Talking About Cats

Michael Broad asked:


There are many domestic cat breeds. Most people including cat lovers will not have heard of a number of them. They will almost certainly be unaware of this rarest of breeds.

There is little hard fact surrounding the history of the Sokoke Cat. The breed was named after the forest from where she originated on the coast of Kenya. The Sokoke Forest is the largest on the east of Africa and contains much interesting wildlife.

Close to the forest is the African Savanna, the home of another cat, this time a wild cat called the Serval.

The local people, the Giriama tribe, who live close to the Sokoke Forest have been aware of the Sokoke for a long time and they say this breed of cat has been living in the area for perhaps centuries.

They say that the Sokoke is neither a domestic cat nor a wild cat as the cat’s appearance is distinctly different. Living as they have with this cat for so long they are to be believed.

Although the Sokoke is the size of a domestic cat she is rangy and exotic looking having the appearance of a cross between the Serval and a Bengal.

It is feasible to argue that such as mating did in fact take place. But there is no hard evidence to substantiate that.

DNA testing of the cat shows no evidence of wild cat genes. The Sokoke is probably a feral domestic cat living in and around the villages of the Grimiama tribe who used the cat as a source of food at one time.

The tribal people called the cat “Khadzonzo”. This word means “look like tree bark”. This is because the coat color and pattern is reminiscent of tree bark being a modified marbled tabby pattern with “ticked” blotches.

Although well known to the Kenyans of the area they were undiscovered until 1978 when a plantation owner and artist (and former horse breeder) Jeni Slater found them under a tree on her estate (in fact one of her servants or helpers found the mother cat and kittens).

Jeni’s background in breeding alerted her to the fact that the cat she saw was special, different and unusual and a possible new breed of cat.

She took two of the kittens and that in effect was the first step in the establishment of a new and rare breed of cat now registered with FiFe and TICA.

Shortly after the discovery two kittens were shipped to Denmark and breeding began.

In due course the breed was exported to the USA and Canada. There are now breeders in the USA, Norway, Canada and Denmark but they are few and far between in comparison to the more well known breeds.

You can read more about this rarest of cats at Pictures of Cats Blog and at Pictures of Cats



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Jon Arnold asked:


Pet cats can bring joy, amusement, frustration, and unconditional love. There is certainly no denying that they brighten up your day, but do you really know how to best look after the cat in your life?

Why Cats Make Good Pets and the Most Common Pet Breeds

If you are looking for a pet that has its own mind, that is independent, but who is extremely loving at the same time, then a cat may be the perfect pet for you. They require fairly little maintenance compared to a dog, and they also provide plenty of love and affection often following you around from room to room. Cats can be much more independent than dogs, but in both cases, both will return the affection you show them in spades.

When it comes to the large variety of breeds, you can choose from, some are definitely more common than others are and there are certain breeds that make better pets than others do. These include:

The Persian

The Persian cat is by far the most popular pet cat in America. Hardly anybody can resist its laid-back temperament and its extremely affectionate personality. Out of all of the different breeds, this one seems to form the strongest loyal bonds with its owners and despite their daily grooming needs they do make the best pets for many cat lovers.

The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large cat and it has a really affectionate nature. They are extremely gentle and they love being around people. Whilst their coats are quite long, they do not require as much grooming as a Persian cat does. Overall, they are gentle giants in the cat world and they have remained the second most popular cat in America for years now.

The Exotic

This breed of cat is generally considered to be a shorthaired version of the Persian and cat lovers like them due to the fact that they are easier to groom. The breed looks particularly sweet and innocent and it is definitely a favorite amongst cat lovers.

So, those are the top three breeds within America and they are all extremely affectionate and loving. The main thing to keep in mind is that no matter which breed you decide upon, they all need some form of grooming and looking after.

Knowing the Grooming Requirements of Your Chosen Breed

All cats need some form of grooming no matter what breed you finally purchase. Obviously shorthaired cats will need less grooming than longhaired breeds so that could be a factor in your decision when purchasing your pet cat.

