3. The Importance of Understanding Your Cat
Tips for Understanding Your Cat
Selecting Your Cat
7 Things You Should Know Before Going to Buy a
Kitten
Why You Should Consider Buying Two Kittens
Together
What Equipment Do You Need When First Buying a
Kitten?
Common Meanings of Cat Behaviors
Foster Cat Care
Dogs and Cats under the Same Roof
Small Kids and Kittens
Introducing your New Kitten to an Existing Cat
Tips for Introducing Cats
Cats Bonding with Their Owners
What is in a Name?
Naming Your Cat
How to Pick a Name for Your Kitten
Create a Safe Zone for Your New Kitty
How to Kitten Proof Your Home
Kittens Just Want to Have Fun
Socializing Kittens
Kitty Litter Box
The Basic Know How’s about Cat Care
Ownership Responsibility
Cat Food
Sheltering your Cat
Cat Health Care
Do I Need Pet Health Insurance for my Kitty?
Do I Need to Bathe my New Kitty
Does my Kitty Need a Pet Carrier?
Does my Kitty Need an ID Tag?
Does my Kitty Need Vaccinations?
Rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
4. Feline Distemper
FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus
Cat AIDS
FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Chlamydia
How Often Will I Need to Take Kitty to the Vet?
Poisons
Leash Training Your Cat
Where Should Kitty Sleep?
A Short History of Cats
People rarely consider the fact that cats have not always been a part of
human life. In reality it has not even been ten thousand years since cats
nestled into our hearts and lives. Why is that cats took so long to become
domesticated? Simply put, unlike many other domestic animals, we are not
necessary to a cat’s survival. Humans actually attracted cats through the start
of farming. Since our farms required storage of grains and other foodstuffs
which attract rodents in general, cats joined our team as well. Since a cat will
always be a cat, soon enough they just helped themselves to our homes, and
our hearts.
What could the first cats have been like? The African wild cat (Felis libyca)
is one of the first recognized cats due to its occupancy of the Middle East
where farming first began in the area spanning today’s Egypt to Turkey. These
cats tend to be a bit larger than modern house cats and are a black striped,
muted yellow color. These cats can actually be found residing near human life
to this day. Since wild cats raised domestic act very similar to regular house
cats it is still common for the locals to capture young African wild cats for pets.
African wild cats also have a naturally docile temperament. A convincing case
has been developed which labels the founder of domestic cats as Felis libyca.
However there are two other wild cats, the European wildcat (Felis silvestris)
and the Steppe cat (Felis manul), which are considered to have seriously
contributed long haired and high spirited genetics.
Early cat domestication method information is skimpy. By the time 6,000
BC rolled around, however, there were statues found where Turkey is today
which depicted people playing with cats. Cats first appear in written record in
Egypt, where cats were used to protect food stores from rodents, around 4,000
5. BC. In Egypt cats were also believed to be the goddess Bast in mortal form.
Mummified cats were even located in her temple at Bubastis.
The Romans, while growing their empire, introduced house cats to Britain
and Central Europe. The territory of domesticated cats just continued to
expand throughout Europe. Even the Vikings made use of the hunting and
companion skills of cats. Freyja, the goddess of war and love began to be
associated with the useful cats. As a matter of fact, it was thought that giant,
winged cats pulled her chariot. Another cat custom that developed was to
provide a new bride with a kitten in the name of Freyja.
However, life was not all good for the cats, the Middle Ages rolled around
and cats were thought to be witches or the devil’s companions. Due to this,
cats were commonly killed during festivals. Cats were regularly thrown off the
top of a building or set on fire while still alive. The major drop in cat
population naturally allowed the rodents to thrive, which in turn began the
Black Death plague which eradicated much of the population in Europe. Cats
returned to popularity through their cleanliness and hunting skills. The
origination of cat doors was by the French in the 1600s when they decided to
cut holes in the bottom of their doors so that the cats could come and go as
they desired.
Cats became regular hunters and beloved pets in Asia quickly. In China cats
were commonly the subject of a good artist. In the form of Maneki Neko, or a
cat sitting with one paw bent and raised, were considered in Japan to be good
fortune. It is not uncommon to find a portrayal in an office for attracting
money.
Cats have a fascinating history and should be the subject of a much deeper
study. Knowing the history of cats brings with it gratitude for the personality
of our house cats.
The Amazing Cat Species
Almost everybody is aware that cats are amazing animals and loving pets. In
today’s world you can barely walk into a home without finding at least one cat
snuggling in a lap or basking in the sun on a windowsill. Surprisingly the
domestication of cats took place under 5,000 years ago in the Valley of the
Nile according to available research.
6. The domestication process started with people who simply thanked cats for
hunting the mice with food scraps, which in turn caused the cats to stick
around. After being fed by humans and coming to the conclusion that they
were not going to harm them, cats relocated themselves more permanently
into everyday human life. As domestication progressed it was common for
even the wildest of cats to allow humans to be near and to love on them.
Naturally, cats were extremely loyal and preferred pets. Cats turned out to
be excellent hunters especially when considering their sleeping patterns, and
simplicity in waking compared to a dog. Poor dogs on this note, as cats have
both better hearing and night vision. If someone moved in their home, making
even the slightest noise, they were awake, unlike a dog that needs a louder
notification. Beneficially though, cats and dogs make a good team.
In modern day cats are most commonly showed and kept as pets. Their
original use of hunting rodents is not as common. A multitude of breeds are in
existence, including the regularly mentioned Siamese, Persian, or Russian
Blue to the general alley cat. Every cat is unique and has their own little
personality quirks and can give you years of love and devotion with the proper
care. You should also check out long haired cats compared to short haired
cats, one might be better suited for your needs in a cat than the other.
