The Chinese Li Hua, also known as the Dragon Li, comes from China. It was bred from domesticated cats in China.
brief history
This beautiful breed of cat dates back to the Xiang Dynasty. The Chinese Li Hua is a very ancient cat breed and is believed to be one of the earliest domesticated cat breeds to originate in China. the dragon li is purebred and not the result of breeding two different cat breeds. This breed of cat originates from the Chinese wildcat. these cats were buzzards and were also great companions to humans. the dragon li is a highly respected breed of cat in china. This breed of cat was first shown in Beijing in 2003. By 2010, the Dragon Li was accepted into the Miscellaneous of the Cat Fanciers Association. class.
physical description
The li dragon has a muscular build. the chest is broad, the legs long and powerful. the head is broad and diamond-shaped. this is a medium sized cat that is athletic and stocky. almond-shaped eyes can be green, yellow, or brown. the ears are set on high and are of medium size. the ears have rounded tips. the legs are rounded and the tail is of medium length. this breed of cat resembles wild cats. the coat color is mackerel brown tabby. the temperament is independent, loyal and intelligent. this breed of cat has a small black spot at the corner of its mouth.
temperament
The dragon li breed of cat has superior intelligence and is very loyal to the family. this breed of cat needs a lot of space. That being said, an indoor/outdoor combination is best for this breed. The li dragon becomes claustrophobic in small spaces and needs large spaces to run, preferably outdoors. safe outdoor environments need to be created for this magnificent breed of cats that enjoys hanging out and playing with family members.
They are easy to housebreak and enjoy lots of mental stimulation through interactive cat toys. This breed of cat is independent, but needs family and other cats. this is not a lap cat. the dragon li gets along well with dogs, other cats, and most pets. they enjoy playing feather hunt with children who are quiet. the males are more peculiar, the females are more dignified and may need more time alone. This breed is very active and needs lots of feline sporting activities and affection to keep them busy!
special needs
Dragon Li kittens should be vaccinated according to a vaccination schedule. this will begin at two months of age. Intestinal parasites are also common in kittens, as the dragon li mother cat can pass the larvae through the placenta or milk. your vet will treat your kitty with a broad-spectrum dewormer. you should also consult your vet about the safest deworming products for your cat.
You may also face various health problems after adoption. these could be related to behavioral problems. check with your vet for a behavioral history of your older cat if he’s working on the issues. it’s important to understand why your cat is having problems, so your vet can treat them.
Your dragon li cat will need to socialize. if you are going to have a kitten, socialization should begin during the kitten stage. your kitten should be handled before reaching ten weeks of age. cats that have not had the proper amount of socialization may avoid human contact.
When introducing your new dragon li cat to other pets in the household, you should do so gradually and over the course of a few days. they should be able to smell each other through the security doors and then hold on while being introduced. Allow pets together for short periods of time if they are calm, and gradually increase the amount of time pets spend together. Within multi-pet households, patience and calm are important.
Your cat will also need to be spayed or neutered. Your cat needs to be protected from household hazards such as cleaning products, toxic plants, electrical cords, and aggressive animals. Cats are carnivores and will need a high-quality diet with plenty of fresh water every day. exercise can be achieved through a variety of toys that encourage running and a game of chasing. sedentary cats can be prone to obesity and health problems later in life.
possible health problems
The Dragon Li is a healthy, moderately active breed of cat that may be susceptible to the following health conditions:
- gingivitis: Regular dental care will reduce the development of plaque in your cat, which can lead to gingivitis and gum disease. with gingivitis, the gums will become inflamed due to plaque. the ligaments and bone are not yet affected. By including daily tooth brushing, dietary changes, using a plaque prevention gel, and mouthwashes, you’ll be helping your cat. consult your vet for preventative cleanings every 3 months to save your cat’s teeth.
- Hip dysplasia: This is rare in domestic cats and common in purebred cats. this occurs when the hip joint is loose and leads to degenerative joint disease. (osteoarthritis) symptoms include lameness that can be mild to severe. cats usually do not need surgery for hip dysplasia. weight reduction may help reduce discomfort.
- Ringworm: An infection of the skin, hair, or claws, caused by a fungus called a dermatophyte. this occurs in 98% of cats. it spreads easily from cats to people. symptoms include circular bald patches that scale and ring-shaped broken hairs. consult your vet for advice.
- no low-quality fillers
- no artificial additives
- poor quality ingredients or toxic ingredients
- all cat food has to be meat-based because all cats are carnivores.
- no garlic
- plant-based ingredients should appear after protein-based ingredients
exercise
Playtime for indoor cats is extremely important. Because cats are natural predators and are kept in a domestic environment, daily playtimes should mimic “hunt, eat, and relax.” this would be the same schedule that they would have in nature. By providing a healthy and stimulating play schedule, many feline behavior problems are eliminated or reduced in frequency. cat owners should mimic a cat’s “natural environment combined with activity” within their home to ensure their cats are well-balanced and happy.
The dragon li breed of cat needs daily exercise combined with plenty of mental stimulation through active play and interaction with people. Cat parents can use cat toys like mousr or dancing cat for their cats to play. this will encourage your cat to play. Finding a variety of mentally stimulating cat toys will allow your cat to lead a well-balanced life, with the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation.
cat harnesses also allow for daily walks. cats can benefit from being outdoors and taking a safe walk in a harness. indoor cats will be able to experience new sights and sounds. There are many new cat harnesses on the market that allow your cat more freedom. these include 10-foot cat leashes that are retractable and come in both cord and tape styles.