Longhaired breeds generally need to be groomed daily, though it is always a good idea to research your individual breed. For example, the Persian needs a lot of grooming and it definitely needs doing daily, whereas the Maine Coon, who is another breed with longer hair, needs less grooming. So, research your breed and ensure that you know what you are letting yourself in for.

Overall cats can make extremely good pets, you just have to do your research and ensure that you are purchasing the right breed for you. If you have small children living in the house, cats are pretty forgiving, but you should have a discussion with them about the fact that a cat is a live animal and could scratch or bite them if pushed too far.



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Ken Charnely asked:


If knowledge is power, then after you have finished reading this article, you will feel like “Mighty Man” when this subject is brought up in casual conversation. Cats are very lovable animals. They make excellent pets. In fact, three out of ten households in the United States are known to have at least one cat as a pet. And because they love their cats so much, it was reported that the owners are willing to spend $104 on the average just for some expenses incurred with the veterinarian.

The question is: Are cats worth the trouble?

Some non-cat lovers probe the extravagance that cat lovers spend for their pets. They believe that expenses are not worth it if cats cannot learn tricks.

Indeed, cats may seem to project that impression of independence and sophistication, apparently having a mind of their own.

They think that unlike dogs, cats seem so conceited that they may not take commands easily. These assumptions were even made worse by people who said that they had attempted to train cats and everything was just a mess.

What these people do not know is that cats can be trained just like dogs. The only problem is that people tend to execute the process the wrong way. In turn, cats get confused, having the tricks all mixed up.

The truth is, whether or not people want to train a cat, a dog, or any kind of animal, what matters most is that people should know what they want their pets to learn so that their pets will not be baffled.

The Right Recipe:

In order to train cats, it is extremely important to learn patience and to give more time to the process. This is because cats, like dogs, are not humans who have the full intellect to grasp things easily and comprehensively.

Many experts contend that cats can respond well with “positive reinforcements.” However, most pet trainers assert that cats will respond more if there are foods used as rewards. The key is to have the treats ready when the cat is able to perform the required command.

Also, it would be better if cat owners would let their cats learn the tricks one at a time. And just like any training method, it is important for the trainer to be constant with his training methods so that the cat will not be confused.

In addition, it is best to let the cats learn the tricks at their own pace. Trainers or cat owners should never be pushy and want results in an instant. Patience is the number one attribute of a good trainer.

So, when teaching tricks to your cat, it is best that you have these three important characteristics: patience, time, and treats! No more, no less. Over time, you will begin to understand how these concepts really come together if you choose to venture into this subject further.



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John Young asked:


I don’t know why I thought I could get away with it.

When my cat “Bear” jumped onto my lap expecting his morning petting session, I wondered if THIS time I could get away with reading the newspaper while giving him a few off-hand, preoccupied strokes.

“Heh, heh”, I thought. “I’ll start by giving him my full attention but then I’ll sneak my paper in when he’s not looking.” I “chucked” him under the chin while stroking him from head to tail, and he began rolling in ecstasy.

When he turned his back on me, sprawling on his stomach, my moment came. Quickly, I reached for the newspaper with my right hand. Continuing to pet Bear with my left, I opened it to the front page.

Bear put his ears back.

“Uh, oh”, I said to myself. “But wait…he can’t see what I’m doing. How does he know that I’m cheating?”

But he knew.

Bear tolerated it for a few moments; his ears laid back, his tail thrashing. Suddenly he leaped from my lap and lay down on the floor. After a few minutes of washing, he stared at me with an accusing expression.

I’d spoiled HIS morning petting session with my own selfishness and he was clearly letting me know the error of my ways.

DO CAT’S THINK?

Cat owners may be the only pet lovers who sincerely believe their pets think. It won’t be the first time that a cat owner has the distinctly uncanny feeling that not only does his beloved cat think, but that he is being manipulated by her.

Veteran cat owners have noticed:

•Cats are an extremely obsessed and determined animal.

•Cats seem to contemplate things and make decisions.

