Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Cats' History - How Feral Cats Were Domesticated

Snow the Cat in the Background of a Gorgeous Flower in Garden

According to the reports, domesticated these pets have appeared about 8,000 years ago. The findings that date back to this period of time show that bones of humans, cats and mice were buried together on Cyprus. Most probably cats and mice were brought together to Cyprus at that time.
Cats and Their Domestication

After Cyprus, cats appeared in Egypt, south-eastern Asia and Africa. The people who lived there were mainly occupied with agriculture. Crops were harvest two times every year and people had problems with storing the food they produced. The appearance of mice, rats and other similar animals worsen the situation even further.

However, people found out that the cats eliminated the rodents that destroyed their grain and foods. So, people started attracting cats in order to protect their grain. To achieve this, people even used some tricks: they tried to attract cats with milk and fish. Thus, cats found a good environment where they could live happily, and receive food and affections from humans.

These cute animals have a significant place in history. Egyptians valued felines very much and there was a very close bond between them. Even though Egyptians people have various other animals, such as sheep, cattle, pigs and moneys, cats had an important part in their lives and enjoyed a great respect.
How Were Cats Protected?

As cats were extremely valued in Egypt, the people there had laws for feline’s protection. Due to the high status cats had, a special sacred order of cat reverence was developed and it continued for 2,000 years. Egyptian people honoured Bastet – the cat goddess that had a feline head and a female body. Basted was associated with motherhood, fertility and beauty. People called cats “Mau”- a word that resembles the sound “meow” made by cats.

Egyptians who killed or harmed a cat receive a severe punishment. In case a fire took place in a house, the owner had to save the cats first. If a cat dies because of natural reasons, the whole family had to mourn by beating their chests and reciting words of pain and sorrow.

The body of the feline had to be wrapped in linen and an examination had to make sure the death is natural. Mouse mummies were placed in feline tombs in order to make sure that the cat would have enough food after its death.

Cats continued to spread in other countries, including India, China, Japan, Greece and Italy.

Interesting Historical Facts about Cats

During the Middle Ages cats were accepted as evil animals and Satan’s creations, so they were tortured and sacrificed in special rituals. People believed black cats were a bad omen.
As cats were killed and persecuted, rodents started to increase and this affected people very badly. Plague occurred and killed a large number people. Cats regained their high status again in the eighteen century and started to receive much appreciation.

They popularity grew significantly in the nineteenth century. At that time cat exhibitions were established and cats became very valued and loved.

Published At: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=1288914&ca=Pets

Dania
www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com

Hair Balls In Cats: 5 Fast Natural Remedies

By Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

If you have a hairball problem in your house, then you really need to read this article. Hairballs are called 'trichobezoars' in veterinary terms, that can be a recurring problem for many cats. In this article you will learn what causes hairballs and how to tell if your cat has one. Most importantly you will learn the most effective natural remedies that work quickly and easily.

The signs of hairballs in most cats are of your pet coughing and throwing up fur. Some cats will gag without expelling much hair. Some dogs will also get hairballs, such as the long haired, small breeds, like Pomeranian. Hairballs are seldom shaped like balls- they are most often slender and cylindrical, often looking like a long sausage.The elongated shape occurs as it passes through the narrow food tube (esophagus) after leaving your cat's stomach, then being deposited on your newly cleaned bed..
The causes of moist hairballs are pretty simple: Cats are very clean animals that love to groom themselves. Most hair will pass through the intestinal tract into the stool. A hairball forms when too much hair accumulates in the stomach and has to be expelled.

An easy way to treat hairballs is by using petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Place 1/4 inch in his mouth. If he is uncooperative, then you can place it on his front paws. Use twice daily for 5 days. Tastier versions are available from pet supply stores, such as Felaxin and Laxatone. These are flavored with added nutrients to make the petroleum jelly go down easier.

Additional dietary fiber will aid in the expulsion of hair from the stomach through the intestinal tract. If your cat gets hairballs on a regular basis, then they should be on a high-fiber diet. There are specific Veterinary diets higher in fiber. Another option is to add canned pumpkin to their diet; most cats like it. Give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily per 10 lbs of body weight.

