Cats' History - How Feral Cats Were Domesticated

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.

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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