This breed of cat is a moderately active breed of cat that thrives on being with family members. cat gyms, cat scratchers, and interactive cat toys within a cat-friendly home environment work best for this fabulous breed of cat.
Search for the latest cat toys such as wavy carpet play mats, feather swirls, pet cube toys, food trees, turbo scratch toys, interactive cat toys and electronic motion toys. interactive cat toys help keep cats entertained when you’re away from home.
cat trackers, like the pod, are waterproof and allow cat owners to keep track of their cats’ daily activities. cat owners can track their cats via mobile phone and computer applications.
nutrition
The dragon li cat breed will need a high quality diet. That being said, a high-quality diet that is appropriate for the cat’s specific life stage is necessary. protein as an ingredient should come first. dry cat food is a popular choice because it promotes healthier gums and teeth. however, veterinarians most often recommend wet food because it provides cats with more moisture. cats don’t drink a lot of water and sometimes tend to get dehydrated. wet cat food also has its benefits. By choosing a name-brand cat food that has scientific backing as well as quality control, cat owners can be sure they are providing a well-balanced diet.
all breeds of cats need high-quality fat and protein in their diets. they also need amino acids, including taurine, which is found neither in human food nor in dog food. there are also numerous special diets for your cat that are specifically formulated for certain medical problems such as urinary tract disorders, obesity, or kidney disease.
All cats do well if they are fed twice a day. during the kitten stage, kittens will need to be fed every few hours. growing kittens need more calories, nutrients, vitamins, protein, and calories. your cat should be able to enjoy a quiet meal in a quiet corner of the house. Some cat owners prefer to leave cat food on 24/7. When looking for high-quality cat food, here’s what to look for:
consult your vet for the best dietary advice for your dragon li.
toilet
Pampering cats is the norm these days, as feline pet parents want the best for them. Your dragon li may be susceptible to skin conditions that originate from flea bites, mites, fungal infections, and infections. opt for natural cat grooming products to help address these skin irritants.
All cat breeds have very sensitive skin. By using waterless grooming wipes and shampoos between bath times, you’ll have a healthier cat.
The dragon li needs daily grooming to remove shedding or dead hair. Because this breed has a short, fine, and soft coat, grooming is easy. Stainless steel combs help remove dead hair. Care should be taken when grooming leg hair and body hair to avoid sensitive areas. some cats have very sensitive areas along their backs, legs, and belly area. Curry brushes help with grooming and will remove dead hair and debris from your cat’s coat.
look for high-quality pet products to reduce shedding and help prevent hairballs. Products like Furminator will easily clean your cat’s coat and safely remove dead hair without hurting your cat. soft-tipped massagers, deluxe nail clippers, and dehairing tools help make cat grooming that much easier.
All breeds of cats groom themselves several times during the day. daily grooming is necessary because it limits the amount of hair your cat will consume. this helps limit the development of hairballs. Your dragon li cat will enjoy being groomed. the coat always looks its best during the cold winter months. cats that have been spayed or neutered will have great coats all year long. this is because hormonal changes in cats affect the length and thickness of the coat.
daily cleaning with pet wipes under the tail is necessary. ears should be checked weekly for cleanliness and sensitivity. if there is a buildup of wax and dirt, the organisms can lead to an ear infection. consult with your vet about safe and gentle ear cleaning techniques. nails need to be trimmed every few weeks. the eyes should also be gently cleaned every morning with cotton or a soft washcloth. each eye should be cleaned with different wipes or cotton balls to avoid contamination by eye infection in both eyes.
adopting a li dragon
Socialization is very important for all breeds of cats, no matter how tame they are. With socialization, cats learn to get along with other cats, animals, and people. That being said, your cat should never be placed in a dangerous environment or around aggressive dogs or people. your dragon li shouldn’t be left alone all day either.
All breeds of cats that have not been socialized during the kitten stage and during the later stages of life will fear humans and avoid contact with them. by playing with your rescue and providing the best care, you will develop a close bond and work to reduce and eventually eliminate any negative feline behavior with positive clicker training.
Natural feline behaviors like urine marking, littering outside the litter box, fighting with a new cat may be behaviors you’ll have to deal with when you bring your new cat home. if you have other cats at home, they may be territorial and view the newcomer as a threat. all these problems can be solved with the help of a good veterinarian and a cat behavior therapist.
That being said, the dragon li is a unique breed of cat! With smart personalities and fun attitudes, adopting a Dragon Li will be extremely rewarding. with so many cats up for adoption, it’s the only way to go! there are so many cats in shelters today who are in desperate need of a good home. When choosing your cat, ask questions and look for a great temperament. That being said, many cats can be peculiar in shelters, but they soon settle into their new homes and become very friendly and social.
In addition, kittens should be playful and curious. sickly kittens that have foul odors or lots of diarrhea spots and a dull coat should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. kittens when sick, can go downhill very quickly. however, the rewards of adopting a sick animal and caring for it are enormous, provided good veterinary care is provided promptly.
Healthy kittens will also need lots of care, numerous daily feedings, socialization, and positive litter box training. keep in mind that vaccinations and parasite control are an important part of feline health care.
consider pet health insurance for your dragon li. With so many great and affordable pet health plans available today, there’s no reason to avoid keeping your pet covered in case of an emergency.
Your cat should also be protected from household hazards, especially electrical cords, poisonous plants, medications, and open windows. the dragon li is a wonderful adoption! as usual, make sure that children are always friendly and calm with your cat.
Give your cat time to adjust to its new surroundings. As with any cat adoption, make sure you have the time and resources to take good care of your very sweet and agile dragon Li.
frequently asked questions
