TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Introduction
2. Basic Cat Info
2.1. Communication
2.2 Adaptability
2.3 Senses
2.3.1 Hearing
2.3.2 Seeing
2.3.3 Smelling
2.3.4 Tasting
2.3.5 Feeling
2.4. Behavior
2.5. Breeding
3. Popular Names
4. Beds
5. Carriers and Crates
6. Games
7. Toys
8. What Makes cats So Affectionate
9. Facts
INTRODUCTION
The question of whether or not a cat's love is real might seem ridiculous to those who do not own cats. Dogs might claim the title of man's best friend, but everyone who has lived with cats knows they're simply too awesome to want to be friends with. Some might argue, however, that those who own cats apply human characteristics to non-human entities. Well, those who argue that all animals take care of their young ones just because of instinct have obviously not spent time with a cat. This article has helpful information about cats, together with just about everything you might want to know to help you and your precious cat in living together.
BASIC INFO
Communication
Cat communication has many varieties of vocalizations. They consist of mewing, purring, hissing, growling, trilling and grunting. Cats have cat pheromones and a number of specific body languages as well.
Adaptability
Like other felids, cats have a similar anatomy. They are very strong with quick reflexes, flexible bodies, sharp retractable claws, and very sharp teeth that are adapted to killing small prey like mice.
Senses
Hearing
Cats are known for having astounding senses. A cat's outer ear flap takes in sound from every direction, which then goes down their ear canals to the eardrum. After the sound vibrates on the eardrum, the middle ear changes the vibration to sound waves and sends them to the cat's cochlea and finally the brain. A cat can hear from twenty hertz up to approximately 65,000 hertz. Since a cat responds more readily to a high pitch than a low pitch, this might be the reason a cat seems to like a woman better with a high-pitched voice. The ears are also assist cats in balance. This is the main reason why cats normally land on their feet when falling.
Seeing
The feline eye structure has the cornea, the lens, the retina, the iris, and the tapetum lucidum. The tapetum lucidum is a layer of mirror-like cells that reflect small amount of light, helping a cat to see. This is why a cat only needs 1/6 of the light that a person needs so as to see clearly. Nonetheless, cats cannot see in total darkness. They also have a third eyelid known as the haw to protect their eyes. A cat's pupil is elliptical to help control the quantity of light that enters. In semi-darkness, their pupils dilate and become almost flawlessly round. A cat's pupil can dilate 3 times more than that of a human being.
Smelling
A cat relies on its sense of smell to establish its territory, and to know if food's safe to eat. A cat's nose has almost 200 million nerve cells, making its sense of smell fourteen times more sensitive than that of a human. Astonishingly, a cat can remember a certain smell for the rest of its life.
Tasting
Although a cat only has 475 taste buds, while humans have 9,000, it has unique papillae to make up for it. Its tongue is covered with numerous small projections that hook downwards, giving it a rough, sand-papery feel. The papilla helps them scrape meat off bones and hold their prey. Cats also have problems tasting salty and sweet food since their taste receptors favor high-fat and high-protein tastes.
Feeling
Cats have an average of twenty four whiskers on their face; these hairs very thick and are rooted three times deeper. Whiskers are very sensitive to detect slightest changes in air current. They are also used to see if a cat can fit through a gap. Not only are the whiskers all over a cat's face, but they are also on the back of its front legs. Whiskers are replaced whenever they fall off. A cat's fur has unique sensitive nerve ending that detect a slight touch. Their paws are also very sensitive to touch.
Behavior
Free-ranging cats are lively both day and night, though they tend to be more active at night. The timing of a cats' movement is quite flexible, meaning that house cats can be more active early in the morning and late in the evening (crepuscular behavior). This is due to greater human activity that occurs at these times.
Breeding
Under controlled breeding, cats are easily bred and shown as registered pets, a hobby called cat fancy. Failure to control their breeding by neutering has led to large numbers of feral cats. This has led to extinction of countless bird species.
POPULAR NAMES
Every cat loving person would want to give his/her cat the best name. If you take a look at a number of the most popular cat names, the lists will almost at all times have similar names on them. Nonetheless, the reputation of cat names differs from one nation to another. The ranking of most admired cat names can be easily assessed, from pet insurance registrations to breed registries. The United States' biggest pet insurer, (VPI), releases yearly rankings of their most popular cat names
Top cat names seem to be Max, Tiger, Princess, Shadow and Ginger. These cat names seemed to be constant over the years; they are still on most lists of popular cat names. Shadow, Tiger and Ginger are no brainers; it is pretty self explanatory why somebody would choose these names. Abby and Max, however, are a little less understandable.