•Cats choose and adopt people.

•Cats become offended and can hold grudges at insults to their dignity. Fortunately they forget them pretty quickly.

•They are embarrassed easily and seem to cover it up with nonchalant behavior.

•They are extremely independent, but want to cooperate with humans as long as this spirit of cooperation is thoroughly disguised.

In short, the cat “owner” always has the vague feeling that he is somehow being conned, but is never sure exactly in what way.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THE WORD “THINK”?

Answers.com defines the ability to think as “To exercise the power of reason, as by conceiving ideas, drawing inferences, and using judgment.”

Arguably, it is the power of reason, the ability to conceive ideas, use judgment and put the results into action that has placed Man at the top of the food chain. In other words, Man dominates his/her environment because of his/her ability to think.

THE CAT BRAIN AND CAT BEHAVIOR

Cats are often used as experimental animals because the feline brain is structured like the human brain. The question is, however, do these similarities result in similar cognitive processes, i.e., can a cat actually assemble information, reason things out and make decisions?

The cat’s lack of cooperation with trainers has been taken either as a high degree of intelligence on the part of the feline (either too smart to do what a human tells her to) or a low degree (too stupid to be amenable to training).

Cat lovers usually opt for the former having the distinct impression that they, not their cats, are being trained.

CAN CATS USE TOOLS?

A writer for About.com, J. Justin Lancaster, reported that his cat Sasha had discovered a way to wet down her dry cat food by carrying a cotton hair “scrunchy” to the toilet to wet it and subsequently using it to drip water on her food. This may be the most sophisticated use of tools ever observed in the non-human animal kingdom.

On the other hand, most cat owners observe that a cat, when confronted with an obstacle barring her from a goal, will never move the obstacle out of the way. If the obstacle falls out of the way the cat will be momentarily surprised, but will then proceed to reach the unobstructed goal.

When finding herself again in the same situation, with the same destination blocked by the same obstacle, the cat will not knock the obstacle out of the way even though previous experience has shown that this is the best way reach the goal.

THE JURY IS OUT

So, the jury is either out, or “hung”, on the question of whether or not cats think.

But when my cat, without looking at me, knows that I’m not giving him my full attention, and gives every evidenced of being miffed at this, I wonder.

Why is petting him while reading the newspaper not the same thing as petting him while using my full concentration?

It doesn’t make sense unless I accept the possibility that he has thought it out. That he has decided that it is either all or nothing, and he just isn’t going accept “playing second fiddle” to a newspaper. And his conclusion is: I’d better shape up. Anything short of my full attention is not acceptable.

He is going to get a full petting from me — or not at all.



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Claudia Escobar asked:


Cat art makes a lovely cat lover gift. Indeed, a gift of cat art makes the perfect choice for cat lovers who are also art enthusiasts.

There is no question about it. Cats’ feline majesty and beauty have inspired artists throughout history. Paintings and sculptures of cats have been found in Ancient Egyptian sites as well as in Incan palaces. More recently, pictures of cats have graced posters and day-to-day items, such as calendars and clothing.

And it’s not only their physical beauty that has captured the imagination of painters, sculptors, designers, writers, and musicians. Cats’ unique nature, mysterious personality, and sometimes quirky traits have inspired novels, poems, songs, movies, and one of the longest running shows on Broadway, among many other works. So it is safe to say that a gift of cat art will delight any cat lover, especially those who also love art.

However, just picking any gift of cat art will not do. Some factors to keep in mind during the selection process include: The form of art you want to give (i.e. painting, sculpture or photography), the technique you want to focus on (for example, watercolors vs. pastels, if you’re giving a cat painting), your friend’s personal taste, and of course, a budget.

These factors will help you narrow your search and will help you select the right gift for your cat-loving friend. If you need some ideas to inspire you in your search, take heart. Below you will find six cat art gift ideas, arranged from most expensive to most affordable.