Prior to going out and obtaining a cat, of any age, you must be certain to
check the source you are receiving it from. For example, if you are looking at a
breeder then you will want to double check all references to confirm a good
reputation. Not to mention you should always be allowed to look around the
cattery for cleanliness and proper maintenance. The current kittens should
have plenty of their own, clean, space. Food dishes should be full and water
should be clean and plentiful, and do not forget to check those litter boxes!
None of the kittens should be caged, other than their confinement to that
room, and all of them should appear healthy: shiny eyes, lustrous coats, and
well fed.
This should go unspoken, but your kitten should not be afraid at all, it
should already be used to being handled and fussed over, and should already
possess a rather sweet nature.. Generally speaking the younger a cat is when
handling begins, the nicer temperament it grows up with. A good breeder will
not allow you to take a kitten until it is at least 12 weeks of age. This is to assist
in making sure that the kitten’s immune system is completely developed,
putting them in better health.
7. Your new cat or kitten could possibly be obtained through a good, well
researched, breeder, an adoption shelter, or even from the local paper. There
is also the option of the pound, but the majority of cat owners, or soon to be
cat owners, does not choose this option. Getting a healthy kitten from the start
can eliminate several possible future complications. A healthy cat should be up
to date on their vaccinations and check ups as well as be well taken care of.
Understanding Your Cat
Cats are extremely well versed communicators. If you take the time to learn
and comprehend what your cat is attempting to tell you exactly then your
bond will grow immensely.
The tail is an excellent location to start with on a cat; it is easy to notice and
quick to inform you of pending danger. When the tail of a cat begins to twitch
or swish back and forth, or even if it goes so far as to stand straight up and
bow out, the cat is giving a warning. You would do well to heed the animal’s
notification. Other easy to understand defensive actions include back away
with flattened ears and hissing. However, the eyes are what can tell you the
most about the current mood of a cat. When a cat is at ease and happy it tends
to keep its eyes half closed or blink them slowly. On the other hand a scared or
angry cat generally has wide, dilated eyes.
If you listen to your cat you will learn that they say many things, not just
simply meow. Alone there are 19 different known types of meow. Cat noises
are generally categorized into three separate groups known as open and closed
mouth, murmurs, and intensity noises. A murmur noise generally consists of
lower octave sounds that cats like to make when they see a treat, as well as the
ever recognized cat purr. The majority of the population treats a purring cat as
a happy one; however the purr is actually a noise of intense emotion. It is not
uncommon at all for a cat being held by a complete stranger, or even the
veterinarian, to purr.
When open and closed mouth noises are referred to it is intended to
encompass all types and octaves of meow which your cat uses to show desire
for attention, including asking for food and saying hello as soon as you come
in the door. When a cat vocalizes an intense sound it is done by keeping the
mouth open for the duration of the noise being emitted. These are only made
to express extreme pain, anger, or fear.
8. As with humans, there are cats that are more loquacious than others. It is
even common for a cat owner to recognize a different style in meows that their
cat makes for them in comparison to another cat or for a stranger. Learning to
talk with your cat takes time, and the more you expend learning to
communicate, the better quality relationship you will carry with your cat.
If you own a female cat you should also familiarize yourself with the noises
she emits while in heat. Naturally it is best to spay your cat unless you are a
breeder, but a female cat in heat can really crank up the volume in your home.
When in heat the average female housecat rarely stops her meowing, she
desires that every male cat that may just walk by your house understands her
current mating status. In some cats it is more like an incessant wailing, and it
does not necessarily cease while you are attempting to sleep.
There are less obvious noises of pain which are more recognizable in
behavior change. If your cat tends to be very mouthy, and suddenly is really
quiet, you should probably be concerned. This also takes effect in reverse
situations where your quiet cat is suddenly very talkative. Remember that
most cats also do not talk while eliminating your eating unless in some sort of
pain. The best way to maintain a long lived, loving, relationship with your cat
is to comprehend what it is telling you.
The Importance of Understanding
Your Cat
If you are new to cat ownership then you can guarantee that one day you will
look at your cat and treat it as one of the kids. Prior to this thought pattern
rolling around you will need to be extra sensitive to your cat’s noises and body
language to understand any small signs or notes they may be attempting to
inform you of.
Naturally, it is important to be informed that you are the one responsible for
this pet and understanding it leads to a great relationship, but the real
question is why? There are a lot of confused, new, cat owners who just wonder
incessantly at a behavior or noise their cat is making. In reality it is important
to comprehend just how much your cat actually depends on you for health and
survival.
The main importance of comprehending your cat’s noises and body
language is to keep them in upstanding health. Humans of course are capable
9. of simply stating that we need medical attention or, depending on our medical
status, driving ourselves to the hospital for treatment for something as simple
as a cold all the way up to what could possibly be a paralytic injury. In
reference, pets are not able to do that. Due to the fact your cat does not just
state plain and simple to you that it needs a vet visit, does not mean that there
are no problems that require veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
You should seek veterinary assistance immediately if you so much as think
there may be an illness, injury, or any other medical problem currently
associated with your cat. The quicker you schedule the needed visit with your
animal doctor, the sooner you can find out what exactly is wrong with your cat.
If your cat appears to be suffering in any manner, make the vet trip an
emergency appointment.
In reference to suffering, there are a lot of newbie cat owners who desire to
know exactly how they can tell when their cat has obtained an injury or
sickness that is not immediately visible to the naked human eye. It does not
matter if you have owned your cat for five years or only a week, there are
plenty of habits you should already be familiar with in your feline. Examples of
easy to notice, quick forming, habits are sleeping in the same spot or being
quick to greet you when you get home. If these simple habits are suddenly
altered it could be due to an invisible injury or sickness.
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