Either way, there're quite a few names that will keep resurfacing on the top lists every now and then. Some of the most common cat names recently are Lulu, Misty, Charlie, Dexter, Ma, and Oliver. Perhaps the oldest and the traditional favorite is the name Mitten that's still used today. Today's popular cat names seem to come from culture movies such as Disney films, for instance, Nala, Simba, and Tinkerbell. Some fashionable and fitting cat names are related to their fur coloring like Midnight, Java, Crow, Shadow, Cinder and Ebony for black cats. No matter where the muse comes from, sometimes the names just come to us as if by celestial intervention.
Top 5 Names:
Max
Bella
Whiskers
Chloe
Kitty
BEDS
On average, a cat spends 2/3 of the day sleeping. Every cat considers its routine nap a must when it comes to its daily duties. As the individual requirements for each playful feline are different, so are their cat bed preferences.
Whether your cat prefers to nestle in a warm corner or under the sun, nearly all cats prefer warm and comfy places to sleep. From chic luxury cat beds to pyramid-shaped cat beds and pads, there's a large variety of styles obtainable to suit your cat's preference.
When browsing through different styles of cat beds, whether you consider covered beds, heated cat beds or luxury cat beds, remember that your main aim is to choose the type that will offer your cat the comfort and warmth that is just right for it.
CARRIERS AND CRATES
Cat containment and travel is made comfortable, easy, and convenient with the correct cat carriers and crates. There's no doubt that dogs and cats differ from one another in many ways. As every cat fanatic knows, cats just do not seem to share the pleasure their canine counterparts get from vehicle rides, regardless of duration or distance.
Cat carriers are intended to make vehicle rides more bearable for your playful felines, ensuring their comfort and safety. There're also a variety of moveable cat carriers that are obtainable in both soft and high-impact materials.
You should choose one that is easy to clean to help contain yours cats together with their good health during the drive. Offer your cats with safe and moderately trouble-free travel as well as a pleasant travel experience with convenient cat carriers and Crates.
GAMES
Domestic cats, particularly young kittens, are well known for their love of games. Cats engage in play fighting, with one other and with humans as well. This behavior imitates hunting and is important in helping young kittens learn to stalk, capture, and kill their prey. Many games have also been invented for cats.
Top Games
The Crazy Cat
This is one of the best games for cats on the Android market. The game is specifically written for you and your cat! CrazyCat HD will certainly amuse both you and your fuzzy friend with pretty animated critters that you control with your phone while your cat runs around your tablet screen.
Friskies Cat
Friskies is one of the companies that are excited to feed cats' senses with playful games. The movement, colors, and game-play have been examined and tested for utmost feline fun.
Cat Fishing
Cat Fishing is an all-new cat game that's designed particularly for cats. Tap "start" and begin watching your cat play. The more your cat catches, the more difficult the game gets.
Catnip mouse
This is a common game among cats. Skillful hunters, Munchkins love this game, but after they finish playing, they desire a warm lap to burrow into and strokes from a tender hand.
TOYS
Most housecats, although they are much safer inside, tend to be underactive and overweight. Cats, like dogs and human beings, benefit from exercises and being active, both mentally & physically. So, you need to get our cat up and moving, and there is no better way to persuade out their natural instinct to stalk and hound prey than charming them with cat toys.
Top Toys
Pounce
Pounce is an innovative cat toy that provides the final in interactive play for your cat. It is an electronic mouse that acts like a prey but never stops running.
Dart
The dart toy is designed to engage your feline companion in enthusiastic play. It consists of rotating circular laser patterns that your cat stalks and chases for hours.
Twitch
Be prepared for pouncing, jumping, chasing, and maybe even the sporadic half-twist somersault. The Twitch is an amazing bouncing feather teaser toy that constantly plays with your cat even if you are away.
Bolt
The bolt is an interactive cat toy that plays with your cat, instead of the other way round. It is an automatic laser toy that will have your cat bouncing off the wall.
Why Buy Cat Toys?
They help you build a close relationship with your cat
It helps relieve a cat's boredom and stress
It is a good way of exercising your cat
Cat toys help improve your cat's blood circulation
They build muscle tone and prevent/reduce behavioral problems
WHAT MAKES THEM SO AFFECTIONATE?