1. Cat paintings. Many well-known artists have painted cats down through the centuries: From Leonardo Da Vinci and Titian to Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. I guess they couldn’t resist cats’ beautiful shape and had to immortalize it on canvass. Indeed, a feline-inspired painting makes an exquisite cat gift. Of course, some of these works of art come with a hefty price tag. But you can still find gorgeous paintings at affordable prices.

2. Cat portraits. If you want a truly one-of-a-kind painting, one that immortalizes your own cat (or your friend’s cat), then commission a cat portrait. Pet portraits have grown in popularity in recent years so you can find several artists who specialize in pet portraiture. Prices may vary depending on the work you want and the artist.

3. Sculptures of cats. Somebody once said that if you have a cat you don’t need artwork. And that’s true, I think. Still, cat-inspired sculptures can add another level of feline beauty to any spot. Cats are amongst nature’s most beautiful animals. And that beauty lends itself to be reproduced in sculptures. You can find statues for every place in your home: Sophisticated sculptures for the living room, whimsical statuettes for the bedroom, and lovely pieces for the garden.

4. Cat-inspired photographs. I think all cats are photogenic. Most often than not, cats take great pictures. You can find posters based on cat photographs of many different styles: Black and white photographs, breeds, funny and whimsical, inspirational, and more. If you prefer, you can take a picture of your cat-loving friend, place it in a nice frame and give as a gift.

5. Make it yourself. Are you creative and adventurous? If that is the case, make the gift yourself! Draw or paint cats. Or take a photograph. Or make a calendar. Thanks to user-friendly software and digital cameras, you can make your own art and personalize your gifts.

6. Inexpensive cat art. Give decorative coffee mugs or magnets showcasing cat-themed artwork. These gifts are not only beautiful but also practical. And best of all, you can find them at affordable prices.



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Claudia Escobar asked:


Are you looking for a cat carrier and don’t know where to start? Without a doubt, cat carriers are necessary items for most cat lovers. You need one to transport your cat from place to place easily and securely. You need a carrier to take your cat to vet, to the groomer, and to the boarding facility. And a cat carrier is a must for plane trips. Fortunately, you can easily find a wide selection of cat carriers online as well as at the traditional pet store in your neighborhood.

So where do you start? How do you choose the right carrier for your cat? Price is definitely going to be an important factor to take into account during the selection process. But there are other elements to consider as well. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the right carrier for your cat:

1.) Consider the size of the carrier. Make sure your cat can move and stretch comfortably inside the carrier. Most cats don’t like being confined, so select a carrier that provides your cat with enough space and ventilation.

2.) Think long-term. Choose a carrier that is made of long lasting and easy-to-clean materials. In the long run, buying a good quality carrier will save you money as you don’t have to replace it as often.

3.) Air travel. If you plan on traveling by plane make sure the carrier you buy meets airline requirements. Many airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers.  

4.) Which material is best? There are soft carriers and hard carriers, and they both have their pros and cons. You need to consider your cat’s needs, safety and comfort. Soft carriers are perfect for small to midsize cats while hard carriers are better for larger and heavier cats. Regardless of the type you prefer, make sure the carrier is secure and comfortable for your cat.  

5.) For the pampered cat. If you want a more sophisticated carrier, then consider pet strollers, carrier backpacks and carriers on wheels. Many of these pieces are easy to handle and store away.  

In addition to these factors, make sure that the latch of the carrier’s door locks firmly and securely. You don’t want your kitty jumping out of the carrier at the worst possible moment and place.

If your carrier doesn’t come with a soft mat, place a soft blanket or a piece of soft fabric so that your cat can lie down comfortably.



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Mike Singh asked:


People often define themselves as either a cat lover or a dog lover, but the question remains can a cat lover ever love dogs? Or, dog lovers ever love cats? It takes a lot for a person to change even in the simplest of ways. This seems to be one of the many difficult ways because of the huge investment people put into their pets.

The Dog Lover

The dog lover often loves their dog for many reasons. Dogs are playful and attentive to their owners. They love to spend their time hiding under their owner’s chair or chasing their tail. It just seems as if they are fun loving creatures. Sure, they bark and they can be very annoying when they want your attention even when you are busy. But, they won’t fail to greet you when you come home and you are where their loyalty lies no matter what.