The less hair your pet has, the lower number of hairballs. Brushing your cat daily will remove loose fur before your cat has a chance to swallow it. The act of regular grooming is very important in preventing recurring hairballs in the long haired cats.

There are a few specific hairball diets. They contain additional dietary fiber as well as papain, a compound found in pineapple to aid in digestion.In veterinary practice, some clients reported that these helped, so they may be beneficial for your cat

Pineapple juice has long been advocated as a hairball remedy. This is used to treat hairballs in rabbits, and may be effective in cats. It contains an ingredient, bromelain, which can break down some hair. The dose would be 1 tsp twice daily, if you can get it into your cat - good luck!

If you have a cat that is regularly regurgitating hairballs, then you should consider some of the suggested at home remedies. You should be brushing your cat regularly, and using petroleum jelly as a safe, and effective laxative. Eliminating recurring hairballs can be easily done by following just a few of the above mentioned remedies.

Dr Andrew Jones is the author of a Free eBook, Cat Health Secrets, which gives you over 100 safe, natural and effective at home remedies to solve your cat's health problems quickly and easily at home. He reveals what Vaccines to AVOID and what to give, The BEST food to feed, plus HOW to save money on veterinary fees. Your FREE CAT HEALTH SECRETS BOOK is at http://www.theinternetpetvet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Andrew_Jones,_DVM

Dania
www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com

Natural Pet Supplies Help Cats Live A Healthier Lifestyle

By Jhon Ford

Cats and kittens are sensitive creatures. Without proper care, life on earth is not going to end well. Contrary to this, feral cats tend to live long, being that each learns to adapt to their environment. Conversely, cats do live up to about twenty years, given that pet owners care for them well. This initiative involves much dedication and effort, but ultimately the cat owner must use proper care options to help felines.

Growing cats indoor/outdoor

A question many cat owners askis what setting suits a cat best. It is a rule that pet owners keep their cats and kittens inside their house, but there's no harm in letting cats explore outdoors. Cats or kittens confined indoors face defense problems if danger comes their way. As such, there's some merit in allowing them to adapt an outdoor lifestyle.

Cats/kittens best meal treats

With small frames, cats and kittens do not have the appetite for a large diet, in comparison to dogs. Nonetheless, their diet must contain the essential nutrients to improve their health. Pet ownership require many responsibilities, and pet owners that understand the goals have a better chance to help animals.Feeding animals is a mandatoryrole involved in pet ownership that calls for daily compliance. Commercial dog food is what many cat owners give their cats, but taking into account that these contain chemicals and toxic ingredients that are harmful, converting to a nutritious diet is a more sensible choice. Why? All the ingredients included in whole foods and supplies are free of toxic compounds and chemicals, reducing health risk to cats. Additionally, the organic lifestyle for cats/kittens proves helpful in lowering the risk to heart disease, cancer and other life-threatening ailments. Human-foods do not have enough of the nutrients needed in a cat's diet; therefore, it is best to refrain from such practices.

Bathing and grooming cats

Grooming and bathing are hardly the treat pet owners deem necessary for cats. This is because these sagacious animals does it themselves, but it still acceptable to pursue such duties when needed. On aspects of grooming, a pet owner needs to decide if the cat must have long or short hair. Grooming a cat/kitten on occasion helps a cat parent detect any changes in skin health. Bathing is not the usual treatment either, but in some instances, a cat owner must complete the duty. Fleas and other cat-specific parasites feel comfortable on animals. Bathing cats help to repel permanent infestation and should keep cats healthy, enabling them to live without pressing health concerns. For feline baths, it is wise to use natural-based treatments and shampoos. These are chemical- free, enabling cats to enjoy their bathing experience, without causing damage to the skin.

For more information about natural pet supplies please visit Dinovite website or follow this URL http://www.dinovite.com/dinovite-information/dinovite-product-information

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jhon_Ford

Dania

www.silvesterskittyblog.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

How to bath cat? Is bathing a cat difficult? Washing cat and bathing cat revealed here!