Socialization
The first few days of a kitten's life are vital in helping it feel safe and contented around the people caring for him. Regular handling and comforting words at the kitten's early stage increases the chances of it becoming a loving, well-balanced cat. This is also the perfect time to make sure that it does not associate human hands with play toys. Let it play with toys and set aside your hands for holding.
Genetic Factors
Breeding and genetics play a role in your cat's temperament. Of course, your cat does not have to be a pure-bred to be an aristocrat in its manners. A good disposition is not elite to pedigrees, as all loving owners of friendly cross-breeds know. Conversely, some cat breeds are more known for their friendly temperaments. The Bombay cat, for instance, is noted for its affectionate, playful nature on the Cat fanciers' website.
One-On-One
It is a case of sticking to the golden rule, catlike style, by treating the cat how you would like to be taken care of if you were them. Study conducted by the University of Vienna reveals that the more attention you allocate to your pet, the more affectionate it will be in return. Of course you already know that by now! The research, based on in-depth interpretation of how owners interact with their revealed that if individuals spend extra time interacting with their pet, it is more likely to remember the compassion and return the favor.
Mother Love
Your little cat needs you for warmth, food and shelter and when it curls up on your lap, it's showing its appreciation, mainly after dinner! Food's often used as a token of friendliness, and the way that a cat and a human being relates to food are the same in nature to the interaction seen between human care-givers and pre-verbal infants.
FACTS
Below are amazing facts about cats that you probably never knew;
- Can rehydrate by drinking sea water
- A cat sweats through its paws
- Produce a similar brain wave pattern like in humans. This means that they can dream
- Have led to the extinction of several species
- Ancient Egyptians killed anyone who killed a cat
- Switzerland legalized eating of cats
- An infected cat can cause Toxoplasmosis
- A cat's nose is different from another, just like we humans have different fingerprints
- The Japanese consider black cats as a sign for good luck
- Ancient Egyptians used to shave their eyebrows when a cat died
- An Italian tycoon left over $ 13 million to a cat
- Recent study shows that owning a cat reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack
- An adult cat only meows to communicate with humans
- Korea and Japan have cat cafes for you and your cat to hang out
- The CIA spent over $ 20 in the 1960s training cats to spy
- Can die from eating chocolate
- Every year, almost four million cats are eaten in China as a delicacy
- Are America's best pets
- Can swallow their food without chewing
- Make almost 100 different sounds while dogs can only make 10.
- Have thirty two muscles controlling their outer ear
- Cannot taste sweetness
- Sleep for approximately 70 percent of their lives
- The longest cat that was ever measured was 1.23 m when fully stretched
Tom Broadbridge is is a cat lover and entreprenuer -- for more detailed facts and information please go now to http://www.catstimes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9086557
No, is the answer, however, their color vision is quite poor. In the first half of this century scientists were positive that cats were completely color blind and one expert reworked a popular saying with the words: 'Day and night, all cats see gray.' That was the persisting attitude in the 1940s, however during the past few decades more measured inquiry has been accomplished and it's now recognized that cats are able to pick out certain colors, but not, seemingly, with very much finesse.
The reason why earlier experiments neglected to show the existence of cats' color vision was because in discrimination tests cats rapidly caught on to subtle differences in the stage of grayness of colors and then refused to abandon these clues when they were confronted with two colors of precisely the same degree of grayness. Therefore the exams yielded negative results. Employing more advanced techniques, recent fields of study have been capable in proving that cats can tell between red and green, red and blue, red and gray, green and blue, green and gray, blue and gray, yellow and blue, and yellow and gray. Whether they can distinguish between other pairs of colors is still in question. For instance, one expert thinks that they can also can distinguish the difference between red and yellow, but other experts disagree.
Whatever the outcome of these investigations one point is certain: color is not crucial in the lives of cats as it is in ours. Their eyes are much more tuned to seeing in dim light, where they need only 1/6 of the light we do to pick out the same details of movement and shape.
Different types of cat breeds have different temperaments and personalities. Knowing those traits is important before adopting a cat. Here are some of the more popular Cat Breeds .
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Cats can be elusive creatures, and sometimes the task of getting them to come when called can seem daunting. However, if you approach this in the right way and with the right attitude, it can be much easier than you think! Here are some effective steps that work very well for most cats.
