What About Allergies?

Cat allergies are usually due to an enzyme in the saliva of the cat. When the cat grooms itself, the saliva is transferred to its coat. Then, when you pet it or inhale the air around it, it makes you sneeze, etc. Mokave cats apparently produce very little, if any, of this enzyme and they are easy to bathe. (See Bathing Your Kitten In 3 Minutes.) Therefore, most people have little or no allergic reaction to them.

Mokave Pet Parents:

"My 16-year-old granddaughter loves kitties to pieces; her twin is allergic to them really bad... BUT not to my Mokave cats!"

Ronnie B.   Missouri City, TX

"Although my husband Steve is allergic to cats, he has no allergic reactions to Sophie. My dad has asthma and my mother has all kinds of allergies and respiratory problems, but no reaction with Sophie. They could not believe it."

Diane C.   Anderson, IN

"Before Amun came home, I was a little worried about how my husband would react to him. He's allergic to domestic cats. I knew that he was not allergic to bobcats as a friend of his had one. Well, all my worries are over. Hubby and kitty are getting along just fine and no allergic reaction at all. No red eyes, no sneezing, nothing but love on both sides! We couldn't be happier with our little guy."

Deborah K.   Richmond, VA

Do Mokave Cats Shed?

Most Mokaves do not shed. My cats have fur that is so dense, it's more like a pelt than like hair. All cats shed their fur when frightened or sick, but even then Mokave cats shed such a small amount that it's hardly noticable. However, most cats can, like dogs, lose their undercoats when springtime and hot weather arrives.

Why Can't These Cats Go Outside?

They can... on a leash or in your arms. Many Mokave cats travel, go camping, canoeing or even ATVing with their owners, but they should never go outside unsupervised. Mokave cats have little fear, which means they can get into dangerous situations without realizing it or be stolen because they're so friendly and unusual looking. There's also various feline diseases they can pick up from other outdoor cats. (Did you know that the average life span of an outdoor cat is only 3 to 5 years?) Of the handful of people over the years who refused to keep their Mokave cat indoors: EVERY SINGLE ONE LOST THEIR CAT!

Please don't feel that you are depriving your kitty from something; my cats are raised to enjoy being in your home because that's where YOU are! When kept indoors, your Mokave kitten will stay sweet and friendly, and live a longer, healthier life.

Should I Microchip My Mokave?

That's up to you. A microchip is a tiny tracking mechanism usually inserted between the shoulder blades of your pet. This chip contains an identification number associated with a registration card that you fill out and send to the company that tracks the microchip. The ID number located in the chip can be read by a special "wand" found in most vet hospitals and animal shelters.

I used to say microchipping wasn't necessary since Mokaves are indoor cats only... unless on a harness and leash. Then I read an article about a domestic kitty that accidentally got out while his owner was out of town. This cat wound up 1300 miles from home and was picked up as a stray by an Animal Care & Control facility. Fortunately, it had been microchipped and the staff was able to locate the owner through its identification number.

Microchipping your cat is a simple and inexpensive process preformed by a vet. It's about as fast and easy as giving your kitty a vaccination. It also might be the tool that brings your Mokave home again if it ever gets lost.

Are These Cats Dangerous? Do I Need a Permit?

Mokave cats are bred for temperament above all else so they have virtually no aggressive tendencies. However, it's important to treat them with kindness and a bit of patience since they can learn bad habits if bullied, screamed at, or hurt. If you follow the simple instructions in Kitten Care, you should have no problems at all as my cats love people and bond strongly with their human families. In addition, you or your vet have access to me for any advice on diet, behavior, vaccinations, etc.for the life of your kitten.

Permits are not required for these beautiful and friendly animals as Mokave cats are bred to be indoor family pets. Please don't let them outside unless they are on a leash.

Mokave Pet Parents:

"Ziggy's WONDERFUL! We absolutely love him to pieces. From the start he's used the litter box, scratched only on the tree house, been super friendly and cuddly, purring and happy!!!"

Julie D.   Sandy, UT

"Spirit is growing into a beautiful cat! He loves high places, especially the top of the entertainment center and a cabinet in the living room. He sits on a box near the TV, occasionally chasing things on the screen. He has become quite the jumper. He chases and fetches (mostly mid-air) balls, toys, & anything you toss. He is approximately 11-13 pounds and a joy to have. Spirit has a great personality, too. He is very affectionate and an awesome player. We love him."

Lisa & Dave B.   Orange City, FL

Are Breeders Available?

Not at this time. It's not that easy to breed a Mokave cat since they aren't as fertile as other cat breeds. All felines are induced ovulators, which means that they have to be properly stimulated during breeding or they will not release eggs from their ovaries. It takes between 12 to 48 hours - after a mating session - for the queen to release her eggs. If the male's sperm can't last this long, no impregnation will occur. Even if the eggs are fertilized, a queen can reabsorb the eggs back into her bloodstream at the hint of any perceived stress. (I lost three newly bred litters one year simply because I had one of my bedrooms tiled over the weekend.)