How to bath a cat easily!? Cat Bathing made simple for both humans and cats.

[1] Make sure that the Water Temperature is right for Bathing Cat.

The water should be luke-warm when going to bathe cat, more on the room-temperature side, because if you put hot water on your cat, it will get burned. Cold water is always a better solution for bathing cats or kittens. Cats don't mind the cold. Unlike myself.

Yet water should not be tooo cold when bathing a cat- you know what I mean - not so freezing cold that your poor cat shakes and its teeth chatter... Just pleasantly luke-warm, like for a baby bath.

[2] What Should You Bathe Cat In?

Choose a shallow bathing tub that your cat can easily stand in. Deep buckets might cause cats to panic and feel as though they're stuck in a narrow clastrophobic well.

Best would be a shallow plastic container or a small laundry bucket, that is safe for cats and not slippery.

We plan on introducing our cats to water in a gradual way and not throw them into a 6 foot/2m pool and have them get a heart attack from fright.

Place a towel around the dish so that your cat can stand on it afterwards and get dry. Also the towel aroung the cat bath will prevent your house from drowning under water. ;-D
You can also use a rubber mat for the bath bottom, so the cat won't slip, but it isn't a " must have ".
If it's a slippery tray, then the rubber mat is advisable, but if it is a plastic dish, then you don't need to worry about it. Anyway, it's a shallow cat bath so there is no risk.

[3] How Deep Should The Cat Bath Waters Be?

Start bathing your cat with just enough water to be above cats feet.
For the time bathing kittens or washing cats, just place your cat in the tub and let cat play around in there. Cats will get used to the bath and think it is fun.

Tips For Playing With Your Cat In The Tub:

If you play with your cat inside the cats bath with a string, or with some other toy your cat will enjoy bathing and want to get in there again.

Make it the place where you play with your cat with a certain item (like a mouse on a string or some kind of "cat bathing" toy.) you only use in bath. Your cat will be glad to jump in there and want to play with you.

Another cat bathing motivator is giving your cat a few yummy cat treats when he baths.

Next Stages Of Cat In The Tub

Don't worry if your cat makes a mess. The towels you places around the bath tub will mop up most of it.

Gradually you can begin to increase the depth of the water.

Beware: For most cat types, water should never be deeper than cat's knees.

This should be enough water to give your cat a bath, without creating the fear of drowning panic in your cat's mind.

How to wash your cat in the cat bath?

Don't pour the water over your cat or dunk her inside, instead use a wet cloth and dab your cat with it over his or her fur while paying with it in the bath.

Some cats are amazingly expert swimmers, maybe you will have the next "swimming champion", but don't push your cat to be one...

For more information visit CatCamille's website: http://catlovingcare.com
Good luck bathing your cat!

Catscamille

Bathing Your Dirty Cat

Cats questions and answers

A Detailed Guide to Grooming your Cat

Elderly Cat Care

Dania

Good Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors

For many cat owners, the choice of whether to keep their cat indoors or to let it roam free at least part of the time is difficult. Some cat lovers believe keeping your cat cooped up indoors all of the time amounts to cruelty. Other cat lovers argue that the dangers of allowing domesticated cats to run in the streets far outweighs any potential benefits for the cat. From the title of this piece, you can probably guess which side of the issue I’m going to side with. But I think it’s important for people to realize how dangerous things can be for cats on the streets.

The Disease Factor

Cats that spend even part of the time outside are at a significantly higher risk of catching one of the common feline diseases than those who live indoors. And don’t assume your cat is not at risk because he or she has been vaccinated. According to the Community Animal Welfare Society, most vaccines only provide up to 85% protection against these diseases so your cat is still a risk of becoming gravely ill.

Feline Leukemia is one of the most common diseases in cats and is transmitted through cat saliva, which means a stray cat that licks your roaming pet or a water source used by multiple cats can be a source of the disease. A second serious disease is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). This disease is transmitted through cat blood so if your pet becomes involved in a fight with another cat while roaming outdoors he could contract the disease. Unfortunately, FIV is fatal and no cure is available at this time.