Step 1: Begin by making it a habit to talk to your cat often, and create a strong bond with her through petting, brushing, and spending time together. Take every opportunity to give her your love and attention. Having a good relationship with your cat is very important.
Step 2: Find a special dry treat that she really loves. This should be something that she doesn't have very often, and it will only be used for this purpose. While you are training her to come when called, make sure you don't give her this particular treat at any other time. Please choose something small and nutritious. A snack that is good for your cat's teeth would be ideal.
Step 3: Find a special word that will be used for training her to come. This will become a word that she associates only with this special treat, so think of something that she won't often hear at other times.
Step 4: The next time you give your cat a snack, use the special word. Put one treat in her empty food bowl while speaking the word out loud.
Step 5: Say the word again after she eats the treat. Then give her another of the same treat, and use the word again in the same way.
Step 6: Step away from your cat now. If she protests that she is "starving" you can say the word again and give her one more piece. Then leave the room.
Step 7: About 4 minutes later, repeat the entire process again. Your cat will begin to learn to associate the special word with her special treat.
Step 8: Continue doing this a few times a day for the next several days. Eventually, your cat will learn to come to you when you say the special word.
Step 9: When your cat starts coming to you every time you say the special word, start giving her the treat only once in a while. The rest of the time, give her lots of attention (petting, scratches, playing with a toy, whatever she likes) for a few minutes. Then let her go. Repeat this process a few minutes later.
Step 10: If you have created a strong bond with your cat, and if you have followed the above procedures correctly, your cat will now associate your special word with the extra attention and loves she gets from you. She should now be coming to you when she hears you say the word.
Please remember, the treat must be a small and nutritious snack, not something large, or a whole bowl of food. She will be eating a fair number of these during training, and we don't want her to gain extra weight!
Make sure that you use the special word every day, just so that she will come to you for affection and hugs. If you use it only when it is time to take her to the vet or give her a bath, she will learn to associate the word with unpleasant times and it can undermine the effects of your training. When these types of occasions do come up, give your cat the treat and then wait a little bit before following through with your "hidden motive".
So why does this technique work so well?
What this all boils down to is conditioning your cat to associate your special word with getting attention from you. The word becomes the trigger, to which she responds in order to get something she wants. Once this happens, any time you say the special word your cat comes because she knows she will be rewarded.
As you can see, the bond you form with your cat is the most important aspect of getting her to come when you call. When your cat knows that she will get love and affection from being close to you, then she will WANT to come to you any time she can.
I learned these tips and many others from Mary Matthews' book Ultimate Cat Secrets. If you would like to enjoy a loving relationship with a perfectly well behaved cat, this is well worth a read!
All the best to you and your feline friends,
Beth
I love cats and I believe that every cat and cat lover deserves a happy and harmonious home together. I am always seeking out information about cats and I enjoy sharing it with other people who enjoy them as much as I do. Please visit my blog for more about caring for cats and cat behavior!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3827424
The family cat likes to be just as comfortable as you are. Consider one of the six most common comforts for your growing family feline pet.
The six top cat comforts for your cat are as follows:
Padded Perch: If your cat cannot be outside, he or she would at least like to look out the window once in awhile, and have a cozy place to lie while doing so. This perch usually is filled on the inside with at least one inch thick layer of foam, and a carpeted or faux lamb's wool coating on the outside. This unit comes most often in two different sizes that adjust to most window ledges without use of tools. Besides the cat wanting to rest here while looking out the window, the cat may also want to take a short nap here (thus the pun "catnap").
Another variation of the padded perch is the kind that is mounted to the wall by the use of a VelcroTM stick on. This type of padded perch is usually made in a similar way as the padded perch, and hold up to 40 pounds of feline weight. This is another place for your family feline to take a rest, or catnap (pun intended, really).
Plush Pet Bed: Just like you and your children, your cat would like a warm, comfortable place to sleep at night or to take a nap. This is different from the padded perch, because it is a place for your cat to sleep for longer periods of time. Usually these beds are made with soft, squishy sides and padded bottoms to provide the ultimate resting place for your feline pet. Other variations of the plush bed include a kind with a decorative wooden border, with a soft mattress to lie upon. These beds sometimes resemble miniature day beds, or small corner beds that will fit in small spaces.