First-time mothers often don't recognize that they are pregnant. It's not uncommon for an inexperienced queen to have her kittens in their litter box, cover them up, and walk away! Which is one of the reasons I am right there throughout the entire delivery process... no matter how long it takes.

Here's another reason why I don't sell breeders: Mokave Jag Cats are still a 'work in progress.' I've been selectively breeding for various genetic traits for almost 10 years now, and I still have another three to five years before their development is complete. At that time, I will consider offering breeding pairs to qualified cat lovers.

Domestic Cat Breeder:

"I hate that people think cat breeding is so easy, and that any idiot with two cats can do it! Heck, I had trouble getting Persians to breed! It is such an incredible labor of love... with emphasis on the labor! I'm truly so impressed with your accomplishments. Can't wait to see what's coming next!"

Should I Declaw My Mokave Cat?

No. Most people don't realize that the declawing procedure removes both claw and bone up to the first knuckle, which is a horrible thing to do to your new kitten! Mokave kittens come to you trained to climb cat trees.

You should not have any scratching problems if you provide your kitten with a climbing tree (see Cat Trees) and occasionaly trim kitty's nails as described in Trimming Your Kitten's Claws.

Mokave Pet Parents:

"I have told my kittens not to use their nails on my couch because it is leather and it would get ruined. Well, believe it or not, they run across it daily and there is not one hole in the couch. For that matter, the girls do not pull out their claws except the clean them on their scratching post that is attached to their cat tree."

Kim Z.   Brookfield, IL

Do These Cats Require Special Vet Care?

Not really. Mokave cats can be taken to your local vet for their checkups and annual vaccinations, However, it is extremely important that you NOT use live virus vaccinations on these animals! Also, I don't recommend the Feline Leukemia vaccine for my cats unless you are leash-walking them in areas where they could be exposed to other felines. If you or your vet ever have any questions about caring for your Mokave cat, call me and I'll be happy to help.

Mokave Pet Parents:

"The vet visit was great. We took both boys, Khensu and Amun, for the ride. Our new vet gave them the extra vaccinations they need so that I can start taking them on walks when we get home. One lady came in on her day off just to see the boys. They are celebrities!"

Deborah K.   Richmond, VA

"When I take Dragon to the vet, he steals the show. Jumping over the counter to see what's going on behind the desk!"

Brandi W.   Dudley, GA

What Is A Hybrid?

From an article in National Geographic News, dated March 14, 2007:

Two animal species can combine to produce a third, sexually viable species in a process known as hybrid speciation. Recent research indicates that hybridization is not only widespread in nature but it might also spawn many more new species than previously thought. "Given the fact there have been several reported cases of hybrid speciation in animals, I think it's possible that's just the tip of the iceberg," said biologist James Mallet of University College London in the United Kingdom.

In a review of the field appearing in the current issue of the journal Nature, the scientist notes that, on average, 10 percent of animal species and 25 percent of plant species are now known to hybridize. "Hybridization can increase genetic variability within a population, perhaps offering adaptations particularly suited to new or altered environments.

"Occasionally the act produces sexually fertile hybrids that may have the opportunity to evolve into separate species." Mallet said such examples suggest that "the weight of evidence is in favor of hybrid speciation being reasonably common."

Critics say that the likelihood of a hybrid establishing in reproductive isolation from its parents is very low, and that hybrids form less than 0.1 percent of animal populations. Given this low number, animal hybrid species are likely to always be rare.

When And How Do I Get My Mokave Kitten?

Most people are used to getting a kitten at about 8-10 weeks of age but Mokave kittens do not mature that quickly and can become stressed if placed in a new home too early. Mokave kittens are ready for their new home at 13 - 16 weeks, as it takes time for me to socialize, litter-train, cat-tree train, and alter your kitten.

Most Mokave cats and kittens are shipped to their new owners. You can also visit the cattery and take your new kitty home with you. See Shipping Mokaves.

Mokave Pet Parent:

"I wanted you to know that your cats make every day at home feel like a vacation."

Joan H.   Tallahassee, FL

Why Alter My Mokave Cat?

All Mokave cats and kittens are spayed or neutered before being placed into their new homes. Upon maturity, intact males and females have a tendancy to spray; altering your Mokave cat at an early age prevents this from happening. It also protects the cat from some cancers and other health problems such as pyometra. And, Mokave cats tend to grow larger after altering, especially if they are exercised regularly.

Mokave Pet Parent:

"Ever since he had his neuter surgery, Riddick has become more of a love bug than before. He is getting so BIG! You can't even imagine how huge he has gotten... Riddick is just as fiesty as ever!"

Paul & Mandi B.   St. Marys, GA