The Human Element

While cats do run a serious risk of catching disease from other felines outdoors, that’s not the only risk they face. Not everyone in your community is going to appreciate the activity of these free-roaming cats. A neighbor fed up with the cat's visits to their yard, might deliberately leave out poisoned cat food or other dangerous things for cats. In other cases, toxic chemicals, such as those in antifreeze, are located in places where cats like to end up and can result in their death.

Humans can also be cruel. Around Halloween every year, hundreds of black cats are killed around the country in pranks. Cats that roam the streets are a very likely target for this type of behavior, especially since most owners let them out for the night when pranksters are most often on the prowl. They can also be caught and sold to research facilities, or taken to a shelter, where they will be euthanized in as little as 2 days if you don't know he is lost.
Other Risks

Besides disease and human cruelty, roaming cats have other reasons to be afraid. They are an easy victim for dogs and other predators, and traffic. Who knows how many pets can be found flattened on the pavement every night. Cats can also be killed by cars in other ways since they like to sleep under them.

Cats that run in the neighborhood are also much more likely to contribute to the out-of-control cat population. Unless you have spayed or neutered your free roaming feline, you are undoubtedly adding to the problem. Too many cats are already euthanized daily because they do not have a proper home.

In some cases, very cruel owners will have their cats de-clawed but still allow them to roam the streets at night. This leaves the cat defenseless in the face of an attack. Not only can the cat not fight back against predators or other cats, but he or she cannot even scale a tree or a fence for protection from the attackers or from other threats.

The bottom line is that letting your cat outside provides no real benefits – only very real risks – to your cat’s health and safety.

Don’t do it.

If you feel your cat is missing out, provide him with a good cat condo, if you lack the space you can always buy cheap Ikea shelves, glue on pieces of carpet that you can get as scrap at carpet places, and put them on the wall so your cat can climb up on the wall. They even look cool!

Give him or her a nice window seat to look out.

Teach them to walk on a leash. Yes they can be trained. They will initially feel confined by the harness, and their first attempts at walking on a leash might look uncomfortable and a waste of time, but with love and patience on your part, most cats will enjoy leash walking.

Build them an outdoor condo where they can come out and enjoy the sunshine if you have the space. You don't have to spend a fortune.

Get them a mesh front carrier. Most are for dogs, but they can be used for cats as well. You can take them with you and go for walks, or get them a kitty stroller. You can get them at good prices online.

The point is, you can keep them safe and satisfied, and exercised, and they will never miss the great outdoors.

If you want to read more stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com

About the Author

Rebeca RambalRebeca has been interested in animals and Feng Shui for many years and now she wants to share her knowledge of these subjects with people in a very light and personal way. Feng Shui has improved her life in many ways, and her cats and dogs, and the fish that came as a part of her passion for Feng Shui, are now a very important part of her, and she's very happy to share her experiences with everybody.

Dania
www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com
www.rockysdoggieblogstore.com

Cat Tree Condos Make For Happy Cats And Even Happier Cat Owners

Most cat owners love their cats. However, many don't love their cat's natural instincts, to climb and scratch especially when their cats choose to do their climbing and scratching on all their good furniture. While they understand this is part of what makes a cat a cat, they simply don't enjoy having them home destroyed by their sharp little claws. Perhaps that is why so many cat owners are buying cat tree condos for various rooms in their homes.

What Is A Cat Tree Condo?

For those people who have never seen or heard of a cat tree combo let's just say that this is a must have item for most cat owners. A Cat tree condo provides several kitty scratching posts, climbing opportunities, sleeping shelves, and even in most cases hideaways that allows your cat to give in to their naturally climbing, exploring, and scratching instincts without ruining your furniture of your good mood. Cat tree condos makes for a happy cat and an even happier cat owner as they help to prevent household damage caused by your cat needing to climb and play.

Cat tree condos come in various sizes, shapes and designs so that your cat can use them for play and they will also look good in most any room of your home. Some cat tree condos are quite small consisting of only a couple of scratching posts with a platform on top large enough for your cat to lay on or pounce from.