The Cat Lover

On the other side of the coin, we have the cat lover. Cats are more independent and more self centered. But, they can provide much affection to their owners nonetheless. They can be playful when they want to be. They can also be full of personality, good or bad. Cat lovers love this about their animals. They are themselves. Of course, they can be rather snooty to some. They are independent and they certainly won’t greet you unless it is in their best interest to do so.

The Conclusion

While it seems that many people have an overall preference for one type of animal to the next, there is nothing to say that they can not switch from being a dog lover to being a cat lover. But, it is unlikely that they will receive the same attention from their pet as they did with the other species. Dog lovers will forever value their best friend while cat lovers will always value their cat’s personality.

If you are a dog lover or a pet lover and are thinking of venturing to the other side, consider the various differences in these animals before you do. You’ll find that many times, it is the qualities that the pet offers that makes them the right, the most attractive choice to you.



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Michael Porteous asked:


Cats are amazing, unique and intelligent animals. Any cat lover knows this instinctually and believes they have a wonderful connection and understanding of their kitty. It comes as a surprise to many when their adorable cat misbehaves by clawing furniture, being antisocial, refusing to use the kitty litter and so on. We ask ourselves why and wonder why normal animal training techniques do not work. While there are many reasons of all of these things one of the core concepts you need to know when you have cat training problems is how to really communicate with your feline.

Cats communicate in four ways:

Visual

The first and easiest way to communicate with you cat is to understand their visual cues. While there are more obvious cues like wagging tail when annoyed and the ears going back when scared or angry there are other more subtle cues. For instance did you know that when you make eye contact with a cat if you lower your eyes and squint slightly it is a sign of acknowledgement and affection to a cat? Or that if their whiskers are flared it means they are alert. There are many cues a cat gives to use that we need to learn and can replicate back at them and they will understand.

Vocal

The noises a cat makes also give us clues to know what they are thinking. The obvious signs are purring when happy and hissing or growling when annoyed. There are many other sounds cats make that we can learn however like the loud meow which is usually for attention, the sigh (much like a humans) when contented and the chatter which is issued usually when a cat is stalking prey they cannot get ( a bird on the other side of a window). The tone and pitch of these various sounds mean different things and being clued up to the nuances can tell you if a cat just wants attention or if it is stressed or many other things.

Touch

Cats love to be touched and petted as long as it does not become painful and petting an affectionate cat has been proven to lower blood pressure and be good for us. How a cat touches you can mean things too; when rubbing the sides of its face against you it is marking you with a scent claiming you as their own, this is a true sign of affection. If a cat lets you rub their belly it is also a sign of trust as it is their most exposed weakest area when in a fight so letting you near it is very intimate. Cats also use their bodies to trip you which may be annoying but it is an attention getting device more than a pure show of affection. Knowing how your cat uses their body to communicate and how you should hold, pet and touch your pet is of vital importance to training them.

Smell

This is something we as humans cannot really tap into. Cats have a heightened sense of smell that allows them to see more than we can in that realm. They can sense things by smell we cannot and may react to something they smell when we cannot making them seem erratic. They can also smell when we are stressed or angry by our smell (along with body language and so on) so it can work both ways. Be aware your cat can smell better than you and that this may trigger something you cannot see.

All in all if you have cat training problems you must go back to square one with cat understanding before you can move on to more complex problems like getting them to use the kitty litter or stop scratching furniture. Once you have this understanding you will see many mistakes before you make them and adjust your action for a better behaved and happier cat!



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Nevada Pokerqueen asked:


I put my 8 month old kitten on Purina One. I noticed immediate differences in hair, and eyes and energy. She was bouncing off the walls and her hair was wiry and eyes bright. It must be full of vitamins. Anyone try it? Notice any changes?

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Zoey P asked:


My favorites for dogs are marley and me and I can’t choose which cat one I like the best. What are your favorites?

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