If you choose to pamper your feline pet by buying that animal a bed, there are some things you should remember. For instance, you should make sure that the size of the bed is not too big or too small. If the bed ends up being too big, it would be very difficult for your cat to stay warm. If it is too small, the cat could fall out of it, or not be able to stretch out fully. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the size of the bed when purchasing it, to ensure proper fit and comfort for your animal.
Another thing to remember is to take thought to where in the house the bed will go. You would want to make sure that the space that you have for your pet's bed will be the right size. This will be easier for cats than for other animals, such as dogs, because in most cases cats do not grow to be very large. Therefore, space consideration is necessary, but is not a huge problem. The biggest concern is to find a bed shaped in a way that will help your cat be comfortable.
Scratching Posts: A cat who has a scratching post will feel as if he or she has gone to heaven. This is the best way to keep a cat's claws busy, so it does not scratch up your furniture. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about whether or not the process of de-clawing an animal is humane or not, because in this case it would not be necessary. The cat would have a place to put his or her claws other than the two thousand dollar leather couch you own.
One thing to know about scratching posts is that numerous variations of them have been invented. One scratching post model is a simple pole, usually two to four feet in length attached to the base. This is a small design in which the cat can reach his or her front paws up as far as possible and scratch around it. The cat can scratch around the base of this post as well.
Another scratching post model is the two-story one with a place for the cat to take a nap on the second floor, and on the top of the unit. The outside of this unit is usually carpeted just like a regular scratching post would be, and the inside upper floor and top of unit is perfect for sleeping. This is a great climbing unit for cats as well, and is a perfect model to have if you own two or more cats.
Another scratching post model would be the kind that would represent a small jungle gym for a toddler. It has various places for the cat to scratch, climb, and lie around, and nap. Usually it contains tunnels for the cat to crawl through as well. This particular model comes in an extremely large number of sizes and models, so you are sure to find one that is right for you.
Another type of scratching post would be the homemade model. If you happen to be a crafty person, you can make your own scratching post into one of the models explained above, or even more. Materials needed would be various sized barrels (cardboard or wood would be best), different sized hollow tubes, wooden squares and rectangles (for the bases), nail or staples, and either a hammer or a nail (or staple) gun. Some further instruction can be found online, in a library, or from a friend or relative if needed.
Whether you buy an already made scratching post or construct your own, your cat will love every minute of it, and will probably be grateful you have not cut his or her claws off.
Grooming Supplies: Grooming supplies can mean a multitude of items, even nail clippers or shampoos. However, the kind of grooming supplies and treatments that a cat would most likely enjoy would be when you comb his or her hair. Cats like to be rubbed, especially behind the ears. Therefore, you can use this concept to your advantage when trying to a routine tick or flea check. If you find a brush with bristle ends that are soothing to the skin, your cat would really the sensual feeling of you coming the cat's coat of hair. It would be like a human giving another human a massage or a cosmologist washing a customer's hair before trimming it.
Other supplies used can comfort a cat, but it depends on whether that cat will mind being touched for a long period of time. That would include using shampoos that are as gentle as a baby's shampoo to wash the cat's hair. If your cat does not mind getting wet, the calming of hand washing the cat's fur can be very relaxing to the cat.
One other grooming supply that can be used is a self-grooming arched brush. This arched brush stands upright on a base, and is big enough for the cat to crawl through, but small enough to remove all the loose hair from your cat. Your cat will enjoy this, because most cats love to rub against objects around the house anyway.
Remember these tips about grooming to pamper your cat, because your cat does no more want to be spoiled than a child.
Comfortable Pet Carriers: Most cats do not like being transported in a small pet carrier. However, some carriers can actually provide more comfort than others. Flexible carriers that are shaped like a duffle bag or purse are sometimes recommended over the plastic box shaped ones, and fit in a traveling vehicle a lot easier. These types are often well ventilated, and are usually equipped with a padded bottom for the cat to lie down upon. Some carriers designs come with a rain cover to protect the pet in the event of an outdoor storm while the pet owner takes the cat bike riding. If you are a cat owner, you would be very wise in considering this type of pet carrier over the traditional box type.
Decorative Safety Collars and Jewelry: Another way to pamper your family feline is to make your family cat look great. That way, your cat will feel better going out into the world, mostly because people will respond to how well your animal looks in appearance. Some safety collars have designs on them made from colored rhinestone, beads, or other decorative stones. You can keep your pet near you in style, and the pet will also be safe as well. Be sure for maximum comfort, to find a collar material that will not irritate your cat's skin.
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