Other cat tree condoms are huge both in width and height and have several scratching posts, shelves, and even play tunnels and attached toys to keep your cat amused and busy all day and all night. While some models of cat trees really look like a tree with shelves off the various branches and a hollowed out trunk for your cat to hide away. Others look almost like doll houses or miniature castles with both internal and external play areas for the cat to enjoy.

If a cat tree condo is a new addition to a home and the cat in residence has never seen one before it may take a bit of redirecting and patience to get your cat to quit clawing the furniture and to start using the cat condo. But, this can be accomplished by placing cat treats at various places on the cat tree to encourage your cat to visit the condo to get his treats. Once you cat has climbed and explored the condo a few times he will discover how much fun he can have in this secret hideaway all of his own and it will soon become his preferred play area.

Having cat tree condos in various sizes and styles scatter through your home in the rooms your cat spends the most time will increase his enjoyment and will help ensure that the furniture in all your rooms remains undamaged. It also allows your cat to spend time with you and still enjoy his own private space to play.

About the Author

Lynn Porter At QualityCatFurniture, you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality cat tree condos.

How to bath cat? Is bathing a cat difficult? Washing cat and bathing cat revealed here!

Jul 13, 2009
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How to bath a cat easily!? Cat Bathing made simple for both humans and cats.
[1] Make sure that the Water Temperature is right for Bathing Cat.

The water should be luke-warm when going to bathe cat, more on the room-temperature side, because if you put hot water on your cat, it will get burned.
Cold water is always a better solution for bathing cats or kittens. Cats don't mind the cold. Unlike myself.
Yet water should not be tooo cold when bathing a cat- you know what I mean - not so freezing cold that your poor cat shakes and its teeth chatter... Just pleasantly luke-warm, like for a baby bath.
[2] What Should You Bathe Cat In?
Choose a shallow bathing tub that your cat can easily stand in. Deep buckets might cause cats to panic and feel as though they're stuck in a narrow clastrophobic well.
Best would be a shallow plastic container or a small laundry bucket, that is safe for cats and not slippery.
We plan on introducing our cats to water in a gradual way and not throw them into a 6 foot/2m pool and have them get a heart attack from fright.
Place a towel around the dish so that your cat can stand on it afterwards and get dry. Also the towel aroung the cat bath will prevent your house from drowning under water. ;-D
You can also use a rubber mat for the bath bottom, so the cat won't slip, but it isn't a " must have ".
If it's a slippery tray, then the rubber mat is advisable, but if it is a plastic dish, then you don't need to worry about it. Anyway, it's a shallow cat bath so there is no risk.

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[3] How Deep Should The Cat Bath Waters Be?
Start bathing your cat with just enough water to be above cats feet.
For the time bathing kittens or washing cats, just place your cat in the tub and let cat play around in there. Cats will get used to the bath and think it is fun.
Tips For Playing With Your Cat In The Tub:
If you play with your cat inside the cats bath with a string, or with some other toy your cat will enjoy bathing and want to get in there again.
Make it the place where you play with your cat with a certain item (like a mouse on a string or some kind of "cat bathing" toy.) you only use in bath. Your cat will be glad to jump in there and want to play with you.
Another cat bathing motivator is giving your cat a few yummy cat treats when he baths.
Next Stages Of Cat In The Tub
Don't worry if your cat makes a mess. The towels you places around the bath tub will mop up most of it.
Gradually you can begin to increase the depth of the water.
Beware: For most cat types, water should never be deeper than cat's knees.
This should be enough water to give your cat a bath, without creating the fear of drowning panic in your cat's mind.
How to wash your cat in the cat bath?
Don't pour the water over your cat or dunk her inside, instead use a wet cloth and dab your cat with it over his or her fur while paying with it in the bath.
Some cats are amazingly expert swimmers, maybe you will have the next "swimming champion", but don't push your cat to be one...
For more information visit CatCamille's website: http://catlovingcare.com
Good luck bathing your cat!
Catscamille