect companions for people who live the quiet life. They enjoy the lifestyle of older people, although they are fine with children and other pets – it takes a lot to disturb the composure of the British Shorthair. Although they are not needy, British Shorthairs are affectionate and loyal to their owners, and can be somewhat reserved with strangers.

British Shorthairs are easy to care for – their thick coats just need a good grooming once a week to get rid of excess hair. Due to their street-tough origins, British Shorthairs are hardy felines and can easily live more than 15 years. Buying a kitten from a reputable breeder can cost up to $500.

Fully-grown, a British Shorthair can weigh approximately 7kg. Growing cats need more food than other breeds due to their larger size, but owners should be careful not to overfeed mature British Shorthairs – their laid-back lifestyle makes them good candidates for obesity.

British Shorthairs are suitable apartment cats and like nothing better than a nice place to sleep. With this dignified presence in your home, you will grow to appreciate the British Shorthair as a calming, comforting influence to have around.

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Home Page 5539

June 20, 2004

Miniature Pinscher

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The Miniature Pinscher is a wonderful little dynamo of a dog – spirited, clever and very alert. The “Min Pin” (as these dogs are affectionately called) was originally bred in Germany to hunt vermin in stables. This required pluck and speed and Miniature Pinschers have both in spades.

Although they resemble the Doberman Pinscher, these dogs are not miniature versions of the Doberman but a breed in their own right. Like many other small dogs, Miniature Pinschers seem to have a personality bigger than their physical size.

Miniature Pinschers can weigh about 4kg, and reach up to 30cm tall. They have a short and sleek coat that comes in black, blue, chocolate and red, and they are distinguished by their large, upstanding ears.

Miniature Pinschers need little grooming – a quick brush every now and then will suffice. You can even give these dogs a wipe down with a facecloth instead of a bath. In fact, Miniature Pinschers should not be bathed often because it strips the protective oils of their coats. Miniature Pinschers suffer the cold greatly, and really should live indoors.

Miniature Pinschers are one of the most energetic dogs around. These canines are always on the go! This may make them too chaotic as pets for small children or the elderly. The playfulness and high spirits of a Miniature Pinscher means they can get the exercise they need in a small area, so they are the perfect dogs for those living in a flat or small house. These dogs can also burn off some extra energy with a quick walk.

It’s important that Miniature Pinschers are trained and socialised very early on in their lives. If they get the upper hand, these dogs will keep it, so make sure they know what the house rules are – and who set them. Fortunately, these dogs are very bright and take to obedience training well. Miniature Pinschers can be suspicious of strangers and other animals, so it’s a good idea to have them interacting outside their immediate circle from a young age.

It is recommended that you check puppies and their parents for eye or knee problems before you buy, as these can be the breed’s problem areas.

These little charmers can live up to 16 years and are active and playful well into their later years, so be prepared for many years of fun with your loyal friend.

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June 18, 2004

Plucking eyebrows

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Question:

Can you give me some tips for plucking my eyebrows? Anon.

Answer:

Before you begin, take a long look at your natural brow shape in a mirror. It’s best to pluck straight after a bath or shower, when pores are open due to the heat. If you have a low pain threshold, apply a little baby teething gel to your eyebrows. This will numb the area, making plucking virtually painless.

Take a pencil or make-up brush. Place one end on the outside of your nostril, and the other end at your eye’s inside corner. This is where your brow should begin.

Put the pencil between your nostril and the outer area of the eye. This is where your brow should finish.

Brush brows upwards so you can pluck excess hair from below and in between your eyebrows. Avoid plucking from above, as removing more than a hair or two will flatten your look. If you have dark, thick hair above your brows, it’s advisable to get it waxed by an expert.

Pull skin taut before plucking, as this makes it less painful. For optimum visibility, stand next to a window when you tweeze so your face is illuminated by natural light. When finished, brush your eyebrows into shape and fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil, using light, feathery strokes.

Invest in a great pair of tweezers, a good-quality eyebrow brush, and an eyebrow pencil in the perfect shade. Don’t shave or over-tweeze your eyebrows. You could also have your eyebrows shaped by a professional if you haven’t plucked them before. Then you can just follow the shape when you do it yourself.

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